567

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 289

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. Though this Report must inevitably represent mainly articulate opinion, it has been found in practice that the views of the less articulate do not substantially differ, though their range is smaller.

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 their 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.

37138-1

P.T.O.

569 571 3 574 6 575 7 577 9 578 10 580 12 582 14 584 16 585 17 586 18 587 19 588 20

Wt 39944. 10M 11/43. W.R.R. & S. Ltd. GP 38. (14).
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
SECRET

No. 170, 6th January, 1944

(Covering period from 29th December 1943 to 4th January, 1944)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General

Spirits have risen still further this week; most people are now very cheerful as a result of the naval and Russian successes, the increasing air offensive, the Prime Minister's recovery, the appointments of the Allied commanders (taken as a sure sign of an early offensive in Western Europe), and a better Christmas than had been expected. Most people, too, are convinced this is the last year of the European war.

Home Front : There is less talk of flu, but still much tiredness and war weariness. Other topics are uncertain postwar prospects, the handling of the coal situation, and shortage of clothing coupons.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 and 18 passim)

2. The war at sea

Great general satisfaction and widespread delight continue with the naval victories over the Scharnhorst and the German destroyers ... “a tremendous finish to 1943” and “a tonic for everyone”. The lightness of the damage to our ships has also given pleasure.

There is high praise for the skill and vigilance of the Navy, and for our scientific advances in naval warfare, which made a major action possible in darkness.

There is again speculation about the effect of the loss of the Scharnhorst on German morale, especially German sailors. People recall the fact that the collapse of Germany in 1918 began in her Navy.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 five provincial P.Cs. 18 passim)

3. Russia

Admiration and wonder continue widespread.

There has been keen interest in the daily announcements of the distance of the Red Army from the Polish border. A few feared the Russians might stop there, but most hope and expect they will pursue the Germans to Berlin.

First reactions to reports of the Russian advance into Poland are delight and pleasure ... “will they go on to Berlin?”

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 one provincial, one Special P.C. 18 passim)

4. The Second Front

Discussion and speculation increase, stimulated by the announcements of the commanders, daylight sweeps over Northern Europe and the return of Eighth Army men. Some expect the offensive to start any day now, but the beginning of March seems the most favoured. There is much anxiety about casualties (Eight Regions), but no doubts of our success.

The commanders : On the whole, the names have been received with satisfaction.

General Eisenhower's appointment is, in the main, favourably regarded, though many would have liked a British C. in C. (Seven Regions); some regard it as an appointment made for political reasons (Four Regions). Disappointment is lessened by the thought that “if 75% of the troops are to be Americans, it couldn't be otherwise”.

General Montgomery : People are delighted that “a man of action” is to be in charge of the British troops ... “the beret has beaten the brass hat”.

Air Chief Marshal Tedder : Particular satisfaction, as a sign that the lesson of land-air co-operation has been thoroughly learned. Some take this appointment to mean that the main blow will be from the Air Forces; they hope and believe that maximum destruction can be inflicted from the air with the least loss of life.

The Eighth Army : It is thought that the men who have returned will be used as the spearhead of the attack - their return is regarded as a mixed blessing by their relatives. Some people feel they should take over the defence of Britain and “let the many who have been in England since the outbreak of war have a taste of real fighting”.

Battle training : From Inverness comes a report of “small but growing criticism of the excess to which battle training is being carried. It is claimed that the training is so realistic as to defeat its own objects. Relatives are said to be getting restive at the thought of their own young men being killed by their own comrades, and rumours that coffins are being delivered with army stores are current.”

The Cornish exercise : Inconveniences are being accepted as a war necessity, though “not without the usual grumbles” from civilians trying to carry on their normal occupations. The exercise is generally thought to be the prelude to invasion, and there are rumours in South Devon that large areas of Cornwall are to be evacuated.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 two provincial P.Cs. 18 passim)

5. The Prime Minister

Great delight has been expressed at the news of Mr. Churchill's speedy recovery, and his personal message was much appreciated. Once more, many say he should not take such risks or travel so far afield, and that any future conferences should take place in London.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 17 seven provincial P.Cs. 18 passim)

6. Allied air offensive

Great satisfaction continues, especially with the attacks on Berlin. Large-scale raids are again said to stimulate workers to extra effort.

