asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been taken to reopen negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for a new trade agreement with this country?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take immediate steps to enter into trade negotiations with Russia, with a view not only to diverting Russian trade from Germany to this country during the war, but also with a view to opening markets in Russia which will be invaluable to our export trade after the war?

asked the Prime Minister whether any recent negotiations have taken place with the Russian Government regarding the resumption of trade negotiations?

No negotiations have recently taken place with the Russian Government about a resumption of discussions on trade questions, but the subject was raised by the Soviet Ambassador lately in a conversation with my Noble Friend the Foreign Secretary.

Will His Majesty's Government bear in mind the very great importance of a trade agreement of this kind with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, with the object of keeping important raw materials out of the orbit of our enemy?

Yes, Sir, that very important aspect of the question, and other aspects, are at present having our urgent consideration.

:Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what impression was made on the Foreign Secretary by the Soviet negotiations?

I am not quite clear to which set of negotiations the hon. Member refers, but I trust that in any negotiations that may be renewed they will not create an impression which is an unfavourable one.

In the event of negotiations being resumed, will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that His Majesty's Government, as representing the country, will condemn the aggression of Russia against Finland?

I think that can be taken for granted.

asked the Prime Minister when the British Ambassador will return to Moscow?

asked the Prime Minister when the British Ambassador to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics hopes to be able to return to his post?

No date has at present been fixed for the return to Moscow of His Majesty's Ambassador, who is now on leave in this country.

Does the Under-Secretary appreciate the necessity of having a representative at Moscow, particularly under present conditions?

Yes, certainly. We have an able representative there, although I would point out that His Majesty's Ambassador is having a long leave.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Mr. Joseph Martin, of Brighton, is still suffering from blindness and other disabilities resulting from the brutal treatment he received during his imprisonment in Moscow by the Soviet Government without being charged with any offence and without trial; and, seeing that through the omission of His Majesty's Government to include a demand for compensation on Mr. Martin's behalf in the ultimatum to the Soviet Govern- ment of 2nd May, 1923, although compensation was demanded and obtained in the only two other cases, Mr. Martin has been caused much additional hardship and suffering during the past 17 years, he will state exactly what was the alleged difficulty which prevented His Majesty's Government from demanding compensation on Mr. Martin's behalf on 2nd May, 1923, but which did not prevent the other two claims from being put forward on that date?

The decision not to put forward Mr. Martin's case was taken by the then Secretary of State in his discretion. I regret that I am not in a position to discuss the grounds upon which is was based.

If it is a fact that this was only one of three cases of personal injury, that the matter was investigated with the Soviet Government, and the amount of compensation agreed, can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why Mr. Martin's claim was omitted?

I regret to say that the decision was taken by the then Secretary of State and I am unable to give any reason for the decision.

Are not the Government responsible for the acts of the Secretary of State?

Yes, certainly, but I regret that I am unable at this stage to give any reason for the decision then taken by the Secretary of State. As I have informed the hon. Member before, we still reserve the right, and indeed we should be very glad, to forward Mr. Martin's case to the Soviet Government if we thought there was a suitable opportunity for the claim meeting with redress.

Could not the Government consider an ex gratia payment in view of their neglect to include Mr. Martin's case? On what ground was it omitted?

I have already answered the latter part of the hon. Member's Question, and I have already said that we will put forward the case if an opportunity arises. I regret that I cannot hold out any hopes of compensation from the Government.

rose—

Order!

On a point of Order. I do not waste a lot of time of this House, but this is a matter practically of life and death to this man—

The hon. Member has already put several Supplementary Questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the breach by Germany of the Kellogg Pact, to which the United States of America was a party, in her attack on Poland, he will consider the advisability of making representations to the United States Government with a view to the cessation of the supply of materials vital for war purposes by the United States to Germany?

His Majesty's Government have already pointed out, in their communication to the League of Nations on 9th September, 1939, that the act of aggression of Germany against Poland was committed in disregard of the obligations which the German Government had assumed towards Poland and the other signatories of the Treaty for the Renunciation of War of 27th August, 1928. But the hon. Member will be aware that this Treaty does not contain any provision for the procedure to be followed or the action to be taken in the event of its violation by one of the signatories. In any case His Majesty's Government do not consider that it is for them to make proposals to the United States Government as to how that Government should regard the violation by Germany of a treaty to which the United States are a party.

In view of the fact that the Government have communicated with the League of Nations on this subject, and that America is not a member, would it not be more effective for them to consider making a direct approach to the United States Government themselves, concerning a matter of which they were really the promoters?

I think we must allow the United States to decide its own attitude.

asked the Prime Minister to what extent members of, and the permanent staff of, the League of Nations will give assistance to Finland for the purposes of reconstruction; and whether he will give the terms of the Finnish Note to the League of 21st March on the subject?

