asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland will be restored to its proper use; where the portraits normally exhibited there are presently stored; and what steps are being taken to ensure that no deterioration takes place.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery will be restored to its proper use as soon as it becomes possible to find alternative accommodation for the National Registration Office, which at present occupies most of the Gallery. I hope that it may be possible to find this alternative accommodation when temporary office buildings, now in course of construction, are completed. Meantime the collection of pictures is stored in an unoccupied part of the Gallery and is regularly inspected and cared for by the picture restoration section of the National Galleries.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say roughly when the temporary buildings are likely to be ready?

Because of difficulties which cropped up in connection with materials and labour, I would not like to fix a date, but I am very hopeful that they may be ready by the beginning of next year.

Would it not be possible for people in England to have a look at the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland during the time when it is not available to the public in Scotland?

I think it would be of very great help to them if that could be done. Certainly, during the time of the musical festival in Edinburgh, there is no reason why English men and women should not visit Scotland en masse to see its beauties and also its pictures.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the growing practice of property owners who are deprived of possession under the Rent Restriction Acts taking reprisals against tenants by cutting off supplies of gas and electricity; and if he will take steps to prevent this evasion of law.

No, Sir, but I should be glad to have any particulars which the hon. Member may be able to furnish, when I shall take what steps I can to help.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the disappointing results of this year's Group Leaving Certificate examinations; and, in view of these results, if he will see that in future more consideration is given to the teacher's estimate.

I do not regard the results of this year's Senior Leaving Certificate examination as disappointing, taking the figures for Scotland as a whole, though I appreciate that disappointment may be felt at fluctuations which may occur from year to year in the results for particular areas or schools. The fullest consideration has always been given, and will continue to be given, to teachers' estimates in determining the award of the certificate.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that some consideration might have been given to the fact that the examinees on this occasion were those children who were eight years of age when the war broke out and who had to suffer all the disabilities connected with that period?

Yes, Sir. I think there have been difficulties. As I have pointed out, considering all these facts, the results are not altogether disappointing. The final results have not yet been made known, as appeals are still under consideration.

Will the Minister give this matter very serious and immediate attention because no later than Sunday night, I was approached by a group of parents who expressed very bitter feeling about the treatment of their children as the result of the methods employed in the examination?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the latest figure of Polish forces still in uniform and on service pay who have so far refused the offer to go into either the mines or agriculture, or to the Polish Resettlement Corps; what is the target date that has been decided upon for the demobilisation of all Polish forces in this country who will be absorbed into civil life here and the remainder returned to the Continent; and what is the monthly figure at the present time of pay to these Polish forces.

There are about 5,000 Poles still in the Polish Land Forces in this country who have refused either to be repatriated to Poland or to join the Polish Resettlement Corps, and who are consequently not entitled to take up civilian jobs. No decision has yet been taken as to what shall be done ultimately with these men. The present monthly cost of pay and allowances for members of the Polish Land Forces in this country who are not in the Resettlement Corps is approximately £270,000 including those awaiting repatriation.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that a date should now be fixed when these men should relieve the British taxpayers of expense and take up some useful employment?

Yes, Sir. We are doing our best to induce these men either to go back to Poland or to join the Polish Resettlement Corps.

But could not the Minister give a specific date?

May I ask the Minister, in view of the fact that many of these men would make excellent workmen, whether they could be taught English, because I think that would facilitate their employment?

Yes, Sir. The Army is doing extensive work in teaching the Poles English.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether all these men have yet been disarmed, and will he also say whether they are still enjoying rations on the same scale as British combatant troops?

Yes, Sir, they have been disarmed. I should like to have notice of the other part of the supplementary question.

Has the Minister considered, amongst other alternatives, the possibility and advisability of sending a contingent of these Polish ex-soldiers to relieve some of the British troops at present engaged in police duties in Palestine?

Yes, Sir. That matter has been considered and rejected.

If they have been disarmed, could my right hon. Friend say where they got the arms from for the armed guard of honour at that State funeral the other day?

Yes, Sir. They got them from the War Office.

Could my right hon. Friend say how many of these Poles have actually undertaken work in the mines or in agriculture?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make a further statement on the position of the disabled Polish soldiers, formerly domiciled in the Argentine, who have been unable to rejoin their wives and families there.

