Commons Sitting of 17 July 1941

Preamble
[Mr. SPEAKER in the Chair.]

PRIVATE BUSINESS.
GRAMPIAN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ORDER CONFIRMATION BILL [by Order].
Second Reading deferred until the Third Sitting Day after 20th July.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.
  NATIONAL WAR EFFORT.

    LABOUR DISPUTE, SCOTLAND.
    Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Labour how many labour disputes there are at the present moment in any part of Scotland; what is their nature; and what steps are being taken to settle them?
    The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin): According to my information, there was on 14th July one dispute involving interruption of work in Scotland. This dispute, in which 400 workers were concerned, began on 14th July, following a decision by the employer to stop Sunday work. Work was resumed on the following day.

  FACTORIES (JOINT CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY).
  Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Labour what is the nature of the obstacles being placed in the way of the development in factories of joint consultative machinery; and what steps he is taking to overcome them and with what success?
  Mr. Bevin: I am not aware that obstacles are being placed as the hon. Member suggests. On the contrary, I welcome the evidence which is now reaching me of the increasing desire both of employers and trade unions that joint consultation between both parties in in-
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  dustry should be developed to a much more effective extent. In regard to the last part of the hon. Member's Question, I would refer him to the answer I gave to him on 26th June
  Mr. Mander: Does my right hon. Friend recollect saying a fortnight ago that it was impossible to make progress where there was lack of good will, and will he indicate where that lack of good will exists —whether it is on the side of the employers or the employees?
  Mr. Bevin: In certain cases, both.

  CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS (LAND WORK).
  General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Minister of Labour whether refusal by a conscientious objector to work on the land as a condition of exemption from military service is accepted as a valid objection by the appeals tribunals?
  Mr. Bevin: It is for the tribunal to lay down the condition of exemption after considering anything that the conscientious objector has to say. If he is dissatisfied, it is open to him to appeal to the Appellate Tribunal.
  Sir G. Jeffreys: Is my right hon. Friend aware that in a recent case a conscientious objector stated that he had no objection to tilling the soil as such, but that he was not willing to do it as a condition, and that his appeal was allowed?
  Mr. Bevin: I will look into the case.

  PERSONAL INQUIRIES.
  Captain McEwenasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that certain officials of his Department are accosting individual citizens and asking them if they are doing all they can do to help the war effort; and by whose authority this is being done.
  The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Assheton): My right hon. Friend is not aware of any such action being taken by officials of his Department, and would be glad to have particulars of the facts on which my hon. Friend bases his allegation, in order that he may make inquiry.

  CIVIL DEFENCE.

    FURNISHED ACCOMMODATION (RENT).
    Mr. Silkinasked the Minister of Health what action he is taking to pre vent and deal with profiteering in the letting of furnished accommodation?
    The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown): As my hon. Friend will be aware, I recently asked all local authorities to furnish me by 15th July with a special report on this subject covering the nine months ended 30th June, 1941. As soon as the outstanding reports have been received—and they are coming in rapidly—I shall consider what further action, if any, is called for.
    Mr. Silkin: Will the right hon. Gentleman consider issuing a report to show what is the information supplied to him?
    Mr. Brown: I shall certainly consider the best way of making the country aware of the facts revealed by these reports. I have received 741 replies already.

    DAMAGED HOUSES (RENT).
    Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Minister of Health whether he will take further action to protect tenants of houses, damaged by blast, against their land lords who, by refusing to pay the rates, even when the local authorities reduce these and by demanding full rent for un inhabitable houses, have denied to tenants the protection which Parliament has endeavoured to give to sufferers from enemy action?
    Mr. E. Brown: I have no reason to suppose that the practice to which my hon. Friend refers has been in any way common. I would refer him to the provisions of the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Amendment Bill now before Parliament.
    Mr. Kirkwood: Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is taking place all over the country, and particularly in London, and will he look into the matter?
    Mr. Brown: If my hon. Friend will enable me to do so by presenting me with the facts of some particular cases, I shall be glad to look into them.
    Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider issuing,
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    as soon as the Landlord and Tenant Bill becomes law, a leaflet explaining clearly and concisely the protection afforded to tenants whose landlords demand rent for uninhabitable houses, refuse to make proper repairs, etc., and the steps that tenants should take to obtain that protection, as, in the absence of any such explanation, many poor persons will continue to suffer injustice?
    Mr. Brown: I can assure my hon. Friend that adequate publicity will be given to the provisions of the Bill. So far as the responsibilities of local authorities under the Bill are concerned, I propose in due course to issue a Circular to them on the matter.

    RECEPTION AREAS (INVASION PRECAUTIONS).
    Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to report on his recent visits to the reception areas; and whether it is his intention to set up local committees for the purpose of encouraging the closest co-operation between evacuees and residents, and the carrying out of general instructions in the event of attempted invasion?
    Mr. E. Brown: In the course of recent Debates, I referred at some length to conditions in reception areas as I found them in the course of my recent visits. There are, for instance, as I mentioned, 660 hostels for difficult children, 731 special hostels for family groups who cannot readily be billeted in the ordinary way, 730 social centres, 483 communal feeding centres, 638 occupational clubs and 389 nurseries and playing centres. In view of the welfare committees and organisers and voluntary workers already in the field, I do not think there is a need for setting up further committees for the purposes suggested by my hon. Friend. The House will be glad to know that this work is proceeding rapidly.

    PERSONAL INJURIES (CIVILIANS) SCHEME.
    Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will amend the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme in order to cover a Civil Defence volunteer against injury during the period when he leaves home to report to his post for duty and when he leaves his post to return to his home?
    The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley): A Civil Defence volunteer

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    going to and from duty is covered by the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme for injuries caused to him by enemy action. For other injuries the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, requires that the injury shall have arisen "out of and in the course of" duty, a requirement similar to that laid down by the Workmen's Compensation Acts. This requirement would not be satisfied during the periods in question under the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act any more than under the Workmen's Compensation Acts. If, however, the journey is made in response to an emergency call (for example, an air-raid warning) the injury can be brought within the scope of the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme.
    Sir A. Knox: Will my right hon. Friend once more look into the case of an air-raid warden in my constituency who sustained a fracture of his leg in the early morning of 13th March while going to ordinary duty as an air-raid warden, and received no compensation, and who cannot work yet?
    Sir W. Womersley: I am certainly prepared to look into any cases which my hon. and gallant Friend submits to me, but I have to take into account whether the man was going on duty as a result of an emergency call, or just proceeding along the street in the ordinary way.
    Mr. Rhys Davies: Why does the right hon. Gentleman tie this scheme to workmen's compensation, when he knows that the State has to have regard to these injuries to civil defence workers, whereas the workman has to challenge capitalist insurance companies for his rights under workmen's compensation?
    Sir W. Womersley: These conditions were laid down after close consultation with the Trades Union Congress representatives and representatives of the employers' associations, and with the agreement of all concerned. That is all I can say about it.

    AIR-RAID PRECAUTIONS, SCOTLAND.
    Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the air-raid precautions arrangements for the different counties of Scotland?
    The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. H. Morrison): I am not aware of grounds for dissatisfaction in this
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    connection, but, if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have details of any particular case which he has in mind I will have inquiry made.

