asked the Secretary of State for War the monthly rate of voluntary recruitment to the Army during the second quarter of 1947.

Figures for June are not yet available. Approximate totals for April and May are 3,600 and 3,400 respectively. Quarterly figures are placed in the Vote Office by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence as they become available.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary give us the figures for the Territorial Army?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War the monthly rate of wastage of men on Regular engagements during the first six months of 1947.

Approximately 600, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of men on normal Regular engagements in the Army at 31st March and 30th June, 1947, by comparison with 31st December, 1946.

The approximate totals were at 31st December, 1946, 99,600, at 31st March, 1947, 103,100 and at 31st May, 1947, 108,100. Figures for 30th June, 1947, are not yet available.

In view of this decline in the Regular content of the Armed Forces will my hon. Friend say whether he is satisfied with the present rate of recruitment, and whether consideration is being given to speeding up demobilisation in view of the reduction in the term of Service?

The two issues are quite separate. I am not satisfied with the rate of recruitment, and will welcome my hon. Friend's help in increasing it. As to the Regular content of the Army I draw my hon. Friend's attention to the figures which I have given which show an increasing content.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men and women receiving pension or allowance under the Injuries in War Compensation Act, 1914; the scale of pension and allowances in operation; and the date of the last increase.

As the answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the detention or imprisonment of Haji Farah Omer at Karasam Island, Aden Colony; and whether he has considered the representations made by the League of Somali People on behalf of this man.

During the occupation of British Somaliland, Haji Farah Omer was accorded special privileges by the enemy and broadcast anti-British propaganda. From his activities he was known to the British military authorities as an enemy agent, and on the re-occupation of the Protectorate by our Forces he was detained in the interests of public safety and defence. He was released in 1945 and is now at liberty in Aden.

Can the Minister answer the latter part of the Question?

On that point I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given recently, although I have not the date with me, to my hon. Friend the Member for East Harrow (Mr. Skinnard).

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the annual cost of sending an Army water wagon daily from Shorncliffe to Dungeness, a distance of some miles, in order to load with water from the Dungeness mains and deliver it a few hundred yards to the insanitary tanks set up in the fishing village of Dungeness to supply those inhabitants de- prived of their access to wells arising from oil pollution caused by the bursting of the Pluto pipes; and whether he will give an assurance that his promise of a year ago to the hon. Member for Ashford to supply these people with main water will be implemented during the lifetime of the present Parliament.

As regards the first part of the Question the annual cost is approximately £500. As regards the second, my Department has done everything possible to help, but the work which is being undertaken by the water company is held up owing to circumstances which neither I nor they can control.

In view of the difficulties which have been encountered by the present Secretary of State for War and his predecessors in office in solving this complicated problem, would the Financial Secretary give an undertaking that this shall be placed very high on the first agenda of the new National Planning Council?

I do not know whether that would be the proper way of solving this particular problem but I am sympathetic and I know the position well. The difficulty now is simply the provision of lead piping for the water and I think that is being obtained as quickly as possible.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there are any other cases of inexcusable waste similar to this?

I neither accept the implication in that question nor can I make any statement on it.

In view of the extraordinary reply of the hon. Gentleman I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is intended to extend to Army musicians settled trade rates of pay.

Under the new pay code there are no special trade rates. Bandsmen below the rank of sergeant, however, in common with other soldiers are assessed for pay under the Star system which takes account of their competence as bandsmen. Sergeants and above receive the pay of their rank.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the system of band money has caused some trouble with the rankers and that he might obtain greater harmony if it were modified or abolished?

I am not quite sure as to my hon. Friend's point, but I think it probably refers to a problem which we have already solved. However, if he will give me more information, I will look into the matter.

Will the Financial Secretary bear in mind that these Army bandsmen arc, in the first place, soldiers, and that their conditions of service and pay should not be interfered with by any outside organisation?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has made arrangements for constructing the new Middle East G.H.Q. that will be required now that the final date for leaving Egypt is agreed; what is the estimated cost; and when is the actual work to begin.

The Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936, which remains in force, provides for the stationing of a certain number of British troops in Egypt. It is therefore incorrect to say that a final date for leaving Egypt has been decided upon, and the second part of the Question does not arise.

Is the Financial Secretary aware of the terrific time taken to construct anything in that part of the world, and may I urge him to give this matter further consideration because it would be very serious if there were no headquarters when the time came?