No, Sir, I am not yet able to make a further statement.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are only eight men concerned, and that it now getting on for a year since they were sent across the Atlantic and were refused permission to land in the Argentine? Could he do something to hurry it up?

I will do my best, but, of course, these representations have to be made through the Foreign Office.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable discontent over these men who wanted to rejoin their families, and is he aware that some of the difficulties in getting more Poles to join the Polish Resettlement Corps arise because promises with regard to this matter have not been fulfilled?

I think the Question referred to particular soldiers.

When this question was first raised, I asked the right hon. Gentleman if he would look into the affairs at a particular camp. I wonder if he has done that?

Yes, Sir. We have now got a satisfactory report, and no complaints have been received from the Poles.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for War what disciplinary action he is taking against the camp authorities of 18 Polish Recalcitrant camp as a consequence of the discovery there of a store of arms, jewellery, money, silk stockings and other scarce goods.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a report on the arrest of 53 Poles found in possession of a store of arms and other equipment, stating the source of these arms; and whether there is any information as to the purpose for which they were to be used.

The desirability of taking disciplinary action against the camp authorities has been considered, but it does not appear that the circumstances would justify such action. The civil police are considering alleged cases of stolen property. Much as I should deplore stealing by members of the Polish Forces, I would point out that the quantity and value of goods discovered in this case was in fact quite small. The number of arms found was insignificant.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the discovery of any size of store of arms and stolen black market goods in a military camp casts a very considerable reflection on the discipline maintained at that camp?

I certainly deprecate any stolen goods or arms being found in any camp, whether it is a Polish or an English camp, and I am now considering what action should be taken against those individuals for holding those goods. Perhaps the House would like to know what the stolen goods amounted to. There were no silk stockings or jewellery, and only one Post Office savings book.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to a reported statement made by the mayor of Thetford that members of the Polish Forces paid into the local banks between £35,000 and £40,000 per week, and can he give any indication where that money is coming from?

No, Sir. I should be glad to have full information, but I should say that this is a matter for the civil police to undertake.

Could my right hon. Friend tell the House exactly how much value is allowed to be found before action is taken?

We are concerned only with the illegal holding of military stores, and we shall take action on that. With regard to the civilian stolen property, that is a matter for the civilian police.

Does my right hon. Friend think that this degree of leniency would have been shown if British troops instead of Polish troops had been involved?

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. With all respect to you, I would call your attention to the fact that I put down Question No. 23, that I have stood up on every occasion to ask a supplementary question, but have not been called.

I did not notice that these two questions were taken together. I am sorry, and I will now call the hon. Member.

Can the Minister make a statement concerning the last part of my Question—whether there is any information as to the purpose for which these arms were to be used? Surely, if some investigation had taken place, the cause would be known and could be communicated to the House? Could the Minister give any indication why these arms were being stored there?

I am concerned to see that these arms are taken away from the Poles who should not hold them.

Except in guards of honour at funerals.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement regarding the loss of military equipment in the Middle East.

I understand that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to recent Press reports regarding losses of arms and equipment from Army dumps in Egypt. So far as I am aware, there are no British Army dumps in the area of the Egyptian desert referred to in these reports. All scrap in this area has been disposed of by contract in consequence of our withdrawal from the Delta.

As regards military equipment under War Department control in the Canal Zone, there have been and continue to be considerable losses, both from depots and from stores in transit, in some cases as the result of armed raids. This is not surprising in view of the difficulties of providing adequate protection throughout the wide areas involved. These difficulties have, of course, been intensified by the reduction of personnel due to the run-down of the Army and the movement of stores during the evacuation of the Delta, but every effort is being made to meet the situation by the use of all available methods of prevention.

Can the Minister give any rough idea of what the figure would amount to?

No, Sir. I cannot give that information at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the untidy and unkempt conditions of the British Military Cemetery at Tilly, Normandy; and if he will take steps to see that the cemetery is put into proper condition.

The British Military Cemetery at Tilly is now under the care of the Imperial War Graves Commission and is receiving the distinctive treatment accorded to all war cemeteries. It has been sown to grass, which will shortly be ready for its first mowing, and the flower borders have been planted.

Is the Minister aware that there is no Union Jack flying over this cemetery?

