asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will issue a statement, based on the reports of the school medical officers or otherwise, giving, for the year 1938, the figures showing the increases in the weight, height and health of boys and girls of 5 and 3 years of age, respectively, in the city of Aberdeen, as compared with boys and girls of the same ages in the same city in the years 1945 and 1946.

A statement on the lines desired by the hon. and learned Member has been prepared for the school years ended 31st July, 1939, and 31st July, 1945. Figures for the current school year are not yet available. Since the statement consists entirely of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the precautions now being taken for the safeguarding of the health and for promoting the development of children are satisfactory?

I think they are reasonably so.

Do the figures show an increase in height and weight?

Is the statement referred to a comprehensive statement covering the whole of Scotland?

No, Sir, the figures I have taken out for the purpose of this Question are the figures for Aberdeen alone.

Following is the statement:

Fasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many homes and institutions for orphans and adopted children there are registered in Scotland, run by voluntary institutions or private persons; what are their names and addresses; how many children do they contain and of what ages, respectively; and how they are supervised or inspected, so as to ensure the welfare of the children concerned.

At present there are in Scotland 117 voluntary homes for children and young persons, and I am sending to my hon. and learned Friend the information for which he asks about each of these homes. All the homes are inspected by the Secretary of State's Inspectors at least once each year.

Would it not be better to take these voluntary institutions under public control, and would that not be a more thorough and less expensive way of carrying out the work?

My right hon. Friend is at the moment awaiting the report of the Clyde Committee on these matters, and I think it would be unfair of me to anticipate what he may do when he gets the report.

Does that Committee deal with the question of taking under public control voluntary institutions of this kind?

Yes, Sir, it deals with the treatment of children deprived of a normal life.

Is it not a fact that many of these homes have a well deserved reputation, and that they have done good service to the community in the past?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the disabilities by which burgh public libraries are prevented from giving an efficient service; that burghs are limited to an expenditure not exceeding a 3d. rate; that they lack statutory authority either to take joint action, or to amalgamate with other library authorities, or to cooperate by lending books outside their area; that burghs in county areas are assessed in respect of county library purposes as well as burgh library functions; and if he will introduce legislation to remedy these matters and to unify library legislation in Scotland.

The answers to the first four parts of the Question are in the affirmative. As differences of opinion on important points still exist the Secretary of State intends to give to the Advisory Council on Education as soon as it is reconstituted a remit on the subject before legislation is prepared.

Can the Under-Secretary tell us when this reconstitution will take place?

In the autumn of this year.

asked, the Secretary of State for Scotland the amounts of local rates raised, after deductions for derating, from the counties of Argyll, Dunbarton, Inverness, Perth, Ross and Cromarty, respectively, for the last available year, showing the figures for the large burghs and cities separately.

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The estimated amounts of local rates collected during the year to 15th May, 1946, based on particulars supplied by the local authorities, were:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if local authorities who provided beds and other furniture for new municipal houses, prior to the war, will be given similar facilities for the houses now in process of erection.

Local authorities already have comprehensive powers for the supply of furniture to tenants of their houses. I am anxious that these powers should be used to the fullest extent that the supply position permits, and the attention of local authorities has already been drawn to the matter as regards the furnishing of both permanent and temporary houses in the post-war programme. Apart from this, new houses are being equipped with built-in fitments on a much greater scale than before the war, to the considerable benefit of the tenants concerned.

Does that mean that local authorities will be able to provide beds without getting permission from the Board of Trade?

The hon. Member had better put that question down to the President of the Board of Trade. I am answering in regard to the Housing Acts. I am not the Minister who allocates furniture.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the firm of Messrs. Dunn, Uddingston, are unable to carry out their housing contracts for want of motor lorries; and if he arrange with the Board of Trade to ensure expedited deliveries of motor lorries to this firm.

I am aware of the difficulty in this case, on which I have been in correspondence with my hon. Friend. My Department have taken all possible steps through the Ministry of Supply to ensure priority delivery of the vehicles required as soon as they can be made available by the manufacturer.

Is the Minister aware that it is fully a year since this firm made application for four special lorries suitable for its purposes? Up to the moment the Board of Trade are earmarking everything for the export trade, with the result that it is impossible for the firm to meet its contracts

I have taken up this matter, and I can assure my hon. Friend that I am pressing it. In view of his supplementary question, I will again communicate with the Minister of Supply to see whether the position cannot be eased.

Is there no coordination between Departments in reference to all the surplus Army vehicles, or must we have all this circumlocution before we can get vehicles?

I have to answer for housing in Scotland. I have nothing to do with the disposal of motor vehicles.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state for the last convenient date the number of pupils in Scotland who sat for the control examination; and how many of these were graded as C pupils.

The schemes for regulating promotion from primary to secondary courses of education in the several education authority areas in Scotland are not uniform. A number make no provision for the holding of a control examination, and in those that do, corresponding gradings are not always designated alike. I regret, therefore, that it is not practicable to give the information desired.

