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    <title>Sitting of 6 March 1941</title>
    <dateCreated>Thu, 06 Mar 1941 00:00:00 +0000</dateCreated>
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    <outline id='886211' text='[Mr. SPEAKER &lt;i&gt;in the Chair.&lt;/i&gt;]' title='Preamble' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/preamble'></outline>
    <outline id='886239' text='ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.'>
      <outline id='886241' text='NATIONAL WAR EFFORT.'>
        <outline id='886243' text='Sir Irving Alberyasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the labour shortage in some districts, whether the services of pensioners can be obtained through Employment Exchanges for the lighter forms of work; and what arrangements exist for insurance?&lt;br/&gt;The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin): I am endeavouring to get men who are registered at the Exchanges and who are by reason of age or other infirmity unfit for ordinary industrial employment placed in light work of which they are capable. I am not clear what insurance arrangements the hon. Member has in mind, and perhaps he will communicate with me.&lt;br/&gt;Sir I. Albery: Is it not a fact that these men would not be covered by National Health Insurance?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bevin: That would not make any difference as to putting them into employment.&lt;br/&gt;Sir I. Albery: Would it not make this difference, that many of the men might not be desirous of taking employment in those circumstances?' title='PENSIONERS.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/pensioners'></outline>
        <outline id='886246' text='Miss Rathboneasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the inadequate use now being made of the Supplementary Register, he will give further publicity to the scope of this Register, and will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the addresses of the various branches of the Register and the number of applicants&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;992&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;and vacancies registered, and of vacancies filled through the Register, distinguishing between male and female applicants and fillings?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bevin: The Supplementary Register is being used to an increasing extent by Government Departments and private employers, and I am not satisfied that there is any need for further publicity. The Supplementary Register is part of the Employment Exchange service, and vacancies of the kind dealt with by the Register may be notified to any local office of the Ministry. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement of the various offices at which the Supplementary Register is kept at present and the number of men and women registered in and placed by the Register as a whole. The number of vacancies notified to the Register cannot be ascertained without special inquiry.&lt;br/&gt;Miss Rathbone: Will the Minister consider whether through broadcasting more attention could not be drawn to the Supplementary Register, because many women and many employers of the type which the Supplementary Register is intended to serve do not know of its existence?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bevin:I have to be careful that I do not lead people who think they ought to have these special jobs into believing that the jobs are there for them. When the registration of women is actively dealt with, I shall treat everybody equally, and I prefer to deal with it at that stage.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Thorne: Would men and women who are not registered be entitled to write to the manager of the Employment Exchange to find out whether there is any employment for them?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bevin: Certainly. I wish they would.' title='SUPPLEMENTARY REGISTER.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/supplementary-register'></outline>
        <outline id='886249' text='Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the large numbers of young women who have left areas which have been subjected to enemy attack and who are now living in idleness in towns and villages in districts regarded as comparatively safe; whether steps can be taken to recruit these unemployed young women for munitions production; and whether he will use his powers to prevent&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0503"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;993&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;the demoralisation of those women who should be employed in the service of their country?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bevin: These women and girls, if previously in employment, are in general registered at the Employment Exchanges and my information is that the numbers remaining unemployed are quickly reduced by means of the arrangements made in that connection. Those who have not hitherto been wage earners present a more difficult problem and my hon. Friend perhaps has them principally in mind; I have asked them to register the offer of their services and if necessary such action will be supplemented in due course by registration orders.&lt;br/&gt;Sir P. Hannon: The women I have in mind are those referred to in the latter part of the Minister&apos;s reply. Will he take definite action in that direction?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bevin: Yes. I have already announced to the House recently the steps I propose to take, and the work preparatory to taking those steps is now going on.' title='UNEMPLOYED YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/unemployed-young-women-and-girls'></outline>
      </outline>
      <outline id='886252' text='Mr. Radfordasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the case of William Henry Charles Owers, of Dorchester, who was fined the maximum amount of &amp;#x00A3;5 at Dorchester, on 24th February, for failing to register under the Armed Forces Act, although it became his duty to do so in July last, on the grounds that he was a Fascist; and what further action has been taken to compel this individual to observe the law of the land?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bevin: I am aware of this case, in which the proceedings were taken on my instructions. Any necessary further action will be taken to require compliance with the law in this case.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Radford: As my Question has appeared in an abridged form, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware that this man said, "I am not going to give up my home and living for anyone; I am not going to be told what I shall do; I shall do as I please"? Is this man being dealt with appropriately?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bevin: I have nothing to add to my answer. We have to carry out the law.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Radford: Is the law complied with if a man is fined &amp;#x00A3;5 for his failure to carry out his duty? Is this individual going to get away merely by paying &amp;#x00A3;5?' title='MILITARY SERVICE (FAILURE TO REGISTER).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/military-service-failure-to-register'></outline>
      <outline id='886254' text='Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Labour how much it would cost the Public Assistance Board if they were to take charge of all the able-bodied unemployed who are now a heavy financial burden on the local rates?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bevin: I regret that the necessary data are not available for making an accurate estimate on this subject.' title='ABLE-BODIED UNEMPLOYED (COST).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/able-bodied-unemployed-cost'></outline>
      <outline id='886257' text='Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India how many Ministers or ex- Ministers of the Provincial Governments of India are now under arrest or serving sentences; and, of these, how many were Prime Ministers?&lt;br/&gt;The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery): Twenty-four ex-Ministers, including five ex-Premiers, are serving sentences and eight ex-Ministers including two ex-Premiers are under arrest.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Sorensen: Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that all these persons were democratically elected according to the franchise of India, and what steps does he intend to take in order to get rid of this serious reflection on our honour?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Amery: I am afraid that democratic election constitutes no exemption from the consequences of illegal actions.' title="INDIA (EX-MINISTERS' ARRESTS)." type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/india-ex-ministers-arrests'></outline>
      <outline id='886265' text='CIVIL DEFENCE.'>
        <outline id='886266' text='Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has studied the report of the Sheffield Emergency Committee on the working of its Civil Defence Services during recent raids; and whether he will take steps to implement certain of its recommendations for the rest of the country,&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0504"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;995&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;particularly in the direction of increasing the authorised strength of rescue parties, improving messenger services, decentralising stores of food and equipment, arranging mutual aid between neighbouring authorities for supplying cooked foods after raids and increasing the price allowed for the purchase of second-hand towing lorries in order to enable better quality vehicles to be obtained?&lt;br/&gt;The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison): I have studied this report with interest, and appropriate steps have been or are being taken to give effect to such of its recommendations as experience of the heavy raids on Sheffield or other towns has shown to be desirable.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Cocks: Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a limit placed upon the price that can be paid for lorries by local authorities?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: I could not go into the matter in detail without notice. There are difficulties about lorries. There is a shortage. I assure the hon. Member that I am very conscious of the advisability of doing all that I can about this.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Kenneth Lindsay: Will my right hon. Friend say in detail what the appropriate steps are? Is he aware that the scheme for utilising the whole of the teaching staff and the equipment at rest centres has proved very efficient in Sheffield? Is it being copied elsewhere?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: There is a number of towns where that is being done, including London.' title='ORGANISATION.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/organisation'></outline>
        <outline id='886271' text='Mr. Hamilton Kerrasked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to take any action with regard to the pay of fire watchers?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. H. Morrison: I am not in a position to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 20th February.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Kerr: Does my right hon. Friend intend to take further action in the matter?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: I am not in a position to do so at the moment, but consultations are proceeding, and this aspect of the matter is being watched.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Kerr: Can my right hon. Friend indicate some date when he will be able to give a decision on the subject?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: I will let the hon. Member know.&lt;br/&gt;Sir I. Albery: Does my right hon. Friend know that advertisements recently appeared in the Press offering services at &amp;#x00A3;1 per night?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: I have seen those advertisements, and I have indicated to the House that these excessive payments are a form of profiteering and are objectionable. I am anxious to do all that I can about this matter. It is a matter in which more than one Ministry might be involved.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ellis Smith(&lt;i&gt;by Private Notice&lt;/i&gt;) asked the Home Secretary what progress is being made with fire-prevention measures in residential areas and at business premises, and whether any particular difficulties have been experienced?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: Under Regulation 27B it is the responsibility of the local authorities, where the Regulation is applied, to arrange for the enrolment and organisation of fire bomb fighters in their areas elsewhere than on business premises. The Compulsory Enrolment Order gives them power to enrol men compulsorily for this purpose if enough volunteers do not come forward. It was hoped that in most areas voluntary recruitment would meet requirements, and sample figures which I have obtained show generally that there has been a splendid response. For example, in the London Civil Defence Region the numbers increased from about 200,000 at the end of December to just over 700,000 in the middle of February. In 43 towns selected at random from all over the country the numbers increased in the same period from about 190,000 to about 430,000. I am grateful to this great body of citizens who have answered my call to take part in this vital national service, and I am sure that the House will share my gratitude. In some areas compulsory enrolment is reported to be needed, and steps are being taken accordingly.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Business premises are governed by a separate Order&amp;#x2014;the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order. It is not yet practicable to give a clear picture here because of the diversity and number of&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0505"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;997&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;premises concerned. The information so far received by the appropriate authorities shows that, as a whole, satisfactory progress has been made. A number of cases have, however, come to light in which there have been misunderstandings of the effect of the Order or the Order has been wrongly operated. I should, therefore, take this opportunity of explaining that the Business Premises Order does of itself impose an obligation to give service at the place of work. This is vital national service in the true sense, and is not service in the interest of any individual occupier or owner. The Order provides specifically that before a scheme is framed there must be consultation between the occupier and representatives of the workers. This means real and effective consultation. Further, the Order provides for equality of service for all, the management as well as the men.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;It will be appreciated that with the intensification of incendiary attacks it was necessary to take further powers to strengthen the existing arrangements as a matter of great urgency, and there was not, there-lore, an opportunity for the full preliminary discussions which would otherwise have been desirable before the Business Premises Order was made. Arrangements have been made for my right hon. Friends the Lord President of the Council, the Minister of Labour and National Service, and the Secretary of State for Scotland, and me, to confer with representatives of the Trades Union Congress and of the employers&apos; organisations, and I am sure that this will help to secure the removal of such misapprehensions as exist on the points which I have mentioned, and will also assist on other important matters, such as facilities for refreshment and for sleeping provision for those members of the party who are not actually on watch. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will also undertake the appropriate consultations in Scotland.&lt;br/&gt;Sir I. Albery: With reference to many of the smaller businesses, in response to his urgent appeal for fire fighters, is the Minister aware that the scheme can be carried out only by employ&amp;#x00E9;s doing extra paid service, and that in many cases these firms will not be able to afford to continue such a procedure?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: I am aware that there are difficulties in the case of smaller firms.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;998&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;We are seeking, by promoting co-operation between the small firms, to solve the problem, and if it cannot be solved that way, we shall try to provide supplementary aid from the local authorities.&lt;br/&gt;Commander Sir Archibald Southby: With reference to the question of remuneration, will the Minister take steps to see that the remuneration for fire watching is not greatly in excess of the remuneration paid to the full-time members of the Auxiliary Fire Service?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison:I have already indicated to the House that I am not out of sympathy with that point. I do not like profiteering, from whatever quarter it may come. It is a difficult matter to deal with, but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that we shall continue to keep the matter in view.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Mander: Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that the directors of companies are expected to do their full share?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: I have already answered that question.' title='FIRE-BOMB FIGHTERS.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/fire-bomb-fighters'></outline>
