asked the Minister of National Insurance whether European volunteer workers in the United Kingdom are treated as entitled to family allowances for their children in the same way as British subjects.

No, Sir. There is a special residence test for foreigners who have to show that they have lived here for three years out of the preceding four years before becoming entitled to family allowances.

Are these European volunteer workers entitled to apply for British nationality, if they so merit?

I presume so, but this is a purely residential test and not a naturalisation test.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether, in view of the increase in prices since old age pensions were fixed at the present level, he contemplates any increase or supplementation to these pensions to restore them in terms of goods to at least the level intended.

Pensioners who are in need can apply for supplementation to the Assistance Board. The Board will be under duty to prepare and submit to me fresh draft regulations when the National Assistance Bill becomes law. The draft regulations will be subject to affirmative Resolution by both Houses.

asked the Minister of National Insurance (1) what is the reason for the delays in payment in the cases of Mr. F. C. Bailey, 82, Princes Street, Kettering, who has submitted weekly medical certificates with his correct National Insurance number on and since 9th March, 1948, and of Miss Betty M. Chater, 77, Nelson Street, Kettering, No. K.W. 547245, who has submitted similar certificates on and since 14th March, and has also claimed payment for a surgical elastic stocking passed by her former approved society; why the Market Harborough Office have not answered Mr. Bailey's letters; whether he is aware that this office has not replied to many letters and has failed to pay benefits; and what steps he will take to expedite the proceedings of that office and obviate delays and hardship;

The Kettering local office was opened on 1st April largely by the transfer of staff from the Market Harborough office which had previously had to deal with the work of the Kettering approved societies. My inquiries into the particular cases of alleged delay mentioned in the question are not yet complete and I will write to my hon. Friend giving full particulars as soon as possible.

Is the Minister aware that these delays have been quite general and that there have been complaints from people associated with this service before, such as the local branch of the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives and the Amalgamated Council of Friendly Societies in the district; is he also aware that the place where, according to repute, he seeks to establish his office in Kettering is right at one end of the town, a long way from most of the main working-class areas in the place?

These complaints are not general. I am very glad to say that, generally speaking, we have been paid a tribute for the expeditious way in which we have handled these schemes. These delays occurred at a time when we were transferring the work from Market Harborough to Kettering. Kettering has been a very difficult place indeed, and I would be much obliged if my hon. and learned Friend and the borough council could help to find more suitable premises in, Kettering.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the staffing is adequate to meet the full requirements of this place and other places as from 5th July?

We are in the process of building up the staff all the time as 5th July gets nearer. There may have been some delay in this place as a result of the transfer from one office to the other. I am making inquiries into this particular case and I hope to clear it up very soon.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why and by what authority officers of his Department have rejected applications for registrations compulsorily made under the provisions of the National Health Service Act, 1947, by reason only of the fact that these applications indicate in their terms the compulsory nature of the application.

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the form of application for the issue of a contribution card to be stamped under the National Insurance Act from 5th July, 1948. The information on this form is needed in order that a card may be issued and an individual account opened for the person under the serial number borne by the card. I understand that in a few instances applicants who altered the declaration on these forms were asked to complete fresh forms without such alterations. Instructions have now been given that the forms are not to be rejected for this reason.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will amend the regulations to enable married women not employed and who have not previously been insured to insure themselves under the National Insurance Act, 1946, if they have been deserted by their husbands, or have left their husbands for due cause, but are not divorced or legally separated.

I doubt whether it is practicable or necessary to proceed on these lines. Separation does not affect a wife's pension rights by virtue of her husband's insurance. Further, it will be open to a woman in these circumstances to enter insurance in her own right by taking up work.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not a general question; that there are specific instances where women have, in fact, been refused and where apparently they are suffering considerable injustice; and that this appears to be an anomaly which was not foreseen when the regulation was made.

It has nothing to do with the regulation. If a woman is separated from her husband and the husband has insurance rights, she is entitled to benefit.

