A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46

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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 276

The aim of this Report is to present an impartial assessment of public feeling about the war and the war effort. It is not a record of fact , except in so far as public opinion is itself a fact. The public is sometimes ill-informed, prejudiced, or inconsistent. The recording of such feelings without comment implies no endorsement of them.

The public is more prone to criticise than to praise. Good work or efficiency is usually taken for granted. An accurate record of expressed feeling will, therefore, tend to be critical rather than laudatory.

The method of compiling the Report is such that the amount of space devoted to each subject, and the order in which subjects are placed, are roughly indicative of the amount of public interest each is arousing. The omission of a subject from the Report means that it is not a matter of widespread comment.

In assessing the state of public feeling there are no absolutes. Findings can only be comparative. Each issue of this Report must therefore be read as part of a continuous series. Unless the series is seen as a whole, the significance of fluctuations in feeling cannot be appreciated.

The figures in brackets at the end of each section refer to sources of information, a list of which is given on the next page. The weekly reports from Regional Information Officers (R.I.Os.) are compiled by the Regional Intelligence Officers from a large number of sources. Details of the methods of compilation and cross-checking are contained in a paper on “How the Home Intelligence Weekly Report is made”. This will be supplied on request to the Home Intelligence Division of the Ministry of Information.

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P.T.O.

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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
SECRET

No. 132 15th April, 1943

(Covering period 6th to 13th April, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

“The splendid news” from Tunisia seems to have absorbed practically the whole of public attention this week. People feel that “whatever difficulties lie ahead, nothing can now stop the triumphant progress of the Eighth Army”, and “Tunisia may be ours even earlier than was hoped”. The advance has added to the expectation of - and speculation about an early Allied offensive in Europe. There is, however, said to be “little undue elation”, and only a slight rise in public spirits is reported.

Reports from six Regions (five last week) refer to war weariness: fatigue is again attributed to long hours of work, Civil Defence duties, and “food deficiencies”.

Only preliminary reactions have been received to:

  1. The broadcast by H.M. The Queen. This has been praised for its sincerity and also for “the clearness of her voice”.

  2. The Budget, “which has caused little discussion compared with former Budgets”; it “was much as was expected”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 all provincial P.Cs. No report from Region 3 this week)

2. North Africa

“The surge forward of the Eighth Army has given deep satisfaction and pleasure” (Eleven Regions), and the Tunisian campaign has again proved “the outstanding topic of the week”. In two reports people are referred to as “watchful and attentive”, and “avaricious to hear news of more progress”. Discussion on the future of the campaign centres on:

(1) “The time it will take to clear the enemy out of Africa.” While the majority are forecasting an early victory (Seven Regions), “the more cautious believe that a lot of hard fighting still lies ahead” (Three Regions).

(2) “What are Rommel's possible moves?” can he “stage a Dunkirk?” “Is he already getting his men away?” (Four Regions).

(3) “Will the First Army be able to cut the Germans in two, and prevent Rommel joining von Arnim?” (Two Regions).

General Montgomery and his men “have now become national heroes” and confidence in them has reached a new high level; it is felt that “they will triumph over all obstacles”. Particular pride and pleasure in the operations of the 51st Division are reported from Scotland, and in the Northern Region “people are pleased that it was a north country division which held Rommel's panzers at Wadi Zigzaou”. The Americans and the First Army are also reported “to be coming in for some praise, though rather as an afterthought to the admiration for the Eighth Army”; criticism of the Americans is still expressed in two reports.

Political situation : The postponement of the meeting between Generals Giraud and de Gaulle has “puzzled and bewildered” people, and increased concern about the political situation in North Africa. The reasons for the postponement are not understood, and it is asked “why de Gaulle's visit should hinder or impede the prosecution of the war?” The delay in negotiations has created uneasy speculation along the following lines:

(1) The situation is due to “American ineptitude”, or to General Eisenhower's preference for “the reactionary elements” (Four Regions).

(2) Our Government is “backing Giraud and freezing out de Gaulle” (Two Regions).

At the same time there are “contemptuous references” to the “unreliable French who never have known their own minds” (Two Regions), and there appear to be “some doubts about the political wisdom of General de Gaulle” (Two Regions).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 ten provincial P.Cs.)

