asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the report of the chief constable of the Lancashire County Police on the Home Office experimental motor-patrol scheme; and whether he will consider what further steps can be taken to eliminate from the roads drivers who show no regard for the safety of others unless they think that a police officer is watching them?

Yes, Sir; I have read this report with interest. I am satisfied that the courts already have ample powers to deal with dangerous or careless drivers by disqualifying them from driving.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the declared policy of the Government that new internal projects calling for major additions to expenditure are not in the present circumstances possible, he will refuse the 60 per cent. grant for the by-pass road round Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham, the cost of which is estimated at £1,600,000 exclusive of land purchase?

I understand that the Kent County Council hope shortly to submit a plan of the proposed by-pass for my approval under the Restriction of Ribbon Development Act; and, if necessary, a public inquiry will be held. If a plan is approved and restrictions are subsequently applied the effect will be to safeguard the route against development.The construction of the by-pass, however, will not be put in hand until a further submission is made to me for a grant from the Road Fund and, in considering the application, regard will be had to the degree of urgency of the proposal in relation to the other calls upon the national resources.

asked the Minister of Transport whether there is any progress to report regarding the preliminary arrangements for the Jarrow—Wallsend tunnel?

The preliminary investigations into possible sites for a tunnel are actively proceeding, but I am unable to say when the consulting engineers will be able to submit a report.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will ensure that on the super cession of tramcars in favour of other means of transport the tramcar lines in the district concerned are at once removed or covered?

The statutory liability of the undertakers upon removal of their tramways is usually limited to restoring the road to the condition in which it was before the tramway was laid. In most cases such restoration would be inadequate to meet modern traffic conditions and it is therefore the usual practice of highway authorities to accept a lump sum in satisfaction of this liability and themselves to remove the rails when the road is repaired or reconstructed. I have no power to compel highway authorities to put any particular works in hand but they are all well aware of the desirability of removing or covering the tracks as soon as possible and repairs are often antedated for this reason.When trolley vehicles are substituted for tramways the condition of the tramway track is always taken into account before the trolley vehicle route is authorised, and it is the practice of my Department to stipulate that the rails should be filled in with suitable material pending their removal.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of difficulties that continue respecting the arterial road scheme through Leyton, and the resistance of that local authority to bearing a disproportionate amount of the cost of a roadway that will be of little benefit to the borough itself; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter, in view of the deadlock that seems to exist?

The position regarding this scheme remains as stated in the reply which I gave the hon. Member on the 24th May last. Upon receipt of an application from the responsible highway authorities I am prepared to consider making a grant from the Road Fund at the normal rates.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of road A. 18, from Ash Hill Corner to Hatfield Town End, near Doncaster; whether he is aware that this road bears heavy commercial traffic in addition to heavy seaside traffic at the week-ends and that two corners on this stretch have very bad accident records; and what action he proposes to take?

I am aware of the traffic conditions on the section of road to which the hon. Member refers. Plans have already been prepared for the construction of a by-pass which will enable through traffic to avoid this section, and negotiations for the acquisition of the necessary land are in progress.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the number of vehicles per mile of road is now 17.2, compared with 12.3 10 years ago; and whether he will expedite construction and improvement of highways in proportion thereto?

I am aware of the figures quoted by the hon. Member, but I cannot accept the precise inference which he draws from them. The traffic capacity of a road depends not on its length, but on its width, layout and form of construction, and a general average of traffic for the country as a whole is not necessarily any criterion of the necessities in any particular district. Tin density of traffic on the lengths of highway which it is proposed to modernise is a prime factor in dealing with road improvement programmes.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of persons attending Plant House, Ealing, for a driving test of a Class A vehicle during the month ending 22nd July, 1939; the number attending Tufton Street, Westminster," and the number that passed such test at each place during that period?

During the four weeks ended the 22nd July, 1939, 943 candidates attended the driving test centre at Plant House, Ealing, of whom 582 were successful in passing the test. During the same period 183 candidates attended at Tufton Street, Westminster, and 105 were successful.

asked the Minister of Transport what arrangement he has made to ensure that repairs are not undertaken on roads in such a manner, and to such an extent as to make roads unavailable for use for mobilisation?

Where repairs are in progress on roads of military importance steps are being taken to ensure that the ground disturbed can be quickly reinstated in case of necessity.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the numbers of persons killed and injured in road accidents in the Metropolitan borough of Hackney for each year from 1931 to 1938, and for 1939 up to the last available day?

The numbers of road accidents involving death or personal injury in the Metropolitan Borough of Hackney since the 1st of January, 1933, have been:

Year.	Fatal Accidents	Accidents involving personal injury.
1933	35	1,319
1934	34	1,381
1935	18	1,247
1936	19	1,259
1937	13	1,164
1938	15	1,129
1939 (1st January to 30th June).	11	504

The actual numbers of persons involved in these accidents are not available, nor can information be given as to the number of accidents prior to 1st January, 1933.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the 10.7 a.m. train from Liverpool Street to Yarmouth on 22nd July arrived over two hours late on account of line-obstruction and that antiquated suburban rolling-stock, without corridor-communication, was used on this long-distance service, causing inconvenience and hardship to stranded passengers; and whether he will consult with the company concerned with a view to improving this service?

The London and North Eastern Railway Company inform me that the delay to this train, which occurred between Ipswich and Saxmundham, was due to the failure of the engine working the 9.21 a.m. relief express from Liverpool Street to Yarmouth at Wickham Market, which necessitated single line working being introduced between that place and Snape Junction. The train was composed of three corridor coaches, with lavatories, and six vehicles which are ordinarily used on suburban services.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when a reply will be sent to a letter sent three weeks ago from the Parliamentary Science Committee urging that a biologist should be added to the personnel of the camouflage experimental section; and what action does he propose to take?

I received this letter on the 12th July, and replied to it on the 31st July. As I explained in my reply, I do not propose, as at present advised, to attach a biologist to the Camouflage Research Station. I am, however, setting up an Advisory Committee to which I propose to refer questions of scientific principle affecting camouflage, and I have invited a biologist to serve on this committee.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether in view of the fact that the full effectiveness of war camouflage is dependent upon definite scientific principles, he is now prepared to place camouflage in all four public services under the supervision and control of a competent scientific director?

