asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that by A.F.O. No. 2478 of 1938, officers on the retired list who have received promotion on their retirement when called up for service must revert to the rank they last held before retirement; and whether this order will be reconsidered?

I am glad to have this opportunity of explaining the reasons for the recent Fleet Order. The former regulation whereby retired officers recalled to active service were allowed to retain the uniform and title of a rank higher than that to which they were appointed, was found during the recent emergency to create such inconveniences that it was decided that all such officers should in future wear the uniform and use the title proper to the appointments they were given. I am confident that all officers will accept this modification as one necessitated by changed conditions, and I need hardly assure my hon. and gallant Friend that it involves no alteration in the pay of these officers nor in their right to use the higher title and appropriate uniform when they are not actually in service.

While thanking the hon. Member for his reply, is it a fact that there was no suggestion that when these officers were subsequently recalled for duty they would have to surrender their rank? I understand from the answer that when they are recalled to the Service they will retain their rank and wear the uniform of a lower rank. I should like to ask the hon. Member whether there is any need for that, not in regard to senior rank officers but in regard to officers under flag rank?

The Order does not apply to flag officers. The purpose of the change is to employ as many retired officers as possible in an emergency. As the hon. and gallant Member points out, there is no change as regards the rank and seniority of retired officers when they are called up; their position is exactly the same. His rank and seniority for command when on the active list is the same. All we say is that for the purpose of removing a discrepancy we are asking him to wear the uniform appropriate to his rank.

But may I ask the hon. Member—

The answer has been given twice.

There is a considerable amount of feeling on this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any arrangements have been made, and, if so, of what nature, for the Admiralty to co-operate in the defence of London against air attack by the stationing of suitable anti-aircraft vessels in the approaches to the Thames, and in the vicinity of the Port of London?

The fullest consideration has already been given to the proposal to which my hon. Friend refers, but I regret that it would not be consistent with the public interest to disclose the conclusions which were reached or the measures taken to give effect to them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty particulars of the number of attempts wilfully to damage ships of the Royal Navy during the 12 months ended the last convenient date; and what action has been taken against the offenders?

Since the reply I gave the hon. Member on 27th April last, there has been one further case of suspected sabotage to His Majesty's ships. During the last 12 months no case has arisen in which the formal investigations revealed conclusively who were directly responsible, and the latter part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Can the hon. Member give particulars of the suspected case?

I do not think it is in the public interest to do so. It was a very minor case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in Tanganyika German planters are heavily subsidised by the Government of the Reich and, therefore, able to compete on unfair terms with planters of other nationalities; that German Government credit is being used to buy up the land of non-Germans and that, in general, the German community is becoming a totalitarian State within another State; and whether he intends to take any action in the matter?

I am aware of the statements which have recently been made on this subject, and I am asking the Governor to furnish me with the facts. Until I receive them I am not in a position to consider what action should he taken.

Are German planters in Tanganyika allowed to sell their own produce in their own way without any interference from anybody?

I think that no restrictions beyond formal restrictions are put upon them or anybody else.

Is it not true that a German company is operating in Tanganyika through which all these planters have to sell their produce?

I am asking the Governor to let me have a full report of the facts so that I can consider the situation.

Will that report include information as to the intensive Nazi propaganda going on in the Colony?

I am asking for a full report.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any representations direct from the planters of Tanganyika?

I have received communications from one or two individuals in the Colony, and as a result of these communications and also as a result of the hon. Member's question, I am making inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as the result of the anxieties expressed at the last Session of the Permanent Mandates Commission, any steps are proposed to deal with the health conditions of the Lupa goldfield in Tanganyika?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to a similar question by the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 13th July in which I gave an account of steps recently taken. I have no doubt that the Government of Tanganyika will bear carefully in mind the views expressed by the Permanent Mandates Commission and that they will consider, in the light of those views, what further measures can be taken to improve health conditions in the Lupa goldfields area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many land holdings there were in Tanganyika in 1935; how many were British, German, Indian and Greek, respectively; what was the European and German population; what were the total exports; what amount of that export trade went to the British Empire; and what is the square mileage of Tanganyika?

As the reply contains a large number of statistics, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what extent and/or proportion of land is held by native owners and non-native owners in Nigeria, the Gold Coast and Kenya, respectively; and how far alienation of land from native owners to European and other non-native owners is discouraged or prohibited in these three areas?

