Sir William Davison: Since this matter was brought up before a great deal of water has flowed under London Bridge, and does not my right hon. Friend think that it should now be further considered? Will he inform the House why it should be illegal for a performance in costume to be given on Sunday and not illegal for one to be given in ordinary clothes?
Sir William Davison: asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that local authorities in the London area find it impossible to proceed with their plans for housing and town planning generally till the Government have announced what is their national planning policy and, in particular, as to their policy with regard to the location of industry in London and as to the probability of any substantial removal from...
Sir William Davison: Is my right hon. Friend aware that the London County Council are being informed by many local authorities that they are unable to submit plans for housing and town planning until the Government make a statement as to what the population of London is likely to be after the war?
Sir William Davison: asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the lack of appreciation of our responsibilities with regard to Imperial Defence which prevailed throughout the country and among Members of Parliament prior to the war and was largely responsible for our state of unpreparedness, he will arrange for an annual Report to be submitted to Parliament by the Committee of Imperial Defence, briefly setting...
Sir William Davison: Would it not be desirable, in view of the great pre-occupation of all Governments, that an annual report should be made by the Committee of Imperial Defence so that Parliament, at any rate, would know the position and the required time to provide any necessary equipment?
Sir William Davison: asked the President of the Board of Education whether any estimate has been made of the cost which would be involved in bringing the buildings of non-provided schools throughout the country up to the standard required for provided schools; and what is the probable number of new non-provided schools which are likely to be required and the estimated cost of their provision?
Sir William Davison: Does my right hon. Friend realise that this question of cost is a vital matter in considering the proposals of the Bill relating to non-provided schools and is he aware that the estimated cost of modernising many non-provided schools throughout the country even with the 50 per cent. grant, and building the necessary new schools, is beyond the means of many non-provided school managers?
Sir William Davison: asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists in the R.O.C. by reason of the fact that their Corps is not included in Fighter Command, notwithstanding that they are an integral part of the defences of Great Britain and elsewhere; and whether he will reconsider this matter?
Sir William Davison: Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that without the Royal Observer Corps it would be impossible for Fighter Command to give protection to our large cities and elsewhere? In those circumstances, does he not think that it would be a graceful action if the Royal Observer Corps were to be made a part of Fighter Command?
Sir William Davison: Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the whole question of the common informer?
Sir William Davison: asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many of the personal possessions of soldiers killed in action are being sold instead of being sent home to their next of kin; and whether all possible steps will be taken to restore to the next of kin all such personal possessions of soldiers killed in action?
Sir William Davison: Is my right hon. Friend aware of the heartbreaking letters which Members are receiving from wives and parents of soldiers who have lost their lives and have been informed that the personal effects have been sold saying that no amount of cash could be worth the things they have carried with them to the war and which they have loved?
Sir William Davison: Is it not the usual practice for addresses to the Empire Parliamentary Association to be published?
Sir William Davison: Surely the present situation could have been forecast a few days ago at any rate, which would have enabled the right hon. Gentleman to make the announcement which he has made today and would have enabled the House, if it had thought fit, to debate this unusual method of recruiting. It places the House in an unfortunate position; it holds a pistol to their head.
Sir William Davison: Has not every point of view been expressed? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."]
Sir William Davison: The hon. Member cannot address the House every time the Communist party is mentioned.
Sir William Davison: Would it not be possible for the Government to purchase from Canada some of the marvellous "Sweet Caporal" cigarettes which are supplied to the Canadian Forces?
Sir William Davison: Cannot the ventilation of these underground offices be improved?
Sir William Davison: When is the Memorandum which was adumbrated in the Press that, although their houses were totally destroyed, the owners might yet be eligible for a cost-of-works payment, likely to be published?
Sir William Davison: Is it not a fact that local authorities say that they must have choice of tenants and that often the private owner is unable to replace his tenant himself?
