asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what allocation of petrol is granted monthly for a taxiaeroplane and what allocation for a taxicab.

The allowance of civil aviation fuel for charter or taxiflights is limited to the amount required to provide a maximum of 60 flying hours for each aircraft per month. Consumption varies considerably according to the type and size of machine. The petrol allowance for provincial taxicabs varies between 66 gallons and 106 gallons per month according to the horse power of the vehicle, and a monthly allowance for a metropolitan taxicab is 120 gallons. The approximate monthly issue of aviation fuel for May for charter aircraft was 61,000 gallons compared with the monthly allowance for taxicabs of nearly 1,800,000 gallons.

Will the Minister tell me whether it is a fact that the allocation of petrol for taxiplanes is considerably more than for taxicabs? As a result of the fact that taxicab interests at the present time cannot absorb all the men coming out of the Forces because of the lack of petrol, will the Minister either cut down the amount of petrol allocated to planes or increase the taxicab petrol allowance to make it more equitable?

As my hon. and gallant Friend will see, the allowance for taxiflights is very much less than the allowance for taxicabs, but I must point out that it is very desirable that we should encourage the development of taxiflights.

Will the Minister bear in mind the immediate needs of taxicabs serving widespread country areas where holiday visitors have to be taken to and from farms and hotels in remote places?

I am aware of the needs of the areas to which the hon Member refers, and if such cases are brought to my attention, I will do all I possibly can to help.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will now make an announcement regarding L petrol coupons.

As I stated in reply to a Question on 2nd April by my hon. Friend the Member for Wansbeck (Mr. Robens), both the "L" unit coupons and the "N" unit coupons would, until further notice, be valid for the supply of motor spirit on the basis of one unit equals one gallon. No change is contemplated at present in this arrangement.

Having regard to the fact that the Minister told us some time ago that supplies had to be considered in relation to the requirements of the Empire as a whole, can he tell us how our basic ration in this country at the moment compares with the basic ration in other parts of the Empire?

I shall be very willing to comply with the hon. Member's request if he puts a Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many tankers loaded with petrol for Great Britain were in harbour or on the high seas during the month of May.

There were 28 tankers loaded with full cargoes of petrol for Great Britain, and 14 tankers with part cargoes, in harbour or on the high seas during the month of May.

As it is estimated that one tanker holds enough petrol to run a 12-horse-power car for 80,000,000 miles, and in view of what the right hon. Gentleman has told us, is it not time that he revised his decision to increase the present miserable ration of petrol?

The hon. and gallant Member is not asking for information, is he?

No, Sir, I was justifying my appeal to the Minister to increase the present miserable ration of petrol by giving him the reasons.

The hon. and gallant Member's arithmetic may be unimpeachable, but, like "the flowers that bloom in the spring," it has "nothing to do with the case."

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many tons of petrol were imported into Great Britain during the first three months of 1945 and 1946, respectively; and how many tons of these quantities came from the dollar and sterling areas, respectively.

The tonnage of motor spirit imported into the United Kingdom during the first three months of 1946, according to the Trade and Navigation Accounts, was 1,489,000 tons. The corresponding figure for the first three months of 1945 was 1,493,000 tons. During the first three months of 1946 approximately 40 per cent. of these supplies were purchased with dollar exchange. A comparison with the first three months of 1945 would be misleading, owing to the existence of Lend-Lease and other wartime shipping arrangements.

In view of that very full reply, how can the Minister justify the statement made by his late Parliamentary Secretary in this House only a short time ago to the effect that dollars were the chief reason why we should not have an increased petrol ration, and he himself has now stated that 60 per cent. of our petrol comes from a non-dollar area?

But obviously it would occur to the hon. and gallant Member that there must be other reasons.

But, Mr. Speaker, the late Parliamentary Secretary gave this one reason.

As the hon. and gallant Member has pointed out, that was given as one of the reasons.

No, as the one reason.

As one of the reasons. I give it as one of the reasons; it is not the only reason.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many permanent civil servants are employed in the administration of petrol rationing.

Twenty-nine; nine at headquarters and 20 in the regional offices.

