asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the hardship caused by delay in the call-up of certain categories of recruits, especially in the case of young men who had completed a term of training or apprenticeship and are unable to obtain employment because they have no insurance cards but are not called up for six or tight months after they are eligible for the Forces; and will he take steps to have the call-up speeded in these cases.

I do not recognise the class of recruit my hon. Friend has in mind. If she will send me particulars of an individual case, I will willingly look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of men and women demobilised from the three Services in the month of January, 1946.

Figures are not yet available for January and I would, therefore, ask my hon. Friend to await my usual statement which I hope to make in the week after next.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of men who are over 35 years of age still serving with His Majesty's Forces.

Owing to the rate at which men are being demobilised from the Forces the information asked for cannot be made available for any recent date, but if my hon. Friend will repeat his question in about a month I may then be able to give figures for 31st December, 1945.

asked the Minister of Labour on what grounds, seeing that since October, 1944, art students are allowed to complete their M.A. degree course, second and third year students who have faced the perils of war are still retained in the Forces, and thereby prevented from continuing their university careers.

My hon. Friend has been misinformed. With the exception of those medically unfit, deferment was first granted to arts students in October, 1945, and was limited to those holding scholarships gained in open competition. Arts students, also holders of scholarships, are being released in Class B if they are in age and service groups 1–49 and are asked for by their universities. The question of extending the release of students in Class B to further release groups is being considered in connection with the admission of students to universities next October.

asked the Minister of Labour what special efforts he is making to enable the hospitals of Kent to get more nurses; and how soon additional nurses will be available for service in the county.

The need for additional nursing staff in the hospitals of Kent, as in those of other parts of the country, can only be met by the recruitment of larger numbers into the nursing services. Among the measures taken, in collaboration with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland to stimulate additional recruitment are widespread national and local publicity, including the publication of a statement containing agreed standards of working conditions in hospitals, and the offer of release from the Services in Class B of women suitable for nursing employment or training. Improved salary scales, special allowances during training and remissions in the length of training for those with certain qualifications have also been announced. In addition, an emergency class of the Civil Nursing Reserve is being formed for use in emergencies. The position in the Kent hospitals is being specially examined to see what particular difficulties arise and how they can be overcome. The possibility of temporary assistance from local military sources is also being pursued.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed per- sons in the engineering industry in Southampton registering at the employment exchanges there in the months of September, October, November and December, 1945, respectively.

The number of unemployed insured persons, classified to the motor vehicle, aircraft and engineering industries, on the registers of Southampton Employment Exchange in October, November and December were as follows:

asked the Minister of Labour if he will issue directions that, where there is a redundancy of female labour, priority be given to educational establishments in obtaining the services of domestic assistance, in view of the present difficulties of administration of such establishments by reason of the shortage of domestic assistance.

Domestic vacancies in educational establishments are already eligible for priority, and in the last six months of 1945 my local offices filled 3,068 such vacancies.

asked the Minister of Information if he will state the cost of the services provided by the B.B.C. for the home listener and listeners overseas, respectively, for the year ended 31st March, 1945; and the estimate for the year ending 31st March, 1946.

asked the Minister of Information whether, before imposing an increase in the cost of wireless licences, he will submit to the House a full statement showing the present income from wireless licences and how this is distributed; and if he will give an assurance that the House will have an opportunity of discussing the matter before the increased cost is imposed.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware of the public dissatisfaction over the doubling of the charge for a broadcasting receiving licence; and whether he will suspend taking action in this matter until Parliament has had an opportunity of debating the whole question of the finances of the B.B.C.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if, in view of the increased cost of wireless receiving licences, he will state the estimated income which will result from the increase; and the chief allocations of the estimated income among the various broadcasting services.

I have been asked to reply. The B.B.C.'s Home Services cost £4 million in the year ended 31st March, 1945, and are estimated to cost £4.7 million during the current financial year. The corresponding figures for the Overseas Services are £4.1 million and £3.9 million. These, of course, were abnormal years in which the standard of service which could be afforded to the home listener was seriously affected by war and its aftermath.

The new licence charge is expected to increase the revenue from this source from about £5 million to about £10 million per annum. When the contemplated improvements in the Home Services are complete, it is estimated that the annual cost of sound broadcasting will be of the order of £7½ million; that of television something like £2 million, while the collection of licence charges and other services performed by Government Departments will cost a further £500,000.

The House will, no doubt, have an opportunity, in due course, of debating the subject of the B.B.C. generally; for example, in Committee on Supply. My right hon. Friend cannot, however, undertake to postpone the introduction of the increased licence charge on this account.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will arrange facilities for wireless licences to be paid in half-yearly instalments of 10s. when the cost of the licence is increased to £1.

asked the Minister of Information if he will give an assurance that there will be no increase in the cost of wireless licences to old age pensioners, widows in receipt of a pension and blind persons.

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the increase in the cost of a wireless licence, any special concessions in this respect are under consideration for old age pensioners.

asked the Minister of Information whether the proposed increase in charge for wireless licences will apply to old age pensioners; and whether he will consider allowing them free licences on the same basis as blind persons.

asked the Minister of Information if he is aware of the hardship which will accrue to people of small means by the proposed increase in the cost of wireless licences; and if he will consider some remission, especially in the case of old age pensioners.

asked the Minister of Information if he will consider exempting old age pensioners and ex-Servicemen with 50 per cent. and over of disability, arising from war services, from the proposed increase in the cost of wireless receiving licences.

asked the Minister of Information if, in reaching a final decision on the future cost of the wireless licence, he will bear in mind and protect the interests of the thousands of people in rural districts for whom the wireless programmes are the only source of information, instruction and entertainment, also the aged and sick, to whom the proposed doubling of the cost of a licence will be a hardship.