        <outline id='886275' text="Mr. E. Smithasked the Home Secretary whether any report has as yet been made regarding the best means of draining Anderson shelters by the experts dealing with the question?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. H. Morrison: I have just received, and am considering, a report on these investigations.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Smith: When my right hon. Friend has considered this report, will he take steps to see that it is drawn to the attention of local authorities and other people concerned?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: Certainly. I am anxious to convey all possible advice to the local authorities. We have done so up to date, and if this report makes further suggestions, my hon. Friend may be sure that I will communicate with the local authorities at once.&lt;br/&gt;Captain Cunningham-Reidasked the Home Secretary whether, in order further to promote the Government's policy of dispersal, he will acquire powers to disallow the use of all public shelters that have a capacity of over 200 which do not fulfil the required standard of protection?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind places which, though not provided as shelters by the local authorities, are used by the public in air raids. As my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary explained in the Debate on 27th February, I am looking into the question of dealing with this matter by a Defence Regulation.&lt;br/&gt;Captain Cunningham-Reid: Is my right hon. Friend aware, to give just one example, that in one air-raid shelter over 5,000 people were crowded together, and that this particular shelter is situated under an important military objective?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: I am not aware of that particular case, but the hon. and gallant Member knows that it is a little difficult to avoid places which are not military objectives in the opinion of the Nazis. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that life is not as simple for me as it is evidently for him." title='SHELTERS.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/shelters'></outline>
        <outline id='886279' text="Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary what representations he has received from women's organisations with regard to an increase in the number of women police; to what extent such increases have recently taken place; whether he is aware of the importance of such appointments being made in areas where large numbers of troops are concentrated; and whether he will indicate strongly to the police authorities throughout the country for their guidance the views of the Government on the subject?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. H. Morrison:Representations on this subject have been received from various organisations. A circular was sent to police authorities and chief officers of police in August last calling attention to the question of additional policewomen in areas where there are large military establishments or munitions factories and asking that consideration should be given to this matter in the light of conditions resulting from the war, and in consultation where necessary with the military authorities. In a number of forces appointments have been made as a result of this circular, and according to the latest available information, 410 appointments of women for whole-time police duties and 542 appointments as whole-time un-&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1000&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;attested members of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps have been approved in England and Wales; the authorised establishment of policewomen at the outbreak of the war was 246, although in some forces recruitment had not taken place up to establishment. It is the policy of the Home Office to encourage police authorities to make full use of the services of suitable women. The scope and the need for policewomen vary according to local conditions, but I have very much in mind the importance of taking all suitable opportunities for developing the use of their services&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Mander: Is the Minister satisfied with the progress made in all cases, and, if not, will he consider the desirability of issuing a Defence Regulation empowering him to take action from the centre?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: No, Sir, I do not think that in the circumstances I should be justified in overriding the normal machinery of local government in this matter." title='POLICEWOMEN.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/policewomen'></outline>
        <outline id='886281' text='Miss Rathboneasked the Home Secretary whether, as inclusion in Category "A" is likely to entail not only internment for the duration of the war, but serious effects upon the future prospects of employment, naturalisation, or emigration of those affected, he will give instructions for a review of these cases and for the reservation of Category "A" to internees whose Nazi or Fascist sympathies are not merely suspected but established on indubitable evidence?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. H. Morrison: As I stated in reply to a Question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Wedgwood) on 27th February, a general review of the classification of internees in Category "A" will be undertaken in due course. This category is already reserved in practice for those who for specific reasons personal to themselves could not be released without prejudice to the interests of national security.&lt;br/&gt;Miss Rathbone:Will my right hon. Friend explain, if that is the definition of Category "A," what is the difference between Category "A" and Category "B"? Should not Category "B" be used in cases of suspicion, and Category "A" in cases of real proof?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison:I think the hon. Lady is under a misapprehension. Category "A" is used in the cases where we are not satisfied on security grounds that people should be at large. I think that, if I followed all the suggestions of the hon. Lady on this matter, there would not be enough security left.&lt;br/&gt;Miss Rathbone: Then what is the definition of Category "B"?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: They are cases which are not quite so serious, although they are serious enough to be Category "B," but which are not sufficiently serious to be in Category "A."&lt;br/&gt;Mr. G. Straussasked the Home Secretary whether the mixed camp for internees in the Isle of Man has now been established; and how many married couples are living in it?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: The camp has not yet been established, but I hope it will not be long now before all the necessary arrangements have been made.' title='INTERNEES.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/internees'></outline>
        <outline id='886284' text="Mr. Frankelasked the Minister of Health how many maternity and child-welfare authorities in the London Civil Defence Region have, in view of the fact that there is no general scheme for the evacuation of unaccompanied children under five, arranged to provide residential nurseries in reception areas on their own responsibility; and whether such a course has his approval?&lt;br/&gt;The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown): My Department, working in cooperation with the Standing Joint Committee of Metropolitan Borough Councils as welfare authorities, the London County Council as evacuation and social welfare authority and Women's Voluntary Services, has a scheme for the evacuation of unaccompanied children under five where the family circumstances are such that it is impossible for the mother to accompany the child. Evacuation has been offered in4,850 such cases, and the great majority of them have filled vacancies arising in the 190 residential nurseries with 6,000 places in reception areas. Two welfare authorities in the London Civil Defence Region have enlisted my assistance in establishing new residential&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1002&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;nurseries for children so selected from their areas. Three welfare authorities have sent parties to new nurseries established under private arrangements.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Frankel: Will my right hon. Friend reply to the last part of the Question and state whether these arrangements have his approval?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: I think that my whole answer is proof of that and shows that we are most sympathetic to the objects concerned. This is, of course, one of our most difficult and subtle problems.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Frankel: Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he is doing to encourage this further?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: The matter is being dealt with in co-operation with the responsible bodies in the localities.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Frankelasked the Minister of Health how many cases of children under five years of age remaining in the London Civil Defence Region were revealed by the recent evacuation canvass to be due to the fact that the mother, though willing for the child to be evacuated, was unable to accompany the child to a reception area or to arrange for the child to be evacuated without her?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: During the recent house-to-house canvass in the county of London and in East and West Ham, 2,103 mothers gave as their reason for not registering that they were unable to leave London and had nowhere to send their children under five." title='EVACUATION (UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN, LONDON).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/evacuation-unaccompanied-children-london'></outline>
        <outline id='886306' text='Mr. Radford(&lt;i&gt;for&lt;/i&gt; Colonel Burton)asked the Minister of Health whether he has inquired into the allegations relative to the neglect of people bombed out of their homes, a copy of which has been sent to him; and what steps he proposes to take, or has taken, to bring relief to these people, both physically and materially?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. E. Brown: Yes, Sir. I am in close and constant touch with the local authorities concerned with the relief of the homeless, and action is at once taken to remove any deficiencies which are found in the preparation and operation of their schemes.' title='BOMBED HOUSES (RELIEF OF HOMELESS).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/bombed-houses-relief-of-homeless'></outline>
        <outline id='886308' text='Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the great hardship being experienced by the proprietors of small businesses and shops through the destruction of their premises by enemy action, he would extend the powers now exercised by local authorities to enable them to acquire or requisition suitable small business or shop accommodation?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. E. Brown: The general question of the provision of sufficient shops in bombed areas is one for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. Local authorities for such areas are already so fully occupied at present that I should be reluctant to place on them the additional obligation suggested by my hon. Friend. I am sure, however, that local authorities will do all in their power to help traders whose premises have been destroyed, for instance by making available to them unoccupied premises under their control which are not required for other urgent purposes.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Sorensen: While I thank the Minister for his reply, is he aware that several local authorities, who desire to assist this class of sufferer, are unable to do it owing to restriction of their powers? Will he give the matter his particular attention?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: If the hon. Member will let me have full particulars, I shall be glad to consider the matter.&lt;br/&gt;Sir Percy Harris: Will not the Commissioners under the War Damage Bill be responsible for helping people whose businesses have been destroyed?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: In this particular matter, as I have said, the Board of Trade have a responsibility.' title='DESTROYED BUSINESS PREMISES.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/destroyed-business-premises'></outline>
        <outline id='886310' text='Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Health whether boys and girls who have been evacuated, and who have got a job of work, are compelled to pay their billeting costs?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. E. Brown: Billeted children who obtain remunerative employment will be required to contribute towards the cost of their billeting. The contribution will be assessed at a figure which will obviate any hardship. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a recent circular which explains the arrangements in detail.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Lindsay: Are children allowed to stay in hostels when they have gone to work on the countryside?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: I should like to have notice of that Question.' title='BILLETING COST (EMPLOYED CHILDREN).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/billeting-cost-employed-children'></outline>
        <outline id='886313' text='Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some undertakers are making exorbitant charges for funeral expenses in cases of the private burials of persons killed by enemy action; and whether he will take action to prevent this?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. E. Brown: If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any cases in which he is of opinion that the charges made by the undertakers were exorbitant, I will look into them.' title="FUNERALS (UNDERTAKERS' CHARGES)." type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/funerals-undertakers-charges'></outline>
        <outline id='886314' text='Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Minister of Health how many ambulance stations in the London area are fully staffed on the scale laid down at the beginning of the war; and how many resignations and enlistments have taken place in the last six months?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. E. Brown: The establishment of the London auxiliary ambulance service is not laid down in terms of stations, the staff of which may vary according to a number of circumstances. The total staff of the service is somewhat below the authorised strength, but they have proved adequate to meet the calls made on them. In the six months September, 1940, to February, 1941, resignations numbered 1,268 whole-time and 357 part-time staff, while enlistments numbered 608 and 275 respectively. I am glad to take this opportunity of paying tribute to the courage and devotion which have been shown by the ambulance staffs, in maintaining this service.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bartlett:Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that the best way of paying a tribute to these people is to see that their financial payment is slightly better? Does he know that there is a good deal of discontent and that women ambulance drivers, who are running a very great risk, are paid only &amp;#x00A3;2 5s. a week?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: Perhaps the hon. Member is overlooking the fact that the scale has recently been increased?' title='LONDON AUXILIARY AMBULANCE SERVICE.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/london-auxiliary-ambulance-service'></outline>