As I informed my hon. Friend in reply to a question on the 10th May, the Camouflage Experimental Section, for which I have now assumed responsibility, is already available to give guidance to all Departments concerned with camouflage problems. So far as concerns executive work, however, my responsibility is confined to the camouflage of factories, mines and the premises of public utility undertakers, as contemplated by Section 45 of the Civil Defence Act. A special unit is now being formed to carry out this executive work; but I am also setting up an Advisory Committee, including independent persons of standing in the scientific world, to advise me on matters of general principle affecting camouflage.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the regulations require employers engaging men for Sundays only who are employed by another firm during the week to contribute towards these men's unemployment and national health insurance?

The first employer in any insurance week beginning on Sunday at midnight is liable for unemployment and health insurance contributions for that work, but regulations provide for his sharing the cost with a later employer by mutual agreement. Subject to any such agreement therefore employers engaging men for Sundays only are liable for unemployment insurance and health insurance contributions only if the men have not been previously employed in insurable employment in the current insurance week.

asked the Minister of Labour when the building of the new Employment Exchange at Tottenham will commence and the estimated date of completion?

It is hoped to start the new building at Tottenham early in the New Year and to complete it by the end of 1940.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his officers have been in communication with the large ice-cream manufacturers with reference to the wages and conditions of employment of their roundsmen; and whether he has any statement to make?

My right hon. Friend has communicated with the firms about which statements have been brought to my notice relating to the hours of work and earnings of their employés, and is informed that he may expect detailed replies in the course of next week.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the firm of Walls' Ice Cream engage men who are in other employment during the week for Sunday work only; that this is done with the knowledge and consent of his Department; and will he take steps to end this undesirable practice?

No, Sir. So far as I am aware, the vacancies notified to Employment Exchanges by Messrs. Wall and Sons are for persons who are prepared to accept full-time employment as ice-cream salesmen. In any event the form of engagement alleged in the question would not require my hon. Friend's consent and is not subject to his control.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any indication as to when the findings in connection with the inquiry as to the cost-of-living index figure are likely to be published?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 22nd June to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can account for the outflow of gold bullion from this country to the United States of America amounting to over £250,000,000 during the last 18 months?

It is hardly ever possible to explain gold movements in terms of a single factor or to apportion the shares of the several causes contributing to them. The United States had a favourable visible balance of trade of about £280,000,000 in the period mentioned and it is well known that there has been an extensive movement to the United States of foreign held balances which had previously taken refuge in this country.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he is refusing permission to Imperial Airways, Limited, to buy American aircraft in order to start a service in the West Indies?

My right hon. Friend is informed that no decision has yet been taken on the question of the establishment of a British Air Transport Service in the West Indies, and in consequence he has received no request for his consent to the purchase of equipment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the conditions which were asked from the Polish Government for the borrowing of £5,000,000 sterling from this country; what part of the conditions were unacceptable to the Polish Government; and whether negotiations are to continue?

As my right hon. Friend has already informed the House, he does not think that it would be in the public interest to give a detailed description of the technical points on which difficulties arose. In reply to the last part of the question, the offer made by His Majesty's Government and the French Government remains open.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the total revenue received from indirect taxation during the financial year 1930–31; and the latest estimate of revenue from indirect taxation during the current financial year?

The figures are £240,918,000 for 1930–31 and £343430,000 for 1939–40.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to issue the joint report being prepared by his Department and the Air Ministry on the cause of the loss of the 24-ton flying boat "Connemara" by fire at Hythe, on 19th June; if not, can he say when the report will be issued?

The report on the inquiry under the Petroleum Acts is being printed and published, but I am afraid I cannot give the precise date of issue.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the Irish Republican Army members, rounded up recently in this country, fought with the International Brigades in Spain?

My right hon. Friend has been in communication with the Commissioner of Police and is informed by him that so far as is known to the police, none of the I.R.A. men recently arrested with a view to deportation fought with the International Brigade in Spain.

asked the Home Secretary whether the quota for alien doctors permitted to practise in this country has been reached; and whether he can make any statement as to the attitude of his Department to the serious effect of over-competition in certain branches of the profession?

The policy of the Home Office, settled after consultation with representatives of the medical profession, has been that permission should be given to a restricted number of foreign doctors who have come here as refugees to practise or take appointments in this country, but it has been recognised that the number of foreign practitioners who can properly be absorbed in the medical profession is limited and that a careful selection must be made. My right hon. Friend knows of no ground for any suggestion that the admission of refugee doctors has led to over-competition in certain branches of the profession.

asked the Home Secretary in how many counties and boroughs, other than the West Riding of York a fee is demanded of persons when they are sworn in as justices of the peace; and will he state the amount of the fee in each case?

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information asked for is not available, but he believes that the practice of charging fees has generally been abandoned. If any case is brought to my right hon. Friend's notice where such fees are still charged, he will be glad to take the matter up with the local authority concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that last week a boy aged 15 years had his driving licence suspended for five years for a motoring offence although the lad had never held a driving licence; and, as last year a woman who had never possessed a licence had it suspended, whether he will consider issuing a circular calling magistrates' attention to the undesirability of this action?

I am not aware of the cases referred to, but I would remind the hon. Member that the power to order disqualification is not confined to cases where the offender is the holder of a licence. Courts are empowered to order a person to be disqualified for holding or obtaining a licence.

asked the Home Secretary how many refugees are being trained in this country with a view to immigration to Palestine; the estimated cost over a period of six months; and what body or organisations are responsible for financing the scheme?

My right hon. Friend is informed that about 1,500 refugees are being trained for emigration to Palestine. Of these, 400 men are being trained at the Richborough Clearing Camp at a cost of about £13 per head for six months, and 778 adults are being trained at other places in this country at a cost of about £12 10s. per head for six months. In both these instances the Council for German Jewry is responsible for the arrangements and finance of the schemes. In addition, 250 children are being trained at two centres under a scheme promoted by the Youth Aliyah Organisation at a cost of between £18 and £25 per head for six months; this scheme is financed partly by the Council for German Jewry and partly by the Women's Appeal Committee for German and Austrian Women and Children.