As the reply is necessarily long I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are made for school medical inspection; what facilities exist for dental treatment for school children in the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Gold Coast and Nigeria Colonies; and what Government scholarships for higher education in Britain are given in each of these Colonies?

With regard to the first two parts of the question, the latest information available is contained in the reports of the Medical and Education Departments of the Colonies concerned. I am arranging for copies of these reports to be placed in the Library of the House. As regards the last part of the question, no such scholarships are at present awarded in Sierra Leone or in the Gambia. In Nigeria two scholarships have recently been granted and the early grant of others is being considered. In the Gold Coast there is provision for two or more Government scholarships to be awarded annually, and the number in existence at the end of 1937 was four.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give attention to the extension of these scholarships to the territories where scholarships are not at present enjoyed, and also will he give very serious attention to the position with regard to medical and dental inspections for school children?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the first part, the whole question of higher education in these Colonies will be considered by the Governors' Conference when it meets next year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements were made in the Colony of Kenya to ensure that proper precautions were taken for protection against air raids and other attacks in connection with the recent emergency?

Air-raid precaution plans for the main centres, and other schemes for the defence of the Colony generally had been prepared and would have been put into operation if it had been necessary.

May I ask whether effective precautions were taken in Croydon?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has reached any conclusions from his inquiries into the employment of children and young persons in Kenya?

I have received an advance copy of the report of the committee appointed in Kenya to consider this question. I have not yet formed my final conclusions on it, as I am waiting for the views of the Governor which I expect to receive in the immediate future. As soon as possible after that I shall make an announcement on the subject.

Would my right hon. Friend place a copy of the report in the Library of the House?

I expect to have some printed copies of the report very shortly, and I will then arrange for them to be put in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Kenya intends to take a share together with the other East Africa Governments, according to the recommendation of the commission on higher education, in the costs of erecting the new university college in Uganda?

The Governor of Kenya proposes, subject to the approval of the Legislative Council, to contribute£50,000 towards the College Endowment Fund. So far as I am aware, it has not yet been possible to bring the matter before the Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of German and Austrian girls who have been admitted into Kenya and Tanganyika in order to take up employment during the last two years; and why, if these opportunities for employment exist, adequate information is not issued in this country, so as to interest British girls?

I am not in possession of the figures, but I will inquire of the Governors of the Territories concerned. Information as to opportunities for employment in these territories is readily obtainable from the East African Dependencies Trade and Information Office in London. Moreover, this Office is in close touch with the Society of Over-sea Settlement for British Women in London, and they, in turn, are represented in East Africa by the East African Women's League.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will indicate in what particular the issue of the "African Sentinel," prohibited from entry into Sierra Leone, is deemed to be seditious?

The section of the ordinance under which action was taken provides for the prohibition of importation of literature which is "seditious, defamatory, scandalous or demoralising." The entry of the issue of the "African Sentinel" in question was prohibited by reason of the content of the article beginning on page 3.

As a purchaser and reader of this magazine, may I ask the Minister whether he would not, upon a reperusal of this issue, agree that it contains nothing except fair comment on details of our own trade union movement?

I cannot agree with that. My recollection of the article is that there were some passages in it which came fully under the description which I have given.

If, in future, articles similar to that complained of are excluded from the journal, will the prohibition on its entry into Sierra Leone be withdrawn?

That is a matter which I must leave, in the first instance, to the discretion of the Government on the spot.

Is it not being excluded on the ground of being a trade union journal?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (I) whether he can make any statement as to the intentions of His Majesty's Government regarding the appointment of a Royal Commission to examine into the workings of the constitution in Ceylon, with a view to effecting changes therein;.

(2) whether he has considered the memorandum signed by the elected and nominated representatives in council of all the indigenous minorities in Ceylon, setting forth suggested changes in the extent of the representation of those communities under any scheme of constitutional change in the colony; and whether he will make a statement on the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he can state the means by which His Majesty's Government propose to implement the pronouncement of the previous Secretary of State for the Colonies that selected changes as suggested could not be expected to produce good results unless they were adopted with the genera/ consent of all the important interests in Ceylon;

(2) whether His Majesty's Government are aware of the complaints of the minority communities in Ceylon of the manner in which the constitution is being worked by the major community; and what are they doing to meet these?

I have received a number of representations from all communities in Ceylon on the subject of the working of the constitution. I hope shortly to publish despatches which have passed between the Governor and myself on the subject, pending which I can make no statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an ex-President of the Council told some of the minority members that if they wanted anything done for internal affairs they must combine with the Cingalese members in trying to get the powers which the Governor refused?