    STIRRUP-PUMPS.
    Mr. Marcus Samuelasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider delivering the greatest number of pumps possible to the supplementary fire parties in residential and industrial districts, and informing fire parties in agricultural districts that the best way to dispose of incendiary bombs is to cover them with earth or sand, instead of issuing stirrup-pumps to agricultural districts?
    Mr. H. Morrison: The issue of stirrup-pumps to street-fire parties is being made on as large a scale as is practicable. The issue of these pumps in the corn-growing areas is specifically directed to the protection of farm buildings and stacks, and it has been indicated that it is on a temporary basis only. Fire parties both in agricultural and urban districts have already been informed that special equipment is not required for dealing with incendiary bombs dropping in the open, where the best method is the use of sandbags partly filled with sand or earth.

    FIRE-PREVENTION (UNOCCUPIED HOUSES).
    Mr. Brookeasked the Home Secretary whether he can yet say when further powers relating to fire-prevention measures in unoccupied houses will be made available?
    Mr. H. Morrison: It is intended to submit, at a very early date, to His Majesty in Council for approval a draft Regulation on this subject. The actual application of the powers of the Regulation will be by an Order to be made under the Regulation, and the drafting of this Order is being pressed on with all possible speed.

    "REALITY" (PUBLICATION).
    Mr. Priceasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the issue, on 4th July, of a publication called "Reality," and especially an article headed "Propaganda, Then and Now "; and what steps he is taking to prevent this paper impeding our war effort?
    Mr. H. Morrison: My attention had not hitherto been called to this issue of this publication, which I understand has only

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    a limited circulation. I am having inquiries made, but I should be glad to consider any information of which my hon. Friend may be in possession.
    Mr. Stokes: Does not this matter exist in the main in order to show up the present financial racket?
    Mr. Morrison: That may be so, but it is publishing some curious things.

    NORTHERN IRELAND AND EIRE (COMMUNICATIONS)
    Captain Crawford Browne (for Dr. Little)asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make regarding his recent visit to Northern Ireland and, in particular, what further steps are being taken to make espionage impossible; and whether he will close the border between Northern Ireland and Eire to all except those possessing British passports?
    Mr. H. Morrison: As the Home Secretary is responsible for matters affecting Northern Ireland in its relations with the United Kingdom Government, I thought it desirable to visit Belfast for the purpose of establishing personal contacts and also for the purpose of maintaining touch with those who are concerned in measures of civil defence. Amongst a number of subjects which were discussed in the course of my visit was the question whether further measures are desirable and practicable for the control of communications between Northern Ireland and Eire, a subject to which much expert consideration has already been given. On grounds of security it is undesirable, at any rate at this stage, that I should make any further public statement on the matter.
    Sir William Davison: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that anyone can cross over to Northern Ireland, take a ticket to Dublin, and go straight into the German Legation there with any information he may have about this country or Northern Ireland?
    Mr. Morrison: That point and a number of others are at present the subject of consideration.
    Captain Browne: Has the Minister any power with regard to the censoring of correspondence between Eire and Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom?
    Mr. Morrison: There is much more going on than my hon. and gallant Friend knows. If I may say so, there is more going on than it is desirable to say. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that everything possible is being done in this matter.

  NECESSITOUS CHILDREN (CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR).
  Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health what is the number of cases of new clothing and footwear, respectively, supplied to necessitous school children in England and Wales by the public assistance committee, the Assistance Board and the education committees, respectively, in the 15 months ended 31st March, 1941?
  Mr. E. Brown: I regret that this information is not available.
  Mr. Adams: Cannot the information be made available to us, as it is in the hands of the local authorities concerned?
  Mr. Brown: I am reluctant to burden local authorities with demands for more returns than I can help. There are already serious protests coming from them about the number of returns they are being asked to make.

  OLD AGE PENSIONS.
  Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether he is considering, or will consider, increasing the basic scale of old age pensions in view of the substantial rise in the cost of living, and the hardship to old age pensioners this involves?
  Mr. E. Brown: No, Sir. It is the considered policy of the Government, embodied in Part II of the Old Age and Widows' Pensions Act, 1940, that the position to which my hon. Friend refers should be met, not by increasing the basic rate of old age pension, but by the provision of supplementary pensions in cases of need.
  Mr. Sorensen: If in course of time it is found that the rise in the cost of living is likely to be permanent, will there then be some reconsideration?
  Mr. Brown: That is a hypothetical question.

  INDIA (POLITICAL SITUATION).
  Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India how many persons were detained, under arrest, charged, being tried and undergoing sentence for political offences in India on 30th June; and approximately how many of these were ex-ministers, members of provincial legislatures, members of local authorities, women, students and persons of academic importance?
  The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery):I will ask the Government of India for the desired information, and will communicate it to the hon. Member.
  Mr. Sorensen: Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to an article in the "Hindu" which states that there are 20,000 political prisoners in India at the present time?
  Mr. Amery: No, Sir; I have not seen the article.
  Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any further statement to make on the political situation in India, in view of the growing public concern for an imaginative and drastic attempt to end the present political deadlock?
  Major Milnerasked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are in progress for solving or modifying the present deadlock in India; and will he give particulars?
  Mr. Amery: I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the Question of the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 10th July and to which I have nothing to add.
  Mr. Sorensen: Seeing that certain statements have been made in the Press recently, is the House not to have a statement in the very near future regarding possible future political developments?
  Mr. Amery: Any statement would be made to the House, and not to the Press.
  Sir A. Knox: Is not the growing public concern referred to in the original Question solely confined to the private imagination of the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen)?

  APPROVED SCHOOLS.
  Mr. Silkinasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of an in creasing tendency on the part of juvenile courts, particularly in reception areas, to commit to an approved school boys who have not been charged with serious offences and boys who have not been previously before a court; that as a result there is undue pressure on the accommodation at approved schools and an unnecessary stigma cast upon the boys; and whether he will take prompt action to prevent this evil?
  The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake): My right hon. Friend is aware of the pressure on approved school accommodation which appears to be mainly due to a substantial increase in the number of boys brought before the juvenile courts for the more serious offences. My right hon. Friend's inspectors inform him that, generally speaking, the boys now being admitted are found to be definitely in need of the training they are receiving, and when there is any doubt the circumstances are specially considered with a view to early release on licence. The selection of the proper method of dealing with any particular offender is, of course, the responsibility of the courts, and my right hon. Friend has no authority to interfere with the exercise of their discretion; but if my hon. Friend will be good enough to furnish him with any information in his possession, he will make further inquiry.
  Mr. Silkin: Is the Under-Secretary aware that there is an increasing number of cases among first offenders?
  Mr. Peake: I will look into that point and communicate with the hon. Member.
  Mr. Rhys Davies: Will the Under-Secretary be good enough to inquire whether these youngsters, because they are in a reception area, are not being dealt with more severely than if they had been in their own locality?
  Mr. Peake: I have no evidence of that, but I will make some inquiries.

