Sitting of 10 November 1942

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
[Mr. SPEAKER in the Chair]
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

  STATUTE OF WESTMINSTER (ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION)
  Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that nth December will be the 10th anniversary of the Royal Assent to the Statute of Westminster and the significance of this Act to our country and the Commonwealth, he will consider, in association with the Governments of the Dominions, such suitable celebration of this date as would be feasible in time of war, with a view to its permanent commemoration after the close of hostilities?
  The Under-Secretary of State for Dominions Affairs (Mr. Emrys-Evans): I have seen the suggestion made in the Press that nth December should be specially commemorated as the anniversary of the enactment of the Statute of Westminster, but I have no evidence that there is any widely-felt desire throughout the countries of the British Commonwealth for such a commemoration at the present time.
  Sir H. Morris-Jones: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this day also coincides with the accession of his present Majesty to the Throne and that there is a general feeling throughout the Dominions that it would be very appropriate to celebrate it? Will the Government at all events not give consideration to it?
  Professor Savory: Is my hon. Friend not aware that the Statute of Westminster is regarded with abhorrence by His Majesty's loyal subjects in Ireland, as this was the instrument under which all the important clauses in the Treaty of 1921 have been abrogated, so many pledges have been dishonoured, and so many promises have been broken?

  GOLD DIGGING (BRITISH EMPIRE)
  Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any recent figures to show how many people are engaged in digging for gold in the Dominions of Canada and South Africa and in the Commonwealth of Australia?
  Mr. Emrys-Evans: I regret that the information in question is not available here.
  Mr. Stokes: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I was recently told that something of the order of 460,000 people were engaged in digging for gold? Is he aware that the United States have stopped it and have closed down 200 mines?

  PRIVATE CHATTELS SCHEME (CLAIMS)
  Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can indicate the progress now made in the settlement of claims for loss of private chattels how many claims remain outstanding; and whether it is intended to settle, by cash payments, claims now agreed and not exceeding £100?
  The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton): At 31st October last, 90 per cent. of the very large number of private chattels claims received had been assessed, and of those assessed more than 90 per cent. had either been paid or recorded for payment with interest after the war. The Private Chattels Scheme provides for settlement by cash payment of claims not exceeding £25. Above this amount payment may only be made on grounds of undue hardship.
  Mr. Etherton: In view of the fact that cairns are not coming in in such quantities as was expected, would it be possible to reconsider the Order and raise the minimum figure?
  Mr. Dalton: I will look into that, but I cannot give any undertaking without consideration.

  TRADE AND COMMERCE

    Industrial Diamonds (Price)
    Mr. Stokesasked the President of the Board of Trade what agreement has been

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    entered into between South Africa and His Majesty's Government as to the price of industrial diamonds; and whether he will state the percentage increase in price since the outbreak of war?
    The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Peat): I have been asked to reply. So far as I am aware, no such agreement has been entered into. As regards the second part of the Question, information is not available, having regard to the varied nature of the goods.
    Mr. Stokes: Have the Government any control over the disposal of these diamonds if they do not even know the price?
    Mr. Peat: Yes, we have control, but in no case do we purchase them.
    Mr. Stokes: Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that none are going through to Germany for industrial purposes?
    Mr. Peat: That is another question.

    Clothes Coupon Prosecution
    Mr. Thorneasked the President of the Board of Trade how the brothers Solomons obtained the 12,360 clothing coupons; the names of the people who sold the coupons; and what is to be done about the matter?
    Mr. Dalton: The clothing coupons in question were stolen from the offices of the Erith Food Committee by persons at present unknown. Henry and Gabriel Solomons were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court on 26th October to 18 months' hard labour for receiving the stolen coupons.

    Glass Replacement Fabric
    Mr. Colmanasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with his undertaking to encourage the fitting of more glass substitutes in bomb-damaged houses in order to save artificial light, he will investigate the effect of the 25 per cent. quota on the sales of this material imposed under the Lace Directions of 1st June, 1942, with a view to making increased supplies more readily available?
    Mr. Dalton: I have recently issued a general licence permitting glass replacement fabric made of lace or lace net to be supphed without restriction, provided
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    that it is certified as suitable for that purpose by the Ministry of Works and Planning.

    Playing Cards (Armed Forces)
    Sir Herbert Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of packets of playing-cards that will be available for the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force, respectively, during the current rationing period?
    Mr. Dalton: The allocation of playing cards to the Forces for the year ending 31st August, 1943, has not yet been finally decided; but a preliminary allocation of 262,000 packs has been made, and this figure will be increased. I shall be happy to send my hon. Friend details of the final allocations, as soon as they have been settled.

  BELGIUM (FOOD SUPPLIES)
  Mr. Sorensenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Warfare whether the need of food relief for Belgium is being considered with a view to meeting it in a manner and with safeguards similar to food relief arrangements for Greece?
  The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot): I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers which I gave on 21st July to my hon. Friends the Members for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) and the English Universities (Mr. E. Harvey).
  Mr. Sorensen: May we take it that no further action has been taken since then, and are the Government in touch with the Belgian Government on the problem?
  Mr. Foot: We are in touch with the Belgian Government on this and other problems, but the policy of His Majesty's Government remains unchanged.
  Mr. Sorensen: May we take it that nothing further has developed since the previous Question was answered?

  BRITISH ARMY

    Horse-drawn Transport
    Mr. Hewlettasked the Secretary of State for War to what extent, in view of the shortage of petrol, the Army is making use of horse-drawn transport in this country?
    The Secretary of State for War (Sir James Grigg): All horse-drawn transport available in the Army is being used to save the rubber and petrol of motor vehicles. Instructions were issued in September that animal transport could also be hired for this purpose.

    Temporary and Substantive Rank
    Mr. Hewlettasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of public concern over the regulations affecting acting and substantive rank, he will appoint a special committee to investigate the subject?
    Captain Gammansasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists in the Army because officers holding temporary rank who have been incapacitated by wounds, injury or illness contracted on service automatically revert to war substantive rank after 21 days in the case of illness or injury and three months in the case of wounds; and whether he is now prepared to abolish this regulation altogether?
    Mr. Hutchinsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now able to make any statement regarding the grant of acting and temporary rank in the Army?
    Sir J. Grigg: I have reviewed the rules under which officers have been required to relinquish temporary rank on ceasing to perform the duties for which the rank was granted. I have come to the conclusion that there are good grounds for giving the holder of temporary rank, which may have been held for long periods, a greater degree of security in his rank. This I propose to bring into effect as follows. In future an officer holding temporary rank will be permitted to retain it while on a course of instruction. He will retain it during the interval between being posted away from one Unit and joining his new unit provided he is fit and available for duty during the whole period and any delay in his joining is due solely to the exigencies of the service; this will cover the voyage period in the case of officers ordered overseas. In addition officers will be permitted to retain temporary rank while absent sick up to a period of two months (provided that the sickness is not their own fault) and, as previously, for three months if wounded in action.
    Major Markham: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this concession, welcome as it is, does not touch the main grievance which is that, no matter how long an officer serves in a temporary rank he cannot acquire security in that rank and may be at any moment reduced to the rank below through no fault of his own?
    Sir J. Grigg: I dealt with that subject in the general Debate. I said I saw no possibility of a radical alteration of the rules in regard to temporary and acting rank, and I was not certain that an alteration would in fact be in the interest of the officers themselves.
    Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward: Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of allowing wounded officers to retain their temporary rank until they are once again fit for duty?
    Sir J. Grigg: I think, having made these concessions, we should wait and see how they work before embarking on any further promises.
    Mr. Bellenger: Will an officer proceeding overseas as part of a draft, not necessarily with his unit, be able to retain temporary rank?
    Sir J. Grigg: I intended to imply that. If I did not make it clear, I am sorry.
    Wing-Commander Hulbert: Will these Regulations now be extended to the other Services?
    Sir J. Grigg: That is not a question for me to answer. I cannot imagine the other Services being backward in seeing that they get what another Service gets.
    Captain Gammansasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention to continue indefinitely the policy laid down on page 4 of Pamphlet 100/General/8871, notified in Army Council Instructions for the week ending 30th August, 1939, that there should be no substantive promotion in wartime except for Regular officers; and why officers holding Territorial Army and Reserve or emergency commissions should not be given promotion to higher war substantive ranks after the same period of time as for Regular officers, provided that their record is satisfactory and thus place all officers on the same basis of promotion?
    Sir J. Grigg: My hon. and gallant Friend appears to be misinformed. All non-Regular officers are in fact given promotion to war substantive rank under the same rules and on the same basis as Regular officers. After a fixed perior of temporary rank they are granted war substantive rank one rank lower than their temporary rank. The present policy as laid down in the pamphlet quoted by my hon. and gallant Friend has been carefully considered, and I do not think there is any case for changing it in order to give substantive as distinct from war substantive promotion to non-Regular officers in war-time.
    Captain Gammansasked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of serving officers now holding the rank of lieutenant-colonel or above, whether acting, temporary or substantive, belong to the Regular Army or the Regular Army Reserve of Officers?
    Sir J. Grigg: About three-quarters of the serving officers now holding the rank of lieutenant-colonel or above belong to the Regular Army and Regular Army Reserves.
    Captain Gammans: Was consideration given to non-regular officers for promotion to higher rank?
    Sir J. Grigg: I could not deal with that adequately in reply to a Question, but I am prepared to discuss it with my hon. and gallant Friend at any convenient time.

    Accidents (Compensation)
    Mr. Granvilleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received the claim of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kay, of Laxfield, Suffolk, for compensation for the loss of their son Lance-Corporal Kay, of the Intelligence Corps, who was fatally shot whilst carrying out instructions in certain security exercises; whether he has now satisfied himself whether or no there was serious negligence on the part of certain officers responsible for planning this exercise; what action he proposes to take; and whether he intends to grant appropriate compensation to the parents?
    Sir J. Grigg: Yes, Sir. I very sincerely deplore the untimely death of this young soldier, and I have the greatest sympathy with the parents in their
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    grievous loss. On the other hand, I am satisfied that negligence cannot be imputed to any of the officers or others who were concerned in the accident. The risk to which this soldier was exposed was a risk of his service, and though the circumstances of the case are undoubtedly distressing, I could not distinguish it from those other cases in which soldiers lose their life not in the presence of the enemy. As regards the last part of the Question, the parents are in the same position as the parents of other soldiers whose death has been attributable to service. This means that an application may be made to the Ministry of Pensions if the parents are in pecuniary need arising from old age, infirmity, etc. I understand that a claim would not be successful at the present time, but it could be made in the event of the conditions being satisfied at some other time.
    Mr. Granville: May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there has been a military inquiry with regard to the officers concerned and whether he has looked into this case personally; and will he reconsider the question whether the parents of this unfortunate soldier could be given compensation?
    Sir J. Grigg: This accident happened very nearly 18 months ago. At the time there was a military court of inquiry, and I have considered the findings of the military court of inquiry and have also taken legal advice on the question. In view of the report of the court of inquiry and of the legal advice, I do not think it would be fair for me to hold out hope of a successful reconsideration of this case.
    Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information about the two Home Guards killed by an explosion during anti-aircraft instruction at Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, on Sunday, 25th October?
    Sir J. Grigg: The circumstances which led to this accident are at present the subject of an investigation, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as it has been completed.
    Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the number of accidents occurring to children by live explosives which they have picked

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    up, he will give an assurance that when negligence is shown by military personnel no attempt will be made by the War Department to escape liability on the alleged grounds of contributory negligence of children under 16 years of age?
    Sir J. Grigg: Although a member of the public injured owing to the negligence of military personnel on duty has no right of action against the Crown, it has been for many years the invariable practice to make ex gratia awards of compensation. No such payment would be made where contributory negligence is established on the part of the injured person. The question of contributory negligence does not usually arise in the case of children of tender years who are not normally regarded as being capable of negligence. Children between the ages of 10 and 16 are normally regarded in law as capable of contributory negligence. While I cannot give the assurance my hon. Friend desires, if he knows of any case in which he thinks a claim has been unfairly rejected on that ground, perhaps he will let me have particulars.