Does that mean that no comprehensive figure can be given of the grading into A, B and C categories of pupils for the various authorities in Scotland?

There is no uniformity of method adopted by the education authorities to examine children when passing from the primary to the secondary stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the proposal to lease the harbour works and equipment at Faslane, Dunbartonshire, to a firm of shipbreakers; and if this proposal is provided for in the regional plan of Sir P. Abercrombie.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has this proposal under consideration and has consulted the other Departments concerned. The county council of Dunbarton as local planning authority have also been asked for their observations on the proposal.

As regards the second part of the Question, the report of the consultant to the Clyde Valley Regional Planning Committee recommends that if the proposal to utilise the works and equipment at Faslane for purposes of shipbreaking is proceeded with there should be certain safeguards in the interests of amenity, and this recommendation is being considered.

Will the Minister tell us what Faslane is being used for at the present time?

The hon. and gallant Member would have to put that Question down to the Department which has occupancy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to prevent the pollution of the Gareloch, Dunbartonshire, in the event of Faslane Harbour being used for shipbreaking purposes.

My right hon. Friend understands that the shipbreakers will be required, as a condition of the contract, to avoid pollution of the Gareloch. If any pollution did occur which constituted a nuisance in the sense of the Public Health Acts, he has no doubt that appropriate action would be taken by the county council.

Is the Minister aware that it is quite impossible to pollute this inland water without contravening the Public Health Acts and ruining this place for residential purposes?

A clause has been inserted in the contract against any form of pollution.

Will the Minister impress on the Ministry of Transport the importance of bilges of ships to be broken up being cleaned out in deep water?

As I understand it, if contractors do anything which causes pollution they are definitely breaking the clause in their contract.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is proposed to appoint a secretary to the New Towns Committee recently set up; will the post be advertised; and what is the salary attached to the office.

No doubt my hon. Friend has in mind the Committee on New Towns appointed jointly by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Minister of Town and Country Planning, under the chairmanship of Lord Reith. In accordance with the usual practice the secretarial work of the committee is being carried out as part of their official duties by civil servants appointed by the Ministers.

May I take it that there will be no definite appointment made from outside?

As I understand it civil servants will do the work.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the dissatisfaction in the Outer Hebrides at the delay by the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board in undertaking electrification in that area; and what immediate steps are contemplated.

My right hon. Friend is aware from statements in the Press that dissatisfaction has been expressed. The Board have prepared and submitted to the Electricity Commissioners for approval schemes for the distribution of electricity in Lewis and in North and South Uist and the adjacent islands. A scheme for Harris and Barra will be sent to the Electricity Commissioners shortly. The Board have also, in order to provide supplies quickly, bought surplus R.A.F. diesel generating plant at Stornoway and Benbecula.

While thanking the Under-Secretary for the very helpful reply, may I ask him to explain why the Hydro Electric Board must go outside the Outer Hebrides and leave them till last? What is the objection to going there now?

I cannot say why the Board decide one place before another. They have now submitted schemes for approval, and we hope that there will be no undue delay.

Is it not a fact that the scheme is being held up by differences between the rival claims of the industrial areas as against the Highlands and Islands? When will these differences be resolved in such a way as to give fair treatment to both?

I do not think that they are being held up. The Board have submitted schemes to the Electricity Commissioners for their approval. The Electricity Commissioners then make recommendations to the Secretary of State, and it is for him to advertise and give the necessary 40 days for objections.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reasons for delay in initiating water supply schemes in the Western Isles; and whether, in view of the lack of hygienic and adequate piped supplies of water in that area and the effect in delaying house building in most areas, he will expedite the water schemes for the islands.

A water supply improvement scheme for Stornoway Burgh has been approved and work is likely to begin within the next two months. Outline schemes of water supply for the islands have also been submitted, and these are at present being examined in consultation with the county councils. The Secretary of State hopes shortly to be in a position to approve these schemes in principle and to make an offer of grant under the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act of 1944.

Can my hon. Friend give any indication when these schemes are likely to be approved in view of the urgent need of houses in the Western Isles?

The one at Stornoway is to begin within the next two months.

What about the rural areas?

As regards the rural areas, we propose to press on with these schemes as speedily as possible. I will convey to my right hon. Friend my hon. Friend's point of view on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that over 2,000 able-bodied males are unemployed in the Western Isles, including over 7 per cent. on the Stornoway register; what decisions have been reached by the inter-departmental committee with a view to providing employment on public works schemes in the isles; and if he will make a statement.

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As the Secretary of State indicated in reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 4th June, interdepartmental examination of the position is proceeding urgently and schemes at a total cost of over £200,000 are under immediate consideration. I shall communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as it is possible to arrive at definite decisions on these proposals.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Western Isles have now reached the highest level of unemployment which they have ever suffered, and will he undertake with his right hon. Friend to initiate schemes of public works, held up during the war, so as to provide employment?

I certainly will.