Would the Minister say how long he expects to have to continue to employ these officials on this entirely non-productive job?

Just as long as it is necessary.

Is it not a fact that, although there may be only 29 permanent civil servants, there are hundreds, even thousands, of temporary civil servants?

The hon. Member is quite right, and as soon as I can dispense with their services, the sooner I shall be happy.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what progress has been made in the negotiations with the National Union of Mineworkers for the employment in the mines of Polish ex-Servicemen.

Discussions with the National Union of Mineworkers on this and other matters are still in progress.

Would the Minister consider manning the whole of one mine with Polish miners if enough are available?

I would have to consider that very carefully.

Would it not be very much better to send Polish miners back to Poland to get coal?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many of the men affected by the closing of Knowes Colliery, Fauldhouse, have been re-employed in collieries within reach of their homes; how many remain unemployed; and what are the prospects of employment in the district for those still available for work.

Of the 331 men affected by closure 218 have been placed in other employment, of whom 199 were placed in collieries within reach of their homes. Of the 113 who remain unemployed about a quarter of them are likely to be placed in coalmining employment in the near future. The bulk of the remainder are unfit for other than light work in coalmines which is not available.

In view of the effect on the district, and if it was the Minister's intention to teach a lesson by the closing of this pit, can we take it that the lesson should now have been learned and that there is some prospect of the pit being reopened in the near future?

Far from the lesson having been learned, I have had to take action in connection with other collieries, but it does not seem to me likely that this colliery will be opened soon.

I would like to ask my right hon. Friend whether the production of coal is not still a predominant issue, and whether it should be sacrificed to a policy of cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.

The hon. Member is misinformed about the effect on total output. In fact, the placing of these men in other pits has led to an increase of 300 tons per week.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that during April 160,000 working days were lost through trade disputes, he will, by broadcast and in the Press, appeal to the nation to put their duty before their rights and refrain from stoppages until the food crisis is over.

Whilst all stoppages of work owing to trade disputes are to be deprecated, the situation disclosed by the latest official returns does not call for special action. On the contrary it is, in my view, a matter for satisfaction that organised industry, through the employers' associations and the trade unions, have been so successful in settling by agreement so many large and important industrial issues that were bound to arise in the immediate postwar period.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity, over the wireless and through the Press, to warn the nation against the mortal danger of Communist activity through shop stewards? Has he noticed in the evening paper today that there is a further strike of food distributors at Smithfield?

Perhaps it would be wise if I were to warn the nation against the mistakes which the hon. Member makes in his questions.

On a point of Order, Sir, may I resent that?

Can my right hon. Friend say how the figures which he has just communicated to the House compare with the corresponding figures in the unrestricted private enterprise of capitalist U.S.A.?

I think it would be unwise to make any comparison between ourselves and another nation—

The right hon. Gentleman cannot.

—but I can say this, that in no other country in the world are the relations so good and effective as in ours.

asked the Minister of Labour (1), whether he is aware that in an industry scheduled under the Essential Work Order, particulars of which have been sent to him, members of a particular trade union were refused, by the employing body, permission to start work on the ground that members of another union would not work with them; and if the members of the former union have the right to appeal to the appropriate tribunal;

(2) whether the permission of the National Service officer was obtained before the employing body, of which he has been informed, in an industry covered by the Essential Work Order, refused to allow men to start work on the ground that they are not members of a particular union.

I am aware of the situation to which the hon. Member refers. I am informed that the men in question have not been discharged but are continuing on pay. In these circumstances no question at present arises under the Essential Work Orders.

Is it not highly ridiculous that men should be refused permission to start work but should be given pay for being idle because one union claims to exercise a virtual monopoly of membership? Is the right hon. Gentleman, as Minister of Labour, satisfied with that situation, which may spread throughout the whole of the London traffic organisation?

As to the first part of the question, I am not responsible for the payment. As to the second part of the question, one of the finest ways to create mischief and disturbance in the industries of this country is to sponsor break-away organisations.

Are we to understand from that reply, Mr. Speaker, that totalitarianism is now to be the rule for trade unionism in this country? If so, the decent trade unionists will have something to say about it.