  AEROPLANE FUNDS.
  Mr. Higgsasked the Home Secretary whether he has now considered the literature of The British Empire Stamp

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  Issuing House, The Constitutional Publishing Company, Allied Advertising Limited, 42, Maiden Lane, Strand, London, W.C.2; and have his inquiries satisfied him that 50 per cent. of the money collected is allocated to the national aeroplane funds, and as to what becomes of the remaining 50 per cent.?
  Mr. H. Morrison: Such literature as I have seen shows that the company is offering for sale adhesive labels described as "Spitfire Fund and Empire Propaganda Stamps." Buyers of these stamps are told that 50 per cent. of the selling price is to be allocated to the Spitfire or Fighting Plane Funds, and presumably the remainder of the proceeds is treated as commercial receipts for financing the scheme. I have no information to show that there is any misrepresentation, but members of the public who wish to subscribe to aeroplane funds would, I suggest, be well advised to make their contributions directly to such funds, so that the whole of their money and not merely a part may be available for public purposes.
  Mr. Higgs: Does the Minister consider that 50 per cent. of the proceeds is justified for administration expenses? Is he aware that on their literature they state that the Treasury have exempted this issue from Purchase Tax? Does he consider that statements of that description are justified, and will he take any action in the matter?
  Mr. Morrison: I would not like to say whether or not, without having complete knowledge of the facts, the 50 per cent. is reasonable. In regard to the Treasury and the Minister of Aircraft Production accepting contributions, such questions should be addressed to the Ministers concerned.
  Mr. Higgs: Is the Minister going to permit further funds coming into existence?
  Mr. Morrison: It is not entirely a matter for me. Questions which affect the Treasury and the Ministry of Aircraft Production should be put to them.

  REMAND HOMES.
  Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Home Secretary what progress has been made in the provision of additional re-
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  mand homes by local authorities since he urged this course upon them; and whether in view of the continued pressure upon existing accommodation, he will consider the establishment of further remand homes under the control of his Department which would be available later in carrying out the penal reforms of the Department which were interrupted by the war?
  Mr. H. Morrison: The schemes already approved or under consideration by local authorities will provide about 600 more places in remand homes. There are still some parts of the country where the response has not been satisfactory; and I will continue to urge on the authorities concerned the need for carrying out their statutory duty. I have no power to act on the suggestion made in the latter part of my hon. Friend's Question.
  Mr. Sorensen: Is my right hon. Friend aware that at the present time large numbers of young girls are being put in prison rather than in remand homes, and that as a result a very considerable agitation is springing up among probation officers?
  Mr. Morrison: I do not think the number is large. I agree there are certain difficulties, and I shall do my best to meet them so far as war-lime conditions allow.
  Mr. Sorensen: Would it not be better to deal with the position by making grants available for the erection of these homes?
  Mr. Morrison: The proposals we have made to the local authorities would carry grants with them.

  LICENSED TRADE (STATE MANAGEMENT, CARLISLE).
  Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the State-managed taverns at Carlisle being rationed for beer; whether any special arrangements have been made for factory workers; and whether the Annual Report has been printed in connection with State-managed taverns in Carlisle?
  Mr. H. Morrison: There was a temporary shortage of beer in Carlisle during the week before last, when the heat-wave led to an increased demand, and managers were asked to eke out supplies to last the

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  full week. There was no regular scheme of rationing customers such as was reported in certain newspapers; and no question arose of special arrangements for factory workers or for any other class of customer. The annual report, for the year ended 31st March, 1941, is not yet ready; the audit of accounts has still to be completed.

  BORSTAL INSTITUTIONS.
  Mr. Harveyasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that boys are being detained in prison for periods of four or five months before transfer to a Borstal institution, to which they have been sentenced by the court, and that this long period in prison defeats the intention of the Borstal sentence; and whether, in view of the pressure on existing accommodation in Borstal institutions, he will take steps to establish additional accommodation?
  Mr. H. Morrison: My hon. Friend is mistaken in suggesting that after youths have been committed for Borstal training they are kept waiting in prison as a general rule for as long as four or five months; but it is the case that the difficulty under war conditions of expanding the Borstal accommodation and of finding alternative accommodation in place of establishments damaged by enemy action has resulted in some regrettable delay in the transfer of youths to appropriate training establishments. Since the answer given to my hon. Friend on 10th April, arrangements have been made for still further accommodation to be available, and it is hoped that this will meet the need. I entirely agree with him on the importance of getting these youths into training institutions at the earliest possible moment, and every effort has been made, and will continue to be made, to overcome the difficulties caused by war conditions.
  Mr. Harvey: Is the Minister aware that I did not suggest this was general, but that there are cases where boys are so long detained? Could he not make provision whereby they are detained either in a remand home or in a special prison for youngsters, rather than in a general prison?
  Mr. Morrison: That is certainly my desire, and I will do my best in the matter.
  Mr. Silverman: Where it is impossible to transfer these boys to an approved school or to a remand home, would it not be possible to release them on bail under the supervision of the probation officer until such time as they could be transferred to a Borstal institution?
  Mr. Morrison: I very much doubt whether that would be desirable.

  SCHOOL BOOK, "ADOLPH HITLER."
  Mr. Manderasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that a school book entitled "Adolph Hitler," published by G. G. Harrap and Company, Limited, in 1935 and composed of Nazi propaganda, is still being made use of in English schools; and whether he will take steps to see that English children are not taught by such means?
  The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Ede): As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the choice of textbooks for use in schools is a matter for the discretion of the local education authorities and governing bodies. From such inquiries as I have been able to make, I understand that no case has come to the notice of His Majesty's inspectors in which this particular book is being used in schools under the Board's jurisdiction. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular instance in mind, I should be pleased to inquire into the circumstances.
  Mr. Mander: Is the Minister aware that this book glorifies Hitler, that it was reviewed and passed by the News Censors' Bureau in Munich, that it appeared in the 1941 catalogue of the publishers, and that it is being used in some schools at the present time? Does he think it is a proper way of teaching the children of England?
  Mr. Ede: With regard to the first two points contained in my hon. Friend's Question, I have taken steps to get a copy of the book, and, as I am no German scholar, to have it read to me. It certainly is not a book that should be

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  used in English schools, and if my hon. Friend can bring to my notice any case in which it is being used in a school under the jurisdiction of the Board, we will take appropriate steps. [Hon. Members: "In any schools."] I have no power over schools which are not under the jurisdiction of the Board. I hope this Question and answer will be a sufficient indication to all persons interested in education as to the use of this book in schools in this country.
  Mr. Mander: Does my hon. Friend not think it is a book which ought not to be used in any school in the country?
  Mr. Ede: I have just said so as plainly as I could.

  NATIONAL FINANCE.

    MONEYLENDING ADVERTISEMENTS.
    Mr. Tinkerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the advertisements now appearing in many newspapers of offers of loans of money up to £10,000, and, as this is having a detrimental effect on savings being invested with the Government, and as doubt is being caused, will he make a statement on this matter?
    The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood):I have seen no evidence that the advertisements to which my hon. Friend refers are affecting the success of the War Savings Campaign.
    Mr. Tinker: Does the right hon. Gentleman think it to the public good that these advertisements should appear?
    Sir K. Wood: I have not any evidence to the effect the hon. Member suggests. In fact, there does not appear to be any noticeable activity on the part of moneylenders just now.
    Sir Irving Albery: Is it not a fact that some of the persons who have to borrow money to-day are borrowing it to pay their taxes?