In view of the very serious situation which applies not only to the Islands but to Scotland as a whole, will the hon. Gentleman persuade his right hon. Friend to put down the question of unemployment in Scotland on the agenda of the Cabinet?

In view of the great shortage of labour on the mainland, will the hon. Gentleman consider finding employment at harvest time for some of these people?

We have any amount of agricultural work of our own to do, and we cannot afford to export labour.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make a statement on future policy in regard to military detention barracks, with special reference to modernisation of buildings, educational facilities and recruitment of staff.

Yes, Sir. Particulars of the general policy and plans are now available. I have prepared a detailed summary which I will place in the Library.

Will my right hon. Friend consider circulating the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT for the information of the public generally?

Yes, I do not mind circulating it.

Will the Minister assure us that in no circumstances will the amenities of those undergoing detention have priority over improved barrack conditions for those who conduct themselves in a disciplined manner?

But can my right hon. Friend assure us that his reforms will go at least as far as the purely ad hoc wartime recommendations of the Oliver Committee?

I think that the House can be reassured that, while there are detention camps, my chief object is to achieve reform rather than punishment. I think that when hon. Members see the report, they will agree that I have made very great efforts and changes to that end.

Following is the summary:

MILITARY PRISONS AND DETENTION BARRACKS. POST-WAR PRINCIPLES AND LAYOUT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

1. The object of penal establishments will be the rehabilitation of the soldier under sentence as a soldier, and to fit him in every way for return to his unit. In cases where this rehabilitation as a soldier is impossible (due to the incapability of the man himself), the object will be to prepare him for return to civil life. This latter course will not be adopted except in the most stubborn cases.

2. Detention Barracks will be replaced by Disciplinary Training Centres, of which there will be two types, Type "A" and Type "B."

All soldiers sentenced to detention will, in the first instance, be admitted to the Type "A" Disciplinary Training Centre. Here emphasis will be laid on confinement, strict discipline and individual military training. After a period, which ordinarily will not exceed one month, in the Type "A" Disciplinary Training Centre, soldiers under sentence will progress to the Type "B" Disciplinary Training Centre.

3. At the Type "B" Disciplinary Training Centre emphasis will be on progressive rehabilitation, and preparation for return to units. The soldier under sentence will pass through three stages, of which the final stage will approximate closely to life in a normal unit. The course here will last three months, on conclusion of which, subject to good behaviour and a satisfactory result of the course of training, his sentence will be suspended and the man will return to his unit.

A man who fails to make satisfactory progress in his course may be returned to the Type "A" Disciplinary Training Centre for a further period.

4. Soldiers who are serving sentences of less than 4 months but more than 42 days may go direct to the Type "B" centre or else serve less than a month in the Type "A" Centre before going to the Type "B" Centre.

5. Soldiers who are serving sentences of 42 days or less will serve their full sentence in a Type "A" establishment. The reason for this is that if a soldier earns his full remission of one-third of the sentence, he will have to serve only 28 days of a 42 days sentence. It is not considered that this period can be split usefully between the Type "A" and "B" establishments.

6. The third type of establishment will be the Military Prison and Detention Barrack Type "C." This will be for soldiers sentenced to detention and imprisonment for military offences, who are not capable of rehabilitation as soldiers and who are to be discharged on completion of sentence. Here emphasis will be on security and on vocational, industrial and educational training. Military training will be restricted to such periods of drill and physical training as are necessary to maintain health.

7. Soldiers sentenced to imprisonment for civil offences, and all soldiers sentenced to Penal Servitude, will continue to serve their sentences in civil prisons as at present.

8. It is the intention to allow smoking by soldiers under sentence in all establishments. The number of cigarettes permitted, together with the administrative details in the various types of establishments, is being considered.

9. Soldiers under sentence will spend less time locked up in their rooms than has been the practice in the past. This is being made possible by the introduction of a shift system of staff working.

10. The provision of suitable accommodation or the conversion of existing buildings to modern standards of military accommodation and sanitation will be put in hand as resources permit.

11. Recruitment will be from Regimental Officers and, in order to maintain the high standard of military training necessary at Disciplinary Training Centres the officers selected will not normally remain in this branch of the Service for more than two years without returning to regimental duty. It is intended to supplement this type of officer with a nucleus of officers older and more experienced in security and administration.

12. The Military Provost Staff Corps will be recruited from Regimental N.C.Os. There will also be a large proportion of younger and more active N.C.Os. who are qualified in structors in the various branches of military training, who will be employed primarily as instructors.

13. Educational facilities will be provided at all establishments under the direction of Army Educational Corps personnel.

14. This will be provided in the Military Prison and Detention Barrack Type "C," and will include instruction in such subjects as bootmaking and repairing, carpentry, rug and toymaking, bookbinding, upholstery, tailoring and the internal combustion engine.

In the Disciplinary Training Centres there will be specialized military training in addition to educational and the normal training of the arm to which the soldier belongs. Such training would include signalling and wireless, internal combustion engine and special weapons.

