asked the Minister of Pensions why it was necessary for a patient, whose name has been sent to him, to travel to Manchester on 19th September, 4th November, 20th December, 1949, and 24th February and 3rd May, 1950, and to Leeds on 6th September and 6th October, 1950, in connection with the repair of an artificial limb; what was the final cost of the repair; and the total amount of travelling and subsistence allowances borne by the public.

It was necessary for the patient to attend the limb fitting centres on the dates named because one or other of his two artificial limbs required repair, adjustment or fitting involving surgical considerations. I am satisfied that the attendances were in the patient's best interests. I am unable to give the cost of the repairs as the makers are paid a flat rate fee for maintaining the limbs in good condition. The travelling and subsistence allowances borne by public funds amount to just over £13.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this patient, who has had experience of wearing an artificial limb since 1917, considered that the only repair necessary was the re-lining of the stump socket, which could have been done in three hours if the system of the hon. Gentleman were sufficiently decentralised to allow of it being done on the spot? Instead, the limbs have to be sent away to Roehampton, sent back for fitting, and then, if not correctly done, sent away again. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this work is not yet completed, and that my constituent is still waiting for one of his limbs?

The reason the pensioner had to go to two limb fitting centres was that he changed his address and the Leeds centre was a more convenient centre for him than the Manchester centre which he first attended. The various reasons for which he had to attend the limb fitting centres were for the re-measuring of his stump, for the renewal of his socket and the refitting of his corset, the adjustment made to his 1946 leg while he waited, the interim fitting of the socket and the corset of his spare leg, the re-fitting and lining of his 1946 leg, and the passing out of the 1941 leg. All these adjustments were made at his own request. On the number of visits necessary, I must stress that one cannot sling an artificial leg at a man like a ready-made suit; it must be adjusted and readjusted until the wearer is satisfied that he has a complete fit. I am not prepared to compel any limbless man to hobble about on a lacerated stump while we haggle about the cost of a visit to a limb fitting centre, and I am amazed that any hon. Member should be so parsimonius as to grudge this man the best possible attention. In this case the cost to the taxpayer was £13.

rose——

We had a very long supplementary question and we have had a speech in reply, so I think we had better pass to the next Question.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the weekly rate of disability pension for an unmarried ex-private with amputation of right hand, or a leg above the knee, in 1919, 1938 and 1950; and if he will now re-assess the value of human limbs in view of the lowered purchasing power of war pensions since 1938.

Twenty-four shillings, 24s. and 27s., respectively, for amputation of right hand or of a leg below the middle thigh. The second part of the Question involves the basic rate of pension. on which I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 17th October by my right hon. Friend.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Australia, Canada, New Zealand and France have all increased their disability pension rates in the last two years, and does not he think, in view of the enormous increase in the cost of living since the pensions were originally fixed, that some better increase ought to be given than has already been given?

I have nothing to add to my reply.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps he takes to have the motor-powered invalid chairs, supplied by his Department, regularly inspected; and at what intervals this is done.

Patients are expected to keep the machines in good running order and an inspection is made approximately once a year to see that this is done. When the machines are in the hands of repairers, the opportunity is taken to have them overhauled. My right hon Friend is considering whether any changes are required in the existing arrangements for inspection.

Following the recent observations of a coroner at Nottingham that these machines were dangerous in some respects and should be frequently inspected, has the Minister had a report and, if so, how does it affect his policy?

There is no record of any previous accident arising from a failure of this sort on this type of steering, and nearly 4,000 machines are carrying it at present. If, on examination of the engineer's report from the insurance company, which we are to receive along with that of our own technical experts, my right hon. Friend is convinced that these machines are, in fact, unsafe, he will take immediate steps to rectify the position.

Will the hon. Gentleman try and see whether the repair and inspection of these invalid chairs can be done in a more decentralised way than at present, on the same lines as my plea for the fitting of artificial limbs? Is he also aware that this is a perfectly genuine question and does not deserve the gibe he applied to my previous Question.

The hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. They are decentralised in regional offices.

asked The Secretary of State for War if he will institute an inquiry into the circumstances which led to the overcrowding of other ranks on the recent voyage of s.s. "Empress of Australia" to Far Eastern waters, while two-thirds of the available living space in the ship was allocated to officers, warrant officers and sergeants; and whether, in view of widespread disquiet among the parents and relatives of the other ranks concerned, he will make public the results of this inquiry.