Nobody is better aware of that difficulty than I am, but the answer I have given is really the only one open to me at the moment and we are standing on the 1936 Treaty.

Will the Financial Secretary make it clear that we are in no great hurry to construct anything?

asked the Secretary, of State for War if he will state, for each of the war years, how many Service men and women began, under his Department's auspices, courses of study with correspondence colleges; how many completed such courses; and how many were successful in passing an examination at the conclusion of a course.

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can my hon. Friend say now if there is any noticeable difference between the number of courses started and those completed, and, if so, whether that difference is due to any other reason than the obvious exigencies of the Service?

When my hon. Friend reads the reply he will see that I have not been able to furnish him with the figures of the courses completed, but in very general terms I would say that they are no more remarkable than those found in civilian life in any other correspondence: course.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the purpose and cost of the present trip abroad of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

The Chief of the Imperial General Staff has undertaken this tour at the request of His Majesty's Government and on the invitations of the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. Its purpose is to enable him to inform himself at first hand of conditions and problems in Australia, New Zealand and the Far East, and to discuss some aspects of defence matters of mutual interest, and particularly those affecting the Army, with Australian and New Zealand Ministers and Army Staffs. On his way out he has taken the opportunity of visiting the Viceroy in India and of seeing British troops and studying local problems in Malaya. After leaving New Zealand he will stay for a few days as the guest of General MacArthur, Supreme Commander Allied Forces in the Pacific, and will see something of the British troops in Japan. I am informed that the expenditure on petrol, oil and maintenance in connection with the flight would be about £10,000.

Whilst nobody would disagree with the desire of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff to inform himself on imperial and world problems, may I ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is considerable concern at the fact that our chief soldier spends much of his time—and it would appear most of his time—discussing past history in all corners of the world instead of spending his time running the War Office in this country?

His presence at the War Office is not entirely necessary to run the War Office as a Department. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the purpose of his visit is one which His Majesty's Government have approved, and that I am entirely satisfied that he is doing useful work.

Is it not part of the duty of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff to see our troops overseas, where many of them are carrying out duties of an onerous character? Would not the House therefore welcome the discharge of that duty?

Would the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that when a soldier proceeds abroad upon the Orders of His Majesty's Government he will be protected in this House from sneers and derisive comments?

Is it not incumbent upon the holder of the office of Chief of the imperial General Staff to tour the Empire and to consult with the Dominions?

Yes, Sir, certainly, and in any case he gets the approval of the Secretary of State for War before he goes.

As the Chief of the Imperial General Staff does not run the War Office, and as the Secretary of State does not appear to do so either, who does?

I can only assume that the hon. Gentleman is lacking in military knowledge. Otherwise, he would not say that about the Secretary of State for War.

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that the flight costing £10,000 could have been done for £6,000 by private enterprise?

I have taken the precaution before giving this answer to see what the flight would have cost by private enterprise. It would have cost much more.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the desires of the Commonwealth will be considered before the desires of the Commonwealth Party of Chelmsford?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the decision to restrict compassionate leave to soldiers to cases where it is a question of the death, imminent death or dangerous illness of a wife, child or parent of the soldier, often causes great distress to a family in cases of the dangerous illness of a brother or sister of the soldier when such leave is refused; and whether he will take steps to extend the provision for compassionate leave in such cases when supported by medical certificates.

Recommendations for compassionate leave in cases of dangerous illness or imminent death have necessarily been restricted generally to the relationships of parent, wife or child. This restriction was essential owing to the number of cases which would be involved if the concession were extended to embrace a larger category. Exceptional cases, however, merit and receive exceptional consideration, and the concession is extended outside these three relationships in the case of next-of-kin or a twin, or if medical evidence is submitted that the recovery of the sick person would be materially assisted by the presence of the soldier.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread feeling that in exceptional cases the War Office is taking an unnecessarily hard line?

No, Sir. In the overseas Commands the question of priority is decided by an all-ranks committee. I am satisfied that, on the whole, it works satisfactorily.

In cases where death may not be imminent but is, nevertheless, certain in a period of six months or so, as in a case of cancer, is it not possible for my right hon. Friend to arrange for compassionate posting for men stationed overseas? I understand that continued compassionate leave is not acceptable.

The general policy now is not to make compassionate postings but to grant compassionate release.

Where the mother's medical certificate states that it is advisable that the soldier should be brought home, will the right hon. Gentleman advise the people overseas to take notice of the medical certificate?

The Question does not deal with cases relating to mothers but with less close relationships.