I am arranging for the Note to be circulated in the Official Report. The Secretary-General has informed League members of the request of the Finnish Government for the continuation of material and humanitarian assistance. He has also expressed the willingness of the League Secretariat to continue to give all the assistance in their power. The reply of His Majesty's Government to the Secretary-General will follow the lines of the Prime Minister's statement on 19th March.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state whether arrangements have been made for the return of the war materials that were sent to Finland?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to include in a statement of war aims an offer of federal union to the German people; and whether he is prepared to make the constructive plan the basis of the Government's propaganda, especially in the United States of America and all other neutral countries?

I am not at present prepared to add to the statements about war and peace aims which have been made by Members of His Majesty's Government.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in the midst of the whole business, it is just about time we were discussing the idea of having peace by negotiation?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the Bulletin of international news of 22nd March, 1940, published by the Royal Institute of International Affairs, pages 356–359, devoted to Palestine Land Transfer Regulations; whether he is aware that of three-and-a-half pages devoted to this subject, only 10 lines purport to sum up the views of His Majesty's Opposition as expressed in the recent Debate on Palestine, whilst one-and-a-half pages set out the Government case; and, in view of the fact that this House has recently voted funds towards the war budget of Chatham House, will he ensure that future reports by the council of Chatham House provide a fairer presentation of the views of all parties in this House as expressed in Debate?

His Majesty's Government have no responsibility for the Bulletin of International News, which is one of the regular publications of the Royal Institute of International Affairs and has been issued for many years past. The organisation known as the Foreign Research and Press Service which performs certain war-time services for His Majesty's Government and receives the grant-in-aid is entirely separate in its administration and work from the permanent organisation of the Institute and has nothing to do with the publication of the Bulletin of International News.

As long as Treasury grants are made available to this Council, does the right hon. Gentleman not think a fairer representation of the general opinions in this House ought to be reported, if any reports are made at all?

I do not think the hon. Member has appreciated the distinction which I sought to draw in my original answer, that is, that this Bulletin is produced by a private department of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, and that the Foreign Research and Press Service is the only part with which the Government have any official connection.

Can the Under-Secretary say whether the right of this society to use the word "Royal" is in order?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Palestine Hebrew dailies, "Davar," "Haaretz," and "Hatzsfe," were not permitted to resume publication until 25th March, although the permits were re-issued on 2nd March?

I have no information about this matter, but am asking the High Commissioner for a report.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he made a specific statement on 2nd March that permits had been re-issued, and if they were not issued until about three weeks later will he ascertain why his information was not as accurate as it might have been?

This point had not been brought to my notice until the hon. Member put down his Question, I think yesterday, and I am telegraphing for information as soon as it is possible to get it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will inquire into the reasons why the Hebrew weekly "Hafsel Hatzair," organ of the Palestine Labour party, published at Tel-Aviv, was prohibited on 20th March for printing in its issue of 1st March, the statement of the Jewish National Council of Palestine, Vaad Leumi, against the Land Transfer Regulations; and whether he will make a statement?

I have no-information about this matter, but am asking the High Commissioner for a report.

While the right hon. Gentleman is asking for a report from the High Commissioner will he ask whether this was an intended belated attack on the Labour party?

I will certainly ask that, but I think I can already give the answer in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have now received information of the contents of the memorandum setting out the essentials of the foreign policy of the United States, which was handed by Mr. Welles, President Roosevelt's envoy, to the French Prime Minister; and whether His Majesty's Government are in agreement with the views of the United States Government as expressed therein?

I presume that the hon. and learned Member refers to the memorandum on the foreign economic policy of the United States, communicated on 9th March by Mr. Sumner Welles to the French Minister of Finance, who was at that time M. Paul Reynaud. His Majesty's Government were not given any similar document by Mr. Welles, but the French Government have communicated to them the text of their memorandum. The French Government issued an official communiquéthe following day, stating that M. Paul Reynaud, after consulting the President of the Council, had conveyed to Mr. Sumner Welles the French Government's complete agreement to the principles set forth in the memorandum. His Majesty's Government share these views.

asked the Prime Minister whether there has been any modification of the Anglo-Italian agreement relating to the number of Italian troops stationed in Libya; and whether he can state the number of Italian troops stationed there?

There has been no modification in the terms of the agreement. The information exchanged between the British and Italian Governments in conformity with Annex 2 of the agreement is confidential. I am not therefore in a position to give any figures.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the activities of the civil flying clubs started before the war have now come to an end, and that these premises, aerodromes and machines are, in most cases, lying idle and deteriorating through disuse; that the civil air guard organisation initiated by his Department two years ago has been allowed to disintegrate; and whether he will consider making use of this wasted potential for the increase of gliding, soaring and small-powered glider-flying activities on the lines followed by Germany after 1920?

