asked the Secretary of State for War what further consideration has been given to the case of Driver H. Newman, about whom he has been in correspondence with the right hon. Member for Don Valley, and with what result.

Driver Newman was re-examined on 15th November. His ears are not troubling him and I am informed that he is fit to continue full duty.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this young man has been in the hands of the Army doctors from the day he was called up; that he was in hospital in July, September, October and, apparently, November? Does the hon. Member regard it as sound economy and even human to keep a young man while he is useless?

That is an exaggeration. Army doctors have kept an eye on this young man and I am advised that his medical category remained unchanged. He has been free from all skin trouble, which was one thing from which he suffered, since April, and his ears show no signs of active disease. As recently as 15th November, he was examined by an ear specialist and no trace of ear trouble was found.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

On a point of order. There are 36 Questions to the Secretary of State for War on the Order Paper. They include many important Questions, and yet the Secretary of State is not present. Surely he should be present when there are so many Questions on the Paper.

That is not a point of order for me.

Further to that point of order. Are you aware, Sir, that had it been somebody from this side of the House sitting on the Government Front Bench, hon. Gentlemen opposite would have made an awful lot of noise had he not been present, and we are entitled to press the point. The Secretary of State should be present.

May it not be that the Secretary of State for War, overcome with remorse for what he has done to the Army, has resigned, or even deserted?

This is not a point of order with which I can deal.

My right hon. Friend is answering half the Questions and I am answering the other half.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of 23143109 Private C. W. Barten's low medical category, he will favourably consider his discharge.

No, Sir. Private Barten is not fit for front-line soldiering but he is capable of restricted duties and there are at present no medical reasons for his discharge.

Is the Minister aware that this man is a first-class stockman, shepherd and general farm hand, and comes from a well-stocked but undermanned farm, and that he will never be a first-class soldier because of his disability? Will the Minister try to be as helpful in this matter as he was over the question of harvest leave?

We try to do what we can in these cases, but the hon. Member must remember that although this man may not be able to perform all military duties, he is at least able to release to do them a fitter man who otherwise would be employed on general duties.

Would the Minister define what are "restricted duties" in the Army?

It is like being an Under-Secretary of State.

Controlled operations.

This soldier has been placed in Grade 2 as being fit for restricted service in any part of the world. In fact, it means that he is a general duties man.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter again on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that 22995980 Private James Wheeler, Ladywood, Birmingham, at present serving in the Middle East, suffered bereavement in the loss of his father over two months ago, and, in view of his anxiety concerning the responsibility of his mother in the care of a family of eight including seven young children of school age or below, why this soldier has not been permitted leave to visit his home; and whether he will now consider the necessity of releasing him from the forces on compassionate grounds.

Private Wheeler has been brought home and is going to be discharged.

In thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, which will considerably relieve the anxiety of a mother with eight children, may I ask him whether he would undertake to see that when a soldier is placed in these unfortunate circumstances and loses his father, he should not have to wait over two months, or until a Question is put on the Order Paper, for justice to be done?

My information is that the soldier in question first applied for compassionate leave and compassionate discharge on 11th November.

Withdraw.

On a point of order. The Minister has made a statement which is not correct. I have in front of me a letter from a military official which recognises that compassionate release was asked for before 5th October—

Order. That is not a point of order. There are frequently disputes on matters of fact between hon. Members.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the deterioration in health of Private Wilson, about whom he has been informed; and whether he will state the weight and medical categories of this soldier at the time of call-up and now.

Careful examination has not indicated any deterioration of Private Wilson's health. When he joined he was assessed as fit for duties other than front-line soldiering and weighed 106 lb. On 13th September he was placed in a medical category restricting his service to clerical duties in this country and weighed 111 lb. Last week he weighed 115 lb.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this man has spent far more time sick than on duty? Is it not a fact that he has been unable to complete his training? Is it not wasteful, as previous Questions have brought out, for the Army to keep unfit men merely to keep the Army medical services fully occupied?

The hon. Gentleman is exaggerating when he says that this man has spent more time sick than on duty. This man has not in fact been sick regularly, and at present he is doing useful work in the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that 23065004 Signalman John Palliser reported sick at Catterick on 18th January and 16th February and at Newton Abbot on 23rd March, and was treated with codein tablets; that on 10th April he was flown to Egypt, again reported sick, and was given codein tablets for ten days, sent back to duty, but entered hospital on 1st May seriously ill with empyema, necessitating three operations and blood transfusions; if he is satisfied with the medical diagnosis and treatment given; and if he will make a statement.

