asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when a schedule of air mail services from this country will be advertised by post offices.

Particulars of the air mail services to countries abroad are advertised in the Air Mail Leaflet, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy.

Will the Assistant Postmaster-General consider advertising in the windows of the post offices as was done before the war, and will he bear in mind that to do so will be of great assistance to traders with other countries?

The air mail leaflet will be available at all post offices.

Will the hon. Gentleman put it in the windows?

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the rates of postage for air-mail letters and letter-cards from this country to Services personnel at present undergoing training in Southern Rhodesia; and what are the equivalent rates in the case of Services personnel mail to this country from Southern Rhodesia.

Under wartime arrangements which are still in force, all letters up to one ounce in weight posted in this country for the Forces in Southern Rhodesia are forwarded by air at the ordinary surface postage of 1½d.; heavier letters are forwarded by air, if specially prepaid for air transmission at the rate of 6d. for the first 1½ ounces and 6d. for each succeeding half ounce. The postal service from the Forces in Southern Rhodesia is provided by the Southern Rhodesian Administration whose present charges for air conveyance to the United Kingdom are, I understand, 6d. for lightweight air letters and 1s. 3d. per half ounce for other letters.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among Service personnel in Southern Rhodesia because they have to pay approximately three times the postage for letters sent from there to this country as is charged for those which are sent in the opposite direction, and will he undertake a reciprocal arrangement whereby the rates are equalised?

We are carrying on what was a wartime concession for letters sent from this country. The Southern Rhodesian authorities very generously made a similar concession during the war but they had the right to decide when it should be withdrawn and they have exercised that right.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General, why the local authority is being asked for a £4 yearly guarantee for a public telephone kiosk at Waterstock; and, in view of the fact that there has been a public telephone in the village since 1929, if he will erect the kiosk without demanding a guarantee, as the wires and poles already exist.

Circumstances at Water-stock justify the provision of a public telephone kiosk without contribution from the local authority and the kiosk will be erected as soon as the labour and supplies position permits.

Will the Assistant Postmaster-General say why it was necessary to put this question and why a local authority was being blackmailed to pay this charge?

The hon. and gallant Member asked why should a local authority be blackmailed. That is an insinuation and should not be used.

I am sorry. I used a stronger word than I intended. I will withdraw and will substitute: "Why are they forced to pay this £4"?

Local authorities are asked to make this contribution so that the Department can judge the amount of business that is likely to be available in that district. In this case a mistake was made because at the time there was temporarily no post office there.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the same policy that the electricity undertakings in this country under private enterprise have been carrying on for years?

I have nothing to do with electricity.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the number of villages where no telephone kiosk exists giving 24-hour service; and those where there is a limited service during office hours of the post office.

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. As regards the second part, the number is approximately 2,000.

Is the Minister aware that if this telephone business was run by private enterprise these figures would be available, and will he take steps to have this information made available now?

It is because it is not being run by private enterprise that we are taking steps, and telephone kiosks will be put in all these 2,000 centres as soon as the supply position eases.

Is it not a fact that it was only because private enterprise made a real mess of the telephone service that it was handed over to the State?

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when he will erect a telephone kiosk in Drayton St. Leonards, as at present no facilities exist for telephoning outside the ordinary office hours of the sub-post office, in view of the fact that when the post office is shut there is no public telephone within two miles.

The provision of a telephone kiosk at Drayton St. Leonards is in hand, but I regret that owing to supply difficulties I do not expect it to be ready for service until about four months' time.

Why is it to take four months when there is a telephone inside the post office, and why cannot the kiosk be built outside the post office, using the same wire and the same poles?

We cannot put a telephone outside until we have a kiosk, and we cannot get kiosks because private enterprise cannot supply them.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones in the borough of Bexley have been outstanding for more than one, two and three years, respectively.

The number of applications for telephones in the borough of Bexley outstanding for more than one year is 1,244, of which 639 have been outstanding for more than two years and 443 for more than three years.

Will my hon. Friend take steps to expedite the provision of telephones in this area where the need is particularly great, even at a time when it is recognised to be great everywhere?

As I have told the hon. Gentleman previously in a reply, we are putting down a cable there and are waiting for an extension of the exchange.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will restore money order facilities between the Channel Islands and the United Kingdom.

