asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the conditions of employment of German nationals as domestic servants by the British occupational Forces, so far as they affect the notice required to be given by the employee to leave the position, and the notice required to be given by the employer.

The same conditions apply whether the servants are employed by British or German nationals. Where employees are paid daily, one day's notice is necessary: for monthly paid servants notice must be given 14 days before the end of the month. For serious offences employment can be terminated at once. The periods of notice required are the same for both parties.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of British and German nationals employed in the Control Commission at 1st May, 1946; and the number so employed at 1st December, 1946, or the most convenient date.

The numbers were 22,265 British on 1st May, 1946; 26,171 British and 50,545 Germans on 1st December, 1946. There is no record of the number of Germans employed on 1st May. The figure of British subjects for 1st December includes 2,400 engaged on services not performed by C.C.G. on 1st May.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why these figures grow continually, in spite of promises that adequate reductions are to be made?

They do not grow continually, of course. The current establishment, as announced in the House, is 26,000. There are certain numbers to be added, making it up to 26,171, due entirely to the fact that we have taken over large services from B.A.O.R., including transport Forces, with an increase in the North German Timber Control, and the families' education schemes.

Can the hon. Gentleman divide the figure for the British into civilian and Service personnel?

I am afraid I could not, without notice.

With regard to the Timber Control, can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether we are still trying to teach the Germans forestry?

No, not at all. The timber is being cut largely for export to this country, and, therefore, it is necessary that it should be under our control.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what report he has received from the officials of Scotland Yard sent to Germany to investigate certain irregularities by members of the Control Commission; and when he proposes to publish the recommendations in that report.

I have received two reports from the officials in question summarising the progress of their inquiries, which are not yet complete. The reports, which are confidential, cannot be published. If evidence of any criminal offence is disclosed suitable proceedings will be taken and reports will no doubt appear in the Press in the usual way. If there is no evidence on which charges can be founded it is obvious that reports of the investigations cannot be published

Can my hon. Friend say how the answer he has just given fits in with his promise a few weeks ago to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a report on the irregularities at two Control Commission clubs, at Detmold and Vinsebeck? Is that report coming soon?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the reply I have given, which refers to investigations which are not yet complete.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the irregularities referred to in the Question and answer have anything to do with the procedure which caused a Supplementary Estimate for Lao million?

Answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to be able to make a decision regarding the case of Mr. J. A. Thompson, 8, Granville Road, Stroud Green, N.4, who contracted tuberculosis whilst on duty for the Control Commission in Germany.

I have asked for full reports, including a medical report, on this case, to ascertain whether Mr. Thompson's disease is attributable to his service in Germany. Once these reports are received an early decision should be possible

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been going on now for a matte: of weeks, and that it is three weeks ago that I wrote to him, and that I have been unable to get any satisfaction in regard to this outrageous treatment of the man?

I think the hon. Member is aware of the position so far as we have ascertained it, and the dates on which this member of the Commission staff contracted this disease. But, obviously, I think the establishment of the fact that a disease like tuberculosis did arise from service in the conditions in Germany is a difficult proposition

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I myself have seen certificates from his own doctors in which they admit that this man contracted this disease in the execution of his duties? Is it not outrageous that this man should be kept in hospital, destitute, while the Department carries out investigations which ought to have been carried out weeks ago?

These investigations are being carried out.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many members of the Control Commission have been dismissed for misbehaviour; and whether he has any statement to make upon the disciplinary steps which he has taken.

The number is 217, most of the cases being in respect of offences against the rules of official conduct. All cases of reported misbehaviour are carefully investigated, and disciplinary action taken where necessary. As indicated in the first part of my answer, we have no hesitation in dismissing proved offenders.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there has recently been great improvement in the standard?

Most certainly, Sir, and I think that that is borne out by all observer`.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many of the Control Commission staff are under seven, six, five, four, three, two or one year contracts of service, respectively.

There are 1991 temporary civilian engagements to 30th September, 1952, 1590 to 30th September, 1950, and 3637 to 30th September, 1948. Staff whose contracts do not extend beyond 30th September, 1948, and established civil servants on loan number 14053.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will arrange that when prisoners of war are interrogated by P.I.D. with a view to assessing their political grade, a British officer of the camp staff will also be present and share the responsibility for the finding.