15. Arrangements overseas will conform as far as possible to the above procedure. In garrisons such as Gibraltar and Malta, where there are only a small number of troops, it may be necessary to combine the two types of Disciplinary Training Centres in one establishment.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers have been deferred for a second period of three months; and what is the largest unit of block deferment so far authorised by his Department.

Deferment is not by periods of three months but only for so long as the officers concerned are required in view of military necessity. Subject to this, it is the intention that no one will be deferred for more than three months. According to the latest return six officers have been deferred for more than three months. I am taking immediate steps to find out why they have been deferred for so long, and to ensure that they are released at the earliest possible moment.

Do I understand the Minister to tell us that of the total forces only six officers have been deferred for a period longer than three months?

That is the information which I have.

Would it not be a good thing, when they defer an officer, if they would make up their minds for what purpose they want to defer him and for how long, based on some plan or other?

I can tell the hon. and gallant Gentleman that I have recently been in touch with the commands about this matter.

Is the Minister aware that this is a very serious matter for the men deferred, because it interferes with their careers? I am very surprised to hear that only six officers are concerned, because I think that 50 per cent. of them must belong to my constituency.

I, too, was very surprised, and I am making inquiries.

Can the Minister say whether these six officers are in the Middle East?

I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds an order has been published by 8th Air Formation Signals, C.M.F., that it may be necessary to defer, as operationally vital, some personnel due for release during July.

If there is a possibility of the deferment of individuals it is desirable to give as long notice as possible, and the warning order referred to was no doubt issued with that object in view. The Royal Corps of Signals is a specialist arm and it is not always possible to find immediate replacements for men due for release, although every effort is made to do so. It is the responsibility of the Commander-in-Chief, C.M.F., in this case, to decide whether the retention of an individual is essential.

Is the Financial Secretary to the War Office aware, when he says that as long notice as possible is given, that the men concerned in this case were given 15 hours in which they might lodge an appeal against their deferment? Does he consider, that that is as long notice as possible?

I quite agree with the hon. and gallant Member and I hope that there is some misunderstanding here. Any individual who is compulsorily deferred should be given ample opportunity of pleading his case for release.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that half his troubles are due to lack of foresight?

No, Sir, I entirely disagree with the hon. and gallant Member. My troubles are due to far more varied factors than that.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the serving men's letters contain suggestions of lack of foresight in the War Office?

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of premises held on requisition by his Department in the boroughs of Kingston-on-Thames, Surbiton and Maiden; and the number of these which it is anticipated will be released during the next three months.

13 premises are now held; it is hoped that four will be relinquished by the War Department during the next three months.

Will the Minister give an assurance that these boroughs will not, as a result of my hon. Friend's Question, enjoy undue priority over the neighbouring borough of Twickenham?

That shows how careful I must be.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) how many soldiers have been reported since 1st January, 1946, to have been absent without leave for periods exceeding seven days but less than 21 days; how many such soldiers had their family allowance, a dependant's allowance, and an allotment from their pay, not connected with an Army allowance, respectively, stopped, and with effect from what date after going absent was such stoppage made; and in how many cases has any such allowance or allotment been subsequently put in issue in respect of a period of absence owing to the acquittal of the soldier of illegal absence;

(2) how many soldiers have been found deserters by courts of inquiry, held under Section 72 of the Army Act, since 1st January, 1946; how many of these had their family allowance, a dependant's allowance or an allotment from their pay not connected with an Army allowance, respectively, stopped and with effect from which date after going absent was such stoppage made; how many are still in a state of absence; how many have since returned; how many of those who returned were subsequently convicted of illegal absence and how many were acquitted of any such offence, respectively.

The number of men struck off strength in the Army as deserters, by officers in charge of Records, between 1st January and 31st May, 1946, was 3,904. I regret that I am unable to furnish the other statistics sought by the hon. Member. They are not readily available and to obtain them would involve a serious addition to the heavy burden of work falling on Record and Pay Offices during the operation of the release scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) when the land occupied by roadside ammunition dumps which have already been emptied will be derequisitioned;

(2) when derequisitioning of land occupied by roadside ammunition dumps in Shropshire will commence; and by what date it will be completed.

Considerable strips of land have already been derequisitioned, as dumps are wholly or partially cleared. There are cases where the shelters used are emptied and filled again. This mostly occurs where redistribution of stocks is undertaken in order to facilitate control of labour and transport and in the interests of safety. Progressive derequisitioning of land will continue at all ammunition depots, until the last is cleared. But I cannot forecast when this will be. In the particular case of Shropshire it is anticipated that the sub-depot at Pontes-bury will be cleared within the next three or four months and that progressive release of land in the Craven Arms-Lydbury-Ludlow area will be possible from September, 1946, onwards.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that empty R.A.F. transport aeroplanes regularly fly from Egypt to Nairobi to collect personnel for release; and whether he will arrange with the R.A.F. authorities to use this unused accommodation to bring out the families of officers and other ranks serving in East and Central Africa.