No, Sir. I was not aware of that, but I will look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of assurances given to the hon. Member for Chippenham, no satisfactory action has been taken to deal with the refuse tip near the Pheasant Inn, Chippenham Without.

A bulldozer is needed for this purpose, and the only one available in the area is being used on more urgent work. When this is finished, which I hope will be in about two months' time, the refuse tip will be cleared.

Is the Secretary of State aware that, on 25th April, the War Office told me that the Ministry of Health had made strong complaint about it, and that a bulldozer was then promised? Is he not also aware that this is the hot weather season, and does he consider that if he waits two months it will be in the interests of public health?

Other Departments besides my own have an eye on bulldozers, and, unfortunately, I have lost some of my bulldozers.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds he assumes No. 7266513 Private T. F. Dryden, R.A.M.C., to be a deserter.

As my hon. Friend has been informed, Private Dryden's disappearance was the subject of a court of inquiry, which declared him illegally absent. It is provided in the Army Act that if the soldier does not afterwards surrender, or is not apprehended, such a declaration shall have the legal effect of conviction by court martial of desertion

Does not my right hon. Friend think that there is a possibility that something happened to this young man who was in North Africa for over three years, first under General Wavell and then under General Montgomery, and who went through Alamein, right through Africa, and then to Sicily, and who was a first-class orderly, a good soldier, and who had a good reputation? What is the basis for the assumption that he deserted?

If I had the slightest doubt that this soldier disappeared for any other reason than that given by the court of inquiry, I should have overruled the court but, unfortunately, I have some evidence to show that his disappearance was wilful.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to give a reply on the case of 4914811 Private R. E. Mitchell, submitted to him on 16th April, and now being dealt with under his reference F299/E/EP.

The court of inquiry ordered to investigate this case was delayed owing to difficulty in obtaining witnesses from outlying stations in Burma. I hope to receive a report shortly, however, and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have seen it.

Since this case has been in hand for some 12 months, would not the Minister agree that it ought to have been disposed of before; and will he give an undertaking that the matter will be cleared up during the next few days?

Of course, I cannot give such an undertaking, because I am waiting for something the arrival of which I can take no further steps to hasten. As soon as I have it I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to complaints made by owners of land in the Holywood district of County Down, concerning trespass and damage to crops and fences by military personnel; and if he will take steps now to prevent this.

A letter of complaint was received by my Department last March, as a result of which the matter was investigated locally. The investigation disclosed that although there had been damage in previous years, damage during 1946 was negligible. All troops using the area are reminded of the need to exercise the greatest care to avoid damage to, or interference with, agricultural activities. I would point out, however, that there is no trespass by the troops as use of this land is authorised under the Defence Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that payment for articles is still being made by British troops in occupied territory in goods and cigarettes; and what steps are being taken to bring this practice to an end.

Yes, Sir. B.A.O.R. have made such transactions a disciplinary offence, and disciplinary action has been taken in a number of cases.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that currency of this kind is inevitable so long as the Control Commission fail to establish the external value of the mark?

I do not think that is a question for me to answer.

In view of the serious scandal that arose in the past from this practice of exchange and barter is the Minister satisfied that all possible steps are being taken to prevent it?

Yes, Sir, and I think that the Public Accounts Committee which investigated the matter if of the same opinion.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Public Accounts Committee expressed great concern at the practice?

No, Sir. I have read the Public Accounts Committee's report and the evidence, and I think that the introduction of the special currency vouchers has stopped all chances of it continuing.

asked the Secretary of State for War why notices "Unexploded Bombs, Keep Out," have been recently erected by his Department on Ilkley Moor, at Burley Woodhead, and other places much used by the public; whether the bombs were dropped within the last two years and whether there is any proof that a public danger does exist; and by what date the notices will be removed.

Burley Woodhead is an area which was used for the firing of live ammunition, including mortar bombs. The area has not yet been searched for unexploded missiles, but there is little doubt that they exist. Because of the advent of the summer season and the popularity of Burley Woodhead with the public, all dilapidated warning notices have recently been renewed. The area will be released as soon as the unexploded missiles are cleared, but, in view of the limited manpower available, I regret that it is not possible to give a date by which this can be done. It is an area which has been given high priority for clearance by the military authorities concerned.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these notices are completely new ones, on very good timber, and that the inhabitants of that area have not seen any notices there before?

