asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of arranging that the British delegates to the Assembly of the League of Nations in September shall move a resolution reporting the recent arrangements completed for mutual action against aggression, and proposing that this should, as far as practicable, be brought within the framework of the Covenant of the League?

On 23rd May my Noble Friend informed the Council of the League that His Majesty's Government would propose to take an appropriate opportunity for communicating to the League the result of the negotiations on which they were engaged, and which were in strict conformity with the spirit of the Covenant. This is, of course, still their intention. But I do not think it would be desirable for the United Kingdom delegation to move a resolution of the kind suggested by the hon. Member.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the statement referred to by the Foreign Secretary is likely to be made? Will it be to the Council or to the Assembly?

Probably during the meeting of the Assembly in the 6th Committee.

asked the Prime Minister what communications have recently been made by the British Government to States Members of the Council of the League of Nations with reference to the Government's White Paper policy for Palestine?

None, Sir.

Is the Minister really saying that no attempt has so far been made to influence the other members of the Council of the League on this subject and no conversation of any kind has taken place on the question?

No communication has been made to the States members.

asked the Prime Minister whether any further proposal is being considered on the political side of the Moscow negotiations?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on 31st July.

asked the Prime Minister whether the date has been fixed for the despatch of the naval, military and air mission for Moscow?

We are at present in communication on this subject with the French Government whose convenience must, of course, be consulted. It is hoped that the delegations may be able to leave for Moscow next Saturday or Sunday.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the speech, on 30th July, by the Swedish Foreign Minister in which he said that Swedish interests would be seriously affected if agreements were arrived at by great Powers which conflicted with the avowed principle of the northern countries not to let themselves be objects of combinations in power politics; and will he bear this Swedish attitude in mind when considering the conclusion of an Anglo- Soviet pact in addition to the views already expressed by representatives of Finland and other Baltic States?

I have seen a Press report of the speech. As the House has already been informed, His Majesty's Government are taking into account the views and interests of other States. I may add that there is no question of imposing a guarantee of these States or of making them the objects of combinations in power politics. But as has become apparent in the course of the present negotiations, the violation of the independence or neutrality of any one of these States would be a matter of vital interest to the three Governments concerned.

Is it not clear from that answer that it is not a problem only of Finland, as suggested by the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton), but nearly all the Scandinavian countries?

Yes, Sir. It is a problem of the Baltic States.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the protest on behalf of the inhabitants of Frecheville, Sheffield, upon the low flying of a fast fighter aeroplane, probably a Spitfire, on the morning of Friday, 14th July, between the hours of 10 and 11, which skimmed over the tops of the houses in this populous area; that this is not the only instance of such low and dangerous flying; and what action does he proposed to take in the matter?

I have received a protest in regard to this matter and would like to express my regret for any inconvenience caused. Air exercises, arranged in conjunction with local authorities and anti-aircraft commanders, took place in certain districts on the 13th and 14th July and there was low cloud and poor visibility in the neighbourhood of Sheffield. It has not been possible to identify the aircraft concerned from the particulars furnished, but it is probable that the pilot was forced by the weather conditions to fly low. Every effort is made to avoid unnecessary risk or annoyance.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the very large number of low flying aeroplanes over London to-day?

Will the right hon. Gentleman remind himself of a similar question that I put to him about a month ago regarding the same district?

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many Auxiliary Air Force flying squadrons are in existence in Yorkshire; and what is the qualification for would-be recruits?

Three of these squadrons are stationed in Yorkshire. The qualifications for recruits vary according to the category in which they desire to enlist. Full details are given in Air Ministry Pamphlet 33, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what is the financial qualification to be a member of this particular Air Squadron?

I could not do so without notice.

Is it not the case that this is rather an exclusive body, and will he state what is the actual cost of buildings and accommodation for the Auxiliary Air Force as compared with the quarters provided for the Royal Air Force Reserve?

If the hon. Member will put down a question I will answer it, but I do not think there is any departure in this squadron from the usual rates of pay.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he proposes to provide any hutment camps or other buildings for the use of the Royal Air Force in the Liverpool district; and, if so, will he advertise locally for tenders for construction or in some other way give local firms the opportunity of tendering for this work?