I understand that R.A.F. transport aircraft are not in fact sent from Egypt to Nairobi as suggested in the hon. Member's Question. The R.A.F. scheduled services operating over routes which include the section between Egypt and Nairobi are normally filled to capacity with priority passengers in both directions on some part of the route, if not all. They would not, therefore, offer a solution to this problem which, however, we now hope to deal with by sea transport. The delay in obtaining sea passages for these families has now been eliminated and by the end of this month all those now awaiting passage will have been despatched.

Is the Minister aware that, according to my information, planes are flying to Nairobi, and that there is no doubt about their going to Eritrea and moving families there in this way?

The point of the Question was that they were going to Nairobi to collect personnel for release. All the information which I have is that which I have given to the hon. Gentleman. If he has anything to add to it, or any particular point to raise on it, I shall be pleased to have a word with him.

asked the Secretary of State for War why officers and other ranks serving in East and Central Africa cannot get applications for their families to join them approved until they have satisfied the authorities that they have already taken suitable accommodation for them; and whether he will state the average delay between the approval of applications and the arrival of the families concerned.

The instructions prescribe, as one of the conditions of eligibility, and that local military authority must be satisfied that suitable accommodation is available for the family. It may be that in certain commands, where the difficulties of finding accommodation are known to be very great, the local commander has interpreted this instruction in the sense that the accommodation must have been obtained. I will cause inquiries to be made in the case of the command referred to, and will write to the hon. Member when I have ascertained the full facts. For various reasons the average delay between the approval of applications by the War Office and the arrival of the families has been four to five months, but this period is being reduced. During this month all families whose applications have been approved by the War Office and who are awaiting passage will have been despatched.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers and other ranks have been compelled to take accommodation at great expense, paying up to £50 a month for a house, and then had the accommodation on their hands for a long period while waiting for their families?

I am very sorry to hear there are cases of that description, and it certainly does involve hardship, but it is a misinterpretation of the instructions. The accommodation must be available, not taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the large number of Army huts still standing derelict about the countryside; and what steps he is taking to use, or dispose of them, before they have deteriorated further.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Fareham (Sir D. White) on 19th February last.

Is the Minister aware that many of these huts are definite eyesores on the landscape and spoiling a considerable number of beauty spots in the countryside?

I pointed out that any hutted camps which were used as searchlight sites, or for any other purpose, which are surplus to Government requirements, are first handed over to the owner of the land, and then, if not accepted, to the Ministry of Works.

Is the Minister aware that these huts are deteriorating and holding up food production and even, sometimes, building?

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of hutments built during the war for occupation by Army personnel; the number which are no longer in use; and whether it is proposed to make unwanted buildings available, where suitable, for industrial purposes and for housing.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many hutments were built in this country for his Department; how many are now occupied; and what steps he is taking to dispose of the surplus.

It would not be possible, without detailed and lengthy research, to state how many huts were built for the War Department during the war and how many of those which remain are out of use at any given moment. The task would necessitate the diversion of staff from other work for a considerable period and I do not feel that the results would justify it. A procedure is already in operation under which huts declared as surplus to military requirements are reported for disposal to the Board of Trade, if suitable for industrial use on the site, and to the Ministry of Works, for housing or other purposes.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in many parts of the country Army camps and hutments have become empty, but as soon as application is made by Government Departments like the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Labour, the War Office suddenly find a use for the hutments? Will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that as many premises as possible are derequisitioned as quickly as possible?

I can assure my hon. Friend that this matter is engaging my attention, because I realise the need for accommodation not only for housing purposes but for various other purposes, and as far as I know the answer I have given is in accordance with the facts. If anyone has any particular case to which he wishes to draw my attention I will do what I can to deal with the matter.

When these hutments are vacated, does not the outgoing unit make a return to the appropriate office? Cannot the information be obtained that way?

The hon. Member referred to the need to get the figures. As a matter of fact, there have been quite a large number of temporary buildings. There was a vast number of buildings put up for V-day, including a number of temporary buildings. They were recorded locally and we have not the full figures about them.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the delays that are taking place in the issue of civilian suits to demobilised soldiers; and whether he will take steps to improve the position.

Delay occurred during the rush period of release but the situation has considerably improved. Except in the case of double-breasted suits, about which there are still some production difficulties, very few delays now occur.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these delays run into months in some cases, and cause tremendous hardship for men waiting to take up appointments?

I am very sorry to hear that, and if any Member has a case to which he would like to draw my attention I shall be glad to look at it. I must say, however, that one of the encouraging things in my work is the large number of letters I get from soldiers who express their great appreciation for the way in which they are dealt with and the suits that they get.

Has the Minister received a letter from a constituent of mine who was discharged in January, and is still waiting for his suit?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to reduce the minimum period of 12 months for which officers and men have to remain in Germany in order to qualify to be joined by their families.

No, Sir, not for the present.

Are not these officers and men who have less than 12 months to go probably the very ones who have been longest separated from their families, and if further accommodation can be obtained will the Secretary of State consider including them in the scheme?