Two thousand one hundred and fifty-eight officers and other ranks sailed in this ship. She has accommodation for 2,462 but this involves "hard lying" for 511 men. In fact, 227 men had "hard lying" spaces as far as Suez and 119 after Suez. Considering that the ship was on an operational voyage, I cannot agree that this constitutes overcrowding. Nor do I think that there was anything wrong in the way the sleeping accommodation was allotted. I am calling for a report on the allocation of recreational space on this ship and will write to the hon. Member.

asked The Secretary of State for War how many officers have sat for an examination on speaking Malay; and how many have passed during the last two years.

Examinations in Malay were held for the first time since the war in the financial year 1949–50. Twenty-eight officers sat for the examination and 17 passed. The examinations for this year are still in progress.

As the war in Malaya is now in its third year, can the Minister say why this matter has been left so long? Will he bear in mind that, if we are to meet with success in this difficult war, it is essential that officers and non-commissioned officers should be able to speak the language?

I quite agree on the importance of teaching Malay, and I think we shall find that a large number of officers and other ranks have taken the examination this year.

Will the Minister make it compulsory for officers and other ranks to pass this examination after the first year if they have a three years' tour of duty?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any statement to make as to the setting up of a Home Guard.

Not yet.

Is the Minister aware that the British Legion would give all possible help to the Army in recruiting such a force, but that it is desirable to announce the intention or deny it as soon as possible in order that these men may choose their best form of national service?

I quite agree. It is just because of the obligation of deciding priorities between these different forms of auxiliary service that we cannot make a premature announcement, but we hope to do so in the very near future.

Is the Minister aware that many men are delaying engaging in Civil Defence because they served before in the Home Guard and wish to do so again? Would it not be well to make a decision in view of the great service the Home Guard has performed?

There cannot be a unilateral decision on the part of the War Office. It must be taken into account with the priority needs of other Departments.

asked The Secretary of State for War how many cases of suspected sabotage have occurred to Army property or equipment in the last six months.

Thefts and the cutting of cables in the Middle East and bandit activities in Malaya, are the only instances in which sabotage to Army property or equipment has been established during the past six months.

asked The Secretary of State for War how many French officers have been attached to British units in the British Army of the Rhine or at home or have attended Army courses in schools in the British Army of the Rhine or at home during the past year; and how many British officers have been attached to French units or have attended French Army courses or schools.

During the past year 16 French officers have been attached to British units in the Army of the Rhine and 61 to units in the United Kingdom; no French officers have attended Army courses or schools in the Army of the Rhine, but 12 have attended courses or schools in the United Kingdom. Sixty-five British officers have been attached to French units and one British officer has attended a French Army school.

In view of the great importance of Anglo-French co-operation in the formation of European defences, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that during the forthcoming year greater steps should be taken to see that French and British officers have an opportunity of understanding each other's methods?

I think opportunities will arise during the next year, and we hope to get exchanges going with other countries in Western Europe as well as France.

Is it proposed also to have an interchange of N.C.Os. and warrant officers, as there are a number of courses for them run by each Army?

As far as I know, nothing has been worked out yet on those lines, but I will consider the matter.

asked The Secretary of State for War how much damage was done to the 3.7 inch heavy anti-aircraft gun which fell from a great height in the Shot Tower on the Festival of Britain site; and what was the purpose of putting this gun into this position.

It was not the gun itself which was hoisted, but the mounting, which it was intended to use to mount a radio telescope. The mounting must be written off. Another mounting has now been hoisted into position.

Does the Minister mean that no damage was done to an anti-aircraft gun?

It was the mounting of a gun, not the gun itself.

asked The Secretary of State for War the total number of British divisions in existence on 1st January, 1945, and how many of these were operational as opposed to training formations; and the same figures for the Indian Army at the same date, and those for the British Army today.

On 1st January, 1945, there were 28 British divisions, of which 22 were operational. The Indian Army contained 14 divisions, of which 12 were operational. There were, in addition, in each case, a number of non-divisional formations. The British Army today contains the equivalent of 6½ Regular divisions, all operational. An additional three Regular divisions are now being raised and the number of Territorial Army divisions will be brought up to 12.

As there has recently been some ill-informed criticism in the United States Press as to the contribution of this country to the Allied effort in 1945, will the Minister do his best to see that the information service there gives the widest publicity to the information he has given in his answer?