Signalman Palliser showed no signs of serious illness when he reported sick in January. February and March. He did not again report sick until 4th May, when he was found to be suffering from an acute illness—empyema—which is unlikely to have started more than a day or so before. There is no evidence or probability that this serious illness was connected with the soldier's previous trouble. Signalman Palliser is at present on sick leave.

Does not the Minister consider his answer to be most unsatisfactory? Is he aware that this man reported sick four times with pain in his shoulder and his side; on every occasion he was given codein tablets and rubbing lotions, and on one such occasion—on 23rd March—he was put on night patrol? Is the Minister further aware that after this man had been taken to hospital the commanding officer wrote to his parents to say that he was sorry about what had happened, but that when men reported sick it was very difficult to distinguish between those who were really ill and those who were malingering—

Order. These supplementary questions are getting longer and longer. If an hon. Member wishes to tell the life history of a case, or a story about it, it is far better to do so on the Adjournment, when the matter can be properly discussed. This is an abuse of Question Time.

On a point of order. In view of the fact that this is the fourth Question on the Order Paper dealing with the medical neglect of personnel in the Army, is it not fair that the House should have an opportunity to press the Minister on that question?

Not at Question Time, is really an abuse, and it is unfair to other hon. Members who have Questions on the Order Paper.

With respect, Mr. Speaker, since the question has been asked, cannot it be answered?

If there is an answer, will hear it.

I am advised that on the previous occasions when this soldier reported sick there was no reason at all to suppose that his illness was anything which could not be dealt with by the treatment which he was given. With regard to the last occasion, it is equally clear that his illness bore no connection whatever with his illness on the previous occasions when he reported sick—the disease from which he is now suffering being one which develops very suddenly.

Will the Minister look into the whole question of the treatment of those men who are in poor health and not able to render any good service to the Army, whereas they might be of great service in civilian life? There are too many of them.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an Oldham soldier, whose name has been communicated to him, is now seriously ill as a result of glandular disease resulting from being unnecessarily subjected to widespread bites of blanket lice; and what action he proposes to take.

This soldier's disease is not caused by bites.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the disease from which he suggests this soldier is suffering is described in every medical encyclopaedia as "aetiology unknown" and that therefore no one knows its origin? Is he also aware that a very distinguished scientist said in 1888 that it was caused by a virus? Is the Minister further aware that this man served under deplorable conditions for a fortnight, and although he went there fit he was bitten from head to foot and contracted a glandular poisonous disease which arose from the bites? This man has been in hospital gravely ill almost ever since. He is now out of hospital. Would the right hon. Gentleman tell us what authority he has for saying that the disease is not caused by bites in view of the fact that every medical man says that no one knows what causes this particular affliction?

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman is right in saying that every medical man says that the disease is caused by bites. I do not want to go into details of this disease, I wrote to the hon. Member. My authority for saying that it is considered not to be caused from outside sources such as bites is the information from my medical experts. If I am wrong, the hon. Gentleman can put down a Question and we can go into the matter further. That is my advice from my medical experts.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent it is the practice to call up for National Service men who have been discharged as unfit for service by the Royal Air Force; and whether, when the physical disability continues, the Service man has a right under the regulations to insist upon treatment by specialists other than Army physicians; and who determines when this right can be exercised.

The first half of this Question is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service. As to the second part, any soldier is at liberty to seek private medical treatment at his own expense in off-duty hours.

Does that reply mean that the affected person can seek specialist treatment in this country, as distinct from in Germany?

Within reason, he can certainly make use of his privilege leave to seek specialised medical advice and, if necessary, commanding officers will grant special leave for the purpose.

What happens if his private medical adviser advises him that he is unfit for duty but the Army doctor thinks that he is fit for duty?

The view of the Army doctor, in general, will prevail.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State for War informed me by letter in July that he saw no reason why this soldier should be allowed to seek specialist treatment, other than from Army physicians?

If may well be that there is no reason why he should, but he is at liberty so to do in his spare time and at his own expense.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the latest policy adopted regarding leave for National Service men.