Yes, Sir. The Money Order service with the Channel Islands will be restored as soon as the necessary warrant, which is now in print, can be brought into operation.

Is it not a fact that there is no restriction now on the movement of money between the Channel Islands and the United Kingdom and, if that is so, why is there this long delay in restoring the money order facilities?

The delay arises from regulations in the Channel Islands regarding the movement of currency. The warrant is ready and will be signed in a day or two, and once it has been laid before Parliament it will be a matter of only about a fortnight.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what increase has been made in the staff of his Department during the last 12 months; what is the present size of the staff and the approximate number of part-time workers; and, in view of the limited resources of manpower, what action is being taken to offer full-time employment to part-time workers over the age of 45 years rather than recruit additional staff.

The increase of Post Office staff during the twelve months ended 31st December, 1946, was 28,036. The total number of Post Office staff on 1st January, 1947, the latest figure available, was 350,901, which included 52,264 part-time staff. All these figures include industrial as well as non-industrial staff. Part-time employees on some manipulative grades have opportunities of advancement to full-time posts under certain conditions even though they may be over 45. If the hon. Member has a particular grade in mind and will communicate with me, I will look into the matter.

What is the age limit for employment by the Post Office of disabled ex-Servicemen in the Manchester area?

It is the same in the Manchester area as in other areas. Special provision is made for regular ex-Servicemen and there are also special conditions for ex-Servicemen who have been disabled up to 45 or 50 years of age in certain cases.

Am I to take it then that there is no age limit but that this has been imposed by someone without authority in Manchester?

The age limit in Manchester is similar to that elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware of the poor conditions under which officers and airmen serving at the R.A.F. station, Hednesford, are living; and if he will make investigations, with a view to improving them.

The Commanding Officer at Hednesford has received no complaints about the living conditions in his station, and none have been received by the Air Ministry in London. Hednesford, however, is a hutted camp, and I know that some hardship was caused during the recent cold weather by the shortage of fuel and by frozen pipes. I hope that some improvement may be made at Hednesford this year, but I regret that I cannot now predict when the station can be re-built.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my information is that complaints have been made to the commanding officer and that conditions of living have been described as squalor? May I ask the Minister to have this station looked into because there is very great dissatisfaction there?

I will certainly have it looked into, and I am much obliged to the hon. and gallant Member. I asked for a report and I have been assured that the accommodation at Hednesford compares quite favourably with that at our other hutted camps which, of course, leave much to be desired.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the claims of junior officers for the replacement of service and personal kit destroyed by fire caused by Egyptian rioters on 21st February, 1946, remain unpaid.

There is no record in London of the claims to which the hon. Member refers. I have called for a report from the Middle East and I will write to him when it is received.

Would the right hon. Gentleman accept my assurance that one of my constituents, a flight lieutenant, is one of the victims? Since the fact that there is no information in London is no evidence that the claims do not exist, will he take steps to see that they are paid, because the junior officers have not the means from their slender resources to make good the kit?

Of course, such claims are normally dealt with by the command, but I have asked for a report and I will write to the hon. Member when I receive it.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made with the air photograph survey of Great Britain; and when will the results be made available to the public.

The R.A.F. have made air photographs of about two-thirds of the United Kingdom. This photo- graphy can only be done in clear weather, and in special aircraft, with crews who have special experience and skill. For these reasons, the making of new photographs is not keeping pace with the demand from the Ministry of Town and Country Planning and from other departments. I am considering the question of the general sale of these photographs to the public, but, in view of the shortages of staff and materials, I cannot yet say how soon this can be arranged.

Are these aircraft placed at the disposal of the Archaeological Officer of the Ordnance Survey?

Of course we work very closely with the Ordnance Survey authority and all photographs are made to Ordnance Survey standards, so that I think the Ordnance Survey can obtain roughly what they want.

But is the Archaeological Officer included?

I think so.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when airmen will be issued with the book of clothing coupons promised for the year commencing 1st October, 1946.

I understand from my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade, that it will not be possible, as we had hoped, to issue clothing coupons to all airmen who had one year or more to serve on 1st October, 1946. Instead, as my right hon. and learned Friend said on 13th March, coupons can be given only to regular airmen. It is hoped that these coupons will be issued in June.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are a number of airmen who cannot enjoy the privilege of wearing civilian clothes because they lack the necessary coupons with which to obtain them?