Yes, but, of course, this is by no means fresh information.

Will the Minister consult his right hon. Friends with a view to trying to resolve the tragic and bitter dispute with regard to Kashmir which is preventing the forces of Pakistan and India from making any contribution to imperial defence or to the United Nations, as they did in 1945?

That is a very different question.

In his answer just now the Minister referred to so many divisions and a half division, and said that three divisions were being added. Is he going to make up the remainder of the half division?

What is half a division?

A half is part of the whole. The British Army today contains the equivalent of six and a half divisions.

Will the Minister say exactly what he means by "the equivalent" of a division, because nine separate battalions and a few separate field regiments may be taken as an equivalent but, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, they are not the equivalent of a division when they are separate and not organised.

It may be convenient to have forces not organised in divisional formation, as, for example, the forces going to Korea at the moment, as the hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well.

Is it half a division when three Liberals vote for the Government?

asked The Secretary of State for War the number of former Supplementary Reserve officers who have been recalled to the Colours during the present emergency; and if he is satisfied that liability for this recall was made sufficiently clear upon conclusion of Supplementary Reserve service.

I am ascertaining how many former Supplementary Reserve officers have been recalled, during the emergency in Korea, on their liability as members of Regular Army Reserves, and will send the information to the hon. Member.

I am satisfied that officers who, at the end of their Supplementary Reserve service, were retained on the Regular Army Reserve of Officers, should have been aware of this liability. It was clearly laid down in the "Regulations for officers of the Supplementary Reserve of Officers" that it was the responsibility of such officers to notify the War Office if they wished to resign their commissions instead of continuing in the Regular Army Reserve of Officers. Further, each of these officers were notified at the end of their Supplementary Reserve service that they would continue to serve as members of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers, of which the Supplementary Reserve of Officers is a part, unless they notified the War Office that they did not desir2 to do so.

With reference to the second part of the Minister's reply, in spite of the assurances given, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is still doubt in the minds of many of these ex-Supplementary Reserve officers as to their transfer to the Regular Army Reserve? Would it not be of mutual advantage to make it even clearer so as to avoid confusion that occurs when call-up papers arrive for someone who thinks he is fairly secure in civilian life?

We write to each of these officers and tell them that unless they notify us to the contrary they are automatically transferred to the Reserve of Officers. I do not know what more definite action we could take.

asked The Secretary of State for War on what grounds the system of organising infantry regiments in groups has been departed from in the arrangements under which Reserves drawn from Scottish regiments are being sent as reinforcements for the brigade composed of non-Scottish battalions despatched from this country for service in Korea.

Infantry battalions in the United Kingdom which were selected for service in Korea were built up to strength by Reservists drawn from the Regular Army Reserve, who are liable for recall to any branch of the Army. Reservists from the groups to which the battalions belonged were insufficient to meet the requirements. It was, therefore, necessary to find the balance by calling up Reservists from other groups.

When Reservists are drawn into other groups in this way, does it not mean that when the groups to which the Reservists belong are subsequently sent abroad, Reservists may have to be drawn from other groups? Does this not entirely undermine the regimental spirit?

We are concerned here with the Regular Army Reserve and not with the main Z Reserve of the Armed Forces.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any ideas on the subject of reorganising the Reserves so that this sort of thing will not happen in future?

It partly depends on the size of the Regular Army Reserve and the number of Reservists who have to be called up at any given moment. Owing to the relative sizes of those two figures today, this was unavoidable.

Is there any truth in the rumour that it is the intention of the War Office to adopt the group system generally for infantry regiments at home?

That is entirely another question.

asked The Secretary of State for War if a decision has yet been reached regarding the payment of Income Tax by British officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks seconded to the Malay Regiment.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 3rd July, in which he made it clear that it was not proposed to exempt British officers and other ranks from the payment of United Kingdom rates of Income Tax, no matter where they are serving.

Is it not a fact that these officers are not paid out of United Kingdom funds? Is there any other precedent for an officer in that position being charged British rates of Income Tax which the Colonial civil servant, paid under exactly the same circumstances, is not called upon to meet?

Yes, Sir. This does not apply to the Malay Regiment alone. It applies to all this type of forces.

If a civil servant paid by the Malayan Treasury does not pay British Income Tax, why should a soldier?