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the recent increase in the cost of a wireless licence, arrangements can be made to allow old age pensioners and other categories of persons in poor circumstances to pay the £1 cost of the licence by quarterly or half-yearly instalments.

asked the Minister of Information if, in view of the proposed increased cost of the wireless licence to £1, he will consider allowing old age pensioners to obtain a licence at half the rate charged

asked the Minister of Information if he will con- sider maintaining the B.B.C. licence fee at 10s. for old age pensioners.

asked the Minister of Information whether, in order to assist widows and old age pensioners of small means, he will consider issuing wireless licences on payment of 10s. to all persons who, on application for a wireless licence, produce an old age pension book or a widows' pension book

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the decision to increase the charges for broadcast receiving licences will bear very hardly on old age pensioners and poor persons; and whether he will, accordingly, consider a reduction in such charge in the case of old age pensioners, and also arrange for the cost of licences to be payable by instalments.

asked the Minister of Information if he is aware of the hardship the proposed increased cost of wireless licence from 10s. to £1 per annum will mean to old age pensioners; and will he consider allowing these people to continue taking out licences at 10s. per annum.

asked the Minister of Information (1) whether he will excuse all old age pensioners 50 per cent. of the annual radio-receiver licence;

(2) whether, if and when the cost of radio receiving licences is increased, he will arrange that such licences can be purchased by one annual or, alternatively, four quarterly payments.

In this series of Questions it is suggested that special concessions in relation to means arising out of an increased charge of 10s. a year or ⅓d. a day should be conceded to the following:

Old age pensioners;

Widows in receipt of a pension;

People of small means and poor persons;

Disabled ex-Servicemen;

People in rural districts;

Sick persons.

No doubt other categories of citizens could and may be added to the list of claimants.

Merely to state the list of proposals to date demonstrates the slippery slope we should be on and the great administrative difficulties we should be involved in if we developed such a policy of adjusting to means the modest intended charge of £1 a year or ⅔d. a day for all the normal services of the B.B.C. My right hon. Friend therefore regrets that he is unable to accede to these requests.

The idea of payment by instalments has received careful and sympathetic consideration, but my right hon. Friend has regretfully come to the conclusion that the staff and administrative cost involved would be much out of proportion to the advantages. Blind persons, who are in a very special category, already receive sound broadcasting licences free of charge under the Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons Facilities) Act, 1926.

asked the Minister of Information whether it is proposed to finance the overseas services of the B.B.C. out of the increased licence fee of £1 per year.

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Information the estimated deficit that would be incurred if the B.B.C. services for the home listener only were financed out of the 10s. licence fee.

The deficit on sound broadcasting alone would be about £1½ million per annum in the immediate future rising subsequently to over £2 millions. If the costs of television development are taken into account the ultimate deficit would be over £4 million per annum.

asked the Minister of Information if he will take action to improve the reception of B.B.C. wireless programmes in the boroughs of Christchurch and Lymington.

In the absence of my right hon. Friend abroad I have been asked to reply. I am informed by the B.B.C. that transmission facilities are entirely adequate to provide good reception in Christ-church and Lymington of the West of England programme on 514 metres and of the Light Programme on 1,500 metres.

asked the Minister of Information for how many other centres for the distribution of television he is arranging, besides Alexandra Palace; where these are situated; and what is the estimated distance from such centre likely to be serviceable.

The questions involved in the extension of the television service to the provinces are under urgent consideration by the Television Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made in the seven places of entertainment reserved for British troops in Berlin to alter the programme; the total seating capacity; the average daily attendance; and whether the troops are satisfied with the standard of films shown.

Weekly changes of programme are made at the three theatres and four cinemas for British troops in Berlin. In addition, Sunday evening concerts and occasional special productions are given. The total seating capacity of these seven places of entertainment is 4,550 seats, and the average daily attendance is 2,800. I have received no complaints as to the standard of films shown.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to an order issued by the Commanding Officer, 6th R.H.A., Secunderabad, describing troops under his command, including 14th Army veterans, as an undisciplined rabble; and what steps he is taking to instruct this officer in more effective methods of securing discipline.

I have not yet had a report on this matter but as soon as it is received I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he will be in a position to reduce the periods of overseas service under the Python scheme.

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Leeds (Mr. Gaitskell) on 22nd January.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the delay in the award of Service pensions to men discharged from the Regular Army on the termination of their engagement; and if he will give instructions for these pensions to be granted more rapidly.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Collins) on 29th January.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men engaged for special communication duties with the Royal Signals are still discharged under King's Regulations 390 XVIII (C) when their special duties terminate.

Men specially enlisted for special communications duties with the Royal Signals are discharged under King's Regulations, 1940, paragraph 390, subparagraph XVIIIA when they are no longer required for these duties.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many houses in North Somercotes, Lincolnshire, are still requisitioned; for how long they have stood empty; and why they are not derequisitioned at once and made available to the civilian population.

Four houses are still requisitioned. They have been empty for nearly two months. They are all being derequisitioned as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now release Markeaton Park, Derby, for its proper use as a centre for sport and recreation for the people of Derby; and move the troops elsewhere who are now using the park.