Yes, Sir. I think such men are mostly regular airmen who have served for a considerable time. They—or most of them—will receive 30 coupons in June and will also be given five coupons for each year of their service since 1941.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement regarding future plans for the R.A.F. station at Wig Bay, Wigtownshire.

The R.A.F. Station at Wig Bay is at present in use as an aircraft storage unit. I regret that it is not yet possible to decide whether it will be required in future as a permanent station.

Is the Minister aware of the consternation caused locally by reports that this station is to be closed permanently, and will he bear this very much in mind?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the representations made by the town council of Stranraer, but of course we must decide our policy about stations in the light of wider considerations.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will arrange to reduce the maintenance staffs at several aerodromes.

I am glad to assure my hon. Friend that the establishments of all stations of the R.A.F. are kept under constant review, and that every effort is made to reduce the care and maintenance staff to the lowest numbers who can do the job. If, however, he will let me know of any airfields at which he thinks a special inquiry should be made, I will take the necessary action.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at several maintenance units in the Swindon district the men have informed me that they have practically nothing to do?

If my hon. Friend will give me the details I will be very glad to do anything required.

Can my right hon Friend say how many of these units are still being maintained and how many it is intended to close in the immediate future?

I think I had better have notice of that Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if, in view of the fact that many men in the R.A.F. joined for regular service for a settled number of years and are now, owing to the changed economic position of the country, wanting to enter productive industry, facilities can now be re-introduced immediately to enable them to purchase their discharge in accordance with the provisions in K.Rs. and A.C.Is., paragraphs 636–644.

Under the King's Regulations to which my hon. Friend refers, these airmen could only purchase their discharge, if there would be no detriment to the Service. With the present shortage of trained men, however, the R.A.F. would certainly suffer if regular airmen were released before they had served their time. My hon. Friend will be aware that airmen are now released, when that is appropriate, on compassionate grounds, and without payment of any kind. What system should in future be adopted is not under consideration.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that some of these men are technicians, and the requirements of industry being as great as if not greater than those of the Services, will he take this matter into consideration when looking into it?

I am aware of that, but unfortunately it is these highly trained people who are in the shortest supply in the Royal Air Force.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the number of casualties per passenger mile which took place on scheduled flights operated by British companies during 1946.

The number of passenger fatalities on scheduled flights operated by United Kingdom companies during 1946 was 8.2 per 100 million passenger miles. This information was published on 13th March last in a statistical survey of accidents on regular air services, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary able to say how this compares with the rate in the United States?

Yes, Sir. For 1946, the rate in the United States was 2.3 per 100 million miles, as against 8.2 for this country. In 1945, the rate for this country was nil, because we were fortunate in having no accidents, while the rate for the United States was in the same region. It would be wrong to draw inferences on safety from the figures.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how these figures compare with the last year before the war?

The figures are very much better. The figure for 1926–30 was 54.2; for 1931–35, 35.3; for 1936–40, 15.3, and for 1941–45, 9.4.

Will my hon. Friend keep before him the fact that while these statistics are interesting, the main thing is the survival chances of passengers in aeroplanes in the event of accidents?

In view of the fact that these figures will probably obtain considerable publicity, could not the Parliamentary Secretary arrange for the Press to be given figures which are comparable, where the noughts are not confused? The percentages he gave in the last part of his reply are meaningless, unless they refer to the mileage covered.

The statement issued to the Press on 13th March gave the number of operational flights, stage flights, passenger miles, passengers carried, and the figures have been given fairly good publicity, particularly in the trade Press.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in what circumstances have civil airport authorities the power to prohibit aircraft captains from initiating their own flights.

Under Article 10 of the Air Navigation (Consolidation) Order, 1923, an aircraft may be detained at an airport by any person authorised by my noble Friend for such reasons as failure to comply with the requirements of that Order as regards certification of airworthiness, licences or certificates of competency of the air crew, and observance of customs regulations, and in addition, if its intended flight appears likely to infringe any provisions of that Order and to cause danger. Under paragraph 4 of Schedule II, the Minister has power to detain a passenger or goods aircraft that he believes to be in a condition unfit for flight.