    Junior Civil Assistants (Appointment)
    Captain C. S. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for War what qualifications are required for a junior civil assistant in the War Office; and how are applicants selected?
    Sir J. Grigg: The qualifications required vary according to the post. Generally they are a good education, secretarial training or business experience or a knowledge of some foreign language. Selections are made by a Board from a list of candidates supplied by the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour and National Service.
    Captain Taylor: Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Board is a very large one, and whether the chairman is a senior civil servant assisted by a number of other civil servants, and whether, included in the Board, there are a dozen Army officers, including a brigadier; and is not this a most unwieldy method of selecting a clerk?
    Sir J. Grigg: I have not detailed knowledge of the constitution of the Board, but if it is as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, I think I can promise him to arrange for the Board to meet in panels and not in its full glory at one time.

    Food Disposal, Folkestone
    Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has held an inquiry into the allegations made before the Folkestone Quarter Sessions, on Saturday, 24th October, that tins of food had been found in an Army swill tub delivered to a farm?
    Sir J. Grigg: I am having this case investigated at the present time.

  BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR (FAREAST)
  Mr. Granvilleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received any fresh lists of names of British prisoners of war at Singapore and Hong Kong, together with, any information as to their care and welfare?
  Sir J. Grigg: I apologise for the length of the answer. [HON. MEMBERS: "Give it after Questions."] With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I will give the answer at the end of Questions, and also circulate an additional statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
  At the end of Questions:
  Sir J. Grigg: As regards Singapore, a relatively short official list of names of prisoners of war has been received within the last few days from Tokyo through the agency of the International Red Cross Committee. The next-of-kin have in many cases been informed, and the notifications are being completed as quickly as possible. As regards Hong Kong, the majority of names of British Army personnel have been reported by the Japanese authorities. As regards the care and welfare of prisoners of war, a certain amount of information has been collected from various sources, and I will circulate a statement on the subject in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
  The House will wish to know that, in view of the delays which are taking place in the receipt of complete lists of prisoners from the enemy Powers, it has been decided that the normal period, for which Army family and dependants' allowances and soldiers allotments continue to be paid in respect of officers and soldiers reported as missing, shall be extended in future from the existing 17 weeks to 26 weeks from the date the relatives are notified that the officer or soldier is missing.

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  The position of the relatives of the comparatively small numbers who are still regarded as missing after the surrenders in Hong Kong has also been considered, and it has been decided in their case that the allowances already specially extended shall be further extended to 31st January next.
  The position in relation to those reported missing in other Far Eastern theatres of operations is being kept under constant review. The special extension of the allowances in these cases will not generally begin to expire until the end of the year, and I am not in a position to announce any further extension at the moment; but the House can rest assured that a further extension will be made in their case if we do not receive from the Japanese Government in the near future anything like a full list of names of those who are prisoners.
  The same arrangements will apply to the allowances payable in respect of Naval and Air Force missing personnel.
  Mr. Granville: Will my right hon. Friend consider continuing the dependants' allowances indefinitely? And has he any information with regard to the food position there? Also, could he say something about the return of mails addressed to prisoners at Singapore?
  Sir J. Grigg: The food position is dealt with in the statement that I propose to circulate; but, if the hon. Member likes, I will just read that bit of it:
  "Little information as to living conditions is available. It is believed that they are receiving similar rations to those issued to Japanese troops; these consist principally of rice, vegetables and fish. European food is probably not available."
  Mr. Rhys Davies: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that parents of men in Java are very much concerned? Has he any information about those lads?
  Sit J. Grigg: I am well aware of that. My own nephew was in Java. I have no information on the point.
  Sir John Wardlaw-Milne: When my right hon. Friend receives the information that he is awaiting from the Red Cross, will he be able to give us any information as to the conditions of the Stanley Camp at Hong Kong?
  Sir J. Grigg: I have not included any information about that in the statement, but I will look into the matter and let my hon. Friend know.
  Mr. Stokes: In view of the great number of people who are still absent, have the good offices of the Vatican been sought, in order to get a more comprehensive list out of the Japanese?
  Sir J. Grigg: I had better have notice of that question.
  Sir Francis Fremantle: Has my right hon. Friend any information about our own people in Thailand?
  Sir J. Grigg: I have no specific information about them.
  Mr. Granville: Has my right hon. Friend considered whether we can send food ships from Australia?
  Sir J. Grigg: The question of food ships is dealt with in my answer. The hon. Member had better look at that answer, and then put down any Questions arising from it.
  Sir Geoffrey Shakespeare: Is there any substantial number of prisoners taken at Singapore whose names are not known?
  Sir J. Grigg: It depends upon what is meant by "substantial." I should have said that, on the whole, the list of those notified as prisoners of war is rather small in relation to the total number.
  Mr. Granville: In view of the fact that many of us are getting very anxious letters from dependants with regard to mails from Singapore, has my right hon. Friend any information about those mails?
  Mr. Mathers: In view of the lack of information about individuals, has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the possibility of giving information to relatives about the fate of units to which such individuals belonged?
  Sir J. Grigg: I will look into that.
  Mr. Edmund Harvey: Does this information relate also to British civil servants who remained at their posts?
  Sir J. Grigg: It covers prisoners generally.
  Captain Godfrey Nicholson: May I ask a question on a cognate matter? Is it not the case that correspondence from certain

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  camps in Germany has recently been interrupted by the German Government, and that no letters from those camps are reaching this country? Has my right hon. Friend any information?
  Mr. Speaker: That is another question.
  Following is the statement:
  So far the Japanese Government have continued to refuse permission for visits by the Red Cross and Protecting Power representatives to prisoners of war camps, except in Shanghai and Hong Kong, where Red Cross visits have been allowed. The information available on prisoners of war conditions in other Japanese occupied territories is therefore scanty and unofficial in character.
  It is understood that a large number of the prisoners of war, who were captured in Hong Kong and Singapore, are being moved Northward to camps which are being established in Japan, Korea and Formosa. Other prisoners of war captured in Burma and Singapore have been moved to various places in Siam, Indo-China, South Burma and Malaya. Prisoners of war captured in the East Indies were imprisoned in Batavia and other parts of Java.
  A small number of naval and Mercantile Marine prisoners of war are confined in Woosung camp, near Shanghai. Their names have been telegraphed, and next-of-kin have been informed. Conditions in this camp appear to be satisfactory. Parcels are sent into the camp from residents in Shanghai.
  A summary of the International Red Cross Committee telegraphic report on Hong Kong has already been issued to the Press.
  Little information as to living conditions is available. It is believed that they are receiving similar rations to those issued to Japanese troops; these consist principally of rice, vegetables and fish. European food is probably not available. The prisoners of war are being made to work hard; in some cases the work is connected with aerodromes and fortifications and is thus of a kind not allowed by the 1929 Convention. Morale is good, in spite of the hardships of the life. Treatment probably varies considerably in different places, as a wide discretion is left to local commandants. An assurance of good treatment was recently given by
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  the Japanese Commander-in-Chief in Singapore. Officers are usually confined in the same camps as their men.
  Limited quantities of medicines, food and clothing have been sent on ships returning to Japan with Japanese Diplomatic Staffs and others, and they are known to have arrived at Singapore and Hong Kong. Owing, however, to the refusal of the Japanese authorities to allow distribution of these supplies under independent supervision, their distribution is in the hands of the Japanese military authorities who have undertaken to use them for the prisoners. In the event of any further exchanges every effort will be made to send relief supplies by the returning Japanese ships to the limit of their capacity available for this purpose. The Japanese Government still will not allow the passage of ships carrying relief supplies under the auspices of the International Red Cross.

  SCOTLAND

    Irish Labourers' Wages
    Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused to Scottish farm workers on account of the high wages paid to Irish labourers, who frequently obtain as much as £5 per week and some much more for pulling flax; that these labourers pay no Income Tax in this country but receive subsistence allowance in addition to their wages; and what arrangements have been made to control the wages and movements of these labourers, both those brought from Ireland under the wartime permit system and those who were in this country at the outbreak of war and have been moving about from place to place since then?
    The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston): I am not aware of any such dissatisfaction nor have any representations on the subject been made or received by the Scottish farm workers' union. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement of the arrangements applying to Irish workers on the other points raised in the Question.
    Mr. Snadden: Is it not most undesirable that when our own skilled farm workers are tied to their jobs in this

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    country and cannot move in order to earn higher wages, workers coming from Ireland, a neutral country, should be allowed to exploit this position? Should not they have their wages fixed before they come from Ireland, in the same way as wages are fixed here?
    Mr. Johnston: If we fixed wages in such a way that Irish labourers did not come over to pull the flax, the farmers would be dissatisfied.
    Mr. Gallacher: Is it not the case that the Irish workers are not overpaid but that if anything is wrong, it is that our own workers are underpaid?
    Professor Savory: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is very important to make this distinction, that the labourers from Northern Ireland do pay Income Tax on returning, and, therefore, there is serious confusion in the Question?
    Mr. Johnston: I am not responsible for the Question.
    Following is the statement:
    In general, Irish agricultural workers who are accustomed to come over to Scotland for short-term seasonal employment work long hours, and consequently, when paid at hourly, piece or contract rates, they earn comparatively high wages. Wages for flax-pulling—a particularly heavy job—are fixed by the Ministry of Supply, for whom the crop is grown. The basis is a piece-rate of £6 10s. per acre for average conditions, and £7 per acre for poor conditions. If an Irishman is continuously resident in this country for more than six months of the Income Tax year, or, even if he is not continuously resident for that period, if he has regular annual residence, he becomes liable for payment of British Income Tax. Lodging allowances are paid by the Ministry of Labour and National Service to Irish workers with dependants, in the same way as to other transferred workers. Minimum rates of wages, applying equally to Irishmen and others, are laid down in the Orders of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board. Otherwise, in accordance with the general policy of the Government, wages are regarded as a matter for bargaining between employers and workers.
    Recruitment of Irish workers for agriculture falls into two distinct categories: (1) Short-term casual workers for employment during busy seasons, e.g. harvest and potato lifting, and (2) Long-term workers for employment throughout the year. Under (1), recruitment is effected by contact between the employer and the worker either direct or through an agency. In this type of case, the rate of wages is a matter for agreement between parties (subject to there being no breach of the relative Wages Order). In the majority of cases falling under heading (2) the employers are the Scottish Agricultural Executive Committees and direct contact is made by a representative of the Committees in Eire with such Irish workers who have volunteered for agricultural work in Scotland at their local employment exchanges. The contract of employment in these cases provides for weekly engagement and wages at the minimum rates prescribed in the respective Orders of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board. Wherever possible, employment is arranged on a piece or contract basis at the rates usual in the district. There are no restrictions upon the movements of Irish agricultural workers as a class in this country, but those who arrived from Eire on or after 8th August, 1941 are required to register with the police of the district in which they are first employed, are prohibited from taking employment in other than agricultural work without the permission of the Departments concerned, and police consent is necessary for any stay in excess of three months.