I am not quite sure about the reference to totalitarianism, but I do know that trade unionists will have something to say about it if people with no interest in an industry barge in and interfere.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to announce any change in travelling facilities for persons undergoing training in Government training centres.

Yes, Sir. It has been decided that persons in training at Government training centres shall be allowed one free travel warrant during a six months' course to enable them to travel home for a holiday at any time when they are entitled to holiday leave.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of operatives in the wool sorting, top making and wool spinning industries in April, 1935, and April, 1946, respectively.

As indicated in the reply to a similar Question by the hon. Member on 4th June, this information is not available.

Is the Minister aware of the very large drop in numbers which has taken place in this industry recently owing to the relaxing of the Essential Work Order, and how grave the effect of that is on the clothing industry?

I can only restrict myself at the moment to question and answer. This industry does not split up into figures in the way in which the cotton industry does. Therefore, I could not give the figures, as I am not aware of them.

Is the Minister aware of the great shortage of yarn in the clothing and woollen industries and that if yarn is not forthcoming, there will be unemployment in the autumn? Cannot he speed it up?

That does not come within the Ministry of Labour, but I can assure the hon. Member that attention has been directed to the matter. I understand that the Board of Trade will deal with it as quickly as they can.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in view of the recently announced release of students from the Services, he will arrange that those students in Groups 48 and 49 shall be released in time to commence their college term, thus avoiding a waiting period of nine months.

Under the scheme I announced in the House on 30th April, it is open to universities to apply for the release from the Forces in Class B of scholars and highly promising students in age and service groups 1 to 55. Arrangements have been made to enable those students who are released under this scheme to be made available as far as possible shortly before the beginning of the academic year. University students who are not eligible for release in Class B under the scheme will, of course, have to await their normal turn for release in Class A.

The Minister makes reference to releases and for applications for entry into the universities shortly before the beginning of the academic year. Is he aware that in Edinburgh University, for example, applications have to be made by the middle of this month for entry at the beginning of the term in October? Has he taken that into account?

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will communicate with me. We are anxious to see that the scheme works.

Could not the Minister consider some relaxation for releases under Class A, say, in October of one year? It is extremely hard on them to have to wait until the next October.

Whilst we realise that it may be hard on them, if we start monkeying about with the scheme, even at this late hour, it would lead to much dissatisfaction elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men were released under Class B for agriculture in April and May, respectively.

The number of men released under the Class B block release scheme for agriculture during April was 5,552, and during May, 2,876.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the terms of the offer of block release for agricultural workers have been brought to the notice of units in all three Services, because it appears that until quite recently many units had not received the offer?

I have no authority to give a definite answer, but assuming that on these figures we aimed at a target of 18,000 and got 18,338, it does seem pretty generally known.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will defer the call-up of young men now gaining practical experience on farms whilst awaiting entry to agricultural colleges and thus enable them to complete their normal college course.

Such young men are already deferred under existing arrangements. As to their admission to agricultural colleges, the same priorities will be observed as for entrance to universities.

asked the Minister of Labour how many medically fit young men, reaching the age of 18 during the last six months, have been reserved and deferred, respectively, because of employment otherwise than in the Merchant Navy, railways, agriculture, mining, building, or as apprentices and students; and because of what employment.

In the last six months it is estimated that out of the fit young men attaining 18 years of age the numbers reserved or deferred otherwise than on account of the employments mentioned by the hon. Member, were as follows: Metal manufacture, engineering, vehicles and miscellaneous metal goods, 2,800; shipbuilding, 1,400; food industries, 500; gas, water and electricity, 200; other industries, 1,100; total, 6,000. These cases will be subject to further review and a considerable number of the young men concerned will be called up.

May I ask the Minister whether the reservation or deferment for any other employment is contemplated?

I could not answer that question without notice.

Is not this deferment partly the reason why officers and men are not being released under the Bevin scheme, because there are not sufficient men being brought into the Forces?