These officers are only seconded for this duty.

Who pays them?

They differ in different cases, but even if they are paid out of local funds they are subject to United Kingdom Income Tax. That is perfectly true, and I think it is inevitable in present circumstances.

Why?

Is The Secretary of State aware that this is a very real grievance amongst the Army officers concerned who feel that they are being discriminated against? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman take steps to stop this feeling of grievance?

I do not agree that there is discrimination.

asked The Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the military authorities in Farnley Park, Otley, have made a football pitch and erected goal posts across the cricket pitch of the Otley Wesley Cricket Club, that this club has played on this pitch for over 25 years, and has spent over £250 in making this cricket field; and if he will instruct the unit to find a football pitch elsewhere in the 105 acres that they have requisitioned.

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

asked The Secretary of State for War how many soldiers under 19 and 20 years, respectively, have been wounded or killed in Korea as at the latest available date.

As already announced, no soldiers under 19 years of age are serving in Korea. According to information available up to 6th November, 1950, 12 men of 19 years old have been killed and 37 wounded.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion these figures bear, in percentage, to the whole of the casualties up to that date?

Not without notice.

asked The Secretary of State for War what welfare services are available to soldiers wounded in Korea; and what arrangements are made to keep relatives informed of the condition of the wounded or sick.

British soldiers who have become wounded or sick in Korea have been evacuated by United States medical units, and I have no doubt that they are being well cared for. We have instructed Far Eastern Land Forces to arrange with the American authorities that reports on these men's progress are sent to us as soon as possible. Twenty-nine Field Ambulance and 26 General Hospital are now on their way to Korea.

Are the Forces Help Society, and other benevolent bodies who are accustomed to working for the welfare of the soldiers, given opportunities to do all they want to do?

Yes, Sir. With the arrival of the main force in Korea I do not think there will be any difficulties there.

Is the Minister aware that there are delays in the receipt of information by the next-of-kin in the event of soldiers being wounded? Is he further aware that I know of one case in which there was a delay of six weeks?

There have been delays, and that is because these cases are being attended to by the American authorities. We cannot expect the arrangements to work quite so expeditiously as long as that is the case, but as soon as our own medical arrangements are in operation in Korea, I do not think these difficulties will arise.

Is the Minister making representations to the United States authorities?

Yes, Sir. We have done so.

As soon as the right hon. Gentleman gets information from the American authorities, will it be passed to the relatives who are without news for long periods after the first intimation that their menfolk have been injured?

Yes, Sir.

asked The Secretary of State for War on what date 3598948 Signalman T. Wilson was found medically unfit for military service; on what date he embarked for the Far East; on what date and at what port he was disembarked for return to the United Kingdom; and what is the estimated cost to the public of this wasted journey.

Signalman Wilson was seen by a psychiatrist on 27th September and recommended for a medical board with a view to discharge. He was, however, not medically boarded before his unit sailed. He embarked for the Far East on 2nd October. Instructions have been sent that he should not disembark in Korea but should return to the United Kingdom with his ship. The cost of the journey is approximately £100.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when this Reservist was recalled he was not examined by the doctor individually, but just cursorily with three others at 1.30 a.m., and then posted to a unit? Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that Reservists are medically examined properly and when found unfit are not put on ships destined for theatres of operation?

No doubt this man ought to have been medically boarded, and we are inquiring strictly into how it occurred that he was not.

asked The Secretary of State for War when he proposes to bring mileage allowance for Army officers using their own cars on duty in line with the present cost of petrol.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. J. Morrison) on 19th September.

Does the Minister realise that the Army officer is still paying for the increase in the supply of petrol granted at the suggestion of the Leader of the Opposition?

asked The Secretary of State for War what opportunities exist for selected officers and non-commissioned officers of the Territorial Army to serve attachments with foreign armies.

Exchanges of selected officers now take place between the ground forces of Western Union on a one for one basis, normally for a period of three weeks. These are, however, on a small scale and so far the scheme has been operating fully only with France. Few Territorial Army officers can afford the time in addition to their normal commitments, but the exchanges are not confined to the Regular Army.

Will the right hon. Gentleman try and see whether Territorial officers and N.C.O.s can be included generously in this exchange scheme? Surely in the case of operations it will not be possible for the Regular Army to provide all the necessary military liaison officers and N.C.O.s.