As the House will agree, taking families over to Germany is a considerable operation, and I think I would rather wait to see how it works before I add to it.

How many are there under this scheme?

I could not say.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when the scheme was first mooted there were men with more than 12 months to go who were very anxious to have their families with them, and there was rather a delay in settling details of the scheme? Is it not a little unfair that these men should be penalised by the delay?

They would be a very small number and it is another matter. I will have a look at it, but I could not give any definite guarantee to deal with anyone outside the 12 months.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will ensure that clothing coupons for children proceeding with their parents to Germany are issued well in advance of the date of departure; and what steps are being taken to enable parents to purchase children's clothes in Germany.

Clothing coupons will be issued when the application to proceed overseas is approved; the embarkation instructions will be issued later, when the family have reported that they are ready to depart. It is planned to make limited supplies of clothing for infants and children available from time to time in N.A.A.F.I. families shops in Germany.

Will the hon. Gentleman make quite certain that the wives of these men have this information as far as is possible?

asked the Secretary of State for War why no formation college has been established for troops serving in S.E.A.C; and whether he will now improve the training facilities in S.E.A.C. and provide one.

This has been considered, but, owing to the limited resources of the command and the comparatively small number of troops, the establishment of a college was not considered practicable. It is hoped that a formation college will shortly be opened in India, which will provide vacancies for troops in A.L.F.S.E.A. Also, an allotment of 185 vacancies a month has been made to A.L.F.S.E.A. at the formation colleges in the United Kingdom, to cater for officers and other ranks who require courses when they return home for release.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that men from S.E.A C. will not have to attend formation colleges on their release leave but given the opportunity to attend such colleges before their release leave?

We have taken steps in India about that matter, and I will do my best to see that nobody suffers in that respect, because I know from what I have seen how important it is that these men should have a chance of getting to formation colleges in order to assist them in resettlement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make certain that this is not used as an excuse by S.E.A.C. to detain the inordinately large number of buildings from which they are at present depriving the civilian population?

It cannot be because of this, because S.E.A.C. have no formation colleges at all.

Is the Minister aware that the information I had a fortnight ago was to the effect that the only vacancies available to men from S.E.A.C. in formation colleges in this country was when they were on their release leave, and will he make a change in that respect?

I am very much obliged for the information, and I will make an investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for War, what are the intentions of his department with regard to the camp at Stoughton Drive, Leicester; and, if he is unable to close this camp within a reasonable time, if he will consider removing the main entrance from its present position and benefit the local residents.

The Camp at Stoughton Drive, Leicester, is occupied in connection with a long-term requirement. I regret that I am unable to consider removing the main entrance from its present position, as I am informed no alternative is possible. If, however, my hon. Friend has a proposal to make I will have it examined.

asked the Secretary of State for War why 6391871 Sapper H. Blaker, R.E., was posted as a deserter since 10th November, 1944, when he disappeared whilst on active service; whether he is satisfied that his previous Army career justified such a decision; and whether, in view of the mine-infested area where he disappeared, he will now consider Sapper Blaker to have met his death by misadventure so that his family may have the family allowances restored them and cease to have to depend on public assistance.

I am taking further advice on this case, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that for many months correspondence has been going on on this subject?

Yes, but the question of taking legal advice is involved in view of the special circumstances.

Will my right hon. Friend consider issuing fresh instructions to apply to similar cases by which the benefit of the doubt will in future be given to the soldier and his family and not to the State?

The Question I was asked refers to a particular case in a mine-infested area.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no reply has been sent to the hon. Member for Darwen, to his letters of 21st November, 1945, 7th and 26th February and 12th April, 1946, on behalf of Mrs. Bennett, of 31, Baron Street, Darwen, concerning her son Private Bennett.

A letter was sent to the hon. Member yesterday.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I only received that letter after I had put down this Question? Is it right that it should take eight months and five letters from a Member of Parliament before he can have a complaint from his constituents investigated, and does it not show inefficiency at the War Office?

In general I would say that eight months is too long. [ Laughter. ] I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman expected any other answer, but I may say that the complaint in this matter had to be very carefully investigated overseas and it related to conditions in a camp. At any rate, I hope the answer I have given is satisfactory.

Does the hon. Gentleman still call himself "the friend of the Forces"?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of civilians killed and injured from explosives found on moors; and if he will give an assurance that the military authorities are treating the clearance of danger areas as a matter of urgency.

The records of accidents do not show separately the figures relating to death or injury caused by explosives found on moors, and as it would require considerable research to ascertain these figures I hope my hon. Friend will not press for the information. The clearance of danger areas is being treated as most urgent, but it will be realised that the task is a formidable one

Is my right hon. Friend in a position to say what has been done to compensate persons so injured, and the dependants of persons so killed?

Every case is referred to the War Office for consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many excavators in this country belong to his Department; how many have been declared surplus; and how many have been taken up by purchasers.