Apparently the right hon. Gentleman's officers are not aware of that.

As a matter of fact the Question does not refer to any single instance, and I am not aware of any single instance, where benefit has been refused on those grounds.

In certain circumstances if a woman were insured and unemployed, she could come into the scheme, but if she has not been insured before can she come in?

Not unless she takes up work.

asked the Minister of Labour what success has attended his Department's effort to obtain suitable accommodation for European volunteer workers in Heywood.

Plans are going ahead for adapting the former Government Training Centre premises at Radcliffe and the Warth Mill Camp to meet the needs of the area. The former G.T.C. premises at Radcliffe should provide accommodation for 700 European volunteer workers in Cotton, and plans for adapting the premises are being pressed on with all speed. The Warth Mill scheme is being pursued with Ministry of Works and should provide 500 places.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the site he has referred to in his answer will involve a journey of about seven miles for some of these European voluntary workers and will he bear in mind that the labour position in the cotton industry is extremely serious in this respect; and will his Department try to do better than they have done so far?

This matter has been looked into by the regional committee and apparently this is the best that can be done. Our assisted travel scheme is being put into operation to assist these people to get to their employment.

Will my right hon. Friend look once again into the possibility of using part of the R.A.F. station at Heywood for the housing of European voluntary workers?

Could the Minister say what success has attended his efforts to co-ordinate the requirements of the various Ministries in connection with the housing of European voluntary workers?

This matter has been taken up by the regional committee in Lancashire itself and they can and are taking decisions to cut down any avoidable delay.

asked the Minister of Labour what procedure has been adopted by his Department to enable the return to their own country of European voluntary workers who have come over here either for industrial or domestic purposes but failed to exhibit the necessary standards of workmanship or service and thereby in effect entered the country under a false description.

Where it has been quite clear that a European volunteer worker would not develop into a satisfactory worker, his return to a displaced persons' camp on the Continent has been arranged. I am happy to say that there have been only 23 cases of this kind out of over 50,000 European volunteer workers brought to this country.

Will my hon. Friend see that suitable publicity is given to the procedure followed by his Department, so that workers who prove not to be helpful to this scheme can be returned, without this causing a great deal of trouble to those who employ them?

I think my hon. Friend will agree that it is a small problem. I hope that this Question and answer will give the necessary publicity.

Will the Minister bear in mind that it is quite impossible for these people to return to their home country as the questioner asks, since none of them came here from their home country?

asked the Minister of Labour how many European voluntary workers entered this country in the first quarter of the year; and how many were placed in agriculture.

During the first quarter of 1948 approximately 15,000 European volunteer workers arrived in this country and 6,300 were placed in agriculture.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the progress of this scheme, particularly in view of the fact of the rejection of German volunteers?

I am quite satisfied that we are getting all the people for whom we can provide accommodation.

is there any limit to this importing of foreign workers and does not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that any country that depends for the tilling of its soil on foreign labour eventually goes out?

We have to meet our needs for agriculture this year, and I thought it was agreed on all sides of the House that we should take every step open to us.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of these workers went to Scotland?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour whether persons who were conscientious objectors during the recent war are eligible for grants under the Further Education and Training Scheme.

If a man satisfies the normal conditions the fact that he was registered as a conscientious objector is not a disqualification under this scheme.

Is the Minister aware that ex-Service men who have had their applications rejected feel very sore about this, and can he say how many conscientious objectors are getting financial assistance under this scheme?

I cannot understand the intention of the first part of the supplementary question. It may be that some ex-Service men have had their applications rejected because they did not fit in with the normal conditions of the scheme. They are being treated exactly on the same basis. We do not keep a list of who were or were not conscientious objectors when they make applications.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that every ex-Service man who applies for a grant is given a grant before any conscientious objector gets one?