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.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that 75 Revisionists are hunger-striking in Sarafand concentration camp on account of their imprisonment without trial beyond their legal term; what he proposes to do about it; and what steps are taken to maintain dependants during these incarcerations as during the incarceration of the Arab leaders?

I am aware that 73 Jews detained under Emergency Regulation 15B started a hunger strike at Sarafand camp on the 27th July. The High Commissioner has now reported that these persons broke their strike on the 31st July. As regards the third part of the question, no Government assistance has been given to the dependants of Arabs detained under Emergency Regulations, and no assistance is contemplated in respect of either Jews or Arabs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government's stoppage of legal immigration into Palestine means that not a single refugee child or any dependent parents can be legally admitted into Palestine?

So far as concerns the next quota period, October, 1939, to March, 1940, the answer is in the affirmative. As I explained in my statement in the Debate on 20th July, the White Paper Policy makes specific provision for the immigration into Palestine of considerable numbers of refugee children and dependants. His Majesty's Government are anxious that this immigration should be resumed after the next quota period, but whether this can be so must depend on the position regarding illegal immigration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what percentage of illegal Jewish immigrants from Poland and Rumania into Palestine had come from greater Germany within the prior two years; and on what evidence the estimate is based that 40 per cent. of these immigrants come from Poland and Rumania, in view of the practice of such immigrants to throw their papers overboard?

The evidence available is insufficient to give the percentage asked for in the first part of the question, but from such information as we possess there is no reason to suppose that it is a large percentage. With regard to the second part of the question, this percentage was based on information received from His Majesty's representatives in European countries, on statements by the illegal immigrants themselves, and on other information obtained in Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the complete stoppage of legal Jewish immigration into Palestine is bound to increase illegal immigration and will serve as a further encouragement to terrorism in Palestine thereby aggravating rather than improving the situation in that country, he will reconsider his decision?

For the reasons which I have stated fully in this House I cannot accept this suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will encourage the Jewish authorities to send a commission to inquire into the possibilities of settlement of Jewish refugees in the Negeb, and undertake that in the event of a favourable report, immigration to the Negeb would be considered additional to the quota of 75,000 Jews which the White Paper provides for the immigration into Palestine during the next five years?

I am prepared to consider sympathetically any proposals which may be made by responsible organisations, Jewish or otherwise, for the investigation of the possibilities of settlement in the unoccupied part of the Negeb, but I cannot say when the state of the country will permit of such investigations being initiated. As regards the last part of the question, the answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will propose to the Council of the League of Nations that the recent White Paper on Palestine and the report of the Permanent Mandates Commission thereon shall be referred to the Permanent Court of International Justice at the Hague for an advisory opinion?

I cannot at this stage give any indication of the attitude which His Majesty's Government would propose to take at the meeting of the Council of the League of Nations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Government of Palestine has withheld certain rents due by them in April last, to the Ethiopian convent in Jerusalem, in payment for certain premises belonging to the convent and hired by the Government?

I am informed that this rent has now been paid to the Superior of the Ethiopian Convent. I am awaiting a report on the matter from the High Commissioner, and I will communicate further with the hon. Member when I have received it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the plight of a party of over 700 refugees from Czechoslovakia, of whom a large majority are Jews, who were not able to land in Palestine and are now in temporary quarantine at Beyrouth, leave for which was due to expire on 21st July; and whether temporary hospitality in Cyprus in a controlled camp could be granted to them, pending more permanent arrangements?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I have given consideration to this suggestion, but am afraid that the difficulties in its way are insuperable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as the 25,000 certificates promised in the Palestine White Paper for German Jewish refugees, were to be made available as soon as the High Commissioner was satisfied that adequate provision for their maintenance is ensured, and were to be additional to the yearly quota of 10,000 Jewish immigrants for the next five years and, as the complete suspension of Jewish immigration in Palestine as from the 1st October next is therefore a departure from the White Paper, since the estimate of illegal immigration is far less than 25,000, he will state why this action has been taken, and will he reconsider it?

I do not accept the view that the policy which has been announced is a departure from the White Paper policy, and I explained the position in the statement which I made on this matter in the Debate on 20th July, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms of the amendment to the Palestine Press Ordinance; whether the repudiation of violence signed by 200 leading Jews of Palestine was spontaneous or inspired by fear of Government reprisals; whether the unauthorised reprisals by plain-clothes men have met with resistance or continue; what the punishment is for breaking the curfew law; whether any such punishment has been incurred; whether the four houses in Tiberias have yet been blown up; and whether vicarious or collective punishment is now to be applied to both sides in Palestine, seeing that convictions under the ordinary law have become impracticable through want of evidence?

I am sending the right hon. Member copies of the text of the two recent Ordinances amending the Palestine Press Ordinance. There is no reason to suppose that the declaration referred to in the second part of the question was inspired in any way by fear of Government reprisals.As regards the third part of the question, I am informed that there have been a few cases of brawls, and where allegations have been substantiated appropriate disciplinary action has been taken. There have been no recent reports of this nature. The maximum penalty for breaking curfew regulations is six months' imprisonment or a fine of £100 or both. Persons in towns have been prosecuted for this offence and the penalty inflicted has varied from a fine of 50 mils up to, in a few instances, a fine of £5. No houses in Tiberias have been blown up. Collective punishment has always been, and will continue to be, imposed impartially on the different communities in Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, owing to the absence of factory legislation in the West Indies, machinery for the manufacture of sugar and other commodities is unfenced and a menace to life and limb; and whether he proposes to secure the adoption of such protective legislation at an early date?

I am aware that in certain of the West Indian Colonies there is need for the enactment of legislation to ensure the protection from accident of workers employed in tending machinery, and this is a matter which I am taking up with the Governments concerned. In the meantime I should be obliged if the hon. Member would furnish me with particulars of the specific cases to which his question relates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the approximate number of acres of land capable of cultivation in the Mesaoria Plain, Cyprus; the number which have already been irrigated; and the number which the water engineer estimates it will be possible to irrigate with water obtained from underground supplies?