Markeaton Park contains a large hutted camp which is at present fully occupied and is likely to be in use for some time. To release it now would have the most undesirable effect of delaying the release of requisitioned buildings. Much as I regret the inconvenience caused to the local population, I cannot therefore agree to the release of the Park at present, nor can I give any forecast as to when it is likely to be released.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many members of the Army and A.T.S. were billeted on civilian households on 31st December, 1945.

5,812 men and 2,737 members of the A.T.S.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that members of the A.T.S. who completed their course at Denbury signal school last October, have not yet been posted to a unit; and what steps is he taking to prevent this wastage of manpower.

When hostilities ceased the requirements for A.T.S. operators of the types trained at Denbury were much reduced and numbers of these operators became surplus to establishment. Courses in progress at the time were completed but further initial training at Denbury was discontinued. Special efforts were made to employ these auxiliaries at their trade or at any rate on some Signals duties, but in a few cases this proved impossible and they had to be posted temporarily to other employment. All surplus Signals tradeswomen are, however, being rapidly absorbed in replacement of those being released, and it has now become necessary to re-start initial training to meet future commitments.

asked the Secretary of State for War why all ranks of the A.T.S. are obliged by Army orders to wear uniform when attending dances, under the auspices of the military whether within military quarters or not; and if he is aware of their resentment of this order now that the war is over.

In Home Commands plain clothes may be worn by all ranks including the Women's Services when off duty out of barracks. It has, however, been found by experience more satisfactory for uniform to be worn at organised military entertainments including dances, whether in or out of barracks. I am not aware of any general resentment at this rule, which is common to all three Services.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to make a statement as to postwar conditions in the A.T.S.

I regret I cannot at present add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 9th October to a question by the Noble Member for Hemel Hempstead (Viscountess Davidson).

asked the Secretary of State for War why some men, previously employed in the building trade, have been given four months' leave with pay and allowances, thus placing them in a privileged position in relation to other demobilised men.

No special privileges in the matter of release leave are given to men previously employed in the building trade. If they are released under Class A they receive the normal release leave of 56 days plus overseas service leave. This may amount to a total period of as much as four months' leave in the case of a man who has been overseas for a long time. If they are released under Class B they receive, like other men released under Class B, 21 days' leave and in addition a lump sum grant equal to pay and allowances for any overseas service leave which would have been admissible if they had been released under Class A.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the progress of arrangements for the release of R.A.S.C. officers in M.E.F., most of whom have served through the whole period of the war and whose return to this country has been apparently indefinitely deferred.

There is at present an acute shortage of R.A.S.C. officers in the M.E.F., and it has unfortunately proved necessary compulsorily to defer the release of a number of these officers in Groups 23 and 24. Everything possible is being done to minimise both the numbers so deferred and the period of deferment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give instructions that men, on being demobilised, should be paid their full entitlement of pay and ration allowance, as the present system of payment in instalments is not working satisfactorily.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that delays of from six to eight weeks are occurring in the payment of pay and ration allowances to men who are on terminal leave; that financial hardship is being caused to such men; and what steps are being taken to accelerate these payments.

I am aware that there have recently been some cases where the issue of instalments of pay and allowances during release leave has been delayed, but, except at one Pay Office, the delay has not been more than about seven days. Special steps have been taken to clear the arrears, and any delay should now never be a matter of more than a few days. I have no reason to suppose that the existing system is not in general working satisfactorily. The adoption of the arrangement suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Stockton-on-Tees would not in my opinion generally be in the interests of the soldier himself, nor would it be practicable for administrative reasons, because the exact state of the soldier's account would not be known by the dispersal centre at the time of his release.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason' for the delay in repatriating 500 men in Group 26 from Gibraltar for demobilisation; and when these men are likely to be brought back.

The date for the completion of the release of men in group 26 is 6th March. Shipping to meet all the requirements for the repatriation of Service personnel from Gibraltar during February is being provided. I have therefore every reason to suppose that the men in question will arrive in this country in time for release within the period laid down for their group.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider his decision that owners of one-man businesses who closed such businesses on call-up are not eligible for Class C release, whereas such release is granted in cases where the businesses were kept open.

Compassionate release is not in general granted to enable a man to reopen a one-man business. The only cases of this type which may now be considered are those where the opportunity of reopening is unlikely to recur if the business is not reopened immediately. This will, however, only apply to an extremely limited number of very special cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War what conditions must now be fulfilled to enable a man to obtain release from the Army to resume control of a business of which he or his family is the proprietor; and what action must be taken by a man to obtain such a release.

In general the conditions are as follows:

(1) The soldier must be personally and financially interested in the business.

(2) The person who was conducting the business in the soldier's absence is no longer available and there is no other person available instead.

(3) The soldier's presence is necessary to save the business from collapse.

Fuller details are contained in a statement which was placed in the Library of the House last November, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. A soldier who wishes to apply for release on these grounds should approach his commanding officer giving full supporting evidence.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that notices have been posted in M.E.F. stating that it is not expected that 37 age group will leave the Middle East before the end of September, 1946; and whether such notices are posted with his authority.

I am making inquiries into this matter and as soon as they are completed I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend. I can, however, assure my hon. and gallant Friend that any such notices were not issued on the authority of the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in order to minimise the hardship caused to those officers who had to leave the Services prior to 16th October, 1944, and are, consequently, not entitled to a civilian clothing issue, he will consider the payment of a cash grant in lieu in all cases where an officer has served a reasonable length of time.