Two hundred and sixty-four, of which 88 are likely to be declared as surplus; 265 have already been declared as surplus, up to 28th June. The allocation of surplus excavators is decided by an inter-departmental committee, but I understand that 115 have been sold and that sales of a further 112 are under negotiation. Of the balance, 31 are beyond repair and seven have been transferred to other Departments.

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he will make arrangements for children of officers and other ranks in Austria, whose wives have joined them under operation Henpeck, to go out to their parents during the summer holidays.

I am already looking into the possibility of doing this.

Could the hon. Gentleman say who is responsible for the very happy titling?

Certainly not the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in cases where a man is due for Python leave which would overlap his release date, the release date will be advanced to the date upon which Python would begin.

No, Sir. To do so would be to the disadvantage of the man concerned since he would thereby be deprived of a period of paid leave.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that so far as Greece is concerned, at any rate, a number of men due for leave simply had their leave cancelled because they were shortly due for demobilisation, and why cannot demobilisation be advanced to the extent of the leave?

For the reason I gave in my original answer. If we did that it would penalise the man to a certain extent; he would lose some of his paid leave.

May a man have it optionally?

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Prince of Wales college at Achimota, Gold Coast, has not been derequisitioned.

This property cannot be released until other accommodation has been provided for the present occupants. Alternative premises have been found and the necessary alterations are now being carried out as a matter of urgency. I fully appreciate the need for the early return of the School to its proper use and I hope that it will be possible to release it during September, 1946.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the new rates of pay which come into operation in July constitute a new contract, he will ask all Regular officers whether they will continue to serve or prefer to retire.

The engagement between the military officer and the Crown is not invalidated by the recent change in the rates of pay. The circumstances in which Regular officers may be permitted to retire were explained to the hon. and gallant Member in reply to a Question on 18th June.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that serving officers are becoming very tired of the policy of his Department of keeping those in who want to get out and putting those out who want to stay in?

I am afraid that that does not apply only to officers. I expect there are many other ranks who want to get out more quickly than they are doing. We have to do the best we can and I think we are doing so in the circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of the fact that all Government requisitioned property is offered to other Departments before being offered to local authorities, he has now asked for part of Millfield aerodrome to be handed over to his Department.

The domestic accommodation at this aerodrome is required to meet an urgent military commitment; it was allocated to my Department for that purpose.

May I ask what is the military commitment?

I am not in a position at the moment to give an answer.

May I ask whether it is a secret or whether the hon. Gentleman really does not know?

I know, Sir, but I think that all I can say at the moment is that it is an urgent military commitment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the accidents that have occurred to military lorries driven by prisoners of war; and if he will give an assurance that prisoners of war are thoroughly tested, not only in driving but in the British Highway Code, before being allowed to drive.

Very few accidents have occurred to military lorries driven by prisoners of war. All potential prisoners of war drivers are carefully selected and are subject to the same driving test as given to British soldier drivers, which is done by a qualified motor transport officer. The Highway Code is also explained to them.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British prisoners of war, known to have been formerly in German or Italian prisoner-of-war camps, are still untraced; and what action he is taking to trace them.

The total, for all three Services, is 65. Special organisations in Germany and Italy are still conducting exhaustive searches for any trace of these men, and repatriated prisoners who might have any knowledge of them are also approached for information.

Does that answer mean that the searches are confined to Germany and to Italy?

No. I understand general search parties are out. Of course, we have the Red Cross helping us in this matter. There was an unofficial report from German sources which appeared in the Press some days ago that British prisoners of war are believed to be imprisoned at Breslau. That statement is under investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has investigated the living conditions for German prisoners in camps No. 2218 near Brussels and No. 2228 near Waterloo; and whether court-martial proceedings have been taken against the officers commanding these camps.

As the allegations regarding conditions in these camps received considerable publicity, and naturally gave rise to very serious concern on the part of hon. Members and the general public, my right hon. Friend wishes to give the fullest information about the result of his investigations. This has necessarily involved rather a lengthy statement which my right hon. Friend will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In general terms, I am happy to be able to say that the conditions in the camps were not as represented in the Press.

Would the Financial Secretary say that if he does discover that conditions in those camps were bestial in any way he will then publicise in the German Press a statement to the effect that the British Government condemns this kind of behaviour?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to read the report, which is a very full and frank one, when I hope his opinion may be altered.

Is the report published?

Following is the Statement:

Hon. Members will recollect that an article appeared in "The Observer" of 19th May which made very serious allegations concerning the conduct of these camps, in particular Nos. 2218 and 2228. This was followed by articles in other newspapers and there have been Questions in this House and in another place regarding these camps and the condition of prisoners of war from Belgium who have been brought to this country.

On the day the first article appeared in "The Observer," I caused instructions to be issued for a full and urgent investigation into the conditions in these camps, with particular reference to the allegations of brutality, theft of prisoners of war property and misappropriation of rations, which filled me, as I am sure they did all hon. Members, with indignation and horror.