That is the position we get into. When we give deferments we are told that this results in not getting enough people out. But these deferments are all subject to review and 4,000 of them will be reviewed for calling up at six months or shorter periods.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to enable efficient service with the Sea Cadets, the Army Cadet Force and the A.T.C. to count towards the proposed period of two years' compulsory service with the Forces.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Eastern Dorset (Colonel Wheatley) on 5th June, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the housing programme in Angus is being held up through the insufficient supply of bricks; and whether he will increase the supply from 2,000 to 10,000 per week.

On the special measures which the Government is taking to expand brick production, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on 28th May to the hon. Member for North Edinburgh (Mr. Willis). I am aware of the position in Angus, but, while I regret that I cannot make any definite promise of an immediate increase in deliveries of the order suggested, I hope that the special measures to which I have referred will make it easier for contractors for the county council to obtain supplies. Everything possible is being done to enable local authorities, including the County Council of Angus, to make better progress with the houses for which they have contracted, and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce further steps to improve the position.

May I ask the hon: Gentleman how he reconciles what he has said with the statement made by the Minister of Health on 24th May last, to the effect that there was no shortage of bricks?

I am dealing with the position in Scotland. We have had 20 million bricks imported from England to help the Scottish situation. Roughly speaking, about 1,000,000 will go to Dundee. We hope that the Dundee intake will relieve, to some extent, the anxiety in Angus.

May I ask the Minister why all these English bricks should go to Scotland?

The answer is a simple one. The hon. Gentleman has been a colleague of mine for a long time. The English are a simple, kindly, generous people.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered representations from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution about the condition of Girvan Harbour; and if he will make arrangements to ensure that the lifeboat stationed there will be able to leave the harbour with a minimum of delay.

I have received a letter from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution supporting an application by Girvan town council for the use of a dredger at the harbour. The application is being considered in relation to the existing commitments of my Department's dredgers and the needs of other harbours and I shall certainly keep in mind the views expressed by the Institution.

Will the Minister tell us whether it is possible, owing to the great demand for dredgers, to get into touch with the Admiralty and obtain their assistance at the earliest opportunity?

That suggestion was made to me in a letter from the town council. I am making inquiries of the Admiralty to see whether it is possible to get the use of one of their dredgers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of the total tonnage of fish in April, 1946, at Aberdeen fish market was landed from British vessels and foreign vessels, respectively.

Of the total quantity of fish landed at Aberdeen in April last, 57 per cent. was brought in by British fishing vessels, 37 per cent. by foreign fishing vessels, and 6 per cent. by foreign carriers.

Can the Minister give an indication of what the general policy is to be regarding the landing of fish by foreign vessels?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the shortage of spare tractor Wheel rims which enable spudded iron wheels to be converted for use with rubber tyres; and what steps he proposes to take to rectify this shortage.

I am aware that owing to the increased number of tractor tyres now available the supply of steel rims and centres for the conversion of tractor wheels is insufficient to meet the demand. Substantially increased quantities of materials specially earmarked for tractor wheel production have been issued to tractor wheel manufacturers but it has not so far been possible to arrange sufficient foundry labour to increase output proportionally. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that everything possible will be done to improve the supply of these tractor wheels.

Can the Minister give any indication as to when these supplies will be available?

I cannot. As I have already indicated, there is a shortage of labour, but we are doing everything possible to meet what we realise is an urgent need.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that R.A.S.C. personnel, including officers whose release has been deferred on grounds of military necessity, are engaged, in supervising the construction of a golf course at Fayid in the Suez Canal zone, an operation expected to last some two years; and if, in view of the impending withdrawal of British Forces from Egypt, he will stop this misemployment.

I have called for a report from the Command concerned and will write my hon. Friend when the information has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the summary of R.A.S.C. establishments in B.T.E. Command, M.E.F., submitted to him by the hon. Member for Maldon; and if he will order a special investigation of the present functions of these establishments with a view to their reduction, so that the present period of deferment of release of R.A.S.C. officers may be shortened.