The answer to the first part of the question is 314,240 acres; to the second, 14,250 acres, with an additional 5,500 acres irrigated during the winter only. With regard to the last part of the question: with the deep water so far discovered 4,500 acres can be irrigated, but it is not yet possible to give a full estimate since the extent of the underground supplies is still under investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent statement by the late Governor of Cyprus that there is no unrest in the colony, he will consider introducing some limited form of self-government?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the Cyprus petitions for the granting of a measure of self-government in the colony?

I am informed by the Acting Governor of Cyprus that 32 of these petitions have been received by the Government, to which some 8,337 signatures have been appended. The petitions were addressed to the Acting Governor and have been acknowledged. As regards the Government's policy concerning any development towards self-governing institutions in the island, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in reply to questions on 5th July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has approved of the ordinances of the Sierra Leone legislature issued on 8th May, 1939, dealing with deportation, prohibition of undesirable literature, and prohibition of trades unions organisation; what special circumstances called for such drastic restrictions; and until clear proof of the necessity for such complete abolition of elementary freedom has been produced, will he refuse his approval to these ordinances?

Non-disallowance of these Ordinances has not yet been signified. I am unable to accept the hon. Member's general description of these Ordinances. For instance, the Trade Unions Ordinance does not prohibit the formation of trade unions, but only requires them to be registered. I am postponing further consideration of these measures until I receive the reports of the debates upon them in the Legislative Council, and the Governor's report thereon. These will be arriving in the course of the present month.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what methods are adopted by the Sierra Leone Government for the collection of house and family taxes; how taxes are assessed and levied upon tribal chiefs; and how these taxes are expended?

The Government tax on natives takes the form of a house tax and there is no separate family tax. In the Freetown district, the administration of the house tax is supervised by an Advisory Board appointed by the Governor. Elsewhere it is supervised by the District Commissioners. In chiefdoms in the Protectorate, assessments are made by Assistant District Commissioners aided by the Paramount Chiefs; and collections are made by chiefs, who receive a remuneration of five per cent, on the collections.With regard to the second part of the question I am making inquiries of the Governor.As regards the third part, apart from moneys allocated, in certain districts, for use within the district of collection, the proceeds of the house tax form part of the general revenue of Sierra Leone.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any legislative or other action is in contemplation, in view of the revelations of low physical standards and disease directly attributable to poverty, malnutrition, and wrong feeding, contained in the first Report of the Committee on Nutrition for the Colonial Empire, in view of the fact that the infantile mortality rate per 1,000 births in the Colonial Empire which ranges from about 130 to 370 is due, in the opinion of the committee, to remediable economic causes?

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether adequate financial resources will immediately be made available in order to relieve the many cases of semi-starvation described in the report of the Committee on Nutrition in the Colonial Empire?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the recommendations of the report of the Committee on Nutrition in the Colonial Empire will have his immediate attention; whether he is satisfied that the causes of the deplorable ill-health, inefficiency, general lack of well-being and maternal and infantile mortality are ignorance, poverty, low standard of living and inadequate medical services; whether he proposes to expedite and increase the research surveys on nutrition in the Colonies, to make more money available for educational and health services, and to launch forthwith projects for short- and long-term planning of economic development so as to improve the material welfare, physical health and mental alertness of the native peoples in the Empire?

The report has been brought to the attention of the Governments of all the Colonial Dependencies, and the House may be assured that it will receive full consideration, both in the Colonies, and here, with a view to appropriate action being taken, In general, as the report itself points out, improvement in nutrition in the Colonial Empire must depend upon steady and concerted efforts over a period of years, and there is no quick remedy. Ignorance is an important factor in causing malnutrition, as well as the low standard of living and too little variety of foodstuffs consumed. While there is a very wide field for much further work, the possibilities of which are now being examined, action is already being taken to combat malnutrition. For instance, in all parts of the Colonial Empire increasing attention is being paid to maternity and child welfare work, and in several cases this has already led to a reduction in infantile mortality though in many places the figures are still much too high. In several territories the Legislatures have voted considerable sums for the feeding of school children. Agricultural Departments throughout the Colonies are devoting a great deal of attention to improvement in methods of production and to the raising of more food crops and animal products for local consumption. This work is of prime importance in the efforts to improve nutrition in the Colonial Empire.Moreover, important nutritional surveys are in progress in Nyasaland and Tanganyika. They will, it is hoped, lead to a concentrated campaign of improvement in the districts where they are taking place. Many from the Colonial Development Fund has been earmarked for much more work of this kind. Committees are also engaged in nearly all parts of the Colonial Empire on preparing plans for further local work. I would repeat that a very great deal remains to be done, but pending further examination of the report by Colonial Governments as well as by the Government at home I am not in a position to add to what I have said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the debate in the State Council on the suggested changes in the constitution of Ceylon has been concluded; and, if so, is he in a position to make a statement as to what action is contemplated?

The debate was concluded on 13th July, but I shall not be in a position to make a statement until I have had an opportunity of studying the views expressed in the Council and the Governer's report on the debates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Sinhalese vernacular Press is carrying out a campaign against the Tamil and other minorities in Ceylon; and what steps he proposes to take to put a stop to this?

I have received no reports from the Governor as to the existence of such a Press campaign, but am making inquiries of him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Native State of Travancore in India has increased its duty by 50 per cent, on Ceylon tobacco; and whether, as this is a retaliatory measure on account of the treatment of Tamils in Ceylon, he will state what action he proposes to take to remedy this?

I am aware of this increase of duty, but according to my information the Travancore Government have stated that it has been imposed for revenue purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what percentage of the total membership of the Ceylon State Council is Sinhalese; and, also, what percentage of the population of Ceylon is Sinhalese?

The figures are approximately 64 per cent, and 65 per cent, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received from the Governor of Trinidad a copy of the memorial from the Workers' United Front Committee calling for the removal of the Attorney-General; whether he has inquired into the complaints; and what decision he has reached on the matter?

Yes, Sir. The only ground of complaint against the Attorney-General of Trinidad was that, in the course of his official duties as a servant of the Trinidad Government, he had introduced into Council certain Bills to which the Workers' United Front Committee objected. In the circumstances there was no question of my taking action on the request for his removal from office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the right of public meeting has been suspended or prohibited in Jamaica; and, if so, what are the reasons for such suspension or prohibition?