The right hon. Gentleman has suggested that the Question does not apply to mothers, but does it not refer to the parent of the soldier?

If the hon. and gallant Member will read the Question he will see that it relates to a brother or sister.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for St. Albans may expect a reply to his letter about the release of premises at Sandridgebury, St. Albans, which are urgently required for educational purposes.

A reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 10th July.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that reply, which came after this Question was put down, was very unsatisfactory? Is he further aware that these premises are occuplied by only a few A.T.S. but, on the understanding that they would be released in June the school took a lease of these premises, and has to be out of its existing premises by September? The delay is holding up the continuance of the work of the school.

In answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question, I have gathered that he was not satisfied with the answer to which I referred. In answer to the second part, I would say that even if we derequisitioned this house, which has 22 rooms, we should have to offer it to other Government Departments.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of his officers indicated that other Government Departments have already said that they do not want the house? Can he also say when the War Office is going to realise that the war is finished and that they must not take priority over civilian needs?

I do my best to get these houses, large and small, derequisitioned, and have met with considerable success in that respect but we cannot get out of this house yet—it is fairly fully occupied. I could give the figures if necessary. I will, however, do my best to see that it is derequisitioned as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War, when it is intended that compensation shall be paid to serving officers for loss of furniture and effects due to the German occupation of the Channel Islands.

No decision has yet been reached on the question of the compensation of officers and other ranks for the loss of furniture and effects in territories occupied by the enemy. Most of the claims relate to the Far East where a Claims Commission is investigating the general question of war damage. The claims in respect of the Channel Islands cannot be considered in advance of a decision on the general question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that civilan claims for damages suffered by the occupation of the Channel Islands are already being met? Can he say without having had notice of the question how long it is since the Germans evacuated the Channel Islands and how much longer it will be before all this compromising and agreeing to arrangements between the parties will go on before the result will be reached?

No, Sir, not offhand. I should like to get this question settled. These cases affect members of the Army. I was not aware that civilian claims had been settled, although I was aware that some payments had been made on account. I will do my best, in conjunction with other Departments, to get the matter settled as soon as possiible.

May I ask whether the Secretary of State realises that really serious hardship is being caused to these officers who have in some cases lost all their effects and have to live in the meantime and have no compensation whatever?

In those cases grants can be made on account.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of civilian claims in the Channel Islands, compensation can only be paid, even when claims are admitted, if the civilian goes back to the Channel Islands and rehabilitates himself there? To what extent will that ruling affect serving officers or other ranks in the Army at the present time? If that applies, it means that they could not get anything at all until they rehabilitated themselves in the Channel Islands?

I do not think that rule would apply to members of the British Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to bring home to members of the occupation forces in Germany and Austria the serious nature of their responsibilities in those cases where they have had children by women in those countries; and whether he will make such arrangements as will secure that the men concerned are not allowed by their carelessness and indifference to add to the destitution and misery already existing in Europe.

I am anxious, and take all possible steps to ensure, that British soldiers should understand their responsibilities in this respect, but the matter is one which cannot be dealt with by disciplinary action.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is the policy of his Department to give every help to interested parties in assisting them to trace men in this country who are alleged to be the fathers, of illegitimate children born in Germany or Austria?

The unfortunate thing is that the identification of the father is sometimes very difficult. I am afraid I cannot take on that extra responsibility.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is easier to establish paternity by refusing help to these people?

I would point out to my hon. Friend that it is not my fault that nothing can be done and that I cannot take disciplinary action. It all depends on the legal authority. I have had that power in relation to cases like this in this country but not in Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the total number of cadets now in the United Kingdom and indicate what are the training facilities provided for cadet instruction in the construction and handling of tanks, armoured cars and other specialised branches of the Army.

As the answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War why in the case of a soldier killed while in a state of desertion, particulars of whose case have been communicated to him, sums due in respect of pay and allowances earned prior to desertion have not been paid to the next-of-kin although one year has elapsed since the death.

Payment has been refused in accordance with past practice under the Regimental Debts Act, 1893, and regulations made thereunder in regard to the balance of men dying in a state of desertion. I am looking further into the applicability of the rules in this particular case.

Will the right bon. Gentleman, in looking further into that case, bear in mind the fact that the man concerned was never tried by court-martial, having been shot dead while in the state of desertion by a military policeman? In the circumstances, is it not right to pay over the accumulations of pay to the man's widowed mother?