No; the issue of a civilian outfit to officers, as to other ranks is made as a resettlement benefit, and the same qualifying date applies in both cases. One of the chief reasons for making this issue is the difficulty of obtaining clothing in the civilian market. A cash grant would do nothing to overcome this difficulty.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the release of commissioned ranks under Class B is being confined to Groups 25 and below, having in mind the Minister of Education's letter G.670/3200, of 17th November, 1945, addressed to universities.

The release of commissioned ranks under Class B is not confined to Groups 25 and below.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement regarding the comparative rate of release from the Army of soldiers in the R.A.P.C.

R.A.P.C. other ranks are being released in their proper groups in accordance with the general programme, except for any individuals whose release may have been temporarily deferred on operational grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War what regulations exist at demobilisation centres to prevent any possibility of tips being offered for the purpose of procuring any preference in the choice of suits, and what steps are taken to ensure that such regulations are observed.

Vigorous action has been and is being taken to prevent the acceptance of tips by the staffs of civilian clothing depots. All employees are warned that tipping is prohibited. In addition posters and notices are prominently displayed requesting released men passing through not to tip attendants and to report any instances immediately to the commanding officer. In cases Where proof of tipping has been obtained civilian employees have been discharged and appropriate disciplinary action has been taken against military personnel. I would, however, like to emphasise that the number of cases which have been established has been very small, and I have no reason whatever to suppose that the practice of offering or receiving tips is in any way widespread.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any progress to report in the supply of text-books for correspondence courses.

Every effort is made to obtain the text-books required for the War Office correspondence courses, but the present difficulties of the paper, printing and publishing trades cause unavoidable delays in delivery. Since September, 1944, 239,500 books for the courses have been received from the publishers, 28,000 of them since the hon. Member's previous question on 20th November, 1945.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an additional sum of money is paid by the Dutch Government to British soldiers serving in S.E.A.C. amounting, in some cases, to 200 guilders; what this payment is for; and to what extent it gives a foreign government some degree of authority over British soldiers.

Advances of pay to British troops are made in the new Netherlands East Indies currency prepared by the Dutch Government. As this currency is not accepted outside British canteens and institutes small sums in Japanese invasion guilders are issued free periodically as an exceptional and temporary measure, so that the troops have some money to spend in the local shops. The Japanese invasion guilders are drawn free from the Dutch authorities but the payments to the troops are made through the normal British channels, and the arrangements do not give any foreign government any authority over British soldiers. This arrangement is of course to the advantage of the British troops concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the continuing dissatisfaction caused by conditions on troopships, both with regard to accommodation and food; and what steps he proposes to take to improve matters.

Material reductions cannot at present be made in the carrying capacity of troopships, but as the position gets easier it is intended to improve conditions by reducing the capacity of ships, particularly in troop decks. I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction with the feeding on board troopships. In fact, the reports which I have received, including those from Army Catering Corps officers who have travelled as messing inspectors, indicate that the position is generally satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the letter sent to him describing the unnecessary discomfort caused to 900 other ranks returning to this country from East Africa on the m.v. "Sobieski" from 2nd to 22nd January; why these men were worse treated than 500 Italian prisoners of war on board, in the matter of accommodation and the provision of a meal on boarding the ship at Mombasa after a 20-hour train journey from Nairobi; and what action he is taking over the matter.

British troops on this ship were in fact treated better than the Italian prisoners of war. The latter were more closely berthed, received a lower ration scale and were called upon to do more fatigues while they were on board. As regards conditions generally it appears from the reports I have received that conditions were satisfactory. Throughout the voyage no troop decks were filled to capacity and no complaints were made about the ventilation.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers are at present on indefinite leave in this country.

I regret that the information asked for is not readily available and could not be obtained without a good deal of research. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that all these officers are either ex-prisoners of war who are not yet fit or officers who have been allowed to remain temporarily on leave for some other special and good reason.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that in an administrative order published in No. 1 Area, S.E.A.C, on 20th December, 1945, the activities of the Rangoon forces' parliament were made impossible, discussion of political matters was prohibited and opportunities for discussion in the forces on matters of common interest were restricted; and what steps he will take to restore to troops ordinary rights of free discussion on matters of common interest without interference.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) on Tuesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some officers detailed to defend ex-enemy aliens at military courts conscientiously object to such duty; and whether an officer who refuses to do so is subject to disciplinary action and for what offence.

As I have already explained, an officer who has conscientious scruples against undertaking this function should inform the convening officer who has sought his services in that capacity, and ask to be excused from undertaking it. I am not aware of any case in which an individual has had his request refused, and in the circumstances the second part of the Question does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any police posts manned by British military personnel are still maintained on the Iraq-Iran frontier; and, if so, at what points.

Two police posts are manned by British military personnel on the Iraq-Iran frontier. One, which, is to be withdrawn on 28th February, is at Khusrovi. The other is at Hull Bridge, which crosses the Shatt Al Arab near Basra. The task of these posts is the checking of British military personnel and vehicles only.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent A.B.C.A. lectures and discussions have been abandoned among the British Forces stationed in Greece, and for what reason, as, since the troops in Greece are not involved in actual fighting, there should be ample opportunity for such lectures and discussions to play an important part in their training.

I have called for a report on this matter, and as soon as it is received I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now state when the release under Class B of Captain C. Castledene, 11 Area Security Office, B.A.O.R., will be effected, in view of the fact that release instructions were sent on 21st December last and do not appear yet to have reached the unit.