    Brewing Materials
    Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the resolutions passed at the annual general meeting of the Edinburgh Council Scottish Temperance Alliance and forwarded to him for attention on 15th October; and whether he will indicate the result of that attention?
    Mr. Johnston: Yes, Sir. As regards the future the terms of the resolutions have been noted. There have been since the outbreak of war, two reductions amounting to 15 per cent. in the average gravities of beer, and my Noble Friend the Minister of Food considers that the present restrictions on the supply of the principal raw materials used in brewing

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    are sufficient in existing circumstances. As the hon. Member knows there is to be no allocation of cereals for whisky distilling during 1943.
    Mr. Mathers: My right hon. Friend has given a quotation from the Minister of Food, but do not the Government as a whole realise the strongly held opinion that this particular trade is still treated with a very great deal of favouritism?
    Mr. Johnston: As my hon. Friend knows, that is a matter which is the subject of considerable disputation.

    Small Burghs (Post-War Powers and Duties)
    Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the concern felt by small burghs in Scotland regarding the discussions now proceeding on changes in their powers and duties in the post-war reconstruction; and whether he will make a statement indicating exactly what action the Government are taking in the matter and what official inquiries are contemplated?
    Mr. Johnston: I have had no representations from small burghs on the matter to which my hon. Friend refers, and it is not clear what discussions he has in mind. I have, after consultation with the Council of ex-Secretaries of State for Scotland, instituted a number of inquiries into Scottish post-war reconstruction problems; but no inquiry into the question of the powers of small burghs has been set up.
    Mr. Stewart: In order to reassure those concerned, will my right hon. Friend indicate whether he has in mind any inquiries into this particular problem of the powers and duties of small burghs?
    Mr. Johnston: No, Sir, not immediately.

    Schoolchildren (Agricultural Work)
    Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the controversies this year between county agricultural executive committees and education authorities and school management committees in different parts of the country on the subject of school holidays for agricultural work, he will consider framing regulations of a
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    general character so that next year early preparations will be made, with clear understanding on the part of all those concerned, for the release of schoolchildren at all times when their work is required in the national interest for food production?
    Mr. Johnston: The arrangements made this year between agricultural executive committees and education authorities for the release of schoolchildren to assist agricultural operations have in general been most satisfactory. I cannot, therefore, accept the implication of the first part of the Question. Local difficulties have been few, but any improvements shown by experience to be necessary will be considered when the arrangements for next year are being made.

  FUEL AND POWER

    Colliery Washings, River Ebbw
    Sir Reginald Clarryasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the vital need for the prevention of all fuel wastage, steps can now be taken to prevent the large quantities of fine coal being discharged into the River Ebbw from nearby colliery washings, or alternatively, whether arrangements can be made for this coal-dust to be recovered from the river?
    The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George): I am asking my Regional Controller for Wales to look into the question raised by my hon. Friend.
    Sir R. Clarry: Will my right hon. and gallant Friend now regard this matter as one of urgency, as it has been under consideration for a considerable time?
    Major Lloyd George: I think my hon. Friend will appreciate that this is not altogether an easy matter. Although a certain percentage of this coal-dust could be recovered, it would mean that special plant for the purpose would have to be manufactured, which is not too easy at the present time.

    Private Motor Cars, Savoy Hotel
    Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the names and addresses of the owners of the private motor-cars whose registration numbers are HPD 849, FYL 480, GKE 465, GGO 280, COW 648, EYR 248, FOJ

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    373, GPL 892, EOV 524, HVW 440 and JPD 713, all of which vehicles were between 1.30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, 16th October, outside the Savoy Hotel, a place readily accessible by public transport?
    Major Lloyd George: No, Sir. Such inquiries as I have been able to make in the time available show that there may well be a legitimate explanation of the presence of the cars.
    Mr. Driberg: Will not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to check this lavish and lazy use of petrol, which is causing the greatest dissatisfaction to thousands of people who have not got any at all?

    Opencast Working (Compensation to Farmers).
    Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether full compensation will be paid to farmers where crops have been destroyed by the outcroping of coal; and whether the Government will bear the cost of draining the land and making it possible for cultivation again?
    Major Lloyd George: Where opencast working of coal takes place on surface land compulsorily acquired for that purpose, compensation is payable under the terms of Regulation 21 of Defence Regulations and the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, Section 3. In all cases every effort is made to restore the land surface as working terminates, but to the extent that this is not effected compensation is payable for damage.

    Derelict Timber
    Sir Percy Hurdasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the large quantities of derelict timber in many parts of the country; and whether he will instruct local fuel controllers to seek the co-operation of military commands in their areas so that the troops may use their spare time in collecting and preparing this timber to supplement local coal supplies for the general public?
    Major Lloyd George: All local authorities were asked in October, 1941, to organise and operate schemes on behalf of my Ministry for the collection and storage of derelict timber for use as domestic fuel in time of coal shortage. A number of these schemes is now operating in
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    various parts of the country and considerable reserves should be available during the coming winter. The arrangements for operating these schemes provide that where civilian labour is unobtainable, military assistance would be sought and where practicable such assistance has been provided.
    Sir P. Hurd: Will any further steps be taken to make fuller use of this wood?
    Major Lloyd George: I think the best step is that local authorities should take advantage of the powers that they have.

    Shop Lighting
    Mr. Brookeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the brilliant lighting which shoppers can see all day in many of the big London shops makes them doubtful whether their own efforts to save light at home are necessary; and why this waste is permitted to continue?
    Major Lloyd George: The General Direction (Standard of Lighting) which I made on 19th September under the Control of Fuel Order, 1942, prohibits the use in the sale-rooms of shops of more electricity for illumination than 1½ watts per square foot, and adds the over-riding provision that no more electricity is to be used for this purpose than is reasonably necessary. If my hon. Friend will inform me of any specific cases in which he thinks that the Direction is being infringed, I will have them inquired into.
    Mr. Rhys Davies: Will my right hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind that shop assistants cannot possibly do their work in some of the shops unless they are properly lighted?
    Major Lloyd George: My hon. Friend will observe that there is a definite standard laid down which will give sufficient light for ordinary work.

    "Get You Home" Service (Armed Forces)
    Mr. Arthur Duckworthasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the real hardship imposed upon members of His Majesty's Forces arriving on leave at stations on the borders of Shropshire and Wales as a result of the abolition of the "Get you Home" service; and whether he will consider making any concession to meet the special difficulties in this district?
    Major Lloyd George: I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, and hope to inform the hon. Member of the result at an early date.

  MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

    Broadcasting Fees (Members of Armed Forces)
    Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Information whether he will put the fees paid to members of His Majesty's Forces for broadcasting on the same basis as the fees paid to civilians for broadcasting; and whether he will immediately end the present system of deducting half the fees paid to members of His Majesty's Forces which are remitted to the Treasury?
    The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Thurtle): No distinction is made between members of His Majesty's Forces and civilians in Government employment. The position is that, if a servant of the Crown gives a broadcast not as part of his official duty but on a subject in which he is expert in his official as well as in his private capacity, half the fee is paid to him and half to his Department. The same rule applies if he is enabled to give his broadcast by reason of experience acquired in the course of his duties.
    Mr. De la Bère: In view of all that we owe to the men of the Forces, does it not seem undesirable and unfortunate that there should be this necessity for them to return half the fee? Are they not entitled to receive the full fee in view of the services they are giving to the nation? Will my hon. Friend endeavour to get this matter adjusted?
    Mr. Thurtle: My hon. Friend will see that the position as set forth in the answer is equitable from the point of view both of the public purse and of the public service involved.
    Mr. De la Bère: I do not think they are treated properly.
    Sir P. Hurd: In addition to this deduction by the Treasury is there also Income Tax, or is the deduction in lieu of Income Tax?
    Mr. Thurtle: I cannot answer that point without notice.
    Lieiut.-Colonel Elliot: Apart from that, is it not rather hard on a young flying officer who comes up to town to give a broadcast of his experiences that he should have half the money taken away because they are experiences about which he has information by virtue of his public service? Is it not rather hard that the opportimity for a certain amount of jollification should be denied to him?
    Mr. Thurtle: I agree that the case which my right hon. and gallant Friend has mentioned is a hard one, but I think he will agree that it is difficult for the Treasury to make exceptions to a general rule of this kind.
    Mr. Astor: Do professors who broadcast have to return half the fee to their universities?
    Mr. Thurtle: No, Sir, because they have not acquired their knowledge in the service of the Government.
    Mr. De la Bère: Why not change the rules?

    United Nations (Short Histories)
    Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Minister of Information whether, to meet a public demand and for the convenience of our Allies, he will make available for the public at a popular price a short history of the British Empire; and also cause to be issued short histories of each of our Allies, more particularly of the United States of America, in view of the great interest shown and need for such publications?
    Mr. Thurtle: There are a number of short histories of the British Empire available to the public at low prices, and I understand that there are also several admirable short histories of the United States. With regard to the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend does not think that the Ministry of Information should compete with British publishers, who have never been lacking in enterprise or energy. Any plans they have for meeting the need will certainly be welcomed by the Ministry.
    Sir J. Lucas: Will my hon. Friend give the names of the publications he has mentioned, as most people do not know what they are?
    Mr. Thurtle: I shall be very glad to give my hon. and gallant Friend the names of the publications to which I have referred.
    Mr. Sorensen: Is my hon. Friend aware that some of them are excessively romantic, and will he not recommend those?

  MEDICAL SCHOOLS (WOMEN STUDENTS)
  Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the desirability of refusing to reserve any more men beginning the study of medicine in schools which do not accept women; and whether the Committee on Medical Schools have recently considered or come to a decision on this Matter?
  The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Tomlinson): As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the similar Question put by the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Professor A. V. Hill) on 6th August. The second part of the Question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.
  Miss Rathbone: Has my hon. Friend noted the high scientific and medical protest which has appeared in the Press against this selfish attitude of some of the medical schools in London and the inadequacy of the reasons for it?
  Mr. Tomlinson: I think I can say that my right hon. Friend has noted that.

  NATIONAL WAR EFFORT

    Pensioners (Employment)
    Sir Irving Alberyasked the Minister of Labour whether he can now make a statement, for public information, concerning the bar to the acceptance of paid employment which is imposed by many of the trust deeds dealing with superannuation; and to what extent this hinders such persons from performing useful war work for which they may be otherwise fitted?
    Mr. Tomlinson: So far as I am aware, these trust deeds do not impose a bar on the acceptance of paid employment by pensioners but they commonly provide that the pension which would otherwise have been payable is to be suspended or reduced so long as the employee concerned is employed by the firm paying the pension. My right hon. Friend has
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    no evidence that this is having any appreciable effect on the continuance of pensioners on work either with their former employers or with some other employer, and in the absence of such evidence he would not feel justified in taking steps to interfere with the conditions on which these pensions are granted.
    Sir I. Albery: Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that when a man has to give up the whole of his pension to take up some other service, he is usually involved in some additional expenditure; and is he aware that there are a number of men who could do useful service but cannot because of this condition?
    Mr. Tomlinson: We should like to have some evidence of that.