I am aware of the cessation of the activities of civil flying clubs and of the civil air guard organisation, to which my Noble Friend refers, but this is an inevitable sequel to the limitations imposed by defence considerations upon civil flying during war. Most of the aircraft owned by the clubs have already been requisitioned for the Royal Air Force or have been earmarked for requisitioning. With regard to the last part of the Question, it is not practicable to include gliding in the syllabus of training for pilots for the Royal Air Force, but the possibility of including it in the facilities for organised recreation is under consideration.

Is there not a great deal of difference between requisitioning and earmarking; is it not the case that a large number of these privately-owned machines are still lying rusting in their hangars; and cannot some use be made of these machines as well as of the large number of pilots who would like to have the opportunity of flying?

That is not my information, but I will look into my Noble Friend's point.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that civil aviation is now much restricted and centralised in the hands of one combine, he will, in the interests of economy and efficiency, consider the abolition of the Department of Civil Aviation so that the corporations concerned in the combine may pursue their activities unhampered by restrictions except those imposed by military or naval exigencies; and whether, in order to secure speedy and complete co-operation between the military and civil authorities, he will appoint Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm liaison officers to sit on the boards of the corporations concerned?

No, Sir. It would not be practicable to adopt my Noble Friend's suggestion. The Department of Civil Aviation has many important responsibilities, including the administration of statutory orders and regulations under the Air Navigation Acts governing the flight of all civil aircraft to, over and from this country, and of United Kingdom aircraft wherever they may be. The Department is also charged with the administration of the British Overseas Airways Act, 1939, and the various conventions and agreements to which this country is a party relating to international air navigation. I should add that the staff has already been reduced in proportion to the diminution of work falling on the Civil Aviation Department since the outbreak of war.

Is it intended to keep on this Department in spite of the fact, from what my right hon. Friend has said, that it appears to be somewhat redundant? Would it be possible to give it a constructive role instead of the role it has had up to now, which is mainly destructive?

I would always wish that every part of the Air Ministry's organisation should be constructive and not destructive.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will inquire into the rotary elevated city airport scheme, particulars of which have been sent to him?

The scheme referred to has been examined in its several technical aspects but I regret that it was not considered to be practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, following on the admission to the National Union of Journalists last month that the supply of information to the Press in Scotland on Air Force matters is not altogether satisfactory, any steps have been taken to implement the promise given at that time to improve the position?

The arrangements for the supply of information to the Press in Scotland on Air Force matters are under review, and it is hoped to introduce improved arrangements very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what precautions are usually taken in the case of a flying accident in this country to see that the aeroplane is not in any way interfered with before an expert has had an opportunity of examining it; what steps are taken to collect all the information available as to the probable cause of the disaster, and to see that the dead bodies are dealt with with every respect?

Notification of an accident to an aircraft is normally received from the local police, who take immediate steps to prevent unauthorised interference with the wreckage. If a Royal Air Force aircraft is concerned, the officer commanding the nearest Royal Air Force unit posts a guard over the wreckage and arranges for the erection, where necessary, of a temporary rope fence and screen. All flying accidents involving fatalities to Royal Air Force personnel are the subject of official inquiry, including, where necessary, independent investigation by the Chief Inspector of Accidents. Investigation of accidents to civil aircraft is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Air Navigation Regulations, 1922 and 1925. The arrangements which are made for the guarding of the wreckage by the police and by Royal Air Force personnel are designed to ensure that due respect is shown to the dead.

Is the Minister aware that in the case of a recent accident none of these precautions was taken and that both the machine and the bodies were for a time a public exhibition? If I give the right hon. Gentleman particulars will he see that an inquiry is made?

I should be surprised if that were the case, but I will certainly look into it if the hon. Member will send me particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether steps will be taken to enable as many stations as possible to lay in a reserve stock of coal during the summer months?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give the price at which De Havilland Tiger Moths were being sold to the Air Ministry and civil training schools in 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938, and the price charged for them in 1939–40; whether this price includes all accessories; the value of such accessories; and whether these machines are still being purchased for service training in the United Kingdom and Dominions?

It is a long-standing practice to regard contract prices as confidential, and I regret therefore that I am not in a position to give the information asked for in the first and second parts of the Question. As regards the last part of the Question, De Havilland Tiger Moths are still being purchased for service training in this country and in the Dominions.

Is my right hon. Friend able to tell me whether the price of these machines is roughly double the price of two years ago?