    AMERICAN VISCOSE CORPORATION.
    Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to which group or groups of investment bankers in the United States of America His Majesty's Government sold 95 per cent of the Courtauld holding in the American Viscose Corporation?
    Sir K. Wood: As the reply contains a list of the names of 17 firms, I am having it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
    Following is the list of firms purchasing shares in American Viscose Corporation from His Majesty's Treasury:

    Morgan Stanley and Company Incorporated.

    Dillon Read and Company.

    Blyth and Company Incorporated.

    Clark, Dodge and Company.

    Dominick and Dominick.

    The First Boston Corporation.

    Goldman, Sachs and Company.

    Harriman Ripley and Company Incorporated.

    Hemphill, Noyes and Company.

    Kidder, Peabody and Company.

    Kuhn, Loeb and Company.

    Lehman Brothers.

    Mellon Securities Corporation.

    Shields and Company.

    Smith, Barney and Company.

    Union Securities Corporation.

    White, Weld and Company.

    Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the names and occupations of those who counselled him in the sale of the American Viscose Corporation?
    Sir K. Wood: No, Sir.
    Mr. Stokes: Should I be wrong in suggesting that possibly it was Sir Edward Peacock who advised the Chancellor?
    Sir K. Wood: No, the hon. Member must not put too much faith in his own accuracy in the matter.
    Mr. Stokes: Does the right hon. Gentleman pay any regard to what is stated in reputable American newspapers as to what has been going on?
    Sir K. Wood: I give due weight to all these matters, including representations made to me by the hon. Member.

    TAP TREASURY BILLS.
    Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the average, or highest, rate of interest on tap bills issued between 1st January and 30th June, 1941; and how the interest so charged accrues to the benefit of the Treasury.
    Sir K. Wood: The highest rate was 1 per cent. The Treasury in the case of

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    most of the funds concerned either receives the surplus income or ultimate profits, or is liable to meet any deficit.
    Mr. Stokes: Will the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the £4,000,000 that he mentioned the other day does not accrue to the Treasury?
    Sir K. Wood: I could not say. The hon. Member had better put a Question down.

  ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (BRITISH EMPIRE AND AMERICA).
  Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make some provisional announcement regarding the policy of the Government for an increased economic co operation between this country, the Dominions and America?
  Mr. Harcourt Johnstone (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department):I am glad to say that economic co-operation is steadily developing, and His Majesty's Government, and no doubt the Dominion Governments also, look forward to its becoming closer still.

  PARAFFIN (RURAL AREAS).
  Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Secretary for Petroleum whether, in giving effect to the 20 per cent. reduction in the amount of paraffin available, he will consider either giving preferential treatment or issuing supplementary coupons to those purely rural residents whose paraffin stove is the only means of cooking food.
  The Secretary for Petroleum (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd):Yes, Sir. Special consideration is being given to cases which, for various reasons, arc especially dependent on paraffin for cooking purposes.
  Sir A. Knox: Is anything being done to ensure better distribution?

  COAL SUPPLIES (PUBLIC UTILITY UNDERTAKINGS).
  Mr. Culverwellasked the Secretary for Mines what is the position of public utlity undertakings in the list of priorities for coal?
  The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell):The Coal Supply Priority List is confidential. Public utility undertakings occupy a high position on it, in view of the essential nature of their activities.
  Mr. Culverwell: Has it occurred to the hon. Gentleman that neither industry nor the population can carry on without water and that gas and electricity are also important? Why, therefore, is it that public utility undertakings are fifth in the list of priorities?
  Mr. Grenfell: The hon. Member must not assume that I am responsible. The list is made up by the Priority Committee, and all Departments are represented.
  Mr. Culverwell: Cannot the hon. Gentleman give information as to who made this stupid decision?
  Mr. Grenfell: My answer was that the list is confidential.
  Mr. De la Bère: Cannot the hon. Gentleman make the Inter-Departmental Committee realise something that is common sense?
  Mr. Grenfell: I do not think common sense is entirely excluded in the compiling of this list.
  Mr. Culverwell: In view of the fact that the Minister generally disclaims responsibility for any question of policy affecting his Department, should not Questions be addressed in future to a Cabinet Minister or to the Prime Minister?

  BRITISH ARMY (RAILWAY TRAIN REFRESHMENTS).
  Mr. Denvilleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why the payment of service charges by soldiers on trains is supported by his Department, on the ground that it is right that the men serving on the trains should get some form of gratuity; and if he can state what wages are paid to these attendants?
  The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Colonel Llewellin): As I explained to my hon. Friend in answer to a Question on 8th July, arrangements have been made for soldiers proceeding by train to be provided with their own rations. There is therefore no necessity for them to incur any charge, service or other, on the train.

  FOOD SUPPLIES.

    SUGAR (BEE-KEEPERS).
    Mr. Crowderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when he expects to be able to announce the amount of sugar which will be avail able during the winter months for bee keepers?
    The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George): An allowance of 10 lbs. of sugar per colony will be made to bee-keepers during the period 1st August to 31st October for autumn and winter feeding of bees in repetition of the arrangements made last year.

    MEAT (RETAILERS' PROFITS).
    Mr. Crowderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the approximate gross percentage of profit allowed to retailers of meat under the present scheme?
    Major Lloyd George: After allowing for a loss in weight from cutting, shrinkage, etc., of 5 per cent. the gross percentage of profit allowed to retailers of meat under the present scheme is approximately 23 per cent. of sales.

    BUTTER AND COOKING FATS.
    Mr. Crowderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by consumers who have registered for butter with far-away dairymen, in regard to the announcement that cooking fats should be obtained from the same dealer; and whether, since many of these dairymen cannot supply lard, he will, in the circumstances, reconsider his decision?
    Major Lloyd George: For the current rationing period consumers must have registered with the same retailer for butter and margarine. These retailers, if they so desire, will be licensed to sell cooking fats. I do not therefore understand the difficulty to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he will send me further particulars I shall be glad to consider them.

    NEW POTATOES (PRICE).
    Mr. Thorneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with the price to be paid for the new potatoes to the growers; and whether any
    728
    restriction is being put upon the sale of small potatoes?
    Major Lloyd George: The maximum prices which may be paid for new potatoes are as set out in the Schedule to the New Potatoes (Maximum Prices) Order, 1941. But in this connection I should state that it has been decided to continue the prices in force for the present week until 27th July, when the Maximum Price Schedule for new potatoes is due to expire. The conditions which must be observed on the occasion of sales of new potatoes are also set out in the Order. There is at present no Order in force which prescribes the size of potatoes of the 1941 crop that may be sold. Restrictions are in force regarding the sale of small potatoes of the old crop.
    Mr. Thorne: Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman received the report that I sent him, and what does he think about it?
    Mr. McGovern: Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there was always a difference in price between large and small potatoes, and that there seems to be a tremendous lot of small potatoes being dumped on the market?
    Major Lloyd George: These are the new crop. There is no restriction on that, but there is on the old.