The establishments in question, in common with other headquarter establishments in Egypt, have been under continual review during the past year, both by the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, and by the War Office. Considerable reductions have already been made and all possible economies are being effected, as circumstances permit. The November, 1945, reorganisation, to which my hon. Friend referred, resulted in a reduction in the number of headquarters and officers—not an increase. Further, one supply unit has been abolished since last November and two others will be abolished this month. I can assure my hon. Friend that the check on establishments receives constant and careful attention.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that of 215 R.A.S.C. officers deferred throughout the whole world, over 200 are in Middle East Command alone? Can he not even up the distribution a little?

There is a separate Question on that subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War why he refuses to inquire into a delayed Class B release, of which particulars have been sent to him, when this release was authorised by his Department in October, 1945, and the soldier concerned, a bricklayer now serving in the Middle East, has not received the offer.

Owing to a mistake about this soldier's location which led to a delay which I very much regret, the original offer of release did not reach him. As the mistake had only recently been corrected, by sending the authority to the Middle East, it was thought to be premature to make further inquiries at the time. A hastener has now been sent to the Middle East.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Parliamentary Private Secretary to his hon. Friend the Financial Secretary replied to me that in this sort of case he did not think it worth while making inquiries, and will he give the House an assurance that when Members ask for inquiries to be made they will be made, and that that sort of answer will not be given again?

Yes, Sir. In this particular case there was a mistake in the records, the inquiry being sent to the wrong part of the world. That was during last autumn, and I think that the House understands what the pressure on the various record offices was at that time.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many reinforcements of British troops have arrived in Greece since men in Group 25 left for release; and how many men in Groups 26 and over have left Greece for release.

I regret that the reply to neither part of my hon. Friend's Question could readily be given. Greece is not an independent theatre, and is not normally fed with reinforcements direct from the United Kingdom; records are only kept of the age and service groups coming from a theatre as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the civilian employers of Major W. J. Jackson, No. 343838, R.A.O.C, 223 B.O.D., S.E.A.C, have notified him that his Class B release was approved by his Department last February; and if he will investigate the delay in the release of this officer and of other officers and other ranks whose Class B release offers have been, or should have been, transmitted to them through H.Q., A.L.F.S.E.A.

The authority for release was sent, in this particular case, to India, where the officer was recorded as serving. Delay occurred in its transmission to A.L.F.S.E.A. There has been a progressive reduction in the number of release cases outstanding with A.L.F.S.E.A.

Why are there so many bottle-necks and delays in India?

India is a very great difficulty, not only to myself, but to other Departments. I have done my best in the matter, like other Ministers, and I am sorry I cannot say more.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers or men who have already voluntarily deferred their release are being compulsorily required further to serve after the proper determination of this extended period of service; and whether he will give particulars, including the numbers affected and the maximum period of further deferment.

Individuals who have voluntarily deferred their release for any of the approved periods are not liable for compulsory retention beyond the date when their voluntary deferment expires, unless they are required to stand trial or attend a court-martial as essential witnesses. In that event they can be kept back for the minimum essential period, under Paragraph 320, Release Regulations. There are not likely to be many such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of officers in each release Group from 27 to 34 serving in M.E.F. whose release has been deferred or who have been warned for deferment; and the percentage which these figures represents of the total number of officers in each of these release groups serving in M.E.F. or who were serving there prior to release.

As the answer consists almost entirely of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Could the right hon. Gentleman in that answer deny that all infantry officers in Groups 30 to 34 in the Middle East have had their release deferred, and does he regard that as being in accordance with the pledges given by his predecessor?

I could not say without investigation. One thing is certain. As I told the House before, I am not satisfied with the position in the Middle East, but I am taking steps about it with the Command.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what those steps are?

Following is the answer:

The deferments in Groups 27 and 28 are as reported at 31st May: the deferments in Groups 29 onwards are as reported at 15th May. Application has been made for the later figures in Groups 29 onwards: I will write to the hon. Member when these are received.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress he has now to report in the arrangements to accommodate in Germany the wives and families of officers and men serving in the B.A.O.R.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet able to announce the arrangements for wives of Servicemen to join their husbands in B.A.O.R.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to say when wives of officers and other ranks serving in B.A.O.R. will be able to join their husbands.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a further statement on arrangements for Servicemen in B.A.O.R. to be joined by their families.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now make an announcement regarding the scheme for wives of Service personnel in Germany to join their husbands.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the plan for sending to Germany wives and children of Servicemen in Germany has now been approved by His Majesty's Government; and on what date the plan will be put into operation.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the latest developments in sending wives of B.A.O.R. personnel to join their husbands; and if he will cause information of the position to be published in B.A.O.R. Orders.

