asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he can report any improvement in the matter of enemy goods being transported through the harbour of Vladivostok and how far it has been possible to stop this leak in the blockade?

Yes, Sir, I am glad to say that there has recently been a sharp decline in the import of copper through Vladivostok, and some decline in the import of other war materials. But I am still not at all satisfied with the position, and His Majesty's Government are now considering what arrangements can be made to stop the leak.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he can give any information regarding the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes; what measure of control is exercised by the Government over the organisation; and whether the control extends to the regulation of the prices of goods sold to the Forces;

Information regarding the composition and activities of the Navy. Army and Air Force Institutes may be obtained by reference to the memorandum and articles of association of this corporation, a copy of which, together with copies of annual reports and balance sheets, has been placed in the Library of this House for the convenience of hon. Members. For the information of my right hon. Friend, I am sending him a copy of the last annual report and balance sheet. Control regarding policy is exercised through a Council comprising four representatives of each of the Fighting Services, the actual conduct of the business being left to the discretion of the board of management. I regret that the information asked for as to turnover and expenses is not available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by order of the military authorities many private owners of canteens in East Anglia have been dispossessed to make way for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, and are thus being deprived of their livelihood? Will he make an immediate investigation into the matter?

I am not aware of that fact, but the hon. Gentleman appreciates that that is an entirely different question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in his Department? He will find that the matter was put before them recently.

What is the position of the Treasury in this matter? Does it have anything to do with the working of the institutes?

I should be grateful if my hon. and gallant Friend would put that question down.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information about the administrative expenses?

I cannot without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether plans have now been made for effective civilian defence against invasion; whether he is aware that there is among the civilian population a great demand for instructions, training, rifles and organisation, as well as willingness to take their part efficiently, without pay, especially against parachutists; and what plans he has to meet this demand?

My right hon. and gallant Friend will be aware of the Local Defence Volunteer Force scheme, which was announced after he had given notice of his Question. Although I am not yet in possession of authoritative figures, I am able to say that the response has been most satisfactory. No establishment has been fixed, and the numbers accepted will depend on the circumstances in each area. Defence Regulations have been passed, authorising the enrolment of the Local Defence Volunteers as members of the armed Forces. Service in the Force will not, however, exempt a man from liability to be called up under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, and a short Bill is being introduced to provide accordingly. All volunteers will be enrolled as soldiers, and there will be no officers or non-commissioned officers in the ordinary Army sense of those terms, nor will there be any pay or other emoluments. Compensation, will, however, be given for injuries attributable to service. Service with the Force will be for the duration of the emergency, unless a man is in the meantime called up under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, but may be terminated earlier either by the competent authority at any time or by the volunteer himself on giving a fortnight's notice. The Force will be supplied with arms, ammunition and uniform.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the letters in the "Times" to-day from Lord Eltisley and Mr. Symonds, the first asking that the Observer Corps should be embodied and armed, and the other urging the importance of the people having their rifles with them?

Yes, Sir. My attention has been drawn to them, and to a number of other valuable suggestions, which will not be forgotten.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered putting into operation the Volunteer Act of 1916 and other Acts preceding it, which worked well in the last war, and through the machinery of which we were able to organise 250,000 men, with units throughout the country?

Yes, Sir. The circumstances are different, but we are making use of all previous experience.

When will regulations definitely be issued and boundaries put to each village detachment? There has been a great response to the right hon. Gentleman's appeal, but everybody is waiting for regulations, and does not know what to do.

That organisation is now proceeding. Area organisers, group organisers, platoon commanders and section leaders are all being appointed, with great rapidity, in view of the circumstances.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reassure those who have volunteered for this force that they will be adequately armed, and not sent on duty without any rifles or ammunition?

Yes, Sir; as I have said, they will be supplied with arms, ammunition, and uniforms.

Will my right hon. Friend give us an assurance that there will be the minimum amount of red tape exercised in the work of this organisation?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made since the beginning of the present war in making available to the crofters and landless in the Highlands for food production the 3,000,000 acres of arable and pasture land which, as pointed out in representations recently made to him on behalf of the crofters' unions, are at present under deer or grouse?