Certain additional building work will shortly be commenced at Speke aerodrome and tenders have been invited from 13 selected firms of whom three are Liverpool firms and one from Bolton.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how his Department secures tenders for building constructional work in Liverpool and district, stating whether by private invitation to tender, by public advertisement, or by what other method?

As I informed the hon. Member in reply to a question on 18th April last, the normal practice in my Department is to issue invitations to tender to a number of firms selected from the Air Ministry list of approved firms. Suitable local firms are considered when the list of invitations to tender is being drawn up. Exceptions to the normal arrangements are necessary from time to time when very urgent defence works are required to be executed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many small contracting firms in Liverpool and district who are short of work and cannot get on the approved list?

Perhaps the hon. Member will send me particulars of the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that East Fife labourers, whose names had been submitted by the local Employment Exchanges for work on the extension of Leuchars aerodrome, have applied to but have been turned down by the contractors responsible for the work and labourers specially sent for from Eire engaged in their place; and whether, in view of the resentment of local workmen at this action and the danger of importing Irish Republican Army wreckers into a vital part of the national defence, he will give immediate instructions that local men shall have first claim upon all available jobs and that not until the claims of unemployed Scottish workmen have been fully considered shall any Southern Irishmen be retained upon or engaged in future for this or any similar undertakings initiated by the Air Ministry?

Two contractors are at present carrying out work at Leuchars on behalf of my Department. In the one case out of a total of 130 men employed 39 are Irishmen, but I understand that all men sent by the local Employment Exchange were accepted. In regard to the other firm it has not been possible to complete inquiries, but I understand that out of a total of 400 employed only 20 are Irishmen. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Perkins) on 8th March last, Air Ministry contractors are required to notify the appropriate Employment Exchange of the additional labour required to carry out their contracts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that information has reached me to-day that a further 50 Irish labourers had been engaged during the week and that further local men have been discharged without any reason; that preference is always given to Irish labourers for short piece rates, and that the common opinion is that local labour will eventually be supplanted by Irish labour? Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to tolerate that position?

No, Sir, but I cannot accept the last statement of the hon. Member. As regards his other statement, if he will let me have particulars I will certainly investigate them.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the present total lack of direct Imperial communications by sea, air or cable, and in view of the numerous local landing sites available for both aeroplanes and seaplanes, he will arrange for some air service, or at least one of the nine weekly Imperial Airways services to Egypt, to call at Cyprus?

I regret that so far as the Empire air mail services are concerned, it would not be operationally practicable to arrange a call at Cyprus under the present scheme. Cyprus could best be served by a feeder service from Egypt or Palestine. This will be borne in mind in connection with projected future developments in this area.

asked the Secretary of State for Air particulars of what decision has been arrived at relative to the introduction of suitable catapulting arrangements for the development of British trans-ocean air services?

It is not intended to use catapulting for civil trans-ocean air services, but catapult experimental work is proceeding as part of the research and development programme of my Department.

As a similar answer was given over a year ago may I ask how long it takes for a decision to be arrived at?

Experimental work is going on all the time, and he would be a very foolish person who would say that we shall ever reach finality in research.

Is it not a fact that many Continental air services have already established this small type of catapult in their aerodromes?

No, Sir. The Germans are using a catapult for a much smaller type of aeroplane than we propose to use, for their South Atlantic Service. The arrangement depends on circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the incident on Saturday, 29th July, when a British Airways' aeroplane from Stockholm to Heston, with 12 passengers on board, narrowly missed a barrage balloon; and whether he will take steps to ensure that balloons are flown at such a height below the cloud ceiling as to render such episodes less likely in the future?

Yes, Sir. The attention of my right hon. Friend has been called to this incident. I would explain however that a Notice to Airmen was issued on the subject of the balloon barrage exercises which are now taking place before their commencement and this should have precluded the possibility of an incident such as that referred to. A further notice was issued on 31st July calling attention to the earlier notice.

