asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are taken to ensure that prospective changes in the air mail service affecting the rate of postal deliveries to and from men in His Majesty's Forces are properly advised to the troops beforehand.

Changes affecting mails to and from the Forces are communicated to the troops at once by means of orders, Forces' broadcast, Forces' newspapers, or any other available method.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that although the mail plane arrived at Salonica on 23rd November last, the mails had been left behind; and whether he can state the reason for the non-delivery of the mails on this date;

(2) whether he is aware that the mail is only delivered to the troops stationed at Salonica on three days of each week; that this is causing inconvenience to the men stationed there; and whether he will take steps to have the mail delivered more frequently.

As I stated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Willesden (Mr. Orbach) last week, I am making inquiries into the delivery of mail to troops at Salonica, and I will write to my hon. Friend when these inquiries are complete.

Is my hon. Friend aware that on the date in question the mail was alleged to have been left behind because of the arrival of a general who had so much baggage which had to be accommodated? Will he give an undertaking that in future a general's baggage shall not have priority over the mail of the other ranks?

If the facts are as stated by my hon. Friend, they should have been put into the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the long-promised photographs of the graves of those killed abroad during the war will be given to the next of kin.

It is my Department's policy to provide the next of kin with a photograph of the deceased's final resting place, which is often not the same place as where the body was originally buried. Many thousands of graves all over the world have had to be concentrated into special British military cemeteries before the photographs could be taken, and this has naturally delayed the completion of the programme. A very considerable number of photographs has already been despatched to the next of kin, and an intensive effort is being made to complete the work at the earliest possible moment. This applies especially to Germany, France and the Low Countries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people are getting very anxious about these photographs, and will he do as he says and speed up their delivery as much as he can?

Certainly. I understand that about 100,000 photographs have already been despatched, and we are expediting the work as rapidly as possible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any information is given to the next of kin about the graves, apart from photographs? Is any information given about disinterring and reinterring, and about the position of the graves?

I had a talk with members of the Imperial War Graves Commission, and I understand that information is furnished to the next of kin so far as is practicable, but it may be that the information is inadequate. The fact that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has raised the matter will perhaps help.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he proposes to take in order to remove the serious hardships which members of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment are at present experiencing and in particular the lack of fuel and ban on space heating of the sleeping quarters of these men who have only recently returned from India.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the complaints by men of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Leicestershire Regiment, recently returned from India, and now stationed at Long Marston, near Stratford-on-Avon, regarding their present living conditions; and what action he is taking in the matter.

As I indicated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Leslie) last week; owing to the necessity to economise fuel the amount of heating allowed in Army quarters has unfortunately had to be severely restricted. As regards the particular unit referred to the position has now been improved by repairs to the living accommodation and a partial relaxation of the ban on heating of sleeping accommodation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the conditions in this camp, and that it has been described as a quagmire during the winter? Is he also aware that men who have come from India and who have been subjected to the living conditions at the camp have fainted; and will he do all he can to get the conditions put right?

The particulars which I have in my possession are that at a particular parade three men fell out owing to the cold; I am not aware that they actually fainted. The ban on the heating of the sleeping accommodation has been relaxed to provide for heating for at least 20 hours per week.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it was necessary, before action was taken in this matter, for two Parliamentary Questions to be put by the hon. Member for West Leicester (Mr. Janner) and myself? Why has all this buck-passing been going on between the right hon. Gentleman's late Ministry and his present Ministry?

There was no buck-passing that I know of. The fact is that several weeks ago, as a result of my investigations in a particular Command, I directed attention to the paucity of heating of the sleeping accommodation, and they have endeavoured to put the matter right. We have, of course, to economise in the matter of fuel; but I am doing the best I can.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the 9th intake, 29th Training Regiment, R.A.C., stationed at Barford Camp, Barnard Castle, have been told that they will not get any Christmas or New Year leave; and if he will see that they are given the leave promised to all trainees.

Leave is granted at Christmas to as many men as possible, whether trained or trainees, but naturally, a proportion have to be retained for essential administrative duties. The 9th intake at the 59th Training Regiment, R.A.C., have been detailed to remain in barracks at Christmas as part of the detachment required for such duties. All the members of this intake have recently been Given a week's leave and will be due for further leave when their course ends in February.