By arrangement with the War Office, where suitable interpreter officers or N.C.O.s of the British camp staff are available, they already share directly in the process of screening. At appeals against grading, prisoners of war have the right to request the presence of a member of the British staff.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present system is to have short, two-minute interviews by visiting staffs, who, in the main, do not know anything of the character and background of the men, and that there is little confidence in them? Is he further aware that, in the opinion of many commanding officers, these visiting staffs, of whom too many are emigre Germans, are highly prejudiced and quite unsuitable for the job?

I am not aware of the two-minute interviews to which the hon. Member has referred. If he will let me have particulars, we will check up. The interviews are carried out by people fitted for the job. Full information is given to the Germans to the effect that they can be accompanied by a member of the staff.

When people appeal against their categories, will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that their appeals are heard in a reasonable time, and that they are not left languishing in prison?

Certainly.

Are there any steps taken to ensure that the politics of these examiners are non-totalitarian?

I am afraid I do not think it would be necessary to take any further steps than are already taken to that end.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what plans there are for the redistribution of agricultural land in the British zone of Germany; and whether productivity in the near future is the decisive object of such plans.

Plans are under consideration for further steps in agrarian reform in the British zone, including the redistribution of agricultural land. An announcement will be made shortly. A primary consideration will be the maintenance of the maximum food production in the zone.

By "maintenance of the maximum food production" does the hon. Gentleman mean that the maximum has already been reached? When he says "primary consideration," does he mean that that is to be the decisive factor? Thirdly, can he tell us on what principle or practice of international law we are entitled to alter these arrangements except for immediate practical use?

In reply to the last part of the supplementary question, we are part of the Government of Germany at the moment, and we have the necessary authority and the necessary civil status to impose such conditions as these, if we consider them necessary in the interests of security.

Security?

In regard to the maintenance of production, that is related to the resources available—fertiliser seed, and so on—and it is our intention to maintain it.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us, if land redistribution is carried cut in the interests of security, what is the definition of security?

No, Sir. I did not say land distribution is necessarily carried out for security. Agrarian reform steps are now being examined in regard to Germany which cover some land redistribution, and which take into account the interests of security.

Is there any possible democratic basis for that?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what food, clothing and pay are provided for, and what restrictions are placed upon, the Yugoslav military at present in a displaced persons camp in Germany, of which the name has been communicated to him.

There are at present no Yugoslav military in this camp. Those who volunteered and have been accepted for the new civil Mixed Watchmen's Service have left for training elsewhere. Those remaining were converted to displaced persons' status on 7th February, 1947, and are now treated in the same way as other displaced persons as regards food and clothing. They receive no pay unless they are in remunerative employment and, as displaced persons, they are now liable to direction to work.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster under what provision of the Quadrupartite Agreement this country is barred from discontinuing the dismantling of plants in Germany without further consultation, in view of the fact that the U.S.A. has already declared that they themselves have decided to follow that policy.

We are not so debarred by any specific provision of any such Agreement.

In view of the fact that the Americans have stopped dismantling, and have declared that they have stopped dismantling, will the hon. Gentleman say why we have not declared that we are stopping, or have stopped already? What is the objection to telling the Germans what we are doing?

I understand that that was fully replied to in the recent Debate [HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—to the effect that the Americans have decided to stop dismantling plants other than plants on two lists agreed by the Control Council, and that we are taking the same steps, except in regard to plant defined as war plant.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to make sure that the German population know about this, as they aid not know when I was there a fortnight ago?

We are taking the necessary steps to inform the German population and all others of the steps we are prepared to take in regard to it.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much demolition work has been carried out on Heligoland; and what is the future of the island.

No demolition work as such has yet been carried out. It;s intended to demolish the island's extensive fortifications, but otherwise its future has not been decided.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to what extent the domestic coal allocation in Berlin has been honoured; and what further deliveries will be made to domestic consumers and when.

No programme of domestic fuel allocations has been formulated in Berlin, but there was a distribution in November of about one cwt. of brown coal briquettes for each household. Other deliveries have been made on a sector basis. In the British and American sectors, arrangements were made for 280,000 tons of brown coal briquettes to be supplied between October, 1946, and March, 1947, for distribution on the basis of six cwts. for each household of three or four persons. One hundred and eighty thousand tons have so far been distributed.