No. Sir, exactly the opposite is the case. The latest price is a great deal lower than it was two years ago.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will arrange for the issue, for an experimental period of three months, of a copy of the Official Report to all His Majesty's ships and vessels with a complement of more than 300 officers and men, with a view to ascertaining, through a report from commanding officers, whether a regular issue of the Official Report would be appreciated in ward-rooms, gun-rooms, warrant officers' and lower-deck messes?

I appreciate the advantages of my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal, but owing to the fact that ships are at sea for considerable periods copies of the Official Report would be received on board at irregular intervals and after considerable delay; under these conditions I do not think that the supply would be of value.

Has not the Navy enough to put up with already?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a Dutch collier has been placed under military control at Vielsen, on the North Sea canal, when found to be carrying electro-magnetic mines for the purpose of laying in the fairway of an English harbour; and whether a full investigation will be pressed for?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the case of the Dutch vessel "Vrede" which was recently placed under arrest at Ymuiden. The vessel was examined by the Dutch naval authorities who after investigation were apparently satisfied as to her innocence. She was therefore released.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that a coastguard in a West Coast district had a German submarine under his telescope for 7½ minutes, but that as he could not telephone direct to an aerodrome, which was only two miles away, the submarine submerged before aircraft arrived; and whether, to secure the fullest co-operation between those who are keeping watch on the coasts and the Royal Air Force, he will secure, as far as possible, direct communication between aerodromes and coastguards and other observers?

My attention has been called to this case and the arrangements by which reports of enemy vessels are made by coastguards are being reviewed.

Do I understand from the reply that the telephonic communications in future will be substantially better than they have been in the past?

So far as this case showed that the present arrangments were not perfect they are being reviewed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in all British mandated territories held by British self-governing dominions British nationality is conferred on the inhabitants of the former upon application, but this is not so in some of the British mandated territories held by the United Kingdom as in the cases of Tanganyika and Palestine where qualified inhabitants desiring British citizenship must possess five years residence in a neighbouring Colony like Kenya or Cyprus; and whether steps will be taken to remove such anomalies?

I understand that under the legislation of New Zealand and the Union of South Africa provision exists whereby in the case of Western Samoa and South-West Africa, respectively, certificates of naturalisation for local purposes only may be granted to residents in these mandated territories. As regards the second part of the Question, as the hon. Member is aware, His Majesty's Government were on the outbreak of war considering the introduction of legislation which, if passed, would enable residents in certain mandated territories to become eligible for naturalisation as British subjects. Whether such legislation should be introduced during the war is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the arrangement entered into at the native's desire that there should be a reduction of 10 per cent. each year over a period of years in the importation of gin and rum into West Africa, there has recently been an increase in the importation of both gin and rum into that country; and whether he will have inquiries made into this breach of a settled compact, and give orders that the arrangement of a 10 per cent. reduction each year shall be compulsorily observed?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in December, 1939, 150,000 imperial gallons of gin were authorised by the Governor of the Gold Coast for importation into that country; and, as this was contrary to the agreement made with the native chiefs in 1931, that by 1940 imports of gin should cease altogether, will he state the reason for which the Governor saw fit to break this agreement?

I would refer to the reply which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Coat bridge (Mr. Barr) on 21st February, from which it will be seen that there has been no breach of agreement. The recent amendment of the law, which incidentally does not refer to rum, has been made with the approval of the African members of the Legislative Council and would appear to be in accord with public opinion.

Has this breach of an enactment solemnly entered into the consent and concurrence of the Colonial Office?

Yes, and of the African representatives of the Legislative Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the finances and incidence of liability as between the Imperial and Kenya Governments with respect to the Uganda-Kenya Railway have now been settled; and whether a statement upon the same will be made to the House?

As I informed the House on 15th February, 1939, it has been decided to invite Parliament to agree to the remission, subject to one condition which has been accepted by the local authorities, of the claim for £5,500,000 in respect of the original cost of construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway.

When will that be submitted to the House?

I hope at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why troops on Wednesday last opened fire on Africans engaged in an industrial dispute on the Nkana copper mines in Northern Rhodesia and killed 14 natives and wounded 20 others; who was responsible for this; and what action he proposes to take?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what casualties have occurred among strikers in the Northern Rhodesian copper mines as the result of police action; where and when they occurred; and what is the number of persons killed or wounded?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) the demands of the workers for improved conditions at the copper mines in Northern Rhodesia;

The House will have learnt with deep regret of the disturbances which occurred on the Copper-belt in Northern Rhodesia on the 3rd April, when it became necessary for troops to fire upon a large crowd of strikers who were employing violence, and a number of people were killed and injured. As it is impossible to deal, within the limits of an oral answer, with the circumstances attending this unhappy affair, I am circulating a full statement dealing with all the points raised by the hon. Members in the Official Report.