I will be making a statement on this matter on Thursday.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that officers and other ranks of the B.A.O.R., returning to the United Kingdom for 12 days' leave, frequently lose one day's leave owing to the docking times of boats at Hull; and if he will make provision to ensure that the commencement of leave in all cases is dated from the actual time of disembarkation in the United Kingdom.

The period of leave allowed is 12 days, including the day of disembarkation and the day of reporting back. The intention is that all men should have 10 nights at home. Arrangements at Hull are made accordingly, and I am not aware of any instance where a day's leave has been lost owing to the docking times of boats at that port.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many regular officers now serving in Greece have had Python, or end of war, leave since 1st April.

No officers who have had leave under Python should now be serving in Greece, unless they have volunteered for service in that country. I have no record of the numbers who have volunteered. Figures relating to end of war leave are not readily available: I have called for particulars and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the average length of time taken by the Forces' mail from S.E.A.C. to this country during the last two months; and what steps are being taken to accelerate delivery.

The average transit time for air mail from the Base Army Post Office at Singapore to London was 6.5 days during April and 5.4 days in May. The improvement during May was due to the introduction of a through air service. The quality of the postal service is constantly under notice, but little improvement on the present performance is practicable. The length of time taken for the mails to reach the Base Post Office must of course depend on the location of the unit and its accessibility

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet able to make a statement about the future of the Territorial Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any announcement to make about the future of the Territorial Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War now that plans for compulsory military service have been published, if he will state the future plans for the Territorial Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now any statement to make on the future of the Territorial Army.

The matter is at present under active consideration—

Hear, hear.

I repeat "active consideration," but I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement I fully understand and sympathise with the desire for an early announcement and I hope, before Very long, to be able to give some general indication of our plans.

Does the Minister realise that every day that passes without some definite pronouncement being made, will make the task of re-forming the Territorial Army much harder, if and when that is decided upon?

Yes, Sir, and because I realise that I have been giving considerable attention to this question. The House will remember that I was very clear and definite upon this subject when I spoke on the Army Estimates. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the matter is receiving my attention.

Surely, the right hon. Gentleman can give us some date when he expects to be able to make a statement on this important matter?

I cannot give a date, but I will give a promise that I shall be able to make a statement on the matter shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any statement to make about the future of the Territorial Association.

As I stated in the Debate on the Army Estimates, it is intended to make full use of Territorial Army Associations in the future. Their functions, organisation, composition, etc., are at present under active examination.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's Government have now decided to remove the restrictions on a British serving man's freedom to choose his own bride, whatsoever her nationality; whether the forthcoming marriage of Colonel J. M. D. Wood with an Austrian lady, who has arrived in this country for that purpose, is a consequence of such a decision; or on what principle is marriage permitted to this officer and refused to his fellow officers and other ranks.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a number of hon. Members on 4th June and the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department to my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Nally) on 6th June.

Seeing that the reply to which my right hon. Friend refers explains that the reason for Colonel Wood's marriage was that he was exempted from the ban solely because he had returned to this country, and was no longer in the Occupation Forces, can we understand from that clearly that the same applies to any officer or man once he has returned home? If that is so, what will be the facilities available for a man's fiancée to join him?

As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary pointed out, it applies to officers, other ranks or civilians as far as bringing a woman to this country to be married is concerned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the ultimate principle determining this rule? Is it in the interests of the Service, to prevent people from becoming British citizens, or in the interests of the man, and who is the ultimate authority who decides whether a particular marriage is suitable? Can a man go to his brigadier, and ultimately to the right hon. Gentleman himself?