Was there not an order issued by the War Office that all trainees were to have Christmas or New Year off, and if this leave is refused at this time, will it not have a very bad effect on recruiting for the Army? Will not my right hon. Friend see that these men get leave at Christmas or New Year?

No official promise was made about Christmas or the New Year. I have a great deal of sympathy with the point raised by the hon. Member, and I have issued certain directions. In so far as it is possible to carry them out, they will be carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is intended to compensate the W.Os., N.C.Os. and guardsmen of the Brigade of Guards for the tunics and blue trousers which were their own property and which were handed into store on the outbreak of war in 1939; and on what basis the compensation will be made.

I am looking into this matter and will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) when it is hoped to place a tenant in the vacant property belonging to the War Office, known as No. 188, Dorset Road, Merton, S.W.19;

(2) what steps have been taken to make War Office property known as 186, Dorset Road, Merton, S.W.19, fit for habitation; and when these steps were first taken;

(3) if he will make Nos. 186 and 188, Dorset Road, Merton, S.W.19, available for use by the local authority as soon as his Department are satisfied that they are unable to place tenants in these properties.

Both these houses are required for occupation by military tenants and will not therefore be available for use by the local authority. No. 188 is already occupied by a warrant officer and his family, and No. 186 will be occupied as soon as it has been repaired.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that it is unfortunate that these buildings should remain empty when there is such a need for housing accommodation?

Of course, it would be unfortunate if they were left empty for any period of time, but so far as I know that is not the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give a summary of the recommendations of the interim report of the Manpower Economy Committee; which of these he proposes adopting; and what saving in manpower is anticipated.

As I said in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend last week, this report is being considered. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence indicated recently, in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Swingler) on 12th November that he would consider making further information available on the work of this Committee and the corresponding committees dealing with the other two Services. I must ask my hon. Friend to await this information.

Can my right hon. Friend say why he is not prepared to give this information to the House, and can he further say whether he has been impressed with the far-reaching character of the recommendations?

The reason I cannot give further details on the recommendations is because the report of the Committee is now being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the numbers of officers and other personnel employed in the War Office in August, 1939; what are the corresponding numbers now; and what is the number of additional houses, apart from the War Office building in Whitehall, that are now used for the accommodation of the War Office staff.

Information as to the strengths of War Office headquarters branches in August, 1939, is not readily available. The total strength, military and civilian, in April, 1939, was approximately 3,700. The corresponding figure at 1st October, 1947, was 10,600. In April, 1939, 13 buildings and blocks of houses other than the main War Office building were occupied. At the present time 28 such buildings and blocks of houses are occupied. I would point out, however, that this comparison is of little real value as the buildings concerned range from large blocks of offices to quite small houses.

Is it not a fact, whatever the comparison, that the amount of accommodation occupied is very much larger than it was in 1939 and that the strength of the War Office is very much larger also, and can the right hon. Gentleman give any good reason why, after two years of peace, there should be such a disproportionate increase in the War Office staff and the accommodation occupied?

Is not conscription the reason?

Of course, the amount of accommodation now used is very much greater than it was before the war, but the need is greater.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the rates in hostels for the wives of serving soldiers are the same for all ranks; and if he is aware that it is unreasonable to expect a woman with three children, receiving £3 19s. 6d., who is expected to pay £3 4s. a week, to live on 15s. 6d. for all incidental expenses.

The rates charged are the same for all ranks because the accommodation and food provided is the same. Families of men on the lowest rates of pay are, however, safeguarded by a provision that after paying the requisite charges the remaining family income shall not be less than 25s. a week. The charge of £3 4s. a week for full board and lodging for a woman and three children includes service, fuel and light. I am, however, looking further into this. As regards the particular case referred to in the last part of the Question, I do not know whether or not the husband is making a reasonable allotment from his pay, but I am perfectly willing to have inquiries made into this aspect of the matter.

If the soldier were not making a reasonable allotment, what would then be the position with regard to the balance of money from the woman?