National Service men are allowed 35 days' leave during their two years' service, embarkation leave if they go abroad and terminal leave. In addition weekend leave may be granted at the discretion of commanding officers.

Is this policy well known to all officers with responsibility for granting leave?

Yes, Sir, certainly it is well known.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the clothing difficulty of National Service men on release; and whether he will institute an inquiry with the purpose of assessing the nature of this problem, and making a clothing allowance.

In 1949 the late Government decided that such an allowance should not be paid, and after considering the question my right hon. Friend thinks they were right.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that what may have been a correct policy in 1949 surely cannot be interpreted as a correct policy in 1955? Is he aware that a good many of these young men are returning from the forces and seeking to re-equip themselves for civilian life, and that it is costing their parents sums varying between £25 and £35? Is he aware that that seems to me, and I think to other hon. Members, to be a most unfair burden to be put upon the parents of these young men?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many times National Service men have chest X-rays from enlistment to release.

About 80 per cent. are X-rayed by the mass miniature process before entry into the Army, and the rest shortly after entry. Any man suspected during his service of having been exposed to infection is examined immediately.

Is the Minister aware that chest physicians consider that 18 is a vulnerable age; that these frequent examinations are a great help; and, further, that these men should be examined before being sent overseas and when they return? This would really give the public greater confidence in the medical services of the Army.

We do try to examine men when they come back. The problem is that we have only a limited amount of apparatus, and we do not want to delay a man's demobilisation. About half are examined before they go out.

asked the Secretary of State for War the incidence rate of tuberculosis among National Service men; and to what extent it varies in the different parts of the country.

A special check in 1953 showed the incidence to be 0·9 per thousand. We do not keep separate records for different parts of the country.

How does that incidence compare with the incidence among the ordinary population?

It is better. I think the incidence among the ordinary population is 1·7 per thousand.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the policy adopted with regard to leave for men who desire reasonable facilities for leave to enable them to participate in pre-enlistment activities.

Army duties permitting, commanding officers try to be helpful.

That is not very satisfactory. While I am not asking for preferential treatment, I would ask for fair treatment, and if the Minister cannot give a proper answer today, will he reconsider the matter with a view to trying to give some satisfaction?

I do not see that we can say more than has been said, that where Army duties permit, commanding officers try to be helpful. That is a perfectly satisfactory answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Africans are now taking courses for the Queen's Commission from the territories of Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, Nyasaland, and Northern Rhodesia, respectively.

There are no Africans from these territories attending training courses in this country. The difficulty lies in finding candidates with adequate educational standards. This is a long-term rather than a short-term problem.

May I ask the Minister and indeed his Army colleague, the Secretary of State, who is sitting on the Front Bench, whether it would not be a good thing to extend the African Colonial Forces? Since there are a large number of West Africans taking the Queen's Commission, why cannot we similarly extend in the East and Central parts of Africa?

We are waiting for suitable candidates to come forward. There is no attempt to keep them out; on the contrary we should welcome them.

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is desirable that Her Majesty's Commission should be open to these men, and what steps is he taking to find suitable candidates?

It is open, and a further scheme similar to that obtaining for West Africa is shortly coming into operation for East Africa.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that what he is now saying is in direct contradiction to the White Paper published by the Colonial Office advocating the setting up of an African "Sandhurst"? What are the Government proposing to do about that White Paper?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for War how the sale of surplus Army stores in the Canal Zone is proceeding; how much remains to be sold; whether satisfactory prices have been obtained for items sold; and who the principal buyers were.

Sales are going well and prices paid have on the whole been satisfactory. The biggest single buyer has been the Egyptian Government and other buyers have been mainly Egyptian dealers. Of the whole surplus only about 20 per cent. by weight is still unsold.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that the prices paid by the Egyptian Government are as good as could be obtained elsewhere?

Yes, Sir, the prices on the whole have been satisfactory.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether any proposal has been made to any other country in the Middle East—for example, the State of Israel—to purchase some of these surplus stores?

The sales have been advertised by the Ministry of Supply, and they were certainly open to other purchasers.

asked the Secretary of State for War what amount of stores and equipment has become surplus owing to the disbandment of Anti-Aircraft Command; and what is happening to it.