      </outline>
      <outline id='886319' text='EDUCATION.'>
        <outline id='886321' text='Miss Cazaletasked the President of the Board of Education the number of children under the age of five who are attending infant or nursery schools in Manchester?&lt;br/&gt;The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Ramsbotham): The number of children under the age of five attending nursery schools in Manchester is 214; the number of such children in baby classes and nursery classes in public elementary schools is 4,072.&lt;br/&gt;Miss Cazalet: In view of the fact that such large numbers of small children are attending nursery schools in Manchester, cannot something be done on the same lines for children under five still remaining in London?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: Circumstances are very different as between the two cities. In Manchester evacuation has not been on anything like the same scale.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Thorne: If a similar Question is put down which applies to all local education authorities, will the Minister be able to give the figures in that case?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: I should like to see the Question first.' title='NURSERY SCHOOLS, MANCHESTER.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/nursery-schools-manchester'></outline>
        <outline id='886324' text='Mr. Parkerasked the President of the Board of Education whether, in order to afford encouragement to education in the services, he will prepare and announce a scheme for 5,000 scholarships to be made available to all ranks, after the war, at universities and places of technical education, covering board, lodging and maintenance, with entrance by special examination?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: After consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister without Portfolio, I am appointing an Inter-departmental Committee to consider and report upon the plans which should be made to enable suitable persons, both men and women, who have served in the Armed Forces or in the Civil Defence Services to obtain the further education or training necessary to equip them for appropriate occupations in civil life after the war.' title='ARMED FORCES AND CIVIL DEFENCE SERVICES (POST-WAR TRAINING).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/armed-forces-and-civil-defence-services'></outline>
        <outline id='886326' text='Mr. Parkerasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the majority of schools in the care of the Essex County Council in the Romford Division still lack heat and light in their shelters; and when this situation is going to be rectified?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: I am informed that the existing lighting is being supplemented by electric lighting from the mains as supplies of the necessary materials become available. Similarly the additional heaters required are being installed as supplies are forthcoming.' title='SCHOOL SHELTERS, ROMFORD.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/school-shelters-romford'></outline>
        <outline id='886328' text='Mr. Creech Jonesasked the President of the Board of Education what steps have been taken to safeguard the health, nutrition and welfare of children brought into employment in agriculture as a result of his Circular 1541?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: The Circular in question does no more than ask local education authorities to arrange for school holidays to be fixed for those periods when the need for seasonal agricultural labour is greatest. It emphasises that the employment of schoolchildren must be within the limits permitted by the law, and consistent with the maintenance of their health and the interests of their education. Attention is drawn in the Circular to a circular letter, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, issued by the Home Office on 7th February, 1940, in which the matter is dealt with in greater detail.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Creech Jones: In view of the general applicability of this Circular to the whole country, and the fact that there are certain local authorities which have made no regulations governing the control of employment of children in agriculture, will the Minister consult with the Home Secretary with a view to seeing that these regulations are made generally applicable to all local authorities where such schoolchildren are employed?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: My Circular refers to adjustment of holidays, but T will have a word with my right hon. Friend on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.' title='AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT (CHILDREN).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/agricultural-employment-children'></outline>
        <outline id='886331' text='Mr. Messerasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0510"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1007&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;aware that there is serious danger of the breakdown of the Milk in Schools Scheme in Middlesex County Council schools owing to the refusal of the milk distributors to supply milk in one-third pint bottles; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: Yes, Sir. This matter is engaging my earnest attention, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Messer: Will the President of the Board of Education secure that the scheme does not break down, because, if it does, there is grave doubt whether it will be again started?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: That is precisely what I am doing, and the scheme is giving me very great concern.' title='MILK IN SCHOOLS SCHEME, MIDDLESEX.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/milk-in-schools-scheme-middlesex'></outline>
        <outline id='886332' text='Mr. Lipsonasked the President of the Board of Education whether he will authorise local education authorities to contribute towards the cost of fire-watching for non-provided schools?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham:The powers of local authorities to defray expenditure in connection with fire prevention in non-provided schools have been explained by the Board in Paragraph 4 of Circular 1542, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Lipson: Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Circular prevents some local authorities doing what they wish to do, that is, to assist non-provided schools? It causes hardship in many cases.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: That is not my reading of the Paragraph. Paragraph 4 states:&#x000A;&lt;quote&gt;"Reasonable expenditure on equipment &amp;#x2026;incurred by a local education authority in respect of provided schools, will be recognised for grant by the Board. &amp;#x2026; Such expenditure may include the reimbursement &amp;#x2026; of the reasonable cost of extra meals and of extra travelling expenses actually incurred by members of fire parties, whether in provided schools or non-provided schools within the public system of education."&lt;/quote&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Lipson: Will the President of the Board of Education see that non-provided schools receive a comparable expenditure to that of provided schools?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Ramsbotham: I cannot go outside the Circular, but I will look into the question and let my hon. Friend know.' title='FIRE PREVENTION (NON-PROVIDED SCHOOLS).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/fire-prevention-non-provided-schools'></outline>
      </outline>
      <outline id='886333' text="Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Health the position with regard to the Committee, presided over by Sir Arthur Robinson, to consider the steps necessary to secure a proper allocation of the available medical man-power between civilian and medical services; how many meetings were held and witnesses heard, both medical and non-medical; and what opportunities, by publicity or private intimation, were given for evidence to be tendered?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. E. Brown: In conjunction with the other Ministers concerned I am taking action on the recommendations of this Committee, which will shortly be published. The Committee sat for seven days and heard 17 witnesses of whom 12 were medical. As the inquiry was urgent and confidential, the Committee only called for such evidence from Government Departments and public bodies as it required to supplement the very considerable knowledge of the subject already possessed by its Members.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Mander: Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are numbers of distinguished doctors, who are very dissatisfied with the present position, who would have been most glad to give evidence before the Committee if they had known it existed? Could not some steps be taken to enable them to express their views?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: If the recommendations prove that to be necessary on any topic I shall be glad to seek further competent advice.&lt;br/&gt;Sir Henry Morris-Jones: Will the report be available to Members?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: I stated that the Committee's deliberations were confidential." title='MEDICAL SERVICES (MAN-POWER, ALLOCATION).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/medical-services-man-power-allocation'></outline>
      <outline id='886334' text='Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of long delays in dealing with correspondence and claims for old age pensions frequently amounting to from four to nine months&apos; delay in paying straightforward claims which give rise to suffering amongst old people and cause considerable ill-feeling;&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0511"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1009&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;and whether he will take steps to secure that claims and correspondence are handled without delay?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. E. Brown: I am not aware of any delay in the settlement of straightforward claims for old age pensions. In cases where delay arises it is in general due to the inability of the applicants to furnish the evidence necessary for a decision. Persons who claim to be entitled to old age pensions are encouraged to submit their claims at any time within four months before attaining pensionable age; and if advantage is taken of this opportunity, there is in the ordinary case no period of waiting for the pension. If my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind in which he considers there has been undue delay perhaps he would be good enough to let me have details.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Morrison: I shall be pleased to do so. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is probably the only Member of the House who is not aware of these delays in plain straightforward claims, in some cases as long as nine months, which cause much distress to very poor people?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: I am quite aware of the machinery and have looked closely into it. The hon. Member will realise that it is a formidable problem, but there ought not to be undue delay. If he will let me have cases, I will look into them.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. G. Strauss: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it takes sometimes a month to get a reply to the simplest question?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: I have heard the assertion, but, on examining the facts, I have often found that what a Member said was simple was really very complicated.' title='OLD AGE PENSIONS.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/old-age-pensions'></outline>
      <outline id='886336' text='Professor A. V. Hillasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware: that an offer has been received from the Rockefeller Foundation in New York to undertake and provide for the clinical training and maintenance of selected British medical students in a number of medical schools in the United States of America and Canada; and whether he will&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1010&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;arrange for all facilities and encouragement to be given for carrying out the scheme&lt;br/&gt;Mr. E. Brown: Yes, Sir. I am aware of the offer, and I desire to express my very sincere appreciation of this sign of practical help and sympathy on the part of the Foundation and of the Medical Schools in America. I will certainly do all I can to further this scheme. I understand that a committee has been set up in this country under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor of Manchester University to select the students; that the first group will leave for America as soon as possible; and that the General Medical Council, the licensing bodies and the universities are all in agreement on the advantages of the scheme. I am sure that when the students return to this country their experience will be of great value, and I hope that this plan may further strengthen the close co-operation in medicine and public health between Great Britain, the United States and Canada.&lt;br/&gt;Sir Francis Fremantle: Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that some of the best students will be rather reluctant to leave this country and go to a safer country during the war? At the same time it is necessary that they should avail themselves of this opportunity, so will he do all he can to encourage them to avail themselves of it as a national duty?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: We understand very well that these young men will have those feelings, but they can be assured that by going and continuing their clinical training there they will be undertaking the best form of national service.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Maxton: What are the advantages of shipping medical students across the Atlantic when our own medical schools are not fully utilised at the moment?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: If the hon. Member will put that Question down, I will give a detailed answer.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Maxton: The right hon. Gentleman says he appreciates the advantages of this scheme. I am simply asking what are the advantages of an American medical training?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Brown: Perhaps the hon. Member has overlooked the fact that conditions are not quite the same in America as here.' title='BRITISH MEDICAL STUDENTS (TRAINING, UNITED STATES AND CANADA).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/british-medical-students-training-united'></outline>
      <outline id='886337' text='Captain Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Pensions when present war disability pension rates were first fixed what was the cost-of-living figure and what was the amount of the pension; when he raised these pensions what was the cost-of-living figure and how much was the increase; and what is the present cost-of-living figure?&lt;br/&gt;The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley): The basic rate of pension for total disablement provided in the Royal Warrant of September, 1939, was 32s. 6d. per week. The rate was that laid down in 1921 for the peace-time Army. The average cost-of-living figure in 1921 was 226; in September, 1939, it was 155. The figure was 181 in June, 1940, when the rate of disability pension was increased to 34s. 2d. per week. Allowances for wife and children were also at the same time substantially increased. The latest index figure for the cost of living is 197.&lt;br/&gt;Sir I. Fraser: When does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate making a further adjustment to conform with the rise that has taken place?&lt;br/&gt;Sir W. Womersley: I am keeping a very careful watch on the cost-of-living figure. As soon as it appears to me that it is high enough to warrant an increase, I shall make it.&lt;br/&gt;Major Vyvyan Adamsasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the widow of a private soldier killed as a result of enemy action receives, if under 40 years of age and childless. a pension of 15s. 6d. a week; and whether he will substantially raise the rate of pension payable to such widows?&lt;br/&gt;Sir W. Womersley: The rate of pension is considered appropriate for the case of a young childless widow who is not incapable of earning a livelihood through infirmity. The Royal Warrant of June, 1940, was issued after full consultation with my statutory Advisory Committee and there has not been since then any such change in circumstances as to justify an alteration in rates.&lt;br/&gt;Major Adams: Does the right hon. Gentleman really consider that this rate of pension ensures that freedom from&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1012&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;domestic anxiety to which a. soldier is entitled?&lt;br/&gt;Sir W. Womersley: Yes, I do, taking into account all the circumstances and bearing in mind that when a widow, owing to sickness, is unable to earn a living we grant her a higher pension, and that in the case of an expectant mother we increase the pension immediately. We feel that a young able-bodied woman can do a useful job of work in these times.&lt;br/&gt;Major Adams: Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a widow of 38 or 39 may be quite disinclined to remarry?' title='ARMED FORCES (PENSIONS AND GRANTS).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/armed-forces-pensions-and-grants'></outline>