Does that mean that the pilot decides in the case of weather conditions whether or not he takes off?

Absolutely.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when it is proposed to establish a regular air service to the British Cameroons, and how frequently it will operate.

West Africa is at present served by a thrice-weekly air service from the United Kingdom terminating at Lagos. An extension to the British Cameroons of this trunk service would not be justified by the traffic potential, and is not at present contemplated. A proposal to operate an air service between Lagos and the British Cameroons is, however, under consideration by the West African air transport authority, but it is unlikely that it could be started in the immediate future, having regard to uncertainties regarding aircraft deliveries and provision of other resources.

Does the Minister realise the very important part such an air service will play in developing that region, and that the only direct access today is by a French airline?

That is appreciated, and consultations are taking place between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and his Under-Secretary, and my noble Friend and myself. We are fortunate in those consultations, in that the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies has had very recent experience in West Africa and a very extensive knowledge of my Department.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the earliest possible date on which the B.O.A.C. Trans-Sahara route to Kano and Lagos is likely to come into operation; and how frequently it will run.

It is the long-term plan to operate the air service to West Africa via the Sahara, and this will be done as soon as suitable aircraft are available for the purpose. It is not possible at this stage to say precisely when this will be. In the meantime, the service to Lagos, which at present operates three times a week, and will shortly be increased in frequency, will continue by the coastal route.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that both the French and the Belgians have already forestalled us in establishing a direct air service to this important British Colony?

That is so, but they are operating Skymasters, and these aircraft are not available to B.O.A.C.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the total amount of deficiency payments made on account of the national airlines up to the latest convenient date.

Under the authority of the British Overseas Airways Act, 1939, and the Civil Aviation Act, 1946, £15,245,546 was paid to the statutory Corporations during the period 1st April, 1940, to 28th February, 1947, in the form of deficiency grants and advances.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps he proposes to take to secure further representation of Scottish interests on the Board of British European Airways.

On the formation of the Scottish Advisory Council, my noble Friend appointed its chairman to the board of British European Airways Corporation, and he does not consider that any further appointment is necessary to ensure that adequate consideration is given to Scottish interests by that board.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that in spite of what his noble Friend thinks, public opinion in Scotland thinks precisely the opposite?

No, Sir. My information is that informed opinion in Scotland appreciates that in addition to direct representation on the board, there are a Scottish Advisory Council, a Scottish Aerodromes Board, and also a Scottish Division of B.E.A.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that when something might have been referred to the Scottish Advisory Council, they were ignored altogether?

If I may respectfully say so, that is not a statement of fact. If the reference is to the removal of G.C.A. equipment from Prestwick, the chairman of the Scottish Advisory Council was consulted. There was no opportunity to consult the full Board, because quick action was necessary as it was a matter of urgent safety in regard to the possible deterioration of weather conditions in the London region.

Why have a board if you are going to consult only one man?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the entitlement of accommodation in space and rooms for a chief control officer in Germany and also for a control officer, Grade 3; similarly, what is the allocation of space allowed to Germans.

The scales of married quarters for civilian officers of the Control Commission for Germany are still under consideration. Single quarters are allocated on scales similar to those applicable to army officers of equivalent rank. A chief control officer is entitled, in theory, to a sitting room, if available, of 200 square feet and a bedroom of 150 square feet, and a control officer III a bed-sitting room of 300 square feet, but in the special conditions in Germany accommodation actually provided is normally greatly below entitlement. In addition officers share the use of a mess and ante-room. There are no standard allocations of space to Germans.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why a control officer, Grade I, whose name has been given to him, with 21 years' engineering experience, is now being employed in the control office as a chief clerk sorting letters at a total pay of over a £1,000 a year.

The officer in question is employed in the Control Commission in Germany, not in the Control Office. The work on which he was originally engaged has now been handed over to Germans, and he is under consideration for transfer to another branch. It is the practice in the Hanover Region for new staff to serve two to four weeks in statistical and information rooms to enable them to learn something of the lay-out of local industries and Government. The work may involve a certain amount of routine clerical duties.

In view of the high technical qualifications and trade union experience of this man, will the Minister take particular care that he is not victimised by people who are attempting to victimise him at present?