Generally speaking, I am inclined to agree with that point of view, and I am now looking into the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the in- cidence of venereal disease in the British Army in Britain in 1938; what it is in the British Army in Britain today; and in the British Army of Occupation in Germany today.

the annual rate per 1,000 troops in the British Army in Britain recorded during 1938 was 11.7. In 1946 the annual rate per 1,000 troops in Britain was 32.8 and in B.A.O.R. 158.6. The quarterly rate for the first quarter of 1947 was 5.3 per 1,000 in Britain and 30 per 1,000 in B.A.O.R. This is slightly lower than for the corresponding quarter of 1946 in Britain but approximately the same in B.A.O.R.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it right that boys of 18 and 19 should be sent to Germany in the conditions shown to be prevailing there? What steps is he taking or can he take to avoid this happening?

In answer to the first part of the question, I have no option as long as we have to maintain military occupation in Germany. As regards the second part of the Question, I am taking all possible steps, and so is the General Officer Commanding out there, to improve the morale of the troops; but I am bound to say that conclusions—and sometimes false conclusions—are drawn from these figures. In 1938 there was probably less recording of cases than there was in 1946, and modern medical practice, which treats the case much more quickly than it did in 1938, probably accounts in part for the apparently higher incidence of cases.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the figures for 1947 speak for themselves quite irrespective of 1938?

I certainly deprecate these figures and I am taking all steps possible to improve them, but I ask the House not to draw too wide conclusions from the figures. We are never asked these questions about the civilian population.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to send a cricket team from the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst to the Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dun, India, this winter, in return for the successful tour by the Indian Military Academy cadets in England this summer.

No, Sir, this is, unfortunately, not possible.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give this further consideration? Is it not desirable in the interests of friendship and co-operation between the Army of this country and the Armies of the future Dominions of India and Pakistan that visits such as these should be paid from time to time?

As the House knows, I used to take a great interest in cricket and I still do; but I regret to say that our cadets at Sandhurst have only 18 months in which to train and, therefore, it is not possible to go in for these cricket matches in other parts of the world.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will see that members of His Majesty's Government holding appointments in his Department make a general practice of signing letters sent in reply to letters addressed to them by honourable Members of this House.

The number of letters addressed by hon. Members to my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State and myself is very large indeed. Nevertheless, both he and I endeavour to sign replies personally but it is physically impossible to sign each reply without detriment to the other important duties imposed on us.

Is the right hon. Gentleman telling the House that his Department has more correspondence than, for example, the Board of Trade, the Ministers of which are most punctilious in signing letters to hon. and right hon. Gentlemen?

I should think that that is quite possible—from Members of Parliament and not the general public.

Is there any reason at all to suppose that the right hon. Gentleman and the Under-Secretary are receiving more letters than the War Department did during the war? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the war we always had a courteous reply signed by the Minister concerned?

That question is entirely wrong, because I have had letters from the War Department signed by the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the then Secretary of State for War. I should say that since the war we have had more letters from Members of Parliament in the War Office than previously.

Differing from my hon. Friend just below me, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that in the comparatively rare cases when he signs replies to hon. Members they are even more unsatisfactory than when they are signed by his Parliamentary Private Secretary?

May I ask the Secretary of State, particularly in view of his rather unfriendly disparagement of my military knowledge in regard to the War Office, to use his influence with some of his colleagues to persuade them not to send me letters addressed, "Dear Col."?

Yes, Sir. I regret this undue familiarity.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that Army vehicles are not driven, save in the course of properly supervised training, by men suffering from lack of sleep; and what redress is afforded to the public in cases of accidents resulting from drivers suffering from excessive fatigue.

It is the duty of commanding officers to ensure that the operation of Army vehicles is properly supervised at all times, which includes ensuring that men are employed on driving duties only for reasonable periods. I have no reason to believe that this duty is not being generally carried out. A member of the public who is the victim of such an accident has the right to sue the driver and provided that he was on duty it is the practice of my Department to stand behind him and provide any funds which may be required by the settlement.

Would the right hon Gentleman look into the circumstances of the case which happened at Slough? Is he aware that in that case the jury returned a verdict of "misadventure" and added a rider that the driver was negligent owing to lack of sleep?

I am now looking into that.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make arrangements to hand over to the civil administration in Germany for German civilian use the motor vehicle parks on the Lubeck-Hamburg and Hamburg-Bremen autobahnen which, with other parks, contain approximately 100,000 vehicles, so that they may be saved from further deterioration and assist in reducing the transport shortage in Germany.