3. H.M. The Queen's broadcast

Only preliminary reports have so far been received on the broadcast by H.M. The Queen (11th April). In Scotland, her audience is thought to have been especially large and appreciative. Her “beautifully clear diction” caused general comment, and the “understanding thought behind her talk”, “her obvious sincerity and feeling” were much appreciated. “Because it was time someone said these things” appealed strikingly to some listeners, and it was felt that “her tribute to women was well deserved”. Many women were specially pleased “because she did not patronise”.

There is some speculation about whether the broadcast had some hidden significance, and from two Regions there are reports of suggestions that it was designed to “fortify the women of Britain and the Empire against news of heavy casualties which will follow a Continental invasion”. “Is this a sign that we are on the eve of big events?”

(1. 2. 6. 7. 10. 11. 32.)

4. The Budget

Before : “A moderate amount” of speculation preceded the Budget, and the forecasts were “on the whole, pretty accurate”. They included an increase in indirect taxation - tobacco, cigarettes, entertainment and cosmetics were specified - and no increase in direct taxation. “A cycle tax” was, however, considered possible and according to one report “would have been welcomed as a splendid source of revenue”.

After : Preliminary reports suggest that the Budget, “which was just what we expected”, has met with approval. It is felt that “these optional forms of new taxation are fair”.

Of the proposals themselves, the increased tax on beer, cigarettes, tobacco and “the cinema” has aroused most comment (Six Regions). Good humoured grousing is reported from the smokers and beer drinkers “who wonder when the abstainers will have to do their bit”. Reports from five Regions refer to sympathy for “the poor Old Age Pensioners who'll be particularly hit”. Other points which aroused interest (Three Regions each) are as follows:

  1. The exemption of some utility goods from taxation . Housewives are said to be very pleased, though it is suggested that “a coupon concession would have given even more pleasure”.

  2. The increased allowances for dependent relatives, and for housekeepers are appreciated “as a considerate and human concession”.

  3. The raising of the purchase tax on luxury articles is considered “just”, and people are said “to appreciate the need to check spending”.

  4. That no new burden has been imposed on the direct taxpayer is appreciated. Relief is reported from salary and wage earners, and “the fixed income sections of the community”.

The Chancellor's speech gave satisfaction and was considered “understandable”. Interest in “the Lend-Lease facts” is said to have been as great in some cases as in the tax changes, and people were glad “to hear that we give as much Lend-Lease as we receive”. They hope that “America is being told this”. The amount “already allowed to Russia” has given special pleasure but, according to one report, some people are wondering “how much reached them”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 one provincial P.C.)

5. The second front

Expectation of an Allied offensive in Europe continues, and “clues such as the coastal ban and troop movements” are widely commented on. “Innumerable” speculations as to “when and where we shall strike” are again referred to.

  1. When : It appears to be taken for granted that “Tunisia has to be cleared up first”. While some people are encouraged by our progress there to think that “zero hour must be drawing near”, others fear that the past delay may have held us up too long.

  2. Where : “Every conceivable” part of Europe is mentioned.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 5SE. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. 21 five provincial P.Cs.)

6. Allied air offensive

There are widespread reports of continued satisfaction with the news of the Allied air raids, especially in view of the “comparative weakness of enemy reprisals”. It is hoped that “there will be a real smashing of Germany this summer”. There is, however, some increase in anxiety at the extent of our losses, and double figures cause special regret; people would like to be able to “assess the percentage of planes lost”. These losses are contrasted with the small number of American Fortresses which fail to return, and some “wonder whether the results are worth the loss of skilled pilots”. It is pointed out that when two successive raids are made on the same target the losses suffered the second night are always the heavier; it is asked if the “element of surprise is being neglected”. The heavy losses in “dirty weather” are also a subject of comment: “surely raids on such nights are better postponed?”

Satisfaction is expressed with the raids on Italy and Sicily, and it is hoped that the Americans will deal “far more ruthlessly with Italian targets than our home-based bombers are permitted to do”.

It is asked: “What are the results of mines laid in enemy waters?”