Instructions and guidance have been given to agricultural executive committees in the Highland counties with a view to securing the full utilisation of the grazing capacity of deer forests and grouse moors. Reports indicate that the committees have been active in their efforts in this direction, and that good progress is being made. It appears that the demand from crofters for facilities of this kind is not very great at the present time, but steps have already been taken in certain cases to enable townships of crofters to obtain additional grazing on sporting lands.

Does that mean that the Government will give every encouragement to crofters willing to cultivate land, and that no obstacles will be placed in the way of their obtaining land in the Highlands?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that we shall give every encouragement to the use of land for the one purpose we have in view—victory in this war.

Is the Minister satisfied that the crofters' unions are adequately represented on these county committees?

That is a question of which I should require notice.

Is it the intention to bring the smallholders into this scheme, particularly those ex-service men who have been refused smallholdings in the Highlands for the past 10 years?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether active contact is being maintained with the High Commissioner and the commercial secretariat in South Africa for the continued expansion of British export trade in the Union of South Africa?

Yes, Sir. Active contact is being maintained and reports are regularly obtained on the possibilities of expansion of our export trade to the Union.

Is my right hon. Friend giving every assistance in his power to trade commissioners in South Africa in order to develop our trade?

Every assistance is being given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether constant contact is being maintained with the trade commissioner in Australia for the promotion of British export trade with the Commonwealth; and whether any proposals are under consideration for the enlargement of British trade with Australia;

The answer to the first part of these Questions is in the affirmative. All practicable steps appropriate for the purpose of maintaining our war effort are being taken to secure a continued development of our trade in these Dominions.

Is my right hon. Friend receiving a sympathetic response from Australia and New Zealand to this policy of the development of inter-imperial trade with these two great Dominions?

Yes, Sir, we are satisfied.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give an assurance that the construction and operation of new aeroplanes is not being hampered by the calling up for the Army of skilled engineers needed in the new aircraft factories; and whether he will make a statement on the whole question?

The production of aeroplanes has been hampered to some extent, but not seriously, by the calling up of skilled men for service in the Army, and whether further steps should not be taken to screen this industry is now under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Japanese Army authorities at Tientsin owns seven-eighths of the capital of the transport lorry companies to which they have granted a monopoly; that, for the movement of goods into and out of the British Concession, 15 dollars an hour is charged for the hire of a lorry; that lorries are deliberately detained at the barrier for periods varying from a day to two weeks until sufficient hire revenue has been earned to satisfy the Japanese military authorities, the amount being determined in advance by the nature and value of the cargo; and will he draw the attention of the Japanese Government to this injustice to British interests?

My Noble Friend is causing inquiries to be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a well-known British lady, desiring to enter the British Concession at Tientsin in order to visit her sick daughter, was recently detained at the barrier, although there was no congestion of traffic and no reason to stop her, but was allowed to pass on the representation of Italian friends who happened to be going through at the same time; whether such discrimination against British subjects is the rule; and what steps he has taken to put an end to such continued affront to British subjects?

My Noble Friend has no information as to the particular incident in question, but he has received reports of a number of cases where British subjects have unreasonably been held up at the barriers. In these cases representations have been made to the Japanese Government.

If I give my right hon. Friend particulars of the case will he have it looked into?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding the political situation in China; and what steps have been taken and with what success to provide alternative medical end educational facilities in Shansi, Shensi and neighbouring provinces consequent on missionary efforts having been rendered nugatory owing to the unsettled political situation?

There has been no recent change of importance in the general situation. Some fighting, in which both sides have claimed successes, has taken place in Central China. There has, I understand, been no interruption of missionary activities in the province of Shensi. Any facilities of the nature re- ferred to provided by missionary bodies in the province of Shansi and other Japanese occupied areas are supplementary to and in no way intended to replace those provided by the State. I may add that a number of hospitals have recently been reopened and it is hoped that further progressive improvement will occur.

Is the policy of the Government with regard to this a policy of complete neutrality, and, if so, will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind what the present Prime Minister said with regard to neutrals?

I cannot follow all the hon. Member's insinuations, but I can say that our policy is one which endeavours to secure improvements wherever we can.

Has His Majesty's Government received any report which confirms the claim of the Chinese Embassy that they have recently won the greatest victory of the war?