    RASPBERRIES (PRICE).
    Sir A. Knoxasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in any scheme to control the price of raspberries, he will take into consideration the outlay of the producer, especially the cost of picking?
    Major Lloyd George: Yes, Sir. The price of raspberries will be controlled under the Soft Fruits (Maximum Prices) Order as from 20th July, 1941. The maximum growers' price of £47 10s. per ton was fixed after due consideration had been given to the representations of the growers regarding their costs including the cost of picking.
    Sir A. Knox: Is not there a danger, if the price is fixed too low, that the fruit will not come on the legitimate market, but will be diverted to the black market?
    Major Lloyd George: That is why we consult with the growers and producers generally before we come to a decision as to what the price should be.

    FISH FRIERS (FAT).
    Mr. David Adamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the urgency of maintaining the availability of fried fish to the working population of this country in the present situation, he will immediately release extra supplies of fat to fish friers; and whether he is aware that fish and chip shops arc at present closed on the North-East coast several days each week through shortage of frying fat?
    Major Lloyd George: While I regret to learn that fish friers on the North-East coast are compelled to close one or more days a week, I fear that owing to the supply position it is not possible at present to release extra quantities of fats to them.
    Mr. Adams: In view of the great importance of this question to large numbers of industrial workers, does the Minister hope for some material improvement?
    Major Lloyd George: Every possible step has been taken to improve the position, and I am very hopeful that it will be possible to give a better allocation.
    Mr. Wootton-Davies: Is there not very much more fat in the country available to-day than two or three months ago?
    Major Lloyd George: I would not like to answer that Question without notice, but I can say that steps are being taken in the matter, and I am hopeful that before long we shall be able to improve supplies.

    DOMINION PULSES.
    Sir Reginald Clarryasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is satisfied that the present policy of making all purchases of pulses from the Dominions pass through the normal trading channels to the Cereals Import Board is satisfactory to all concerned?
    Major Lloyd George: Yes, Sir.
    Sir R. Clarry: Do I gather that no change is contemplated or under consideration?
    Major Lloyd George: I think my hon. Friend may take it that is the present position.

    EGGS (GRADING).
    Sir R. Clarryasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider the immediate installation of an egg-grading machine at the Newport egg collecting centre, and so expedite the distribution of eggs to the public and avoid the waste of effort and food by the present procedure of transferring eggs to Cardiff for the purpose of grading?
    Major Lloyd George: Yes, Sir.

    SHOPPING QUEUES.
    Sir R. Clarryasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider instituting some method of procedure to avoid food queues which should, in general practice, be unnecessary; and whether he is aware that queues are encouraging a few householders to obtain an unfair advantage and additional supplies over the general public who cannot afford either the waste of time to themselves, or obtain various members of their household to queue up for multiple supplies?
    Major Lloyd George: I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Tam-worth (Sir J. Mellor) on this matter on 8th July.

    SMALL SHOPKEEPERS.
    Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that certain local food officers are issuing notices in forming individual shopkeepers with less than 25 customers that rationed goods will not be distributed to them; whether this is the correct method of notification; whether the customers are to be told; and whether any official announcement has been made?
    Major Lloyd George: Yes, Sir, whenever a retailer does not secure a minimum of 25 registrations for any rationed food the appropriate food executive officer, after notification to the retailer, has been instructed to invite the consumers concerned to register with another retailer. In rural districts the food executive officer has, however, authority in exceptional cases to accept less than 25 registrations if he is satisfied that only by this means will, certain members of the public be able to obtain supplies. In reply to the last

    731
    part of my hon. Friend's Question, a general Press announcement on the foregoing lines was issued on 4th July.
    Mr. Sutcliffe: How many shopkeepers are likely to be involved, and has any estimate been made of the saving in transport costs as a result of this drastic action?
    Major Lloyd George: I could not say without notice the exact numbers involved, but I can assure my hon. Friend that it does mean a saving. Any saving, however small, if we see that a certain method of distribution is wasteful, should be taken advantage of.
    Mr. Rhys Davies: Is there any estimate of the number of shopkeepers who will be put out of business as a result of this step?
    Major Lloyd George: I have no estimate, but I should think that it is extraordinarily small.
    Mr. Graham White: Is it proposed to give compensation to those who have their livelihood taken away by this action?
    Major Lloyd George: If my hon. Friend will consider what this means and will work it out, he will see that it will involve 25 registrations, which means at most six families. It means 25 books, not 25 families. My hon. Friend will see what that means in the volume of trade, and I do not think compensation is required.
    Mr. White: If my hon. and gallant Friend will look further into the matter, he will find that people are being forced to close their businesses and become a burden on the rates. Will he consider what effect that has on the morale of the people?
    Major Lloyd George: I do not understand how people can be forced to close their businesses and go on the rates before this has come into operation.
    Mr. Rhys Davies: Will the Minister bear in mind that when customers are forced away from these small businesses they will not go to them for anything else and that the shopkeepers will have to close?
    Major Lloyd George: I would point out that not all the rationed commodities are sold by any one of these people. We must get a proper sense of proportion.
    732
    The question of hardship has been mentioned, and let me give one example, that of sugar. The gross profit to a shopkeeper selling sugar to 25 people is about 7d. a week.

    BEER (FARM WORKERS).
    Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will take steps to ensure more adequate supplies of beer for men harvesting in the months of August and September; and whether, in this connection, he will pay special attention to more adequate supplies being available in the country public houses for farm-workers, in order to enable them to carry out more efficiently the heavy work of harvesting?
    Major Lloyd George: I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Epsom (Sir A. Southby) on 8th July. I have no reason to expect a shortage of beer in country districts in August and September, but I will certainly look into the matter.
    Mr. De la Bère: Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that in the Vale of Evesham farm workers cannot get beer now, and will he look into this important matter?
    Major Lloyd George: I have said that I will look into it, but it has not been confined to the Vale of Evesham. The exceptionally hot weather as well as transport difficulties have contributed to the shortage.
    Mr. Thorne: In view of the number of teetotallers who will be working at harvest time, will it be possible for them to get cider?
    Major Lloyd George: I have yet to learn that cider is a teetotal drink.

    BLACKBERRIES (JAM MAKING).
    Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the shortage of the fruit crop this year may be as much as 50 per cent., he will stimulate the autumnal collection of blackberries for jam-making by a special grant of sugar?
    Major Lloyd George: The possibility of making special arrangements for the collection of blackberries is under consideration. The shortage in the fruit crop will

    733
    in any event stimulate the collection of blackberries for jam making and it is not proposed to make a special grant of sugar for this purpose.
    Commander Locker-Lampson: Will my hon. and gallant Friend consult with the Board of Education on the question of getting children to collect blackberries in the autumn?
    Major Lloyd George: We have consulted with the Board of Education on that point.