No, Sir. But as I have stated in answer to previous questions, a law was recently passed giving the Governor power to prohibit the holding of street meetings in time of tension.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the Jamaican Government's policy for dealing with the acute problem of unemployment in the island; how many men are being employed on public relief works; and what is the scope of this relief work, the rates of wages paid for such work, and the number of hours worked per week?

To relieve the unemployment situation the Government of Jamaica is organising and improving the marketing of agricultural produce both for export and local consumption and encouraging the establishment of canning, dairy and other industries based on the agricultural economy of the island. Parallel with this development is the land settlement programme to cost £650,000 which was started last year, and which aims at placing on the land a large number of persons who would otherwise compete in the labour market.As a short-term policy for the provision of immediate employment the Government was empowered, by a law passed in December last year, to raise locally a loan of £500,000 for expenditure on public works. £300,000 was raised at the beginning of this year and it is anticipated that the remainder of the loan will be raised during the present financial year. Men employed on these works are paid at the normal rate of wages.Finally, where unemployment is especially acute the Government of Jamaica has established a scheme of relief works on which approximately 1,400 men are at present employed. The majority of these are engaged on swamp filling and land reclamation in the Corporation Area of Kingston and St. Andrew. The men are paid a wage of 2s. a day with a free midday meal for five days a week, and work for thirty hours during the week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why no news gathered from wireless reports may be published in the newspapers of Jamaica?

In view of the terms of the licence granted to Cable and Wireless (West Indies), Limited, for the operation of wireless services in Jamaica, the Government has issued a regulation proving that no holder of a private wireless receiving licence shall publish or cause to be published in any newspaper issued in the island any item of news or information received by him by wireless telephony or telegraphy. This does not, however, preclude the publication of broadcast wireless news, since it is open to any person to arrange with Cable and Wireless to receive and supply wireless news services for publication, and I understand that at least one of the local newspapers has made such arrangements with the cable company. I am in communication with the Governor on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the approximate number of unemployed persons in Jamaica; whether there is any complete registration of the unemployed in the island; and, if not, will he urge upon the Jamaican Government the advisability of instituting a regular system of registration of the unemployed as well as a general census of the population?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the estimated number of unemployed at the present time in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad; the estimated number of partially unemployed for the same areas; and the percentage of the total number of workers that these unemployed and partially unemployed represent?

No comprehensive system of unemployment registration is yet in force in the Colonies mentioned, and I am therefore unable to give the figures asked for. The compilation of statistics relating to labour will be one of the duties of the new labour departments which have been or are being established in most of these Colonies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, before the representative of the Emperor Haile Selassie was urged by the chief secretary to the High Commissioner in Palestine to surrender the building occupied by the Ethiopian consulate and its contents to the Italians, the Attorney-General of Palestine was consulted as to whether, in view of the fact that the League of Nations, from whom the mandate is held, has not recognised Italian sovereignty over Ethiopia, the case decided against the Emperor by a British court was a valid reason for assuming that the Palestinian courts would similarly decide against the Emperor if he resisted deprivation of property held by him in Palestine?

The mandate for Palestine was conferred on His Majesty's Government by the Allied and Associated Powers. In view of the fact that de jure recognition of Italian sovereignty over Ethiopia has been accorded by His Majesty's Government, and in view of the decision of the British courts in the case of the ex-Emperor of Ethiopia versus Cables and Wireless, Limited, it was thought proper to warn the representative of the ex-Emperor in Jerusalem that legal proceedings for possession in Palestine would probably be unsuccessful. The Attorney-General of Palestine was present at the interview at which the warning was given.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the rapidly increasing desiccation of East Africa, he will state what steps he proposes to take to stop further alienation of Crown forest and all destruction of forest on land outside forest reserves?

Areas which have been declared to be forest reserves have not been, and will not be, deforested save when very special reasons exist. As regards forests which are not at present scheduled as reserves, it is not the view of my expert advisers that all trees whatsoever need be preserved, but proposals for declaring further areas to be forest reserves are being pursued. Steps have been taken which should result in the early gazetting of large new areas in Uganda and in Tanganyika. In Kenya a Bill will shortly be presented to the Legislative Council which will, amongst other things, confer upon the Government increased powers for the protection of forest vegetation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will urge that, in the reconstruction of the British Guiana Building Society, steps should be taken to safeguard the interests of the shareholders who entered into contracts since 1931; and that the proposed scheme should be modified accordingly?

I am consulting the Acting Governor on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what negotiations are in progress with the Republic of Guatemala for the sale to it of any part of British Honduras?

No negotiations are in progress with the Government of Guatemala for the sale of any part of British Honduras.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has further considered the question of appointing an adviser in animal health to the staff of the Colonial Office; and whether he has reached any conclusion in the matter?

Yes, Sir. After careful consideration I have decided that it is desirable that such an appointment should be made, and I hope that it will be possible to give effect to this decision in the autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Workmen's Compensation Bill, first presented to the Legislature of Barbados in 1934, has been repeatedly referred to select committees and has not yet been passed into law?

A succession of draft Bills on this subject have been introduced in the Barbados Legislature during the last few years. The present Bill was given a Second Reading by the Barbados House of Assembly on the 30th May and referred to a select committee. This is a procedure which, I understand, is normally adopted in the case of Bills of an important character and is in conformity with the Standing Orders of the House. I hope that the present Bill will become law at no very distant date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has now been made with the development of fruit production in Gambia; what is the amount of land irrigated under the schemes for growing rice and garden crops; and how many men will be found work as a result of these schemes?

As promised in my reply to the hon. Member on the 19th July, I addressed a despatch to the Governor of the Gambia asking for a report on the matters raised in the question. There has not yet been time for the Governor to reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information about the proposed reclamation scheme for Bathurst, Gambia; whether the scheme has been submitted to him for consideration; if so, with what result; and what is the estimated cost of the scheme?