If any explosive missiles are there, then I think it was inevitable that we should put those notices up.

May we assume from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that Ilkley Moor remains sacrosanct?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a wife who, on arrival in Germany seven months ago was allotted a service flat without any intimation that the service must be paid for, has now been required to pay 12s. 6d. a week for it from November last; and whether he will with draw this demand.

I am not aware of this case, but if the hon. Member will send me details, I will have it investigated.

Does that mean that Army Orders do not provide for any such deduction or charge?

I am not at all sure that this case applies to the Army, but I will investigate it when the hon. Gentleman sends me the details.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent accounting branches of his Department are using modern methods of mechanised accounting.

Modern methods of mechanised accounting are widely used by both cash and store accounting branches of my Department. The possibility of extending their use where this will promote economy and efficiency is under constant review by a special organisation and methods section, in close liaison with the Treasury.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the answer he has given is extremely satisfactory?

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reasons Army officers below the rank of full colonel are no longer allowed to wear service dress.

The hon. and gallant Member appears to be mistaken. No such orders have yet been issued, although it is intended ultimately to abolish service dress for all ranks below full colonel.

If that is so, will the right hon. Gentleman see that he improves his Public Relations Department so that reports that such an order has been issued are immediately denied?

I am always open to improve any branch of the War Office.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say what is a "full colonel?"

Not without notice.

Colonel Dower.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I respectfully draw your attention to the fact that the hon. and gallant Member is a Lieut.-Colonel?

Can the Secretary of State say whether those officers who possess service dress will be allowed to continue to wear it when not on parade with troops?

Yes, Sir. I think my answer gives that impression. They will be able to wear them as long as they last.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Jews were enlisted in the Jewish Brigade and served outside Palestine during the recent war; what were the numbers of the Jewish Brigade; whether it was necessary to complete it with non-Jews owing to the lack of Jewish recruits; and if he will give the casualty figures of the Jewish Brigade.

Three thousand, one hundred and seventy Jews were serving in the Jewish Brigade Group outside Palestine at the end of the war in Europe. The total strength of the Brigade Group was then 4,021. The answer to the third part of the Question is, No, Sir; the non-Jewish personnel were included because a nucleus of experienced officers and other ranks was necessary, not because of lack of Jews; there were many Jews in other units. The answer to the last part of the Question is 33 killed, 157 wounded and four missing.

Are we to infer from the Minister's reply that the actual services of the Jewish Brigade were not of a very important kind, and that the actual part they took in the fighting was not a very great part?

I, personally, should not like to draw that deduction from my answer. I have given the facts, and the House must draw its own conclusions.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that ever since 1939 the Jewish Agency had pressed for a Jewish Brigade or Group to be formed, that their request was not granted until 1944, that the first opportunity the Brigade had of fighting was in 1945, and that high tributes were paid to them by the Leader of the Opposition and by other eminent persons?

And in 1946 they blew up the King David.

On a point of Order. May I ask for your Ruling in this matter, Mr. Speaker? My hon. Friend has made a statement which is a direct insult' to a very gallant force, and I am asking you, Sir, whether he was in Order in making that imputation without having the slightest ground on which to make it?

The White Paper.

This is a matter of great controversy and I know that each side feels very strongly about it, but I think that the hon. Member was not out of Order.

Without wishing in any way to add to the amount of heat that has been generated, would it not be wise for the House to remember that, owing to the late formation in the course of the war of this force, through no fault of the Jewish people in Palestine, at the same time as the formation of the Brigade itself. 22,000 Jews were actually serving as attached forces to the British Army, with divisions and brigades, all over the Middle East and in Europe, and should not this fact weigh with the House?

I am bound to point out that this Question relates only to the Jewish Brigade, and not to those serving in the Armed Forces.

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of the Jews of the Jewish Brigade were volunteers and what percentage conscripts; when was a request first made by Jews to form a fighting brigade and when was permission given; and what com- parison the enlistment of Palestinian Jews in His Majesty's Forces during the war bears with that of His Majesty's other subjects.