    Domestic Service (Aliens)
    Sir P. Hannonasked the Minister of Labour the nature of the scheme in operation for the employment of aliens in domestic service m this country to replace women called up for defence and munitions services; and whether any Order has been made regulating the wages and conditions of labour of aliens so employed?
    Mr. Tomlinson: There is no scheme of this nature, but a certain amount of control is exercised by my Department owing to the fact that, in general, aliens can only be employed under permit from my Department. A permit, when granted, imposes a requirement that the alien shall be employed at wages and under conditions not less satisfactory than those applicable to British subjects in similar work in the same area.
    Sir P. Hannon: What happens when a domestic servant leaves one house and goes to another without any authority? What control have the Ministry of Labour over the movements of aliens in the same way that it has over the movements of our own people?
    Mr. Tomlinson: An alien leaving one occupation and moving to another must of necessity get permission to do so. Otherwise, the alien will not be employed without a permit.
    Sir P. Hannon: If the alien does not ask for and therefore does not get permission, what action does the Ministry take?
    Mr. Tomlinson: It is dependent then upon the employer reporting the matter.

  WOMEN'S SERVICES (WELFARE COMMITTEE)
  Mrs. Cazalet Keirasked the Prime Minister whether he can yet state which of the recommendations of the Committee on Welfare in the Women's Services have been accepted by the various departments concerned?
  The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill): Owing to the different action which is being taken by the three Services on the various recommendations of the Committee, I regret that I cannot add precise figures to the answer I gave my hon. Friend on 29th September. Except for a very small number of recommendations which I understand have not been accepted, the recommendations are being progressively implemented.
  Mr. Bellenger: Could the Prime Minister indicate in the OFFICIAL REPORT which of the recommendations have not been accepted?
  The Prime Minister: I am not armed with the means to do that at the present moment.
  Mrs. Keir: If I were to put Questions to the Service Departments, could I get a more detailed reply?
  The Prime Minister: I should think it would be highly probable.

  SOVIET NATIONAL DAY (CELEBRATIONS, LONDON).
  Mr. Dribergasked the Prime Minister by whose authority, and for what reason an official attempt was made to prevent participation by Service contingents in the Soviet National Day celebrations at Empress Hall?
  The Prime Minister: I know of no such attempt. The matter was in the hands of Ministers, who decided the course to be taken.
  Mr. DribergIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the organisers of this function did receive simultaneously letters from the three Service Departments saying that the contingents were to be withdrawn and that this was only put right later by prodding?
  The Prime Minister: As I have said, the matter was decided by the War Cabinet.

  CHAINED PRISONERS OF WAR
  Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister whether he can now make any announcement respecting the chaining of prisoners?
  The Prime Minister: No, Sir. But I hope to do so in the near future.
  Mr. Sorensen: Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a Question could be put down, say, a week hence?
  The Prime Minister: I think it would be a very reasonable course to put down a Question, but I am not forecasting the answer.
  Earl Winterton: My right hon. Friend is no doubt aware of the poignant anxiety which is felt in this country by many relatives of prisoners, and will he accelerate the reply as much as possible?
  The Prime Minister: I, too, am very anxious about our prisoners.

  SERVICE PAY, ALLOWANCES AND PENSIONS
  Miss Wardasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the numerous occasions on which the pay, allowances and pensions of the Services have been the subject of Parliamentary Debates and Questions, he will order an independent inquiry into the Government machinery which controls the consideration of these matters?
  The Prime Minister: Control of the matters to which my hon. Friend refers is the immediate responsibility of the Service Ministers and the Minister of Pensions acting in consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and in a wider sense is the responsibility of the Government as a whole. The individual Ministers concerned and the Government are answerable to Parliament for the manner in which they exercise that control and no independent inquiry could usefully be interposed.
  Miss Ward: Will my right hon. Friend use his power as Prime Minister to institute an impartial inquiry, in view of the difficulty that the Service Departments and the Ministry of Pensions appear to have in dealing with the

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  Treasury; and is he aware of the great dissatisfaction with regard to the payment of allowances which are given to our Service men and women?
  The Prime Minister: I am afraid I have nothing to add to the answer which I have given.
  Captain C. S. Taylorasked the Lord President of the Council whether, as a result of the all-party deputation which he received recently, he has now any statement to make on the question of Service pay and allowances and the many anomalies that still exist?
  The Lord President of the Council (Sir John Anderson): The points raised by the deputation, which were numerous and in some instances involved rather complex issues, have been under close examination by the Departments concerned, and the Government will be in a position to make a full statement in the course of the next week or two.
  Captain Taylor: Would my right hon. Friend give me the information, so that I could put a Question down at an early date?
  Sir J. Anderson: Certainly.
  Major Markham: Will the information be issued as a White Paper?
  Sir J. Anderson: I cannot say for the moment.

  POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION
  Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the Paymaster-General whether his Committee on Reconstruction propose to make an Interim Report on the investigations which they have, so far, effected on post-war reconstruction?
  The Paymaster-General (Sir William Jowitt): The Committee on Reconstruction Problems is a Committee of the War Cabinet, to which it reports from time to time. Its proceedings are, of course, like those of all War Cabinet Committees, confidential. As my hon. Friend is aware, it is expected that there will be an early opportunity for me to inform the House of the progress made with the study of reconstruction problems.

  NATIONAL FINANCE

    Post-War Credit
    Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce legislation to provide for post-war credit notices to be sent direct to a woman who is an Income Tax payer and not to her husband who, in certain cases, is not even an Income Tax payer?
    The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood): Although the certificate for the total amount of the post-war credit for the year is normally sent to the husband, it is open to the wife, if she has income liable to tax, to apply to the Inspector of Taxes for the credit to be divided between them, and it will then be divided in whatever proportion the husband and wife agree upon or, in default of their agreement, in the manner set out in Section 7 of the Finance Act, 1941, that is to say in proportion to their respective incomes. The matter has been explained on several previous occasions and was dealt with in a broadcast talk as recently as last Saturday evening, but as there may still be some misunderstanding about it, I am prepared to give it further publicity, and I will consider the issue next year to married women in employment of a form notifying them that the post-war credit certificate has been or will be issued to their husbands and indicating their rights in the matter.
    Sir W. Smithers: Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer say when the Government will cease to treat women as chattels and treat them as citizens?
    Dr. Edith Summerskill: Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is an infringement of the Married Women's Property Act to send to a husband money which by right belongs to his wife?
    Sir K. Wood: I do not think so, but I will consult the Law Officers.

    Auction Sales (Payment in Cash)
    Sir Frank Sandersonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in regard to the extensive business which is being conducted at auction rooms and sales of precious stones and other articles of value which are paid for in notes, he has caused inquiries to be made among the auctioneers in London and elsewhere with a view to asking them to furnish a list of the names of those who habitually

    2257
    attend such auction sales and consistently purchase valuable goods for which they pay in cash?
    Sir K. Wood: I am afraid I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.
    Sir F. Sanderson: Would my right hon. Friend consider applying the same restrictions to the sale in auction rooms of jewellery as are applied to furniture, so that only privately owned jewellery should be allowed to be sold, supported by legal declaration of ownership?
    Sir K. Wood: I will examine that point.

    Tax Avoidance
    Sir George Broadbridgeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to a method of avoidance of tax by which persons buy up the shares of companies that hold stocks of certain commodities and use the control so obtained to acquire the commodities at fictitious prices, and to provide for the realisation of the stocks in such a manner as to defeat the claims of the Revenue for the tax due on the profits of sale, a large part of which will in effect have gone to pay for the shares at inflated prices; and if he proposes to take any action to put a stop to such practices?
    Sir K. Wood: I am informed by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue that one or two cases of this kind have come to their notice and are under consideration at present in the light of the existing taxation law. The Revenue authorities already possess certain powers to deal with avoidance of taxation, but I should like to give a warning to all concerned that if further powers prove necessary, in relation to these or any other schemes of tax avoidance, I shall ask Parliament to grant them and to grant them with restrospective effect and in such form as to ensure that all the various persons who may have benefited by the transactions will have to pay their share of any tax that may have been lost to the Revenue.

  CIVIL SERVICE CANDIDATES (PRISONERS OF WAR)
  Sir H. Morris-Jonesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in regard to our men who are prisoners of war and who desire to enter the Civil
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  Service and other Government occupations after the war, he will give an assurance that allowance will be made in calculating their age for the time of their captivity?
  Sir K. Wood: While it would be in accordance with past practice to make an age allowance for the time spent in the Fighting Services, the question of the conditions under which ex-Service men may enter the Civil Service after the war will be a matter for the Government of the day.
  Sir H. Morris-Jones: Can my right hon. Friend not give an indication now to the many parents in this country whose sons are prisoners of war in Germany? They want to know what their position will be. Will it not be a great injustice to those young men if, by virtue of the lapse of time, they are not able to enter the Civil Service, which they would have been able to enter if they had not been prisoners of war?
  Sir K. Wood: I do not think there will be any difficulty.
  Sir H. Morris-Jones: But will the right hon. Gentleman not give an indication, so that the parents may know where they are? Members of Parliament are getting letters from parents on this question, and I think it is only fair that they should be told how they stand in regard to their boys.
  Sir K. Wood: I do not think there will be any difficulty.

  PACIFIC COUNCIL (CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE)
  Mr. Granvilleasked the Prime Minister whether a representative of China is invited to attend the meetings of the Pacific Council in London and Washington; and whether arrangements exist for military liaison between China, Great Britain and the United States of America?
  The Prime Minister: Yes, Sir.

  WAR SITUATION (MIDDLE EAST)
  Captain C. S. Taylorasked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make upon the war situation in the Middle East?
  The Prime Minister: Yes, Sir, at a very early date.

  ALLIED WAR STRATEGY
  Mr. William Brownasked the Prime Minister the present arrangements for securing unity of strategy among the Allied Nations so as to ensure that this war should be fought as a war of the Allies and not as a series of national wars?
  The Prime Minister: I have nothing to add to what has already been said on this subject.

  MADAGASCAR (OPERATIONS)
  Wing-Commander Hulbertasked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement on the present hostilities in Madagascar?
  The Prime Minister: Since my last statement on the Madagascar operations our Forces have continued to advance southwards, hampered by road blocks and obstructions. On 2nd October there was a sharp engagement approximately 70 miles south of the capital, as a result of which Antsirabe was occupied. The local populace gave our troops an enthusiastic welcome.
  The Vichy resistance was next encountered about 130 miles south of Tananarive, but as a result of vigorous action by our Forces, Ambositra and Ivato were occupied on 19th October. The last organised resistance north of Fianarantsoa, which is the chief town in the south of the island and is approximately 180 miles to the south of the capital, was overcome on 29th October, and the town was occupied on the evening of the same day. Upwards of 1,000 prisoners were taken during this period.
  The advance southwards continued, but a French emissary arrived at our forward brigade headquarters on 5th November and asked for an armistice. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon hostilities ceased. The armistice was signed at midnight on 5th–6th November, and everything is proceeding very smoothly.
  Between 10th September—when further operations in Madagascar began with the assault on Majunda—and 17th October we lost only 17 killed and 45 wounded. Since 17th October our casualties have been extremely light, but details are not known.
  Sir Percy Harris: Will my right hon. Friend say what has happened to the Vichy Governor of Madagascar?
  The Prime Minister: I am not quite sure.
  Mr. Thorne: Will my right hon. Friend state the amount of material that was handed over?
  The Prime Minister: All the fighting material that is taken in the course of action falls into our hands, but I have no doubt that some of it will be used for the French Forces who under the French flag will take charge of the island in future.
  Mr. Leach: What happens to the prisoners; are they released after disarmament?
  The Prime Minister: No, Sir. My recollection is that prisoners of war are in our hands, but it may be that arrangements have been made for repatriating some to France and others may wish to join the Fighting French Forces.
  Mr. Molson: If there is any question of repatriation, will an attempt be made to secure the exchange of officers who are at present interned in Vichy France under unfavourable circumstances?
  The Prime Minister: I shall get into difficulties if I try to answer all these questions out of my head, but I agree with that.