While thanking the hon. and gallant Member for his reply, may I ask whether it is a fact that balloons are allowed to fly in cloud?

No, Sir. One of the conditions under which balloons are allowed to fly is that neither the balloon nor the cable shall enter cloud or conditions of bad visibility. I have made inquiries of the Balloon Command, that, as far as I can find, no balloon was flown contrary to the order.

Can the Minister say what height the barrage balloons fly in peace time, and if they would be sent up much higher in time of emergency?

The second part of the hon. Member's question does not arise, but, as to the first part, I can tell him that they are flown not above 2,000 feet by day and not above 1,500 feet by night.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the increasing defacement of the public highways by advertisement hoardings, illuminated and otherwise; and whether he is now taking any steps to deal with this nuisance?

The question of revising the Advertisements Regulation Acts is at present being considered by a committee appointed jointly by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Home Affairs and the Secretary of State for Scotland. As regards the control of illuminated advertisements, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given to him on 1st March.

Are the present powers possessed by county councils adequate to deal with this matter, and, if so, will he draw the attention of those county councils who are not using them to these powers?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question on the Paper. I should not like to answer without notice.

Is it not the case that the committee has practically come to an agreement as to legislation?

I understand that the committee hope to report back to the conference shortly.

Does not the Minister think that these advertisements put up at cross roads for the express purpose of attracting the attention of drivers on the roads are a cause of danger as well as interfering with the amenities, and is he not aware that the committee sitting at the Home Office have not considered the question of danger at all?

There is a later question on the Order Paper bearing on the point, and perhaps the hon. Member will await my answer.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received the report promised by his predecessor concerning illuminated signs and advertisements on the London-Maidstone road?

Yes, Sir. The Ministry's Divisional Road Engineer has now investigated the conditions referred to by my hon. Friend and his report shows that in the built-up areas of the London-Maidstone trunk road the signs are of the type normally found in shopping localities. On the other parts of the road the illuminated advertisements consist principally of flood-lit hoardings. These are on property outside the limits of the highway and the lighting is, I understand, in every case directed on to the hoardings and does not shine into the eyes of road users. There is no record of any accident on the road being attributed to the effect of an illuminated advertisement.

Is not a tax on advertisements a very desirable thing?

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received on the need for new bridges over the Manchester Ship Canal; is it intended to take any action; and what are the prospects of a bridge at Eccles or Weaste, between Irlam and Barton, and a footbridge for the growing needs of Flixton and Irlam people?

Apart from a recent request for a foot-bridge at Irlam, the only representations I have received have been made through the hon. Member himself. In regard to road bridges, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 10th May. I am not in a position to make grants towards the construction of bridges for pedestrians only; but I understand that the Irlam and Urmston authorities have under consideration the possibility of providing a foot-bridge across the Canal and that, if a practical scheme can be devised, they will be prepared to proceed with it as soon as financial conditions permit.

Is the Minister aware that this is one of the most important industrial areas in the country, that the traffic is increasing, and will he not stimulate the local authority to act in these matters?

Is the Minister aware that this is in my constituency, and that I made representations on the subject of the footpath to his Department about a fortnight ago?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport what action is to be taken to carry out the conclusions of the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways contained in the Report upon Accidents on the Rail ways, Cmd. 6054, in particular with regard to level-crossings and the accidents to permanent-way men, fitters, and wiremen?

A number of schemes have been completed for dealing with public road crossings by the construction of bridges. The case of occupation crossings is more difficult, and the railway companies have submitted a comprehensive report as a result of their investigation of over 22,000 such crossings. Until I have had an opportunity of considering the report of the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways on the recent accident at Hilgay crossing I am unable to make any statement as to what action I can usefully take. The question of accidents to permanent-way men, fitters and wiremen was recently discussed with a deputation from the National Union of Railwaymen and I have drawn the special attention of the railway companies to the conclusions of the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways.

Will the Minister also bear in mind that this question covers scores of constituencies?

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he pro poses to take to secure for the community the increased site values of neighbouring land resulting from the expenditure of £106,000,000 of public money on approved road schemes during the next five years?