      <outline id='886338' text='Mr. Cocksasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider sending a letter to every Member of Parliament not on Government service giving him detailed instructions as to what he should do in the event of an invasion, and, in particular, whether he should remain in close contact with the Government or whether he will be given official duties in his constituency?&lt;br/&gt;The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee): The Government are publishing instructions for the guidance of the public. I think that hon. Members wll be able to adapt the advice which is given to their own circumstances.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Cocks: Do I understand that the Government will not have any special advice for Members of this House in such an event?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: I think that is a matter that would best be left to the judgment of hon. Members themselves rather than that detailed instructions should be issued to individuals.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Mander: Will not all Members shortly be in the Government, so that the question will not arise?' title='MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT (INVASION DUTIES).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/members-of-parliament-invasion-duties'></outline>
      <outline id='886339' text='NATIONAL FINANCE.'>
        <outline id='886340' text='Mr. Manderasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is taken in cases where there is destruction by&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0513"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1013&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;enemy action on a substantial scale of Treasury and Bank of England notes in circumstances which prevents identification; and whether the result is to the financial advantage of the Bank of England?&lt;br/&gt;The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank): Bank of England notes of denominations of &amp;#x00A3;5 and upwards which are destroyed by enemy action are normally replaced by the Bank of England against a banker&apos;s indemnity, if full particulars of the notes are supplied. The Bank will also replace &amp;#x00A3;1 and 10s. Bank notes to the extent of the identifiable fragments or ashes which can be produced. No financial advantage accrues to the Bank of England by reason of the complete destruction of Bank of England notes, the position being governed by Sections 6 and 7 of the Currency and Bank Notes Act, 1928, whereby all profits of the issue department of the Bank are paid to the Exchequer. I should like to take this opportunity of urging everybody in present circumstances not to keep large sums in notes in their offices or houses but to put them into a bank or savings bank so as to minimise the risk of loss.' title='TREASURY AND BANK NOTES (DESTRUCTION).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/treasury-and-bank-notes-destruction'></outline>
        <outline id='886341' text='Sir I. Alberyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider introducing legislation at an early date rendering illegal all contracts involving payments free of taxation, together with any necessary legislation for equitably adjusting outstanding contracts?&lt;br/&gt;Captain Crookshank: No, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not think there is sufficient ground for asking Parliament to intervene as regards such contracts.&lt;br/&gt;Sir I. Albery: As it is impossible to pursue this matter by question and answer, I give notice that I shall seek the earliest opportunity to raise it.' title='TAX-FREE CONTRACT PAYMENTS.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/tax-free-contract-payments'></outline>
      </outline>
      <outline id='886342' text='AGRICULTURE.'>
        <outline id='886343' text='Mr. Lyonsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will appoint a committee of agricultural experts in this House to report as to the results of the work of the agricultural committees of Sussex and West Surrey, respectively;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1014&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;particularly, whether the lands in the residential localities of these areas are at length being fully devoted to increased production of foods in various forms?&lt;br/&gt;The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson): I see no reason for the appointment of such a committee.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Lyons: Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the work has been done in residential areas?' title='SUSSEX AND WEST SURREY.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/sussex-and-west-surrey'></outline>
        <outline id='886344' text='Mr. De la B&amp;#x00E8;reasked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the fact that there are abundant supplies of nitrogenous fertilisers in the country to-day, what steps he is taking to encourage farmers to make adequate use of these supplies, with a view to increasing the yield from existing meadowland?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: Every available means in the way of propaganda and publicity are being utilised to bring home to farmers the importance of applying nitrogenous fertilisers to grass and arable land this spring. County war agricultural executive committees have been instructed to make full use of their power to issue directions, in suitable cases, requiring farmers to use these fertilisers. The quantities that have been purchased this season show a substantial increase over the quantities bought during the corresponding period last year.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to encourage local authorities to prepare artificial manures from their sewage disposal plants in view of the shortage of fertilisers generally?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: Pending the results of the experiments to which I referred in my reply to my hon. Friend on 19th February, no encouragement is being given to local authorities to prepare artificial manures from sewage disposal plants.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Price: Is the Minister aware that it is estimated that at the present time 750,000 tons of sewage sludge go into the sea every year which might be made use of by these processes and would prove very useful in augmenting the supply of fertilisers?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: One of the most important things I have to do is to make sure that&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0514"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1015&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;this product is suitable for the land, and until the experiments are finished I am not prepared to assume that it would be.' title='FERTILISERS.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/fertilisers'></outline>
        <outline id='886345' text='Mr. De la B&amp;#x00E8;reasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make some statement of progress in connection with the scheme for the provision of additional cheap credits for agriculture which the Government are considering?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson:There is no new scheme of this sort, but certain additions have been made to the existing Schemes. County war agricultural executive committees are now authorised to provide such additional services as ditching, drainage, hedging, and removal of bushes and stumps, repayment by owners or occupiers of that part of the cost not covered by grants being permitted by instalments, with interest, over periods up to three years. The credit thus made available is, of course, in addition to that which farmers can obtain from banks and merchants or under the Agricultural Requisites Assistance Scheme.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. De la B&amp;#x00E8;re:Is it not the intention of my right hon. Friend to speed up agricultural output in every possible way, and how can he possibly claim that this is being done when the banks are still allowed to charge 5 per cent. for loans to farmers? It is an absolute scandal.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: I have no reason to suppose from anything that I have heard during my travels round the country that there is any lack of credit to assist an increase in food production.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. De la B&amp;#x00E8;re:It is not a question of lack of credit but of too high charges. In view of the unsatisfactory Reply, I shall raise this matter at the earliest opportunity, and I shall go on raising it and raising it.' title='CREDITS.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/credits'></outline>
        <outline id='886346' text='Mr. De la B&amp;#x00E8;reasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will confer with the Minister of Food with a view to prices being fixed to make production economically possible on the lowest grade of land owing to the diversity of conditions under which the farming industry has had to be carried on since the outbreak of hostilities?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: I do not consider that a general revision of agricultural prices would be an appropriate way of increasing production on the lowest grade of land.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. De la B&amp;#x00E8;re:Has not my right hon. Friend told us that there are 300,000 or 400,000 farms and that it is difficult to ascertain the facts? Would it not be the wisest course to base the price on the highest cost of production on the lowest grade of land, in order to obtain the maximum output?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: No, Sir, I do not think that would be an appropriate way. There are better ways which have been put into operation.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. De la B&amp;#x00E8;re: Perhaps my right hon. Friend will tell me what they are.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Thorne: Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the steps which have been taken will have any effect upon the farmers?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: Yes, Sir.' title='PRICES.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/prices'></outline>
        <outline id='886347' text="Miss Rathboneasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the shortage of agricultural labourers and of recruits for the Women's Land Army, he will arrange for the admission to that army of alien women when they are personally suitable and when there are no well authenticated grounds known to the Home Office for suspecting them to be politically untrustworthy?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson:Women's Land Army regulations already permit the acceptance of suitable aliens for enrolment, provided that consent is obtained from the local office of the Ministry of Labour with which they are registered.&lt;br/&gt;Miss Rathbone: Does that include aliens of all nationalities?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: Yes, I think so. The main thing is that they should be able to speak English.&lt;br/&gt;Miss Rathbone: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong impression that there are many of these refugees, including those of enemy extraction, who would very much like to join the Women's Land Army?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: Perhaps the hon. Lady will be kind enough to give me particulars." title="WOMEN'S LAND ARMY (ALIENS)." type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/womens-land-army-aliens'></outline>
        <outline id='886350' text='Sir I. Alberyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the extent to which bomb craters in Kent&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0515"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1017&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;remain unfilled; and whether he is taking any action to facilitate dealing with this matter in view of the shortage of labour available for this purpose?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: I have not been informed of any specific cases in this county where food production has been impeded as a result of bomb craters on agricultural land remaining unfilled. The county war agricultural executive committees have been empowered to take the necessary action, either by arrangement with the military authorities or direct.&lt;br/&gt;Sir I. Albery:Is it not a little too early for my right hon. Friend to be informed about whether food production has been curtailed? It will be, if he does not take some action.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson:There are in the county district committees and the war agricultural committees, who are my agents, and I am sure that if there were any danger such as my hon. Friend apprehends, the district committees would already be taking action.' title='BOMB CRATERS, KENT.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/bomb-craters-kent'></outline>
        <outline id='886352' text='Major Sir George Daviesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make any statement in connection with the reduction announced to take effect next month in the value of the unit of animal feeding-stuffs under the rationing arrangements?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hudson: Owing to increasing demands upon shipping space for the transport of essential war materials, further reductions in imports of animal feeding-stuffs must take place. In these circumstances steps have to be taken to effect a corresponding reduction in the releases of cereals and other concentrated food for livestock from 1st April. Coupons entitling the holder to purchase feeding-stuffs during each of the three months ending 30th April have already been issued to owners of livestock, and therefore the only way to effect a reduction in the quantities purchased is to reduce the value of the coupon unit as from 1st April. As from that date the unit will accordingly be reduced by 50 per cent., from 1 cwt. to 56 lbs., and the reduction will apply both to the coupons valid for cereal foods and to those valid for protein foods. Special arrangements will be made, by the issue of additional coupons, to maintain as nearly as possible at their&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1018&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;present scale the rations allowed to those classes of stock which, in the national interest, have been given first priority in the allocation of feeding-stuffs. These include dairy cows and working horses. It is proposed to make similar arrangements in respect of approved pedigree breeding stock of all kinds, and selected poultry stock; the selection of the latter will be carried out by an independent panel in each county.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Under the rationing scheme a farmer who sells, or uses for seed, grain and pulse of his own growing is given credit for the quantities sold. Provided that he has previously disposed of the whole of the quantity which is estimated to have been in excess of the needs of his livestock, on the scale of rations laid down in the scheme, he is allowed coupons to the extent of such sales. The devaluation of the unit will not prejudice this arrangement, as it is proposed that the seller in April shall be given additional coupons to compensate for the reduction in their unit value. The measures to which I have referred will, I am aware, fall with particular severity upon owners of pigs and poultry, whose supplies of feeding-stuffs have already been heavily reduced. It will be necessary to effect substantial reductions in the numbers of these classes of stock. To facilitate this process, adjustments are being made in prices of pigs and of boiling fowls.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;The devaluation of the unit in April is the forerunner of other restrictions in the supply of feeding-stuffs. The scale of rations available in the summer months will involve still further reductions. Farm livestock draw the bulk of their sustenance in summer from grazing, and the management of grassland will this year be more important than ever. We cannot afford to allow any grass to be wasted. All pastures should be fully stocked, and the largest possible quantity of grass should be conserved for silage or hay to help to meet the inevitable deficiency in supplies of concentrates next autumn and winter.' title='ANIMAL FEEDING-STUFFS (RATIONING).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/animal-feeding-stuffs-rationing'></outline>