I am afraid that is beyond my power. The soldier is expected to make a reasonable allotment, and in the measure in which he does, obviously the woman and her family are better off.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman's answer tend to show that the present pay rates are inadequate?

asked the Secretary of State for War why Mrs. D. M. Wright, of 5, Married Quarters, Preston Barracks, Brighton, after visiting the hon. Member for Brighton in his office at a time advertised that he will see any constituent, was visited by the R.S.M. and the adjutant and informed, on the C.O.'s instructions, that she had committed an offence in visiting the local Member of Parliament; whether he is aware that she was questioned as to what she had seen him about; how was it known that she had been to see him; and by what authority has the C.O. issued instructions that nobody living in married quarters may consult their Member of Parliament or visit the local secretary of S.S.A.F.A. to seek advice concerning the present conditions in Preston Barracks.

I am aware that Mrs. Wright was questioned by the adjutant and the regimental sergeant major concerning her visit to the hon. Member, on the instructions of the garrison commander, who was under the entirely mistaken impression that he was entitled to be informed before the wife of a soldier placed a complaint before a Member of Parliament. This, of course, is not so, and I should like to tale this opportunity of expressing regret for the action which was taken in this case. I am not aware that instructions have been issued to the effect suggested in the last part of the Question, although a letter was addressed by the garrison commander to all married families impressing upon them the fact that he could probably assist them in many queries which might otherwise go to S.S.A.F.A. direct and that it was desirable for him to be approached in the first instance.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him to make quite certain that there will be no victimisation of this woman or any other woman at that centre, and, furthermore, would he be kind enough to point out that the S.S.A.F.A. actually receives a grant from the War Office to assist similar cases and state whether, in his opinion, the S.S.A.F.A. is doing very good work which ought to be encouraged?

By all means; this association has always done valuable work since its inception. But I am distressed about this case, and appropriate action is to be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men with under four months' service are being posted to Palestine; and whether he has authorised this.

I am not aware of any specific instances of men with less than four months' service being posted to Palestine, and this would not normally occur under existing practice, although it is possible that it has happened exceptionally in a few cases. As I indicated in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley (Captain Crowder) on 2nd December, in view of the decision to evacuate Palestine the rules for postings to that theatre are under review.

If I bring a particular case to the right hon. Gentleman's notice, will he see that a man with less than four months' service is not sent to Palestine?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his regulations now make it essential for an officer cadet in the Army to be in possession of Service dress when commissioned.

Yes, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend bring his answer to the notice of officers commanding O.C.T.Us., particularly the R.A.S.C. O.C.T.U. at Buller Barracks, Aldershot, where they insist on cadets passing out possessing a Service dress?

I should imagine that that is a War Office instruction.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any accommodation for British troops is available in the Crater at Aden; and whether he now proposes to arrange for any units to be stationed there.

So far as I am aware, there is no accommodation suitable for British troops in the area referred to. The situation at Aden is being kept under constant review by the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Land Forces, who will make whatever dispositions are necessary.

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel reasonably assured that we have forces in Aden adequately disposed to cope with any further disturbances?

I would not care to answer that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, whatever may be the position at the Crater, there are a number of "Craters" in Scotland which do not want the Army at all?

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Courts Martial Committee last met.

I understand that the Committee last examined witnesses on 11th September, but that since then there have been frequent meetings of members of a sub-committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any prospect of this Committee publishing its report in the near future?

I should think so.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many vessels are borne on the Vote of the Army; and what is the cost of their maintenance.

It would not be in accordance with practice to disclose this information.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many vessels on the Army Vote are to proceed to Malta; and what will be the cost of their maintenance.

None, Sir, though some vessels may call at Malta on their way to the Middle East either for the crew to be inoculated against cholera or to discharge any cargo for Malta which happens to be available for shipment when they sail from England. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many vessels on the Army Vote have been converted; how many are in the process of conversion; and what is the total cost.

Fifty-two such vessels have been converted since the end of the war and three are in process of conversion. Owing to the special financial arrangements in force up to 31st March, 1947, the greater part of the cost of the conversion remained a charge against Navy Funds: but it is estimated that the cost of conversion work carried out after 31st March, 1947, will be £240,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether discipline has or has not deteriorated among African colonial troops since corporal punishment has been abolished; and what punishments are inflicted for offences, that formerly would have involved corporal punishment.

I have called for a report on this matter from the military authorities overseas and I will write to my hon. Friend when it has been received.

Does that include the latter part of the Question as well as the first part?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War the date on which the despatches relating to the loss of Singapore and the Malay Peninsula will be published.