Is it possible to say what steps are being taken now to ensure that there is adequate heating in those houses during the exceptionally severe weather?

Yes, Sir. We have sought to maintain, and with some success, the heating arrangements by means of gas, electricity, and so on, the availability of wood fuel, and, of course, the bringing in of as much coal as possible to meet requirements for domestic purposes.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why the rations of displaced persons in the British zone have been reduced to the level of the German population; and whether he will give instructions that in future they are to receive the same rations as the occupation Forces.

The rations for displaced persons have not been reduced, but the scales ruling for the German population have been increased to the same level as those for displaced persons. The answer to the second part of the Question is, No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will give an assurance that no displaced person will be required to work against his will under the Germans.

All employable displaced persons in the British zone of Germany are now liable for employment, including employment under Germans. Any displaced person who feels aggrieved by compulsory direction to particular work will have a right of appeal.

Is not the answer the hon. Gentleman has now given a complete contradiction of the promises that have already been made? Is it not, in fact, making these people carry out the very work for which Hitler himself transplanted them?

They are now being given an opportunity of earning a living, and they are protected against discriminatiou by any German or German authority. It is considered that this is a good thing.

How are the wages and conditions of work safeguarded?

By the usual safeguards applied to those conditions in Germany.

I have never in all my political experience heard such an extraordinary answer.

I would point out that my original answer said that they were liable to direction to employment, if necessary under Germans, and, therefore, would be subject to the same conditions safeguarding their employment as the Germans.

Is this an indication that the Labour Government now believe in the principle of the direction of labour?

In the case of emergency, and in the German conditions, we have adopted the principle of direction of labour, as a condition of relief and maintenance; and we see no reason why it should not be extended to displaced persons.

On a point of Order. I should I like your guidance on this, Mr. Speaker. The hon. Gentleman appears to be dealing with a matter of policy which, I find, he gave in a written answer on Wednesday, 10th February, when he was asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Buckingham (Flight-Lieut. Crawley) if he had any further statement to make concerning the future of displaced persons of the British zones of Germany and Austria. He then proceeded to make a statement covering more than a column and a half, in which there appears to be a fundamental change in our whole policy in this matter, which obviously is one of first-rate political importance. The point of Order want to raise with you, Sir, is whether that is the proper way to an nounce to the House a change of policy of this kind? Is there not an obligation on Ministers, if they are doing that, to do it openly and to seek a proper opportunity to do it in the House, instead of secreting it in this hole-and-corner way? The hon. Gentleman has not even referred to it in the answer he has given today.

That statement may have been made in answer to a Parliamentary Question which may not have been reached—[HON. MEMBERS: It was."]—so that the answer would be printed in HANSARD.

This is not one of those cases which appear in the Written Answers only because the questioner was not present to get an oral answer. it is true that an oral Question was put down, but the form of the answer shows quite clearly that the Minister always intended not to give his answer in public, but to give it as a circulated answer in HANSARD. I suggest to you, Sir, that it is quite outside the ordinary traditions of this House for important announcements of changes of policy to be made in that way.

That is not a matter over which I have any control. It is a matter for the Minister himself.

Why should not these people be put under the Germans? Do not we, as displaced persons on this side, have to work under the Socialist Government?

It was I who put down the Question, and, unfortunately, I was prevented from being here. As far as I was aware there was no intention of secrecy about the answer at all.

Further to that point of Order, I know perfectly well that this was an arranged Question.

indicated dissent.

I gather the hon. and gallant Gentleman has stated that it was not an arranged Question.

Was it?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in the courts to be established by us in Germany, it will be possible for Germans to take action or to apply that action should be taken against British personnel alleged to have stolen German private property or to have refused to pay their debts; and whether German women will be able to apply for affiliation orders at those courts in respect of British fathers of their children.

No, Sir. The discussions which I mentioned in my answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Mr. Rees-Williams) on 12th February concerned the possible setting up of a body to consider claims against British personnel acting in the course of their duty. In the Control Commission courts criminal proceedings can be taken against British personnel alleged to have stolen German private property. Should such proceedings result in a conviction the court has the power to order the restitution of the property or the proceeds thereof to the person entitled. Neither the Control Corn-mission courts nor German courts at present hear actions by Germans for recovery of goods or non-payment of debts or applications for affiliation orders against British personnel.

