asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Japanese authorities in cutting off food supplies to Hong Kong from the small ports on the mainland; and what steps he has taken to safeguard traffic in essential imports?

The food situation in Hong Kong is being carefully watched by the Colonial Government, and so far it has not been necessary for any special steps to be taken to secure supplies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps the Government is proposing to take to maintain the food supply of Hong Kong?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I am giving to-day to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Chester, Wirral (Captain Graham) on the same subject?

asked the Prime Minister what has been the result of the discussions between the Shanghai Municipal Council and the local Japanese authorities concerning the restoration of the Yangtzepoo and Hongkew districts of Shanghai to the control of the council; and whether he is yet prepared to approach the Japanese Government in the matter?

Discussions between the council and the Japanese authorities are still proceeding and my Noble Friend understands that a certain measure of agreement has been reached. No action on the part of His Majesty's Government appears to be called for.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to appoint an official British spokesman in Shanghai to give correct information to the Press in reply to the injurious and untruthful propaganda against British interests which is daily issued by the Japanese official spokesman and that part of the Chinese Press under Japanese control?

His Majesty's Government have under active consideration the manner in which the true facts can receive the widest possible circulation.