As regards the first part of the Question, exact figures are not available; the great majority, however, were volunteers. The first official request by Jews to form a Jewish Force was made on 26th November, 1943. A signal was sent to the then Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, on 2nd September. 1944, ordering him to raise this force. Insufficient information is available readily to answer the last part of the Question.

Will my hon. Friend answer the first part of the Question, which asks what percentage were volunteers and what percentage were conscripts?

I have already stated that I have not got the figures, but the great majority were volunteers.

In justice to the very large number of Jews, the majority of them non-Zionists, who served with great gallantry in His Majesty's Forces, will the hon. Gentleman make it clear that this relates only to the comparatively small number from the Jewish Brigade in Palestine? Is that so?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to discontinue the use of Mousehold Heath for Army training purposes.

A proposal to acquire permanently training rights, with no interference to public access, over an area of Mousehold Heath is now being considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Service Land Requirements. In the meantime, training on the area must continue.

Is my hon. Friend aware that Mousehold Heath is a historic spot and an indispensable place of recreation for the people in my constituency of Norwich, and does my hon. Friend suppose that Army training can take place there without interfering with the ameni- ties of the heath and with the enjoyment of it by the people?

Yes, certain types of Army training can take place without causing interference.

In view of the importance of Mousehold Heath to this area, will the Department be willing to consider representations on the matter and to reconsider the position?

The Inter-departmental committee is dealing with this question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the quality of the crops now growing on certain parts of the Stanford battle training area, he will make arrangements for the continued cropping of this land so long as the food shortage exists.

I am afraid I cannot forecast the amount of cultivation of certain parts of the Stanford battle area which will be possible in future years. The military authorities are fully aware of the vital importance of home food production, and every practicable facility will continue to be given.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the necessity for enabling these farmers to plan ahead, rather than leave it to the last moment?

Could the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Stanford battle training area is absolutely essential, and that training cannot be done anywhere else?

I think it would be wise to leave this until a statement on Government policy is made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is possible to reopen the main roads through the Stanford battle training area when dangerous exercises are not taking place or in such conditions as prevailed when sugar-beet carting was in progress.

I regret that in the interests of the public it would not be desirable to reopen the roads in this area owing to the presence of unexploded missiles.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are no unexploded missiles on these roads which are required by the public for their own use, and is it not unreasonable to deny them the use of these roads which provide the nearest way of getting to the place where they want to go?

My hon. Friend should bear in mind that there are, in fact, unexploded missiles immediately off the roads, on the verges, and it would be very much against the public interest to permit free access.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a considerable demand from youth organisations of all descriptions to obtain the use of small disused Army camps, such as anti-aircraft sites, for camping purposes during the summer months; and what steps he proposes to take to make such camps available.

Yes, Sir. Such applications are approved if they are made by a reputable voluntary organisation or are supported by a local education authority, and provided they do not prejudice military requirements and would not involve delay in releasing requisitioned property.

Would my hon. Friend make it more widely known that such applications will be accepted, and to whom the applications should be made?

Preferably they should be made to the local military authorities. As regards the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, many such applications have in fact been made.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will reconsider the request of the Westbury Urban District Council for the Leighton sports ground at Westbury. Wiltshire.

This question has been re-examined but, as the hon. Member has been informed, I regret that it is not possible to alter the previous decision.

Having regard to the fact that this ground is very little used by the Army, is it not possible to make it available to the council with some security of tenure, so that they can develop it as a local recreation ground which is badly needed in the town?

This ground belongs to the Army and is not being used extensively at the moment. I think it will be used extensively in the near future. In the meantime, I am only too anxious that we should be able to accommodate the local council, and if they will get together with the local military authorities, I will do the best I can to ensure that they get facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to provide adequate stocks in the N.A.A.F.I. in Greece, in view of the hardship being caused to Army personnel because of the present rate of exchange between drachma and sterling.

I understand that there has been some shortage of stocks in N.A.A.F.I. canteens in Greece, and the matter is being investigated. I cannot necessarily accept the suggestion in the last part of the Question although, as my right hon. Friend indicated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member last week, the rate of local allowances issued to officers and other ranks in Greece is being reviewed.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that steps are now quickly being taken to provide adequate stocks in the N.A.A.F.I. in Greece, because there has been a long delay in this matter and representations through official channels have taken place for a considerable time?