      </outline>
      <outline id='886355' text='Mr. Denvilleasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that in Newcastle the tobacconists supply is 90 per cent. of the peace-time quantity, although there is in-&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0516"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1019&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;creased demand owing to national effort; and whether he will inquire into the percentage per head as compared with peacetime;&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;(2)whether he is aware that a search for tobacco and cigarettes was made in 30 consecutive tobacconist shops in the city of Newcastle and that no supplies of any sort were available; and whether, in view of this, he will take immediate action?&lt;br/&gt;The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse): Supplies of tobacco and cigarettes for the whole country are go per cent. of last year, and although I am aware that demand is greater than supply in some areas, I am satisfied that manufacturers are distributing available supplies fairly throughout the country. I do not think that an inquiry into the percentage per head, as compared with peace-time in Newcastle, is either practicable or necessary. My hon. Friend will be aware of the dislocation of transport services to the North-West of England owing to the recent very heavy snowfall, which was responsible for the temporary acute shortage in Newcastle, but I am glad to be able to say that supplies are now moving more normally.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Denville: Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that some retailers have not been receiving 90 per cent., and that in cases where, say, 50 lbs. a week were received, only about 2 lbs. are now being received; and is he further aware that, previous to the snowfall, I made inquiries throughout the whole district and found that 30 shops were not able to get any supplies whatever, and that in only one shop was I able to get a small packet of cigarettes?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. David Adams: Is the Minister aware that, owing to the continued scarcity of tobacco in Tyneside, large numbers of smokers are threatening to give up this healthful pastime, to the serious detriment of the Exchequer?&lt;br/&gt;Captain Waterhouse: I hope that the threats mentioned by the hon. Member will not eventuate. Regarding the previous question I did not say that all retailers were getting 90 per cent. I said that the proportion over the whole country was 90 per cent. I am aware that there has been a shortage at Newcastle,&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1020&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;but I am informed that that has now been remedied.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Neil Maclean: Would the Minister be good enough to pay a visit to some of the tobacconists near the House of Commons, when he would find it impossible to get either tobacco or cigarettes?' title='TOBACCO SUPPLIES.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/tobacco-supplies'></outline>
      <outline id='886358' text='Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Minister of Supply whether he will take further steps to encourage the many local authorities which are now reluctant to adopt the systematic collection of kitchen waste food, owing to the alleged high costs of collection, being on an average over 60s. per ton, while the average price paid by commercial and other pig-breeders for raw swill does not exceed 25s. per ton?&lt;br/&gt;The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Harold Macmillan): I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la B&amp;#x00E8;re) on 4th March. I am advised that, where collections are made on the communal bin system, the cost of collection should be between 25s. and 30s. per ton.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Walkden: Will the Minister tell local authorities not to restrict their enthusiasm for making salvage collections merely to a profit-and-loss basis?' title='HOUSEHOLD WASTE (COLLECTION).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/household-waste-collection'></outline>
      <outline id='886361' text="Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that one of the causes of ships being held up is the shortage of certificated ships' engineers; and what action he intends taking about the matter?&lt;br/&gt;The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping (Sir Arthur Salter):With the approval of the engineer officers' societies, arrangements have been made to enable uncertificated engineers with considerable experience at sea, who are found satisfactory at an oral examination, to serve as second engineers when certificated men were not available. In addition, certificated engineers now employed ashore are, in suitable cases, being asked to return to the sea." title='MERCANTILE MARINE (CERTIFICATED ENGINEERS).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/mercantile-marine-certificated-engineers'></outline>
      <outline id='886363' text='Mr. Lipsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a letter from the Cheltenham rural food committee asking for adjustments in the present system of food distribution so as to ensure that areas where the population has increased will automatically and immediately receive sufficient additional supplies of essential foodstuffs has been considered; and what steps he proposes to take to meet this request?&lt;br/&gt;The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George): In reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 9th January, and to his letter to me of 17th December last. As to the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Holland-with-Boston (Mr. Butcher) on 20th February.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Lipson:Is the Minister aware, that, in spite of his reply, inequitable distribution still continues; and can he tell the House whether it is partly due to the fact that wholesalers, in order to avoid freight charges, do not send goods to the Midlands?&lt;br/&gt;Major Lloyd George: I will consider the point raised by my hon. Friend. I have just given the first full information to manufacturers and retailers in connection with the redistribution of these commodities.' title='FOOD DISTRIBUTION.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/food-distribution'></outline>
      <outline id='886365' text='Mr. Brookeasked the Secretary of State for War whether, when a married officer retains his marriage allowance for his own use and fails to make adequate provision for his wife, she can obtain any redress through his Department?&lt;br/&gt;The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Richard Law): If an officer is unwilling to make adequate provision for his family, I have no power to compel him to do so. The issue of marriage allowance to an officer, however, is subject to a certificate that he is providing for the maintenance of his family. If it is found that an officer is not making such provision, at least to the extent of the allowance in issue to him, the allowance is withdrawn.' title="BRITISH ARMY (OFFICERS' MARRIAGE ALLOWANCE)." type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/british-army-officers-marriage-allowance'></outline>
      <outline id='886367' text='Mr. W. A. Reid(&lt;i&gt;for&lt;/i&gt; Sir Smedley Crooke)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, under the Limitation of Supplies Order, the manufacture of elastic hosiery cannot be proceeded with until June; and what steps are proposed to enable sufferers of varicose conditions to obtain necessary supports?&lt;br/&gt;Captain Waterhouse: The Limitation of Supplies (Miscellaneous) (No. 5) Order, 1940, restricts supplies of elastic hose. My right hon. Friend proposes, however, to issue an open licence permitting this hose, when not containing silk, to be supplied without restriction to unregistered persons.' title='LIMITATION OF SUPPLIES (ELASTIC HOSE).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/limitation-of-supplies-elastic-hose'></outline>
      <outline id='886369' text='Mr. Hamilton Kerrasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is now possible for British firms to sell imported goods in the occupied areas of China otherwise than through a Japanese firm or agent?&lt;br/&gt;The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler): The difficulties now placed in the way of British firms wishing to sell imported goods direct to consumers in the occupied areas continue to increase, but I am not in a position to say whether it is everywhere impossible to do so.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Kerr: Is this not a gross violation of the policy of the open door, and has my right hon. Friend made any representations to the Japanese Government?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Butler: These questions are frequently being taken up. The whole matter is under consideration.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Hannah: Are we working with America in this matter?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Butler: We always work with America.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Kerrasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the cost of the Japanese army in occupied China is largely met from revenue contributed by Japanese companies set up under army supervision; that all exports from occupied China have to leave that territory via traffic routes, rail,&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0518"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1023&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;river and road, over which these Japanese companies have been granted a monopoly; and whether it is proposed to take, action to stop the resulting heavy tax on British traders?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Butler: Whether the method of financing the Japanese armies is or is not as stated by my hon. Friend, I can only repeat, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) on 26th February, that the system of trade and exchange controls set up by the Japanese tends to favour Japanese interests. The resultant effect on British trade has the constant attention of His Majesty&apos;s Government.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Noel-Baker: Is it not the deliberate policy of the present Japanese Government to exclude all British and Western trade from the Far East, now and in the future?' title='CHINA (JAPANESE TRADE CONTROL).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/china-japanese-trade-control'></outline>
      <outline id='886373' text='Mr. Lees-Smith&lt;i&gt;(by Private Notice)&lt;/i&gt;asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement concerning the withdrawal of His Majesty&apos;s Minister from Sofia, and the reasons for which that withdrawal has been made?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Butler: His Majesty&apos;s Minister at Sofia yesterday presented a Note to the Bulgarian Government informing them of the withdrawal of his Mission from Sofia. The reasons for this withdrawal are given in the Note, the full text of which I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT. They are, briefly, that the presence of an ever-increasing force of German troops on Bulgarian territory, the object of which can only be to menace and, if necessary, attack our Ally Greece, and the active cooperation of the Bulgarian Government in the German occupation, are incompatible with the maintenance of British diplomatic representation in Bulgaria. His Majesty&apos;s Government have no doubt that Bulgaria will live to regret her decision.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Cocks: Will the Minister give us some information as to the attitude of Soviet Russia towards the invasion of Bulgaria?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Speaker&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Cocks: May I ask another question?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Speaker: Is it related to the subject?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Cocks: Yes, it is, Mr. Speaker. Why are we waiting to allow the Germans to instal anti-aircraft guns before we bomb their communications?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Thorne: Can the right hon. Gentleman state when the Foreign-Secretary intends to return?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Butler: When he has completed his excellent mission.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;i&gt;Following is the full text of the Note: "&lt;/i&gt;:&lt;br/&gt;Your Excellency.&lt;br/&gt;In his speech in the Chamber of Deputies on 2nd March the President of the Council stated that the Bulgarian Government had decided to agree to a request made by the German Government in the course of discussions on the proposed accession of Bulgaria to the Tripartite Pact, that German troops should be permitted to enter this country. As a result of this decision, German troops are now on Bulgarian soil.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&#x000A;&lt;li&gt;2. According to M. Filoff&apos;s statement the German Government have declared that the presence of these troops is temporary and that their task is to safeguard peace and tranquillity in the Balkans. His Majesty&apos;s Government in the United Kingdom are not aware that this peace and tranquillity has ever been threatened or disturbed by any Power which was not a party to the Tripartite Pact, and they consider that the pretext advanced by the German Government is a specious one, designed in accordance with the usual German practice, to mask an ulterior aggressive aim. From the nature of Ger man military movements in the Balkans it is clear that the German aim is to menace, and if necessary attack, Great Britain&apos;s Ally Greece.&lt;/li&gt;&#x000A;&lt;li&gt;3. By their agreement with the German Government the Bulgarian Government have facilitated the realisation of this Ger man aim, and, apart from other measures which they have taken, they have gone so far as to proceed in connection with it to a large measure of mobilisation. His Majesty&apos;s Government can only conclude from this that the Bulgarian Government so far from desiring to maintain neutrality in the present conflict, are now prepared actively to co-operate with Ger many.&lt;/li&gt;&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0519"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1025&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;&lt;li&gt;4. If further evidence were needed of the extent of this co-operation it is only necessary to refer to the initiative taken by the Bulgarian Government on 4th March in breaking off diplomatic relations with Poland, Belgium and the Nether lands&amp;#x2014;countries which are Allies of Great Britain and the position of whose representatives in Bulgaria has hitherto been unchallenged.&lt;/li&gt;&#x000A;&lt;li&gt;5. It is a matter of indifference to His Majesty&apos;s Government what steps the Bulgarian Government may think fit to take for the protection of their country against external danger, real or imaginary. Great Britain is, however, at war with Germany and the presence, in ever- increasing force of German troops on Bulgarian territory, with the obvious object which I have already described, combined with the growing subserviency of the Bulgarian Government to German policy, is in the opinion of His Majesty&apos;s Government incompatible with the maintenance of British diplomatic representation in Bulgaria.&lt;/li&gt;&#x000A;&lt;li&gt;6. I have accordingly been instructed to withdraw His Majesty&apos;s Diplomatic Mission from Sofia and I request that I may be furnished with the necessary facilities for myself and my staff to leave the country. I avail, etc."&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;' title='BULGARIA (BRITISH MISSION, WITHDRAWAL).' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/bulgaria-british-mission-withdrawal'></outline>
    </outline>