A court of inquiry was held in Belgium and made a very thorough investigation. I propose giving hon. Members a frank statement of my conclusions after considering the findings of this court and the comments of my advisers thereon. Before doing so, however, I would like to make one or two points regarding the constitution of the court and the manner in which it was conducted. The court was composed of officers who had no connection with prisoner of war camps during the period in question, the winter of 1945–1946. On the other hand, all available officers who commanded prisoner of war camps or who were intimately concerned with their adminstration during the winter were called as witnesses. Evidence was given by two representatives of the International Y.M.C.A., one of Dutch and one of Swedish nationality, and also by a delegate of the International Red Cross who had been visiting camps in Belgium for a year. In addition, an invitation was broadcast in camps Nos. 2218 and 2228 to prisoners of war to appear before the Court to make complaints regarding any irregularities seen or suffered. Only four answered this invitation and I am glad to say that the complaints made amounted to very little; in fact the most serious was of a prisoner being pushed, with an open hand, by a British guard.

A number of prisoners volunteered to give evidence in favour of the British administration. Three were heard, including a German doctor of 55 years of age who had deferred repatriation as he wished to continue his work in the Camp.

The capacity of the nine camps in Belgium was 150,000. Holdings were always changing and there are now only about 18,000 in Belgium. No. 2218 could accommodate 10,000 and No. 2228, 60,000. The latter was reduced to 40,000 and subsequently to 20,000 capacity. Three camps during last winter were hutted, the remainder tented with hutting for the camp hospital and other amenity purposes. Tents were dug in and lined. There was a shortage of clothing and blankets until late in the winter, especially in No. 2228; nevertheless, there were never less than two blankets per man and during the coldest part of the year each prisoner of war had four. All tents had stoves but fuel was limited until December, after which there was sufficient for every stove to be used from midday until evening. Water was ample in all camps except No. 2228 where, although there was sufficient for cooking and no man went thirsty, washing facilities were not up to scale. The water supply in this camp was satisfactory by the end of 1945.

With regard to the allegations of brutality, one or two isolated cases occurred and were dealt with by disciplinary action. British, German and neutral observers, who had full access to the camps and were able to hear the complaints of any prisoners of war, agree that, to all intents and purposes, brutality or harsh treatment was unknown and that it could not have occurred without its coming to light.

Orders regarding the removal of personal articles from prisoners of war are quite clear. Isolated cases did occur when these camps were first opened and there is a record of an officer being court martialled for stealing from prisoners of war. Prisoners of war arriving from America were found to be in possession of large quantities of articles such as cigarettes and soap. These in certain cases, with the agreement of the prisoners of war in transit, were distributed amongst their less fortunate comrades. It may be that this arrangement has given rise to the story of goods being taken from prisoners of war and in particular from those in transit.

The International Red Cross delegate always had all access and assistance from every Commandant and if any brutality or thieving had been brought to his notice he would have immediately informed Geneva.

That brings me to the question of rations. The scale for non-working prisoners of war was 2,000 calories, and for those working or those certified by the medical authorities as requiring additional food 2,400 calories. From January to March, all prisoners of war got 2,400. The 2,000 scale, which is the same for non-working prisoners of war in this country, is calculated to be sufficient to maintain but cannot be expected to build up a prisoner of war in a low physical state or fit him for immediate hard work. There is no evidence of a single case of stealing, rations by the British staff. Difficulties were experienced in ensuring a fair distribution by the Germans within the Compounds and undoubtedly, for a time, the privileged few did better than the remainder. Steps were taken to improve supervision and there seems no doubt that for some time past every man has got his fair share. Bartering of rations for cigarettes was prevalent and difficult to stop.

The total number of deaths from all causes from June, 1945, to May, 1946, amounted to 565, a figure of about 4.7 per thousand. This total is certainly not an alarming one but there was a rise in the death rate particularly among the older men during the three months of November, December and January. It must be recognised that the shortage of clothing and blankets in the early part of the winter may have been, to some extent, a contributory cause. I am satisfied, however, that the authorities took all possible steps to improve these conditions, but, unfortunately, matters could not be put right in time to prevent a serious outbreak of dysentery which, coinciding with the cold weather, was too much for some of the prisoners of war who belonged to the higher age groups and had never fully recovered from the privations they suffered during the closing stages of the war. It is clear that Commanders, Camp Commandants and their staffs carried out their duties conscientiously. To suggest that there was a callous outlook or indifference to the welfare of the prisoners of war is very unfair to the British officers and men concerned, who, as usual, did all they could to improve the lot of those under their care.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether those responsible for sending re-educated German prisoners from white camps in this country to camps 2218 and 2228 have been court-martialled; and whether he has ensured that white prisoners are not treated in the same way in future.

Camp 2218 was at one time used as a transit camp for small parties of anti-Nazi German prisoners of war; Camp 2228 was not used for this purpose. The larger parties now being despatched render the use of a transit camp unnecessary; the question of disciplinary action has not arisen.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make concerning the ex-Mufti of Jerusalem.