As regards land purchased by highway authorities for road improvements, the position is that in fixing the price of the land account is taken of any enhanced value of other land which will accrue to the vendors by reason of the road works. The question of the taxation of any profits which may accrue to other owners of land as a result of road improvements is not a matter for the Minister of Transport.

Is the Minister aware that in a recent case in which the Middlesex County Council was concerned, it was admitted that the value of land belonging to neighbouring landowners increased to an extent of £14,000,000? Does he not think that the community should share in this increased value

Whatever I may think about it, it is a matter for another Department.

Has the Minister made any calculation as to the extent to which these gentleman get soaked when they die?

May I ask whether the £106,000,000 mentioned in the question refers to new roads or to the widening of other roads?

I cannot take responsibility for the figures in the question. I can only deal with my own answer.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the result of the representations made through his predecessor regarding the position of the clerical staff of Messrs. MacBraynes' subsidised services in relation to trade unionism and on their overtime pay position?

The meeting at the Ministry of Labour to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Simpson) on 10th May has taken place. At this meeting there was a full exchange of views between the managing director of the company and representatives of the Railway Clerks' Association; and the meeting was adjourned in order that the position might be further examined in the light of the discussion. In these circumstances I think that it is necessary to await the result of the further meeting which, I understand, will take place in due course.

While appreciating the position in regard to these discussions will the Minister himself make it clear to this subsidised company that the people who pay the subsidy expect the best conditions of working?

I think that the less I say at the moment the better.

asked the Minister of Transport when legislation may be expected dealing with the recent report of the Transport Advisory Council

I cannot add anything to the statement which I made on 24th May, 1939.

In view of the fact that the various interests concerned are already taking action which, in effect, is anticipating legislation on this matter, will not the Minister bring before the House the necessary legislation in order that we may prevent a serious departure which is involved from the present practice?

As far as I am aware the negotiations taking place between the different interests are all to the good, and in any case I cannot go beyond the statement I have made, which is that the Government will bring forward this legislation as soon as they can.

Are we to take it from the Minister's remark that these negotiations are all to the good, that he accepts in its entirety the report of the Transport Advisory Council?

The hon. Member must not understand that. I said that the Government accepted the Report in principle.

Should not this matter be immersed in a pool of silence?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the forth coming raising of the school age to 15 years, he will consult with the railway companies with a view to making half- fare rates for children available up to the age of 15 years?

The railway companies inform me that they have this question under consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to protect the public, he will introduce legislation to confer on the railway companies power to secure that the contents of all properties left at cloakrooms shall be displayed by the depositors before leaving them?

Legislation is not required to confer on the railway companies powers to secure that the contents of properties left at cloakrooms should be displayed by the depositors before leaving them, as the companies as warehousemen are entitled to know the nature of the goods they are requested to warehouse before they are accepted. In view of recent events the companies have considered it desirable in many instances to require prospective depositors to open packages and display the contents before packages are accepted for warehousing, and a notice of this requirement is exhibited at the cloakrooms.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say why they did not use their powers earlier, and so prevent loss of life?

If it were a question of taking general powers, those powers would apply to all warehouses, and not only those of railway companies; but it would then be a matter for the Home Office rather than for my Department. I think the fact is that the railways have powers in this matter which should be adequate.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will call the attention of the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company to the inconvenience and danger to passengers, especially elderly and infirm passengers, caused by the very low platform at their Dronfield, Sheffield area, station?

Although the platforms are low the company state that similar conditions exist at a number of other stations and that as circumstances permit they are taking steps to improve the general standard of these platforms. The average daily number of passengers using each of the two platforms at this station is about 200 and having regard to the relatively small traffic the company do not feel that they would be justified in giving priority to improvements at Dronfield, the cost of which would amount to about £850. They also state that until the matter was raised by the Urban District Council on 4th July last, no complaints appear to have been made regarding the height of these platforms.

asked the Minister of Transport when work will commence on the road and bridge widening scheme at Boroughbridge, on the Great North Road?