I regret that the instructions issued on 21st December were sent to the Middle East in error. Fresh instructions for release were, however, sent to B.A.O.R. on 23rd January.

asked the Secretary of State for War why 1103066 Gunner R. D. Oxley who, after being requested to accept a Class B release for work in the mines, did so and, after working for three weeks as a putter, was recalled to the Forces; and will he arrange for this man to be returned to the industry owing to the dearth of available man-power.

This soldier is serving on a Regular engagement and will not complete his seven years' service with the Colours until 1947. He was not therefore eligible for Class B release. I regret that he was released in error, but as soon as the mistake was discovered he was recalled to the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement regarding the case of Captain J Brian O'Hara, R.A.S.C, No. 271945, which has been drawn to the attention of his Department on several occasions by the hon. Member for Bolton; and why this officer is being retained for many months after his service group has been reached.

I am making further inquiries into this case. As Captain O'Hara is in Group 23 he is not at present overdue for release as the release of officers in this group is not due to be completed until 19th February.

asked the Secretary of State for War if 2972604 Gunner John McPhail, who was recalled from the mines to receive his discharge, has yet been discharged; and if he will make an investigation into the delay in this case.

Gunner McPhail has not been recalled to the Colours; nor is it proposed to recall him. He will remain in Class W (T) of the Reserve until formally discharged at the statutory end of the Emergency.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no decision about the release of Sergeant Leggett, of whose case he has been informed by the hon. Member for Luton, had been taken by his Department by 14th January, although the Board of Trade had agreed to sponsor this man's release under Class B on 18th October last.

Further cables have been sent to the Middle East asking for information about Sergeant Leggett's release. As soon as a reply has been received, I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether every soldier proceeding home on compassionate leave will be supplied with the name, address and telephone number of the Army welfare officer nearest to his destination.

No; the name and address of the nearest welfare officer are normally known at police stations and Resettlement Advice Bureaux and steps are being taken to ensure that this should always be so. I think that this arrangement is more convenient than that suggested by the hon. Member, since information given to a soldier before leaving his unit may soon become out of date.

asked the Secretary of State for War why men, returning from West Africa on completion of tour for demobilisation, forego their 28 days' recuperation leave, whilst men returning before their discharge date can still get it.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave several hon. Members on 16th October, 1945. This answer applies to recuperative leave for men returning from West Africa for release as well as to disembarkation leave for men brought home under the Python scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the present ban on British troops marrying Austrian subjects is likely to be removed at an early date.

I regret that I am not in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Levy) on 5th November. The position as regards Austrian nationals is the same as for German nationals.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men serving in the M.E.F. are complaining because they have nothing to do except sweeping the desert; if he is aware that another 800 to 1,000 men have just arrived; for what purpose have these troops been sent out; and what their duties are.

Under present conditions troops in the Middle East and elsewhere cannot always be employed on training or in an active operational role, and this may on occasions give rise to a feeling that their retention overseas is unnecessary. This is, however, not the case. In order to meet our commitments in the Middle East it is essential to retain forces there, and these forces must from time to time be reinforced to replace men sent home for release or repatriation. Every effort is, however, made to keep establishments, especially of Headquarters, down to the minimum compatible with efficiency. I should be glad if my hon. Friend would let me have evidence in support of the complaint in the first part of his Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the bad conditions under which British troops stationed in the Cyrenaica area are serving, due to the Turkish-built barracks being in a bad state of repair; that, owing to bomb and shell damage and lack of glass in the windows these barracks are not weather-proof; and whether he will take steps to ensure that repairs are carried out and adequate furniture and N.A.A.F.I. facilities, both now lacking, are provided at the earliest moment.

I understand that the barracks in question are Turkish built but have been modernised by the Italians. They are being improved to British standards as quickly as labour and transportation facilities allow. In Benghazi emergency repairs have been completed and the barracks occupied pending further alterations. When all the proposed alterations have been completed the accommodation will be above the average standard in the Middle East. I am informed that the furniture and canteen facilities in the occupied barracks are adequate, but redecoration is being carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the conditions existing in No. 312 Transit Camp, Toulon; whether he is aware that though this camp has been used for several months it still lacks roads and that Nissen huts are still incomplete; that men have to sleep on muddy concrete floors without beds, heating or light; that arrangements for serving food are totally inadequate; and whether he will cause an immediate inquiry to be made into the whole situation.

No. 312 Transit Camp was established at short notice on the best site then available. Arrangements were made immediately to construct a new camp on a better site and the move into this new camp was completed on 25th January. The roads are now nearly completed and the hutting should be completed by the end of February. Meanwhile the men for whom hutting is. not available have had to be accommodated in tents. Owing to an exceptional spell of wet weather these men were for a time allowed to sleep in dining rooms and institutes with concrete floors. Every effort is being made to replace beds which have become unserviceable. Owing to a recent breakdown in the electric light installation temporary use had to be made of oil lamps but the buildings have not been without lighting. I am informed that the food is well cooked and adequate. It is clear that conditions have been unavoidably difficult at this camp, but I am assured that the staff has made every possible effort to overcome the difficulties as quickly as possible. I am, however, taking steps to ensure that improvements to this camp are pushed on with as a matter of urgency.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of clubs for officers and the number of clubs for other ranks in Hamburg.

In Hamburg there are four officers' clubs, one for warrant officers and sergeants, one women's club for other ranks and nine men's clubs for other ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the No. 29 wireless set has been proved efficient in armoured fighting vehicles; and if it is the intention of the Government to supersede the No. 19 set by it.