I shall deal with this in accordance with the provisions contained in the scheme. If conscientious objectors apply and they are entitled to it, they will get it. That does not deprive any ex-Service man who is entitled to it from getting it also.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the position of complaints put forward by recipients of "buy or quit" notices prior to the issue of instructions contained in circular letter No. 6785 of the Scottish Home Department of 7th April; what is the position of tenants on 28th May who have received no decision from the Secretary of State by that time; and how does the landlord of the premises know that a complaint has been lodged against his "buy or quit" notice.

Complaints from or on behalf of individual shopkeepers which were received before 7th April have been transmitted to the local authority for consideration. Unless in any case a decision is taken to exercise requisitioning powers in order to secure a sufficiency of essential supplies and services, the terms of tenancy will not be affected. Where it is proposed to exercise such powers, the landlord will be informed by the local authority and allowed 14 days in which to make any representations in the matter.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say how many applications he has received as a result of this circular letter, and whether he is satisfied that the machinery he has set up will be able to handle all these cases in time to allow the individuals concerned to make the arrangements which will be necessary?

The local authorities are dealing with it at the moment. Certain complaints have reached me—not a great number—and they are being examined.

Is the local authority to make any decision, or is it merely to sift the cases and send on to the right hon. Gentleman those cases in which it thinks action may be required?

The local authorities are acting as my agent to find out whether there is sufficient cause in their view for the cases to merit consideration.

But who makes the decision?

The Secretary of State makes the decision.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the local authorities are deeply dissatisfied with the terms of his circular letter, because it covers the position of shops alone and not of offices and small business premises, and is he prepared to take any steps to cover the position of the two latter categories?

The local authorities have been informed that the question of offices is a matter for the President of the Board of Trade.

Is not the Minister aware that the position is still utterly unsatisfactory, and will he issue a standstill order and prepare legislation on this question?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the President of the Board of Trade has indicated his willingness to receive representations?

That is a question which should be put to the President of the Board of Trade. With regard to the other point, standstill legislation is not a practical possibility in time.

Does the Minister think it advisable to tell the Scottish people that he can take no action whatever, because if he did the legislation would also have to apply to England; and is not that why he is doing nothing about it?

I would not think that advisable or accurate.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland under what terms Gordon Castle, Fochabers, has been leased; for what purpose; and to whom.

The Commissioners of Crown Lands have arranged to grant a lease of Gordon Castle to Scottish Family Holidays, Ltd., for a term of 39 years from Whit Sunday, 1948, at a rent of £100 per annum. The castle will be used as a holiday home or for other similar purposes. The rent payable is subject to review after five years.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the lessees of this building will be responsible for a portion of the rates, and so on; further, will he say to what extent this project is being subsidised?

The project is not being subsidised. I would require notice of the question in regard to rates.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to bring forward legislation to incorporate the recommendations of the Taylor Report on Shop Tenancies in Scotland.

As the hon. Member is aware, I am ready to consider the use of requisitioning powers in suitable cases. I can give no undertaking about legislation.

Can the Minister ensure that the present system will not lead to excessive delay, in order that the tenants will be aware of their true position in plenty of time?

As the law requires that the tenants should have 40 days notice, much depends on the speed with which the tenants act as to whether they get a decision in good time. The best method of settling all these matters would be for the people concerned to deal with each other fairly and to settle the business by their own normal methods.

What will the Minister do to restore and compensate tenants who may in the meantime be ejected because they are unable to buy their holdings?

That question does not arise.

He will do nothing.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean by his original reply that we have no hope at all of getting legislation because the present arrangements do not cover very many people?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the recommendations of the Taylor Report are held in great disfavour by the shopkeepers of Scotland; further, is he aware that the shopkeepers are looking to him for help and think that the requisitioning order will greatly help in this campaign throughout Scotland?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered a letter from Messrs. Alexander Hall & Son, Builders, Limited, stating that shortage of cement seriously retards their output of Cruden prefabricated houses and affects all housing throughout Scotland; if he has investigated the facts of this complaint; and what steps are being taken to relieve the shortage.