  MALTA WAR DAMAGE (BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S GIFT)
  Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assistance His Majesty's Government propose to afford the Government and people of Malta in meeting the heavy cost of repairing and restoring the severe damage suffered by that island in the attacks on it?
  Sir K. Wood: The repair of the heavy war damage inflicted by the enemy on Malta is clearly a task which would be beyond the unaided financial resources of the Government of Malta and the property owners within any reasonable postwar period. I think there will be general agreement that the outstanding gallantry shown by the people of Malta in the face of enemy atacks of unprecedented length and severity, calls for some special recognition. In view, therefore, of the unique position of Malta and of the extraordinary sufferings which it has so gallantry undergone, His Majesty's Government propose

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  to seek the approval of Parliament for a free gift of £10,000,000 to the Government of Malta to be used for the purpose of restoration of war damage and the rebuilding of Malta after the war. They propose that this sum should be paid in the first place to Trustees to be nominated who will make the money available to the Government of Malta as and when required. The gift will be available for meeting liabilities under legislation which with the approval of His Majesty's Government the Government of Malta have put before the Council of Government providing for schemes of compensation for war damage of property on lines generally similar to those in this country, as well as any other expenses incidental to post-war rebuilding. If the actual expenditure under those heads falls short of the total voted, the balance will be applied to other purposes beneficial to Malta after the war.
  If, on the other hand, the total liability of the Government of Malta for compensation and rebuilding, after allowing for contributions from property owners, exceeds the sum of £10,000,000, His Majesty's Government will be prepared to make available such further sums as may be required to meet liabilities which are found, in the circumstances as existing after the war, to be beyond the capacity of the Government of Malta to meet from its own resources, having regard to all other calls upon these resources at that time.
  A Vote will be submitted to Parliament for this purpose as soon as possible.
  Sir P. Hannon: Has the Chancellor taken steps to make this decision of His Majesty's Government widely known throughout the Colonial Empire and the United States?
  Mr. Hannah: Are the Government fully aware of our great responsibility to preserve the historic monuments of that island?

  ROYAL NAVY

    Enemy Submarine Losses
    Mr. Stokesasked the First Lord of tht Admiralty how many of the 530 enemy submarines, sunk or damaged, come within the category sunk, captured, or damaged beyond repair; and how-many within the category damaged but escaped?
    The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander): I regret that it would not be in the public interest to disclose the details asked for by my hon. Friend. I can say, however, that the figure mentioned by my hon. Friend has now increased to 570.
    Mr. Stokes: Will the First Lord of the Admiralty explain why it is impossible to tell us what the Germans must know? Are the British public the only people who are not allowed to know the facts?
    Mr. Alexander: There are reasons why the Staff consider that these facts should not be disclosed. For example, I think the enemy quite failed to apprehend that we had sufficient shipping tonnage to carry on operations during the last few days.
    Commander Sir Archibald Southby: Does the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman at Preston on 24th January still hold good, namely, that twice as many submarines have been killed as those claimed?
    Mr. Alexander: I do not remember making any such statement.
    Sir A. Southby: It was in a public speech.
    Mr. Clement Davies: Why was the information in regard to the numbers sunk or damaged withheld from the House of Commons and revealed to people outside?
    Mr. Alexander: I have been too long a Member of this House ever to wish to appear discourteous, and I should regret very much if hon. Members thought that to be the case. I did not give in that statement any of the information for which hon. Members had asked and which should not be given in public. I have looked very carefully into that point in the papers. I shall endeavour to give the House at all times as full information as possible, both in public and in Secret Session.
    Mr. McGovern: Are Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries to be allowed to make disclosures of what are commonly regarded as secret matters while Members are brought before the Privileges Committee of the House for referring to those statements?

    United States Hospitality
    Sir P. Hardasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of

    2263
    the hospitality which is being shown by residents on the American seaboard to British sailors who have been engaged in the Battle of the Atlantic; and whether he will convey to the United States authorities a recognition of this evidence of Anglo-American friendship?
    Mr. Alexander: I am glad to take this opportunity of thanking our friends in America for the unfailing and generous hospitality extended to the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy in all parts of the United States, and of welcoming this further indication of the firmness of Anglo-American friendship. My right hon. Friend the Minister of War Transport has asked to be associated with this reply. Since the hospitality to which my hon. Friend and I refer is private hospitality, I feel that it is more appropriate to express our thanks in this form than by communicating with the United States Government.

  NURSING PROFESSION (WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION)
  Mr. W. Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to ensure that the nursing profession comes within the scope of the Workmen's Compensation Acts?
  The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake): The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in thinking that the nursing profession as such is outside the scope of the Act. In any individual case it depends on whether the nurse works under a contract of service, and from a decision of the Court of Appeal in 1938 it appears that, generally speaking, nurses in hospitals and similar institutions come within the Act.

  NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE
  Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Home Secretary whether he is now prepared to hold an independent inquiry into the state of the National Fire Service in the Middlesbrough region?
  The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Miss Wilkinson): My right hon. Friend has carefully considered the representations which have reached him, but he does not find any grounds for instituting such an inquiry.
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  The efficiency of the National Fire Service is kept under constant review by inspections at regular intervals. My hon. Friend may rest assured that the importance of maintaining an efficient service at Middlesbrough is fully appreciated.
  Mr. Edwards: Does not the Minister realise that the fire fighting services feel that this is not quite just to them and that it gives an impression that there is something to hide? The town council passed a unanimous resolution asking for an independent inquiry.
  Miss Wilkinson: I think the hon. Member knows that the details have been gone into very fully. My right hon. Friend is convinced that no good purpose would be served by pursuing the matter.
  Mr. Edwards: No evidence was received from an independent source. It all came from the one side. The Minister should really go into this matter again, as it is very serious.

  ARRESTED MEN, LIVERPOOL (POLICE TREATMENT)
  Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Home Secretary whether he has anything to report about his investigation of the statements made by the Recorder of Liverpool?
  Mr. Peake: My right hon. Friend asked the learned Recorder to give him any information on which he based his allegations that persons arrested by the police at Liverpool are maltreated for the purpose of extracting admissions, and in an interim reply he referred to two cases of alleged assaults by the police on persons who were not in custody. In one case there was a quarrel between a householder and a constable who aroused him in the middle of the night because a light was showing, and in the other case there was a struggle between a man who alighted from a moving train and a railway policeman who chased and stopped him. The Liverpool police were not concerned in either of these cases and the charges brought against police officers in both these cases stand on quite a different footing from the charge of maltreating a prisoner who is in custody. The learned Recorder stated that he would pursue his inquiries with a view to sending to my right hon. Friend any further information

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  he can obtain. I understand that the Liverpool Watch Committee have appointed a sub-committee to inquire into the conditions under which persons are detained when arrested by the police
  Mr. Edwards: Is not the Minister aware that this Recorder made some very serious allegations? Is it intended to make him either substantiate them or withdraw them?
  Mr. Peake: I have made a very full statement on the subject. Of course, constitutionally, the Home Office do not exercise any control over learned Recorders.

  MOTOR HEADLAMPS
  Mr. Brookeasked the Home Secretary whether, in the interests of road safety, he will eliminate from the roads the large number of motor-cars with ill-adjusted headlamp masks which dazzle other road users by throwing a beam above the horizontal?
  Miss Wilkinson: Headlamps which cast a beam above the horizontal when the vehicle is standing on a level surface are illegal under the Lighting (Restrictions) Order, 1940, and the police make every effort to enforce the law in this respect.
  Mr. Brooke: If the hon. Lady maintains that the police make every effort to enforce this Regulation, will she go and look in any main street of London after blackout and see how unsuccessful the police at the moment are being?
  Sir A. Southby: Why do you not go together?

  FILM CENSORSHIP
  Sir W. Smithersasked the Home Secretary who appoints the film censor and what qualifications are required?
  Mr. Peake: The censorship of films is undertaken by the British Board of Film Censors. The Board was set up many years ago by agreement within the cinematograph industry which appoints the President. The present President is Lord Tyrrell, who, I understand, satisfies himself as to the qualifications of the four examiners responsible for examining the films under his general direction.
  Sir W. Smithers: While thanking the Under-Secretary for that reply, the whole of which I could not hear, is it not a fact that the Film Controller is in reality more or less the nominee of the film industry, and will he take steps to get the film control under more independent persons?
  Mr. Peake: The present system has existed now for a great number of years and has operated, I think, to the general satisfaction of all parties.

  MERCHANT NAVY

    Sickness Payments
    Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether any recent consideration has been given to the position of sailors of the Merchant Service, who, leaving the pool for reason of sickness, are solely dependent on national health benefit, with the result that, in some cases, there is inconvenience and in others hardship to the dependants?
    The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker): In 1941 the National Maritime Board decided that as from 1st January,. 1942, officers and seamen of the Merchant Navy who fell sick and were left in overseas ports, should continue to be paid by their employers. Since that date, such officers and seamen have continued to-receive their basic wages and their differential money while they are abroad. Payments are made for periods up to, but not exceeding, twelve weeks. Officers who are sick and away from duty in the United Kingdom receive their pool pay for periods up to eight weeks. Seamen who are sick in the united Kingdom are entitled to sickness benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts. If an officer or man suffers from an organic disease which is attributable to a normal risk of seafaring life, and if this risk has been substantially increased by war conditions, he may be granted a disability allowance by the Ministry of Pensions under the provisions of the Pensions (Mercantile Marine) Act, 1942.
    Mr. White: Having regard to the fact that National Health Insurance benefit is quite inadequate to meet the needs of dependants of sailors and that there is no

    2267
    machinery for putting them m touch with other possible sources of help, will the hon. Gentleman look into this matter again?
    Mr. Noel-Baker: The National Union of Seamen, of course, negotiated the agreement. I will look into the point which the hon. Member mentions.
    Captain Godfrey Nicholson: Many seamen are having to apply for public assistance through causes which are frequently due to their war service, and who do not qualify for a pension. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware there is a great feeling of dissatisfaction about this?
    Mr. Noel-Baker: I hope that most of the cases in the latter category of which the hon. and gallant Member speaks are dealt with by the Act passed this year. If he will give me any specific cases of seamen drawing public assistance, I will look into the matter.