The Territorial officers are included and have actually gone.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many have taken advantage of this scheme?

Not without notice.

In view of the Minister's answers to Question No. 9 and this Question, will he see whether there is some way in which he can instil a sense of urgency as regards these courses into the officials both in our own Army and in the French army?

I think they are well aware of the importance of these courses, and, at any rate in the case of the French the exchanges are developing fairly rapidly. In the case of other nationalities in Western Europe, the scheme has not really not going.

asked The Secretary of State for War what was the volunteer strength of the Territorial Army on 31st August and 30th September respectively.

The volunteer strength of the Territorial Army, including the Women's Services, on 31st August was 10,570 officers and 79,047 other ranks. On 30th September it was 10,565 officers and 79,913 other ranks.

In view of the continued shortage in many units of the Territorial Army, is the right hon. Gentleman considering any steps which he ought to take to fill the gaps which must remain during the next two years?

We attach great importance, of course, to volunteer recruiting for the Territorial Army. Early next year the flow of National Service men into the Territorials will, of course, be resumed.

It is one thing to attach great importance, but it is another thing to do something. Will the right hon. Gentleman do something about it?

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what representations he has received from the Billericay Urban District Council requesting him to give an assurance that freeholders whose properties will not be required by the Basildon Development Corporation will be left secure in possession of their freeholds; and what answer he has given.

In reply to a letter from this Council on 29th March, 1950, I stated that in the early years of the new town houses would not be acquired except for the purposes of development by the Corporation.

Is the Minister not aware that until he repudiates the statement made last May by his Parliamentary Secretary that all freeholds in the new town would be taken over, doubt and uncertainty will continue to prevail? Will he give a clear assurance that freeholders whose properties are not required for development will be left secure in possession of their freeholds?

I think the doubt and confusion are largely created by the hon. Member's propaganda in his own constituency.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning why, before making a recent appointment to the Basildon Development Corporation, he did not first consult with the Billericay Urban District Council.

I did, Sir.

That is not true, Mr. Speaker.

The hon. Gentleman must not say "that is not true." The Minister may be mistaken.

Under your direction, Mr. Speaker, I withdraw. May I put it this way: the answer is a travesty of the truth? Is the Minister not aware that 27,000 people already live in the area of the new town and are affected directly by the decisions of the Development Corporation? Would it not, therefore, have been more democratic for the Minister to have consulted the elected representatives of the people before appointing a Socialist stockbroker?

I have consulted nine local authorities, of whom the Billericay Urban District Council was one. In view of the statement which the hon. Member made and had to withdraw, I would point out that the letter in which I consulted the Corporation was dated 22nd September. I invited their observations; they were the only authority to raise any objection. They admitted that they knew nothing of the gentleman I proposed to appoint, and I have appointed him. When I visited the new town, I found that there was a charming lady, who I believe is none the less a Tory and who is a member of the Billericay Urban District Council, and I am sure that she will look after the hon. Member's constituents very well.

Arising out of that reply, is the Minister not aware that the Billericay Urban District Council was not consulted until after the appointment was made and that the local authority unanimously rejected the suggestion?

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he is aware of the improvement in the appearance of the precincts of Westminster Abbey and Middlesex Guildhall which has resulted from the demolition of the former Westminster Hospital building; and if consideration is being given to the possibility of preserving the site as an open space.

Parliament has already approved the building of the new Colonial Office on this site.

Was not this a case where town planning provisions Could have been made effective not only against the small property owners but also against the great State Departments? Secondly, is it not highly unsatisfactory from a strategic point of view to go on crowding Government buildings into the centre of London?

It was gone into very fully in the last Parliament, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows. There was an Act on the subject. The Bill received Royal Assent on 31st July, 1947. The matter was gone into very fully and it was thought, on balance, that this was the best use of the site. From the point of view of amenity, the building is, of course, to be set back and it will occupy only two-thirds of the space of the hospital building which was there previously.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a much better view of the Abbey could be obtained from the riverside and even from across the river if Abingdon Street were cleared of houses, as it is to be, and kept clear?

That we will carefully consider.

Is the Minister aware that those of us who are Methodists are very pleased with the improved view of the Central Hall and hope that it will remain permanently?

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will now direct that the boom installed for the purpose of protecting the beaches of Canvey Island and Southend-on-Sea from oil pollution, and which was removed as a war-time 'measure, shall be replaced.