I expect that the despatches relating to the operations in the Far East during the earlier part of the war will start being published about the middle of January. Those relating to the loss of Singapore and the Malay Peninsula should reach their turn for publication within the following four or five weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now allow prisoners of war to wear civilian clothes where these are available to them and when they are off duty.

No, Sir. Until these men are released to civilian status or are dis- charged in Germany on repatriation they are military prisoners of war and must wear uniform for reasons of discipline and control.

Will my right hon. Friend at least see that more suits without patches are made available to these men, as they feel it most invidious to have to go around the countryside wearing these beastly patches?

I am afraid that patches are not peculiar to German prisoners of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a recent order was made forbidding P.O.W's. to wear any civilian ties, collars, or shirts they might possess; and whether, owing to their desire to look as tidy as possible, he will cancel the instructions issued.

This order was issued to ensure uniformity among prisoners of war, who are subject to military discipline. I see no reason to cancel it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this small concession would increase the men's self-respect and improve their morale? Will he look into the matter again?

This is a matter of discipline, and we cannot have them appearing in all kinds of uniform.

How is it that these men were allowed to wear these articles up till quite recently, and that suddenly a ban was put on them, without any real explanation? Why was the ban imposed? Can the right hon. Gentleman answer that?

I certainly cannot answer it, because I am not aware of it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for the completion of repatriation from the Middle East of prisoners of war by the same date as repatriation of prisoners of war from this country, namely, 31st August, 1948.

This suggestion is being considered, but I am not yet in a position to give any indication whether it will be practicable.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that many of these men were captured long before the majority of the men detained in this country, and will he also give an assurance that the evacuation from Palestine will not lead to further delay in repatriation from the Middle East?

I should like to see the question about Palestine on the Order Paper.

Have these prisoners of war in the Middle East the same amenities and facilities as are enjoyed by their fellow prisoners in this country?

I am not aware that they are without amenities.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will cause German prisoners of war in this country to be informed what groups will be repatriated by Christmas; and what is the average monthly number of these prisoners who are repatriated on compassionate and other grounds outside their repatriation group.

All prisoners of war were informed in November of the estimated repatriation dates of each group up till May, 1948. The average number repatriated monthly outside their groups for the last three months has been approximately 4,800.

Is that number increasing on the average?

Yes, Sir. As I indicated in my previous reply, there is some increase.

Does that number include men repatriated from the Middle East on compassionate grounds?

So far as I can see, this Question does not apply to the Middle East.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in regard to his refusal to allow prisoners of war to take part in concerts and other entertainments where an admission charge is made and the proceeds are for some charitable, religious or relief objective, he will distinguish between those cases in which, on the one hand, paid professionals would be employed and, on the other, unpaid amateurs.

My hon. Friend will appreciate that it would be very difficult to decide whether professionals or amateurs would have been employed at an entertainment if prisoners of war had not been available. I regret, therefore, that his suggestion is not practicable.

Could not the test be whether those taking part in the concert are paid or not?

Of course, one could apply several tests. I do not think a test has anything to do with it.

Having regard to the fact that it is easy to distinguish between those who are paid and those who are not paid, Will not my right hon. Friend look at this matter again, because in country districts it is particularly hard on charitable organisations to inflict this penalty on them?

I will look into it.

Cannot those responsible for getting up entertainments for charitable purposes certify that those taking part are, or are not, paid?

I would like to see that question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to reduce the number of German prisoners in this country who are regarded as frozen men; and what steps are taken to inform prisoners of war of the offence or reason for which they are frozen and to inform them of the name of the country which requires their detention.

Under revised rules which came into force yesterday the number of prisoners of war detained in this country beyond the date on which they would normally become eligible for repatriation will be reduced from approximately 2,500 to approximately 700. All of these men will be informed of the reason for their detention and, where applicable, of the country on whose behalf they are detained.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it was entirely contrary to our English sense of justice that these men were not previously informed why they were being kept in this country, and will he see in future that men who are kept behind, or frozen, are informed of the reasons they are detained?

I have answered that question in my original reply.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many Territorial units are short of clothing and equipment; and, in view of the large surpluses left over from the war, if he will see that the Territorial Army is fully equipped before disposing of these surpluses.