Steps are being taken at this moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to provide sufficient married quarters for British troops serving in the Tripoli area.

I am obtaining an up-to-date report on this matter from the overseas command, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) why foreign women married in ex-enemy territories to British soldiers are classified as B category wives, and are denied certain perquisites such as access to N.A.A.F.I. stores, etc.;

(2) why British wives of serving soldiers who reach their husbands in certain ex-enemy territories on their own and not his Department's initiative are treated on arrival as B category wives by the military authorities.

The classification referred to is made for purely clerical and administrative purposes, such as the provision of passports. I am not aware that it is applied to British-born wives or that it involves any disadvantage such as denial of permission to use N.A.A.F.I.

Will the Minister consider changing the term "B category wives," which may give some impression abroad that the War Office is condoning the practice of polygamy?

There is no hostile intention in that designation, any more than there is in the fact that the journal for which the hon. Member writes is rated as "second class reading matter."

Will, the hon. Gentleman look into the question of B category wives being deprived, to some extent, of certain privileges allowed to British wives? I think the hon. Gentleman is aware that in the past these wives have been denied access to the N.A.A.F.I. on the ground that they would give what they received to their own families.

My information at the moment is that that is not so, but if the hon. Gentleman will produce evidence to the contrary, I will look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War what share of the cost of maintaining the Ukrainian prisoners of war taken from the SS. Division, Galizien, was borne by the British and United States authorities, respectively, whilst these prisoners of war were in Italy; and what share is being borne by each of these two Governments now that these men have been brought to this country.

The whole cost of maintaining these men falls on His Majesty's Government, except that the cost of supplies, etc., obtained from local resources while the men were in Italy fell on the Italian Government. There are no arrangements with the United States Government for sharing the cost of prisoners of war: each Government bears the cost of prisoners of war held by it.

Does my right hon. Friend think that it is a satisfactory use of our resources to keep men from this division, who were guilty of the most incredible brutality during the war?

No, Sir. I do not know that these men fall into that category entirely. They have been brought here as prisoners of war, they are being dealt with in the ordinary way, and those suitable for employment in this country will be found occupations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements will now be made so that prisoners of war who are relatives can be put together in the same camp.

Since 1st January, applications from close relatives to be posted to the same camp have, as a rule, been approved.

Is my hon. Friend aware that since 1st January I have made repeated representations in this matter and that every one has been turned down, and will he make quite sure that his own instructions on this matter are seen and understood by those concerned?

Perhaps my hon. Friend's definition of a close relative is not the same as mine.

Can my hon. Friend think of a closer relationship than brothers?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether instructions will now be given to commandants of prisoner-of-war camps that prisoners of war are not to be robbed of their surplus clothing before being repatriated to Germany; and whether he is aware that such robbing, up to quite recently, has been common in some prisoner-of-war camps.

I am not prepared to accept that robbing of surplus clothing from prisoners of war being repatriated to Germany has been common or, for that matter, has occurred at all. My hon. Friend has forwarded particulars of an instance of the loss of a suit of clothes, and I am having that investigated. Instructions regarding clothing of prisoners of war being repatriated are perfectly clear, and I see no need to issue further instructions.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have sent to his Department instances of repeated occurrences of this kind, and does not he think it unjust to deprive these people of the clothing which they have accumulated, before they go back to this devastated territory? Surely, our object should be to send them back as good ambassadors.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, whether it is robbery or not, some of these men who were in America and Canada are being officially deprived of clothing for which they paid and which they were allowed to buy?

No, Sir. I am not aware of that, but if my hon. Friend can give any evidence I will certainly look into it.

Certainly, I will.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in those cases in which prisoners of war find themselves unemployed through no fault of their own, he will arrange for them to be paid at basic rates instead of leaving them dependent on camp welfare funds, which may be inadequate to meet the men's commitments in respect of canteen expenditure and their obligations to their relatives in Germany.

Prisoners who are unable to work are not necessarily without means to make canteen purchases, as they may well have credits available in their pay accounts. Those who have no such credits may be provided with articles which are essential to the maintenance of health and hygiene, the cost being recovered when their accounts are again in credit. Prisoners who are habitually good workers may continue during unemployment to receive any good work bonuses to which they are entitled: these are not available for current spending but are available for remittances to Germany.