Why cannot these courts be so constructed as to be able to deal with this very important type of case in Germany? What is the real objection to that?

Germany, of course, is an occupied country, and I think it will be clear to the House that the grant of facilities to the nationals of an occupied country to bring court actions against the occupying authorities would create a most invidious situation. It is a situation which could not be acceptable at the present time. I can, however, give my hon. Friend an assurance that, as far as German women are concerned, we are examining very carefully and sympathetically some means by which they can be protected.

Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that because we are an occupying Power in Germany normal fundamental human rights can he abrogated?

No, Sir, but there are certain legal difficulties in connection with the bringing of actions by the German population against the occupying authorities. As I have said, it is not our desire or intention that they should be left unprotected.

What action is being taken?

Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that British soldiers actually commit this category of offence? I understood it was only the soldiers of another country who were guilty.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how soon he expects the ration scale laid down in the Anglo-U.S. bi-zonal food programme to be fully implemented; and why expectations about the announced distribution have not been realised in the British zone.

Full implementation of the present agreed ration scale for the joint zones of 1,550 calories to normal consumers is at present only prevented by transport difficulties, which should be reduced when weather conditions improve.

While I did not entirely hear what my hon. Friend said, does not he think it wiser to publicise a scale of ration which can be honoured fully in Germany than a scale which only raises false hopes in the breasts of the Germans because it cannot be honoured?

No, Sir, because in fact, apart from one or two isolated instances, the full scale of rations is being honoury In so far as it has not been honourer a particular time or place it has been due to local temporary breakdowns. We prefer to hold ourselves obliged to supply that ration so far as is physically possible, and to make up arrears as soon as possible.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that in the area round Hamburg in the last four months, except for about two or three weeks, there has not been more than about two-thirds of the ration? Everybody in Germany knows that; it is only Norfolk House that does not.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will publish the Report made covering the Spartan plan of bidding for consumer goods for the ordinary civilian population in the British zone of Germany compared with the actual quantity of consumer goods received.

No, Sir. This report is now out of date and does not take account of recent developments. No useful purpose would be served by its publication.

Will not my hon. Friend tell the House of the dismal failure of the whole effort?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received to his communication of 30th January with regard to the arrest of Madame Marie Marynowska, employed as interpreter at the British Embassy in Warsaw, who was carried off in the middle of the night by the secret police.

No reply has yet been received by His Majesty's Ambassador to the Note addressed to the Polish authorities on 30th January, or to subsequent oral representations on his part.

Is the House to understand that His Majesty's Government cannot protect an employee of the British Embassy in Warsaw?

We have sent a written note and have made oral representations. We have also expressed the hope that possibly this lady may be released under the Amnesty.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Janush Kazimierezak has been condemned in Warsaw to eight years' imprisonment by the military tribunal for having acted as interpreter to Mr. Derek Selby, correspondent of the "Sunday Times" who was ordered to leave Warsaw in violation of the Yalta and Potsdam agreements; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is aware of the outcome of this case. As Kazimierczak is a Polish citizen, no formal action would be appropriate.

But in view of the Yalta and Potsdam agreements, how is it possible for British correspondents to carry out their duties if their interpreters are being perpetually arrested?

This man is a Polish citizen; and it is not for us to express an opinion on a decision of the Polish courts.

How many interpreters attached to the British Embassy or to Press correspondents have now been arrested by the Provisional Government?

I cannot say without, notice. We are, of course, very much concerned at what may well be a restriction on the free work of journalists in Poland, but, as I have explained, it is not a case in which we can rightly interfere.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this man got a fairer trial than a nationalist would get in Northern Ireland?

Is the position quite as the hon. Gentleman has described it? If this Question is accurate, and the man has been arrested for working for a British journalist, though he may be a Polish subject, there are, surely, grounds upon which some representations could be made?

No, Sir. I think there is a distinction in this case, and since this man is a Polish citizen we should, in this particular case, be wrong to make representations.

Can my hon. Friend say whether it is true that Mr. Selby, together with other British correspondents, was warned by the Polish Government not to inveigle interpreters into making contacts for them with the underground, as the consequences, as far as the interpreters were concerned, would be very serious?

That is another question. I would not like to answer it without notice.