    Survivors, Alexandria
    Mr. Shinwellasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can give any explanation as to why the administrative offices of the Ministry of War Transport in Alexandria were evacuated towards the end of June of this year; and whether any survivors from merchant vessels arrived at the offices but could not obtain assistance owing to the absence of the principal officials?
    Mr. Noel-Baker: The staff re-arrangements to which my hon. Friend refers did not affect the position of survivors from shipwreck, since the proper authority at Alexandria for providing for the needs of shipwrecked seamen is His Majesty's Consul-General, who, with his staff, remained at Alexandria throughout the summer.
    Mr. Shinwell: Is my hon. Friend aware that when these survivors from certain merchant vessels arrived at Alexandria they could not find anyone to deal with their special case, and had then to proceed to Cairo?
    Mr. Noel-Baker: I cannot understand why they could find no one, because the Consul-General was there with all his staff.
    Mr. Shinwell: Is it not true that there was only one person present at that time?
    Mr. Noel-Baker: No, it is not at all true.

  PACKAGES FOR SHIPMENT (MARKING).
  Mr. Shinwellasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether the inquiry into the allegation regarding labels on cargoes intended for various theatres of war has been completed; whether the findings of the inquiry will be published; and whether pending the result of the inquiry cargoes are still being labelled with the port of destination?
  Sir Adam Maitlandasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether the examination into the question of the marking of goods destined for shipment in convoys has been completed; and whether he is able to assure the House that suitable action has been taken to avoid leakage of information?
  Mr. Noel-Baker: The investigation has not yet been completed, and until the findings have been received and considered, my Noble Friend does not intend to change the present practice which I described in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Middlesbrough (Mr. A. Edwards) on 22nd October. The investigation is confidential and the findings will not be published.
  Mr. Shinwell: Will my hon. Friend give some attention to the labelling of packages taken on board at Port Said, destined for Malta?
  Mr. Noel-Baker: I will certainly give attention to any evidence my hon. Friend submits to me, but I do not want it to be understood that I agree that the present practice involves any avoidable risk to the security of our convoys, and I have not yet received any evidence which supports that view.
  Colonel Arthur Evans: Is the practice of labelling deck cargo for its port of destination being discontinued?
  Mr. Noel-Baker: Not to my knowledge. No change is being made in the present practice until the investigation is completed.
  Mr. Shinwell: Is my hon. Friend not aware that practically all shipowners are against the Ministry of War Transport in this matter, and have submitted heaps of evidence of which the Ministry have taken no notice?
  Mr. Noel-Baker: I am not at all aware of what my hon. Friend says. I am not aware of any evidence which goes to prove the point which he is trying to make. I venture to suggest that the success of our convoys to Madagascar and Morocco proves that the present system works pretty well.
  Mr. A. Edwards: Is the Parliamentary Secretary seriously saying that he can discount the evidence which I have submitted to him?
  Mr. Noel-Baker: I do not think the evidence which my hon. Friend has sent to me proves that the present practice involves an avoidable risk to the security of our convoys.
  Sir A. Maitland: Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that lorries have been seen in the middle of England carrying packages giving the name of the ship and the destination? I myself have had that experience, and I am certain that other hon. Members have had the same. I am horrified that the Parliamentary Secretary says that there is to be no change in the present practice.
  Mr. Noel-Baker: Of course, I am aware that these things are seen, and, of course, it is common knowledge that war materials are being sent by convoys to many destinations throughout the world. The question is whether the present practice gives away the position of the convoy, the date of sailing, or the route it will follow, and there is no evidence to show that that is true.
  Colonel Evans: What is the objection to a code letter or number being used instead of the actual name of the port of destination?
  Mr. Noel-Baker: Code labels are used for such destinations as Madagascar and Morocco, and have been used with great success, but if they are used generally, it is believed by my Department that the whole transport system would go into confusion.

  NATIONAL EXPENDITURE
  Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-first Reports from the Select Committee brought up, and read; to lie upon the Table, and to be printed. [No. 122, No. 123, No. 124 and No. 125.]
  Minutes of Proceedings to be printed, [No. 126.]

  PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
  Second Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, with Minutes of Evidence and Appendices, brought up, and read; to lie upon the Table, and to be printed. [No. 127.]
PROROGATION

  HIS MAJESTY'S MOST GRACIOUS SPEECH
  Message to attend the Lords Commissioners.
  The House went; and, having returned——
  Mr. Speaker(standing in the Clerk's place at the Table): I have to acquaint the House that the House has been to the House of Peers, where a Commission under the Great Seal was read. The LORD CHANCELLOR, being one of the Lords Commissioners, delivered His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, in pursuance of His Majesty's Commands, as followeth:
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons
  During the past year the forces fighting for honour and freedom throughout the world have gained a most notable accession of strength. Japan's treacherous and unprovoked assault has spread the conflict of war throughout the Eastern Hemisphere; and has brought fresh danger to My peoples in Asia and in the Pacific. But this extension of the war has brought to our side, as comrades in arms, the united States of America, who had already long sustained the Allied Cause by their sympathy and material aid, and has also brought Me into a close alliance with the Republic of China, which has so long and so gallantly resisted the aggression of Japan.
  I welcome too as Allies in the great battle for freedom those other American Republics which have joined the United Nations, and I am gratified that yet others have severed their diplomatic relations with the enemy Powers.
  I share to the full the admiration of My people for the glorious feats of arms of the Soviet forces. In the defence of Stalingrad, which has been a hard blow struck at our enemies, a new chapter of heroism has been written in the annals of war. My Government and My people are determined to do their utmost to assist our Russian Allies, both by the supply of materials of war and by offensive action against the common foe.
  On New Year's Day 1942 My Government signed a Joint Declaration
  2326
  endorsing the principles embodied in the Atlantic Charter and pledged themselves to devote, in common with their Allies, their full resources to the defeat of the Axis Powers. To-day a great company of nations are united in their determination to win victory; and their support gives to Me and to My people fresh encouragement in the struggle in which we have been engaged for more than three years.
  The relations between My peoples and those of the United States of America are becoming ever closer. Since this Parliament was opened, My Prime Minister in the united Kingdom has twice crossed the Atlantic to visit Washington and Ottawa, and the generous welcome extended to him, both in Canada and by the President and the people of the United States of America, has afforded Me and My people the greatest pleasure. The work of the Combined Staff and the Combined Boards established in Washington and London has already gone far to perfect the mutual assistance between the two countries and to make more effective the organisation of our common offensive against the enemy.
  We have enjoyed with profound satisfaction the privilege of welcoming Mrs. Roosevelt among us. I welcome, too, the presence in this country in such large numbers of the soldiers, sailors and airmen of our American Allies, a happy augury of the great offensive strength which they are building up in their own country.
  On the 26th May I concluded with the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics a new Treaty of Alliance in the war against Hitlerite Germany and her associates in Europe. This Treaty also provides for post-war collaboration with the Soviet Union and for mutual assistance against aggression.
  The welcome visit of the Soviet People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs to this country and to the United States of America, following on the visit of My Foreign Secretary to Moscow, together with the visit of My Prime Minister of the United Kingdom accompanied by a special envoy of President Roosevelt to Mr. Stalin in August last, provided an opportunity for far-reaching discussions on the general conduct of the war by the three Allies.
  My Government in the United Kingdom have offered to the Chinese Government a Treaty for the relinquishment of extra-territorial jurisdiction in China. The close collaboration of the Government of the United States of America in this matter will be a source of special satisfaction to My people. The offer of this Treaty is an earnest of the close and equal collaboration which I am confident will regulate My relations with My valued Chinese Ally in the future. I am glad that in these difficult times for the Chinese people you have been able to send a delegation of your members to Chungking to assure them of the goodwill and determined support which My peoples will always give them.
  It has been a great pleasure to me to welcome to this country My Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa. His participation at this time in the discussions and decisions of My Government here will prove of great value. Many other of My Ministers and counsellors have also come to this country during the year from My Dominions and from India for the purpose of conferring with My Government here. The cordial friendship existing between all My Governments has been a great factor in forwarding the war effort of all My people.
  My Government in the United Kingdom have declared to the Princes and peoples of India their desire to see India assume full freedom and independence within the British Commonwealth of Nations on the basis of a Constitution framed by Indians themselves immediately after the termination of hostilities. In the meantime, representative Indian political leaders were invited to co-operate fully in the government of their country and in the prosecution of the war. I regret profoundly that hitherto they have not been willing to accept this offer. I sincerely hope that wiser counsels may prevail, and that a speedy and successful solution to these difficulties may be brought about through a wider measure of agreement amongst the Indian peoples themselves.
  All My peoples have met with courage and endurance the increasing calls upon their services both for the
  2328
  armed forces and for the great production industries. Particularly remarkable during the last year has been the response of the great numbers of women who have entered the Services and civil employment and who in both spheres have shown a high degree of skill and devotion in their work.
  The extension of the war to the Far East created fresh and grave problems of profound concern to My peoples in Australia and New Zealand, as well as to the whole of my Indian Empire. At the outset heavy reverses were sustained by the Allies. I have watched with increasing confidence the steady growth of the Allied strength and the resumption of the offensive by United States and Australian forces.
  I have followed with a sympathy and admiration which I know is shared by my peoples throughout the Common-wealth the magnificent fortitude shown by the Island of Malta in resisting the strongest attacks which the enemy could bring to bear upon it. I was happy to award the George Cross to this gallant Island which, by its long continued bravery and resistance, has played so noble a part in the battles of the Middle East.
  My Navy has been compelled by the extension of the war and the growth of the U-boat and air menace to shipping, to extend its protection over an ever-widening area of the oceans. Aided by its auxiliaries and by the fishing fleet, it has succeeded, thanks to the bravery and endurance of My officers and men, in what might well have seemed an impossible task. My gallant merchant seamen and the merchant seamen of the United Nations have shown steadfast courage and determination in maintaining a flow of supplies through all the perils of sea and air to our Soviet Allies, to our forces in the Mediterranean and to other theatres of war, while at the same time maintaining the essential supplies of food and raw materials to this country.
  The Eighth Army in the Middle East, with the devoted support of units of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, has dealt a crushing blow at the Axis forces in the Western Desert. This famous victory, in which forces of the Dominions, of India and of the