  UTHWATT COMMITTEE (INTERIM REPORT).
  Mr. Silkinasked the Minister without Portfolio when it is proposed to present to the House the Interim Report of the committee sitting under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Uthwatt; and whether he has any statement to make on the report?
  The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. Arthur Greenwood): Copies of the report are available to-day in the Vote Office. As the statement on the committee's recommendations is somewhat long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
  Following is the statement:
  The Government much appreciates the contribution which Mr. Justice Uthwatt's Committee makes towards the solution of difficult problems. It is of great value.
  The committee recommends that the compensation payable in public acquisition or control of land should not exceed sums based on the standard of values at 31st March, 1939. The Government accepts this principle, and legislation to give effect to it will be introduced in due course. The detailed application of the principle; requires consideration. Adjustments may be needed to meet particular cases, and the principle must be open to review if circumstances arise which make its application inequitable. It is contemplated that the principle will remain in force for a limited period during which long-term policy for the reconstruction of town and country after the war is being settled.
  A subject on which the committee's advice was urgently needed was action to be taken now or before the end of the war to secure the orderly planning of areas, which include areas of substantial devastation and such other areas, developed or undeveloped, as are likely to be involved in consequent schemes of redevelopment. The Government agrees with the committee that these "reconstruction areas" must be planned as a whole. The committee advises that provision should be made for defining these areas
  734
  and that planning authorities should have adequate powers to acquire land in order to secure that planning schemes for them shall be effectively carried out. These recommendations are also accepted. Their application is being worked out and legislation to put them into effect will be introduced as soon as war circumstances permit.
  The Government is anxious to prevent bad development while broad lines of reconstruction are being settled by planning authorities. The committee recommends that the control of building operations imposed for war purposes should be reinforced by controls specifically designed to prevent work being undertaken prejudicial to reconstruction, and that a central authority be set up to control building developments by licence. Emergency powers over building are already stringent, and have recently been reinforced by the War Damage Commission's control of the application of payments under the War Damage Act. The Government thinks that any further safeguards necessary for the time being can be provided by strengthening the provisions of the Planning Acts, and it is proposed, in the legislation to be introduced to deal with reconstruction areas, to make provision for this purpose. The Government accepts the committee's view that all necessary preliminary steps towards the working out of a national plan should be taken as soon as possible, to secure that local development and redevelopment may proceed in conformity with national requirements with the least possible delay after the war, and that, as to works or developments sought to be carried out meantime, clear guidance should be available whether or not they will be in accord with national interests.
  In order to ensure that current administration of town and country planning Statutes shall conform as closely as possible with developing long-term plans for reconstruction of town and country after the war, the Government has made the following arrangements:
  1. Within the framework of the general study of post-war problems which is being undertaken by the Minister without Portfolio, the Minister of Works and Buildings retains special responsibility for long-term planning policy in the sphere of physical reconstruction.
  Lord Reith will be in charge of this work, not as Minister of Works, but in pursuance of the special responsibility assigned to him personally for the guidance and supervision of the preparatory work of formulating the methods and machinery required for physical reconstruction of town and country after the war.
  2. To co-ordinate this work of forward planning with the current administration of existing Statutes, a Council of Ministers is appointed consisting of—

  The Rt. Hon. Lord Reith (Chairman).

  The Secretary of State for Scotland.

  The Minister of Health.

  The purpose and terms of reference of this Council are:
  "To ensure that the administration of the Town and Country Planning Acts and of any

  735
  legislation implementing the recommendations made in the First Report of the Uthwatt Committee shall proceed in conformity with long-term planning policy, as it is progressively developed."
  3. Pending the more complete formulation of long-term policy and the establishment of the central planning authority in its final form, the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland will continue to be responsible for the current administration of the existing statutes and of any new legislation implementing the First Report of the Uthwatt Committee. These statutory powers will, however, be exercised in conformity with long-term planning policy as it is progressively developed; and it will be the function of the new Council of Ministers to ensure that no action is taken under existing powers which would tend to prejudice the course of future reconstruction.

  SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
  Captain Pluggeasked the Lord President of the Council what liaison has been established between the Scientific Advisory Committee and the various scientific and technical institutions in this country?
  The Lord President of the Council (Sir John Anderson): Liaison with the numerous scientific and technical institutions maintained or assisted by the Government is established through the Secretaries of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Medical Research Council and the Agricultural Research Council, who are members of the Committee, as well as through the Directors of Scientific Research at the Admiralty, Ministry of Supply, Ministry of Aircraft Production and Ministry of Home Security. Liaison with other scientific institutions is maintained, as most convenient, either through the official channels I have just mentioned or through the President and Joint Secretaries of the Royal Society, who are also members of the Committee.
  Captain Plugge: Has the British Association of Chemists or the Institute of Chemistry been consulted by the Committee on matters affecting chemists since it has been set up?
  Sir J. Anderson: I know that the Committee has taken special steps to consult with the representatives of chemists. Whether the two institutions the hon. and gallant Gentleman mentioned have
  736
  as such been taken into consultation, I cannot say.
  Mr. Hannahasked the Lord President of the Council what scientific problems have so far been referred to the Scientific Advisory Committee?
  Sir J. Anderson: It would not be in the public interest to give particulars of the scientific problems dealt with by this Committee, whose proceedings are of a highly confidential nature.

  AGRICULTURE.

    HILL-GRAZING SUBSIDY.
    Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the hill- grazing subsidy for cattle and sheep, which is now limited to Scotland, is working satisfactorily; and whether he will consider extending it to Wales?
    The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson): The scheme for subsidising cattle on hill-grazings in Scotland with a view to encouraging the improvement of hill pastures was only recently introduced, and I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that it is too early to report on its progress. I am considering whether a similar scheme is needed in England and Wales.

    CULTIVATION.
    Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the danger of loss of soil fertility through over-cropping with straw crops, he will advise war agricultural executives to recommend that farmers lay dawn their old arable lands to temporary grasses and clovers of approved mixtures for one, and in some cases two, years?
    Mr. Hudson: In April last I intimated to all county war agricultural executive committees that, as regards land that had borne one or two white straw crops, a considerable proportion should be under-sown and that a one year ley would in most cases suffice to restore the necessary fertility. I indicated, however, that longer leys, where they were appropriate, could be sown with the permission of "the committee.
    Mr. Price: Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the war agricultural executive

    737
    committees are aware of the importance of this use of temporary ley in order to keep up the fertility of the soil?
    Mr. Hudson: I think so.

    ALLOTMENTS.
    Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with increased food production, he will circulate an appeal to all industrial employers throughout the country asking them to ascertain whether there is any adjoining land which can be borrowed and made available for their employees as allotments?
    Mr. Hudson: I am anxious to secure a further large increase in the number of allotments under cultivation next season, and my Department is actively considering the various means by which this end may be achieved. Many employers have already done much to encourage the cultivation of allotments by their workers, but I will certainly consider the possibility of taking further action on the lines suggested in the Question.

    WORKERS (CALLING-UP).
    Mr. Wilfrid Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture what directions have been issued to war agricultural executives as to the numbers of agricultural workers who are to be called up after harvest?
    Mr. Hudson: County war agricultural executive committees have been instructed to do their utmost to ensure that, by means of substitution and, if necessary, by the re-organisation of work on farms, some 10,000 men, or about one in six of all the workers affected by the raising of the age of reservation, shall be made available for military service. Committees have also been instructed to recommend for retention all workers below the age of reservation in the main agricultural occupations who are essential key men and virtually irreplaceable.
    Mr. Roberts: Does not my right hon. Friend think that laying down a definite proportion of one to six is likely to result in the farms which are most intensively cultivated, and, therefore, employ more men, being the very ones which are likely to lose their labour?
    Mr. Hudson: No, Sir. In the case of a great number of farms they are the very sort where the substitution of male by female labour is most easily to be effected.