A complete set of personal clothing and equipment is issued to Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Associations for each recruit and except for a temporary shortage of battledress in certain smaller sizes there has been no difficulty in meeting the demands of Associations. Owing to the very heavy strain which is imposed on the Army's repair capacity there is a temporary shortage of certain technical stores in a fully serviceable condition, particularly some kinds of anti-aircraft equipment. There is also a shortage of certain vehicles. Repairable equipments and vehicles of the types in short supply are being overhauled on a high priority to meet the outstanding demands of the Territorial Army. The needs of the Territorial Army are taken into consideration before any equipment is declared surplus.

How can the right hon. Gentleman expect an enthusiastic response to the recruitment campaign for the Territorial Army if it is not given the fullest encouragement by way of receiving the equipment and clothing it desires? If I send him some special cases, will he look into them?

I shall be glad to have any information which the hon. Gentleman has in his possession, but I am not aware of any lack of enthusiasm in the Territorial Army.

Will my right hon. Friend see that the Territorial Army is not called upon to fight the next war with the left off equipment of the last war?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give special attention to buildings and accommodation at the present time?

We are giving a great deal of attention to the matter of buildings, but it is not an easy problem to solve.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what period have clinker ashes been delivered to Altcar Rifle Range, Hightown, Lancashire, on behalf of the Territorial Association, by a contractor William Rainford, of White-hedge Farm, Hightown; what quantity has been delivered; and what was the price agreed to be paid.

Clinker ashes have been delivered by this contractor at the range mentioned since 4th December. Some twelve loads have been delivered. No payment will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the supplementary bounty of £1 10s. for additional voluntary training and £1 10s. for certified efficiency will be paid to N.C.O's. and men of the Territorial Army who enlisted before 1st August, 1947, and who have become qualified.

Non-commissioned officers and men of the Territorial Army who enlisted before 1st August, 1947, and who have carried out the obligatory training required, including attendance at camp, will be paid the supplementary bounty of 30s. if certified by the commanding officer as efficient and up to a maximum of 30s. for additional voluntary training.

What is the position when no camp is held? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a few days before this Question appeared on the Order Paper, the paymasters informed the unit commanders that this additional bounty would not be paid, and in view of that, will he place on the paymasters the responsibility for bringing the matter to the notice of unit commanders?

If it should be the case as perhaps it may be, that camps could not be arranged, I will look into the point, for it is a point of substance.

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct the paymasters to inform unit commanders that there has been a change in the last few days with regard to instructions for paying additional bounty.

I am not aware of it, but note will be taken of what the hon. and gallant Gentleman has said.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when he expects to publish any of the lists of buildings of historic or architectural interest to be protected under Sections 42 and 43 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1944.

One statutory list has been sent to the local authority for deposit and will be published as soon as possible. I hope that two more will be sent before Christmas. A large number of provisional lists have been sent to local authorities for the addition of necessary details and when these are available the Statutory lists will be sent for deposit.

Will the Minister say to what areas this one list applies, and whether it was selected because there are very few such buildings there; and will he also say when he hopes to discharge this duty, put upon him more than three years ago, for the whole country?

The one authority is Nuneaton. There is an average number of buildings there. It was not selected because of the small number. I cannot give a date, but it will take some time before the task is completed. The surveys have now been made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it possible for recognised architectural societies interested in preserving buildings to see this list either at his office or elsewhere?

They can see it on request at the offices of the local authority, and we shall certainly be glad to produce those lists to societies of that kind.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how many county councils have sign-posted public footpaths and rights of way similar to those sign-posted by the Essex County Council; and what steps he has taken to require county councils to perform this service.

I have no precise information in regard to the first part of the Question. The matter referred to in the second part is under consideration in connection with the Report of the Special Committee on Footpaths and Access to the Countryside.

Could the Minister see that some kind of recommendation to the various county councils is given before the Spring and Summer, in view of the very fine service which the Essex County Council has rendered to walkers and ramblers in the countryside, and the fact that a similar service has not been rendered in other parts of the country?

It is very difficult indeed at this time to give directions or instructions to local authorities with which they cannot comply in view of the shortage of labour and material.