May I ask that there shall be the most searching inquiry into the whole of this incident? Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me why unarmed strikers were fired on for no fewer than six minutes; why peaceful picketing was interfered with; why this dispute went on for 17 days with very little being done to reach an agreement so far as the men's genuine grievances were concerned?

With regard to the first part of the question, the answer is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the answer is given fully in the reply which I will circulate. With regard to the third part, it is not true that peaceful picketing was interfered with but only picketing with intimidation was interfered with. With regard to the fourth part, it is not true that this strike went on for 17 days without anything being done. I think the hon. Member is confusing this strike, which lasted only a very few days, with an earlier strike which had been settled the week before.

Did the men go back with any improvement of their conditions or were they forced back to the conditions against which they struck?

There was no question of forcing the men back. They are receiving some increase in pay which the companies announced before the strike actually began, but that increase does not meet anything like the full demands of the strikers.

If 14 men are killed and many injured is not that forcing them back?

Does this firing on strikers meet with the right hon. Gentleman's approval?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the wages of the workers at the copper mines in Northern Rhodesia; and the profits of the companies concerned?

As the answer is necessarily long and contains a large number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Have these wages been increased as a result of the strike?

I have said in answer to an earlier Supplementary Question that there have been certain increases, which had been announced by the companies before the strike actually began.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, now the three years' period has expired, it is the intention of the Government of Trinidad to hand the control of the electricity board to the Port of Spain City Council, or whether it is the intention of the Government to develop an island-wide scheme under their own control?

In the Trinidad Electricity Board Ordinance, No. 39 of 1935, no period is specified during which the Government is required to exercise the right of purchasing the whole or part of the undertaking for the purpose of establishing an island-wide supply of electricity. Consideration of the question of establishing such a scheme under Government control was temporarily deferred on the outbreak of war, but I understand that it will be further examined at a later date.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement as to what action His Majesty's Government propose taking on the report of the Royal Commission on the Distribution of the Industrial Population?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the question of the distribution of the industrial population will be a vital matter immediately after the war, and is it not a matter which we ought to consider now?

Perhaps the hon. Member does not realise that there are other more important and more vital things to be considered at the present time.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among small businesses at the Ministry's inability to formulate a policy to employ them; and whether he will receive a deputation of hon. Members to urge their claims and to press for their representation upon bodies so far filled mainly by the representatives of big business?

Yes, Sir. I am aware that there is some dissatisfaction amongst small businesses which are not receiving war contracts. Many of these firms are not in a position to supply stores required by my Department, but every endeavour is constantly being made to place work among the small manufacturers whose capacity is suited to the Ministry's requirements. I shall of course be ready to receive a deputation from hon. Members on the subject if they so desire.

Can we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that in the present emergency he is not neglecting any possible means of producing supplies and that he will avail himself of all the machinery at his disposal?

That is certainly my desire, and I do not think that either the House or the country has any idea yet of the extent to which the small manufacturers are being used.

Is it not true that the right hon. Gentleman said in his broadcast that there would be a place for the small manufacturers, and has not that led to a good deal of heart-burning among people who really thought he meant what he said?

I meant what I said. There are small manufacturers being added to the list of Government contractors every single day.

Can my right hon. Friend hear me? I want the little man to have a square deal.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that many Scottish foundries engaged normally in the light casting trade are faced with considerable depression and unemployment due to the Government's present housing policy; that the machinery in many of these establishments is ill-equipped to meet contracts for the manufacture of armaments; and is he prepared to afford assistance, financial or otherwise, to such firms in order to accord Scotland, and in particular Stirlingshire, a fair share of work in the Government's present war effort?

So far as possible, opportunity is taken to utilise available manufacturing capacity in suitable works either by financial assistance where necessary or by way of provision of plant, but there are extreme difficulties in turning over foundries to armament work without incurring heavy capital expenditure, which may not in all cases be justified. The particular claims of Stirlingshire will, with other districts, continue to receive consideration in the allotment of suitable Government work.

Is the Minister aware of the very highly potential productive capacity of Falkirk and district, and, if not, does he intend to make any investigations there through the medium of his Department?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the potential manufacturing possibilities of Falkirk, but they are mostly for cast-iron, and the demands of modern war are nearly all for steel, very little cast-iron being required. If it is possible for me to use the Falkirk cast-iron industry at all I shall be happy to do so, and one of the representatives of the National Union of Foundry Workers is a member of the area committee for that district.

Is the Minister aware of the very serious concern on the part of employers, workmen, and the local authorities in that district at the growing volume of unemployment, and will he consult with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour with a view to meeting a joint deputation from those bodies to discuss ways and means of giving effect to the desire of the Falkirk district to help in the great work of production?