The scheme for the construction of two bridges over Mil by Cut and the construction of a roundabout at the junction of the Great North Road and the Northallerton Road has reached an advanced stage. Negotiations with the railway company are proceeding and the necessary land is being acquired, but I am not at present in a position to say when the work will be begun. Details of a scheme for improving the bridge over the River Ure at Boroughbridge are being prepared.

While thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that a very serious fatal accident occurred on that bridge about three weeks ago, and whether there is any other bridge on the Great North Road which has no footpath?

I am afraid I should require notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport what decision has been reached for the purpose of relieving the heavy traffic at the Elephant and Castle, especially with regard to the proposed by-pass at Union Road, in the borough of South-wark?

The London County Council have informed me that they propose to prepare a scheme for relieving the traffic congestion at the Elephant and Castle, based on the assumption that it will not be necessary to provide for the perpetuation of the tramway system, but no decision has yet been reached. Whilst I am in favour of widening Union Road to enable traffic between Newington Causeway and New Kent Road to avoid the Elephant and Castle, the relief thus afforded would not, in my opinion, provide a solution of the difficulties at this junction.

Am I to understand that the proposition to widen Union Road has now been abandoned?

I do not read the information which I have received from the London County Council in that way.

May I ask respectfully what and where is the Elephant and Castle?

The Elephant and Castle is a public house to the south of this building.

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents have occurred on the Southern Railway during the last 12 months from people coming in contact with the live rail; and how many miles of the new protective fencing have been put up by the company during that period?

During the 12 months ended 27th July last, eight people were killed and 50 injured on the Southern Railway through contact with the live rail. The company inform me that during the 12 months ended 30th June last they have erected 57 miles of special fencing.

In view of the promise that they would get on with the job of putting up protective fencing and the niggardly way in which they are carrying out that promise, and in view of the fact that all new roads are being protected, cannot my right hon. and and gallant Friend do something to hurry up the railways in protecting their lines?

Of course, the whole of the railway is fenced, and my answer refers only to special fencing at particular danger points. My chief inspector of railways tells me that he is satisfied with the progress which has been made by the Southern Railway in the matter.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that no one else is satisfied?

Ought not the live rail to be called the death rail?

If it lived up to its name as a death rail, it would not be much good for running trains.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now given further consideration to the introduction of legislation adopting the recommendations of the Select Committee of the House of Lords on the Prevention of Road Accidents, particularly those dealing with education and alcohol, and with what result?

I intend to issue a comprehensive statement on this report, and in the meantime I would prefer not to deal in isolation with particular recommendations.

Will the Minister bear in mind that the Committee recommended active propaganda regarding the effect of alcohol on drivers, and stated that the effect of even a moderate quantity was dangerous, and will he bear in mind how many thousands of people have been killed on the roads this year and really take some steps about it?

I have read the report, and I know very well that the Noble Lady is not in favour of what is known as "one for the road."

May I ask the Prime Minister to bear in mind how many people have been killed in road accidents, and will he take into account the recommendations of this Committee, and not listen to the old school tie?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, during his visits to Scotland in the autumn, he will take steps to inform himself of the details relating to the proposed Forth road-bridge by visiting the site and by consulting with those who have interested themselves in the project?

I am not yet in a position to decide what parts of Scotland I shall be able to visit during the Recess and I cannot undertake at present to include any particular locality in any tour that I may find it possible to make. I have, however, been made well aware of the views of those who have interested themselves in the project for a road bridge over the Forth. As I indicated in my replies to recent questions by the hon. Members for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) and Dunfermline (Mr. Watson), the Government are unable at present to offer any contribution towards the construction of a bridge in view of the other calls upon the national resources.

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman whether he is taking definite steps to secure a census of traffic at this crossing during the coming week-end?

I think it was the hon. Member who asked me about that a fortnight ago, and he will be glad to know that I have arranged for observers to be there during this week-end.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman travel from Edinburgh into Fife by road, and see for himself what a road bridge across the Forth would mean?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the main Pontefract road from Leeds Stourton to Oulton, particularly to the dangerous corner at Oulton Bottom; whether he is aware that this road carries heavy traffic and has a bad accident record; and what action he proposes to take?