The main items are about 5,600 guns, 900 searchlights, 1,300 radar equipments and predictors and 2,000 generators and they will be disposed of in a variety of ways.

I should have thought that answer obvious without my putting the Question. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman tell us something about the various ways?

Some of the best equipment is wanted by the Admiralty. The Ministry of Supply want some for experiment. Some of it will go to other Departments. The worst will be scrapped. Some of the remainder will go to the Commonwealth and some to foreign Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made since 31st July, 1951, towards making a permanent arrangement for the administration of Iver Grove Camp, Buckinghamshire.

This is a very difficult problem. We have made several attempts to solve it without success. We are trying again.

Inasmuch as that Answer differs only in being a little more hopeful from the Answer given to me four-and-a-half years ago, and inasmuch as the matter has not only been under continuous consideration, but also active negotiation for four-and-a-half years, would my hon. Friend bring it to early finality, and relieve his Department of what by now must be an almost crushing burden?

We are as anxious as my hon. Friend to get this problem solved. But he must realise that it is a delicate problem and a number of different interests are involved.

asked the Secretary of State for War what new tasks he has assigned to units of the Territorial Army in Wiltshire.

As my right hon. Friend explained at Question Time last Tuesday, our plans for the reorganisation of the Territorial Army are not yet complete and I cannot, therefore, give any details.

Is the Minister aware that the present state of uncertainty is extremely demoralising to these people, who want to know what tasks they are being used for? Will not he make up his mind to tell the Territorial Army whether or not the Government intend that it should continue to exist? If it is not to do so, what are these men going to do?

My right hon. Friend consulted the Territorial Army Council only last week and told them as much as he was able to do. It would do more harm than good to make a statement now which did not go into detail.

Are we to understand from the Minister twat a statement has been made to a public body outside this House, concerning an important matter of Government policy about which we have not been told? How can he justify that?

It was discussed with them.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the future of the Territorial Army and his discussions with the Council of Territorial Army Associations.

I had a very helpful discussion with the Council of Territorial Army Associations. As I promised in the House last Tuesday, I will make a statement at the earliest opportunity.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a statement about the Territorial Army was promised before the defence debate? Certain information has been given which has had a rather disturbing effect on the Territorial Army, which is worried about the short time it will have an intake of National Service men. Should not an absolutely clear statement on its rôle and function be made as soon as possible?

I wish to make a statement on this subject at the very earliest opportunity. I am very well aware of what the Territorial Army feels. I think that the hon. Member is wrong in saying that a statement was promised before the defence debate. My recollection is that that is not so, nor could such a statement have been made. I believe that both the T.A. and the House will agree that to make what might prove to be a half-baked, partial statement would be worse than to make no statement, and my intention is to make the full statement at the earliest opportunity.

Is it the Minister's intention to make a statement on this and cognate matters before the Service Estimates are due for discussion some time next year? Although the T.A. Associations have rendered very valuable service in the past, in view of modern Service conditions will the right hon. Gentleman pay rather less attention to those bodies than to military experts of capacity?

In answer to the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's question, the answer is "Yes, Sir," quite definitely before the Service Estimates—and, I hope, much sooner. In regard to the second part, I think that the right hon. Gentleman will agree that the ideal is that there should be the closest contact and exchange of views between all experts and the T.A. Associations on this subject. I believe that without the administrative help, the local prestige and the work done by the T.A. Associations we should find immense difficulties and would need greater staffs to do the work.

Will the Minister give an assurance that the troubles which occurred in Territorial Army camps in the summer will not recur, and will his Department take every step—

I think that that arises on a Question which we have passed.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arms, ammunition and equipment have been taken by terrorists from Army personnel and establishments since the beginning of the emergency in Cyprus.

Very few. I will, with permission, publish the list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the Minister also draw the attention of his right hon. Friend at the Colonial Office to this answer, and try to make him aware of the facts about what is happening in Cyprus? A recent answer from the Colonial Office gave a very different story.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British troops are at present stationed in Cyprus.

We do not give details of this kind.

This is an extremely important matter, which is of great interest, especially to relatives of boys who are now serving in Cyprus and are doing nothing except being used to shoot up Cypriots. Is it not about time that we were given this information?

As I have already indicated, since the war it has not been the practice to disclose the strength of the Army in overseas theatres.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Gordon Highlanders were sent to Cyprus.