The Governor has had many conversations with representatives of the minority communities as well as others while considering questions of constitutional reform, and he will bear these considerations in mind in making proposals to me.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that five years ago a Motion was moved in this House urging Parliament to appoint a committee to inquire into the defects of the constitution, which was only defeated by Members of the Government voting against it? Will he therefore not reconsider that proposal?

The whole question is under consideration, and the result of our considerations will appear in the despatches when I am able to publish them, which I hope will be in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government are aware of the widespread and growing fear among large sections of the people in Ceylon that constitutional changes may be in contemplation without the previous appointment and advice of a Royal Commission; and what action he is taking to allay this?

While I have received representations from a small number of individuals and bodies in Ceylon in favour of the appointment of a Royal Commission to advise on constitutional changes, I am not aware that there is at present any wide demand for such an appointment. The whole question is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of a statement by the leader of the Ceylon State Council and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Ministers that the exclusion of any representatives of the minority communities in Ceylon was deliberately planned by the leaders of the majority community in order to secure a Board of Ministers composed entirely of the members of that community; and what action does he propose to take in this matter?

I am aware that allegations of this nature have been made; but I have been informed by the Governor that not a single Sinhalese leader with whom he has spoken has expressed himself in favour of a Pan-Sinhalese Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the strong dissatisfaction of the domiciled Indian population in Ceylon with regard to the proposed disfranchisement, in local government elections, of the Indian estate workers possessing residential qualifications; and what steps does he propose to take to meet this?

I am aware that the Village Communities Bill, passed by the State Council of Ceylon, originally contained a provision depriving certain estate labourers of the franchise in local elections on a racial basis. I was unable to advise His Majesty to assent to a Bill containing such a provision, and an amending Bill, which is not open to the charge of racial discrimination, has now been passed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total strength of the police and of His Majesty's Forces in Palestine; and what is the average cost per month falling upon the British Exchequer of these two forces?

The approximate strength of the personnel of the police, Royal Air Force, and Army serving in Palestine is at present 7,300, 700 and 15,500 respectively. I am afraid that I am not yet in a position to give the average cost per month falling upon the British Exchequer in respect of the police. As regards the Air Force, the average monthly cost to the British Exchequer is about£30,000. The extra cost of maintaining the military forces in Palestine, over and above the cost of maintaining them at their normal stations, amounts to about £175,000 a month (exclusive of capital services).

Can my right hon. Friend state whether the numbers are likely to be reduced in the near future, and also whether the Palestine Government contribute towards the cost?

The Palestine Government do make a considerable contribution towards the cost. With regard to the possibility of reducing the numbers, I am afraid I cannot hold out any hope of that in the immediate future, but I do hope that later on conditions may make that possible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform me whether the police are now at full strength, or whether further recruits are required?

Further recruitment of British police is going on all the time. They are going out in batches of 100 or 150 as quickly as they can be absorbed in the local forces. I do not think the full complement which is required will be in Palestine for two months or so.

Is any difficulty being experienced in obtaining recruits for this service?

None, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman present before the proposed conference the suggestion which has been made for a Legislative Assembly, which would eliminate the need for this?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has a statement to make as to the position in Palestine?

So far as the general situation regarding Palestine is concerned, I can add nothing at present to the recent statement on policy by His Majesty's Government and to answers which I gave to questions on 10th November. Preparations for the proposed discussions in London are continuing. In Palestine itself steps are being taken to restore the Government's authority throughout the country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what specific administrative steps have been taken in the West Indies following the outbreaks, to improve the economic conditions of the workers and to raise the standards of living generally in the respective Islands?

As the answer is necessarily long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether inquiries were made into the conduct of the police and authorities concerned with the maintenance of order in Jamaica in the disturbances last summer; and whether a report has yet been made available?

There has been some unavoidable delay in pursuing the inquiry into the disturbances in Jamaica as the Commissioners appointed to investigate the trouble at Frome were unable to serve further owing to absence from the island or ill health. It was, therefore, necessary for the Governor to appoint a fresh Commission to inquire into the subsequent disturbances in May and June, and I have learnt from the Press that its sittings have just been concluded. I hope to receive the Commission's report at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether be will agree to adopt the principle of collective bargaining between the authorities and the staffs of the Civil Service in the British West Indies; and to the setting of up staff associations representing the civil servants employed in the British West Indies for the purpose of representing the views of those staffs to the authorities on a basis similar to that in force in this country?