A scheme for the reclamation of the Bathurst area has been submitted to me. The estimated cost of the scheme is £545,000, and the possibility of financing the scheme is under examination.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to encourage rice cultivation in the West Indies; and whether Government grants will be made available for the purposes of irrigation, clearing of swamps, road development, etc.?

The importance of encouraging the production locally of food supplies in the West Indies is recognised. Conditions for the production of rice are very favourable in British Guiana, and to a lesser degree in limited areas in Trinidad, Jamaica and British Honduras.In British Honduras steps have been taken to develop rice growing in the southern part of the colony, and in Trinidad measures have also been taken, including irrigation schemes, to provide for the more satisfactory production of rice. In Jamaica a small acreage is under cultivation and I understand experiments are being made by private enterprise for its extended cultivation.In British Guiana rice is subsidiary only to sugar as an export crop, and the exports are sent mainly to the British and French West Indies and neighbouring countries.The industry has in recent years been under examination on several occasions, and measures have been taken to improve its economic condition. The agricultural aspects of the industry are good, although drainage is capable of improvement in some areas. The whole question of land drainage in British Guiana has recently been the subject of investigation by a local committee, and the recommendations of this committee are now under consideration.The milling of rice in the colony is not satisfactory, and this matter has been the subject of a special inquiry by a qualified rice milling expert secured on loan from Malaya. His report has received consideration by the local authorities and in the Colonial Office, and his recommendation that a Government mill should be established in the Essequibo district of the colony with a view to providing better quality rice for export is likely to be acted upon when some questions of detail, at present outstanding, have been settled.With regard to the latter part of the question, individual cases will be considered on their merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many officers and other ranks were serving in the Royal Air Force on 30th June, 1939, or other latest date; what were the corresponding figures a year ago; and what are the relative figures for the Auxiliary Air Force?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give the information desired but as the hon. and learned Member will be aware, the total of Vote A stood at 118,000 in the Air Estimates for the current year and has been increased to 150,000 in the Supplementary Estimate recently approved.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in the making of runways for Royal Air Force machines in Scotland, any change has recently been made in their construction; and whether stone-bottoming is used in every case?

Concrete runways are being constructed at one aerodrome in Scotland. They will have a sub-base of hardcore or clinker, or both, where the sub-soil makes this necessary. The hardcore includes stone.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that according to the official trade return figures the total of British exports and re-exports from 1st October, 1934, to 31st March, 1939, was £120,743,000, while the official estimate on 19th July was that between 1st November, 1934, and 31st May, 1939, the total was at least £135,000,000; and whether he will account for such discrepancy?

On the assumption that the hon. and learned Member is referring to trade with Germany, the first figure quoted is approximately correct, the actual figure being £119,467,000. The figure of £135,000,000 was an estimate made in accordance with a method of calculation provided for in the Anglo-German Payments Agreement to determine Germany's obligations under that agreement, including items which do not appear in the trade returns.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in Liverpool docks and warehouses there are stored abnormally heavy stocks of tinned salmon; if he has any information as to the purpose for which there is tills unusual accumulation of stocks of this commodity; the number of tins and the places of origin?

Imports of tinned salmon have been considerably larger in the first half of the present year than in the corresponding period of the last two years, owing, I understand, to a larger catch; but I am unable to state what quantity is at present in store in Liverpool. The hon. Member will find particulars of imports from the chief countries in the Monthly Trade Accounts.

Description.			1934.	1935.	1936.	1937.	1938.	January-June.
								1938.	1939.
			Cwt.	Cwt.	Cwt.	Cwt.	Cwt.	Cwt.	Cwt.
Glass tubing and rod for all purposes.			7,024	8,856	6,914	8,950	8,953	4,489	6,366
			Thous.	Thous.	Thous.	Thous.	Thous.	Thous.	Thous.
Glass bulbs for electric lamps			21,964	32,518	38,882	41,213	40,169	20,960	18,304
Electric lighting appliances, accessories and fittings:
Bulbs, complete, ready for use:
Use:
20 volts and over:
Gas filled	…	…	2,112	1,549	2,862	2,326	1,575	654	694
Other	…	…	6,355	1,816	3,414	4,750	2,968	1,074	714
Under 20 volts:
For motor vehicles			7,264	8,105	8,904	8,166	9,743	5,357	3,254
For flash lamps		…	45,422	23,839	36,102	43,699	30,948	21,320	7,191
Other	…	…	2,213	4,494	3,523	4,164	6,088	2,147	1,085
NOTE.—The figures for 1938 and 1939 are provisional.

There has, during the current year, been a substantial decline in imports of most of these goods, which are all subject to import duties. My right hon. Friend sees no reason for any special action.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will have inquiry made into the chartering of the German motor-vessel "Pomona," carrying fruit from Jamaica to London, despite the fact that British ships were available for the voyage in question?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the quantity of electric lamps, bulbs, tubing and rods used in their manufacture, imported into the country during the past five years, giving each period separately, also separately stating the quantities used for domestic, industrial and motor vehicle purposes; and whether he considers taking steps to prevent the continued importation of such articles?

The following statement shows such information as is available regarding the imports into the United Kingdom of the goods specified during each of the years 1934 to 1938 and during the six months ended June, 1938 and 1939.

I am informed that this vessel has been time-chartered by the Jamaica Banana Producers Association, the charter having been effected in the normal course of business and no suitable British vessel of the size and speed being available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the plants rendered inoperative by the National Shipbuilders Security Corporation in Scotland are now employing labour; to what extent; and in the production of what commodities?

My right hon. Friend is informed that four of these sites are either in the occupation of industries of various kinds, including shipbreaking and ship-repairing, asbestos cement manufacture and distilling, or are being used for storage purposes. He has no information as to the labour employed in these industries. Negotiations are now proceeding for the sale of the other two sites.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that no settlement has yet been reached in respect of the collision between the Cuban warship "Cuba" and the steamship "Flashlight" on the 31st May, 1937, and can he state why, in view of the fact that though the Cuban Government have given instructions for this to be settled, they state payment cannot be made at present?