To meet the emergency.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the Gordon Highlanders arrived the emergency seems to have got worse? Is it not the fact that that the more soldiers sent to Cyprus the more the disorders grow, and that as a result of this muddle there is the danger of the Gordon Highlanders becoming Communist?

If the hon. Gentleman's policy had been applied during the war we would probably all be Communists now—or Fascists.

Is there any possibility of what my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) called the Black Welsh" being sent there?

asked the Secretary of State for War what capital expenditure for military buildings and installations he has authorised in Cyprus up to 18th November; and his estimate of the total capital expenditure that is now likely to be incurred.

The capital expenditure so far authorised for Army installations is about £12 million. The total capital expenditure likely to be incurred is about £25 million.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not heard that the Chancellor of the Exchequer wants a reduction of capital investment in his Department? Has this circular from the Chancellor of the Exchequer been hidden under the carpet in the War Office like similar documents?

I am not allowed to incur expenditure in Cyprus or elsewhere without Treasury approval.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that his capital expenditure will be completed before the Government change their policy and decide to evacuate Cyprus?

asked the Secretary of State for War the enrolled strength of the Home Guard, separate figures being given for officers and other ranks; how far enrolments are continuing, pending the promulgation of the date of stand-down; and whether he will make a statement.

Ten thousand, one hundred and twelve male and 45 female officers; 25,016 male and 1,266 female other ranks. I have already told the House that I will make a statement at the earliest opportunity.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this measly result has cost the country nearly £3 million? Does not he think it is about time that he resigned. in view of the abject failure of yet another aspect of his policy?

Answer.

If the hon. Member wishes for an answer, I would say, in regard to the first part of his supplementary question, that the service of these men has been invaluable in strengthening our whole pattern of defence, and I think the House should be grateful for their loyal service; in regard to the second part of the question, if I ever thought of resigning—if the hon. Gentleman told me to do so it would make me less likely to.

In the interests of the Army, may I therefore plead with the Secretary of State for War not to resign?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make a statement about the future of the Home Guard.

No, Sir.

Is it true or not true that the Home Guard is to be disbanded? Surely the right hon. Gentleman has read the reports? Is he not aware of the intolerable frustration of those who are left carrying this unfortunate baby of his? Surely he has an obligation to them, in view of the widespread reports about this, to make a statement straight away?

I have told the House that I will make a statement at the earliest opportunity. I am aware that the Home Guard is most anxious that it should know about this matter as soon as possible, but I am not sure that its frustration is really as great as that of the hon. Member.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made up his mind whether this force is to be disbanded or not? If he has, can he not tell us?

As I have already explained, this question forms part of a reconsideration of the whole question of home defence, including the Territorial Army, the Home Guard and the Civil Defence plan. It is a most complicated subject, and we cannot arrive at a sudden decision in a matter that covers such a wide range.

The right hon. Gentleman says that it is a very complicated subject. One matter was mentioned by his hon. Friend the Member for Buckinghamshire, South (Mr. R. Bell), on which his Department has already spent four and a half years. Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this subject will take as long?

The last announcement made by the right hon. Gentleman's Government concerned a matter which is not the subject of this Question, but if he likes to discuss the matter with me I think he will agree that under the present system of government it appears to be very nearly insoluble. I think that the right hon. Gentleman found the same.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange to publish at half-yearly intervals the number of men serving in Regular Army engagements of three years with the Colours and four years with the Reserve who are transferred to the Army Reserve, and the percentage who prolong their Colour service; and whether he will see that the first set of figures under this arrangement covers the period 1st October, 1955, to 31st March, 1956.

Yes, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to acquaint his successor with the invaluable nature of this pro forma? It will reveal once again the failure of the right hon. Gentleman's policy.

That is a matter which has long been pursued by the hon. Gentleman —and never once has he put forward an alternative proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the general welfare arrangements for Christmas and the New Year which are being made for British troops stationed in Korea.

A special grant is made available for extras, and there are special concessions for parcels. Detailed arrangements are left to the commanders and the troops themselves, and in my experience they are usually very good at it.

Does the Secretary of State feel that that is an adequate answer to parents who are anxious about this matter? Is he aware that these soldiers are serving in winter conditions of great severity, and in general conditions which are very demoralising? Could he not tell us more?