I would, of course, willingly discuss with my right hon. colleague any of the matters to which the hon. Member referred, but it is not a question for me to find employment. My primary duty is to find supplies. The difficulty of an iron foundry, if cast-iron is not wanted, must be apparent to the House, and what I am endeavouring to do is to see whether a number of small parts of engineering stores hitherto made from steel can, with modern manufacturing possibilities, be made from cast-iron; but it is not an easy turnover problem.

Do you ever think of making stoves for Army huts?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that between 1st October, 1939, and 10th February, 1940, 3,098 standards of imported timber were released to distillers in Scotland for the production of packing-cases; and whether he will take steps to confer with the interests referred to with a view to alternative methods of packing being found and so release this timber for housing in Scotland?

Yes, Sir. I am afraid, however, that the wood in question, which consists of boxboards, could not be used for building. Ninety per cent. of the wood was used in packing whisky for export, principally to the United States of America. The question of alternative methods of packing, while it presents difficulties, is still under discussion between the distillers and the Economy Branch of the Timber Control.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in future any imports of timber come in a form suitable for building, in view of the fact that the amount of timber referred to in this Question would have satisfied the requirements of 1,000 Scottish houses?

We want all kinds of timber, and I do not propose to shut out the importation of boxboards, which have a separate use.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that under the present scale of payment for calves the animal must be 100 lb. in weight to obtain 11d. a lb.; and whether, in view of the fact that calves of excellent quality often only reach 80 lb., he will consider a grade somewhere between 7d. and 11d. a lb.?

The price of first quality veal calves has been 1s.3d. per lb. since the introduction of control, and the minimum weight for this grade of calf was put at 100 lb. Since 18th March calves of 90 lb. or over, and in the case of the smaller breeds, of a few pounds less, can be graded as first quality, and there has been no minimum weight limit for second quality veal calves which are purchased by the Ministry at 11d. per lb. The price for third quality veal calves was increased to 9d. per lb. on that date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can furnish an estimate of the number of persons engaged in local food offices whose chief occupation is that of dealing with the registration of consumers at particular shops; and what is the approximate annual cost of this part of the work of rationing?

The volume of work relating to the registration of consumers depends mainly on the number of temporary and permanent removals and therefore varies widely from area to area. We should need a very large staff to make an estimate of the number of staff engaged on this work.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why he requires shopkeepers to count, and his staff to check, 100,000,000 coupons per week in respect of the rationing of bacon and butter, so long as the permitted ration is in excess of the normal consumption of a large proportion of the people?

The counting of coupons by shopkeepers is optional, but it is of material assistance to food control committees if the numbers of coupons forwarded to them are indicated on the packets. I cannot accept the implication that the circumstances mentioned in the last part of the Question would justify a general relaxation of control.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in forming the consultative committee to further the better use of home-produced foods, full advantage will be taken of the experience gained by the National Milk Publicity Council during many years of successful work?

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend can be assured that my Noble Friend will avail himself of the experience of the National Milk Publicity Council, in the movement for giving guidance on the use of food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will take steps to prevent future supplies of milk being endangered by the slaughter on a large scale of milch cows and calves; and whether he is aware that the prices charged for the carcases of these beasts is in many cases as high as that of best quality beef?

I have no evidence of any unusual slaughter of cows and calves at the present time. The prices charged for the great majority of cow carcases are lower than those for best quality beef, although, for a relatively small number of best quality cow carcases and for carcases of veal, the prices charged are equal to the price for best quality beef.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that many thousands of gallons of milk are sold at less than 6d. per gallon for the manufacture of chocolate, etc., while the price to the domestic consumer is 7d. per quart, and that this price is too high for the working classes to pay; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. The price of milk paid by confectionery manufacturers was raised on 1st April to 1s. 1½d. per gallon as compared with a pre-war price of 7½d. per gallon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there are many districts in the country where barley meal is unobtainable, or where corn merchants can only obtain 10 per cent. of their normal pre-war deliveries; whether he will give an assurance that this is not being occasioned by the utilisation of barley meal for cakes or compound mixtures; and whether, since the outbreak of the war, these cakes and cubes are to be considered as balanced rations?

It is not possible, in existing circumstances, to ensure that supplies of maize and barley will be available in their pre-war proportions at all times and in all parts of the country. Where supplies of barley have been ex-ecptionally short, the deficiency has been made up by supplies of maize. The shortage of barley meal is not due to its use in compounds; maize rather than barley has been allocated for that purpose. With regard to the last part of the Question, all the provisions of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act are still in force.

Can my hon. Friend give some assurance that a complete overhaul of the present system of distribution is taking place and that he will be able to give us some statement about a final decision in these matters, because the present position is not satisfactory?

The position is constantly being improved.

Has the shortage of barley anything to do with the increased consumption of beer?

Brewers are not producing more; the amount is the same as last year.