No, Sir. I am advised that this boom would not prevent oil pollution.

Is the Minister aware that his predecessor made a recommendation that the boom should be restored and, in view of the fact that oil pollution is a serious matter for any seaside resort, will not he look at the matter again?

No, Sir. I will not look at it again because I looked at it very carefully before. I am basing the decision on the report of experts from the Port of London Authority and the hydrographer of the Navy, and they say that the boom will be of no use at all and that oil pollution on beaches is largely caused by oil discharged from ships.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and the Minister's lack of knowledge of the subject, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter at the first opportunity.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, in view of the threat to much other housing accommodation, he will take steps to prevent the demolition of the bungalow belonging to Mr. Edward John Hooper, of Alma, Morden, Dorset.

My attention was drawn to this case by an article in the "Sunday Pictorial" on 29th October, which no doubt the hon. Gentleman also read, and I at once got in touch with the Dorsetshire County Council, who told me that they had no intention of demolishing this building at present and that Mr. Hooper has now applied to them for permission to retain it. If his application is rejected it will be made clear to him that he can appeal to me. In these circumstances I cannot comment now on the case.

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the answer? Will he ask the editor of "Jane" to be more careful in the future?

asked the Minister of National Insurance (1) whether she will reconsider the cases where hardship allowance is granted and include cases where a worker can no longer be employed at his pre-accident work, although his loss of faculty has been assessed at nil;

(2) whether she is aware that medical boards assess loss of faculty by means of a fixed percentage irrespective of the great diversity of occupations and types of worker; and whether she will consider a substantial increase in the special hardship allowance;

(3) when she proposes to grant to the injured workman the right to appeal against a medical board's provisional assessment, without the lapse of two years' time.

These matters are among those which, as I said in my reply to my hon. Friend yesterday, I am discussing with the T.U.C. General Council.

While I accept the answer so far given, may I press the Minister with reference to the third of these Questions? Is she aware that the officers of the Ministry have a right of appeal against any assessment of the worker, whereas the injured person has no right of appeal against the Ministry at present? Could she not give me an answer to this Question stating that she is reconsidering the matter and will, perhaps, now give a decision?

Yes, Sir. I am very much in sympathy with this point but, as I have discussed this matter very recently with the T.U.C., I would ask my hon. Friend to be a little patient in order that these discussions shall not be prejudiced.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if she has any statement to make in reply to the demand for an old age pension of 40s. a week, sent to her by the National Federation of Old Age Pensioners' Associations; how many old age pensioners already draw supplementary pensions; what these cost annually; and if she will give an estimate of how much more it would cost to give 40s. a week to men at 65 and to women at 60 years of age, if these supplementary payments were abolished.

In reply to the first part of the Question I will if I may circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of a letter which I sent recently to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd) on this subject.

Out of rather more than 4½ million retirement pensioners and non-contributory old age pensioners, nearly 900,000 are at present having their pensions supplemented at an annual cost of about £22½ million. The additional cost of granting a pension of 40s. for all men and women on attaining pensionable age would be some £400 million a year immediately, rising to £700 million a year over the next 30 years. Corresponding increases in unemployment, sickness and widowhood benefits would be required and would cost an additional £200 million a year.

May I ask the right hon. Lady two questions? First, has she sent a reply to the Federation, and second, in view of the fact that the Chancellor said there would be a further increase in the cost of living by Christmas, can she hold out no hope that the pensions of the old age pensioners will be increased?

In reply to the first question, the Federation often communicate with me and, of course, I always reply. In reply to the second question, I think the figures which I have given this afternoon are very big and it is necessary for us to concentrate our available resources on the needs of those pensioners who are worst off. If any pensioner applies to the National Assistance Board, his application will, therefore, be very sympathetically considered.

Does the right hon. Lady's reply in regard to supplementary pensioners—900,000, I think she said—and National Assistance mean, in fact, that 900,000 pensioners are being subjected to a means test?

asked The Minister of National Insurance (1) what proportion of the payments made to persons starting work and applying for assistance pending payment of wages are subsequently recovered from the applicant;

(2) what instructions have been issued or what policy is adopted to determine whether payments made to persons starting work and applying for assistance pending payment of wages shall subsequently be recovered; and what steps are taken to find out if a temporary advance has been granted by the employer.