Yes, Sir. On various occasions I have seen soldiers in conditions of discomfort, but I believe, frankly, that they make better arrangements themselves than can be made by welfare officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has studied the evidence given on 5th November at the inquest into the death of a private in the Women's Royal Army Corps, to the effect that she had drunk large quantities of whisky in a sergeants' mess at Catterick although she did not drink before joining the Army; and if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the rules concerning the consumption of alcohol in sergeants' messes and by members of the Women's Royal Army Corps with a view to preventing a recurrence of such tragedies.

The inquiry is still going on. Privates are not allowed into sergeants' messes, nor are they allowed spirits in the canteen, N.A.A.F.I. or elsewhere in barracks.

I am not advocating that all members of the W.R.A.C. should have chaperones, but, pending the result of this inquiry, will the right hon. Gentleman see that it is quite impossible for an occurrence of this kind to recur?

Yes, Sir; it is the last thing I want. I would point out, however, without prejudging the inquiry, that the only evidence on this was a statement made just before this unfortunate lady's death, so we should not draw an absolute conclusion that this has been happening.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the 4,322 on boy's engagements on 31st August were recruited from orphanages or similar institutions or were in the care of guardians; how far under his regulations boys have the right themselves to ask for discharge; how many applications for the release of boys from the Army were made in 1954; and how many applications were granted.

Of over 4,000 boys at present in Boy's Units, 180 came from orphanages or were in the care of guardians. A boy has the right to discharge within three months of attestation on payment of £20. Subsequently he has no right to purchase his discharge, but may be discharged on compassionate or other grounds. During 1954, 189 boys from Boy's Units applied for discharge and 171 of these applications were granted.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter, in view of the fact that boys sometimes enter the Army under a misconception and, as the result of that, desire to withdraw from it? Surely boys under 18 years of age should not be compelled in any circumstances to stay in the Army if they desire to go out.

This is a fairly complicated matter. It was looked at carefully by the Select Committee on the Army Act. I should not like to go into great detail on the matter now. If a boy has a really good reason for wanting to go out of the Army he really gets a chance to get out, as is shown by the number of applications allowed.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of soldiers below the age of 25 years serving with the Army in Western Germany who have received hospital treatment for varicose veins during the twelve months ended 8th October, 1955.

One hundred and sixty-five for the year ending last June, the latest period for which figures are available.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that this is a large number of young men? I discovered in hospital in Germany many of these young men in the same ward who were receiving operative treatment for varicose veins, and some were in their teens? Is this associated with the rigorous military training they are getting?

I do not think that the percentage is a big one. If I gave the hon. Gentleman the percentage I should give him the strength of our forces in Germany. It is not a big percentage.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German civilians, both males and females, Ukrainians, Yugoslavs and other displaced persons, are employed by the British military authorities in Western Germany.

Thirty-four thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven German men, 21,357 German women, 425 Ukrainians, 2,105 Yugoslavs and 4,161 other displaced persons, all men.

In view of the granting of national sovereignty to Germany, is there any intention shortly to reduce this large number of civilians employed by the British military authorities?

This matter has been discussed with the Government of Western Germany on several occasions. It is a most valuable addition to us in the joint Western effort in Germany, and I do not think that the German Government or anyone else would wish it to cease entirely.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the military convoy which passed through Downham Market on 2nd September, 1955, refused to take the route suggested by the local police and passed through the narrow High Street, causing a lengthy hold-up of traffic and inconvenience, when a shorter and better road was available.

We planned the route with the local authority and police and it did not go through Downham Market. This was changed at the last minute at the request of the county authorities.

The convoy did go through Downham Market and did cause great confusion, and it was against the wishes of the local police and everybody else, because another route was available. Would the right hon. Gentleman see that this sort of thing does not happen again?

This was not the fault of my Department. We desired to avoid Downham Market but the county authorities, because of some road scheme, diverted the route through Downham Market and so we had to go through that way.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress is being made with the training of troops for Civil Defence duties; and whether he will make a statement.

Civil Defence is now playing a much larger part in the training programme of the Regular and Reserve Armies. It will be the main subject for study by Army officers during this winter and next summer a large scale exercise will take place in the London area.