Sympathy with German civilians among a small minority is reported from five Regions; others again criticise “gloating”, which is thought worse on the B.B.C. than in the Press.

Admiration continues for the U.S.A.A.F. daylight raids.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. 17 seven provincial P.Cs. 18 passim)

7. Reprisal raids on this country and secret weapons

Reprisal raids (Five Regions): Some discussion continues; many expect them, and a few are apprehensive.

Secret weapons : Conjecture about rocket guns, oxygen bombs, and gas attacks continues mildly (One Region each).

The shelling of the Dover area causes some grumbling. It is felt our coastal guns are less likely to hit a German ship than the German guns to miss our coastal towns. However, people in the coastal towns do not seem unduly nervous.

(3. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 17 one provincial, one Special P.C. 18 twenty P.D.Rs.)

8. Italy

Again disappointment and some mystification about our slow progress (Nine Regions). Some compare it with that on the Russian front where weather conditions are thought to be no less difficult. People again wonder if something has gone wrong, or if the campaign has become a holding action, troops being drawn off for use elsewhere.

Admiration for our troops fighting under such appalling conditions remains high and it is feared casualties will be heavy.

There is some regret that General Montgomery's forceful leadership has been withdrawn.

Distrust of the Italian people continues.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 17 one Special P.C. 18 thirty-four P.D.Rs.)

9. Kharkov trials

Public feeling continues on the same lines as last week.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 17 four provincial P.Cs. 18 twenty-two P.D.Rs.)

10. The Balkans

Satisfaction at our support of Tito, and confusion over other Balkan issues continue unchanged.

(1. 3. 4. 7. 18 six P.D.Rs.)

11. Christmas

The general opinion seems to be that, though quiet, this was the happiest Christmas of the war, and the last.

Christmas fare : “Plenty of food after all” was the surprised reaction of many (Five Regions), and the great majority were satisfied with their Christmas fare. However, criticism continues, on the same lines as last week, in connection with:

Some think U.S. troops bought up birds, wines and spirits at excessive prices; others feel the Government should have done more to stop racketeering and that once it has fixed prices, it should see the law is not broken (Two Regions each).

The high price and poor quality of toys and other presents are again strongly criticised (Toys, Five Regions; presents, Four Regions). Many feel the Government should have acted more firmly (Three Regions).

Christmas leave (Two Regions): Complaints that the Government order for two days holiday at Christmas led to some confusion, and that some firms adhered to it while others did not. Some workers feel a more generous allowance should have been made on health grounds alone.

H.M. The King's Christmas broadcast has been very favourably received (Six Regions). His delivery was thought stronger and better than ever before.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17. 18 passim)

12. Broadcasting and presentation of news

There is a slight increase in comment on news presentation. There are complaints of repetition in news bulletins (Four Regions), particularly the news of the sinking of the Scharnhorst. Some people are “irritated by continual harping on the incident”.

Praise for the Dorset Farmer's Postscript December 26. (Seven Regions); Major Lewis Hastings' war commentary, December 30. (Three Regions); ITMA (Three Regions).

Kitchen Front : Some people wish this could be put on at a different time - either at lunchtime or in the evening - as at 8.15 a.m. many are too busy to listen (Two Regions).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 18 eleven P.D.Rs.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

FULL MONTHLY REVIEW

13. Postwar

During the past four weeks - though temporarily interrupted by Christmas - there has again been widespread scepticism and anxiety:

At the same time satisfaction continues at Lord Woolton's appointment . It is hoped he will be able to do something as soon as possible.

Agriculture (Six Regions): Anxiety among farmers has been increased by the revised farm prices.... “If the Government can break its pledges and let the industry down before the war is over, what hopes for postwar?”

A drift to the towns after the war is considered inevitable, unless better cottages and water supply, drainage, education and other amenities are provided in rural areas.

Small traders (Two Regions) now out of business or in the Forces are apprehensive about their postwar prospects; they contrast their position with that of big combines.

Industry in the North East : According to the report from the Northern Region, concern continues about the lack of light industries there.

