asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether the Birmingham-London helicopter service, to be inaugurated on 1st June, 1951, is to be regarded as an experimental and precursor service; how far plans are developed for linking Birmingham by helicopter service with Ringway, Manchester, and Speke, Liverpool; and when these further helicopter services will be introduced.

The Birmingham-London helicopter service will be primarily an experiment in single-engined helicopter operation, designed to gain the operational and commercial experience necessary for the successful economic development of the twin-engined helicopter. The service will also help to meet a public demand in the Midlands for air connections with Northolt and London Airports. No plans have been made for extending the service from Birmingham to Manchester and Liverpool.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the triangle, Birmingham-Liverpool-Manchester, represents ideal routing for helicopter services; and, in view of the established airfields at these cities, can consideration be given to the inauguration of such a service as an adjunct to the Birmingham-London service?

Consideration could be given to that suggestion, but I do not think it is possible within the present budget with this particular aircraft.

Would the hon. Gentleman consider, at a later date no doubt, the inclusion of a service not only from London to the centre of Birmingham but also to the B.I.F. engineering section at Castle Bromwich for the economy of time of overseas buyers?

I will certainly give consideration to that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether there are any technical or economic obstacles to the creation of helicopter landing grounds, erected as superstructures to such main railway stations as New Street or Snow Hill in Birmingham, or St. Pancras or Victoria in London, in order to obviate motor omnibus journeys from the centre of such cities as Birmingham and London to the present flying fields and consequent delays for passengers.

Without accepting the premise that the use for the helicopter mentioned in the last part of the Question would be economic or operationally feasible, we do not rule out the erection of superstructures over main railway stations. There are, however, constructional and other practical difficulties in adapting railway stations, and in this context we are bound to bear in mind the economic claims of other types of elevated site for helicopter landing grounds.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, from a commercial point of view, helicopter internal and feeder services can hardly succeed in this country unless we can obviate the long delays involved in getting passengers from the centres of cities to the established airfields? Can the hon. Gentleman not use the waiting period for the development of helicopter twin-rotors to plan out these stations?

That is a problem which is engaging our attention.

In connection with the provision of superstructures in London, will my hon. Friend give priority to a superstructure over Charing Cross station, as suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds) recently? Will he also consult the Home Secretary with a view to exploring the possibility of using helicopter stations in connection with the Civil Defence organisation?

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be much cheaper to put a superstructure over a railway station than to buy property in order to make a landing ground?

There are a number of arguments about the matter, and various suggestions are now being considered, including the scheme to which my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton) referred.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether, in view of the development of a twin-engined helicopter, he will now state the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to the development of helicopter services between provincial cities in the United Kingdom, and London and certain main provincial cities.

Only one type of twin-engined helicopter is at present being built in the United Kingdom, and this has not yet flown. The policy of His Majesty's Government for the development of helicopter services is under consideration in the light of the recommendations of the First Report of the Inter-Departmental Helicopter Committee.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that opposition from British Railways, owing to the possibility of their losing fare paying passengers, will not be allowed to impede or hinder this essential helicopter development?

That seems to come within the category of hypothetical questions.

In view of the favourable reports received about the progress of the twin-engined helicopter, the Bristol 173, can my hon. Friend give an assurance that steps are now being taken so that when it becomes a practical proposition there will be no undue delay in getting it into operation?

Yes, Sir.

Following upon what the hon. Member has just said, can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether, so that any delay may be obviated, experiments for helicopter services are being carried out between islands as well as between centres such as London and Birmingham?

No experiments are being carried out specifically between islands, although we have carried out experiments in other parts of the country besides these two main cities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if, in the course of his investigation held recently into the redundancy of two ex-employees who gave information to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, West, when he obtained statements from British Overseas Airways Corporation, and from his Departmental officials, he at the same time took similar detailed statements from the two ex-employees of British Overseas Airways Corporation.

No, Sir.

In view of the fact that my hon. Friend did not obtain information direct from the two ex-employees, as he did from officials of his Department and of the Corporation, can he really stand by his statement made in the House that a reasonable attempt has been made to see that justice has been done; and as an indication of his desire to see fair play in this matter would he set up an independent investigation into the whole thing as distinct from making his Departmental inquiries?

The answer to the second part of the question is "No, Sir," and the answer to the first part is "Yes, Sir."