I do not see why I should be required to give a guarantee of non-victimisation in any particular case, unless there is a suggestion of the possibility of victimisation. This officer was recruited for his engineering experience for a technical job which is now redundant, because of the amount of work which is being handed over to the Germans. The question of his transfer to another branch, in which his particular experience and qualifications will fit in, is under consideration.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the reason why this man should not be victimised is that the hon. Gentleman himself has already promised me orally that he would not be victimsed whereas, in fact, he has been?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what were the qualifications of Mr. Dyson, chief of the commerce division, prior to joining the Control Commission for Germany, for the post which he now holds.

Mr. Dyson has a long record of successful business operation in the United Kingdom. He was appointed to the Control Commission for Germany about a year ago to take charge of the Commerce Branch of Trade and Industry Division. It was because of his success as head of that branch that he was appointed Chief of the newly formed Commerce Division in December last.

But business covers a multitude of sins. Can my hon. Friend say what kind of activity this man was engaged in, because I have not the slightest idea?

I understand that it was a large mail order business which operated from Preston.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of staff employed by the Control Office for Germany and Austria in 1946–47 which compares with the estimate of 2,373 for 1947–48.

The comparable figure was about 2,450.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether Control Commission in Germany personnel, who receive invitations from Germans in Germany to stay with them, are allowed to accept the invitations.

No, Sir; not at present, but the question is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he is aware that the allowances being paid to Mrs. J. A. Thompson, 8, Granville Road, N.4, have now been stopped; that the family have no means except the tuberculosis grant; and why there has been a delay of two months in dealing with this urgent matter.

Yes, Sir. Mr. Thompson has now had the full three months' paid sick leave to which he was entitled. It has not been possible to reach an earlier decision owing to the very full and careful investigation which has been made into all the circumstances of the case. The medical report has now been received from Germany, and a decision should be possible in the next few days.

Is the hon. Gentleman admitting that it takes over two months before he can give a decision in an urgent matter of this sort? Must I put down Questions week after week, in order to get elementary justice for a family in my constituency which is rapidly becoming destitute?

It would be simple enough to give a decision in a short time, but in matters of this kind I think it is in the interests of the person concerned that we should make a full investigation to ascertain whether or not he has a claim.

Does the hon. Gentleman accept liablity for the fact that this man contracted tuberculosis as a result of his work in Germany for the Control Commission?

That is precisely the point which is under investigation.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many British and how many German personnel are employed on censorship of mail from Germany; what is the cost of this censorship; and how long is the mail delayed in transit.

There are 15 British and 400 Germans now employed on this work. The cost of the British staff is just over £7,000 a year; the German staff are paid from German sources. Normally, mail is not delayed more than two days.

Is the Minister aware that the information I have received shows that the delay is 15 days?

Tests have been made, and I believe there have been exceptional cases of delays up to 13 or 15 days, but that is not normal.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how much longer it will be necessary to impose this censorship?

As long as it is considered necessary by the Control Commission for security and other reasons.

As all the exceptional cases seem to come my way, will my hon. Friend have all the envelopes in my mail examined after they have arrived a month or more after despatch?

Can the hon. Gentleman say why a postcard was censored because it had a picture of the Virgin Mary on the back?

It was not because that was a specific restriction; the restriction applies to illustrated cards in general.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the limitation of sport in Germany agreed by the quadrupartite Powers.

The agreement of 17th December, 1945, provides that all sports organisations which existed before the defeat of Germany should be dissolved, that sports organisations should be restricted to Kreis level, except with the permission of zone commanders, and that sport should be supervised to ensure that while it serves the needs of health, hygiene and recreation, it is free from all military or para-military activities.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the present chief of police at Lübbecke was formerly the deputy chief of police at the same place during the Nazi règime; and what steps will he take about this employment of a former Nazi in such an important position.

There is no chief of police in Lübbecke. The divisional inspector is not a former Nazi, nor was he deputy chief of police during the Nazi règime.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that a letter posted in Berlin on 6th February was delivered in London on 5th March; and what steps he will take to improve this service.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on 10th March in answer to a similar Question.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this delay had nothing whatever to do with censorship which may cause delay in individual cases? Can he say whether, when a spot censorship is taken, those letters which are not selected for censorship are sent on?