  WASTE PAPER (SALVAGE).
  Sir William Davisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that large quantities of waste paper are still being lost or destroyed and that, in many local authorities' schemes for the collection of waste paper, steps are not taken to see that the paper is kept clean and away from household dust; and whether the Government will circularise local authorities again on this important matter, in view of the probable shortage of the raw material for paper in the near future?
  The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Harold Macmillan): The majority of local authorities take steps to keep clean and separate from refuse all waste paper put out separately. The necessity for this has been repeatedly urged on all local authorities, and special reference to it was made in a circular letter issued on 25th June.
  Sir W. Davison: Is my hon. Friend aware that it is estimated that a reasonable standard of recovery of waste paper is one ton per 1,000 of the population, and that while this figure is reached by a large number of local authorities, the great majority are not approaching it? Will my hon. Friend look into it again, as it is a matter of great importance in view of the likelihood of the scarcity of paper in the near future?
  Mr. Macmillan: We are continually pressing the local authorities on the matter. There is a variation in the success with which they carry out our instructions, and we have the matter continually in view and are pressing it forward.
  Commander Locker-Lampson: Will my hon. Friend stop pamphlets being issued to Members of Parliament?

  WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY.
  Mr. Thorneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he can give any information in connection with the sale of the Welsh Highland Railway, the length of the rail way, and the price paid for it?
  Mr. Harold Macmillan: The material on the Welsh Highland Railway was requis-

  739
  itioned by the Ministry of Supply some little time ago and is now in process of recovery for scrap purposes. The length of the track is approximately 21 miles and 57 chains. No claim for compensation has yet Been received from the owners and consequently no payment has been made.

  MINISTRY OF INFORMATION.

    WAR NEWS (DISSEMINATION, UNITED STATES).
    Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Information whether he will set up an Anglo-American bureau for the dissemination of war news and information to the United States of America for the arranging of wireless talks, the making of films, and to invite the co-operation of American war correspondents and journalists such as Mr. Quentin Reynolds, Miss Dorothy Thompson, and Mr. Raymond Gram Swing, as well as film experts and propagandists for this purpose?
    The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Harold Nicolson): All the activities the hon. Member mentions are already being undertaken by the Ministry, and I gratefully record the most valuable help and co-operation we receive from the distinguished Americans he names and from many others, but I am satisfied that the official association of American citizens with the Ministry of Information in executive responsibility has for the present nothing to recommend it.
    Mr. Granville: Is my hon. Friend aware of the considerable dissatisfaction among American journalists and war correspondents with the arrangements at the Ministry for the dissemination of war news, and will he consider giving American journalists and war correspondents special facilities to get their communications to America before those from Dr. Goebbels?
    Mr. Nicolson: This matter is under constant consideration.
    Sir Stanley Reed: Will my hon. Friend also remember that distinguished Dominion journalists feel that very often they are put in a position, of inferiority to other correspondents in the facilities for the dissemination of news?
    Mr. Granville: Will my hon. Friend see that something is done, and not that the matter is merely considered?

    HUNGARY (BRITISH BROADCASTS).
    Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Information whether the statements concerning Hungary made by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday, 9th July, have been broadcast in the Hungarian transmissions of the British Broadcasting Corporation?
    Mr. Nicolson: No, Sir. I am, however, grateful to the hon. Member for calling my attention to this omission.
    Mr. Noel-Baker: In view of the fact that this was the most important statement made for a long time by any Minister, is it not unfortunate that it was not transmitted to Hungary immediately it was made?

    GENERAL DE GAULLE'S DECLARATIONS (BROADCAST).
    Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Information whether the declarations made in Brazzaville last December and in London last January by General de Gaulle have yet been broadcast in the French transmissions of the British Broadcasting Corporation?
    Mr. Nicolson: No, Sir. It was not held to be opportune to broadcast the full text of these declarations at the time, and the matter has not been raised since.
    Mr. Noel-Baker: Will the Minister be good enough to have the matter reconsidered and to consider also whether permission should not now be given to Free French speakers who desire to do so to put across the message of those declarations?
    Mr. Nicolson: Yes, Sir.

  AIRCRAFT FACTORIES.
  Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether his Department has considered the report of the Amalgamated Engineering Union, which states that 25 out of 30 aircraft factories are short of work, together with the recommendation that some of this shortage could be avoided by better supervision, better planning and better progressing; and what action his Department, and the Production Executive, propose to deal with this?
  The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production (Mr. Montague): The report referred to has not been sent to my right hon. Friend, but I am aware of general statements on the lines of the Question which were made by the president of the Amalgamated Engineering Union at a conference last month. I am, however, unable to comment on such general statements in the absence of particular information regarding individual cases. I need hardly add that every practicable step is taken by my Department to increase the output of factories.
  Mr. Granville: As this Question refers to a report by the Amalgamated Engineering Union and was originally put to the Ministry of Labour, will the Minister of Aircraft Production take steps to consult with the Minister of Labour, who is chairman of the Production Executive, and see that action is taken to deal with the matter?
  Mr. Montague: This Question illustrates the impossibility of dealing with general statements of this character by Question and Answer in Parliament. The hon. Member asks what action the Production Executive propose to take to deal with "this." To deal with what? It is like asking me whether I have finished beating my wife.
  Mr. Granville: Does not this Question really illustrate the necessity for having a single Minister in charge of war production?
  Mr. Kirk wood: Reference has been made to my union, the Amalgamated Engineering Union. Will the hon. Member get in touch with our general secretary, Freddie Smith, on this matter?
  Mr. Montague: We have been in touch with Freddie Smith and many others who have made allegations of this character, but we cannot deal with allegations of a general character. We must have specific allegations. Every allegation that is specific is dealt with, and dealt with very thoroughly.
  Mr. Neil Maclean: If an allegation is made by an official of a particular union at a conference held by that union, does the hon. Member not consider it necessary to ask that particular individual definitely to state the factories which are the subject
  742
  of the complaint, and, if so, does he care then to go into the question and give it full consideration, and either disprove the allegation or take action if it is correct?
  Mr. Montague: I should imagine that if a conference take the trouble to pass resolutions like this, taking the initiative, they would carry on with the initiative. We are quite prepared to deal, by correspondence or interview, with the officials of any union in the country. We are quite prepared to deal with these matters, and we are dealing with them, but again I must insist that the allegations must not be merely general but specific. We must know what the allegations really amount to, and abstract resolutions of this character do not get us very far.
  Mr. Granville: Owing to the unsatisfactory answer I have received, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first possible opportunity.

  BRITISH ARMY.

    LEAVE (TRAVEL FACILITIES).
    Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for War why soldiers, who are entitled by regulation to four periodic leaves during the year, receive free rail vouchers for only two of these leaves; and will he take steps to provide free vouchers for all the definitely regulated leaves for soldiers?
    The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Richard Law):I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 18th June last, of which I am sending him a copy.
    Mr. Riley: In view of the fact that it is considered desirable that four leaves a year should be given, why cannot free vouchers be provided on all four occasions?
    Mr. Law: This question has been very carefully considered. As I explained in reply to a Question yesterday, in addition to the two free vouchers soldiers have the right to a ticket for the return journey at the single fare, and I do not think we can go further than that.