Yes, Sir, I can say that His Excellency communicated to us recently certain reports of that character.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the political situation in the Balkans; and what steps the Government are taking to counter German attempts to permeate Greece with their influence and propaganda?

No, Sir; but the hon. Member may rest assured that His Majesty's Government have the matter referred to very much in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the desirability that the production of Colonial sugar should be increased as rapidly as possible under present conditions; and whether he will take steps to remove at the earliest opportunity the anomalies inherent in the present system of allocating special preference certificates for sugar exports from the Colonies, which, at the present time, militate against such expansion?

As stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan) on the 1st May the question whether a further increase in Colonial sugar production is needed to meet requirements in this country is now under examination with the various Departments concerned. There is no evidence that the present system of allocation of special preference certificates is likely to hinder any expansion which the probable demand may justify. No action taken now can affect the supply situation before the Spring of 1942.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will review the payments that are made to members of all the armed Forces and the allowances made to the dependants; and take early steps to increase the payments and allowances?

I have been asked to reply. There have been a number of improvements recently made in the conditions of service of members of the armed Forces and I do not think a review of the pay and allowances is now called for.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the deep resentment which finds expression among the dependants of our men who are serving in the Armed Forces, and against the application of the household means test in particular, and in view of that will he reconsider his answer?

In November last the allowances for children were substantially increased, and as regards dependants a scheme of allowances for them was applied at the outbreak of war. Certain concessions in this respect have been granted quite recently.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he has had any representations from the Labour Ministers who have entered the Cabinet?

Will the Minister say whether any changes are contemplated with regard to the taking away of taxes imposed on soldiers' cigarettes?

That is another matter.

But would it not be very much better to do this. Although it may cost a few millions it would give great satisfaction to the soldiers?

I know we all feel that, but there has been a substantial number of improvements recently.

Is not the Minister aware that it would not cost very much to give the kind of allowances given for a soldier's parent as in the last war when an allotment was made, and that it would give a great deal of satisfaction?

I think that if my hon. Friend compares the position in the last war with the position in this he will see an improvement.

Is the Minister aware that concessions were made which were much appreciated but that there was a feeling that allowances for the parent did not receive any consideration at all?

You can take a particular instance, but we must take the whole matter together?

In view of the feeling in the country I beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the absence of a substantial Opposition, he will introduce legislation for the temporary suspension of the salary of the Leader of the Opposition?

In view of the formation of a Government embracing the three main political parties, His Majesty's Government is of opinion that the provision of the Ministers of the Crown Act, 1937, relating to the payment of a salary to the Leader of the Opposition, is in abeyance for the time being. As at present advised I do not think that amending legislation as suggested by my hon. Friend is necessary.

Why not give it to the hon. Member?

Would my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of paying this money into the central fund for the provisions of pensions for Members instead of putting it into cold storage for the duration of the emergency?

Is it not wanted for carrying on the war?

Can we be assured that my right hon. Friend will revert to the previous practice as soon as there is a suitable candidate for the position?

I must not pass opinions on matters which have a legal aspect, but I can assure my hon. Friend that if personal considerations alone were at stake my answer would have been very different.

May I ask whether, as there is to be no Leader of the Opposition, we can be assured that right hon. Gentlemen and hon. Gentlemen sitting on the Benches opposite will not have any privileges over other back benchers?

I am interested in this matter. May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether any steps will be taken to regularise the position in this House which has not, as the Prime Minister said, left the House without an Opposition? May I ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider every aspect of this matter, the least important of which is the financial aspect?

As the law stands at present is it clear that the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) is not entitled to the position of Leader of the Opposition?

I did not give my answer without taking every form of advice.

The answer seems to indicate that not only is the salary of the Leader of the Opposition being put into abeyance but that there is an attempt being made to put opposition into abeyance—[HON. MEMBERS: "No," and "You leave that to us."]—I am asking whether any reasonable method of discussion will be taken to decide how the affairs of the House are to be conducted in the new situation?

If any attempt has been made to suppress the idea of criticism in this House it is apparent already that it has failed. With regard to the methods of dealing with the questions relating to business and debate I think those are very proper matters to be considered and no doubt they will be considered.