In answer to a previous Question, I invited my hon. Friend to send me particulars of cases he had in mind. Without these particulars I cannot go into these questions.

Then I shall have to send my hon. Friend practically the whole of my morning mail.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the ruling whereby no German can obtain damages from a member of the occupational Forces in the British zone, no matter what injury he has been done, can be rescinded; and whether he will take steps to publicise any change of policy he may make in this connection.

I am considering the setting up of machinery for dealing with claims by Germans in respect of injuries occasioned in the British zone by the acts or omissions of the British Forces of occupation and Control Service. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

Does my hon. Friend realise that if the present arrangement continues it puts a premium on carelessness and vindictiveness? Can he say how long it wit be before the step he contemplates is taken?

The step is already being taken. I hope that results will be forthcoming soon, but I cannot give a date.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of those held in camps in the British zone awaiting trial; and why it is that many have remained in this state for nearly two years.

18,900 persons are awaiting trial as members of criminal organisations convicted at Nuremberg. These trials could not begin till the Nuremberg verdict was known, and it is planned that they shall be completed by the end of 1947. In addition, there are about 1,500 persons held in civil internment camps, whose cases are being investigated for suspected individual war crimes either against ourselves or our Allies. Their cases are being dealt with with all possible expedition with a view to their early disposal.

Can my hon. Friend tell us how many tribunals have been set up to try these cases?

To try the bulk of the 18,900 Nuremberg cases we anticipate that 100 tribunals will be sufficient to complete the work.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether communication No. 226 of 7th February, issued by the Director of U.N.R.R.A. Chief 804, to all camps under his direction, concerning the declaration of assets possessed in foreign currency and investments held by displaced persons, had his approval; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the displaced persons do not suffer any loss thereby.

The notice referred to in the Question implements instructions issued under my authority. Records are being kept of foreign currencies and instruments of title surrendered or declared in order that such assets may be returned to displaced persons before their final departure from Germany.

Does my hon. Friend's answer—I did not hear it all—mean that these assets will be returned to displaced persons before they leave the camps in which they are now residing?

Yes, Sir. That is the purpose for which records are being kept.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster by whom displaced persons camps in the British zones of Germany and Austria will be administered when U.N.R.R.A. ceases to function in June, 1947; whether he is aware that many U.N.R.R.A. personnel, with 18 months' experience of camp administration have now accepted other jobs as from next June; and whether he will issue immediate instructions for Control Commission in Germany to take over adequate staff to administer all displaced persons camps when U.N.R.R.A. closes down.

Authority has been given to our authorities in Germany to recruit staff for this purpose, and it is hoped that a number of existing U.N.R.R.A. officials will accept these appointments. Arrangements for Austria are under consideration. The terms under which the administration of displaced persons is to be carried out will be subject to negotiation with the International Refugee Organisation.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why the order that all employable displaced persons should do some form of work and that, to this end, camps in which they are now situated may be split up, does not apply to Jewish displaced persons; and whether he is aware that, as a result of this order, Jewish displaced persons can only do work within easy travelling distance of their camps, and that, therefore, large numbers of employable Jews will remain in idleness.

The order that all employable displaced persons are liable to be directed to employment does apply to Jews. The majority of the Jewish displaced persons in the British zone of Germany are, however, accommodated at one large assembly centre, for convenience in meeting their religious needs and supplying them with Jewish foods, and they have been exempted from liability to be moved away from their camp for work. Numbers of them will be employed on essential services in the camp itself, while other employment in the neighbourhood of the camp is expected to absorb the remainder of those employable.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the approximate number of Germans living in the British zone who have been evicted from their former homes since the end of the war; how many of these have been provided with alternative accommodation; how many have been allowed to return to the homes from which they were evicted; and whether compensation is given for furniture and goods they were compelled to leave behind that has been destroyed, stolen or damaged.

These figures cannot be provided without undue expenditure of time and labour. Alternative accommodation for displaced Germans is provided by the German local authorities, who also pay compensation for goods unduly damaged or not returned when properties are derequisitioned.

Can my hon. Friend now announce that no further evictions will take place, and that no more furniture and goods will be taken from German families?