I am aware that there has been a general shortage of cement in Scotland and that some housing contracts have been affected. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Works has, however, recently made arrangements substantially to increase the amount of seaborne supplies to Scotland, and as a temporary measure supplementary supplies by road are being arranged.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the fact that I have here a telegram from Dumbarton which says that the management of the firm manufacturing aluminium houses has told the workers that after November there will be no more orders for the houses, and that that means that about 3,000 workers in my constituency will be thrown out of work?

That is another question of which I would require notice.

Is the Minister aware that the shortage of cement is always recurring in Scotland, and will he take steps to see that the Minister of Works deals with the matter more expeditiously than he has done recently?

What is more satisfactory, the Minister of Works is taking the steps to deal with it expeditiously.

Is the Minister aware that I put down an exactly similar Question and I was informed that the Secretary of State for Scotland could not reply to it, but that the Minister of Works could? Therefore, it was transferred to the Minister of Works and it is now Question No. 83 on the Order Paper. Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why he could not answer my Question?

I do not control the distribution of cement. That is a matter for the Minister of Works. I have consulted with the Minister of Works who has agreed to see that cement is brought to Scotland immediately.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) if he is aware of the present difficulties of pensioners who require stump socks and of the inadequate of the issue of six socks per year; and what steps he is taking to increase the issue in the future;

I am aware of the present difficulties and I am doing all I can toward making larger individual issues of these articles. Additional contractors have been obtained and with the help of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, through the Disabled Persons Corporation, plans have been made to use the services of disabled persons in Remploy factories. I am glad to say that production is improving and as soon as the position allows I will increase the issue of socks to individual pensioners.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the total number of N.C.Os. and O.Rs. on the pensions in payment roll as at 31st March, 1948, and the annual cost of their pensions; how many of these men received unemployability allowance, hardship allowance, constant attendance allowance, education allowance and clothing allowance, respectively, as at 31st March, 1948; and what was the annual cost of each of these allowances.

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

asked the Minister of Pensions how many N.C.Os. and O.Rs. were classified as 100 per cent. disabled as at 31st March, 1948; and what was the annual cost of their pensions.

I regret that figures for 31st March, 1948, are not yet available. The number of N.C.Os. and other ranks in receipt of pension at the 100 per cent. rate at 31st December, 1947, was 45,940. The approximate annual cost of their pensions was £6,809,000.

In view of the very great problem which confronts the Minister, would he allow his thoughts to rise to the height of the situation, because if he does not do something, nothing will be done?

All I can say is that I find great difficulty in elevating my thoughts as high as the hon. Gentleman has elevated his, but I will do my best to follow his example.

Will my right hon. Friend examine most carefully that supplementary question and his answer, and if the inference is that the amount of money should be reduced will he resist it strongly?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman can take it that there will be no reduction so long as I am at the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of claims made for pension and allowed for pension, respectively, by members of His Majesty's Forces in 1947, showing the number made on account of disease and injury separately.

Approximately 61,300 claims in respect of disease and 19,10o in respect of injury were settled in 1947. The numbers allowed were about 49,500 and 18,000 respectively.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of claims made for pension by members of His Majesty's Forces in respect of diabetes, cancer, leukæmia and other diseases classed as constitutional during the year 1947.

There were 303 claims in respect of cancer and 299 for diabetes. Leukemia is included with other blood diseases in a group for which the total number of claims was 88. If the hon. Member will let me know what other diseases he particularly has in mind as being classed as constitutional, I will endeavour to give him the information he desires

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what diseases are normally classed as constitutional for pensions purposes?

This takes me out of my depth. It is a difficult matter. I see the hon. Gentleman's point, and I think it would be best if he came to my office and had a talk with me. We will try to supply him with every possible bit of information.

I shall be delighted.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to make any announcement about the application to partially disabled pensioners of the 1914 world war of the provision for special hardship allowance for 1939 world war pensioners.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider extending to partially disabled pensioners of the 1914 world war the existing provision for special hardship allowance for partially disabled pensioners of the 1939 world war.