The achievements of the U.S. aircraft are “watched with interest”. They are thought to be doing a “fine job of work, but figures given of planes brought down are not wholly trusted”. It is asked why U.S. aircraft are not used in night raids.

(1. 2. 4. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13)

7. Russia

The decline in comment about Russia, associated with the lack of news from that front and the interest in Tunisia, continues to be reported from the Regions and in Postal Censorship. The following quotation sums up present feeling: “The Russians seem to be held up with the change in the weather, but I don't think they'll be pushed back like last summer. Anyway a clean-up in Africa will give us more chance to help them out”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 21 nine provincial P.Cs.)

8. The war at sea

Concern about the Allied shipping position seems to be less widespread than last week, but there is still said to be “considerable anxiety” - especially in the Northern and North Western Regions. Uneasiness appears to have been stimulated by Colonel Knox's statement (6th April) that losses were considerably worse in March than in February, by questions in the House, and by German wireless claims. There is a continued demand for more information and further reference to confusion resulting from conflicting statements from official speakers. “No sooner does someone state that the U-boat situation is well under control than someone else just as important describes it as more serious than ever.”

(1. 2. 5SE. 7. 9. 10. 13)

9. The Far East

“Little thought and attention” is given to the war against Japan, though some disappointment is reported “at our recent withdrawals in Burma”, and those with relatives are reported to be anxious for more information.

Prisoners of War in Japanese hands : The written statement by Sir James Grigg (House of Commons, 6th April) about conditions in Japanese prison camps is reported to have “considerably relieved the anxiety of relatives of prisoners” (Two Regions). In one Region, however, anxiety at lack of news is still reported.

China : There are references in four reports this week to regret that “our gallant ally China is not fully appreciated”, and “concern that we are not helping her as much as we should”.

(1. 2. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10)

10. The Jewish problem

Familiar allegations concerning the behaviour of the Jews in this country have been reported on a slightly reduced scale during the past three weeks, and have been supported by letters in Postal Censorship. There is, however, a demand from two Regions for the publication of statistics giving the number of Jews in this country, their present occupations, and how many are in the Forces, the war industries, etc. It is felt that this would help to combat anti-Semitism and “would show the country what the Jews are doing for the war effort”.

The Jews in Occupied Europe : Discussion on the problem of receiving refugees from Occupied Europe appears to have declined considerably, and only one report refers to some interest in the “attitude which the Government will adopt towards Jews at the forthcoming Bermuda conference”.

(4. 5SE. 8. 9. 10. 21 three provincial P.Cs.)

11. Equal Compensation for war injury

There has been little comment on the decision to pay equal compensation for war injury to women. The award is accepted by both men and women as a “wrong righted” - “We've got the ladies in Parliament to thank for it”.

(4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9)

12. Access to coastal areas

Two reports indicate that the new regulations about access to coastal areas, announced by Mr. Morrison on 30th March, are not everywhere understood. “Strong comments” are reported from the South Devonshire coast about “the vagueness of the regulations: these are said to have given rise to a good deal of apprehension among elderly residents as to whether they may not be turned out at a moment's notice with nowhere to go”.

“It is reported from the Isle of Wight that the re-imposition of the ban on travel to the island has led to criticism of the Government” for giving the impression that the ban is for offensive purposes. It is feared that this will lead to heavy bombing and Mr. Morrison is thought to have “gone too far in announcing the reason for extending the prohibited coastal areas”.

(5SE. 6. 7. 10)

13. Double summer time

The coming of double summer time appears to have been “taken very quietly indeed”, and with little complaint. Farmers are grumbling - though less than on former occasions - about “unnecessary interference with the laws of nature”. Early workers, particularly those “who are really having to get up round about 2.30 a.m.”, find that “rising in the darkness is not balanced by the pleasure of light evenings”. It is thought, too, that more fuel will now be used, as the colder mornings make people more inclined to switch on gas and electric fires.

(2. 7. 8. 10)

14. The shelter enquiry

“Surprisingly little comment” is reported on the decision not to publish the results of the shelter enquiry. The most widespread reaction is said to have been “disappointment that the findings are not to be known, linked with acceptance of this decision, without suspicion but with regret”.