The approximate number of vehicles held on Army charge in vehicle parks in Germany is 77,000, and of this number some 6,000 are now in course of transfer to the surplus disposal authorities. The remaining 71,000 vehicles consist of both usable and repairable stocks which cannot be handed over to the civil administration. They are required to maintain the Army in the immediate years ahead as the export drive and the rehabilitation of home industry have necessitated the temporary suspension of new production vehicles for Army use. Arrangements are in hand to speed up the complete reconditioning of these vehicles, and are being made for their subsequent storage and preservation after overhaul.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are substantive reports available that show that at the end there will be more than 15,000 vehicles which have been completely scrapped for waste? Is it not possible for the Army to state precisely what they want over the next five or six years and to let the rest go for civilian services?

No, Sir, there will be none of these vehicles available for civilian purposes. We want all the serviceable vehicles we can get out of this stock, which is the only stock we can call upon in the next two or three years.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at the present rate of overhaul it will take over eight years before all can be completely overhauled, and most of them will be rotting?

I would not agree with that. We are stepping up the repair of these vehicles.

Will it not take more than two or three years to get down to the inspection and repair of vehicles at the end of the queue? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this, as the vehicles are going to waste, and a considerable number will not be useful to anyone at all?

Yes, but they cannot be used by civilian authorities. [HON MEMBERS: "Why not?"] If we once let them go, we shall not have any call upon them for the British Army. We have already 55,000 released for disposal in Germany from Army stocks, and 20,000 in Holland and Belgium.

Will my right hon. Friend see that some of these cars are made available to British ex-Service men in this country?

No, Sir, I regret that that is not possible; most of these vehicles are not of that type.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is not, and has not been, any waste of these vehicles, and that they are not rotting away?

I could not give that categorical assurance. I should say that in all armies of the size we had in the war, there is bound to be waste. I regret it, but we are doing our best to avoid it.

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise this matter again.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to provide training grounds and buildings for Territorial units.

As far as possible, Territorial units will use the training areas allocated to the Regular Army. Where this is not practicable, arrangements will be made to provide sufficient training ground locally. Requirements for training areas for the Territorial Army not exceeding 50 acres which do not involve the use of live ammunition or tracked vehicles will be discussed locally by Territorial Army Associations with local authorities in the near future. Renovation of existing Territorial Army Headquarters has been in hand since the reconstitution of the Territorial Army was announced. The scope of the work has had to be limited to essential repairs and redecoration so that labour and materials will not be diverted from the national housing programme. The extension of buildings in permanent construction has not yet been started, nor is it considered practicable to do so at the present time. In certain cases where additional accommodation is essential, temporary hutting is being provided. A large building programme is, however, envisaged for the Territorial Army as soon as conditions permit.

is the hon. Gentleman aware that most territorial units are still without training grounds, particularly armoured units, and would he get into touch with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air to see whether some of the redundant aerodromes could not be handed over to these armoured units for training purposes?

I am very well aware of the fact that we have great difficulties in this field, but I am advised that in fact we have adequate training grounds for what is needed at the present although, of course, they will be totally inadequate for what we shall need very soon. I am giving the matter every consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War on whose authority an A.A. gun and a T.A. recruiting centre were set up at the entrance to Hadley House, Barnet, on Saturday, 5th July, on the occasion of the holding there of a Conservative Party fête; if he is aware that members of the public assumed there was some connection between the two; and if he will take steps to see that the laudable object of T.A. recruiting is not prejudiced by being associated with less laudable activities.

The anti-aircraft gun and a Territorial Army recruiting centre were erected on the common opposite Hadley House on the authority of the Commanding Officer in order to advertise the re-formation of his unit and its need for recruits. Although there was no reason why it should have been assumed that there was any connection with the fête, I am taking steps to ensure that nothing should be done which may create the impression that party gatherings are a suitable occasion to undertake the nonparty work of recruiting for the Territorial Army.

May I take it then that the use of this gun will be reserved for a party which has no big guns of its own?

Is the Secretary of State aware that this fête, attended by 10,000 people—which is more than the attendance at Labour meetings in Barnet in an entire year—was a splendid opportunity to get recruits for the Territorial Army? Is not the Question therefore a little petty?

I am very interested to hear that there was such a large gathering. I had now better look into my recruiting figures arising out of the meeting.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that every channel should be used to increase recruiting for the Territorial Army? Is he not aware that between the two wars only the Conservative Party encouraged recruiting?