I am very glad to be able to announce that, as from 1st May, 1948, a special hardship allowance will be payable, on application, to a partially disabled pensioner of the 1914 world war, whose war disablement has at any time after 1st July, 1945, rendered him incapable and likely to remain permanently incapable of following the occupation which he regularly followed for a reasonable period up to 1st July, 1945, and incapable of following any other suitable occupation of equivalent standard.

While I would like sincerely to congratulate the Minister on this most helpful step, which will be of very great assistance in relieving hardship, may I ask him whether he is satisfied that the date applied will enable the particular object to be attained?

To say that I am satisfied would be carrying it too far. All that I can promise is that it will alleviate the position. My own mind is never fixed, and, if it is found not to be the case, we will look at it again; but it is, of course, a great improvement.

Is the Minister aware that the concession will be very greatly appreciated—though we shall still ask for more—and will bring very real and generous help to most hardly-pressed members of the community?

Will my right hon. Friend give an indication of the number involved in this concession?

I do not think I could do so without notice.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether these arrangements will be of assistance to men who, because of their age, have to take less remunerative jobs than those they had before?

Yes, Sir. I think it can be assumed that, had a man not been disabled, age alone would not have prevented him from carrying out his own occupation. These points will be considered sympathetically, and I hope that in such cases we will be able to pay the pension.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German women have married British soldiers in Germany; how many have been permitted to come to Britain for this purpose; and whether any steps have yet been taken towards assisting German women who have children by British soldiers to secure consideration of their claims on such men.

The total number of marriages of British Army personnel to German women registered by Headquarters, B.A.O.R., up to the end of February was approximately 3,400. I understand that the total number of German women admitted to this country for the purpose of marriage to British subjects to the end of March was 4,694, but I cannot say how many of the husbands are in the British Army. As regards the last part of the Question, the position remains as stated in replies given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and myself to previous Questions by my hon. Friend.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the disparity between these girls who have had children by British soldiers and subsequently married them, and others who were promised marriage but were never married and have been left to bear their burdens alone? Can he say something to expand the promise made yesterday which gave some hope that this situation would be alleviated?

As I have indicated, the matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the statement issued by Field-Marshal Montgomery to the Press, on returning from his recent visit to Germany, regarding his negotiations with Marshal Sokolovsky, was made with his authority.

This was, I understand, an impromptu statement to reporters made by the Field-Marshal on arrival at Northolt, and, naturally, I was not consulted in advance.

As this statement was made only two or three days after the unfortunate accident to the Viking aircraft, would it not have been better for the Field-Marshal to have said nothing on that occasion, and will the right hon. Gentleman ask him in future to be very careful before making statements to the Press?

There was nothing in the Field-Marshal's statement that could be regarded as objectionable. It was a quite friendly statement and, as I happen to have read it, I endorse it.

In view of the fact that this was a friendly meeting at a time of great international tension, will the Minister encourage our generals to have further friendly meetings?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the impression given by the statement was that everything was perfectly all right, when, as a matter of fact, it was not, and that General Robertson in Berlin was left to clear up the mess?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman seems to imagine that some serious statement was made, I had better read it, as it was reported in the Press. This is what the Field-Marshal said:

"It was a very good dinner, with excellent company. I had a long talk alone with Marshal Sokolovsky after dinner. Everybody was most friendly. Why should they not be?"

Will the Minister commend the Field-Marshal for his moderation, and also commend his conduct to General Robertson, who was loudly cheered on the other side of the House for an anti-Soviet speech?

Would the right hon. Gentleman make quite clear that he entirely agrees with the statement made by the Foreign Secretary that he—the Foreign Secretary—is the sole medium for discussions on high policy with Russian officials?