There is some feeling that the South is being favoured in postwar planning schemes for industry.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 17 one Special, four provincial P.Cs. 18 three P.D.Rs.)

13a. The Education Bill

Approval continues - as does Roman Catholic bitterness about the financial provisions. People hope the Government will be able to implement the decisions “within a reasonable time”.

There is still some objection in rural areas to the raising of the school leaving age, the reasons being: (a) The children “could not learn anything useful from an extra year at a village school”; (b) Boys should start early on agricultural work; (c) Children of poorer parents must start earning as soon as possible.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 17)

14. Housing

During the past four weeks , there has been bitter comment, both widespread and continuous, at the impossibility of obtaining any sort of accommodation. Many feel that housing is the most urgent problem now facing the Government; it should be tackled at once - “even during the war”. The Government should, it is felt: (a) Build houses now; (b) Control rents and purchase prices - there are many complaints of exorbitant charges; (c) Ensure security of tenure - “much hardship is caused by people being turned out of furnished rooms and houses”.

Billeting (Four Regions) is still a constant concern in several areas. Although workers cannot get accommodation, there are thought still to be many large houses with only one or two occupants.

Theatrical people complain of the impossibility of finding rooms in a strange town on Sundays (Northern Region). They feel a billeting officer should be on duty when they arrive.

Agricultural cottages (Four Regions): Caustic comment continues at their slow construction - “after all the fuss”. The cost of building and the rents asked are thought too high.

See also Constant Topics, No. 11.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 17 Special P.C. 18 two P.D.Rs.)

15. Miners and mining

During the past two weeks there has been increasing concern about the coal situation (Ten Regions). The Government is widely criticised for having “hopelessly mismanaged” the position, which is blamed very largely on lack of policy in the past (Eight Regions).

The ballot for the mines is thought unlikely to help the situation very much, for reasons already listed in the weekly reports:

Cadets : Their waste of training continues to be criticised (Three Regions).

It continues to be widely believed that nationalisation , and releasing miners from the Forces and industry are the only satisfactory solutions. Better conditions and higher wages are also suggested (Two Regions each).

During the past four weeks there has also been comment on:

See also Constant Topics, No. 5.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 17. 18 eleven P.D.Rs.)

15a. Domestic fuel

The reduction of the coal allowance : Comment has not been general, but much dissatisfaction has been reported from four Regions. Some blame the Government's “lack of policy” (Two Regions), others the “strikes and slackness and absenteeism of selfish miners” (One Region).

Some are worried as to how they will manage, especially those without stocks or without gas or electricity. The latter, particularly, think they have a case for more coal, not less.

During the past two weeks there has continued to be little evidence of spontaneous interest in the Fuel Economy Campaign.

Other comments during the past four weeks have been of:

See also Constant Topics, No. 16.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 9. 10. 17. 18 six P.D.Rs.)

16. Industry

Industry is no longer a first line topic of discussion.

During the past four weeks talk has been chiefly of:

Tiredness and strain (Nine Regions), particularly among young people. Present hours are thought too long after more than four years of overtime work. The flu epidemic has added to people's tiredness.

Enforced idleness and overstaffing (Seven Regions), particularly in the Northern Region.

Wages (Six Regions): Complaints are of:

Slackness and absenteeism (Five Regions): Over-optimism and doubts about postwar matters are held partly responsible. In Belfast there are complaints that only 40% to 50% of war workers turned up on the Tuesday following the Christmas holiday.

Changes in production (Five Regions): There has been some comment on the cessation or easing off of production in apparently vital industries, and of a change-over to civilian production. This is thought to have a detrimental effect on workers because it both lessens their sense of urgency, and gives them a feeling of insecurity about the future.

Transfer of women (Three Regions): There has been some criticism of girls being sent away from districts to which others are brought in their place. The needless billeting and travelling, as well as the general unhappiness caused, are much criticised.

In the Eastern Region there has been a rumour that transferred workers in the North “have been dropping dead in the streets during the flu epidemic through lack of someone to look after them”.

See also Constant Topics, Nos. 5, 7, 10.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 passim, 18 three P.D.Rs.)