The principle of consultation with recognised associations of Colonial civil servants is one with which I am in sympathy, and is already recognised in various parts of the Colonial Empire. Its extension in practice must no doubt be governed by local circumstances, but I am quite prepared at any time to consider any concrete proposals which may be made in connection with any particular colony.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the terms of reference for the Royal Commission that is to consider the question of Workmen's Compensation; and who is to be appointed on the Royal Commission?

In reply to a question on Monday last by the hon. Member for the Consett division (Mr. David Adams), my right hon. Friend gave the name of the chairman and the terms of reference of the Royal Commission. I am not yet in a position to add to that statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider the need for making arrangements for the Royal Commission to visit big industrial centres in order that the men and women who have suffered from industrial diseases and accidents can give first-hand information

I feel sure that that will be considered.

When does the right hon Gentleman expect to be in a position to let us know the composition of the Commission?

I am sorry I cannot add to the answer now. Perhaps the hon. Member will wait a few days, and I will communicate with him.

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has been received from the German Government to the protest made on behalf of His Majesty's Government following the attacks on the Leader of the Opposition and other Members of this House?

No, Sir, but I understand that the German Minister for Propaganda has stated to the correspondent of Reuter's Agency that he did not approve of the publication of the statements in question by the newspaper concerned, and that he would have the mistake immediately cleared up.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that His Majesty's Government will not be content with an explanation given to a newspaper correspondent?

The hon. Gentleman will have in mind that the communication was made only on Monday and that when it was made the Minister responsible was not in Berlin.

Is it not a fact that these attacks have enormously sent up the prestige in this country of the hon. Members attacked?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to give effect to the recommendation of M. van Zeeland regarding the generalising of the system of the open door which obtains in the Conventional Basin of the Congo; and whether, as a first step, he will suggest the exclusion of the Colonial areas from the scope of the Ottawa Agreements?

His Majesty's Government have already announced their readiness to discuss the abatement of particular preferences in non-selfgoverning territories in cases where such preferences can be shown to place undue restriction on international trade. They do no consider that the present is a propitious time for going further in this direction.

How would the suggestion be carried out?

Is it not the case that if you delay this in the way the right hon. Gentleman suggests, you are delaying the undertaking given by the Prime Minister in regard to appeasement?

asked the Secretary of State for Air what provision he has made to prevent trials with the balloon barrage from being a danger to aircraft in conditions of bad visibility?

The instructions are that balloons should not be flown in conditions of bad visibility, that is when the horizontal visibility from an aircraft is less than 1,100 yards, or at night when aircraft lights cannot be seen at that distance.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of types of military aeroplanes which are now being manufactured in Great Britain; and the number of such types of which mass production is being carried out?

The number of types, including those for training purposes and for the Fleet Air Arm, at present under construction in Great Britain and being delivered to the Royal Air Force is 23. This excludes new types in various stages of construction for future delivery. Methods appropriate to large scale production are applied so far as is practicable to all types which are required in large numbers.

Can my right hon. Friend say the number of types likely to be produced during the next 12 months and also what percentage of the aeroplanes now being turned out, are looked upon as having been produced on mass production lines?

I would like to communicate with my hon. Friend on the question. I am endeavouring as far as possible to reduce the number of types. I would like my hon. Friend and the House to understand, however, that of that number of 23, some half are types for specialised training and the like.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what decisions have been reached with regard to the proposals for an aerodrome at Langham, Norfolk?

Yes, Sir. It has been decided to build an air station at Langham and action to acquire the necessary land is now proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of civilians employed in officers' messes in Norfolk aerodromes, and the terms of their engagements?

Seventy-six civilians are at present employed as mess stewards, waiters, cooks and batmen at officers' messes at Royal Air Force stations in Norfolk. The men are on a weekly engagement with a minimum attendance of 48 hours a week, and their wages range from 40s. to 56s. a week. Their conditions of service are those generally applicable to civilian employés of these grades at Royal Air Force stations.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is prepared to increase the number of fighter-aeroplane squadrons in the North of England with sufficient allocated to prevent air raids upon Liverpool by enemy bombers?

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress is being made in the establishment of the balloon barrage system of defence at Glasgow and Clydeside?