I agree that we should utilise the help and ask for the assistance of all hon. Members and of all associations with which they are connected. I am certainly of the opinion, as I am sure all hon. Members are that it would be right to keep party politics out of this matter as much as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many local authorities are refusing to grant facilities to their employees to attend annual training in T.A. camps or other auxiliary forces.

This information is not available at the War Office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that various committees of the Edmonton Council apparently refused this?

No, Sir, out I am hoping that it will be possible soon for all local authorities and employers of labour, including the Government, to co-operate more than they are perhaps doing at the present moment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to draw their attention to this urgent national problem?

We are about to do that or are in the process of doing so.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the actual lodging, London, and ration -allowances to warrant officers, noncommissioned officers and privates serving on the permanent staffs of Territorial units in London.

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

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now prepared to state a specified date for demobilisation of all Polish Forces in this country, after which all men in these forces will have to take up profitable employment in this country, or be in training for such work and the remainder repatriated.

No, Sir, but His Majesty's Government are most anxious that all these Poles should return to Poland or failing that join the Polish Resettlement Corps and take up productive work at the earliest possible moment. Members of the Polish Forces must not think that they can continue indefinitely to be paid and maintained in this country as members of those Forces.

Does my hon. Friend realise that this decision is being shelved week after week, month after month, and are not the public of this country justified in expecting that a decision shall be taken, instead of paying out monthly £250,000 in pay indefinitely?

Will the hon. Gentleman say what is the time limit for these men to join the Resettlement Corps and will he go into this matter much more carefully and make a statement to the House at a future date so that we may understand what is to be the future of these men?

Making a statement at a future date is one thing, but I do not think it would be advisable to put a precise term to it now. I would remind my hon. Friend that it was not the impression of the House that the decision was being shelved when my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary made his statement recently.

Is the Financial Secretary aware of the tremendous amount of indignation caused in Scotland by the fact that a large number of able-bodied men have been living there and doing nothing for the past 18 months?

Can my hon. Friend make some definite statement now on this matter, since the public are becoming rather exasperated by this continual shelving of a decision which they feel should be taken?

There is no continual shelving of a decision which should be taken. I have made a categorical statement of what we feel with regard to the future of these Poles. As regards the precise date by which it can be achieved, I think it would be unwise to say definitely.

Is it not the case that these men fought most gallantly for the Allies and thereby set an example to some?

Can the hon. Gentleman say what sanction his Department has to make sure that when these men have joined the Resettlement Corps they are genuinely willing to take up suitable employment?

With regard to that question they join the Resettlement Corps for that purpose, and they remain under military discipline while in it. With regard to the noble Lord's question it is, of course true that many of them did so serve.

Would the hon. Gentleman tell us what is being done with those Poles who have refused to join the Resettlement Corps or to do any work?

I suggest that the hon. and gallant Gentleman should read the statement by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 10th June.

Is the Minister aware—

Hear, hear. Three cheers for Moscow.

Is the Minister aware that these gallant Allies are not being fairly treated by being kept in useless idleness as they are at present, and that their presence would be an advantage to their own country?

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that it has been brought to the notice of each of these men that His Majesty's Government are of the opinion that his duty is, in each case, to return to Poland and to help in its reconstruction?

I have looked into the matter personally, and I am completely satisfied that every one of these men has been made plainly aware of his responsibilities.

In view of the hon. Gentleman's most unsatisfactory reply and lack of knowledge on the subject, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action is taken in the case of Poles convicted of offences in a civil court when their sentences are completed; and whether there is any intention of deporting these Poles, or of retaining them in disciplinary formations of the Polish Rehabilitation Corps.

All convictions of Poles by the civil courts are referred to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary who considers the deportation of the offenders in serious cases. There are no special disciplinary formations in the Polish Resettlement Corps.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible to deport a man who has been convicted in this way and whether any recommendations for deportation can be carried out?

I should think so, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that on 30th June, there were at Stirling miners' hostel 175 Poles, of whom, approximately 85 were in receipt of wages although doing no work; that at Falkirk miners' hostel similar conditions prevailed; and what is the reason for keeping these men in paid idleness when they are anxious to work and the need for additional labour in the mines is so great.