Without wishing to hustle the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask if he can give us information about the future rôle of the Army? Shall we have to rely more and more on Regular troops, including National Service men, for Civil Defence duties?

Against the threat of nuclear attack the Army in the field, or such of the Army as is at home, must be prepared to play its full part in combating this emergency. This applies both to the Reserve Army and the active Army.

Will that include the Territorial Army to any large extent?

Oh, yes. I said the Reserve Army, including the Territorial Army and the A.E.R.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that the 9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, served from 20th August to 3rd September at Windmill Hill Camp, Salisbury Plain, with inadequate food, unhealthy accommodation, and with insect-infested bedding; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent a recurrence of such conditions;

I am not satisfied about conditions in this camp. General Erskine has been carefully into the matter and is determined to see that they will not recur.

Is the Minister aware that he wrote to me and said that the complaints were exaggerated? I hope that I report him correctly, but it was certainly to that effect. Does he know that I have made inquiries of two other Oldham soldiers who served at that camp, and that they told me that the conditions were absolutely deplorable; that the blankets came out of earth and muck and straw, and that the men had only a blanket to sleep on on unprotected canvas as a result? One of them said that they were conditions in which he would not put a dog—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, may I call your attention to the fact that the Secretary of State for War sought leave of the House to answer two Questions together, and may I add that if I am to be barracked when I put a supplementary question to two Questions—

Order. In listening to the hon. Member I took into consideration the fact that an Answer was given to two Questions. I thought the hon. Member had, perhaps, exceeded the limits of a supplementary question to one Question, and that he was just on the point of exceeding the limit to two. I do not think there is anything to complain about in the remarks from the rest of the House.

Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that disciplinary action has been taken against one of the officers who told the Press that conditions were bad, and can he say what laws apply to that officer that do not apply to the ordinary soldier?

This is absolutely the first I have heard of any disciplinary action. I hope that the hon. Member will let me have any names and particulars that he has. It is certainly against my principles that that sort of thing should be done in the Army. As far as the camp is concerned, there are two aspects. First, I have admitted that the camp was not all that we would have wished it to be but, given rations and canvas, the success of a camp to a large extent depends on the unit, the commanding officer and the company commanders. I do not say that my Department is blameless in this case, but I think that the situation was made worse by certain members of these units not being administered very competently.

Would not the Minister agree that, in any circumstances, for blankets to be lousy—which is apparently admitted—is a disgraceful position to arise in an Army camp in peace-time?

That matter was gone into by General Erskine. I am informed that in the blankets there were a lot of what are called May bugs and that the bites were attributable to them and not to lice. No one actually found a louse, or produced one.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the wastage amongst enlisted men in the Regular Army; and whether he will move to appoint a Select Committee of this House to inquire into the state of the Regular Army and cognate matters.

I am aware of the position. The right hon. Gentleman had better await the Service Estimates.

The Question only came to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman because it was transferred from the Prime Minister. I well know that the right hon. Gentleman is aware of this, but does he not agree that the figures for the last year which he gave to the House last week are lamentable, and that we should—or he should—deal with this matter as soon as possible, and not even wait until five months hence, when he presents his Estimates?

I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree that this is probably due to a variety of causes. We are fully aware of the causes and have plans for trying to deal with the position to the maximum possible extent within the limitations of money and materials available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to announce the result of his discussions with the trade associations in so far as the amendment of the Hire-Purchase Act, 1954, is concerned; or when he expects to be able to do so.

Preliminary discussions with trade associations on the subject of hire-purchase advertising have taken place, and my right hon. Friend is considering the views which they have put forward; as he stated in reply to a supplementary question arising out of the hon. Member's Question on 10th November, action to deal with advertisements would, however, require legislation.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that that reply gets us no further than did the previous one? Is he also aware that we shall not get anywhere on this matter until all hire-purchase traders are compelled by law to state, in advertisements and on the goods, the cash price, the hire-purchase price, the number of instalments and the amount of each instalment? Is he prepared to do something about that?

In reply to the first part of the Question, I think that if the hon. Lady refers to the previous Question which she has asked and the Answer given thereto she will agree that we are making progress in this matter. Advertising is a technical field in which it is right to give proper consideration to the representations that have been made following the discussions. As she is aware, protection already exists for the actual agreements under the Hire-Purchase Acts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to combat the evasion of the regulations regarding hire-purchase deposits by retailers who are using the subterfuge of letting customers have goods on a rental basis.