No, Sir. As I told the House previously, I am making inquiries concerning certain aspects as they applied to Colonel Wood. On the general question, the Home Secretary was very clear that when a British subject resident in this country wishes to marry a foreign woman, it has been the settled practice not to refuse her admission to the United Kingdom.

Lieut.-Colonel Thorp.

On a point of Order. Might I ask my right hon. Friend to answer the first part of my Question?

I have now called the next Question. We spent a lot of time on the previous one.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that reconstruction in Malaya is impeded because houses belonging to the European business community are still under military requisition; and whether he will overcome this difficulty by the erection of permanent military camps.

I can assure my hon. Friend that all concerned are fully alive to the need for the return of requisitioned properties in Malaya to their normal use as speedily as possible. The construction of War Department camps is already in hand, the completion of which will enable further requisitioned properties to be relinquished. But it would be uneconomical to build camps to house the whole of the existing garrison for the comparatively short period while it is being reduced to its normal post-war strength.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many private houses and office buildings are still held under requisition in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, respectively, and how these numbers compare with 1st February, 1946.

On 30th April, the three Services and affiliated organisations held under requisition 65 offices and 1,343 private houses in Singapore, and 100 offices and 1,753 private houses in Malaya. The figures for Kuala Lumpur are included in the Malaya total. The corresponding totals on 1st February were reported at the time as 38 offices and 1,627 private houses in Singapore, and 74 offices and 1,462 private houses in Malaya. But it is now understood that those returns were incomplete, owing to a number of occupations which had occurred under operational conditions without being recorded. They do not, therefore, provide a reliable comparison. During the early part of this year, combined accommodation boards were set up in Singapore, Malaya and Hong Kong, with the object of preserving a fair balance between Services and civilian requirements. These boards report periodically to London, and, at the present time, the whole question of the Services' requirements in those areas is receiving the most active consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War why it is necessary for those desirous of re-enlisting with the Forces to submit a reference from a responsible tradesman, householder or shopkeeper, as in the case, particulars of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Ladywood.

A civilian reference is not usually required on re-enlistment, except where the man has been away from the Army for a considerable time. I have only just received the particulars referred to by my hon. Friend; I am having inquiries made and will let him know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the shortage of writing pads in M.E.F. canteens; and what steps he intends to take to remedy this defect.

I am not aware of any shortage of writing paper in the Middle East. During the past three months, 468,000 pads and 14,000,000 envelopes were shipped to that theatre. A report in April indicated that adequate supplies were available. If my hon. Friend will give details of any complaint which he may have received, I will call for investigations to be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War when Regular officers are to be allowed to retire from active service.

Retirement is already allowed, but, because of the acute shortage of officers, it is restricted to certain types of cases. Permission is given at present only to those who have passed the age limit for reserve liability, to those for whom no further employment can be found suitable to their rank, and those in a low medical category. Other officers may apply to retire on compassionate or other grounds, and retirement is generally permitted if the grounds are such as would justify indefinite Class C release. The whole matter is kept constantly under review, and the restrictions will be waived as soon as the situation allows.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made inquiries regarding the number of those officers who wish to continue to serve and those who wish to retire?

I have no idea of the numbers, but I think that the statement, as I have made it, gives due allowance for difficulties and compassionate circumstances in respect of individual officers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he did promise to look into this matter some months ago?

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the arrangements for the advance publicity of visits of Army recruiting demonstration columns; and why the Blackheath demonstration on 6th June was a failure.

When the column is to be on show for more than two days, large posters are displayed in advance, over a raidus of 10 miles, and a loud speaker van carries out advance publicity. On the day before the arrival of the column, a military band gives performances in the town. Larger banners for public display, and slides for use in local cinemas, have also been prepared to assist in advertising its arrival. It was not originally intended to give a display at Blackheath on 6th June. The column was held up there because of the London traffic restrictions during Victory week, and it was decided to show it, although it was realised that a normal attendance could not be expected. It is the only instance of poor attendance so far recorded. The prearranged display at Blackheath on Whit-Monday was quite successful.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that, since I put my Question down, there has been a whole spate of attendant publicity, and that I am very grateful for it?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, on that particular day, there was a display give by P.T. instructors and other units in the demonstration column, that there was no audience at all and that no publicity had been given? Furthermore, is the Minister aware that the Blackheath day had been scheduled long before there could be any question of congestion in connection with the celebrations?