The agreement with the National Union of Mineworkers provides for local consultation with the Branches of the Union before Poles are introduced to any particular colliery. In a number of cases local difficulties have arisen and in consequence these local consultations are taking longer than anticipated. This has meant delay in some cases in starting Poles at work after preliminary training. I hope this is a temporary difficulty which will disappear as local misunderstandings are removed, in view of the urgent national need for increasing the manpower in the industry.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular case these Poles have, I understand, been idle for many weeks, and look like being idle for many more weeks? Does the hon. Gentleman do anything more than make a statement, such as he has just made to the House?

I understand that the Poles in this case have been there for a fortnight. As the House is aware, there have been changes in the membership of the National Coal Board. I have asked for representatives of the Coal Board to get on this job immediately.

How long is it since these men first volunteered for this work, and what amount of public funds have so far been expended in their maintenance and training?

I cannot say without notice. They only came from training centres a fortnight ago.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a common nutritional standard exists for all prisoner-of-war camps in this country; and how frequently these camps are inspected in respect of the quality, quantity, variety and service of meals.

Yes, Sir. Ration scales are laid down which are applicable to all prisoner-of-war camps in this country. Each camp is inspected approximately every two and a half months by an officer from the War Office. Camps have messing committees on which prisoners of war are represented, and through which they can forward complaints and suggestions about their messing to the commandant.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that reports show that these camps vary considerably, and while some are up to a reasonable standard, others leave very much to be desired? In view of that, could not the inspection be carried out more reasonably and quickly?

I should say that, as in civilian restaurants, catering is bound to vary from establishment to establishment but I am satisfied that the standard throughout the prisoner-of-war camps is very good indeed.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that to get the best work out of these men they must be reasonably well fed? But there are cases where the food is really insubstantial?

Will my hon. Friend let me have particulars of cases he has in mind, and I will look into them?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that prisoners in agricultural camps are now working up to 10 o'clock at night? Does he think that the normal rations which are being given are adequate for that work?

I should think, looking at prisoners by and large, they seem a very healthy lot, and at any rate there is a special ration scale for prisoners who work.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to remove from the ex-Italian Colonies of Eritrea and Somalia, the Italian police, judges and other officials, since the surrender of the territory removes all obligation under international law to retain in office the former local officials.

It is true that the Italian surrender of rights and interests in her former colonies removes any obligation in International Law to retain former Italian local officials in office but until the Treaty of Peace with Italy is ratified by all the Governments concerned, His Majesty's Government is bound by the terms of the Hague Convention to maintain Italian law, and must, therefore, of necessity employ Italian officers to administer it. On the corning into force of this Treaty there still remains the obligation to continue as far as possible the existing Administrations in Eritrea and Somalia until the future of these colonies is determined by the agreement of the four Foreign Ministers. It will be necessary to retain a certain number of the former Italian judges and officials (many of whom have served the Military Administrations loyally since the Occupations) to enable the existing administrations to continue to function smoothly. Since 1945 Italian officials have, however, been returning to Italy and where possible, and as opportunity occurs, officials are being replaced by suitable non-Italian and indigenous personnel in the territories.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the loyal and devoted service which these officials nave given to the British military administration over several years, and not be unduly influenced by the narrow nationalism implied in the Question?

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is now in a position to make a definite statement about the publication of the Hobhouse Report relating to the establishment of national parks.

It is intended to publish the report on Friday, 18th July.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning, if he is aware that the programme for the provision of houses for agricultural workers in the Penrith rural district is being held up owing to objections from his Department; and if he will take steps to enable the Penrith Rural District Council to proceed with the erection of houses, no only in the small and large villages, but also in the vicinity of farms where at present no suitable accommodation for farmworkers is available.

On 18th March this year, sites for 40 houses in the Penrith rural district were submitted to my Department for clearance. In approximately two months clearance had been given to the sites for 32 of these houses. More difficulty has been experienced in dealing with the remaining sites, but a meeting is about to be held in the region in an attempt to reach agreement on them. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 18th March to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom), regarding the Government's general policy on the siting of houses for agricultural workers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very scattered rural area and that skilled men are required near the farms where they can work on the farms and look after the stock? Will he inform me whether his branch of the Ministry of Town and Country Planning bear in mind this matter, which is very vital to the farming industry?

Yes, Sir. Some of the difficulties have arisen owing to the very laudable desire to provide sewerage for these cottages, but, in view of the site, I think we can waive that objection now.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning, why, in view of the fact that there is an appeal in the courts against his decision to create a satellite town at Crawley, an advertisement has appeared in a northern journal advertising for a community officer for the satellite town of Crawley.