    <outline id='886379' text="Mr. Lees-Smith: May I ask the Lord Privy Seal to make a statement on forthcoming Business?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: The Business will be as follows:&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;On the first Sitting Day we propose to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on going into Committee of Supply on the Air Estimates, 1941, and consider Votes A and 1 and Air Supplementary Estimates in Committee.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;On the second Sitting Day we shall take the Committee stage of the Determination of Needs Bill.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;On the third Sitting Day the Report stage of the Civil Vote on Account will be taken formally. Afterwards the House will go into Secret Session, and a Debate will take place on Shipping on a Motion for the Adjournment of the&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1026&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;House. We understand that this arrangement meets the general wishes of the House.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Shinwell: In regard to the Debate on shipping, which is to be in Secret Session, will the Lord Privy Seal intimate to Ministers other than the Minister of Shipping, for example, the Minister of Transport and representatives of the Ministry of Labour and the Admiralty, the desirability of being present, because the matter is very complicated?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: Certainly. All Ministers whose presence is desirable will be asked to attend.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Loftus: Will the House have an early opportunity of discussing the very important statement made by the President of the Board of Trade last Tuesday?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: The House will be aware that there is a great deal of financial business to be got through before Easter. We must also deal with the War Damage Bill and the Determination of Needs Bill, but there are opportunities for discussion of general topics on the Consolidated Fund Bill for which there will be two days. There are various suggestions for Debates in which hon. Members are interested. I understand that lady Members have asked for a Debate on women-power, and we are trying to find an opportunity for such a Debate. We are also trying to arrange for a Debate on the Ministry of Works and Buildings and the Ministry of Food, and I believe that there is a very wide desire for a Debate on the concentration of industries. An endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of the House.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Granville: Will the discussions now going on between employers and trade unions preclude this House from making constructive proposals when the Debate takes place?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: Of course not.&lt;br/&gt;Sir Herbert Williams: May we have an assurance that His Majesty's Government will not commit themselves finally to this policy until this House has discussed it?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: It is impossible to stop Government business in the middle of a war so that everything can be brought up for discussion by this House, but an opportunity will be given to this House for discussing all major matters.&lt;br/&gt;Sir H. Williams:Does my right hon. Friend recognise that to this policy there is the most strong opposition, of such a kind that His Majesty's Government may not obtain assent to the proposals?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Tinker: Does the right hon. Gentleman think that one day will be sufficient for the Committee stage of the Determination of Needs Bill, and if it is not enough, will he give further time for it?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: Perhaps we can see how it goes.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Maxton: With regard to this projected Debate on the concentration of industries, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether, associated with that Debate, the presence of the Minister without Portfolio is desirable in addition to that of the President of the Board of Trade, because the statement by the President of the Board of Trade was not only with regard to industries during war-time, but what was going to be done with these industries after the war was over?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: I will certainly bring that matter to the notice of my right hon. Friend. I am always glad to receive from hon. Members suggestions as to whom they would like to be present at Debates of this nature.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Granville: In view of the revolutionary nature of the proposals and of the necessity for the House of Commons to make a contribution, is it not possible for the House of Commons to sit another day?&lt;br/&gt;Sir A. Southby: With regard to the reply given to the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams), will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear to the House that the Government do not desire to avoid criticism by this House of their actions in this or any other matter?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: Certainly, Sir. The Government welcome the fullest opportunity for criticism.&lt;br/&gt;Sir I. Albery: In view of the fact that there will be many Members who wish to discuss the Consolidated Fund Bill, will my right hon. Friend give some consideration to the suggestion for another day for discussion of the concentration of industries?&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Attlee: That is a matter which can be discussed best through the usual channels." title='BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/business-of-the-house'></outline>
    <outline id='886385' text='That they have agreed to:&lt;br/&gt;House of Commons Disqualification (Temporary Provisions) Bill, without Amendment.' title='MESSAGE FROM THE LORDS.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/message-from-the-lords'></outline>
    <outline id='886386' text='Eighth Report from the Select Committee, brought up, and read; to lie upon the Table, and to be printed [No. 63].' title='NATIONAL EXPENDITURE.' type='link' url='http://hansard.millbanksystems.comhttp://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1941/mar/06/national-expenditure'></outline>
    <outline id='886396' text='ORDERS OF THE DAY.'>
      <outline id='886402' text='SUPPLY.'>
        <outline id='886403' text='Order for Committee read.&lt;br/&gt;CAPTAIN MARGESSON&apos;S STATEMENT.&lt;br/&gt;The Secretary of State for War (Captain Margesson): I beg to move, &apos;&apos;That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;In rising to move this Motion, I must crave the indulgence of the House for my many shortcomings. Although I have been a Member of this House for some 19 years, it is a long time since I addressed it formally. As a Whip, my contributions to Debates have been rare and impromptu; they have been made almost entirely on matters affecting the Business of the House during all-night Sittings, when the House, to say the least of it, has not been at its freshest or in its most critical mood. So to-day I freely confess that I am feeling some of the apprehensions associated with the making of a maiden speech. But this House has rightly earned for itself the reputation of being a generous Assembly, and I am encouraged to believe, when I ask it to be "to my faults a little blind," that I shall not ask in vain.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;A year ago, my predecessor, in introducing the Army Estimates, confessed himself to be at a disadvantage compared with his brother Service Ministers, because the Army at that time had not been engaged in an active capacity. That disadvantage no longer exists. The history of the Army during the last 12 months has been full of action, much of it in adversity, but much also a story of brilliant military and administrative achievement. There is one handicap, however, which every Minister must face in time of war. In speaking to the House about the Army, I must be careful to say nothing which might give the enemy information, nothing that might help him, by piecing together this little bit of the jigsaw with that, to get a better idea than he already has of the complete picture. Hitler will have no such luck. I am not going to oblige him by satisfying his curiosity, and I am certain that hon. Members will have this point constantly in their minds when they come to speak at a later stage in the course of this Debate.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1050&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;As 1 have already suggested, I have one advantage which was denied to my predecessor last year. The Army no longer lies under the shadow of inaction. It has come out into the full light of achievement. I will not enter into a discussion of the series of events which led to the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from France. Much has been said and written about the events of those dramatic days, and it must be left to the military historians to put them in their proper perspective One fact, however, stands out clearly. Cut off from its bases, with both flanks in the air, relentlessly pressed and encircled on all sides, the British Expeditionary Force, by the sheer staunchness of its military quality and by the steadfast leadership and direction of its commanders and staff, in scenes of confusion unparalleled in the history of warfare, made good its retirement to the coast, and thanks also to the gallantry of the Navy and the Air Force, withdrew in the face of the enemy no less than 85 per cent of its effectives. I hope that the story of this battle will soon be available to the House and to the public by the publication of the despatches of Lord Gort, the Commander-in-Chief.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;The operations of the Army of the Nile need no commendation from me. The world knows how, in a short campaign, the Italian armies have been driven out of Egypt and to the Western borders of Cyrenaica. In barely eight weeks from the beginning of the operation on 9th December, 1940, and by a campaign which will long be studied as a model of the military art, an advance of over 450 miles as the Spitfire flies was made by General Wavell against an enemy force of some 10 or 11 divisions equipped with every modern appliance of war. For three months the enemy prepared his defences in the forward area; Bardia and Tobruk, those bastions of Rome, were covered by very strong fortifications. Yet by 30th January four main positions had been assaulted and captured. The final capitulation of Benghazi on 6th February completed the capture or destruction of the whole Italian army in the East of Libya, estimated to exceed 150,000 men. What was the cost of this to us? Our losses in these and all other operations in the Middle Eastern theatre, including East Africa, between 31st November, 1940, and 11th February, 1941, totalled 1,774,&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0532"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1051&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;of which 438 were killed, 1,249 wounded, and 87 are reported as missing. These brilliant successes owed much, and I should be the last to deny it, to the loyal and effective co-operation of the other two Arms. Without the help of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force they would have been impossible.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;But, make no mistake about it, this battle has been a land battle, and our great successes have been primarily due to the Army. There has been a good deal of speculation as to what might have happened if we had been faced by German troops. No doubt the task would have been harder, but the weakness of the Italian position was not due primarily to a weakened morale, for, as I have said, the Italian armies were well equipped, strongly entrenched and numerically superior. It was due to the brilliant use of surprise and man&amp;#x0153;uvre by the British Forces under their commanders, and also to the superlative work of the administrative and supply services. Those services do not strike the eye. They do not get the headlines in the newspapers, but they are the basis of all successful operations in the field.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;In East Africa, our successes, so far, have been equally striking. The higher degree of opposition encountered, due in part to the defensive advantages of a most difficult country, has slowed down our advance in Eritrea, Italy&apos;s oldest colony. But the rapidity of the advance by our Forces based in Kenya, has rivalled even the rate of our Libyan advance. Our Forces in this theatre were already some 350 miles in front of their railhead base when they began their advance across 100 miles of waterless desert to the Juba river. In four days they had captured Kismayu, and two days later they had forced the crossing of the Juba. Their advance soon continued and in a further eight days&amp;#x2014;that is, only 17 days from the beginning of these operations&amp;#x2014;Mogadishu, the capital of Italian Somaliland, 250 miles further on, had fallen. No pause was made there, and within 48 hours our patrols had penetrated to a depth of 150 miles north of that point. This was a most remarkable achievement, and in carrying it out so successfully we captured more than 10,000 prisoners. These operations are a prelude to greater struggles with our principal enemy.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1052&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;I should like to turn now to a consideration of the condition and equipment of our new troops and formations, which must, ultimately, bear the brunt of the land battle, wherever it may be fought. As the House knows too well, our great handicap since the beginning of the war, and before it, was lack of modern equipment, and in gauging the rate of our progress in regard to equipment, three main factors stand out. First, in the pre-war rearmament programme priority was rightly given to the Air Force and naval programmes. Both in time and in degree, Army equipment had to take third place. Secondly, since the war began, the Royal Air Force programme has had a large measure of priority over other programmes. Thirdly, in the evacuation from France, unhappily we lost nearly all the equipment which we had accumulated with so much toil and sweat and at such heavy cost. Our situation, therefore, in June, 1940, was a most unenviable one. The great bulk of the personnel of the British Expeditionary Force had been evacuated, but the problem of reforming them into units presented the most complex administrative difficulties. All these men had certainly had recent fighting experience, but they had no weapons except those which they had been able to carry away themselves. The remainder of the Army in this country had a few weapons but no fighting experience. The immediate task therefore was to undertake a complete reorganisation, and great credit is due to my predecessor, to the War Office and to the staffs in general, for what they achieved during those highly critical days.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;In the matter of equipment, it was fortunate that a part of the war reserves of the British Expeditionary Force had been stored in this country, and we also got some stores away from our depots south of the River Somme. We found that we were able to issue some equipment to the Army immediately, and, in addition, stores ordered by France from America became available, and shipping on its way to France with these stores was diverted to this country. The transformation that was effected in this one month of June, 1940, is, perhaps, unequalled in the history of the British Army. By the end of the month, practically the whole of the original British&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0533"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1053&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;Expeditionary Force had been reformed and the units provided with a quota of weapons and transport. But the amount of equipment available was very small indeed, and was not enough for any formations to be given their full outfit. The breathing-space which we have had since Dunkirk has been turned to good account. The wheels of production are now turning faster and faster, and the present position is that most of the major formations are comparatively well-equipped, and we are now able to form new divisions. In addition, large reinforcements of equipment have been sent to the Middle East. Dominion troops have been provided with weapons and transport, and we have been able to supply material aid to our Allies.