I am not sure whether I got the last part of my hon. Friend's supplementary correctly, but compensation is provided, and paid, by the German authorities. So long as it is necessary for our staff and their families to be provided with German accommodation, it is not possible to guarantee that there will be no further evictions.

But cannot something be done on humane grounds? Surely compensation should be adequate to cover these losses?

We have, of course, to share out the available furniture in the zone unless we are to import furniture from this country or elsewhere. We are producing as much furniture as facilities in Germany will permit. We have amended the regulations for the requisitioning of furniture, to enable the Germans to take essential furniture with them.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if the Salvation Army is banned in the British zone of Germany.

No, Sir.

Will my hon. Friend see that the principle of the Atlantic Charter with regard to freedom of worship will be applied to the whole of the occupied zones in Germany?

That is a wider question. The answer concerned the Salvation Army, whose activities have not been stopped.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will make a statement about the recent demonstration by German citizens of Düsseldorf against the requisitioning of houses there for B.A.O.R. families.

I am informed that a small and orderly demonstration took place in Düsseldorf on Sunday, 23rd March, to protest against the proposed requisitioning of houses containing 19 German families for the purpose of accommodating British families. The reception of British families in Düsseldorf has been suspended since last December in order to avoid disturbance of the Germans during the winter months, and I am informed that it is now proposed to receive British families at the rate of 30 per month from April onwards. The German authorities have agreed that at this rate of intake, displaced Germans can be provided with suitable alternative accoommodation which is being derequisitioned by the British authorities west of the river.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in this case it was precisely because no alternative accommodation was being offered to these people who were being evicted that they demonstrated in this way?

asked the Minister of Defence whether deserters giving themselves up overseas as a result of the recent statement are receiving the same treatment as deserters surrendering in this country.

Yes, Sir.

Is it not a fact that deserters who surrender in this country, but whose units are stationed abroad, are sent abroad for trial; that this involves a considerable amount of delay; and does the right hon. Gentleman think their journeys are really necessary?

If my hon. Friend brings a particular case to my notice I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Defence how many months' training is required in the R.N., the Army and the R.A.F., respectively, before a man is so adequately trained that after 60 days' part-time service he may be counted on as a trained member of the Reserve; and whether this period has to be increased, and by how much, when the trainee is engaged in occupational guard duties.

Training periods vary considerably between different trades and between the Services. They would not be materially affected by employment on guard duties performed in the normal course of service.

Could the right hon. Gentleman not tell us what training periods are necessary? If he does not tell us, how are we reasonably to discuss this matter on the National Service Bill?

I am quite sure the hon. and gallant Member recognises the great variety of trades and occupations now included in the Armed Forces. The periods of training vary very considerably. If he is anxious to know each detail I am certainly prepared to send them to him.

Surely the Government must have come to some decision on this? I am asking the right hon. Gentleman to give the House the benefit of that decision.

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman means a decision upon the use of armed guards, the training periods are known. But there is a great variety involved, and I do not want to delay the House with a long list. If the hon. and gallant Member wants them specially, I will have them sent to him.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say the maximum amount of training spent in any one arm of the Services; is it 12 months or 18 months?

In some skilled trades it may be over 18 months before a man becomes fully trained.

Is it not possible for the Minister to give the shortest and the longest periods in each Service? Otherwise, how are we to discuss this on the National Service Bill? How can we come to a decision?

It would be possible to give an answer of that kind, but I have had to deal with the Question that was put to me.

asked the Minister of Food why he will not permit the public to change their milk suppliers, since much dissatisfaction is felt at the present system which ties many buyers to unsatisfactory sellers.

As the hon. Member will know, the question of milk distribution is still under consideration. At the moment consumers have to register with one particular retailer in the interests of fair and economical distribution, but we do allow people to transfer from retailers who are not giving as good a service as can reasonably be expected of them.

Is it generally known that individuals can change their retailers? I have had several complaints made of petty victimisation, where suppliers and buyers have quarrelled, whereby elderly people are put to great inconvenience; and could it be made clear that they have the right to change?

People can only change if, for instance, the retailer is not prepared to supply pasteurised or tuberculin-tested milk, or if there is persistent slackness in delivery, or if perhaps the standard of cleanliness is rather low. There is no other reason.

Is the hon. Lady satisfied that the service is reasonable; and what is the definition of "reasonable"?