In view of the extremely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and as I feel that no real attempt has been made to see that justice has been done in this case, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

The only wording that is correct in these circumstances is: Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I will raise the matter on the Adjournment. I think that I might point that out, because this has often been put wrongly. It is very unfair, supposing an hon. Member makes a lot of charges against a Minister and then says "I will raise the matter on the Adjournment," because the Minister then has no chance of answering the charges. It never has been the practice to do otherwise than say, "Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I will raise the matter on the Adjournment." That is the correct and right way of doing it.

In the circumstances, would it be in order if I were to reply, although it is strictly—

No.

In view of my Ruling, I think that it would be now in order.

Although it is strictly correct to say that I did not interview these men at the time, I did interview one of the men on the previous occasion, when the hon. Gentleman saw me about this matter. The second man did not wish to put anything before me.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what consideration has been given to the proposal that airway control shall be operated in clear weather, as well as during conditions of Instrument Flight Rules, in view of the mid-air collisions that have occurred in clear weather due to the glare from the sun; and if he will consider altering his recent regulations accordingly.

The feasibility of introducing full airway control in V.F.R. conditions was exhaustively considered, when the airways system was under discussion with all concerned, and for many reasons was not adopted. Compulsory air traffic control, irrespective of weather conditions, has, however, been introduced round the busier airports in the United Kingdom.

In the light of experience that has recently come before my hon. Friend, could he give some consideration to the suggestion that it would be in the interests of safety to have these same regulations applying during conditions of good visibility as apply in conditions of bad visibility?

No fresh evidence has come before my Department, but clearly this is a matter which we shall watch very carefully, and if necessary modifications will be made.

Are the Department experimenting with radar warning equipment in order to avoid any possible trouble, as envisaged in the Question?

I should require notice of that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what proposals have been made, or are contemplated, by British European Airways for the taking over of the Bristol Brabazon aircraft for operation between London and Paris.

British European Airways Corporation have tentatively suggested that the Brabazon might be operated by them on routes of high traffic density. However, I am informed that a considerable amount of development work has still to be done before the first aircraft could be used on commercial services.

Will the hon. Gentleman allow any commercial concerns that wish to operate the aircraft on the service for which it was designed, the Transatlantic service, to have a reasonable chance of first option on the aircraft before anybody uses it for some totally different purpose?

That is a different question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what powers are possessed by the Allied High Commission to prevent the export of goods of strategic value from Western Germany to China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to prevent the export of strategic raw materials from Western Germany to the Soviet zone.

Under the terms of the Revised Occupation Statute the Allied High Commission has full powers to prevent the export of goods of strategic value from Western Germany to China. The export of strategic materials from Western Germany to the Soviet zone is controlled through the medium of a centralised licensing system and by customs examination at the interzonal border, the German agencies concerned operating under policy direction from the Allied High Commission.

Have the High Commission power to control the export of materials from satellite countries through the port of Hamburg?

That is a somewhat different question. If my hon. Friend will be good enough to put it down I will do my best to answer it.

Is it not a fact that a great deal of steel has been exported from Western Germany to the Soviet zone; and are any steps being taken to stop this?

We are tightening up the machinery, which I hope will have good results.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the re-emergence of the Nazis in Germany, as the Socialist Reich Party, which polled nearly a quarter of a million votes in the Lower Saxony elections.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the reappearance of the Nazi Party in Germany and the policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to this development.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the re-emergence of the Nazi Party in Western Germany.

I have noted with some concern the fact that the Socialist Reich Party, which is an organisation of definite neo-Nazi tendencies, polled over a quarter of a million votes in the provincial elections in Lower Saxony on 6th May. The Federal German Government and the Occupying Powers are fully alive to the dangers involved in this development. The Federal Government have announced their intention to take action to have the party declared unconstitutional by the Federal Constitutional Court in accordance with the Basic Law, and thus to deprive it of the protection of that constitution which it seeks to undermine. Steps are being taken to set up the Constitutional Court as soon as possible.

I spoke to the Federal Chancellor on this question during my recent visit to Germany, and I have no reason to believe that the democratically elected Government of the Federal Republic are not fully capable of dealing with any internal threat to the constitutional order. However, we must not exaggerate the importance of this local success by a neo-Nazi group and must exercise a sense of proportion.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that at the week-end Eberhard Stern, one of Remer's associates in the new Nazi gang, said of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, "Mr. Churchill is the greatest war criminal in the world"? Does not my right hon. Friend agree that while statements like that go unpunished in Germany we still have not beaten the Fascism we fought the last war to destroy?

I think the answer I have given is, in principle, sound from my hon. Friend's point of view, and I made that view very clear when I was in Germany. On the other hand, we must keep a sense of proportion in the matter, and, therefore, conduct ourselves accordingly.