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Let me here, if the House will bear with me, digress for a moment to pay my tribute to our gallant ally, Greece. After all, the Greeks were the first to stand fast; they refused to be cowed by the overwhelming: superiority of the Italians in men and equipment. Instead of being crushed in a month, as a great many people predicted, they attacked, and they proved once again that fortune favours the brave. They were the first to stop the rot. Those splendid troops have turned what at first sight appeared to be a magnificent stand, against overwhelming odds, into a triumphant advance over a most difficult country in the depth of winter. In doing so, they have shown their neighbours what can be done by a small country possessed of dauntless courage. The Free French Forces have already given gallant service in Libya, Eritrea, Italian Somaliland and elsewhere, and the Poles are only awaiting their chance to get at the enemy and once again to show their fighting qualities. The Belgians, the Norwegians, the Dutch and the Czechs are all contributing their quota to the final victory. They have all drawn equipment from our resources, as, indeed, have also the patriot Abyssinians.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;To return, however, to the subject of equipment. Thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Supply&amp;#x2014;and the War Office is the best customer of the Ministry of Supply&amp;#x2014;the position has greatly improved since last summer and gives some cause for confidence, but in saying this I do not wish to give the slightest suggestion of complacency. What we are striving for all the time is to bring ourselves to the&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1054&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;highest possible state of efficiency. We are still a long way from having all we would like to have, or all that we could put to good use, but what has been done already should be looked at in its true perspective. There are still gaps in some classes of our equipment, but every week that goes by sees those gaps closing, and with the aid of British, Dominion and Indian production, and with the growing output of America, I hope that the time is not far off when we shall have an Army, fully-equipped and fully-trained to use its weapons.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;In matters of equipment, quantity is not everything. Never has clearer proof been given of the value of quality than in the operations in Libya. The training and courage of our men out there could have been of no avail if it had not been matched by the high quality of the machines which they used. The tanks, which covered 150 miles in 30 hours over bad country, to cut off the Italian retreat from Benghazi, and then fought a successful action against greatly superior armoured forces, had already covered hundreds of miles and fought many actions. Some of the tanks had become casualties; but these were used to provide spare parts for those that could still keep going&amp;#x2014;an armoured division form of cannibalism. Later in my speech I shall refer again to this question of quality of equipment. I hope that what I have said will hearten the workers in our factories and encourage them to turn out more and more equipment for the Army. The troops rely upon them, and they know they will not be let down.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;The excitement of watching the news of our progress in Africa and of the development of military affairs in the Balkans and elsewhere abroad tends to draw away our attention from the position here at home. That is a tendency which must not be allowed to go too far. We are, naturally and rightly, encouraged by our recent successes, but we must never, for one moment, forget the perils nearer home. That is where the enemy has his gun pointed at our vitals. The danger of invasion of this country is a very real one, and I feel that the House is entitled to hear from me something of the preparations which we have made to meet it when it comes. It is obviously impossible for me to reveal to the House the operational dispositions upon which our plans&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0534"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1055&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;are based, but there are some points to which I can refer without endangering the general security.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;The troops in these islands can broadly be divided into two categories. First, there are what I would call the static defences: our coast-defence batteries and troops, and our anti-aircraft defence units. Then there are the field formations, our field army, whose duty it is to strike at and annihilate the invader wherever he may be found, whether after descent from the air or after landing by sea. The defence of aerodromes, depots and other vital points is also a responsibility of the Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces. Like other Members of this House, I find in my postbag day after day many letters asking whether this or that possibility has been allowed for. I welcome these letters. All these letters are considered; some of them produce new thoughts for which we are grateful. We are always ready to learn, and our plans are always fluid. I can say that every possibility open to the ingenuity of the enemy has been considered, so far as we can read their minds.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Our troops are continually being trained to meet any eventuality. About a month ago there was an exercise, a sham battle, which lasted for about a week. Both the civil organisations and the military staffs took part. This exercise was directed at meeting an imagined attack, and for its purpose we called in some of the most brilliant staff officers at our disposal and asked them to take on the mantle of the German General Staff and to make plans for an attack upon this country. That attack was duly launched. The German Staff was housed in special offices, and by a system of umpires and observers throughout the country the effect of the various waves of attack, whether by sea or by air, was checked, and many lessons learned. The ingenuity of this improvised enemy staff resulted in a scale of attack greatly exceeding in probability anything that the Germans could actually inflict. Every preliminary disaster which might conceivably come upon us was in the exercise given effect. There were many landings by sea and air, and the effect of continuous air bombardment of our central points was estimated to have caused a breakdown of many of the means of communication. Notwithstanding this assumption. of the worst, the defence orga-&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1056&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;nisations, civil, naval, military and Air Force, came through the ordeal with great credit. I mention this exercise merely to show the House that we are not sitting tight in our defences, but are endeavouring to improve our system of static and mobile defence from day to day.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;The training of the troops in this country has proceeded steadily and progressively, and, now that the long days and better weather are coming, it will be possible to put a finer polish upon it. I should like to give the House some idea, in particular, of the special training which is given to men who show qualities of leadership and are therefore selected for training as non-commissioned officers and as officers. When a man first joins the Army we do our best to use any special knowledge that he already possesses. All kinds of specialists are required in the modern Army, and men with specialist knowledge are as far as possible drafted to the appropriate units. The basic military training which every soldier must have is reduced to a minimum in these cases. Promotion to non-commissioned rank may take place very early in a soldier&apos;s career. If he shows the qualities of leadership, he is frequently given a lance-corporal stripe within the first month. [An HON. MEMBER: "Unpaid."] No, with pay for it. Thereafter, training within the unit or at corps or Army schools often results in promotion to the rank of sergeant very rapidly. There are many ways in which a man can find such advancement. He may, for example, prove to be a good instructor, and, alter teaching in his own unit, he may be posted as an instructor at a school. Or, again, he may show promise as a specialist, and may become a signaller sergeant in an infantry battalion. Or, again, he may become an expert in gas defence. During all this time he is eligible for selection to go to an Officer Cadet Training Unit, known as an O.C.T.U. I do not care very much for that word; it sounds too much like the Russian Secret Police&amp;#x2014;the Ogpu.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;I should here like to mention a point which is very much in the minds of Members of this House and of the public. It is the question whether the system of selection of officers is really impartial. The figures which I now propose to give will help the House in deciding that it is. An analysis of the commissions given&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0535"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1057&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;from a selection of infantry O.C.T.U.&apos;s shows that for the period 27th September to 27th December, 1940, that is, a period of three months, 26 per cent. of the successful pupils came from what are known as public schools; the balance of 74 per cent. came from grammar, council or secondary schools, and of these about 9 per cent. had had a university education. Another period and a different selection of O.C.T.U.&apos;s would no doubt give slightly differing results, but the figures which I have quoted will give the House a good idea of the general trend. An examination of the civil occupations of the candidates at these units for the same period is also interesting. They included a printer, a miner, tailor, docker, an optician, a labourer, a race-horse trainer, a rope maker, a grocer, a fireman, and a barrister&amp;#x2014; [An HON. MEMBER: "And a bookmaker."] &amp;#x2014;No, not a bookmaker; I said a race-horse trainer.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;The selection of candidates to go to the O.C.T.U.&apos;s is very strict. First the soldier must be recommended by his commanding officer. Then he must appear in person before a Selection Board. Even when he has got to an O.C.T.U. the would-be officer cannot take things easy and count on passing out with the rest. He has to prove that he really does possess the necessary qualifications to become an officer. If he cannot, then he must go. More than a quarter of the pupils passing through are eliminated, though some of these may possibly get a second chance when they have had more experience in the ranks. It is vitally important that the standard of our junior officers should be maintained as a high one. Once commissioned, the officer looks forward to becoming a squadron, battery or company commander. In order that he may be trained for this promotion, there are many different courses and schools of training open to him. For example, an outstanding 2nd lieutenant of the infantry may be sent to a company commanders&apos; school. An officer in the Royal Artillery who has a mathematical or scientific bent may, after service in the junior rank, attend a technical course in gunnery and subsequently graduate as an instructor in gunnery.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;The next stage in a regimental officer&apos;s career is command. For the purpose of training officers to take command there is the senior officers&apos; school; and at all&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1058&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;stages of an officer&apos;s career there are progressive schools through which he may pass, ranging from corps schools for platoon commanders through intermediate grades of rank up to the senior officers&apos; school which I have mentioned. In addition there are establishments such as the administrative staff school, through which many business men have passed: a school for intelligence training, and also the Staff College. The pupils at all these schools also represent, roughly speaking, a very fair cross section of public life. Certain specialist officers can be commissioned direct from civil life. This applies to particular corps where technical knowledge is of great importance to the Army. In such cases it is obviously much more economical to take the scientist or technician and train him as an officer straight away from the start than to waste time by putting him in the ranks.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;All the lessons of the war so far have emphasised the vital necessity of training, and we have set our faces against any demands for the use of troops in this country which would have the effect of depriving them of this primary need. But there is one matter in which we have thought it our duty to make an exception. I refer to the calls upon the Army made by the civil power as a result of enemy air attack. These calls we have answered to the fullest extent of our ability, and it is our policy to hold centrally bodies of skilled and unskilled troops which can immediately be sent to the aid of any area which has suffered from air attack. Take an example, the recent serious attack upon the city of Coventry. The attack took place on the night of 14th November. On 15th November 600 troops were in that city helping to clear the streets; 140 of them helped the police to control traffic and to keep order. On the 16th a further 670 arrived, and the total was later increased to more than 1,500. Of these, some 350 were skilled engineers, about half the rest were members of the Pioneer Corps and the remainder were infantry and traffic control personnel&amp;#x2014;a new body which has been raised since Dunkirk. These soldiers helped to repair water mains and to salvage essential technical gear, and they performed many other tasks. In addition to all this, 1,200 slaters and tilers were released from the Army to give first-aid repairs to houses and factories. I am glad to say that the&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0536"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1059&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;prompt action of the Army in this case, and in others, has received the very grateful thanks of the civil authorities which the Army helped. Those who were there and who saw Alderman Halliwell sitting in the City Chambers in rubber boots and a pull-over, next to a big general in a brass hat and a British warm, realised that the old city of Coventry had still something new to tell the world.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;I have mentioned the Pioneer Corps. This Corps, originally known as the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, was created at the beginning of the war, and was composed of 15,000 Reservists. As the need for labour in the Army increased, recruiting was opened on a voluntary basis, and some first-class material became available, mainly old soldiers. Since that time the Corps has been greatly expanded, and some of the Army in take of the lower physical standards have been transferred to it. Further, its ranks have been thrown open to foreigners, and there are more than 5,000 alien subjects in the ranks at the present time. Splendid work was done in France by this Corps, of which 1,500 were foreigners, mainly Austrian, German and Spanish. I need not remind the House that, although Pioneers were enlisted for labour purposes, they proved their worth as fighting troops and suffered considerable casualties before and during the dark days of the evacuation. Their work in London in clearing debris and repairing and maintaining the vital services of the capital is fresh in the minds of all Londoners, and at this time more than 10,000 of these men altogether are engaged upon this very exacting work. We have all seen their cheerful grimy faces about the place, willingly undergoing discomfort at an age when they certainly had some right to expect ease. The need for Pioneer units is inexhaustible and their duties most important. Apart from the work which I have described, they erect Army huts, work on aerodromes, prepare defences and carry out a hundred and one jobs, which in their absence would have to be carried out by Field troops at the expense of their training. I hope that volunteers will continue to come forward and enlist from all over the country.