Surely a recommendation could be made? Many of these authorities are ignoring the possibilities

Is the Minister aware that the Essex type of signpost would be much improved if it told us where the footpath goes, as well as the fact that there is a footpath?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many beautiful footpaths have fallen into desuetude as a result of this kind of negligence, that they are not even marked on the maps, and that, even if we cannot keep them in any kind of order, a recommendation, or the kindly sort of letter he is in the habit of sending, would be a great advantage?

I am well aware of those facts, and it is for that reason the Committee was set up.

Should not the right hon. Gentleman press the Service Departments to release a great many footpaths which they are now closing, rather than encourage local authorities to signpost them?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, recognising the shortage of manpower, ramblers' associations and other voluntary organisations interested in this matter would co-operate with local authorities if they were given a lead, and would undertake much of the work that is required?

I am very glad to hear that, and no doubt the local authorities will note it.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether, in the impending interviews of candidates for posts on the local staffs of his Ministry, the special needs of Welsh-speaking areas in Wales will be adequately considered.

Yes, Sir; the fullest consideration will be given to the special needs of Welsh-speaking areas in Wales. In the recruitment to my Ministry which is now going on, the separate selection board which sits at Cardiff notes the names of successful candidates who speak Welsh, and the Controller in charge of National Insurance business in Wales posts them as far as possible to offices where a knowledge of the Welsh language is necessary or desirable.

Will my right hon. Friend, as well as giving due consideration to these Welsh-speaking areas, make perfectly sure that Welsh is not made obligatory upon all the people who can work in the Welsh department?

Certainly, Sir. I know there are English-speaking people as well.

asked the Minister of National Insurance when his Department proposes to commence interviewing candidates for posts on the local staffs of his Ministry; and whether these interviews will be conducted regionally or entirely in London.

These interviews, which are conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners, began last August. Nearly all the candidates who were wholly or mainly engaged on National Health Insurance work have now been interviewed, and in other classes of cases candidates will be interviewed in the near future. In accordance with the recommendations of the Committee which I set up to advise me, the interviewing and selecting of candidates for established posts in the Ministry is in the hands of the Civil Service Commissioners. The great majority of the applicants are interviewed in suitable regional or local centres but those who appear to be qualified for certain senior posts are interviewed by a special board in London.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of ex-officers of over 40 years of age of whom his Department has particulars and for whom employment has not yet been found; and the number of such officers placed in employment by his Department during the last 12 months.

Statistics of this particular age-group are not available. Of the 5,918 unemployed ex-officers who were seeking employment through the Appointments Department on 10th November last, 2,381 or 40 per cent. were over 45 years of age. During the 12 months ended 10th November, 6,663 ex-officers of all ages were placed in employment.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the figures for unemployment in Birmingham as recorded on 1st December in each of the years of 1932, 1938, and 1947, respectively.

The numbers of insured workers registered as unemployed at the dates nearest to those in question were 50,505 at 21st November, 1932, 30,904 at 14th November, 1938, and 2,870 at 10th November, 1947.

Will the Minister give us the figures of unemployed in Birmingham at the end of January this year?

If the hon. Member will put down a Question, yes.

asked the Prime Minister if he will, as requested, see a deputation from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions, including the Union of Railway Signalmen, to discuss the desirability of trade unions outside the T.U.C. being taken into consultation in furthering plans for national recovery.

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has nothing to add to the reply which he gave to the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Donner) on 4th December.

Is it not unwise in these days to make any body of men feel that their co-operation is not needed because they prefer to keep clear of political affiliations?

The co-operation of all good citizens is needed and should be forthcoming, but it would lead to great inconvenience and difficulty if we were to deal with two collective trade union organisations. This body itself claims only a membership of about 100,000, and there is no question of political affiliation in it, because the Trades Union Congress is not affiliated to any political party.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Federation of Independent Trade Unions is so called because it consists of organisations which are not really trade unions and are not at all independent?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the example of the Chancellor of the Exchequer who is prepared to see not only the National Union of Manufacturers but the Federation of British Industries as well? Both these bodies represent different sections of the productive world. Would he not consider that analogy as one worth following?

This analogy is not a perfect one at all, and in any case the hon. Gentleman is putting the argument the wrong way round.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a case of a body which claims to be entirely non-political seeking to influence the political head of the State?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the constitution of the T.U.C. and its standing orders are such that a number of bona fide trade unions cannot affiliate with it? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Does he not realise that the National Union of Teachers and N.A.L.G.O. and other trade unions are not affiliated? Is there any reason why the T.U.C., however excellent a body, should be the only body to be recognised?