I am not aware of the statement made by my right hon. Friend. There was nothing, I am quite sure, in the statement that precludes Field-Marshal Montgomery, when he is abroad from having conversations with officers of other nations.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the approximate acreage in each command of the land required for training.

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the approximate acreage in each Command provisionally required by my Department for training areas.

I am much obliged.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will describe the steps taken by the anti-tank unit, whose camp was raided by Jewish terrorists at Pardus Hanna recently, and by other units, to recover the arms stolen from them, to capture the vehicles used by these terrorists and to kill or capture those responsible for the attack; and what success has attended these efforts.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many sentries were on duty at the Pardus Hanna Camp of the 12th Anti-Tank Regiment when it was attacked by Jewish terrorists on 6th April; whether they had anti-tank weapons immediately available; and what anti-tank obstacles there were to prevent the camp gates being rushed.

The unit had four sentries on duty at the gate. The obstacles were perimeter wire and a drop-bar entrance. It must be realised that entry to the camp was effected by subterfuge. The terrorists arrived in Army and police vehicles dressed as officers and other ranks in correct British R.A.S.C., R.E.M.E. and Palestine Police uniforms. The unit was preparing to move and was expecting R.A.S.C. transport to arrive. Officers and soldiers made for the spot instantly the alarm was raised. Although no anti-tank weapons were immediately available covering the gate, on hearing the shooting officers in the car park ordered self-propelled anti-tank guns to be set up, and move inwards. This caused the terrorists to abandon the attack, and withdraw. As they withdrew they were engaged by small arms, and subsequently by 17-pounder high explosives, which killed one terrorist and wounded an unknown number. The military and civil authorities were at once notified and the whole area surrounding the camp was systematically searched, but this was hindered for about an hour by fire from nearby orange groves. A curfew was imposed in the neighbourhood. It seems clear that the unit concerned and other available units took all conceivable steps open to them.

The Secretary of State has not answered the part of my Question which asked him what success has attended the efforts to recover the arms captured? Can he answer that?

I am afraid I have no present information about that, but inquiries are still proceeding into the details of this incident.

In view of the fact that it had been known for some time that Jewish terrorists were in possession of British vehicles, both fighting vehicles and transport vehicles, were not steps taken in all camps to check vehicles as they approached to see whether they were hostile or friendly vehicles?

I have no doubt that appropriate measures are taken, but it is quite impossible in every case to detect persons who are dressed in British Army uniforms or in Palestine Police uniforms when effecting an entry to these camps?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in view of the difficulties presented by the methods of warfare adopted, why no system of passwords is in force at camps in Palestine?

I cannot answer that offhand, but I imagine that these matters are well within the knowledge of experienced military advisers in my Department.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is any system by which officers and other ranks carry identity documents which are examined?

I am unable to answer that question, but I will take note of it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that this sort of thing may happen again, or is there now some system of recognition, whether by password or otherwise, which might prevent this sort of thing from happening again?

While every precaution will be taken to prevent a recurrence of this incident, I can give no assurance that it could not happen again.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is possible to introduce a system of changing daily recognition signs, which could be of use in these cases?

We will look into that.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is perfectly obvious to any trained soldier that the merest elementary precautions, Which should be taken in a case like this, were not taken, and as to his statement that the camp was in process of being packed up, is he not aware that to any trained soldier that is the most dangerous time of all? Why was not something done in accordance with ordinary military training?

Experienced soldiers are in command in Palestine and are just as competent as their critics to undertake these things.

In view of the increasing uneasiness amongst people here, is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that the people in charge are competent, because people here do not think they are?

Whatever my hon. Friend may think, I am satisfied of the competence of the people in control.

Would the Minister make it quite clear that if, in his opinion, this matter was handled efficiently, the commanding officer of this unit, who was killed, was, in his opinion, entirely blameless so far as the responsibilities of a commanding officer are concerned?