Arising from the Prime Minister's reply with regard to this matter of the Opposition, is it not a fact that the small group led by the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) have, on the whole, been the best supporters of the Conservative party?

In view of the fact that there is within the House a very considerable opposition to this Government and its policy will there be any effort made by you, Mr. Speaker, to make arrangements so that the Opposition can express itself as a definite opposition to the Government and the policy of the Government?

The hon. Member can rest assured that I will always do my best to ensure that all points of view shall be stated.

In view of the fact that we have such a large Government and that the whole of the House is supporting the Government, is it not possible for Ministers to sit on both Front Benches?

A Question on that subject is being put to me later.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer who or what type of subscriber applied for the most recent £300,000,000 3 per cent. war loan; and whether such subscriptions were quantitively from genuine savings or from bank-created credit?

In reply to the first part of the Question, it is not the practice, and would not be desirable in the public interest to publish information relating to subscriptions to Government loans. As regards the second part, as stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for the St. Rollox Division (Mr. Leonard) on 12th March, any credit given by the banks to facilitate subscriptions would be confined to temporary acommodation for a quite short period.

As I did not hear the first part of the answer and do not understand the second, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the repeated assurances which have been given that the war will be financed out of the genuine savings of the people, to what extent he proposes to do so?

I cannot add anything to my answer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in connection with the Tithe Redemption Commission and matters affecting the Tithe Act, 1936, and the memoranda sent out by Messrs. H. M. Grellier and Son, Palace Chambers, Bridge Street, S.W.1, on his behalf, some steps will be taken to ensure that these memoranda are accompanied by an explanatory letter, in view of the great difficulty which many people in all parts of the country experience in understanding the drafting and wording of the memoranda as at present sent out?

The documents referred to already include a printed explanatory memorandum. If any person who has difficulty in understanding them will, either in person or by letter, communicate with the agent of the Commission, at the address given in the form, and state what his particular difficulty is, he can be sure of receiving any further necessary explanations.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that I have seen the Secretary of the Tithe Commission and that I have endeavoured to the best of my ability to separate the true from the false, the real from the unreal? Will my right hon. and gallant Friend help me, because the matter is quite beyond me?

I have taken particular care to study the documents and they are crystal clear to anybody who wishes to understand them. It is the case that the hon. Member has been in touch with the Secretary of the Tithe Commission and if he is not able to explain away his difficulties, I am afraid it is very unlikely I shall be able to do so.

Does the Financial Secretary think that any right-minded person can really accept that complacent Treasury answer? It is lacking in common sense.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what steps he is taking to stop, for the duration of the war, the harsh measures being taken in connection with tithe payments which are being applied at the present time?

I know of no ground for my hon. Friend's suggestion that harsh measures are taken to recover arrears of tithe rent charge or redemption annuities. As I have previously stated, the Tithe Redemption Commission are always prepared to give sympathetic consideration to any reasonable proposals for payment from those who experience difficulty in meeting their obligations whether the difficulty arises out of the war or otherwise.

Perhaps my right hon. and gallant Friend will see me at the earliest opportunity?

The Tithe Redemption Commission have dealt very generously with anybody who has been in difficulties in this matter. That is their established policy, which they are carrying out.

Is it not quite clear that the milling combines are at the bottom of all this?

(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to prevent bonds and other securities which have been looted from the banks of Norway, Denmark, Holland and Belgium by the Germans from being sold or marketed in this country?

Under an Order in Council dated 12th May amending the Defence (Finance) Regulations, 1939, the purchase by any person resident in the United Kingdom of any securities in which a person resident outside the sterling area has any interest is prohibited unless Treasury permission is obtained. In order to prevent any benefit direct or indirect to the enemy careful scrutiny into the antecedents of all foreign-owned securities is exercised before any such permission is granted, and this would of course be withheld in the cases referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. Should it be found that a further strengthening of our measures in any respect is desirable, the necessary action would at once be taken.

In regard to the Order-in-Council, may I ask when it was published and when it was made available to the Press, because a number of these Orders-in-Council are published and are not available for general publication for a fortnight afterwards?

I cannot give the date in this case but I read a Press notice on Saturday, 11th May, and that was about the same time that the Order was made.