Contrary to what was stated in the Minister's first reply, has not experience shown that the democratic forces in Germany are incapable of dealing with this particular menace and that, to enable them to do so, it is essential for them to have outside assistance from us?

I do not think that would be a fair assessment. I would much sooner the German authorities themselves dealt with it than that we should, because I think, provided they take the proper action—as I am disposed to think they will—it would be more effective than if foreign Powers intervened.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that even bad ideas cannot be abolished by declaring them to be unconstitutional? Further, does he realise that the policy of re-arming Germany on the basis that without doing so Western civilisation cannot be defended from the Communists is not the best way of convincing Germans that Hitler was wrong?

That is a good effort. I could make an effective reply to my hon. Friend, but it would take so long that I am afraid Mr. Speaker would rule me out of order.

With reference to the original reply, can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the name of any Socialist Party which has not neo-Nazi tendencies?

That is a very poor effort. The hon. Gentleman need go no further than the British Labour Party.

Does not the Minister agree that if the German authorities are to cope with any menacing situation that might arise from the existence of such parties in Germany, they are in an extremely invidious position through having as their only protection foreign occupation troops? Will he not consider the matter from that angle and discuss with the German authorities and our Allies the possibility of providing some German protection?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend. His supplementary is, in part, a corrective to the tendentious question of my hon. Friend the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is his intention to make a statement on the results of his recent visit to Germany.

I undertook my recent visit to Germany with the idea of familiarising myself with the present situation and with current problems in that country. I wished also to make personal contact with the Federal Chancellor and other prominent figures in German public life, including the leader of the Social Democratic Party and representatives of the trades unions.

I also carried with me an invitation from His Majesty's Government to Dr. Adenauer to visit the United Kingdom during the summer, which I am glad to say he has accepted. I am convinced that this direct contact with German leaders and problems will be of great value to me in the future discharge of my duties as Foreign Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he intends to take to prevent young people from attending the Communist-inspired Youth Festival, to be held in Berlin from 5th to 19th August.

So far as British youth are concerned I feel most reluctant to interfere with their freedom of action in such a matter. We can rely on their good sense. They are not easily duped, and some in fact have taken the sensible precaution of consulting the Foreign Office. Nevertheless, we have to consider the purpose of this Festival. It is sponsored by the Communist-controlled youth organisations, the World Federation of Democratic Youth and the International Union of Students, which are in the nature of Fifth Column bodies. Its avowed aim is to support the campaign for peace on Soviet terms. I have therefore agreed to consultations between the three Western High Commissioners in Germany on ways and means of preventing this exploitation of young people to serve the aims of the Soviet Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware it is the intention of the Communist-controlled Festival Committee to charter the Polish ship "Batory" and carry them direct to Gdynia so that they do not pass through the Western zone?

That may be so, but on the face of it it does not sound as if I can do anything about it.

Is this proposal to make the Iron Curtain a two-way affair intended to be limited to this particular instance, or is it to become the general policy of the Government?

We must consider each case on its merits, but I see no reason why we should be parties to a policy which assists in the development and influence of Fifth Column activities.

Would the right hon. Gentleman try to be consistent in this matter and explain to the House how it came about that passports were issued to leading members of the Communist Party to confer with the Communists in Peking some time ago?

I think the hon. Member had better put that down.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who is the official of the United Nations in Korea responsible for refugees within the territory held by United Nations' Forces; and what is the number of the refugees in question.

Responsibility for refugees within the territory held by United Nations' Forces in Korea rests with the Chief of the United Nations Civil Assistance Command. With regard to the second part of the Question, I have no information to add to that given to the House on 18th April.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has yet conveyed to the President of the United States of America the appreciation of His Majesty's Government of the citation conferred by the President upon the Gloucestershire Regiment for gallantry in Korea.

His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington has conveyed a message expressing the appreciation felt in this country at the gesture of the President of the United States.

asked the Minister of Defence when he proposes to make his next statement regarding the military situation as it affects British Forces in Korea.

My right hon. Friend hopes to make a further statement next week.

As one who originally asked for these statements to be made, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to convey to his right hon. Friend the need for making these periodic statements more frequently, in view of the scale of operations in Korea? Even with our participation in them, we get far less information than we used to get in the days of the frontier wars in India. It is very necessary that the House should have a statement at least every fortnight.

I am sure my right hon. Friend will see the noble Lord's remarks in HANSARD.