  2329
  Allies have all played a notable part, is now driving the enemy from Egypt. In conjunction with these operations, powerful united States and British forces, under United States command, supported by units of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, have landed in French North Africa in order to forestall an enemy occupation of these territories and to preserve them for France.
  Throughout the year the training and preparation of My Army has gone forward. Those officers and men who are compelled to remain in this country are playing an important rôle both in our defence and in the preparation for attack. Upon them and upon their high morale we shall depend for our victory in the future.
  My Indian Army is growing in strength month by month, and has displayed its historic valour upon many fields of battle. We are proud that more than a million men have already voluntarily engaged in our Indian land, sea and air forces; and we place our full confidence in their courage and fortitude in the days of struggle that lie before them.
  My Air Force has added fresh achievements to its already famous record. It dominates the air over this Island and over the North of France. In every encounter it has proved its ascendancy over our enemies. In close co-operation with My Navy and My Army it has taken an increasing part in our campaigns, both by sea and by land in all theatres of war. Over Malta and Egypt it has inflicted heavy defeats on the air forces of the enemy; and it has carried the offensive with ever-increasing weight and strength into Germany and Italy, devastating their factories and disrupting their transport.
  The strength of My Armed Forces in the Dominions is continually increasing, and they have shown by sea, land and air their courage and resolution in the face of the common enemy.
  In their encounters with the enemy, My Navy, Army and Air Force have fought side by side with the Allied Forces; both those of the United States, now gathering in strength month by month, and those of My other Allies, undaunted by the overrunning of their homelands.
  In those countries now occupied by the enemy Powers and subjected to every form of oppression, starvation and savagery, the ever-growing tide of resistance brings courage and inspiration to all who are determined to see freedom established in the world. It is the firm and unchangeable purpose of My peoples and of our Allies, not only to defend the cause of freedom wherever it may be attacked, but to carry the war into enemy territory so that we may liberate as speedily as lies in our power those countries and peoples now under a hateful domination.
  You have carried on your task through times of difficulty and of stress as Members of a free Parliament and, by your unswerving determination to maintain those free institutions which have been built up in this our country, you have given an example to all the world of the value and strength of our Democracy.
  Members of the House of Commons:
  I thank you for the provision that you have made towards the cost of the war. The enormous expenditure which is necessary to carry the war to a successful conclusion continues to be met by the efforts of My people both by way of taxation and by their readiness to put their savings at the disposal of the State.
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  Once again, thanks to the great efforts of the whole agricultural community and of our seamen, the food supplies essential for My people have been assured.
  My assent has been given to an Act making possible an increased degree of mobilisation of the man and woman power of the country. Almost the entire man and woman power of our country is now mobilised, and we must, rely upon the constant and continuous drive for efficiency and economy in manpower and material to increase the production of arms and supplies which are essential if My Armed Forces are to be victorious over the enemy.
  I, with you, thank Almighty God for having brought us through this year of peril and anxiety, and I pray that His Blessing may attend you at all times.
  Then a Commission for Proroguing the Parliament was read in the House of Lords.
  After which the LORD CHANCELLOR said:
  "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  By virtue of His Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in His Majesty's Name and in obedience to His Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Wednesday, the Eleventh day of November, One thousand nine hundred and forty-two, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued until
  2332
  Wednesday, the Eleventh day of November, One thousand nine hundred and forty-two."
  Mr. Speaker: Seeing that we shall meet again in so short a time, I propose to dispense on this occasion with the ordinary custom of shaking hands with every Member, and I bid you farewell until our next meeting, with every good wish.
  End of the Seventh Session (opened 12th November, 1941) of the Thirty-Seventh Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in the Sixth Year of the Reign of His Majesty King George the Sixth.

  ALCOHOL (DISTILLATION PLANTS)
  ALCOHOL (DISTILLATION PLANTS)
FOOD SUPPLIES
  Food Control Committee, Portsmouth
  Food Control Committee, Portsmouth
  Fish Distribution Scheme
  Fish Distribution Scheme
  Potatoes
  Potatoes
  Marketing Boards (Constitution)
  Marketing Boards (Constitution)
  Flour (Wheat Germ)
  Flour (Wheat Germ)
  Confectionery
  Confectionery
  Eggs
  Eggs
  Divisional Food Offices (Staffs)
  Divisional Food Offices (Staffs)
  Turkeys (Christmas Trade)
  Turkeys (Christmas Trade)
  Feeding Stuffs (Horses)
  Feeding Stuffs (Horses)
  Household Store (Inquiry)
  Household Store (Inquiry)
  Milk
  Milk
  MILITARY SERVICE (POLICEMEN)
  MILITARY SERVICE (POLICEMEN)
PUBLIC HEALTH
  Medical School (Women Students)
  Medical School (Women Students)
  Nursing Profession (Inquiry)
  Nursing Profession (Inquiry)
  Water Supply, London
  Water Supply, London
  Nurses (Tuberculosis)
  Nurses (Tuberculosis)
  Diphtheria Immunisation
  Diphtheria Immunisation
  Overcrowding (County Durham)
  Overcrowding (County Durham)
  Offices (Heating)
  Offices (Heating)
  RATING (DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE'S REPORT)
  RATING (DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE'S REPORT)
CIVIL DEFENCE
  Regional Offices (Staffs)
  Regional Offices (Staffs)
  National Fire Service (Blanket Issue)
  National Fire Service (Blanket Issue)
  Discharged Personnel (Employment)
  Discharged Personnel (Employment)
  Conscientious Objectors (Prosecutions)
  Conscientious Objectors (Prosecutions)
  Detainees
  Detainees
  Regional Transport Commissioners
  Regional Transport Commissioners
  Householders (Inquiries)
  Householders (Inquiries)
  HOUSING (RURAL WORKERS)
  HOUSING (RURAL WORKERS)
  BOMBED AREAS (SALVED FURNITURE)
  BOMBED AREAS (SALVED FURNITURE)
  ETHIOPIA (ARTICLE)
  ETHIOPIA (ARTICLE)
  ARMED FORCES (PARLIAMENTARY FRANCHISE)
  ARMED FORCES (PARLIAMENTARY FRANCHISE)
TRADE AND COMMERCE
  Pottery
  Pottery
  Towels and Teacloths
  Towels and Teacloths
  Clothes Rationing
  Clothes Rationing
  War Damage Insurance (Forms)
  War Damage Insurance (Forms)
INDIA
  Services (Racial Composition)
  Services (Racial Composition)
  Viceroy's Executive Council
  Viceroy's Executive Council
  Central Legislative Assembly (Etectorate)
  Central Legislative Assembly (Etectorate)
  Provincial Legislatures (Electorate)
  Provincial Legislatures (Electorate)
  UNITED STATES (SIR GEORGE GATER'S VISIT)
  UNITED STATES (SIR GEORGE GATER'S VISIT)
  KENYA AND NIGERIA (COMPULSORY LABOUR)
  KENYA AND NIGERIA (COMPULSORY LABOUR)
JAMAICA
  Detentions
  Detentions
  Economic Conditions
  Economic Conditions
AGRICULTURE
  Coal Outcropping (Lost Acreage)
  Coal Outcropping (Lost Acreage)
  Horticultural (Cropping) Order
  Horticultural (Cropping) Order
POST OFFICE
  Christmas Work (Schoolchildren)
  Christmas Work (Schoolchildren)
  Telephone Directories, Pudsey
  Telephone Directories, Pudsey
BRITISH ARMY
  Band Performances
  Band Performances
  Home Commands (Officers' Messes)
  Home Commands (Officers' Messes)
  Peat Fuel
  Peat Fuel
  E.N.S.A. Performances
  E.N.S.A. Performances
  Embarkation Leave
  Embarkation Leave
  Palestine Regiment
  Palestine Regiment
  Auxiliary Territorial Service (Austrians)
  Auxiliary Territorial Service (Austrians)
  U.S.A. TROOPS (RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT)
  U.S.A. TROOPS (RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT)
  HOUSING REPAIRS (COST)
  HOUSING REPAIRS (COST)
NATIONAL WAR EFFORT
  Moblie Women Workers, Scotland.
  Moblie Women Workers, Scotland.
  Shipbuilding Yards (Absenteeism)
  Shipbuilding Yards (Absenteeism)
  BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION (APPOINTMENTS)
  BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION (APPOINTMENTS)
  ACCIDENT, CHESSINGTON
  ACCIDENT, CHESSINGTON
  CHANNEL ISLANDS
  CHANNEL ISLANDS
  ARMED FORCES (PENSIONS AND GRANTS)
  ARMED FORCES (PENSIONS AND GRANTS)
  RAILINGS REMOVAL (FAVERSHAM)
  RAILINGS REMOVAL (FAVERSHAM)
  GOVERNMENT OFFICES (CANTEENS)
  GOVERNMENT OFFICES (CANTEENS)
FUEL AND POWER
  Coal Production
  Coal Production
  Coal Stack, Solihull
  Coal Stack, Solihull
  Regional Controllers
  Regional Controllers
  Coal Industry (Recruitment of Juveniles)
  Coal Industry (Recruitment of Juveniles)
  OMNIBUSES (TRAILERS)
  OMNIBUSES (TRAILERS)
  TRAM ROUTE, STANNINGLEY
  TRAM ROUTE, STANNINGLEY
  CHEAP TRAVEL
  CHEAP TRAVEL
  ROAD DIRECTION SIGNS
  ROAD DIRECTION SIGNS
  ROAD HAULAGE SCHEME
  ROAD HAULAGE SCHEME
  OMNIBUS SERVICES, NORTH MIDLANDS
  OMNIBUS SERVICES, NORTH MIDLANDS
  PROPAGANDA VANS (PETROL)
  PROPAGANDA VANS (PETROL)
  RAILWAY FARES (MANCHESTER AND ALTRINGHAM)
  RAILWAY FARES (MANCHESTER AND ALTRINGHAM)
  TRAFFIC LIGHTS
  TRAFFIC LIGHTS
  OMNIBUS FARES, RENFREWSHIRE
  OMNIBUS FARES, RENFREWSHIRE
ROYAL NAVY
  Personnel (Privileges)
  Personnel (Privileges)
  Royal Dockyard Apprenticeships
  Royal Dockyard Apprenticeships
  INLAND WATERWAYS (POWER-DRIVEN BARGES)
  INLAND WATERWAYS (POWER-DRIVEN BARGES)
ROYAL AIR FORCE
  Raids on Germany
  Raids on Germany
  Ambulance Aircraft
  Ambulance Aircraft
  Efficiency Award (Reserve of Officers)
  Efficiency Award (Reserve of Officers)
  Fuel Supplies (Peat)
  Fuel Supplies (Peat)
  MERCHANT SHIPPING LOSSES
  MERCHANT SHIPPING LOSSES
  OFFICIAL INQUIRIES (REPORTS)
  OFFICIAL INQUIRIES (REPORTS)
  STATUTE OF WESTMINSTER (ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION)
  STATUTE OF WESTMINSTER (ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION)
  AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION (SIR ROY FEDDEN)
  AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION (SIR ROY FEDDEN)
  BRITISH INFORMATION SERVICE, UNITED STATES
  BRITISH INFORMATION SERVICE, UNITED STATES
MINISTRY OF SUPPLY
  Tyre-Casing Collection
  Tyre-Casing Collection
  Scrap Wrought-Iron
  Scrap Wrought-Iron
  POST-WAR REORGANISATION, SCOTLAND
  POST-WAR REORGANISATION, SCOTLAND
  STANLEY INTERNMENT CAMP, HONG KONG
  STANLEY INTERNMENT CAMP, HONG KONG
  RUSSIA (MEDICAL SUPPLIES)
  RUSSIA (MEDICAL SUPPLIES)
  BRITISH SUBJECTS OVERSEAS (WAR LOSSES)
  BRITISH SUBJECTS OVERSEAS (WAR LOSSES)
  CHINA (DRAFT TREATY)
  CHINA (DRAFT TREATY)
NATIONAL FINANCE
  Income Tax (Lands and Buildings)
  Income Tax (Lands and Buildings)
  Excess Profits Tax
  Excess Profits Tax
  Post-War Credits
  Post-War Credits
  UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
  UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
  BLACK-OUT (ROBBERIES AND ASSAULTS, LONDON)
  BLACK-OUT (ROBBERIES AND ASSAULTS, LONDON)
  PRISONERS (ARTIFICIAL FEEDING)
  PRISONERS (ARTIFICIAL FEEDING)
  COMMAND PAPER 6162
  COMMAND PAPER 6162
  BUERGER'S DISEASE
  BUERGER'S DISEASE
Preamble
The House met, The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.