I am sorry that this particular incident has occurred, as we certainly wish this recruiting campaign to go with a swing, as it has done up to the present time. In this particular instance, it was purely accidental that there was no publicity, but I think my hon. Friend who saw the display will agree that it was well worth a good crowd.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many surveyors have been trained at the School of Survey since 1st January; and if he will cause surveyors to be sent to the Third Survey Regiment to make unnecessary the proposed deferment of surveyors, instead of to the First Observation Regiment now being formed.

Thirty R.A. and Battery Surveyors have been trained at the School of Survey since 1st January. The priority of posting at present given to the 1st Observation Regiment is in connection with reorganisation. The bulk deferment of surveyors is not contemplated, and I am not aware that any survey officers of the Third Survey Regiment have so far been individually deferred.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will make further inquiries, as, according to my information, the great majority have been deferred? Can he also say whether he is satisfied with the numbers trained since 1st January?

I cannot say that I am satisfied with the numbers trained, but, so far as the answer I have given is concerned, I have given the information which was supplied, and I have made very close investigations and should be surprised if there was any flaw in it.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the pools of surplus army motor transport which is deteriorating in Singapore; and why this has not been released for urgent civilian needs.

It is not yet known whether these vehicles will be required for the future maintenance of the Army. The War Office is now calculating how many vehicles must be retained for this purpose. The calculations should be completed by the end of the month, when any surpluses will be released, both in Singapore and elsewhere.

Is the Minister aware that there are literally hundreds of new vehicles which have never been used at all, rotting, up to their axles in mud, in pools all over the place, and cannot he expedite the matter?

No, Sir. I am not aware of it, and I did not have that information before, but I will certainly make investigations on the strength of what the hon. Member has said.

Is the Minister aware that rubber and other vital materials in the Far East have been continually held up because of lack of transport, which is clearly not needed by the military?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a further statement on the Government's proposals in relation to Palestine.

I regret I am not in a position to make a further statement on this subject.

When he is making that statement, will my right hon. Friend say what steps he has taken to facilitate the immigration of Jews into Palestine in accordance with the terms of the mandate?

That does not arise out of this Question.

In view of the very grave events in Palestine in the last 24 hours, would not the Prime Minister agree that it is becoming very urgent that the Government should announce their decision and give this House an opportunity to consider it?

My right hon. Friend knows quite well that this matter is one in which we are in close contact with the Government of the United States of America, and I cannot make a statement at the moment.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that of all the parties to this conflict, dispute, or problem, the only ones who have so far not indicated their attitude to the Commission's Report are His Majesty's Government? Will he bear in mind that there really is a limit to human endurance?

I think my hon. Friend will agree that this is a matter of very great importance. It is much better to discuss this matter instead of coming to a hasty conclusion.

Will my right hon. Friend say when a decision is likely to be reached? Will it be a matter of days or weeks, or how long will it be?

On the Prime Minister's last remark about discussion before we come to a conclusion, can he assure the House that there will be full opportunity for Parliamentary discussion before the Government make their unalterable decision?

That is a matter which should be put to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Frenchmen, who volunteered to fight in the French force raised by General de Gaulle, are being refused British nationality; and what steps he is taking to implement the terms of the agreement of 7th August, 1940, between His Majesty's Government and General De Gaulle, whereby the Government expressed itself as willing to afford special facilities to such volunteers to acquire British nationality.

So far as I know most of the French nationals who served in the force raised by General de Gaulle have been anxious to retain their French nationality, and have no desire to acquire British nationality. If, however, there are some who are anxious to acquire British nationality my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will be glad to have such cases looked into if the hon. and gallant Member will send him particulars.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any arrangement has been come to between His Majesty's Government and the French Government whereby the French Government will recognise these special cases for naturalisation?

I should like to see that question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the position with regard to the design of the Defence Medal; and when it is proposed to distribute these medals.