Before granting such assistance, the Board's officers satisfy themselves, by inquiry from employers if necessary, whether an advance of wages will be made. The Board are empowered to recover assistance granted in such circumstances to meet urgent need only in so far as payments cover days beyond the end of a period, generally seven to 10 days from the start of work. Assistance paid for days beyond the prescribed period is ordinarily recovered, unless repayment would cause hardship. Details are not available, but the proportion of recoveries is small.

asked The Minister of National Insurance if she will consider revising the regulations governing the award of National Assistance so as to help beneficiaries, particularly old age pensioners, to meet the cost of living.

I must remind my hon. Friend that improvements in the scales of National Assistance approved by this House came into force as recently as June of this year.

Will not the Minister give an assurance that, in view of the probable rise in the cost of living during the next months, this matter will be constantly kept under review and sympathetically dealt with? Further, is she aware that, although she has given instructions that administratively her officers should deal sympathetically with applications, unless the scales are revised it will be impossible for them to do so?

I would remind my hon. Friend that officers of the National Assistance Board are allowed to exercise very wide discretion.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a tendency now to restrict the discretion of the area officers in dealing with assistance cases and to refer their decisions to the regional district officers before communications are made to hon. Members?

I will certainly look into that if my lion. Friend will give me a case that he has in mind.

asked The Minister of National Insurance what she is going to do for the old age pensioners, whose pension has been and will be, in consequence of the cost of living going still higher, steadily decreasing in purchasing power.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Renton) on this subject on 17th October last, a copy of which I am sending him.

Could the Minister explain how these rather unfortunate people can get any help without going through a means test?

All the applications of the people the hon. Gentleman is referring to are considered very carefully, and I can assure him that the examination that is made bears no resemblance at all to the means test with which he, I am sure, is very familiar.

Would the Minister mind explaining what it is if it is not a means test?

It is a needs test, which is different. [Interruption.] If I may supplement that—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Certainly. As the hon. Gentleman shook his head violently, let me say that needs and means are entirely different in this respect, that the actual needs of an old age pensioner, such as domestic assistance, a contribution for laundry, a contribution for window cleaning—all these needs—are taken into consideration.

Could my right hon. Friend tell us who was the leading Tory who said two or three years ago that a 26s. a week pension was premature?

asked The Minister of of Labour what steps have been taken to divert under-employed labour in various factories to those factories urgently in need of manpower for rearmament purposes.

I am in consultation with the two sides of industry as to the best means of meeting the labour needs of the rearmament programme as these develop. With regard to workers who may be under-employed and who wish to transfer to work on the rearmament programme, they will be helped to do so if they apply to an employment exchange.

As some armament and machine tool manufacturers are seriously short of labour, will the Government consider introducing some incentive scheme, including, perhaps, the provision of "prefabs.", to such under-employed people?

The hon. Gentleman asks me what I am doing to divert unemployed labour. Well, I have no power to take a man out of one job and push him into another.

Surely the Government have power to make essential jobs attractive by providing such incentives?

Will the right hon. Gentleman stop diverting unemployed to Portsmouth, and will he, if necessary, divert some of our unemployed in Portsmouth to where they can get work?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will write to me and explain what he is trying to tell the House. I will give it attention.

asked The Minister of Labour what success the Special Appointments Branch has had in finding employment for men of over 50 years of age, particularly disabled men, who, in the past, have held responsible positions.

During the last 12 months the Appointments Offices have placed 6,987 men in employment, including 503 disabled men. Statistics of placings by age groups are not available, but the Appointments Offices take special pains to assist men over 50. I should like to renew the appeals I have frequently made to employers to consider these older men on their merits, when they apply or are put forward for posts of managerial, senior executive or professional type.

Will the right hon. Gentleman continue to bear in mind the frustration that is felt by many actively minded men and women, who are past the prime of life, through their inability to obtain employment?

Yes. There is foundation for what the hon. Gentleman says. Here are men of very high capacity, anxious indeed to do a good job, whose only fault is that they were born before a certain date. I am perfectly confident, from experience in other cases, that if employers will give these men a chance they will find them excellent servants.

Has my right hon. Friend found that industries suffering from a shortage of labour are more willing to take these men than industries already fully manned?

I do not think we could say that. The fact is that in many cases it is a firm's pension scheme that makes it hesitate before taking on these men.

As the Government are the worst offenders in getting rid of people over a certain age, will the right hon. Gentleman send his answers to the Treasury?