16a. Strikes

During the past four weeks condemnation of strikes and strikers has continued, though on a slightly reduced scale (Eleven Regions). Comparisons are again made between the position of strikers and our fighting men. Farmers and agricultural workers especially view strikes with disfavour ... “If we stopped work England would starve”.

It is urged that strikes be made illegal (Four Regions), and suggested that strike leaders should be tried for treason. Minorities feel, however, that there are legitimate grievances (Three Regions) and that attempts should be made to settle them more speedily. Conciliation and wages machinery are thought to function too slowly.

See also Constant Topics, No. 5.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 9. 11. 13. 18 two P.D.Rs.)

17. Manpower and call-up

There has been little comment during the past four weeks . Complaints have continued, however, of:

In one North Midland town it is complained that only one chimney sweep, aged 60, remains.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7)

17a. Domestic help

During the past four weeks there have been widespread complaints of the difficulties arising from shortage of domestic help. Those particularly affected are:

The need for some domestic help scheme is thought urgent (Three Regions).

Domestic service after the war : Some speculation has continued as to how people will manage after the war. “Will we be able to afford domestic help with the standard of wages so high?” (Two Regions).

See also Constant Topics, No. 12.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 17)

18. Health

Influenza continues (Ten Regions), but is thought generally to be subsiding. Reduced powers of resistance are again attributed to poor diet, overwork and war strain during four years. Post-flu depression, heavy colds, minor ailments and children's complaints are reported.

During the past four weeks there have been comments on:

War weariness and strain (Eight Regions): Some think workers' tiredness will be an outstanding problem of the year. Difficulties in cases of illness have been aggravated by:

Hospital accommodation (Three Regions). The need for more accommodation is stressed, particularly for maternity cases in view of the shortage of domestic help.

Blood Transfusion Service (Two Regions). In the North West it is felt that local campaigns have been held up by the influenza epidemic; also more donors would come forward if more bleeding were done at factories instead of at the hospitals. A more effective organisation of the Blood Transfusion Service is urged in Denbighshire.

See also Constant Topics, No. 1.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 17. 18 eight P.D.Rs.)

18a. Venereal diseases campaign

Approval of, and interest in, the campaign continues (Five Regions). Lectures are said to be well received and the publicity generally is considered good and necessary, though some people find the posters “rather embarrassing”.

(3. 4. 5. 6. 10)

19. Agriculture

During the past two weeks there has again been much discussion about the revised farm prices (Nine Regions). Many farmers are still very bitter and feel they are not getting a square deal, - particularly those with memories of the 1920s. On the other hand, some of the general public approve the Government's policy and think the farmer has little cause for complaint.

During the past four weeks the main topics have been:

Ploughing and cropping of land (Four Regions): Some farmers, particularly those who lost some of this year's harvest through unsuitable cropping, feel they should be released from the obligation to plough more land and that some of the already ploughed land should be returned to pasture for cattle. Several farmers also say that the land will suffer in the long run through too much use of artificial manures.

Labour (Two Regions): Shortage of skilled agricultural labour is reported.

Breeding stocks (Two Regions): The export of pedigree beasts is causing some concern; it is felt that with stocks precariously low we cannot afford any reduction in our herds. People also fear that future breeding is liable to suffer from the temptation to sell for slaughtering at the present high prices.

Shortages (Two Regions): Some farmers complain of the delay in obtaining farm implements such as threshing machines and tractors, and of the shortage of cartridges for keeping down vermin ... “while landowners can still hold big shoots”.

Flowers (One Region): Responsible people in the South West hope that the Ministry of War Transport and the Railway Companies will endorse a coupon scheme prepared by the Farmers' Union for restricting the flower traffic by rail and post. It is thought that plans are already being made to circumvent control.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 17. 18 five P.D.Rs.)

20. Clothing

During the past four weeks comment has been reported on the following:

Insufficient coupons (Twelve Regions), particularly for:

Footwear (Twelve Regions). This is still the subject of widespread complaint. There has been particular comment about:

A shortage of bedding and household linen (Six Regions): In the Northern Region, particularly, the bedding shortage is said to cause much hardship and discontent, and people there ask for sheets and blankets to be rationed or controlled to give them a chance of buying.

Utility clothing (Four Regions): A few criticisms are reported of the quality of shoes and stockings, of the lack of support in corsets, of the paucity of pockets in men's suits and the absence of trouser turn-ups (One Region each).