I do not know as much about beer as you do.

Withdraw.

On a point of Order. Is it right for a Member to impute motives?

Unfortunately I did not catch the remark.

May I say, Mr. Speaker, that I was imputing knowledge and not motives?

Has not the Minister more knowledge of margarine than of beer?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, owing to the scarcity of mutton and lamb, which is being keenly felt in Northern Ireland at the moment, and the abundance of both in Britain, he will arrange for a time, until the supply becomes normal again, that the requirements of Northern Ireland be met by assigning to it a portion of the available New Zealand mutton and lamb?

I understand that a temporary shortage of mutton has been experienced in Northern Ireland but that ample supplies of other forms of fresh meat have been, and are, available. My Noble Friend has given consideration to my hon. Friend's suggestion that supplies of mutton should be diverted to Northern Ireland, but I feel that such a course would not be justified in war-time, particularly as there is every reason to anticipate that the shortage will be temporary.

Could my hon. Friend not divert even a small quantity of mutton for a few weeks until the supply comes, because in Northern Ireland we have had practically no mutton for weeks and weeks?

In war-time, transport is so important that we do not feel that that course could be justified.

Is it not a fact that the troops in France are suffering from an undue supply of beef and that they would appreciate a supply of mutton and lamb?

Does the Minister not think it possible that Northern Ireland might have a more friendly relationship with Eire in this matter?

That has nothing to do with mutton.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the farmers of Northern Ireland are not being furnished with the dead weight of the fat cattle sold by them, he will arrange that the grading of these animals is no longer carried out as at present by a single individual, a veterinary officer, from whose decision there is no appeal, but that, in order to put an end to the prevailing dissatisfaction among cattle raisers in Northern Ireland, this work will be done in future by a panel of three graders, a veterinary officer, a farmer, and an auctioneer, as in Great Britain?

My hon. Friend's suggestion will be carefully considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether he is contemplating any action to prevent food-hoarding by retailers?

Machinery for controlling retailers' stocks of rationed foods already exists under the rationing scheme. In the case of unrationed foods I think it is desirable that reasonable stocks should be held, but if evidence were forthcoming that retailers were accumulating unreasonably large stocks, it might be necessary to take action such as the hon. Member suggests.

Is the Minister satisfied that no such unreasonably large stocks are being accumulated?

At this moment, yes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Burnley area received only £8,000 worth of meat per week for a population of 176,000, while nearby areas have received in comparison twice the amount, namely, £2,000 worth for a population of less than 25,000; can he give any reason for this; and will he see that the area receives more adequate and better quality supplies?

The aggregate value of the buying permits of the butchers in the Burnley area is £8,737; that of the butchers in the neighbouring area of Rawtenstall and Bacup is £3,300. The meat purchased by butchers in these areas in the three weeks ended 29th March averaged £6,682 and £2,272 respectively per week. The butchers' permits are based upon their registrations; their purchases are based upon the demands made upon them within the limit of their permits. The population of a district does not necessarily determine the butchers' registrations in that district since the public often purchase in districts other than that in which they reside. I can assure the hon. Member that the Burnley area is being treated fairly in regard to both the quantity or quality of the meat with which it is supplied.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with the provision of sugar and supply of fruit for preserving, he will take steps to ensure that householders are allowed to buy sufficient quantities of both sugar and fruit, in order to avoid such waste of fruit, both home-grown in private gardens, and by market and nursery gardeners?

Inquiry is being made to ascertain the demand for sugar from persons who wish to preserve fruit grown in their own gardens or allotments. When the information is available, my Noble Friend will be in a position to say whether it is practicable to make a special allowance of sugar to persons who buy home-grown fruit for preserving.

Is it not of the utmost importance that as much fruit as possible should be preserved this year and not wasted, and does my hon. Friend realise that Evesham is particularly affected in this matter?

I am aware of the importance of the matter.

Is there any doubt that there will be sugar available to the small fruit-grower?

Any doubt will be resolved as soon as we get information of the amount needed for home-produced fruit.

Is a census being made in connection with the matter?

We have information as to the possible supplies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the complaint of local authorities in Scotland regarding the lack of co-operative effort and consultation between the Ministry and the authorities in connection with the Meat Control Scheme and the method of distribution; and whether action is to be taken to remove the cause of this complaint?

I am not aware of the complaints referred to in the first part of the Question. If the hon. Member will send me particulars, I will look into the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has recommended that slaughtermen and cutters be placed in the reserved list of occupations; and whether he can state the approximate date when a decision will be made on this important matter?