The prototype of the C.29 gave reasonable satisfaction during trials but it did not provide the final solution so far as military requirements were concerned. It is not proposed therefore to supersede the No. 19 set with the C.29.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that ties and scarves made in the same stripes and colours as the campaign star ribbons will shortly be on sale in the shops; and whether he will take steps to prevent this.

Inquiries have been received from one or two firms, and I should like to make it known that the Government would deprecate the manufacture and sale of ties of the kind described. Ex-Service men in plain clothes can show which Campaign Stars they have earned by wearing the ribbons on a bar on the lapel of the coat, either full-size or in miniature.

asked the Secretary of State for War why his Department has decided not to consider further applications for service from non-British medical practitioners unless they are in a specialist category.

The War Office has accepted upwards of 500 non-British practitioners for service as medical officers in the R.A.M.C. during the war. The end of the war and the rapid run down in all theatres has resulted in a reduction of the number of posts in which these practitioners can suitably be employed. In consequence, no further appointments are being made, except in the case of those in the specialist category. Non-British practitioners already serving who have been recommended are, however, permitted to extend their service until general demobilisation or for so long as their services are required.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the complaints regarding the quantity and quality of food now being supplied to the troops stationed in the Singapore area, in particular, that there is an acute shortage of fresh food, which is affecting the health of the men, and that the cigarette ration in that area has been cut down by 50 cigarettes a week; and whether he will take action to have these matters looked into and put right.

As regards the supply of food to troops in Singapore I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on Tuesday last. In forward areas the free ration of cigarettes is 100 per week, but as the force at Singapore has now assumed a garrison role the scale of issue has been reduced to 50 per week, which is the normal ration for troops in rear areas both in S.E.A.C. and in the other overseas commands where a free ration of cigarettes is issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in freeing from military use areas in Caernarvonshire.

Since June, 1944, 61 areas have been released, while only 16 remain in use. These figures do not include further areas which are in process of release at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to state the areas in Wales which his Department proposes to retain for the purposes of military training.

I regret that I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Merioneth (Squadron-Leader Emrys Roberts) on 22nd January.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that operational training by Service Departments is causing much inconvenience to the inhabitants of towns and villages in England and Wales; and if, with the cessation of hostilities, he will consider arranging for training establishments and sites to be allocated so as to cause the minimum inconvenience and annoyance-to the civilian population.

I am aware that dissatisfaction is felt in various parts of the United Kingdom because operational training still continues in certain localities. Every effort is, however, made to avoid any undue inconvenience for the civilian population. I can assure the hon. Member that the point made in the second part of his Question will be borne in mind in the review of postwar requirements of land for training purposes at present being carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there has been any improvement in the conditions of rail travel for troops on the Italian and Austrian railways beyond Milan since November, 1945.

All possible steps have been and are being taken to improve travelling conditions on the Italian and Austrian railways and to overcome the difficulties caused by the shortage of rolling stock. The position has improved and it is intended that all personnel should in future be conveyed in passenger coaching stock and that box cars should not be used unless necessitated by exceptional circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that he will make no change in the appointment of the British Commander in Greece until after the elections.

The appointment of military commanders cannot be governed by political considerations, and I do not therefore feel able to give such an assurance.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the average period of delay in dealing with the divorce cases of members of the Army; and to what this delay is attributable.

The average period between the inception of a divorce case under the Army Legal Aid Scheme and the granting of a decree nisi by the courts is about 2½ years. Only a very small part of this period lies within the control of the military authorities. The work of the Army Legal Aid Section has been speeded up and the initial preparation of a case should not now take more than about two months. As regards the remaining stages which are dealt with entirely by the civilian authorities I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Solicitor-General's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Acton (Mr. Sparks) on 14th November last.

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities are now offered to next of kin for visiting service personnel who are seriously ill in B.A.O.R. and C.M.F.; and whether these facilities are confined to those on the danger list.

A scheme is in operation in the B.A.O.R. only under which, with the co-operation of the British Red Cross Society, relatives can visit dangerously ill service personnel. Visits are confined to those cases where the patient is likely to benefit as a result and where the arrival of the relatives is not likely to be too late. The decision whether a visit is desirable is made on the recommendation of the military authorities in Germany. Free travel, meals and accommodation are provided jointly by the Army and the British Red Cross Society.

asked the Secretary of State for War what procedure will be adopted in the case of Territorial units which are to be disembodied and placed in a state of suspended animation; will any small cadre of such units be retained; and what steps will be taken as regards the care and maintenance of their records, and equipment and disposal of their funds and regimental property.

When a Territorial Army unit is placed in a state of suspended animation a small cadre is not retained, but this does not prejudice its resuscitation at a later date should it be deemed necessary. Public equipment and stores are returned to Ordnance, and public funds to the Army Cashier concerned. The unit's war diary and any other records of operational or historical interest are sent to the War Office for custody. Regimental funds and property which existed before 3rd September, 1939, are handed over to the Territorial Army Association which administered the unit in peace-time to safeguard in case the unit is resuscitated. If the funds and property have been placed in trust, however, this trust is not usually disturbed. The remainder, like other accumulated regimental funds, is given to charitable organisations which are available for the benefit of the personnel of the unit on the recommendation of the Commanding Officer, for whose benefit appropriate guidance has been issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ex-Servicemen of the Regular Forces are entitled to join Home Guard rifle clubs.

No; but the whole matter of civilian rifle shooting in this country is at present under examination.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that delays in dealing with Members' correspondence, especially that relating to compassionate and welfare cases, could be largely obviated by the addition to the existing staff of junior staff officers and tradesmen and tradeswomen for the Departments concerned; and whether he will consider the employment of uniformed personnel for this purpose until the end of the National Emergency has been formally declared.