Shortage of blackout material (Two Regions) except at very high prices.

Laundries (Two Regions) are criticised for keeping things three weeks, for losing things - not always by mistake - and for spoiling goods by the use of chemicals and inferior soaps. Some allowance of coupons for lost articles, such as towels, is asked for.

Board of Trade publicity (Two Regions): “Make Do and Mend” classes and advertisements are much appreciated, but “where are the women with a home, children and a job who can find the time to go to them?”

See also Constant Topics, Nos. 3. 4, 19, 20.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17. 18 ten P.D.Rs.)

21. Food

Oranges for everyone (Six Regions): During the past two weeks great satisfaction at the prospect of oranges has been reported, though there is some apprehension lest fair distribution to all is not ensured.

During the past four weeks chief comment has been on the following (apart from “Christmas fare” q.v.):

Ministry of Food publicity (Three Regions). Little comment. Some appreciation, particularly of “Food Facts”, but a few people complain that “Kitchen Front” “tells you to use things you can't get and imagines you have a great deal of time”; and Christmas cake advertisements are said to cut across the fuel-saving campaign.

See also Constant Topics, Nos 9, 14, 15, 17.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17. 18 passim)

22. Shopping difficulties

During the past four weeks complaints have decreased slightly, but are on familiar lines:

See also Constant Topics, No. 6.

(1. 2. 5. 5SE. 9. 10. 11. 17)

23. Furniture

A number of complaints of the high price of new and second-hand furniture. Some people think there is “a furniture ramp” and that the Board of Trade is not doing enough to stop it. The “fantastic” auction prices are specially condemned, and are attributed to dealers who get together and bid against the private buyer; the case is mentioned of a carpet, pre-war value £7. 10. 0, sold to a dealer (for re-sale) at £50.

Utility furniture is thought to be good value for the money, but there are some complaints of poor deliveries and of “the decision to re-issue buying permits when supplies on the first issues are often many months behind schedule”.

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

23a. Batteries

Many complaints of shortage of torch and cycle batteries - particularly in rural areas where reduced bus services mean that many people have to cycle. A few complaints of poor quality, particularly short lasting batteries, two makes in particular, “Reliance” and “Stock”, being described as absolutely useless.

See also Constant Topics, No. 18.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5SE. 6. 9. 10)

23b. Alarm clocks

Though the decision to allow buying permits to those who have to rise between midnight and 5 a.m. has been welcomed, the demand from war workers for alarm clocks, or clocks of any kind, continues. Those particularly mentioned are transferred workers and nurses living in billets, those who have no one to call them and whose weariness makes them sleep heavily, and those who have lost their clocks in air raids and who feel they ought to be able to obtain replacements.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 8. 9. 10)

24. Transport

During the past four weeks transport difficulties have been reported from twelve Regions; only two Regions refer to increased difficulties during the holiday period. People are pleased with the recent announcement that more petrol will be released for workers' transport, and increased facilities are reported from some areas.

Specific complaints are again made of:

See also Constant Topics, No. 2.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 18 ten P.D.Rs.)

24a. Petrol

During the past four weeks complaints have been made of the misuse of petrol by pleasure seekers (Three Regions); farmers (Two Regions); and the Forces (Two Regions), especially U.S. troops who “use petrol like water”. It is also suggested that fairs which are still travelling from town to town use large amounts of petrol which might be more usefully employed (One Region). Businessmen and other car owners are disappointed that the basic rate has not been restored, especially when they see so many cars being apparently uselessly run under the pretence of essential work.

A rumour is reported from the Midland Region that there is plenty of petrol to spare of a type that cannot be used for aircraft.

(3. 5SE. 7. 8. 9)

25. Firewatching, Home Guard and Civil Defence

Firewatching (Six Regions). Many complain of unnecessary duties and want some relaxation. They think firewatching could be dispensed with in rural or small inland urban areas (Three Regions), or in other places except when the siren has gone; or that there will be no more heavy raids, and that invasion possibilities are negligible (One Region each). A number feel firewatching is a waste of money and manpower.