As my hon. Friend's statement does not entirely meet the case, will he look at it sympathetically again, especially as a very small sum of money is involved and there is considerable distress of mind among a number of prisoners who at times become unemployed?

I will look at this again to see whether it is possible, without an increase in public expenditure, to devise a means of relieving anxiety in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make arrangements to compensate German prisoners for injuries incurred in the course of agricultural or other work.

Yes, Sir, and with permission, I will circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I am obliged to my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of dollars that are required by banks in the U.S.A. for an English pound.

Between 4.02¾ and 4.03¼ dollars for immediate delivery.

Is not the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that if he goes to the Chase Bank in New York, he can buy English pounds for three dollars ten cents at this very moment?

No, Sir. I have given the answer after careful inquiry. All reputable banks, and the Chase National Bank is one such, carefully observe the official prices agreed upon between the Bank of England and the corresponding bodies.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be so good as to make further inquiry on this point, because this is a very unfortunate reflection on conditions in this country?

I think that the most convenient plan, if the hon. Gentleman has evidence which he thinks is in conflict with what I have said, would be for him to supply the evidence; and I will look at it.

I have that evidence.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now consider the desirability of entering into negotiations to establish parity of exchange between the pound sterling and the Australian and New Zealand pound.

No, Sir.

Would it not facilitate the business of exchange if there were parity between our currency and the Dominion currency in question; is it not a fact that it was originally an artificial procedure, when the currency of Australia and New Zealand was depreciated; and, in view of the depreciation of our own currency, would it not be a good thing to regain purity?

I doubt whether it would be to the interests of the United Kingdom for this change to be made. In any event, since the matter has not been raised by either of the two Dominions concerned, I think it would be a mistake for us to initiate this matter.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that only the other day the Minister of Food said that he was unable to buy certain foodstuffs from Australia owing to the shortage of Australian currency; and, in view of the fact that Australia is in the sterling area, would the right hon. Gentleman consider the position further, arising out of the Question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend?

I am not clear that the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member would assist in this particular matter. Of course, I do not remember the particular point quoted by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food. Our relations with both Australia and New Zealand are extremely cordial; we have no better friends in the world; we are in constant touch, at a personal level as well as at an official level, and so far this particular matter has not been broached.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why merchants, whose wines or spirits or stolen from a bonded store, are required by the Customs and Excise authorities to pay duty on the stolen liquor.

Because, had the liquor not been placed in such a store, for the convenience of the merchants, duty would have been paid already.

This is a matter that creates great injustice. Will not the right hon. Gentleman take steps to deal with it in the present Finance Bill? Meanwhile, why does not the Government catch the thieves and collect the duty?

The police do not fall within my Department, except for specialised inquiries on the Riviera and elsewhere. But so far as as this question is concerned, I think the hon. Baronet may be under a misapprehension. These bonded warehouses are not in the custody of Customs and Excise. They are in the custody of the warehouse keeper, and my Department has no responsibility whatever for their safe keeping. The only way to remove injustice is' to make the merchants pay the duty before they put the goods into the bonded warehouses.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that at some tax offices callers are interviewed by officials with regard to their personal circumstances in the presence of other callers waiting their turn; and whether he will ensure privacy for such interviews.

I have this in mind, and hope to make improvements as circumstances permit.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many temporary civil servants and how many permanent civil servants there are at' present; and, of the National Whitley Council, how many are temporary civil servants and how many are permanent civil servants.

On 1st April, 1947, there were 413,600 unestablished and 270,360 established civil servants in whole-time employment. The Civil Service National Whitley Council is composed of official side members, all of whom at present are established civil servants, and of staff side members, of whom at present 10 are established civil servants and 17 are not civil servants.

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that the temporary civil servants have sufficient representation on the National Whitley Council, so that he and his right hon. Friend are acquainted with their point of view on all matters under discussion?

Yes. The trade unions concerned have a large number of unestablished civil servants amongst their membership. That being so, and those associations being represented on the Whitley Council, I think I can say that the unestablished temporary civil servant is well represented.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply indicate that the Chancellor is meeting with success or failure in regard to his intention to reduce by 80,000 the number of these employees during this year?