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;A survey of the Army to-day would not be complete without a brief reference to&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1060&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;that fine body of men, the Home Guard. Raised in an incredibly short space of time, as a result of an appeal launched by my predecessor, this force still has some troubles, as I am well aware, and the general shortage of equipment does not make it easier for these keen volunteers to train themselves for the tasks which are allotted to them. There are also a good many details of administration which need to be tidied up, and I just want to take this opportunity of telling the House and the Home Guard that I am working at this problem as a matter of first priority, and that I hope soon that reasons for complaint will have, to a large extent, disappeared. The Home Guard itself will easily realise the difficulty of administering a force of over a millon and a half men distributed in small groups over the whole of the British Isles, and, if some of these units feel aggrieved that they have not yet received the full equipment which they have expected, let them remember that we must issue arms and equipment to those places which are operationally most important, and that the other localities must wait for a little. The Home Guard is doing a fine job The help which they have given to the Civil Defence Services after air raids has also been beyond praise. It is no light task after a long day&apos;s work to turn out for night duty and to give up week-ends to training, often with inadequate equipment.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;I must say a word, too, about the Women&apos;s Auxiliary Territorial Service. Everyone in this House knows the great value of the work which this corps is carrying out&amp;#x2014; work which is of particularly vital importance just now, because we have to use the man and woman power in this country to the best possible advantage. Every job in the Army which can be done by a woman releases a soldier for fighting, and I hope that we may find fresh tasks, maybe nearer the fighting line, to which we can gradually introduce the woman element. There are still great numbers of young women in this country who ought to join up. When they make up their minds to do so they will be warmly welcomed.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;In all that I have said so far, I have concentrated upon training and equipment, and I have perhaps given the impression that the man who is to be trained is merely a cog in the wheel, is only a body without a personality. That is not the&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0537"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1061&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;case at all. On the contrary, we fully realise that the Army of to-day is a citizen Army, quite distinct in its make-up from the Regular Army of peace-time. This Army of citizens has been called to the Colours to fight for freedom, to fight for what they believe to be right, against what they believe to be wrong. They have left their families and homes, often at great personal sacrifice. They have willingly submitted themselves to Army discipline, and for the past 18 months they have cheerfully put up with the daily routine of training themselves to be soldiers. But they know that however irksome this training may be it will stand them in good stead when they are called upon to go into battle.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;I do not wish the House to misunderstand me. Training ought to be interesting, and we attempt to make it so, but it is useless to pretend, and it would be foolish to argue, that training by itself can fully occupy the minds and activities of men who have been accustomed to quite other ways of living in civil life. We all recognise that this question of the well-being and mental content of the individual soldier is one of our most difficult problems. There are two main aspects of this problem; first, there is the man who has just been called up, and, secondly, there is the man who is on his way to being fully trained. Let me take the recruit first. Thrown in haphazard among a number of other recruits whom he has never seen before, with entirely different outlooks maybe and different standards of living, he has to shake himself down into a new atmosphere. He must accept the fact of discipline; he must do a number of things, the immediate use of which is not obvious to him; and he must undertake for himself a good many tasks which in his civil life were done for him by his women folk.&lt;br/&gt;Dr. Edith Summerskill: Why not?&lt;br/&gt;Captain Mar&amp;#x01F5;esson: What steps do we take to help him? Many of these men have been in a responsible or independent position in their private life. They may have run their own small businesses. They may have been members of the professional classes or the industrial classes. How do we help them to accept what many of them regard as rather a stupid and unprofitable existence? The&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1062&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;last thing we want to do is to take away the soldier&apos;s reliance upon himself. I am one of those who think that there is a danger of doing too much for the soldier these days, but we must not, and we do not, forget that these men and boys have been wrenched away from the lives of their own making and from the friends of their own. choice. Their hobbies and their interests have been left behind with their civilian clothes. How do we try to help the new boys to settle down in their new home? That is where the officer comes in. It is a well-known maxim in the Army, and one which should continually be impressed on all young officers, that the first duty of an officer is the care and well-being of the men under his command. In battle the officer must lead: during preparation for battle he must be a combination of father, brother and trusted adviser.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Commissioned rank carries with it certain privileges which cannot be shared by all, but privileges carry with them responsibilities, and, as far as I can, I am determined to see that these responsibilities are not ignored. Every officer, then, has the primary responsibility of knowing his men, of knowing their troubles and of doing what he can to put them right. It is their business to help their men not only in their personal lives but in the lives of their families and dependants. Every officer should acquaint himself with the broad outlines of the regulations governing family and dependants&apos; allowances, and so on, and should be himself in a position to advise the men under his command as far as he possibly can of what they should do to get what they are entitled to, and if he does not know the answer, to advise the men under his command where to get it.&lt;br/&gt;Mr. Bellen&amp;#x01F5;er: May I ask whether in the training of the junior officers with whom the men mostly come into contact, this procedure on which the Secretary of State insists is imparted as part of the training?&lt;br/&gt;Captain Mar&amp;#x01F5;esson: Yes, Sir. I believe that, broadly speaking, that is so, but I hope that what I am saying today in my position as Secretary of State will infiltrate down to those training units where possibly it does not exist at present. Perhaps I may here refer to the fact that we have been considering the&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0538"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1063&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;effect of the Determination of Needs Bill on our dependants&apos; allowance scheme. As the House is aware, that scheme does not purport to reflect in detail the conditions of unemployment assistance; it would not be appropriate that it should do so. The scheme provides for certain payments to be made to the dependants of soldiers having regard to the contribution which the soldier made before he joined the Army, to the hardship caused to the dependant by his enlistment, and to the ability of the soldier to make contributions from his Army pay. But it has this in common with the scheme for unemployment assistance, that, in deciding what is hardship, regard has hitherto been paid to the resources of all members of the dependant&apos;s household. In view of the changes which have been made in the scheme for unemployment assistance on this point, we shall modify the procedure of our dependants&apos; allowance scheme on similar, though perhaps not necessarily exactly the same, lines. The details are being worked out and are nearly complete. When they are, I will have them communicated to the House in whatever may be the most convenient form. But I would remind the House that this is a very complicated matter: that changes in procedure throw a heavy burden on machinery which is already strained to the utmost: and that if the machinery were to break down under the load, it would result in hardship to those for whose sole benefit the scheme exists. The House will, therefore, appreciate that the introduction of the new principle must take a little time. I am glad to say that my right hon. Friends the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for Air are in full agreement with me on this most important matter.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Before I made that digression, I was referring to the special position of regimental officers. Within the limits of discipline the regimental life must be a family life. Only in this way will there be that confidence and understanding which are essential to a well-disciplined unit under fire. But the Army officer is only human. The ways in which he can help his men off duty are strictly limited, and that is where the Army Welfare organisation comes in. The general&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1064&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;object of this organisation is to help men to keep themselves fit, mentally and bodily, and to save them from falling into the groove of routine. The work of the 1,000 voluntary Welfare Officers, most of them ex-service men, is beyond praise. The State is also contributing its share by providing money for wireless sets, mobile cinemas, lectures, books and for entertainments of all sorts. Perhaps the most important work of the Welfare organisation is that of bringing together the civilian public and the Army. Many thousands of soldiers, including, I know, a great many of our Dominion troops in this country, will always be grateful to the hundreds of public-spirited civilians who have entertained them in their homes.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Broadcasts and cinemas do not appeal to everybody, and many of the present-day soldiers want something a bit more solid. For them there is an increasing opportunity of attending lectures and organised classes. Last January there were 5,000 lectures delivered. In the same month there were 3,000 organised classes running. Men could study for most branches of professions and trades, and for commercial, military, and scientific subjects. In the units themselves, there are not only men who are anxious to learn, but there are others who are able and willing to teach. I expect to see a great development in these internal educational arrangements in the near future. There are also correspondence courses for men who seek professional qualifications. We have had over 4,000 applicants for enrolment in courses in insurance, law, banking, engineering, and other subjects. Finally, to give those who want it a rest from the clatter of the canteen and barrack room, which I think is very important, I hope to be able to provide a number of quiet rooms where they can read and write undisturbed.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;I have spoken at some length about those members of the public who have joined the ranks of the Army. Let me now say something about those who are left behind. Perhaps the keynote of war is disturbance&amp;#x2014;disturbance of private amenities and private rights. This alteration in the basis of our home lives is inevitable and cannot be helped, the more so when the very existence of our homes is threatened by impending enemy invasion. But the disturbance of private&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0539"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1065&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;rights does not mean their abolition, and&apos; it is the business of the Army, as of the other Services of the Crown, to soften in every possible way the impact of war conditions upon the ordinary people of this country. The disruption of our method of life shows itself in many different forms. Some people are thrown out of their homes by enemy action; others are compulsorily evacuated because of the threat of enemy action; others again are turned out of their houses because the military must have them; and still others are compelled, very willingly I am happy to say in most cases, to accept officers or men from the Army as temporary guests.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Perhaps the most serious of these causes of disturbance lies in the Army&apos;s power of requisitioning. This power had to be exercised in the past in circumstances of great urgency and great danger. The colossal expansion of the Army and of all its services has meant that quarters have had to be found for many thousands of men in areas where hitherto only hundreds have lived. Many, of course, are found accommodation in new camps and existing barracks, but until the Army accommodation has been put up, we have had to requisition private property. I will not deny that in many cases this requisitioning has been thoughtless and needlessly harsh. But it was imperative to get as many of our men under permanent roofs as possible. Some Members of the House will remember the winter of 1914 and the quagmires in which thousands of men lived during those months. I hope that that will not happen again. I am glad to say that less than.3 per cent, of all the troops in this country are now under canvas, and the great bulk of these are in the air defence of Great Britain, where operational necessities make it more difficult to provide permanent accommodation.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Having said so much, I want the House to know that now that conditions have settled down after the first feverish days following upon the collapse of France, the method of requisitioning has been overhauled and the number of reasonable complaints has been reduced to a minimum. There are still, of course, some people who will not, or cannot, appreciate the needs of the Army and who will complain, however justifiable may be the requisitioning. But I am glad to say that these people&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1066&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;are not in the majority&amp;#x2014;they are very much in the minority. In the main we receive help rather than opposition, even when people are in danger of losing not only their homes but their livelihoods as well. There are now over 100,000 properties requisitioned by the Army. More than 70 per cent, of all claims received have been settled, and I have no doubt that as the number of new requisitions diminishes, as it is now, I am glad to say, showing signs of doing, the unsettled claims will rapidly be cleared off. Besides requisitioned properties there are many claims for damage of varying kinds. The House will remember that last November my predecessor set up a special Claims Commission to deal with these and other compensation cases, and the constitution of this Commission, which includes the Chairmen of Lloyds and the Accident Offices Association, will, I hope, ensure that the interest of the public is not overridden by the purely military requirements.&lt;lb/&gt;&#x000A;Let me say a word about messing. Everyone knows, and many criticise the fact, that the ration provided for the soldier is more ample and varied than can be obtained by the private citizen. The reasons for that are obvious. We cannot expect men to be fit for fighting unless they get plenty of food, and so far as concerns soldiers who may go into the field at any moment, no one would object, I think, to that general theory. It is not so easy to explain the disparity between the military and civil ration in the case of those many officers and men who are occupied in sedentary tasks and whose duties are not likely to take them into the field. As a result of recent discussions with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food, certain reductions have been made. This subject is, I think, of very great importance. It typifies our whole attitude as against that of our enemies. There is no question with us of the Army seeking to set itself up as a special class with special privileges not to be shared with the civilian population. We are all in this business together. I know that the Army understand the problem perfectly well, and I am certain they will accept this cut in their rations without a murmur. But it is more important now than ever to see that the best use is made of every bit of food and that none is wasted due to bad cooking or faulty catering.&#x000A;&lt;image src="S5CV0369P0I0540"/&gt;&#x000A;&lt;col&gt;1067&lt;/col&gt;&#x000A;The provision of the ration for the troops is only the beginning of the problem of feeding them, and 