Some complain, too, of unhealthy, draughty posts and of “shirkers” who get medical certificates not to firewatch, but “never miss a day's work”.

Home Guard (Five Regions). Here, again, people want a relaxation of duties. Agricultural and heavy workers particularly are said to be grumbling at compulsory attendance.

Civil Defence (Five Regions). Little comment, though some feel duties could be relaxed. However, wardens in Norwich are said to have complained of the decision not to man warden's posts at night, because they had come to regard them as “a sort of club”.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 10. 17. 18 two P.D.Rs.)

25a. Black -out

During the past four weeks comment has continued. A number, particularly war workers, feel the black-out is responsible for much depression and illness; some think it could be lifted in their areas; others would welcome at least more star-lighting.

(1. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 17. 18 three P.D.Rs.)

26. Income tax

During the past four weeks there has been little comment. The “pay-as-you-earn” scheme has continued to meet with approval. More information about the scheme is asked for: particularly how it will affect workers' incomes, and how unearned income will be taxed.

Postwar credits (Three Regions): Some continue to doubt the value of postwar credits and ask for more concrete reassurance. It is suggested they should be made legal tender for the purchase of war bonds, or as deposits for house purchase after the war.

Excess Profits Tax : Small traders whose businesses have extended during the war complain that E.P.T. leaves them with little working capital for postwar trade (Eastern Region).

(3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 8. 9. 11. 17 one provincial P.C.)

27. Old age pensions

During the past four weeks the inadequacy of old age pensions has continued to be criticised (Seven Regions). While the increase in supplementary allowances is welcomed, it is considered “no real advance”. What is wanted is an increase in the basic rate without a “means test”.

See also Constant Topics, No. 8.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9. 10. 11)

27a. Servicemen's pensions and dependants' allowances

During the past four weeks complaints have continued of the inadequacy of pensions for servicemen and their dependants (Five Regions).

The difficulties of servicemen's wives who are receiving War Service Grants continue to be reported (Three Regions). Specific complaints of hardships caused (One Region each) are:

The debate in the House of Lords (December 8), on the motion for better allowances for children of officers killed on active service, caused some interest and satisfaction (Three Regions). It is hoped something will now be done about it in the way of adequate increases.

(2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8)

III. MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTANT TOPICS No. 18

(Covering period from 9th December, 1943 to 14th January, 1944)

All topics arising for the first time are included in the main Weekly Reports. The following have lost their novelty, while still retaining their importance for large sections of the public. They are arranged according to the frequency with which they have been reported.

No subject has been included to which fewer than nine references have been made during the past month.

1. Tiredness and ill-health

2. Transport difficulties

3. Inadequacy of clothing coupons for :

(a) General

(b) Renewing household goods

(c) Children

4. Footwear difficulties

(a) Poor quality

(i) General

(ii) Children's

(b) Shortage

(i) General

(ii) Children's

(c) Repairs

(i) Difficulty

(ii) Long delay

5. Disgust with strikes

6. Shopping difficulties and food queues

7. Inadequacy of old age pensions

8. Smallness of present milk ration

9. Complaints of high wages and disparities in pay

10. Enforced idleness in industry, wasted time, or complaints of bad organisation

SHORTAGES

11. Shortage and high price of housing accommodation and difficulty of billeting workers

12. Shortage of domestic help

13. Shortage and high price of crockery, glass and kitchenware

14. Shortage of fish

15. Shortage and unequal distribution of dried fruit

16. Shortage, poor quality and high price of coal

17. Shortage of suet

18. Shortage of batteries

(b) Cycle

19. Shortage of bedding (including sheets)

20. Shortage of shoe polish (chiefly brown)

The following subjects, included in this list last month, are now omitted as there have been fewer than nine references to them during the past month: (i) Waste of petrol (ii) Poor distribution of oranges (iii) Inadequacy of Service pay and dependants' allowances and Service pensions (iv) Complaints about salvage collection (v) Shortage and poor quality of adults' and children's clothing including utility (vi) Shortage of razor blades (vii) Shortage of and demand for alarm clocks (viii) Shortage of cornflour and custard powder (ix) Opposition to the registration of women of 46-50 .

568

REFERENCES

D 37138-1 10,000 6/43 R P W