Slaughtermen and butchers' cutters are already on the reserved list of occupations for reservation at age 30. I presume the hon. Member refers to the proposal that the age of reservation of slaughtermen and cutters should be reduced from 30 to 25. If so, I would refer him to the replies which he received from my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour on 7th March. As regards the second part of the Question, it is hoped that a decision will be reached very shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now considered the report for which he asked, regarding the increases in charges proposed by the Notting Hill Electric Lighting Company; and what action he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir. The Electricity Commissioners have carefully examined the detailed estimates of income and expenditure, and supporting data, upon which the Notting Hill Electric Lighting Company, Limited, have based their increased charges. The Commissioners have advised me that they see no reason to take exception to the estimates, which make no provision for earning any dividend on the 6 per cent. cumulative preference shares of the company or any dividend on the ordinary shares. In all the circumstances, I do not see any grounds for intervening; I have, however, asked the Electricity Commissioners to review the position at the end of June.

While thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for his reply, may I take it that the consumers of electricity under this company are not precluded from making representation, as was promised a few weeks ago, in regard to individual cases?

Certainly not. I shall be very glad to consider individual cases.

Could not arrangements be made to merge some of these small, inefficient companies into bigger units, so that consumers may get bigger and cheaper supplies?

That is an entirely different, and a very much larger, question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether excursion trains are to be run at cheap fares during the summer season?

In war-time precedence must be given to the movement of Government and other essential traffics and the maintenance as far as possible of ordinary passenger services. The Govern- ment, however, recognise the great importance of enabling workers to enjoy leisure and recreation, and it is intended to provide facilities at reduced fares so far as is compatible with the performance of the railways' primary duty. It is not yet possible to make any general announcement as to the arrangements which, subject to overriding requirements and the course of events, will be available for holiday travel during the summer months.

Does the Minister's answer imply that the prospect of excursion trains will be entirely ruled out?

No, Sir. I have said that it is hoped to provide facilities but it is not yet possible to make a definite announcement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that parts of the East Lancashire road, Liverpool to Manchester, are being taken up for the purpose of carrying lighting to the air-raid shelters; and whether he will have inquiries made to see if arrangements could be made with local authorities who share in the road to have the lighting of the road done at the same time and thus make one operation complete the whole?

I am aware that cables have been laid for the purpose of lighting air-raid shelters on certain parts of the East Lancashire Road. In normal circumstances I should agree that all pipes and cables should, wherever possible, be laid at the same time; and I should have been prepared to make a grant to the responsible lighting authorities towards the installation of an adequate lighting system on this Trunk Road. In present circumstances, however, I do not consider that it would be proper to incur expenditure on the laying of cables for a lighting installation.

Is the Minister not aware that this is one of the best roads in the country and that it is constantly being taken up? Could not there be some co-ordination so that when any repairs have to be done everything can be done in one operation? A little co-ordination would help.

If I may say so, that appears to be the hon. Gentleman's same Question, to which I have given an answer. In peace-time I should have said, "Yes," but at the moment I do not think it is possible to incur the additional capital expenditure.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that great and unnecessary hardship is being caused to users of the suburban lines of the Southern Railway, by reason of the drastic reduction in the services; and whether he will make inquiries with a view to an improvement in such services?

Owing to the demands made on the railways for the carriage of Government and other essential traffics, including coal, the suburban services have had to be reduced, but the reduction has been made so far as possible during the slack periods. The position is constantly under observation by the railways, and the existing services are being augmented whenever this can be done without interfering with the carriage of essential traffics.

Will the Minister consider the possibility of increasing the average speed on the railways so that we may have more efficient service?

An increase in average speed on the railway would have repercussions on the amount of steel required for track maintenance.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that great hardship is caused to the travelling public of London through omnibuses, though not full, failing to stop at the official stopping places, particularly during the black-out; and whether he will make inquiries, with a view to this practice being stopped?

The London Passenger Transport Board have instructed their staff that buses must stop at all "compulsory" stops, and at "request" stops when there is accommodation available and passengers are waiting to be picked up. Any specific cases brought to the notice of the Board of refusal to stop in these circumstances are investigated and suitable action is taken.

If I provide the right hon. and gallant Gentleman with some instances will he take the matter up?

Certainly. I will take them up with the Board.

asked the Minister of Transport who are the persons who have seats reserved in London and North Eastern Railway trains during daytime?

From inquiries I have made it appears that seats have been reserved in London and North Eastern Railway trains for certain persons travelling on Government business with secret plans and documents. Accommodation is also reserved on occasion for mental patients, prisoners of war, military prisoners, and convicts and their escorts.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that some of the mental cases, convict cases and other cases were actually Members of this House?

Does "M.P." stand for "Mental Patients"?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will specify the principal war schemes of road improvement and new construction on which it is proposed to spend in the current financial year £500,000 in respect of trunk roads and £1,000,000 by way of grant to highway authorities?