On the 22nd June His Majesty's Minister was informed by the President of the Cuban Republic that he had given instructions for the settlement of the claim but that payment could not be made at present. No reason was given for the withholding of payment and His Majesty's Minister is continuing to press the Cuban Government in the matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the quantity of coal sold as out-put quotas in Great Britain during the last five years; the number of pits closed in consequence and the number of persons displaced, giving separate figures for Lancashire and Cheshire?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the number of persons employed in the coal industry and the output per man-shift worked in Lancashire and Cheshire in 1931 and for the last 12 months for which figures are available?

In the year 1931 there were, on the average, 71,000 wage-earners employed at coal mines in Lancashire and Cheshire, and the output of saleable coal per man-shift worked at those mines amounted to 17.12 cwts. The corresponding figures for 1938 were 56,800 and 19.26, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health which local authorities in England or Wales possess power or take steps to ensure that milk sold within their area is pasteurised; and what action has been taken during the past three years under the Food and Drugs Act or other legislation, to institute prosecutions in cases where tubercular milk has been sold?

My right hon. Friend is not aware that any local authorities have power to enforce the pasteurisation of milk sold in their areas. As regards the second part of the question, while his information is not necessarily complete, he does not know of any case of prosecution. As the hon. Member is aware, the ordinary practice where tuberculous milk is discovered is, if possible, to trace the source of infection and to cause the infected cows to be slaughtered.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the medical opinion that public health is endangered by the continued sale of raw milk; he will take steps to prevent the present indiscriminate advertising of milk by the Milk Marketing Board without regard as to whether the increased quantity of milk consumed is safe or dangerous?

My right hon. Friend fully appreciates the importance of the safety of milk but he has no power to take steps of the kind suggested even if he thought them desirable.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the application of the Ennerdale Rural District Council, which was made as long ago as 7th November, 1938, for an increased subsidy under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1938; and what is his decision?

My right hon. Friend has considered the application of the Ennerdale Rural District Council for increased subsidy under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1938; and, as required by that Act, he is consulting with the Cumberland County Council in the matter. He hopes to be in a position to give his decision on the application as soon as he has received the county council's observations.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has sanctioned the Ennerdale Rural District Council exercising the powers of the Housing Act to grant rebates from rent in respect of houses provided in their district by the North-Eastern Housing Association, Limited?

The powers of a local authority to grant rebates of rent are limited to houses which they themselves provide.

asked the Minister of Health whether he appreciates the extremely difficult position of the people in the Ennerdale Rural District and other rural districts and urban districts in West Cumberland who are being compulsorily removed from their homes in clearance areas owing to the high rents which they are called upon to pay for the rehousing accommodation; and can he say what relief he will give to these people owing to the hardships they are suffering because of the increased rent they are called upon to pay?

My right hon. Friend is aware that in certain of the districts in question difficulty is anticipated in connection with the rent for the rehousing accommodation. He has power under Section 1 (3) of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1938, to grant additional subsidy in certain circumstances upon application to him by the local authority of the area concerned. Some of these applications are at present before him and an early decision is expected.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Leyton Borough Council, the county borough of West Ham and the National Association of Local Government Officers have recently passed resolutions protesting against differentiation of treatment of employés called up for training under the Military Training Act and those called up for service under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act; and whether he will give further attention to this matter and authorise equal treatment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Leyton, West (Mr. Sorensen), on the 13th July.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the ventilation of the Chamber and Galleries of this House, he will state what has been the result of the recent investigations undertaken by his Department into same; and is it proposed to make any immediate improvements?

I have nothing to add to the replies given by my predecessor to questions put by the hon. Member on the 9th May and the 14th November, 1938.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that when permission is only granted by his Depratment to a limited number of representatives of newsreel companies to take photographs from the windows or roofs of Government buildings, the prints of the films taken, although supplied to all the newsreel companies, are not freely obtainable from those companies by all interests wishing to exhibit them; and whether he will investigate this matter with a view to making it a condition of the limited permits that the resulant films shall be free not only to all newsreel companies but made available by those companies to all who require to exhibit them and are prepared to pay the appropriate fee?

The policy of my Department is to grant facilities in such a manner as will benefit the largest possible number of the public, and, with this proviso, all applicants are treated on an equality. I am not aware that any company which is prepared to issue films on the terms suggested by my hon. Friend has ever been denied facilities, and I regret, therefore, that I am unable to impose any such condition as that Proposed.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will have an inspection made of all the accommodation provided in the Palace of Westminster for the use of those permanently or temporarily employed in the service of Parliament, including the police, with a view to securing that it should be adequate and worthy of that service?

I am always willing to consider suggestions put forward by the authorities of the House for the improvement of the accommodation allocated to their staffs. Officers of my Department exercise a constant supervision over such matters as the decorative condition of this accommodation, and periodical re-decoration is carried out in accordance with the general practice in Government buildings. It will be realised that there are severe limitations of space in the Palace of Westminster and that the allocation of accommodation is not within my jurisdiction.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the Commission have been approached by the Oxfordshire County Council with a view to their taking over for tree-planting those strips of land, aggregating scores of acres, now derelict and agriculturally useless, lying between the intersections of the former twisting road and the new straight road in course of completion between Oxford and Bicester?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye as representing the Forestry Commissioners, to what use the 247,521 acres of unplantable land purchased by the Forestry Commission, will be put?

Any of the 247,521 acres of unplantable land suitable for grazing are let or used for that purpose; 35,000 acres in Argyllshire are used as a national forest park; the rest of the land is useless owing to exposure, unsuitable soil or otherwise adverse conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for War what anti-aircraft and other local defence provision is being made for the Western Isles, in view of their possible strategic value to the Fleet in the event of war?

The hon. Member will perhaps agree that it would not be desirable to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many enlistments have taken place in Northern Ireland in the reconstituted North Irish Horse Light Tank Unit of the Royal Armoured Corps; how many of these recruits are between 20 and 21 years of age; and what proportion they bear to the estimated number of men of that age in Northern Ireland?

The reconstitution of this unit has not yet proceeded far enough to enable recruiting to be opened.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that militiamen stationed at Fulwood Barracks, Preston, are complaining of the cooking, the quality, and the quantity of food supplied, and that the parents are so disturbed that they are considering sending parcels to make up the deficiency; and will he take steps to remedy this?

