asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the purpose of the meeting of the Council of the League of Nations which has been convened for 17th December, to discuss the question of Assyrian settlement?

The President of the Council Committee for settling the Assyrians in Iraq requested that a special meeting of the Council might be called for 17th December to consider various urgent points arising out of the Committee's report to the Council. The most important of these related to the constitution of a Trustee Board to undertake financial responsibility for the operation of settling the Assyrians in the Ghab area in Syria, and to carry out, in collaboration with the High Commissioner for Syria, the actual administration of the settlement. The meeting was duly convened, but has now been merged in the meeting of the Council subsequently convened for 18th December to consider the Italo-Abyssinian conflict.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will place in the Library copies of the handbook published by the League of Nations' economic section, on the Present Phases of International Economic Relations?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the dissolution by the president of police of the general workers' union of the Free State of Danzig, apparently on the ground of the opposition of the general workers' union to the transfer of German workers on unemployment benefit to the Reich; and whether His Majesty's delegate to the forthcoming meeting of the League of Nations Council will take what steps are required in order to maintain the freedom of association and of speech which are guaranteed under the constitution of the free city?

As regards the first part of the question, my right hon. Friend understands that the president of police of the Free City of Danzig dissolved the general workers' union on 7th December, as stated by the hon. Member. As regards the second part of the question, the various questions affecting the constitution of Danzig will be considered by the Council of the League at its January session. It would be premature to make a categorical statement as to the steps which will be taken by the British representatives on that occasion, but the point raised by the hon. Member will certainly be borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the treatment of Mrs. Munce, a British subject, by the Soviet Government; and whether he will inform the House of the facts of this case?

Yes, Sir. Mrs. Munce is the widow of a British subject who was working under contract for the Soviet Government when he was killed through the negligence of another employé. The Soviet Government have decided that she is capable of working, and on these grounds have deprived her of a pension, although it appears that she has been dependent on her husband for the past 17 years and is unfitted to earn her own living by her age (she is nearly 50) lack of training and failing eyesight. His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow has made repeated representations to the Soviet Government on this case, but so far without success.

Will the Noble Lord see that this poor woman's case is not overlooked, and that our Ambassador is instructed to keep it in mind with a view to making further representations and obtaining satisfaction?

Is the Noble Lord aware that under the existing law of this country, if the same circumstances applied here, the same result would follow?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the views concerning Russia expressed by himself in this House, on 11th July, 1935, still represent I he view of His Majesty's Government?

Yes, Sir.

In view of the misrepresentations made of the Foreign Secretary and His Majesty's Government in Germany as a result of the book written by the Foreign Secretary, will steps be taken to make known in Germany the real attitude of the Government?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of civilians employed by the Admiralty in the home dockyards in October, 1933, 1934, and 1935?

The numbers of civilian workpeople borne on the books of the home dockyards on 1st October, 1933, 1934, and 1935, were 35,259, 36,637, and 38,073 respectively. Corresponding figures for salaried and office staffs are not available for 1st October in these years, but the numbers of such staff on 1st April, 1933, 1934, and 1935, were 3,182, 3,219, and 3,310 respectively.

Is there any intention to increase these staffs during the next few months?

I will make a statement on that subject when the Navy Estimates are submitted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what facilities are given to the Navy while at sea to listen in to wireless broadcast programmes; how many of the ships in the Navy are fitted up with wireless receiving sets with loud-speakers which can be used by the lower ratings; and whether the usual licence fee is paid for the use of the same?

There are no special facilities prescribed by Admiralty instruction for the reception of wireless broadcast programmes in His Majesty's ships at sea, the matter being regarded as one for the discretion of commanding officers of His Majesty's ships. In the circumstances there is no information in the Admiralty on the facilities provided, nor on the categories of personnel for whom such facilities, if any, are available in each ship. I understand that the ordinary Post Office receiving licence is issued on application and payment of the usual fee.

Is it not possible for the noble Lord to say how many ships have been fitted?

No, Sir.

Is it not the view of the Government that it is for the benefit of the nation not to listen in to the present broadcasting programmes?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the claims of the port of Leith will be favourably considered when Admiralty orders are being placed, keeping in mind that Leith, taken apart from Edinburgh, is one of the most distressed places in the country?

Firms in the Leith area are given every opportunity of tendering to the Admiralty for shipbuilding and repair work within their capacity, and any tenders submitted will receive full consideration.

Is it not a new policy for the Labour party to ask for private enterprise to do the work of the National Government?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the prospects of the active use by his Department of the naval base at Rosyth and of Port Edgar, Firth of Forth?

The question of making greater use of the facilities at Rosyth and Port Edgar is constantly borne in mind, and it will continue to receive attention whenever new naval developments are under consideration. But I cannot at present give the hon. Member any hopes of a change in the existing policy by which Rosyth Dockyard is maintained in a condition of care and maintenance.

Will the Minister bear in mind and try to remove the reproach that the closing down of Rosyth was due to the lack of social amenities in that area, and as was said at the time, to petticoat government?

Is it not true that it was entirely due to the Government's desire for disarmament?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action has yet been taken in Palestine to check the incitements to violence in the Arab Press and propaganda against England emanating from Italy?

On a point of Order. May I ask if the word "England" here means "Great Britain," and, if that is so, can we have protection against the use of the description "England" in questions when "Great Britain" is intended?