I am not aware that this so-called independent body represents the teachers——

I did not say it did.

Then that does not help the point. The teachers are dealt with by the Minister of Education and are recognised; N.A.L.G.O. is recognised by the Ministry of Health. It would lead to a chaotic situation if the great Trades Union Congress, representative of organised labour, with many millions of membership, were to be negotiated with almost side by side with this rather small body.

asked the Prime Minister when he intends to issue medal ribbons to next-of-kin of those who lost their lives in the war.

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which he gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Eastern Dorset (Colonel Wheatley) on nth November last.

If that answer was that they had not yet been issued, as in the case of many families of which I can tell him, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it a disgrace that in two years they have not yet had this very small token of gratitude issued to them?

We are, of course, exceedingly sorry that the medals have not been issued. It is a problem of production—[HON. MEMBERS: "The ribbons."]—I am on the final point now. In regard to ribbons, I understand that the tradition and recognised practice is that they are only customarily worn by the persons concerned. That strictly applies to medals, but it is recognised that on Armistice Day, and such other occasions, relatives do wear them.

asked the Prime Minister whether employees of nationally owned and nationally subsidised public corporations are debarred from offering themselves as candidates at local government elections.

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the National Service Hostels Corporation takes unto itself the right unilaterally to debar its employes, when they think fit, from standing as candidates in municipal elections? If I give my right hon. Friend some evidence, will he look into that?

Yes, Sir, but in giving the answer I must confess I was thinking of commercial corporations rather than of a body of that kind. If my hon. Friend gives me particulars, I will look into it.

Is it in order for the employees of nationalised corporations to be employed for propaganda purposes at by-elections?

I think the hon. Gentleman had better put that question down, with evidence, for consideration.

asked the Lord President of the Council why the Central Office of Information has distributed a large amount of advertising matter to firms in the London area giving details of an exhibition about New Zealand which, except for Saturday afternoons, is only open to these firms' employees during their normal office hours.

Small posters and handbills advertising the "Meet New Zealand" Exhibition have been distributed in limited numbers to schools and firms in the London district. This material reaches not only the employees of the firms but, through them, their families and friends. The present hours of opening are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on all weekdays, except Christmas Day, when the exhibition will be closed, and Boxing Day, when it will open at 2 p.m. To some extent the staggering of working hours will make it possible for industrial and office workers to visit the exhibition, and requests have been received from firms to arrange visits for parties of their trainees, within these hours. But, in order to facilitate the attendance of workers, it has now been agreed with the High Commissioner for New Zealand, whose office provides the staff, that the exhibition should be open from 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. on weekdays. This extension of hours will be put into effect within two or three days, as soon as the necessary staff arrangements can be made.

Does not the Minister think that it would be possible on several evenings a week to keep the exhibition open until 10 o'clock in the evening, and not just until 7 o'clock?

It is a matter of staffing, for which the New Zealand High Commissioner's office is responsible, and, on the experience of other exhibitions which have been open until a late hour—analogous exhibitions—it does not look as though that would be particularly successful.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the extent to which forged money has been discovered entering this country from South Eastern Europe.

Since the war, some 5,300 forged bank notes to a total face-value of £50,500 are known to have reached the United Kingdom from countries in South Eastern Europe. Practically all these forged notes originated in Germany.

Is the Chancellor able to say whether these notes are reaching this country through diplomatic channels?

I cannot give the information as to the routes along which they came. If the hon. Member likes to put down a Question, I will try to answer it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the advice not to pay increased dividends was communicated to the brewing industry; and what has been the result;

(2) whether the advice not to pay increased dividends was communicated to the plastics industry; and what has been the result.

The advice was of general application. I strongly hope that both these and other industries will realise the importance to our economy of restraint in the distribution of dividends.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the success achieved during the war in the United States by hoisting the Navy flag over factories exceeding their production targets, he will consider some similar method in this country where management and workers exceed their target in order that they may receive the appreciation they deserve.