Will my right hon. Friend recommend to the Minister of Defence the need for presenting some picture of how the civilians in Korea have suffered as a result of the war? Is he aware of a statement made by the secretary of the relief organisation of U.N.O. in Korea that one million civilians have been killed and that there are three million refugees? Will my right hon. Friend ask the Minister of Defence for a full picture of the terrible state of affairs in Korea?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far the working draft of the peace treaty with Japan which has been prepared by His Majesty's Government includes provision for meeting the claims of British civilians for compensation for property seized in the Far East, including Burma.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he now proposes to take with regard to the claim of the British Far Eastern prisoners of war for compensation from the Japanese.

I hope to be in a position to make a further statement in two or three weeks' time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to give any further information with regard to the Japanese peace treaty.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what increase in the hours Radio Malaya is on the air has been brought about in the past six months.

Since last December there has been an increase of over 30 hours in Radio Malaya's weekly broadcasting time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many vacancies exist in Malaya for radiologists; and what steps he is taking to recruit them.

Two. These have been advertised in the medical Press and brought to the attention of any doctor with radiological interest and experience who has made inquiries about posts in the Colonial Service.

How does that tally with the information that I have been given that there are seven pieces of equipment at Ipoh and not even a part-time radiologist? Will he look into that?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many vacancies exist in the Colonial Service in Singapore and Malaya; and what measures he is taking to bring about an increase in recruitment.

There are 530 vacancies in all Departments of the Governments of the Federation of Malaya and Singapore to be filled from this country, not all of which however require to be filled immediately and of which 175 have been newly notified this year. Posts filled so far this year total 250. Special measures taken include extensive advertising and approaches to Government Departments and to the home police forces for assistance, and to a number of colonial Governments with a view to facilitating transfer of serving officers to Malaya. Salaries have been revised and special terms for short-term contract appointments arranged.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that this grave shortage of civil servants in Malaya is throwing a terrific strain on those carrying out their duties there? Will he try and take on for a short term ex-officers, even men in their fifties, and also approach the Dominion Governments to try and get suitable men?

We are exploring every possible avenue.

How many of these vacancies relate to the administrative service and how many to the technical service?

Thirty-one relate to administration and 59 to education.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been done up to date to settle squatters in Malay; and what has been the cost.

On April 30th about 220,000 squatters had been resettled or regrouped, about half the total number to be dealt with. Expenditure to that date was 27 million Straits dollars, excluding the cost of new police stations and administrative overheads. Resettlement of squatters is just about complete in the Southern States, which have priority under the Briggs Plan. A parallel operation to resettlement, namely, the regrouping of estate labour, is proceeding concurrently.

From what fund are the expenses of this operation met?

From both Malayan and U.K. funds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the system of conscription which is to operate in the call-up in Malaya.

All males between the ages of 18 and 24 are liable for compulsory service, but it is only intended to call up about 20,000. After registration, a list of selected persons is compiled by the Comptroller of Manpower and these men are then interviewed by State boards. Those selected are directed into service for a period of two years, normally in the regular police or the special constabulary.

Are we to understand that the Malays, the Chinese and the Tamils are to come under the Conscription Act, and could the Minister let us know if these men also had a vote at the recent elections?

Could my hon. Friend say on what basis the 20,000 are to be selected, since apparently conscription applies to all?

Suitability for service in any specialised force is required.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he has taken, in consultation with the Governments of the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, to ensure that no one between the call-up age of 18 to 21 years who leaves Malaya and Singapore will receive a permit to return; and if he will make a statement on it.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on 21st February.

Would the Undersecretary inform us what action he intends to take with Chinese living in Malaya who leave Malaya and go to China for a few years in order to avoid their obligations under the Conscription Act?

They will not toe permitted to return.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has given consideration to the revised labour code for Singapore; and when he proposes to introduce it.

A revised labour ordinance is in course of preparation in Singapore, but it is not possible to say at this stage when legislation will be laid before the Legislative Council.

Is the Minister aware that a revision of the labour code both for Singapore and the Federation of Malaya is long overdue, and will he hasten its publication and place a copy in the Library so that Members can see it?

The groundwork has been completed, but further consultations are still necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements exist for accommodation for police lieutenants in the Malayan police force recruited from this country.

In large towns police lieutenants normally live in messes in Government buildings or buildings hired by Government. At outstations many police lieutenants live in bungalows or other accommodation on rubber estates and tin mines. Others live in purely temporary accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many police lieutenants in the Malayan police force have resigned or been returned to England during the past 12 months.

Seven police lieutenants have resigned, some to take up local employment. Sixteen have returned to England on discharge.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decision has been taken on the Hartwell Committee Report; and whether he will give an assurance that the Government at Kenya has no intention of introducing racial taxation for educational purposes.