A minority, however, “cannot see what security reasons could be involved, when only civilians and the Civil Defence services were concerned”. They feel that silence will “tell the enemy what he wants to know” and may also “give rise to a crop of exaggerated rumours”. Though Mr. Morrison is thought to have “done well to scotch the anti-Semitic rumours”, a few say that “the decision not to publish the findings is proof that the Jews did, in fact, panic”.

(1. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11)

15. Mr. Eden's visit to U.S. and statement in the House (8th April)

Interest does not seem to be strong or widespread, but comment both about Mr. Eden's trip and his statement in the House are almost entirely favourable. People are pleased at “proof of the determination to establish a basis for closer Anglo-American co-operation”, but a few question the value of isolated meetings and point to “the absence of any permanent joint machinery”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 13. 21 two provincial P.Cs.)

16. The Eddisbury by-election

Three reports mention some interest in the Eddisbury by-election. The result is thought by a few to indicate dissatisfaction with the Government, and some feel that “the House of Commons is now unrepresentative of the outlook of the nation”. “The younger generation” is said to be pleased at the return of the Commonwealth candidate and there is a desire to know “what this new party stands for”. Incidentally, it is asked why Sir Richard Acland is sometimes described as “Independent”, sometimes as “Commonwealth”, on the radio.

(1. 4. 7. 10)

17. Sir Percy Laurie

Little comment has been reported about the Sir Percy Laurie case. In two Regions it is said to have caused an unfavourable impression, it being “considered deplorable that such irregularities should be committed by a person of his prestige”. “Surprise that the fine was so high” is reported from the Northern Region where it is thought “he was made a scapegoat”. In Wales, however, it is said “public confidence would have been undermined if there had been no conviction or a purely nominal fine imposed”.

(1. 2. 8. 32.)

18. The Beveridge report and the post-war world

Although “the let's win the war first” people are said to remain “vocal”, discussion on post-war conditions continues to be fairly widespread and to follow familiar lines. The main points of comment include:

  1. Fear of post-war unemployment (Four Regions).

  2. The Beveridge report. The belief that “it has been shelved” is reported from three Regions, and the belief that it will be implemented from two. Mr. Bevin's speech at Bristol (27th March) is said “to have removed much misunderstanding among the workers who read it”.

  3. Interest in other aspects of post-war planning, particularly housing (Three Regions); the position of women after the war - “It is hoped they will play a bigger part in Parliament, and in the planning of homes” (Two Regions); national health (Two Regions); international currency plans (Two Regions); education and agriculture (One Region each).

  4. “What can be done with Germany when the war is over?” (Two Regions). There is said to be “more confidence in Russia exacting penalties from Germany after the war then in Great Britain or the U.S.A. doing so”.

  5. “What will Russia's attitude be in post-war Europe - particularly in the case of religion?” (One Region).

  6. “What will be the future of political parties in this country?” (One Region).

(1. 2. 4. 5. 5SE. 7. 8. 9. 10. 21 ten provincial P.Cs.)

19. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Comment on news presentation is, on the whole, favourable (Four Regions), with “considerable appreciation of the service rendered by the B.B.C.” But it is asked whether all news possible is given to the public “after due allowance has been made for the requirements of security”, as there is a feeling that “we are only told what the Government wants us to know”. There is some criticism of war commentaries being “inserted in the body of the news, except when outstanding events have just occurred”, and of the “rapid and monotonous manner in which the news is sometimes read”. The repetition of the headlines at the end of the broadcast is welcomed and there is regret that “some announcers fail to observe this practice”.

Two Regions refer to a demand for more maps and pictures in the press. The present maps are regarded in one Region as containing an insufficient number of place names.

Alleged indiscretion : “Very strong indignation has been felt throughout the Glasgow district over the publication and broadcast of the speech made by Mr. Garro-Jones (3rd April), in which he gave details of the war production of the Glasgow district.” Criticism of this is also reported from a Welsh industrial area - “No one in this country at present wants this information; why enlighten the enemy?”

Debate in Parliament on the B.B.C. : The debate was thought to be “footling”, and some of the criticism “ill-founded and playing to the gallery”. But “the statements made by Sir Ian Fraser and Mr. Brendan Bracken should have been given to the public freely, instead of a debate being necessary to drag them out”. The resulting “longest news bulletin for ages, mostly about the B.B.C. itself”, is criticised.