I am not quite clear what my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind. Considerable staffs, both military and civilian, are already employed solely or mainly in dealing with Members' correspondence, especially that relating to compassionate and welfare cases I do not, however, accept the implication that generally there is excessive delay in dealing with such cases, although individual cases may have been held up.

Correspondence from Members increased abnormally during the autumn of last year, rising to a figure of over 6,600 per month in October and November, with consequent delay in the preparation of replies. As a result, the staff dealing with this work was reorganised at the end of December and, in spite of reduction of the typing staff by sickness to less than half, the arrears are beginning to be overtaken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider setting up a Departmental inquiry to investigate ways and means of speeding up the handling of compassionate and welfare cases by his Department, with particular reference to the overlapping of the activities of Army welfare officers and those of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Air Force Families' Association; and whether he will inquire into the existing appointments of Army welfare officers, the holders of which, being unpaid, frequently have to earn their living and in some instances are out of touch with modern Service conditions.

No, Sir, I do not consider that a Departmental inquiry is called for. The methods of dealing with compassionate and welfare cases are kept constantly under review, and I am informed that there is, generally speaking, no overlapping between Army Welfare Officers and the Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Families Association. With regard to the second part of the Question, a number of paid Army Welfare Officers have recently been appointed to assist the unpaid Welfare Officers, who have, throughout the war, done a magnificent job of work.

asked the Secretary of State for War what will be the approximate number of men from the United Kingdom in the Commonwealth Army of Occupation in Japan; and if any local allowances will be granted to them to approximate their pay to the rates received by Australian and U.S. troops.

It is not the practice to make public figures of the strength of our forces in particular overseas theatres. The answer to the second part of the Question is No, Sir. They will receive appropriate pay and allowances for United Kingdom troops serving in that country.

asked the Secretary of State for War why British troops with building trade experience are being employed to build houses for German nationals in Germany.

I understand that no engineer troops are employed in building houses for German nationals and so far as I have been able to ascertain no men of building trades in other arms are employed in this way.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will grant additional' leave over and above the 28 days to Regular soldiers now that the war is finished, in order to give them the same benefit as "officers and men of the Territorial or wartime Army.

During the release period, Regular soldiers enjoy the same benefits upon release as non-Regulars. Those Regular soldiers who are serving when the release period comes to an end will have received 28 days' special end of war leave and will in due course be granted a period of 28 days' paid leave pending their discharge or transfer to the Reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the mail service to C.M.F. stationed in Northern Italy is at present worse than it was during the Italian campaign and that there is considerable dissatisfaction among the troops with this service; and if he will investigate this grievance with a view to ensuring a speedier delivery and collection of mail.

As regards letter mail I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to-the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr. J. White) on 28th January. Since the end of the war in Europe, parcels and packets formerly sent by sea, are now carried by an overland route to Milan, and the transit time has been reduced to about a third of that previously taken.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the hardship imposed on troops in Italy by the present artificial exchange rate of 400 lire to the pound sterling; and if he will take steps to establish a more satisfactory and realistic rate of exchange.

Yes, Sir, and arrangements have now been made for British troops to draw pay at the rate of 900 lire to the £.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain the circumstances in which Major-General Yamamoto, formerly Chief of Staff of the Japanese 16th Army and in charge of propaganda during the Japanese occupation of Java, who was interrogated at Singapore as a war criminal, has been reinstated in his former post in connection with the operations against the Indonesian Nationalists.

Major-General Yamamoto has not been reinstated in his former post. He is in Java on purely administrative matters in connection with the concentration of scattered Japanese units. There is no question of his being used in connection with operations against Indonesian Nationalists.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what conditions members of the Polish Forces in Scotland are granted release in order to attend university classes in Scotland; and the number so attending.

Members of the Polish Forces in Scotland may attend Scottish universities for short courses not exceeding two months with the approval of the Polish military authorities. Arrangements are in process of being completed under which they may attend longer courses but such cases will require to be sponsored by the interim Treasury Committee for Polish Questions and approved by the Home Office in the light of the circumstances of each individual case. I understand that the number attending university classes in Scotland is at present 173.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Polish soldiers serving in Scotland and the number of those known to have served with the German Army.

There are 47,362 Polish soldiers serving in Scotland. This figure includes 654 members of the Polish Women's Forces. Approximately 28,500 Polish soldiers now in Scotland are known to have served in the German Army or Todt organisation, into which the great majority had been compulsorily enlisted. They had, however, volunteered for service in the Allied Forces before the German capitulation.

asked the Secretary of State for War what purpose is being served by the Polish Army in Italy; if he will consider removing them from that country; and whether he will publish the statements issued by General Anders to those in his command who desire repatriation to Poland.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs yesterday to Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Central Hackney (Mr. H. Hynd) and Thurrock (Mr. Solley).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now state when official despatches relating to the operations in the Malay Peninsula, at Singapore and the first expedition to Greece will be published.

I regret that I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend on 16th October, 1945.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that DLX 30406, R. J. Thompson, of West Road, Wigton, Cumberland, who joined the Navy on 4th August, 1941, was temporarily released to serve with the R.M. police special reserve on 28th March, 1944; that during this period he fell ill and was returned to the R.N. for discharge; that on 13th July, 1945, he was sent to Kingseat Hospital, New Macher, Aberdeenshire, for discharge, which took place on 1st August, 1945, and given a travelling warrant home; that to date, he has received no demobilisation leave, pay, gratuity or clothing coupons; and whether he will inquire into this case.