So far as I know, no blame has been attached to the commanding officer.

asked the Secretary of State for War what instructions are in force in Palestine regarding the carrying of arms by military personnel, by night and day, whether on or off duty.

asked the Secretary of State for War what instructions have been issued to strengthen the security of camps, arms, ammunition and individual soldiers in Palestine since the attack on the Pardus Hanna Camp on 6th April.

All officers and other ranks in Palestine carry arms when outside defended areas, whether they are on or off duty. They go about outside camps in parties of not less than two by day and four by night. If circumstances necessitate it, further precautions are taken by increasing these numbers or restricting movement after dark1altogether. Since the attack on 6th April all units have been ordered to mount an inlying picquet in addition to the normal guards on gates and perimeters and to cover all road exits with anti-tank weapons tactically sited as well as light machine guns.

While recognising the importance of these belated precautions, ought not these things to have been done before? Is it not outrageous that they have not been done before?

Every soldier gains by experience.

While appreciating what the right hon. Gentleman said about every soldier gaining by experience, which soldiers recognise, may I ask him whether there is not perfectly clear proof that, although the people in charge may know their job, on this occasion they fell down badly on it; and what is he going to do about it?

I am not called upon to take disciplinary action in a case of this sort.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the directive to which he referred in answer to a supplementary question of mine the other day, in which he said that the military authorities had been given full power to take every possible precaution, includes a directive to the troops that they are to treat these terrorist gangs exactly as they would an enemy in war time and to inflict the maximum of casualties upon them?

Directions to the troops are in the hands of the Commanding Officers.

Is it not clear, from the right hon. Gentleman's replies to this and previous questions, that the British Army in Palestine is operating under a general restraint exercised by the War Office?

In the circumstances in Palestine, it is desirable occasionally to exercise restraint.

Now we know.

Is it permissible for arms to be carried loaded?

I imagine that if arms are carried they are loaded.

In so far as security of camps is concerned, can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no administrative units are stationed alone in these camps and that there are always fighting units there for the purposes of protection?

I can give no assurance on that.

Is the Secretary of State aware that it appears he is not entirely versed in what is going on regarding instructions to troops? Next time he comes to the House can he be a little better acquainted with his subject?

No Secretary of State for War can be fully versed in all the details and the precise instructions given to every soldier by commanding officers, but we are well aware of the general position.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will describe the attack made a few miles south of Tel Aviv on a British troop train on 12th April; what steps were taken by those travelling in the train and by other units to kill or capture those who carried out the attack and to recover stolen ammunition; and what success has attended these efforts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a full statement about an attack on a British troop train near Rehoveth in Palestine on r2th April.

There was no attack on a British troop train on the date mentioned. There was, however, an incident in which armed Jewish terrorists held up the crew of a rail car and stole four berets and battle-dress blouses and two automatic weapons.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he had acquainted himself with the facts last week, when he failed to deny the fact that it had been reported, these Questions would not have been put down?

I agree that if the hon. and gallant Member had acquainted himself with the facts, this Question certainly would not have been put down.

Are we to take it that the attack was made on an unguarded truck, or was the truck guarded and no steps taken to ward off the attack?

All I know is that it was an attack on a rail car.

Is it not clear that the right hon. Gentleman again knows nothing about this?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked a question on this particular incident last week and he replied, rather sarcastically I thought:

"Hon. Members do no seem to be aware that there are military operations in Palestine."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 13th April, 1948; Vol. 449, c. 773.]

In view of some of the questions, I have not been quite as sarcastic as the occasion justified.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that on this matter, and on others in which there has been criticism, all these things are well within the competence of the military authorities in Palestine and are in no way the fault of the War Office?

In view of the obvious anxiety on both sides of the House about this matter, would the right hon. Gentleman consider issuing a White Paper explaining what exactly is the authority possessed by the Commander-in-Chief in Palestine to take all possible hostile action against those who murder our soldiers?

The Government and hon. Members on this side are as much concerned about the position of our officers and men in Palestine as hon. Members on the other side. I can hardly imagine that a White Paper would be of any value. Instructions have been issued from time to time to those in command in Palestine and we have every reason to believe that, in the very difficult circumstances, those instructions have been fully implemented.