The West Riding County Council have submitted a provisional scheme for widening and re-aligning about 1½ to 2 miles of this road in the neighbourhood of Oulton. As soon as detailed plans are supplied to my Department the scheme will be further considered with a view to making a grant from the Road Fund.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say when this work is likely to be done, in view of the dangerous condition of the road?

It depends, to begin with, on how long it takes the West Riding County Council to send me the details of the plan.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the road from Knottingly to Snaith, in the West Riding of Yorkshire; whether he is aware that this road, narrow, winding, with a bad surface, is inadequate to bear the heavy amount of transport which uses it; and what action he proposes to take?

The highway authority responsible for this road is the West Riding County Council. They have not submitted to me any proposal to widen and re-align the road; but a certain amount of re-surfacing has been carried out with grant assistance, and I am informed that further re-surfacing will be done this year. An application to bridge the level crossing at Hensall is under consideration with a view to a grant; and, in addition, a line for a proposed by-pass to Snaith has been approved under the Restriction of Ribbon Development Act, 1935.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take this up with the West Riding County Council and call their attention to the matter?

It is sometimes difficult for me to take up questions with county councils and call their attention to jobs which are really theirs. I find that I am not very popular when I do that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the road between Otley and Gisburn; whether he has been informed that this section of road, which carries heavy coast traffic during the season, is exceedingly narrow and winding and has resulted in many accidents; and what action he proposes to take?

I am aware of the traffic conditions on the trunk road between Ilkley and Gisburn, and I have already made Orders under Section 1 (3) of the Trunk Roads Act to safeguard the line of a number of by-passes to the built-up areas and of diversions for the improvement of its alignment. Land is being acquired for widening to 120 feet along the section between Addingham and Cocking End. Plans are being prepared for the construction of a by-pass to Addingham and for the widening and realignment of sections from Gisburn to Stoop Hill Plantation and from Manor Park to Ilkley sewage works.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the road from Headingly Hill to Otley Road, which although carrying a double tram-car track is exceedingly narrow and contains a dangerous bend which has been responsible for many accidents; and what action he proposes to take?

I understand the Leeds County Borough Council have purchased property with a view to a future improvement of the road between Grosvenor Road and Hyde Park. No application for a grant towards the cost of road works has been made, but I am informed that plans are in active preparation for this purpose.

And if application is made for a grant, will the Minister give it his very serious and pleasant consideration?

I will certainly give it serious consideration. All relevant considerations will be borne in mind.

And will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see that we get a grant?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the Leeds-Pontefract road at John O'Gaunts Hill; whether he is aware that the surface is bad, and the approach is through a particularly dangerous and narrow bridge; that this stretch of road has a bad accident history; and what action he pro poses to take?

I have agreed to make a grant for resurfacing a section of this road (A.639) at John O'Gaunts Hill. The highway authority has submitted a scheme for widening and improving the road, which includes the bridge, and the proposed lay-out has been provisionally approved. I am now awaiting details in order to consider the question of a grant.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the road from Bramley to Bradford, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, particularly at Stanningley and Farsley, which has a bad surface the whole of the length; and as very heavy traffic passes over this road, and it has a bad accident record, what action he proposes to take?

The highway authority for this road is the West Riding County Council. I have not received any proposal from them for improving the surface of the road, but I will bring the hon. Member's question to their notice.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is aware that serious damage has been done twice to roads in the Gretna area by the load of 95 tons conveyed by tractor trailers; and whether he will state if the cost of repairing the damage to roads and bridges will have to be borne by the local authorities, or whether the firm responsible will be made liable to pay for the repairs necessary;

I have received details of the accident which occurred on 20th July, when a trailer carrying a heavy casting sank into the Carlisle-Glasgow trunk road about seven miles north of Carlisle. The vehicle was extricated on 27th July. The cost of repair is not yet known, but the hauliers have been informed of the damage and that a claim will be made under the indemnity which was given by them before the load was taken over the trunk road. I understand that the vehicle left the trunk road at Annan and proceeded along a second-class road towards Lockerbie. The vehicle sank into this road also, and I assume that the highway authority concerned will take similar action to recover the cost of the damage so caused. Abnormal loads may be carried only by vehicles of special type and subject to conditions laid down in the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) Order (No. 1), 1937. It is necessary on occasion to take by road heavy indivisible loads and, as far as I am aware, the provisions of the Order work satisfactorily on the whole.