    FIRST-AID NURSING YEOMANRY.
    Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War for what reason members of

    743
    the First-Aid Nursing Yeomanry organisation are not allowed, when on duty during hot weather, to remove their coats?
    Mr. Law: The First-Aid Nursing Yeomanry is a private organisation, over which my right hon. Friend has no control.
    Sir A. Knox: Would the hon. Gentleman suggest that they should be allowed to take off their coats?
    Mr. Law: I think the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend would be quite suitable.

    SWIMMING ACCIDENT, NORTHERN IRELAND.
    Major Sir Edward Cadoganasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the House any information concerning a recent accident in Northern Ireland whereby six soldiers lost their lives in a demonstration of swimming in full kit; and whether he is satisfied that every reasonable precaution was taken against such a disaster occurring?
    Mr. Law: A Court of Inquiry is being held to investigate this unfortunate accident, and until its report has been received, I regret that I am not in a position to make a statement. I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

    TRAVEL PERMIT (HARVESTING, SKYE).
    Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give immediate consideration to the request of Mr. Donald Grant, of 29, Braehead Avenue, Milngavie, for a permit to travel on 2nd August for a fortnight to his birth place in Skye in order to help his relatives with the harvest; is he aware that Mr. Grant, who has worked on the harvest in Skye ever since his boyhood, was, on 5th July, refused a permit, and later was refused an interview with the permit officer in Glasgow; and why has the permit been refused until now?
    Mr. Law: I am having inquiries made and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
    Mr. Kirkwood: In the event of the Minister finding on inquiry that the statements made in the Question are correct, what action is he going to take? Men are wanting to get back to their native
    744
    land, back to Skye, the most patriotic part of the British Empire.
    Mr. Law: I think we had better await the result of our inquiries.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE.
Mr. Lees-Smith: May I ask the Lord Privy Seal to state the forthcoming Business of the House?
The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee): The forthcoming Business will be as follows:
First Sitting Day.—Second Reading of the War Damage (Extension of Risk Period) Bill; and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution. Further progress will be made with the National Health Insurance, Contributory Pensions and Workmen's Compensation Bill; and we also hope to take the Report and Third Reading of the Pharmacy and Medicines Bill.
Second Sitting Day.—Committee and remaining stages of the War Damage to Land (Scotland) Bill. Motion to approve the continuation in force of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Acts.
Third Sitting Day.—Supply (16th Allotted Day): Committee. We shall put down the Votes for the Ministry of Supply, the Ministry of Aircraft Production, and, in addition, the Votes for the Ministry of Labour and National Service and the Admiralty. We are advised that these Votes will admit of a wide Debate on the subject of Production. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the House on Tuesday, he intends to make a full and comprehensive statement on the whole position. The House will recollect that the earlier Debate took place in Committee of Supply and, as the Prime Minister will refer to speeches made on that occasion, we are advised by the authorities of the House that the forthcoming Debate should also take place in Committee of Supply.
I have also to inform the House that it may be necessary for us to have two 4th Sitting Days in order to complete outstanding Business. A further statement will be made as early as possible.
Mr. Shin well: As the Government have now decided to impose no restriction

745
upon the Production Debate and as, consequently, a large number of hon. Members will desire to take part in the widened Debate, will the Government agree to an additional day?
Mr. Attlee: We are rather pressed for time.
Mr. Shinwell: Would not my right hon. Friend ask the Prime Minister to give my suggestion consideration, particularly having regard to the fact that the Prime Minister proposes to make a comprehensive statement and that there will probably be a very wide discussion?
Earl Winterton: Is the Lord Privy Seal aware that some Members who have pressed, as I have, for a Debate on questions relating to agriculture are perfectly willing to give way if we can have the extra day for the Debate upon Production?
Mr. Attlee: We have tried to meet the convenience of the House. There are many other subjects which hon. Members wish to raise, and a balance must be kept in meeting the desires of hon. Members.
Mr. Henderson Stewart: In view of the great importance of the Debate and of the dissatisfaction which was felt in some quarters that no Cabinet Minister replied to the last Debate, may we have an assurance that a member of the War Cabinet will reply to, as well as initiate, the Debate?
Mr. Attlee: Undoubtedly there will be someone to reply to the Debate, but exactly who it will be I cannot say at the moment.
Mr. Crowder: As I gather that questions of wage rates and overtime may be discussed on the 3rd Sitting Day, will the Lord Privy Seal arrange for a Member of the War Cabinet to be present?
Mr. Attlee: I will convey the question to my right hon. Friend.
Mr. Stephen: Why does not the Lord Privy Seal ask the people who are so anxious for all this debating time to put down a Vote of Censure?
Sir I. Albery: I desire to ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether, upon the 2nd Sitting Day, when the Business will include a
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proposal for some extension of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, the matter will be debatable, and whether it will be possible to raise certain matters contained in a Motion now upon the Paper? I very much regret that I have been unable to give you notice beforehand, but I did not know that this Business was to be taken.
Mr. Speaker: I am not quite sure on what the hon. Member wishes to have my reply.
Sir I. Albery: Perhaps I might make my meaning a little clearer. I believe it is a question of a Humble Address to His Majesty, in pursuance of Section II (1) of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, praying that the said Act, as amended by any subsequent enactment, be continued in force for a further period of one year, etc. If that is so, I want to ask you, Sir, whether that is a subject for debate and whether, in that Debate, we can raise the question of certain Amendments which are desired by certain Members of this House.
Mr. Speaker: The matter to which the hon. Member refers is debatable, but as to the Amendments he mentions, I should like to see them before I could say whether they would be in Order.
Sir I. Albery: In view of that reply, and in view of the fact that the Motion which has been tabled bears the names of many Members of all parties, may I ask the Lord Privy Seal whether the Motion for the Humble Address will be moved at such a time as will enable it to be adequately debated?
Mr. Attlee: I hope so.
Captain Cunningham-Reid: In view of the fact that in the last Debate on Propaganda only a quarter of the number of people who wished to speak had an opportunity to do so, and in view of the dissatisfaction there was at the announcement of the Lord President of the Council, may I ask whether there will be an opportunity in the near future for a further Debate on Propaganda?
Mr. Attlee: I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement made on the subject by my right hon. Friend.

MESSAGE FROM THE LORDS.
That they have agreed to—
Isle of Man (Customs) Bill,
Local Government (Financial Provisions) Bill,
Repair of War Damage Bill, without Amendment.

Preamble
[Mr. SPEAKER in the Chair.]
ORDERS OF THE DAY.

  SUPPLY.
  [15TH ALLOTTED DAY.]
  Considered in Committee.
  [Sir DENNIS HERBERT in the Chair.]

  SUPPLY.
    ARMY ESTIMATES, 1941.

      WAR OFFICE.
      Motion made, and Question proposed,
      "That a sum, not exceeding £100, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the Expense of the War Office, which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1942."
      Motion made, and Question, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask
      760
      leave to sit again," put, and agreed to.—[Mr. James Stuart.]
      Committee report Progress; to sit again upon the next Sitting Day.

  SECRET SESSION.
  Notice taken, that Strangers were present.
  Whereupon Mr. SPEAKER, pursuant to Standing Order No. 89, put the Question, "That Strangers be ordered to withdraw."
  Question agreed to.
  Strangers withdrew accordingly.
  [The remainder of the Sitting was in Secret Session.]