Is not the result of this to compel British newspapers to employ Poles as correspondents, and that since those Poles are completely under the control of the Polish Government, it is impossible for us to get independent evidence from Poland?

We have to keep a balance in these things. We have made representations in cases of this kind, but this was a decision of a Polish court in which we have no right to interfere.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the personnel of the board of the public company which he has appointed to develop the Cameroons under British Mandate.

My hon. and learned Friend no doubt refers to the Cameroons Development Corporation, which has been set up by the Government of Nigeria under legislation enacted last December that legislation provides for the appointment by the Governor of a Board of six to eight members, including the chairman. The personnel of the Board is still under consideration, but the Chairman is to be Mr. F. E. V. Smith, the Development Secretary of the Nigerian Government. An announcement of the other appointments will be made in due course by the Government of Nigeria.

Can my right hon. Friend say when this Board is likely to begin to operate, and what will be its powers?

I think the Board will begin to operate as soon as appointments are made. As to its powers, it is, first of all, concerned with the cultivation of banana plantations, but will go on to cultivate, in the Cameroons, other West African products.

Does the establishment of this Corporation specifically rule out the setting-up of private companies and private plantations in the Cameroons?

Not necessarily

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what assistance is to be given to the Governments of Northern Rhodesia, Tanganyika, Kenya and Uganda in constructing the proposed trunk road between those territories approved at the recent East African Governors' Conference; and whether the necessary sum of £1,750,000 will be made available from the Colonial Development Fund

I have been notified that the East African Governors intend to apply for assistance from funds available under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act for the purpose of improving the standard of this road. I have not yet received their detailed application. When it reaches me I shall consider it in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In view of the urgency of the development of this road for the purposes of trade, as well as defence, will the right hon. Gentleman consider pressing on with this work this year?

We are possessed with a sense of urgency

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, pending construction of a broadcasting station at Lagos, he will arrange for broadcasts to be made in Hausa to the 10,000,000 of Hausa-speaking peoples in British West Africa.

I am informed that broadcasts in Hausa are already made over rediffusion systems which serve many of the larger Nigerian cities, and these re-diffusion services are being extended. My information is that in the Gold Coast news in Hausa is broadcast by the rediffusion service at Kumasi, where the bulk of the small Hausa-speaking population is concentrated. Owing to lack of electric power Hausa broadcasts from Accra transmitting station, which can be heard in both Nigeria and the Gold Coast, have ceased, but their resumption is under consideration. The possibility of broadcasts from this country in Hausa has been considered, but is regarded as impracticable at present.

As the 10 million Hausa-speaking people, or at any rate their leaders, do not know anything about the services which the right hon. Gentleman says exist, will he tell them about them?

We do our best to broadcast the information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rediffusion sets are mostly to be found in the large towns and in the South, where the Hausa people do not live?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of that fact.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British people in Palestine are known to have neither come into the compounds nor to have been evacuated; where these people now are; and what steps are being taken to ensure their safety whilst they remain in Palestine.

British civilians are still permitted to reside and work in unprotected areas if they are persons in religious orders, missionaries or non-Government doctors or nurses. These number over Zoo, but some Will for convenience shortly move into protected areas. In addition, II British civilians have been permited, for special reasons, to live outside protected areas. Two have been provided with special guards; in the case of the remaining nine, special precautions are considered unnecessary.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a check-up was made of the number of British citizens before the new precaution came into operation, and can he tell us the present whereabouts of all these people? If there has not been a check-up, can he say when there will be?

I should require notice of that question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to maintain these arduous living conditions until after the hearing by the General Assembly of the United Nations?

No, Sir, the matter is under consideration by the Government at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether 'he has any statement to make about ex-members of the Palestine Police Force receiving a free credit of unemployment insurance contributions; and whether he has yet approached the Palestine Government on this matter.

I have approached the Government of Palestine on this matter and am awaiting their views. I regret that I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Defence whether the defence of the Suez Canal is now the sole responsibility of the British Empire.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Article 8 of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936, under which Britain co-operates with Egypt for the defence of the Canal.

Are we to understand that the actual written word of Article 36 still stands, and that because of the conversations of last year our Forces have not been in any way diminished, and are still taking chief responsibility?

The written word still stands.