Will the Minister give an absolute assurance that our withdrawal in Palestine is being, and will be, conducted as a military operation, unhampered by back seat drivers on the Government Front Bench?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the death of two schoolboys at Gibraltar Point, near Skegness, on 5th April, who were killed by an explosion when playing with an unexploded trench mortar bomb; why this area has not been cleared of dangerous missiles; and what immediate action he proposes to prevent a recurrence.

Whilst I deeply sympathise with the relatives of these schoolboys, I have no evidence that this particular area was ever authorised by the War Office for training purposes, and it has never been under requisition by my Department. Accordingly, the question of "clearing" the area has not previously arisen. The nearest War Department requisitioned land is at least a mile away from the scene of the accident. I am, however, having the matter thoroughly investigated and will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure me that he is taking immediate steps to prevent a recurrence of an incident such as this in that area?

That area is not under my immediate control.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether rubber truncheons are part of the normal equipment of interrogating officers of the British Army in Germany; and how many have been issued since the end of the war.

Rubber truncheons are not now an authorised issue. Some were, however, issued to 21 Army Group before the end of the war. Some of these may still be in use. I have, however, given instructions for them to be withdrawn.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that all classes of material, steel and timber, machinery, implements and tools which are being allowed to deteriorate and in many cases become useless at the Royal Engineers Depot, Long Marston, shall be disposed of and made available to the industries in need of such stores and material.

This depot contains stores of which a very large proportion are needed to provide and maintain reasonable standards of accommodation and amenities for the Army at home and abroad. These stocks are being steadily reduced by regular issues. It is the object to declare surplus any item which, although needed for Army purposes in the near future, may become useless before issue. In deciding what is to be released, therefore, the possibility of deterioration and future requirements have to be balanced. Reasonable precautions are taken to prevent deterioration, consistent with economical expenditure on storage accommodation.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are at present, apart from requirements, very large surpluses which could be put to some useful purpose?

We have large surpluses, but we have to consider these matters carefully because of the need for future stocks.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will announce in regard to the ammunition and explosives stored in the depot in Perthshire and contiguous counties, the details of the schedule of removal or disposal of the stores intimated by Scottish Command to the B.B.C. for the purpose of the news talk broadcasts by the Scottish Region on Wednesday, 25th February, 1948; whether this schedule is being adhered to; and what is the anticipated date of completion of the operation.

I will, with permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT about this matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say now what will be the date of completion of the operation?

No, but we are proceeding very rapidly with this.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department informed me that this stuff was still being sent from England to Scotland, and when I asked why, I was told that it was with a view to its being dumped in the sea? Is there no sea round England as well as round Scotland?

asked the Secretary of State for War what quantity of petrol has been consumed and what Service and civilian labour employed in conveying turfs from Dartmoor and Coypool to Crown Hill Barracks for the purpose of making a lawn; during what hours the men have been engaged on this work; and what extra remuneration was paid to both Service and civilian personnel who were engaged on the job during their free hours.

No extra petrol has been consumed for this purpose. The turf, which had to be removed in the course of constructional work at Coypool, has been carried in the same vehicle as the soldiers and others employed on the constructional work when they are transported back to Plumer Barracks, where they live. The work of making the lawn has been carried out by men at the barracks in their spare time.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the information he has given, which directly negatives certain local rumours, will be warmly welcomed in the locality?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Lewis Committee on Court Martial Procedure has yet reported; and whether the report will be published as soon as possible after its receipt.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air and I have just received this report, which we have not yet had time to study. After studying the report I will consider in consultation with my colleagues when it will be convenient to publish it, but I am not in a position to make any forecast at the moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of amending the Army and Air Force (Annual) Act some time before the Annual Bill ordinarily next comes before the House, so that improvements can be brought into operation as soon as possible?