asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that, as a result of the high wages paid for unskilled labour on aero dromes in Kent, farms in the neighbourhood are being denuded of the necessary agricultural labour; and what steps are being taken to prevent the consequent difficulties placed in the way of farmers?

Yes, Sir; I am aware of the complaints that have been received on this matter, and instructions have been issued to contractors that they are to engage labour exclusively through the medium of Employment Exchanges. The latter are being directed not to send forward for employment on aerodrome construction men whose last employer was a farmer or who are known to be agricultural labourers.

Does that apply to all Government contractors?

I am afraid I cannot answer that myself.

Is not the real solution for the farmers to pay higher wages?

asked the Under secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether any member of the present Air Council has, since or before the passing of the Air Force Act, used cars which are or were the property of the Royal Flying Corps or of the Royal Naval Air Service for the purpose of transporting actresses and/or other lady friends to or from theatres in London; whether any woman volunteer driver employed by the Royal Flying Corps has been kept on duty late at night driving such a car or cars; whether such duty is included in the purpose for which these ladies volunteered; whether Service cars may be properly used for such purpose; and whether, if such use of Service cars and/or drivers can be proved, it is proposed that such an officer should remain a member of the Air Council?

I have no information which bears out the suggestion contained in the first part of the question, and would invite the hon. Member to communicate to me any facts on which it may be based.

Provided that I do communicate the facts, and they are, as stated in. the question, will action be taken with regard to the officer in question? May I ask for a reply?

The hon. Member will observe that the Under-Secretary to the Air Ministry is not here, and that the question is only being answered for him by the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention, has been called to the statement by the Secretary of State for War to the effect that he was opposed to a policy of bombing German towns ; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of putting a soldier in charge of the War Office?

The answer is in the negative.

Are we to understand that the answer is in the negative to the effect that the Secretary of State for War is in favour of bombing German towns?

No; the question put to mo is whether my attention has been called to a statement of his. To that the answer is in the negative. I believe there is no foundation for the other suggestion either.

Are we to understand that Lord Derby is in favour of bombing German towns?

If the hon. Member chooses to put a question on that subject, he will get an answer.