asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French and Italian Governments were consulted as to the terms of the British note to Germany of 18th March; and whether the French and Italian Governments were informed of the final terms of the note in time for them to make representations as to its wording and effect?

The French and Italian Governments were informed of the terms of the British Note addressed to Germany on 18th March before its delivery. It must be remembered that the note dealt with the visit already arranged to take place in a few days of British Ministers to Berlin, and it was necessary to clear up immediately the position as between His Majesty's Government and the German Government in view of the imminence of that visit. I need hardly say that I was in close and constant touch with both the French and Italian Governments during this period. Indeed the House will recollect that in order to ensure that the contact should be as close as possible, the Lord Privy Seal visited Paris on his way to Berlin to have a personal discussion with the French Foreign Minister, and the Italian Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the resolution of East Yorkshire potato growers in favour of the fixation of minimum prices by the Potato Marketing Board; and whether he proposes to investigate this proposal, with the object of amending the scheme to give the board the necessary power?

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that since the Agricultural Marketing Acts provide for amendments of a scheme to be submitted to the Minister by the board concerned, it is for the Potato Marketing Board in the first instance, and not for me, to consider any proposals the East Yorkshire potato growers may make for the amendment of the Potato Marketing Scheme. I understand that the growers have forwarded their resolution to the board, who have it under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has yet received the findings of the marine court appointed to inquire into the circumstances under which the steam launch "Manoung," on the ferry service between the Risalpur river and Saugor island, sank in a squall last year; and, in particular, whether he can now state if there were at the time on board more passengers than this launch was licensed to carry?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the proceedings and report of the Court of Inquiry and of the resolution of the Government of Bengal regarding the findings of the Court.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements have been made to ensure that full facilities of entry into Palestine should be given to the several thousand participants in and spectators of the second Maccabiah now being held at Tel-Aviv; and whether he can make a statement as to how these arrangements have worked and whether any difficulties have arisen?

I have no information as to any special facilities for entry into Palestine in connection with the second Maccabiah which may have obeen granted by the High Commissioner for Palestine in the exercise of his discretion under the Palestine law, nor have I heard of any difficulties arising in this connection.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of men and women, respectively, employed in each of the following staff groups of the Civil Service as on 1st April, 1924, and on 1st April, 1934: administrative, general executive, general clerical, writing assistant, established shorthand-typist and typist; other executive, departmental clerical, unestablished clerical, unestablished typing, assessors, collectors of taxes, &c., inspectorate, professional, scientific and technical, subordinate supervisory and technical, minor and manipulative, messengers, porters, cleaners, &c.?

The earliest date for which information regarding the numbers employed in the Civil Service is available in the form required by the hon. Member is 1st January, 1928. The statement below accordingly shows the position at that date and at 1st April, 1934. A further statement is appended showing the total number of established and unestablished officers, male and female, employed on 1st April, 1924.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider advising the Commissioner for special areas to issue to the press a monthly report of his activities?

I will bring this suggestion to the notice of the Commissioner.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has been informed of the opposition to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland's scheme to establish smallholdings on the White-inch estate, near Kinloss, Morayshire, on the ground that, in the opinion of many with practical and local agricultural experience, the land is not suitable for the purpose and that the smallholders will be unable to make a living; and whether the will withdraw the scheme to consider establishing the holdings in a more suitable area?

My attention has been drawn to the adverse opinion expressed by the county council regarding this scheme, and I have instructed the Department to discuss the matter with the council forthwith. Meantime, on the advice and information before me, I see no reason to doubt the success of the scheme

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of employers that have been struck off the Government's list of contractors for not observing the Fair Wages Clause of the House of Commons and for not carrying out the awards of the various joint industrial councils?

Since 1st April, 1934, two firms have been struck off the lists of Government contractors for nonobservance of the Fair Wages Clause; but in neither case did any question arise of a wages agreement of a joint industrial council.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the House any information as to the routes to be followed on the royal drives in different parts of London during the Silver Jubilee celebrations

Particulars of these routes were given in the communique which was published in the Press on Saturday last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many lecturers in public museums and similar resorts are employed by his Department; and what salaries obtain in each case?

Four guide lecturers are employed by the Board of Education in the museums under their control, two in the Victoria and Albert Museum and two in the Science Museum. Of these, three are full-time established officers on scales of salary of £337-£575 (men) and £313–£504 (women). The remaining officer is unestablished and receives a salary of £320 per annum. Occasional lecturers may be employed for special lectures at fees up to £5 5s.