The Crawley New Town Development Corporation and, at their instance, any officers appointed by them in present circumstances, clearly appreciate that such appointments cannot be confirmed, but must remain on a provisional basis until the issues raised by the action now before the High Court are disposed of. My right hon. Friend is in agreement with the corporation's policy in this regard.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he is yet in a position to give a date on which the village of Aveton Gifford. South Devon, will acquire a housing site, as this matter has been pending for many months.

There were agricultural objections to the site originally proposed by the Rural District Council but, following discussions with the local authorities, agreement was reached on 29th April to a modified site. The revised plans, for which the Rural District Council were asked on 5th May, are not yet available, but our regional officers are in touch with the Rural District Council, and the site will be cleared as soon as the plans are ready.

Will the Minister remember that this small village lost 10 houses from enemy action and, therefore, was proportionately worse bombed than London? Will the Department do everything possible to help the Rural District Council get on with the job?

I appreciate that there teas been some delay in this matter, due to the fact that we had agreed to a modified site, and delay of the Rural District Council in submitting plans, but we hope they will begin in a short time.

asked the Minister of National Insurance (1) how many old age pensioners have gone overseas within the last 12 months and have asked to have their pensions paid to them abroad; how many such pensions are, in fact, being paid; how many have been refused; and in respect of how many no decision has yet been taken;

(2) whether old age pensioners who proceed overseas to British possessions can have their pensions paid to them there if they previously notify his Department; and how many such applications have been received and how many are outstanding.

The Contributory Pensions Acts provide that pensioners outside the United Kingdom who are in His Majesty's dominions as defined in the Acts can, on application to my Department, have their pensions paid to them direct or to an agent in this country nominated by them. The Acts provide that a pension cannot be paid where a pensioner is in a foreign country. The number of old age pensions in payment outside the United Kingdom is 4,609. During the twelve months ending 30th June, 1947, 1,886 applications for payment were received from old age pensioners in or proceeding to His Majesty's dominions overseas; in 1,667 of these cases payment of the pensions is being made in the way requested by the pensioner; in the remaining 219 cases the necessary arrangements for payment are in hand. None has been refused. The number of old age pensioners who have gone to foreign countries is not available and could only be obtained by a scrutiny of the individual records of all contributory old age pensioners. The number of such persons is, however, very small.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are delays of up to about five months in the payment of some of these pensions?

That is not my information. I understand that none of the 219 cases in which payment is still to be made has been waiting more than four weeks.

In view of the importance of emigration, particularly of whole families, and the difficulty of arranging for the junior members only to go, ought not the Government to conclude comprehensive arrangements with the Dominions for the transfer of pension rights?

Such an arrangement does exist. A pensioner of this country can get his pension in those countries.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are cases of great hardship where the only surviving relative of an old age pensioner may have married a member of the Allied Forces and gone overseas, the old age pensioner being left behind, alone? Will my hon. Friend see if anything can be done to make it possible for pensioners in this category to join their only remaining relative overseas, and still enjoy their pension?

That is another question.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on his conference with the employers' representatives concerning the building operatives' claim for a wage increase of 9d. per hour; and if the deadlock has been resolved.

I am in close touch with the parties but I should prefer not to make any statement at present.

Without wishing to embarrass the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask him whether he will be able to make a statement shortly?

I am, in fact, meeting both parties on Thursday of this week. I hope that the result will be such as to enable me to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the large number of unemployed men who are about 50 years of age; and what action is being taken to help these men to find employment and to persuade employers that a man is not too old at 50.

I am much concerned about this problem and have on several occasions appealed to employers in general not to impose unduly low age limits, and representations are made to particular employers when this point arises. After consultation with the Appointments Department Advisory Council, I am seeking the assistance of employers' associations and Chambers of Commerce. The age distribution of the working population is changing and employers must realise that their staffs will have to include a higher proportion of older men.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this disability does not still apply in the case of many Government Departments? Will he look into that aspect, particularly in relation to the Ministry of Transport, which disqualifies men from receiving appointments as driving instructors or examiners if they are over the age of 41?

I have no information about that. If my hon. Friend has any complaint about that Ministry, perhaps he might take it up with them. The Government are not following a policy of saying, "Too old at 50."

Would not the Government be doing the right thing if they stated to employers that the Government are setting an example by employing some of these unemployed people of 50 or over themselves, and are also asking local authorities to do so?