It would not be in the public interest to give particulars of the defence arrangements for any particular part of the country, but protection for the areas referred to is being provided by both general and local defences. As announced in my speech during the Debate on the Address last Thursday, balloon barrage units are being formed, amongst other places, at both Liverpool and Glasgow.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be in the interests of the country, if the people were assured that progress was being made with these defences? That is all we ask.

asked the Secretary of State for Air on what date was authority given to Lord Nuffield to erect a factory for the production of super-marine "Spitfire" aircraft; on what date the site of the new factory was ready to commence building; on what date the building commenced; and on what date the building of the factory is expected to be finished?

The answer to the first part of the question is 23rd May, 1938. With regard to the second and third parts, the selected site was ready for the commencement of the preliminary work of drainage and excavation on 15th July and the work was begun that day. The erection of steel work has now commenced. With regard to the fourth part of the question, I am advised that the whole of the factory is expected to be completed in August next but part of the factory will be available for production, I hope, in February next.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it satisfactory that a period of four months should have passed before they began to erect the steel work upon the site?

I hope the hon. Gentleman will appreciate the fact that a great deal of preliminary work had to he done, and I would suggest to him that in fact a great deal of expedition has been shown by Lord Nuffield in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any bombing aircraft squadrons were detailed to proceed to France during the recent crisis; whether any of these squadrons were equipped with the Browning gun; and whether he can give any estimate of the time it will take to substitute the Browning gun, with turrets, for the obsolete Lewis gun in all Service bombing squadrons?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to disclose any such information regarding plans for the air defence of this country. As regards the last part of the question, the replacement of the Lewis gun, which forms a part of the equipment of certain bomber aircraft, by a more modern type is now being undertaken and. will be completed early next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Air on what date negotiations began with an American film company for the production of a film to stimulate interest and recruiting in the Royal Air Force; on what date, and for what reason, these negotiations fell through; for how long, and with how many other film companies, have negotiations been proceeding with a similar object; and whether any person other than the Secretary of State has authority to bring this matter to a decision?

Discussions have taken place with a number of British companies, some of which are associated with American companies, for the production of films of the nature referred to. Assistance has been afforded by the Royal Air Force in the production of three films, one of which has already been exhibited, while a second has just been completed. As regards the last part of the question, my approval is normally obtained before assistance is given in the production of films of a major character.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement concerning the manufacture of aircraft in Canada?

I will defer my reply till the end of Questions.

Negotiations with the representatives of the Canadian industry have now been successfully concluded, and agreements have been signed under which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have placed an initial order for the manufacture of large bomber aircraft; and the Canadian aircraft firms concerned undertake to maintain during the next 10 years a manufacturing capacity available for further potential orders of a similar character if required.

The contractual arrangements have been made with the new central company, Canadian Associated Aircraft, Limited, which has been brought into being expressly for the purpose of this scheme. That company will control the whole scheme and provide two central establishments, located at Montreal and Toronto respectively. These two central establishments will themselves in due course develop manufacturing facilities, whilst also serving as central erecting establishments fed by components supplied by six associated aircraft companies, namely:

• Canadian Car and Foundry Company, Limited.
• Canadian Vickers, Limited. Fairchild Aircraft, Limited.
• Fleet Aircraft, Limited.
• National Steel Car Corporation, Limited.
• Ottawa Car Manufacturing Company, Limited.

The initial order will ensure immediate implementation of the plans and will enable the increased potential progressively to be developed. It is the intention that further orders should be placed as and when necessary to maintain the progressive development of the manufacturing potential and the desired flow of production. In addition to the arrangements for group manufacture of large bomber aircraft, negotiations are now proceeding in London with two Canadian companies for the manufacture of fighter and general reconnaissance types, at Fort William and Vancouver respectively.

I should like to express the thanks of His Majesty's Government to Sir Hardman Lever and his colleagues in our Mission; and to Sir Charles Gordon, of the Bank of Montreal, Mr. Morris Wilson, of the Royal Bank of Canada, Mr. A. B. Purvis. of Canadian Industries, Limited, and to Sir Thomas White, of the Bank of Commerce, all of whom greatly facilitated the course of negotiations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House some further particulars with regard to the initial order?

The type of aircraft to be manufactured under the initial order is the "Hampden," which is now in production in this country. The aircraft orders are due for delivery during 1940, and although it would not be in the public interest to disclose the numbers ordered, I can say that the order represents a considerable development of Canadian manufacturing capacity in preparation for the large production programme which will call for aircraft of a still more advanced type running in parallel with the later stages of the initial order.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state at this stage how the Canadian machine compares in price with the English machine?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question down. The matter has been the subject of careful negotiation and scrutiny so far as the Treasury is concerned, and I think that on the whole a reasonable price has been arranged.