B.B.C. programmes : There is again criticism of the Brains Trust (Three Regions), - Professor Joad is becoming particularly unpopular as he is “thought to show political feeling”; also of Mary Ferguson's Calling the Factory Front, Music Hall, Workers' Playtime, and Country Magazine “which some feel has lost its charm”.

There is praise for the European News, The Man in the Street, Into Battle, A Man talks to Women, the Postscript on the Underground Press in Europe, Godfrey Talbot's Postscript, the talks on Youth by Jack Longland, on Finance by Geoffrey Crowther, and on the Uthwatt Report by Mr. F.J. Osborn.

It is thought that people are taking more interest in talks, particularly those that are “educative in some form or another”.

Films : “Desert Victory” is praised in four reports and Postal Censorship. It is compared with “In which we Serve” as being the “real thing and not mere entertainment and propaganda” - “the public seems to be in the mood to appreciate serious war films”. The news reels of the Mareth line are considered some of the finest war pictures, and in one report people are said to “cheer themselves hoarse” whenever Montgomery appears on the screen.

(1. 2. 4. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 four provincial P.Cs.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

20. Industry

Enforced idleness is alleged in six reports, particular mention being made of Metro Vickers at Trafford Park, Cowes factories, “aerodrome construction work in Cornwall and factories in Gloucestershire”. “Many workers, both men and women, employed at Cowes openly state that the only time the whole staff works is when the inspector comes down, and that they have to save their jobs until that occasion and idle away their hours beforehand.”

Increased government control (Six Regions): The taking over by the Government of various firms and collieries does not seem to have caused widespread interest, but comment is, in the main favourable. Criticism and apprehension are said to come mainly from “industrialists” and “business circles”. A Sunday evening Postscript is suggested as “a good means of dispelling any rumours or thoughts that we are now ruled by a Dictator Government”. Curiosity is reported from two Regions as to “what unsavoury facts lay behind the Government's decision in regard to Short Brothers”.

Strikes : “Concern at the workers' readiness to strike over trivial issues” is reported from five Regions. Those with relatives in the Forces are said to be particularly resentful and to consider that the strikers and their leaders should be put in the Forces or shot. “Soldiers have to do what they are told, why not workers?” There is some “ill feeling that the Government condones strikes”.

Transfer of labour is a subject of complaint in four Regions. Frequently the reasons for transfer seem not to be understood. For example, “at a certain steelworks, women, assisted by labourers, were assigned to jobs previously carried out by men working individually, with the net result that there was no saving of labour but an increase in each job of a woman's labour”.

Engineers' wage award (Three Regions): Dissatisfaction continues to be reported, chiefly, it is said, because “the increases were not made retrospective”. In the North Western Region, “a fair amount of productive time is said to have been lost through misunderstanding arising out of the complications of the award, and the attitude and exaggeration of some newspapers is alleged to have been resented”. Largely through meetings organised through the trade unions, however, “the details of the award are becoming better understood, but many of the men still feel they have been cheated out of the actual hard cash they expected”.

Fines for absenteeism are said to be resented (Two Regions). It is claimed that there is no point in going to work if there is no work to be done when you get there - “production is the only thing that should count”. Ironstone miners (Cleveland, Teeside) say that theirs is “the hardest manual work in the country and that a man must be 100% fit for it: some men, although not ill enough for a medical certificate, are still not fit enough for work”.

The Greene Scheme : Northumbrian miners are reported to be upset at the way some of the press handled the action of the Northumbrian Mineworkers' Association. They feel that they were merely drawing attention to a minor flaw in the agreement, and to accuse them in headlines of sabotaging the scheme was “very out of place”.

(1. 2. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 two provincial P.Cs.)

21. The call-up

Evasion of call-up , both by men and women is alleged (Five Regions). Servicemen's childless wives are particularly resented in the Inverness area, in Salisbury and especially in Filey, where they are “criticised as preferring to stay in bed till noon, to stand in queues outside cake shops, and to go to dances rather than work at any time of the day”. Allegations about young men are more vague, but reference is made to “young men hawkers who have nothing to do but sell firewood”, and to butchers, whose contribution to the war effort is questioned, “since their shops open only three days a week”.