REBUILDING OF MALTA.
THE EARL OF MUNSTER: My Lords, I beg to ask my noble friend who leads this House a question of which I have given him private notice—namely, what assistance do His Majesty's Government propose to afford to the Government and people of Malta in meeting the heavy cost of repairing and restoring the severe damage suffered by that island in the air attacks upon it?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (VISCOUNT CRANBORNE): My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Earl for putting this question to me. As the House will appreciate, the repair of the heavy war damage inflicted by the enemy on Malta is clearly a task which would be beyond the unaided financial resources of the Government of Malta and the property owners within any reasonable post-war period. I think there will be general agreement that the outstanding gallantry shown by the people of Malta in the face of enemy attacks of unprecedented length and severity, calls for some special recognition. In view, therefore, of the unique position of Malta and of the extraordinary sufferings which it has so gallantly undergone, His Majesty's Government propose to seek the approval of Parliament for a free gift of £10,000,000 to the Government of Malta, to be used for the purposes of the restoration of war damage and the rebuilding of Malta after the war. They propose that this sum should be paid in the first place to Trustees to be nominated, who will make the money available to the Government of Malta as and when required.
The gift will be available for meeting liabilities under legislation which, with the approval of His Majesty's Government, the Government of Malta have put before the Council of Government, providing for schemes of compensation for war damage to property on lines generally similar to those in this country, as well as any other expenses incidental to post-war
818
rebuilding. If the actual expenditure under those heads falls short of the total voted, the balance will be applied to other purposes beneficial to Malta after the war. If, on the other hand, the total liability of the Government of Malta for compensation and rebuilding, after allowing for contributions from property owners, exceeds the sum of £10,000,000, His Majesty's Government will be prepared to make available such further sums as may be required to meet liabilities which are found, in the circumstances as existing after the war, to be beyond the capacity of the Government of Malta to meet from its own resources, having regard to all other calls upon these resources at that time. A Vote will be submitted to Parliament for this purpose as soon as possible.
THE EARL OF MUNSTER: My Lords, perhaps the House will permit me to make a very brief observation on the statement which has been made by my noble friend. Having recently returned temporarily from that island, I know full well how deeply grateful the people of Malta will be for the generous contribution which His Majesty's Government have seen fit to make to assist in the rebuilding of the towns and villages of that island. The courage and the heroism of this island people, "these triumphant sons of truest blue," as Lord Byron so well expressed it, have earned the regard of the British Empire and indeed of the whole civilized world.

PROROGATION: HIS MAJESTY'S SPEECH.
And afterwards His Majesty's most gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the Lord Chancellor (in pursuance of His Majesty's Command) as followeth:
"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,
"During the past year the forces fighting for honour and freedom throughout the world have gained a most notable accession of strength. Japan's treacherous and unprovoked assault has spread the conflict of war throughout the Eastern Hemisphere; and has brought fresh danger to My peoples in Asia and in the Pacific. But this extension of the war has brought to our side, as comrades in arms, the United States of America,

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who had already long sustained the Allied Cause by their sympathy and material aid, and has also brought Me into a close alliance with the Republic of China, which has so long and so gallantly resisted the aggression of Japan.
"I welcome too as Allies in the great battle for freedom those other American Republics which have joined the United Nations, and I am gratified that yet others have severed their diplomatic relations with the enemy Powers.
"I share to the full the admiration of My people for the glorious feats of arms of the Soviet Forces. In the defence of Stalingrad,. which has been a hard blow struck at our enemies, a new chapter of heroism has been written in the annals of war. My Government and My people are determined to do their utmost to assist our Russian Allies, both by the supply of materials of war and by offensive action against the common foe.
"On New Year's Day, 1942, My Government signed a Joint Declaration endorsing the principles embodied in the Atlantic Charter and pledged themselves to devote, in common with their Allies, their full resources to the defeat of the Axis Powers. To-day a great company of nations are united in their determination to win victory; and their support gives to Me and to My people fresh encouragement in the struggle in which we have been engaged for more than three years.
"The relations between My peoples and those of the United States of America are becoming ever closer. Since this Parliament was opened, My Prime Minister in the United Kingdom has twice crossed the Atlantic to visit Washington and Ottawa, and the generous welcome extended to him both in Canada and by the President and the people of the United States of America has afforded Me and My people the greatest pleasure. The work of the Combined Staff and the Combined Boards established in Washington and London has already gone far to perfect mutual assistance between the two countries and to make more effective the organization of our common offensive against the enemy.
"We have enjoyed with profound satisfaction the privilege of welcoming
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Mrs. Roosevelt among us. I welcome, too, the presence in this country in such large numbers of the soldiers, sailors and airmen of our American Allies, a happy augury of the great offensive strength which they are building up in their own country.
"On the 26th May I concluded with the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics a new Treaty of Alliance in the war against Hitlerite Germany and her associates in Europe. This Treaty also provides for post-war collaboration with the Soviet Union and for mutual assistance against aggression.
"The welcome visit of the Soviet People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs to this country and to the United States of America, following on the visit of My Foreign Secretary to Moscow, together with the visit of My Prime Minister of the United Kingdom accompanied by a special envoy of President Roosevelt to Mr. Stalin in August last, provided an opportunity for far-reaching discussions on the general conduct of the war by the three Allies.
"My Government in the United Kingdom have offered to the Chinese Government a Treaty for the relinquishment of extra-territorial jurisdiction in China. The close collaboration of the Government of the United States of America in this matter will be a source of special satisfaction to My people. The offer of this Treaty is an earnest of the close and equal collaboration which I am confident will regulate My relations with My valued Chinese Ally in the future. I am glad that in these difficult times for the Chinese people you have been able to send a delegation of your members to Chungking to assure them of the good will and determined support which My peoples will always give them.
"It has been a great pleasure to me to welcome to this country My Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa. His participation at this time in the discussions and decisions of My Government here will prove of great value. Many other of My Ministers and counsellors have also come to this country during the year from My Dominions and from India for the purpose of conferring with My Government here. The cordial friendship existing between all

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My Governments has been a great factor in forwarding the war effort of all My people.
"My Government in the United Kingdom have declared to the Princes and peoples of India their desire to see India assume full freedom and independence within the British Commonwealth of Nations on the basis of a Constitution framed by Indians themselves immediately after the termination of hostilities. In the meantime, representative Indian political leaders were invited to co-operate fully in the government of their country and in the prosecution of the war. I regret profoundly that hitherto they have not been willing to accept this offer. I sincerely hope that wiser counsels may prevail, and that a speedy and successful solution to these difficulties may be brought about through a wider measure of agreement amongst the Indian peoples themselves.
"All My peoples have met with courage and endurance the increasing calls upon their services both for the Armed Forces and for the great production industries. Particularly remarkable during the last year has been the response of the great numbers of women who have entered the Services and civil employment and who in both spheres have shown a high degree of skill and devotion in their work.
"The extension of the war to the Far East created fresh and grave problems of profound concern to My peoples in Australia and New Zealand, as well as to the whole of My Indian Empire. At the outset heavy reverses were sustained by the Allies. I have watched with increasing confidence the steady growth of the Allied strength and the resumption of the offensive by United States and Australian Forces.
"I have followed with a sympathy and admiration which I know is shared by My peoples throughout the Commonwealth the magnificent fortitude shown by the Island of Malta in resisting the strongest attacks which the enemy could bring to bear upon it. I was happy to award the George Cross to this gallant Island which, by its long continued bravery and resistance, has played so noble a part in the battles of the Middle East.
"My Navy has been compelled by the extension of the war and the growth of the U-boat and air menace to shipping, to extend its protection over an ever-widening area of the oceans. Aided by its auxiliaries and by the fishing fleet, it has succeeded, thanks to the bravery and endurance of My officers and men, in what might well have seemed an impossible task. My gallant merchant seamen and the merchant seamen of the United Nations have shown steadfast courage and determination in maintaining a flow of supplies through all the perils of sea and air to our Soviet Allies, to our Forces in the Mediterranean and to other theatres of war, while at the same time maintaining the essential supplies of food and raw materials to this country.
"The Eighth Army in the Middle East, with the devoted support of units of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, has dealt a crushing blow at the Axis Forces in the Western Desert. This famous victory, in which Forces of the Dominions, of India and of the Allies have all played a notable part, is now driving the enemy from Egypt. In conjunction with these operations, powerful United States and British Forces, under United States command, supported by units of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, have landed in French North Africa in order to forestall an enemy occupation of these territories and to preserve them for France.
"Throughout the year the training and preparation of My Army has gone forward. Those officers and men who are compelled to remain in this country are playing an important rôle both in our defence and in the preparation for attack. Upon them and upon their high morale we shall depend for our victory in the future.
"My Indian Army is growing in strength month by month, and has displayed its historic valour upon many fields of battle. We are proud that more than a million men have already voluntarily engaged in our Indian land, sea and air Forces; and we place our full confidence in their courage and fortitude in the days of struggle that lie before them.
"My Air Force has added fresh achievements to its already famous record. It dominates the air over this

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Island and over the North of France. In every encounter it has proved its ascendancy over our enemies. In close co-operation with My Navy and My Army it has taken an increasing part in our campaigns, both by sea and by land in all theatres of war. Over Malta and Egypt it has inflicted heavy defeats on the Air Forces of the enemy; and it has carried the offensive with ever-increasing weight and strength into Germany and Italy, devastating their factories and disrupting their transport.
"The strength of My Armed Forces in the Dominions is continually increasing, and they have shown by sea, land and air their courage and resolution in the face of the common enemy.
"In their encounters with the enemy, My Navy, Army and Air Force have fought side by side with the Allied Forces; both those of the United States, now gathering in strength month by month, and those of My other Allies, undaunted by the overrunning of their homelands.
"In those countries now occupied by the enemy Powers and subjected to every form of oppression, starvation and savagery, the ever-growing tide of resistance brings courage and inspiration to all who are determined to see freedom established in the world. It is the firm and unchangeable purpose of My peoples and of our Allies, not only to defend the cause of freedom wherever it may be attacked, but to carry the war into enemy territory so that we may liberate as speedily as lies in our power those countries and peoples now under a hateful domination.
"You have carried on your task through times of difficulty and of stress as Members of a free Parliament and, by your unswerving determination to maintain those free institutions which have been built up in this our country, you have given an example to all the world of the value and strength of our Democracy.
"Members of the House of Commons,"
"I thank you for the provision that you have made towards the cost of the
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war. The enormous expenditure which is necessary to carry the war to a successful conclusion continues to be met by the efforts of My people both by way of taxation and by their readiness to put their savings at the disposal of the State.
"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,
"Once again, thanks to the great efforts of the whole agricultural community and of our seamen, the food supplies essential for My people have been assured.
"My assent has been given to an Act making possible an increased degree of mobilization of the man and woman power of the country. Almost the entire man and woman power of our country is now mobilized, and we must rely upon the constant and continuous drive for efficiency and economy in man-power and material to increase the production of arms and supplies which are essential if My Armed Forces are to be victorious over the enemy.
"I, with you, thank Almighty God for having brought us through this year of peril and anxiety, and I pray that His Blessing may attend you at all times."
After which the LORD CHANCELLOR said:
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, by virtue of His Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed we do, in His Majesty's name and in obedience to His Commands, prorogue this Parliament to the day in the said Commission mentioned, to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to the said day in the said Commission mentioned.
End of the Seventh Session of the Thirty-seventh Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the sixth year of the Reign of His Majesty King George VI.