No decision has yet been taken on the Hartwell Committee Report as a whole, though certain recommendations have been accepted and put into practice. I cannot therefore at the present stage make any statement in respect of the second part of the Question.

As the Minister says that certain parts have been accepted will he tell us whether this particular part has been accepted, because if it has he will appreciate that it will be regarded as a seriously retrograde step in colonial administration?

They do not include at this stage the introduction of racial taxation for educational purposes.

Can we have an assurance on that?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Kenya has now completed its discussions on the Glancy Report; and what decisions have been taken.

The Glancy Report has been discussed in the Legislative Council, but the main financial recommendations are still under consideration.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he has any further statement to make on the possibility of some form of concession on air mail parcels to Korea.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will arrange for a uniform rate of postage on all letters to Service men overseas.

asked the Minister of Defence if he is aware that the cost of sending a 4 lb. parcel by air to His Majesty's Forces overseas varies from 6s. 6d. to Germany and 22s. to Egypt to 63s. to the Far East; and if he will take immediate steps to initiate a flat rate up to this maximum weight for all Forces overseas, irrespective of where they may be stationed.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will arrange for all letters addressed to men in Korea to be sent by air mail.

I have been asked to reply. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a full statement of the facilities already available for sending letters and parcels to and from Service men overseas, both by air and surface routes.

The House will see that the rates charged to Service men and their families are substantially lower than the ordinary postage rates. In fact, the subsidy involved is now running at a rate of between £800,000 and £900,000 a year. I cannot but suppose that the House will consider that expenditure approaching £1 million per annum of public money for this particular purpose is a not ungenerous provision.

The main concessions already in operation are as follows: First, as to letters. Forces letters—corresponding to civilian air letters—can be sent by air to the Forces anywhere in the world for 2½d. This compares with a rate of 6d. for civilians. In addition, men serving in the Korean theatre can send these Forces' letters home by air mail free of all charge.

Next, ordinary air mail letters can be sent to Service men at a cost of 6d. for 1½ oz., and 6d. for each additional ½ oz., as compared with a charge of 1s. 3d. per ½ oz. for civilians to, for example, Korea and Japan.

Again, ordinary letters sent via surface routes, or, in the case of Europe, by air, to Service men cost 2½d., for the first oz. as against 4d. for civilians, for many parts of the world.

Now I come to parcels. Hon. Members will see from the statement which I am circulating that postal packets—that is to say, parcels the contents of which can easily be inspected—up to 2 lb. in weight, can already be sent to Service men at 3d. per ½-oz. anywhere, including the Far East. This special rate for Service men's packets already involves, for example, a 24s. subsidy for a 2 lb. packet sent to Korea by this method.

The truth is that the sending of letters and parcels across the world by air is an extremely expensive business. I repeat that we are already spending a sum approaching £1 million a year to help Service men and their families in this respect, and I am bound to say that I think that if further substantial sums of public money could be made available for Service welfare, most people in a position to judge would say that there were other things on which we could spend the money to even better advantage. After all, it is perfectly possible to send parcels, in particular, by surface routes at a fraction of the cost of air mail. For example, one can send an 11-lb. parcel to a Service man in Korea for 3s. 6d. as against 10s. 3d. for a civilian.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to make it clear whether the regulations on air mail parcels he has just announced are the old regulations or whether they represent some new decision; and if they do not represent a new decision, whether the consideration of this matter, which his right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence said on 21st March that he was still giving, has yet been finalised?

No, Sir. This is not a decision, but I thought it wise to call attention to what is technically called a postal packet, which can be sent at these comparatively cheap rates to Korea, because I do not think that has always been fully realised. There is no new decision. The answer I have given represents the reconsideration of the matter which my right hon. Friend promised.

As it is no fault of the Service man that he happens to be serving on the other side of the world rather than in Germany, would it not be more sensible, sympathetic and humane to have a flat rate for all letters and parcels to all Service men overseas, regardless of where they happen to be carrying out their duties? Would it not be better to devote such sum as is inevitably entailed for this purpose in having a flat rate and thus not having different rates for different theatres?

Of course, that could be done but it would involve a very substantial increase in the charge to Germany, for example. On balance, I do not think any advantage would be gained.

Is the Minister aware that, in the first place, when letters were received by the Forces in Korea without an air mail letter form they were marked "Insufficiently stamped" when the man received them—without any notification to the people at home that unless they put a 6d. stamp on the letters they would be sent by sea? In one case of a letter for a man in Korea, that man waited for 21 days to hear news that a child had been born at his home, and that was because it was sent by sea mail. I appeal to the Minister to send by air mail—