Shortage of domestic help is mentioned in reports from four Regions as the cause of much hardship. Two of these also refer to the shortage of hospital staff.

(1. 2. 4. 5SE. 7. 10. 11. 21 one provincial P.C.)

22. Clothing

Coupon difficulties are again reported from nine Regions, and a strong demand for a separate household allowance continues (Eight Regions). The special hardships of working-class families are once more mentioned; they had no previous stocks, and many of them are now “down to their last towel”. The need for extra coupons for children “while they are growing” is again stressed (Five Regions), - many mothers are “using all their own coupons for their children”. They say “What would be thought of me, if I have to go to the hospital in rags?” It is thought also that extra coupons should be allowed to newly married couples (Two Regions), “especially as the man is so often in the Forces with no coupons of his own”. In one mining area there is said to be dissatisfaction among pitmen whose stockings last only about three weeks owing to frequent soaking by water in the pits, - “sixteen pairs a year entails an outlay of forty-eight coupons”.

Complaints are made of the quality of utility clothing (Three Regions), - utility corsets are particularly mentioned - and of the difficulty of getting footwear repaired (Two Regions).

(1. 2. 4. 5. 5SE. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 two provincial P.Cs.)

23. Food

Satisfaction with the food situation appears to be general, except on the following subjects:

Fish : There continue to be complaints of the shortage and unequal distribution of fish (Nine Regions) and of the preferential treatment of favoured customers (Four Regions). It is said that many people would welcome registration or rationing for fish. Nevertheless four reports indicate satisfaction at the recent increase in supplies, but there is some comment on the “coarse unknown fish” offered for sale.

Sweets, biscuits and cakes are all said to be in short supply and unequally distributed.

Cheese : There is said to be little concern at the latest cut in the cheese ration, though it is thought that, after the further cut on the 1st May, the ration will be “a bit small”. There is “some puzzlement as to the reason for it, now there is increased milk supply”, and there is “surprise that a baby gets the same ration as a man”. The better quality of cheese is praised.

Meat : Some disappointment is reported at the reduction of the fresh meat ration, but a few are not sorry because “bully beef is more like meat than some we have had on the ration”.

Bread : Two reports indicate that “some people would welcome bread rationing to cut out waste”. Complaints are still made of its quality and “ill effects”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 eleven provincial P.Cs.)

24. Housing and accommodation

The shortage and high price of housing and accommodation is widely reported. In one Midland area, it is said that houses are overcrowded to a degree quite dangerous to health. It is common to find five or six men sleeping in a small bedroom; in one case four girls were sleeping in one bed; a particularly bad case was of three men sleeping in one bed which was immediately occupied by three others after the first three had gone to work. In this latter house eight men, each paying 32/6 per week to the householder, were accommodated in two council-house bedrooms.

(2. 4. 5. 6. 9. 10)

25. Health

Complaints of war weariness, fatigue and minor ailments come from five Regions this week. These are attributed mainly to long working hours, the wartime diet, and the mild winter.

Venereal disease : There is less comment this week on the Venereal Disease Campaign. The advertisements are praised in two Regions though it is thought that more stress should be put on the moral side and on the dangers of alcohol. The desire for more publicity in the form of lectures on the subject is reported from two Regions. In Scotland, there is said to be a greater readiness among the public to discuss venereal disease; and the campaign is thought “to be a big step forward in education on hygiene”. Talks by public health officials are said to be much appreciated and young people are said to be “interested in the subject”.

Hospital accommodation : Two Regions this week refer to the shortage of hospital accommodation. “Persons requiring immediate operations have to enter nursing homes and pay dearly or wait at the risk of their lives.” Young women, though willing to have more children, are said to refrain as there are not sufficient maternity beds in hospitals, and no daily help available for lying-in at home.

(1. 2. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 9. 10. 11. 21 one provincial P.C.)

26. Agriculture

The labour shortage is reported to be worrying farmers in three Regions. They are said to be apprehensive about the coming harvest, although volunteers are said in one Region to be coming forward readily; many would “gladly spend their holidays farming”, but it is felt that the lack of accommodation and billets will prove a serious deterrent.