Is it not time that these heavy loads were stopped from using roads which are not strong enough to bear them, and should not the Minister of Transport revise the conditions under which he gives permission to these firms to carry these loads?

I do not altogether take that view. It is in the public interest that some of these loads should be conveyed from place to place. There are certain kinds of loads which cannot be carried on the railways for various reasons, and if, as in this case, we make sure that if a load damages the public highway, the people who take the load have to pay the damage, it seems to me that we are serving the public interest best by leaving the law as it is.

Is it not the case that the bridges over which these loads are being carried are not sufficient to withstand the loads that are being carried over them and that many of the railways will be damaged as well as the roads?

No load of this kind would be allowed to go over any bridge unless my Department was satisfied that the bridge was able to carry it.

Would there be as much complaint if this ingot had been made in Scotland and was being brought to Sheffield?

Just the same complaint. I have already made complaint in Scotland.

asked the Prime Minister whether a decision has been taken as to whether a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament should be set up to co-operate with the Secretary of State for the Colonies on certain aspects of matters concerning the Colonial Empire?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement regarding the institution of a standing Parliamentary Committee for Colonial affairs?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the findings of the Report on Nutrition in the Colonial Empire, he will hasten his decision as to the advisability of setting up a permanent committee in both Houses of Parliament to consider the affairs of the Colonial Empire?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now decided to set up a Parliamentary Committee for the consideration of questions affecting the Colonial Empire?

Yes, Sir. There is a special responsibility resting upon Parliament, acting through the Secretary of State, for the welfare and progress of the British Colonies and Dependencies. His Majesty's Government recognise that this matter has been engaging the special interest and attention of a number of hon. Members in various parts of the House for some time past and they appreciate their anxiety that opportunities should be afforded to the House of keeping in closer touch with Colonial problems. The particular proposal for a Parliamentary Committee, no doubt presents certain advantages, but it raises issues of Parliamentary procedure and constitutional practice of a far reaching character which require very careful consideration. The Government have given the question some preliminary thought but they have not yet arrived at any final decision and it is proposed to enter into consultation with other parties in this House upon this and other aspects of the matter. I do not want to go further than this to-day but I hope to be able to make a more definite statement as to the Government's intentions in the autumn.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance to some of us who do not wish to see introduced into this Parliament that system which prevails in the American and French Parliaments, whereby the responsibility of Ministers is diminished through the existence of Parliamentary Committees wth administrative powers?

That is one of the considerations which I have in mind.

Is it not the case that the considerations which affect the Colonial Empire are somewhat different from those which the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams) has just raised, because we are Members of Parliament for the Colonial Empire?

I have said in my answer that there is a special responsibility on Parliament for Colonial administration.

Having regard to the far-reaching issues involved, does the right hon. Gentleman think that mere unofficial conversations through the usual channels are sufficient to deal with this matter; and would it not be more effective to set up a Select Committee to consider the question in all its aspects and report to the House?

I think not at this stage, at any rate. I think the best way is to begin with these unofficial communications which I have suggested.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement regarding the special situation in the Western Isles in the event of war, especially in relation to naval defence, naval provisioning and refuelling; and what preparation is being made for any such purposes, with special reference to Stornoway?

As I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member on 17th November, 1938, the defence of Scotland is an integral and essential part of the defence of the United Kingdom as a whole. The defences include patrols of the coasts of the Western Isles by warships. It would be contrary to the public interest to disclose details of arrangements for naval provisioning or refuelling.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growth of public anxiety at the constantly increasing number of Jewish and other refugees being admitted to and remaining in this counntry for a longer time and under different conditions than was originally laid down, he will allot an early day after the Summer Recess for a discussion upon this subject?