The hon. Gentleman is as right in that assumption as in most others. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Let me apologise to the House for putting my foot in it again. The hon. Gentleman is wrong. The Government are not bad offenders. I can assure the House that the Government give every possible facility in their own services, and in those in which they have influence, to encourage the use of these older men.

asked The Minister of Labour in what circumstances lodging allowances can be paid to workers compelled to take employment away from their homes.

There is no compulsion, but a worker who has dependants to maintain may be paid a lodging allowance if he accepts approved employment away from home. I am sending the hon. Member two leaflets setting out the arrangements in detail.

In view of the fact that some people have been unable to take up employment because of the non-payment of these allowances, will the Minister consider revising his regulations so that these people can get into work, the work can be done, and, incidentally, some money can be saved?

I should be very glad if the hon. Gentleman would send me such cases as he has in mind, because the whole purpose of this allowance is to put men in employment at long distances away where their services are badly needed.

Are such lodging allowances subject to Income Tax deduction?

asked The Minister of Labour to state to the nearest available date the number of unemployed in Cornwall.

One thousand, six hundred and ninety-one males and 782 females at 16th October.

asked The Minister of Labour to state to the nearest available date the number of unemployed in the fishing industry.

Four thousand, three hundred and ninety-nine at 16th October.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will set up a committee to inquire into the present high rate of sickness in industry, and make recommendations as to how this drain upon the national production may be reduced.

Sickness absence in industry which is not above normal is mainly due to common ailments not of an occupational character. I do not think it would be useful to appoint a special committee to consider this subject.

Is the Minister aware that on any one day of the year the average number of persons away from work is 960,000, and that means a loss of 250 million days per year? Does not he think that that situation needs a little inquiring into?

If it is a matter of sickness unconnected with industry, it is not a matter under my jurisdiction. If it is a matter of sickness arising out of some industrial trouble, it is a matter which I have to investigate; but in that sphere there is not a substantial amount of sickness.

Will the Minister draw the attention of the Minister of Health to those figures, as, clearly, the housing shortage contributes to them?

asked the Minister of Labour if he has any statement to make on the stoppage of work, which started on 19th October, at Duple Motor Bodies, Limited, of Hendon.

On 1st November a dispute was reported to me by the company under the provisions of the Conditions of Employment and National Arbitration Order, 1940, and I am in communication with the unions concerned. This stoppage of work involving 1,000 men arises out of the dismissal of a number of workers on grounds of redundancy.

Has the Minister any evidence to show that this is a further case of disruption of industrial production by Communists.

I have no observations to make on that case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet reached a decision regarding the entry into universities of Service men whose date of release has been postponed.

I assume the Question relates to entry into universities in October, 1951. It has now been agreed that early releases will be granted to men who had arranged to enter universities then but would be prevented from doing so by the extension of their service. Details of the method of application will be published later.

Can these details be conveyed to the men in the Forces, or who are likely to go into the Forces, and who are, of course, most interested in this matter?

I should think the information will be published.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement as to the liability to call-up for training and in an emergency of men aged less than 26 years who were in reserved occupations during the late war.

asked the Minister of Labour why the liability for military service is greater for a man who served in the last war than one who did not, when both are of military age, physically fit and not reserved.

Men who were reserved in the last war who are now under the age of 26 are liable to be called up under the National Service Acts. In 1946, however, it was announced in a White Paper (Cmd. 6831) that men born before 1929 who were not called up before the end of 1946 would, with certain exceptions, not be called up. Their liability is accordingly not being enforced.

These men are not trained soldiers and could not be called up for immediate use in an emergency like the Z Reservists. The intention is that in the event of an emergency they would be called up in their age groups under whatever arrangements were operating at the time.

If the liability for service, of non-Reservists is less than that of Reservists, which I think was indicated by the right hon. Gentleman, solely because non-Reservists have not had military training, what objection is there to the right hon. Gentleman arranging for them to have military training now?

Because we might find that some of these men are somewhere up to the age of 50. There was a very exhaustive comb-out, and these men were told, "Stop where you are, you will not be wanted." I think they would have a legitimate grievance if they were told to do military service now after they were willing to do it earlier and were not allowed to.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Question to which he has given an answer relates solely to men under 26?

The answer I gave relates only to men under 26, but the general principle covers men of all ages.