I have received no information to the effect suggested in the question, but a catering inspector is being sent forth with to Preston to report on the conditions. The men at this particular depot have always been well fed, and many reports have been published in the local Press to this effect.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the complaints made about the catering arrangements at the 21st Anti-Aircraft Militia depot at Blandford; and whether he can arrange for an inspection to be made by a representative of the Army Catering Advisory Department?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Batley and Morley (Mr. H. Beaumont). Frequent visits have been made by catering officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. R. Lee, a widow with two children of school age, residing at 25, Tyne Street, E.I, is only being granted Is. per week despite the fact that her son Jack Lee, a militiaman, at Warley Barracks is making her the allowance of 3s. 6d. per week; and whether he will inquire into this case with a view to increasing the grant to Mrs. Lee?

I have not been able from the particulars given to identify the militiaman concerned, but I have no doubt there has been a misunderstanding. Payments of the militiaman's allotment of 3s. 6d. a week and of any dependant's allowance admissible are made weekly as from Mondays, but, in the case of militiamen called up on Saturday, 15th July, a separate payment representing two-sevenths of the weekly amount was made for the Saturday and Sunday. The Is. referred to is, no doubt, the man's allotment for the two days in question.If Mrs. Lee considers that her case presents exceptional features which might warrant the grant of special assistance, beyond what she is already receiving, under the conditions described in Part B of the White Paper (Cmd. 6043), she should make representations to the Regimental Paymaster.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the military camps about to be erected at South Benfleet, Essex, are to be erected under contract terms on a cost plus percentage basis; whether contractors will observe the London rates of pay and hours of labour; and whether these camps are for militiamen of the Essex Regiment?

The contract is on a basis of net prime cost, plus a fee calculated as a percentage of the estimated cost, plus a bonus in respect of any saving on the estimated cost effected by the contractor.The contract provides that the contractor shall not pay to building trade operatives rates of wages higher than those for the time being awarded for the relevant trades by the National Joint Council for the Building Industry. These are not the London rates. As regards hours of labour, the contract includes, as a condition, the Fair Wages Resolution passed by the House of Commons on 10th March, 1909.The camps are for militiamen, but not of the Essex Regiment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers in Territorial units are in many cases having to pay £100, or more, in providing themselves with uniform and kit; and whether he will have directions sent to Territorial units that unnecessary articles of kit, such as mess kit, are not part of the essential equipment for an officer?

All units have recently been informed of the names of various firms in various areas from whom they can obtain uniform at a reasonable price. The regulations state what articles of uniform an officer is required to provide, and that the provision of mess dress is optional.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory state of the Oswestry Militia camp, where militiamen are ill with pneumonia and other complaints, and one man is reported to have died in consequence; and if he is prepared to investigate this case and improve sanitary and general conditions of camp life?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that one of the Irish Republican Army deportees, while under the suspicion of the police, obtained a situation as timekeeper at a Militia camp being erected in Hampshire, at a wage of £7 per week; and will he state the reason why such a high wage was being paid to the man in question?

I have ascertained that the man referred to was engaged and employed by the contractor at the wage stated, inclusive of all allowances and overtime, and I am advised that, in all the circumstances, the rate was not excessive for the duty and hours involved.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider appointing a committee to investigate the conditions of service and promotion of the Royal Naval sick berth staff?

The conditions of service and promotion of the sick berth branch, as of other branches in the Royal Navy, is constantly kept under consideration and I do not consider, therefore, that the committee proposed by my hon. and gallant Friend is necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether progressive pay for the sick berth branch can be brought into line with other branches of the Navy, and awarded after three years service and six years service in the sick berth staff?

Progressive pay is already granted to the sick berth branch, but in this branch it is not possible to dispense with the examination in professional efficiency as a qualification for the grant of progressive pay.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider an increase in the number of wardmaster-lieutenants, commissioned wardmasters, and warrant wardmasters, allowed for secretarial administrative duties in naval hospitals and sick quarters?

The number of ward-master officers has been increased in the past 12 months from 19 to 22 and the establishment is under consideration at the moment. The question of extension of the employment of wardmaster officers on secretarial duties in naval hospitals and sick quarters has been investigated on several occasions, but the Admiralty has not found it possible to increase the number of these appointments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many officers and men were serving in the Royal Navy on 30th June, 1939, or other latest date; what were the corresponding figures a year ago; and what are the relative figures for the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, respectively?

The number of officers and men, including the Royal Marines, serving in the Royal Navy on the 30th June, 1939, was 127,721; the corresponding figure on the 30th June, 1938, was 114,393.The number of officers and men serving in the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve increased by 3,638; it would not be in the public interest to reveal the strength of the various naval reserves.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what uniform will be worn by those militiamen who are detailed for naval training?

During their six months' continuous training men in the Royal Naval Special Reserve will wear Class II uniform, which is the uniform ordinarily worn by seamen.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty for what reason stone-bottoming for runways for aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm has been abandoned in Scotland, and stabilised earth and bitumen emulsion substituted; and what are the respective costs per square yard of these two processes?

It is not the Admiralty practice to make public any details of tender and contract prices but the hon. Member is incorrect in assuming that we are abandoning the use of stone-bottoming for runways, since this method is proving more economical at present.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what arrangements will be made to enable Members of Parliament and the public, respectively, to witness the forthcoming review of the Home and Reserve Fleets?

This will not be a review in the normally accepted sense, but an inspection by His Majesty the King of ships of the Reserve Fleet. No special arrangements are being made by the Admiralty to enable Members of Parliament and of the public to witness it, as this is considered to be an entirely naval occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the South African resentment at fictitious statements circulated by the German broadcasting station at Zeesen; and whether all statements of this kind are brought to the notice of the British Broadcasting Corporation to ensure that proper corrections arc made in the Empire broadcasts?

As regards the first part of the question I am aware that certain adverse comments with regard to the Zeesen broadcasts have appeared in newspapers published in the Union of South Africa. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that the British Broadcasting Corporation are aware of the situation.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has yet completed his investigations with regard to irregularities in connection with sub-contracts for Bofors gun-mountings; and the exorbitant prices being paid for semi-fabricated angle-iron required for air-raid precautions steel shelters?