Is it not a fact that according to the provisions of the Imperial Conference, 1923–26, responsibility for Imperial defence, other than local, rests primarily with this country? Further, is it not a fact that that decision has never been changed, and that it is a burden which this country can no longer carry?

I must rest on the answer I have given, and refer my hon. Friend to Article 8 of the Treaty. engagements, and on the whole I am bound to say that the short service engagement scheme is going very satisfactorily indeed, especially in relation to officers who are either serving now or who have already left the Service and want to come hack.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give us the latest figures?

No, I cannot at the moment give the figures out of my head, but this is a matter which could be usefully pursued by putting a Question down on the Order Paper. If that were done I should be prepared to answer it. I think I have dealt as faithfully as I can and, hope, in as hill detail as I can, with the points that have been raised by various hon. Members tonight. Considering that-we are demobilising something like 700,000 men within this year and the next I do not think one can expect this Army Estimates to be rigidly accurate From what I have seen of previous Estimates and Supplementary Estimates in this House—I have not seen as many as the noble Lord, of course, but I have seen quite a few—and although I am not claiming for one moment that we have estimated as closely as might have been possible, taking it by and large I think we have done our best. I hope the explanation I have given to the Committee this evening will now enable them to let me have the Estimates.

Is the Minister not intending to give an answer to the question concerning the employment of Polish troops and the suggestion that they might be embodied in a foreign legion?

I have answered the question about creating a foreign legion. It is against the policy of His Majesty's Government to do so, but I think I can say to the hon. and gallant Gentleman and, in fact, to the whole Committee, that the Polish troops who were brought here came only because they had served the Allied cause and fought so valiantly during the war against, in the main, Fascism and Nazism. I think I can say that we are rehabilitating them, either by getting them back to Poland—and I only wish that those who are willing could go back a little quicker, but the delay is not all on this side—or, in the case of those who do not want to go back, by establishing them in some civilian occupation where they can lift up their heads, look every man in the face, earn an, honest living and live the rest of their days in peace.

The right hon. Gentleman has just mentioned the matter of the Poles, and I should like to begin by saying a few words about them. There seems to me to be considerable confusion in the Minister's mind as to the difference between policy and fact, and one now begins to understand much more clearly, "Let us Face the Future." But that is perhaps a little outside this discussion. What I did ask, and what we have not yet had cleared up, is why that original decision was taken to presume that so many Poles were to be able to get back to Poland. We do not know why that decision was ever taken. It was obviously a wrong decision and it appears that there is no possible ground for ever having made the supposition that very many Poles would get back. In view of what has happened today there seems less likelihood than ever.

I can answer that point. They have incurred their own losses, which are not part of ours, and they presumably have made their own arrangements.

I am grateful for that information. I was wondering whether perhaps all the special vouchers which are circulating and are supposedly printed by our authorities were, in fact, the only ones, or whether there were some others resembling ours which had been printed elsewhere. I think it is just possible that that might have happened. I was hoping that perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would answer that point and that if the printer has been traced some slight representation might be made—if it has not been made already—to the offending Power. I understand that there is a little doubt over that matter, and I hope that it will soon be cleared up and that whatever is established will be announced to the country.

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman is confusing disembarkation leave and demobilisation leave. Demobilisation leave arises when a man leaves the Services and goes back into civilian life.

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that correction, but the fact remains that he said it depended upon whether or not they took demobilisation leave, from which it appears that certain men were refusing to take demobilisation leave. Another point to which I wish to refer is the matter of bounties, which was touched upon by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North Blackpool (Brigadier Low). My hon. and gallant Friend referred to the last figures which the right hon. Gentleman has given, and I hope that, before the end of the Debate, the right hon. Gentleman will be able to give us the latest news. I understand that, since the power cut, there has been a considerable increase in the number of men coming back. I remember that very early in this Parliament, the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Labour said that the one thing he did not want the Army to become was a home for the unemployed. I do not want to get out of Order on this matter. The increase in regard to bounties is an original increase in the shape of £1 million, and I take it that the £1 million is sufficiently much in excess of the figures before the power cut was made to enable a pretty good influx as a result of the bounty. I hope, however, that the right hon. Gentleman will bear in mind all the time that if we simply allow the Army to become a second best to civilian employment, the Army, the country, and the world will

asked the Minister of Food the date, quantity, and price of each purchase of oilcakes from the Argentine during the past nine months.