Mr. Thompson's release to the Reserve for service with the Royal Marine police special reserve was indefinite and not temporary. He was surveyed and invalided out of this Force on 4th August, 1945, suffering from a complaint not attributable to his service. He did not return to the Royal Navy for discharge since his invaliding carried with it discharge from the Reserve of the Royal Navy. In common with other officers and ratings who were granted indefinite release before the Government plan for the reallocation of manpower came into operation on 18th June, 1945, Thompson is not entitled to resettlement or transfer leave, nor does his service with the Royal Marine police special reserve qualify for war gratuity, and no special issue of clothing coupons is allowable as he was already in possession of a civilian clothing book. He is, however, entitled to war gratuity in respect of his service with the Royal Navy, and to civilian clothing benefit on the scale in force for ratings discharged from the Royal Navy at the time of his release in March, 1944. He should make the necessary application for these to his former Naval Depot.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the handicap suffered by members of the W.R.N.S. who have been transferred to categories with retarded release dates, those concerned can now be notified of their revised release dates; and how soon existing disparities between categories will be eliminated.

The programme of the release of W.R.N.S. is worked out and promulgated to the Fleet as far ahead as possible. To notify release dates for those members of the W.R.N.S. who have been transferred to other categories would require the promulgation of the release programme down to age and service Group 61. This will be done as soon as circumstances permit, but I cannot now say when that will be; neither am I at present in a position to forecast the date at which all disparity between categories will have been eliminated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of C.P.Os., P.Os., leading hands, and other ratings of all categories who completed their 12 years' engagement during the years 1931, 1932, 1936 and 1945, respectively, and did not sign on to complete their time for pension.

The information required is as follows: 1931, 1,322; 1932, 1,056; 1936, 1,022; 1945, 1,670.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how much had to be spent on the asylum at Kingseal, near Aberdeen, before his Department could take it over.

No works expenditure was necessary before the asylum at King-seal could be taken over for use as a naval hospital. Certain minor improvements and extensions were, however, undertaken between 1939 and 1945 at a total cost of approximately £13,000.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will release engineer officers from the Navy on the same terms as other officer categories, in view of the two cases, details of which have been submitted to him, where graduates in science at London University, with technical qualifications urgently demanded by industry, are employed on trivial duties.

I have been asked to reply. Engineer officers in the Royal Navy, like all other officers, are being released in order of Age and Service groups as they can be spared. They are also being released in Class B as required for work of national importance. I have investigated the two cases to which the hon. Member refers, and I find that these two officers were in charge of the engine-room departments of two of the latest Fleet destroyers. The maintenance of the complicated machinery of these vessels imposes very onerous duties and responsibilities. One of the officers is already on his way home for release in his age and service group and the other is being released very shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that an A.C.2, details of whom have been supplied, who was 18 years of age on 26th September, 1945, and who was called up on 2nd November, 1945, received embarkation leave on 10th January prior to service overseas; and what is the lowest age at which R.A.F. personnel are sent overseas.

I have considered this case, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply of 12th December to the hon. and gallant Member for Leicester, South (Flying-Officer Bowden). For the reasons which I then gave the lowest age for an overseas posting in the R.A.F. must remain 18 years old.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why the repatriation from the Far East for compassionate reasons of Flying-Officer Oscar Swan, 186109, has been refused, notwithstanding specialist medical evidence which, with other details, has been submitted to the Minister, that the serious illness of his wife is ascribable to continued Separation from her husband.

After considering the medical evidence and other details of this case, the Air Commander-in-Chief, Air Command, South-East Asia, decided in December last that he would not then be justified in approving a compassionate posting to this country for Flying-Officer Swan. We have asked the Command to accelerate a further review of the case, and I will write to the hon. Member who this has been completed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will inquire into the proposed alteration of the terms under which some 2,000 members of the Aeronautical Engineers' Association are employed, as this alteration results in loss of protection of their employment and dissatisfaction is felt by these men who, after from five to seven years' service in his Department as skilled craftsmen, are facing dismissal.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to an order issued in November last to the effect that under the terms of agreements made by the Air Ministry with the craft unions, registered dilutees will be discharged as and when fully skilled craftsmen become available for employment It is immaterial whether a registered dilutee is or is not a member of any particular organisation. While I recognise the good work performed by dilutees, the Air Ministry is clearly bound by the agreements referred to.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when it is expected that the Municipal Aerodrome, Rochford, Essex, will be derequisitioned.

We expect that the unit now at Rochford airfield will be withdrawn by the middle of March. The land will be derequisitioned unless it is required for other Government use.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider raising the Purchase Tax on pictures.

My hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the correspondence sent to him concerning a lady resident in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who recently was compelled to sell £400 worth of War Bonds to meet her domestic obligations and was subsequently asked by the Income Tax authorities whether the proceeds had been reinvested and, having replied in the negative, was curtly requested by His Majesty's Inspector of Taxes, Newcastle 4th District, in a letter dated 5th November, 1945, to say in what form the proceeds were held, and to submit a copy of her private bank account for inspection; and under what authority this officer made this demand.

If the hon. and gallant Member will send me particulars of this case, I will go into it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will indicate, for the guidance of organisations who have based a cost-of-living bonus upon the Civil Service scale, whether the recent consolidation of bonus with salary can be regarded as an increase of bonus followed by consolidation.