I am unable at this stage to make any promise in regard to special facilities for debate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that humane people, who are in the majority in this country, are much more concerned over the delay in dealing with refugees than about the number admitted who are being kept out of private means?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the hostility of the general public to a General Election while international tension persists; and whether, in view of the repeated Ministerial appeals to lay aside party strife in the public interest to meet a common danger, and of the recent action of the French Government in this connection, he will consider introducing legislation to amend Section 7 of the Parliament Act of 1911 so as to extend the duration of the present Parliament for a further two years?

On a point of Order. In reference to this question, I understood that matters of argument were not to be introduced into questions. This question appears to consist of some ideas of the hon. Member of an argumentative and, I may add, a rather muddled kind, which I should have thought were unsuitable for a question.

It does not appear to be more argumentative than a great many other questions which are put on the Paper.

I should not be prepared to consider such a suggestion as is contained in my hon. and gallant Friend's question without some evidence of a general desire for the postponement of a General Election beyond the statutory term. At present I see no evidence of this kind.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the interest of the security of the State it would be better to postpone a General Election until the prospects of peace are much more assured than at present?

Is there any connection between the appearance of this question on the Paper, and the somewhat diminutive Conservative majority in South Salford at the last General Election?

asked the Prime Minister whether, when considering the question of old age pensions, the Government will review the position of annuity and retirement schemes in operation in various firms, trades unions, co-operative societies, etc., with a view to bringing them with the State contributory scheme into one uniform national scheme?

This is one of the matters which will be considered by the Government in connection with their investigation into the system of old age pensions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that private pensions and annuity funds are not amalgamated with State pensions?

There is no such intention at present in my mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will replace those representatives of the milling combines who are at present serving on the advisory committees on the Government emergency wheat storage plan and appoint representatives who are entirely unconnected with operating the Government scheme for wheat storage, as the present arrangement places these representatives in an invidious position in discharging their duties?

No, Sir. In view of the part which the three milling concerns are taking in the wheat storage scheme, I consider that it is essential that they should be represented on the advisory committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is making history and that the Government have sold the grain trade for a mess of pottage to the milling combines; is he further aware that it will be said that in the year 1939 there was no one in the Government who had the courage to stand up against the scandal of the milling combines?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can make any statement with regard to the purchase of 50,000,000 bushels of Canadian wheat?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to a recent Press report to the effect that His Majesty's Government have decided to purchase up to 50,000,000 bushels of wheat for storage in Canada as a reserve. If so, I can say that it has no foundation.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the transaction arising from the turnover of Government reserve wheat stocks have to date resulted in a profit or loss?

Owing to the fall in the price of wheat which has occurred since the original purchase was made, the capital value of the Government wheat reserve has depreciated in the same way as all other stocks of wheat. The reserve was, however, purchased and is being held as a defence measure. Whether a profit or loss will be made on the transaction will depend on the price realised when the reserve is finally liquidated.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the original loss has already been met?

It is very difficult to say what the loss is, because although we had to buy wheat in the early days at a higher price than it fetches now, the total result of the transaction cannot be accurately assessed until the transaction is finished.

Why is it that the milling combine has virtually a free call on this wheat reserve?

They have not a free call.

Has my right hon. Friend never heard of the scandal?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the fact that the crop of plums in the present season cannot be fully absorbed by the requirements of the market, he has considered the question of arranging to have the surplus quantity canned and stored as part of the national food reserve?

As regards the use of the powers contained in the Essential Commodities Reserves Act for the creation of a reserve of jams or canned fruit, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Howdenshire (Major Carver) on 5th July. I am, however, glad to say that it has been found possible to frame a scheme, in consultation with jam manufacturers, whereby the manufacturers will be invited to lay down this year a special reserve of plum pulp produced from plums grown in the United Kingdom. Grants will be payable, under certain conditions, in respect of stocks of pulp held by manufacturers additional to those required for their normal trade. In the event of an outbreak of war, this additional pulp would make possible the manufacture of additional supplies of jam.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will be plum pulp or whether there will be turnips in it?

Is not that a reflection on the plum growers of Pershore and Evesham, who are the finest people in the country and produce the finest plums?