The award of pennants, or other marks of recognition, to factories depends upon the existence of agreed production targets for each works. Such targets can be set where all the output goes to a single Government purchaser, but in present conditions in the United Kingdom with factories supplying large numbers of private buyers, the fixing of realistic and practicable targets is a very difficult matter. This question is under consideration, and in the meantime steps are taken in speeches, Press conferences and in the Government fortnightly "Three Minute Report to the Nation," to give public recognition to industries or firms which achieve notable results.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of sterling balances held by residents outside the United Kingdom which has been converted into gold, dollars or other hard currencies since 20th August, 1947; and of this total, how much was converted for benefit of countries outside the sterling area.

I regret I cannot give the hon. and gallant Member the information in the form he requests. Figures are published from time to time of gross sales of gold, drawings on the U.S. and Canadian Credits and drawings from the International Monetary Fund. Apart from changes in working balances, these measure the net expenditure of gold and dollars from the central reserves of the United Kingdom and the sterling area. It is impossible to give at frequent intervals a more detailed breakdown of our use of dollars.

If the Chancellor refuses to give this type of information, as he does consistently in this House, how can any hon. Member judge of the financial position of the country, or judge on the White Papers and targets the right hon. and learned Gentleman constantly issues?

I do not think I have constantly refused to give the information. I think this is the first occasion on which I have refused, but I hope the information which is available will be sufficient to enable hon. Members to do what the hon. and gallant Gentleman suggests.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which countries are at present entitled to claim conversion of their current sterling balances into currencies other than dollars; and whether His Majesty's Government have, in all or any of the cases concerned, ensured reciprocity in respect of British holdings of the currencies of the countries concerned.

If the Question refers to countries outside the scheduled territories, the answer is "None, Sir," although the central banks of certain countries with whom we have monetary agreements are entitled to offset sterling they hold against our holdings of their currencies and vice versa.

Will the Chancellor say—which is the purport of this Question—how it affects the scheduled areas?

I was under the impression that the Question related to territories outside the scheduled territories. So far as the scheduled territories are concerned, they have the right to transferability and convertibility according to the needs and customs of the case, and also the agreements specifically made with them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action has been taken by His Majesty's Government to avoid inflationary pressure and unrequited exports through the expenditure of £1,750 million held by countries with which His Majesty's Government have not yet concluded a funding agreement.

Action in many forms, including an appeal for economy to the governments of the scheduled territories and trade and payments arrangements with other countries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money is earned in Russia for British composers by the performance of their works.

I regret that the information is not available.

Could my right hon. and learned Friend tell me whether any payments have been made from this country to Russia?

Many payments of different sorts are made.

For the performance of music?

I am afraid my hon. Friend must put that Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will indicate the present position of Egypt in relation to the sterling currency area; and what direct applications or overtures have been made by that country to re-enter the sterling area.

Egypt left the sterling area on 14th July, 1947; the answer to the second part of the Question is, "None, Sir."

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many passengers passing through the ports of Southamp- ton, Dover, Harwich and Liverpool, have been interrogated by Customs officers during the last three months; and how many passengers have been completely stripped and searched.

The answer to the first part of the Question is 749,000, and to the second part, none.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will convene a conference of all heads of Departments, with a view of taking all steps necessary to stop inflation.

No such conference is required, since all Departments are under constant instruction to avoid unnecessary expenditure.

What earthly good is it to pass an anti-inflationary Budget, while almost in the same breath giving an increase in miners' wages, which puts up the cost of coal to the consumer by 3s. 6d. a ton?

The Question refers to a conference.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that two pound notes were enclosed recently in a letter by an old age pensioner in Newport to her daughter in Canada, who was in urgent need of help at Christmas for her six children; that this money was confiscated by the Customs Authorities, although a letter was also enclosed explaining that it was a free gift for the children; and whether he will authorise its repayment to the grandmother concerned or allow it to be sent for the benefit of the children in Canada.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on 9th December. I could not agree to the notes being sent on to Canada, but they are being returned to the sender.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this matter has aroused such sympathy in Canada that the Deputy Minister of the Treasury in Ontario has offered to make good the impecuniosity of this country? Will he consider allowing such small amounts to be sent to relatives under such circumstances, as has been the practice for many years?

We certainly cannot allow such sums to be sent abroad, although I am delighted to hear of the action of the Canadians.

Is it the custom to return the notes in such circumstances or was an exception made in this case?