Investigations are being made into ostensible rental agreements which may be in breach of the Hire-Purchase and Credit Sale Agreements (Control) Order, 1955, and the Board of Trade intend to prosecute whenever there is evidence to warrant it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will institute an inquiry into monopoly and restrictive practices in the manufacture and sale of margarine and other foods.

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not propose to make further references in the immediate future.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider making references in the not-so-immediate future? In other words, would he put this on his priority list? One cause of inflation is that margarine, irrespective of brand or price, is so tasteless and insipid that housewives are having to purchase butter?

While not necessarily, or at all, accepting the wider implications contained in the hon. Lady's statement, this, amongst other matters, will be considered when the time comes. At present, the Monopolies Commission is very heavily engaged.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present practice of the Egyptian Government in regard to charges on stocks of British goods accumulated before the agreement which was made at the time of our releasing sterling balances.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the additional import duty which was recently introduced by the Egyptian Government and is applicable to certain imports from all sources. This duty does not apply to any of our exports already paid for under the sterling entitlement arrangements which were abolished from 31st August, 1955.

May I take it that none of the goods accumulated at the time of the agreement, and belonging to British exporters, have been subjected to a double imposition of duty?

Yes, that is so, as I understand it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that recommendations and warnings regarding consumer goods are subject to the law of libel, and in consequence the work of the Women's Advisory Council is prejudiced to this extent; and if he will take powers to protect the warnings of this council so that they may in future be freely given without fear of consequential libel actions.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the Women's Advisory Committee of the British Standards Institution. We are assured by the Institution that the work of the Committee has not been prejudiced by the law of libel.

Do I take it that that means that these women have not a very keen perception of their standards of duty, because everyone knows that the limitations here are quite beyond those imposed on the women of America, who are able to warn women not to buy goods if they are unsatisfactory. Is it not a fact that our women cannot do that because they endanger their friends from the law of libel?

The hon. Lady will appreciate that in order to establish a case for trade libel it is necessary to prove falsehood and malice, as well as damage. That being so, I should not have thought that the women need to be in fear of the law of libel, if they proceed with their customary objectivity and fair-mindedness.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now reached a decision upon the possible increase of the grant made annually to the British Standards Institution.

The maximum grant in the financial year 1956–57 is to be increased to £130,000, as explained in this year's Civil Estimates.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that all those who wish the British Standards Institution well are pleased about this increase? Is he further aware that in the past year the B.S.I. has made great headway with consumer standards in furniture and bedding but has made none at all in textiles? What increased powers is he prepared to give it so as to overcome the reactionary section of the textile industry?

The consumer aspects of the British Standards Institution are getting their fair share of income. As the hon. Lady will appreciate, this is an increase of £10,000 over this year, which in turn was an increase of £10,000 over the preceding year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress he has made with the provision of industries for the new town of Peterlee.

One Government-financed factory was completed at Peterlee last year and a second this year. A third has been approved.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have just received a letter from the President intimating his intention to visit the North-East in the next couple of days, including a visit to the new town Peterlee, in which he says, "Drive through Peterlee, no stop"? Is that not an insult to the people of the new town of Peterlee? How is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to ascertain whether any progress is being made or ought to be made unless he spends a few minutes there? Will the hon. and learned Gentleman bring pressure to bear on his right hon. Friend to induce him to stop there a little while?

Progress has certainly been made and is being made. I can only assume that it must not have been made clear to my right hon. Friend that he was to have the pleasure of the right hon. Gentleman's company if he stopped there.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that although main-crop potatoes can only be imported from Holland under licence, considerable quantities of potatoes have recently been imported without a licence; and if he will issue licences for the import of main-crop potatoes to make up for deficiences in home supplies.

I cannot at present add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member for Acton (Mr. Sparks) on 17th November by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Is the Minister aware that these potatoes can only have been imported under the guise of new potatoes? Has this practice been stopped? Is he further aware that there are fears of an acute shortage of potatoes arising later, and will he discuss with his right hon. Friend the means, in time, of preventing it?

I was aware of all those points, and my right hon. Friend dealt with them in his answer.