Houses for Agricultural workers : Disgust is reported from the North Eastern Region at the new houses which it is proposed to build for agricultural workers. Their design and amenities are criticised and the rents considered abnormally high. In the North Western Region there are “already worries as to who should choose the tenants for the cottages - the farmer, the War Agricultural Committee, or the Local Authority”.

Potatoes : Concern and criticism at the Ministry of Agriculture's instruction to allotment holders not to grow so many potatoes is reported from two Regions. The wisdom of such instructions is said to be doubted “if the shipping situation is as bad as is suggested”; it is thought this may lead to a shortage next winter.

(1. 2. 5. 6. 7. 10. 14 North Western)

27. Transport difficulties and petrol

Transport difficulties are reported from seven Regions this week. Complaints are on familiar lines: the overcrowding of buses (Three Regions); the bus curfew (Three Regions); inadequate rural bus services (Two Regions); buses running ahead of scheduled time causing workers to miss them and arrive late at work (One Region).

Petrol : During the past two weeks eight Regions have reported the waste or misuse of petrol. The chief complaints are: the use of taxis for shopping and unessential journeys (Three Regions); and the alleged unfairness of petrol allocation (Three Regions).

(1. 2. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 10. 21 one provincial P.C.)

28. Shopping difficulties

Shopping difficulties for workers are reported from seven Regions this week. The chief difficulty is the old complaint of the lunch hour and early closing of shops.

Queues for cakes and fish are reported from two Regions. In the Northern Region the feeling is said to be general that queues should be made illegal. Women workers in Wales are said to express the desire for fish and cakes to be rationed.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10)

29. National Savings

While approval is again expressed for the “Wings for Victory” weeks, there is criticism of the amount of money and paper used in advertising, and of the following transactions:

1. “The transfer of money from bank deposits at low rates of interest to 2½% bonds, to the advantage of the lender and the bank which draws commission at a cost to the community” (One Region).

2. “Bodies who hold ‘events’ in connection with ‘Wings for Victory’, and then invest the funds on their own behalf and draw interest” (One Region).

(2. 5SE. 7. 8. 10)

30. Fuel Economy

There are reports again this week from two Regions that the announcement increasing coal allowances (1st April) is still not clearly understood, and “people require more details”. On the other hand, the chance to “stock-up - if we can get it” is welcomed in two reports, though a few people are asking: “Will we be treated as criminals next winter for hoarding?”

(4. 5SE. 10)

31. Rumour

There is a recurrent rumour that British coal is being exported to neutral European countries - thus lightening the burden on the Axis. This story is given as a reason for miners refusing to work hard.

(2)

NOTE: The offices of the Ministry in the London and South Eastern Regions (Nos. 5 and 12) have been amalgamated under the London Regional Office. The reference 5SE refers to the report at present being produced at the district office at Tunbridge Wells, for the London Regional Office.

307

REFERENCES

1. Northern Region (Newcastle) Weekly Reports from R.I.Os.
2. North Eastern Region (Leeds)
3. North Midland Region (Nottingham)
4. Eastern Region (Cambridge)
5. London Region (London)
6. Southern Region (Reading)
7. South Western Region (Bristol)
8. Wales (Cardiff)
9. Midland (Birmingham)
10. North Western Region (Manchester)
11. Scotland (Edinburgh)
12. South Eastern Region (Tunbridge Wells)
13. Northern Ireland (Belfast)
14. Special Reports from R.I.Os.
15. Regions Adviser's Reports
16. M.O.I. Speakers' Reports
17. Local Information Committees' Reports
18. Home Press Summaries M.O.I.
19. Regional Press Summaries
20. Hansard
21. Postal Censorship
22. Police Duty Room Reports
23. Wartime Social Survey Reports
24. B.B.C. Listener Research Papers
25. B.B.C. Special Papers
26. Citizens' Advice Bureaux Reports
27. W.V.S. Reports
28. Scottish Unionist Whips' Reports
29. Liberal Party's Reports
30. Economic League's Reports
31. War Office Post Bag Summaries
32. Primary Sources

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