I can assure the right hon. Member that a close watch is kept on the vernacular Press. One Arab newspaper was recently suspended temporarily for publishing an article inciting to violence. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government have on several occasions caused representations to be made to the Italian Government on the subject of the anti-British propaganda broadcast in Arabic by the radio station at Bari. There has lately been an improvement in the tone of such broadcasts.

Apart from broadcasting, has the right hon. Gentleman seen the leading Arab newspapers, and is he aware that, without the slightest interference from the Palestinian Government they are now publishing this:

"We are all now determined to fight England, because England is the source of trouble everywhere. She is a past master—"

Order.

May I ask if that is not being published with impunity, and that it is regarded as innocuous by the Palestinian Government?

I will make enquiries on that point.

When is the new broadcasting station which is being erected in Palestine going to be completed?

I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in respect of the recent epidemic of enteric fever among the British police stationed at Jerusalem, any arrangements have been made for the convalescence of members of this force; and, if not, whether he would be willing to consider the provision of such?

There has been no epidemic of enteric in the British section of the Palestine police at Jerusalem or elsewhere. Only six cases have occurred this year, of which four have been discharged from hospital completely cured. The two others are progressing satisfactorily.

Are not all the members of the service inoculated against typhoid and paratyphoid?

I should like to have notice of that question; I cannot say offhand.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the recent loss of civil aeroplanes when undertaking long journeys, he will consider the introduction of Regulations that will compel all aviators before taking off from any British airport or possession to declare their precise route; and will he also consider making it compulsory for all British aeroplanes travelling long distances to carry wireless equipment?

I sympathise with the objects the hon. Member has in view, but it would not be practicable to make Regulations on the lines he suggests.

Have not these regulations already been put into force by the permission of the Royal Air Force by the Director of Civil Aviation at Singapore?

I should like to see that question on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of private owners flying their own machines more than 50 hours during the course of 1935, and the comparative number in 1928?

I regret that the information desired by my Noble Friend is not available.

Is it not the case that every owner pilot has to send in his log book complete with every hour's flight and fill up an enormous number of complicated forms before he can get a new licence, and surely that information is in the Ministry?

One would have to collect all private owners' log books to get the required information. This is not done.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will indicate generally what progress is being made with the researches into the causes and prevention of ice formation on wing-surfaces?

The conditions which govern the formation of ice on wingsurfaces are now well understood. A chemical method for preventing it has been evolved at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, and is now being developed. Some mechanical devices for dislodging ice are on the market.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement on the withdrawal of the certificates of airworthiness of the DH 86 type of aircraft by the Australian Government?

Reports of the suspension, and later of the withdrawal of the suspension, of certificates of airworthiness in respect of this type have been received from Australia. I have, however, no fuller information than has appeared in the Press. It appears that there was no question of structural defects or failure.

In view of the difficulties that have arisen with this type of aircraft in Australia, and in view of the immense experience possessed by my right hon. Friend's accidents department, will he consider suggesting to the Australian Government the loan of an officer from that department to make investigations?

No, Sir; any suggestion of that kind would, of course, have to come from the Australian Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement on the recent loss of the Sabena air liner in Surrey?

The circumstances of this accident are under investigation by the Inspector of Accidents, in conjunction with the Belgian authorities. Until his report is available, there is nothing that I can add to the information that has appeared in the Press.

Will my right hon. Friend especially bear in mind the possibility of this aircraft having been weighted down by ice forming on the wings, and will he consider whether it is not in the public interest that we should prevent the flight of aircraft without specific accessories to prevent the formation of ice when the meteorological conditions render such formation possible?

I think that we must wait for the report on the accident.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can give a list of new sites for aerodromes purchased this year by His Majesty's Government, giving the price per acre paid in each case, and a similar list of sites proposed to be purchased next year?

It would not be in the public interest to disclose the prices paid per acre, but, if my Noble Friend desires, I will send him a list of the sites that have been acquired. I am not in a position to furnish a complete list of the purchases which will be necessary next year.

Are the prices of these sites fixed in consultation with the Treasury land valuation officer?

Yes, Sir. We consult them before we open negotiations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether in view of the large industrial area in South Lancashire and the problem of its defence he will arrange for some aerodromes to be set up near by in that county?

One of the three additional Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons for which provision is made in the present expansion scheme will be formed in West Lancashire.

Is it not a fact that there is no effective defence against air attack except by attack?

I do not think that that subject comes within this question.

Is that the only aerodrome there is to be in this area?

It is the only new aerodrome at present this year.

Would it be possible for every Member of the House to be furnished with a list of the aerodromes that are contemplated throughout the country?

The hon. Member might perhaps wait for next year's Estimates.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what progress in the use of aero-engines using heavy oil as a fuel, with its increased security against fire arising from an accident, has taken place in the Royal Air Force and in civil work?

Several types of compression ignition engine are available for use in civil aircraft. There is no present intention of adopting them in military aircraft in service as no types as yet existing can give the same performance as petrol engines. Research is continuously proceeding in regard to other types of compression ignition engines.

Are there no engines in the service, either military or civil, of this type?

We are experimenting with this type of engine.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of first-line aircraft in Great Britain, France, and Germany, respectively, in May, 1935, when the two-years' expansion scheme was announced; and what are the figures to-day?

The present establishment of first-line aircraft of the Royal Air Force is about 1,180 aircraft, as against 1,015 in May, 1935. As regards the former figure, some units are in course of formation and are therefore not up to full strength. No official up-to-date figures are available in respect of France or Germany. As regards the subject matter of this question, I would refer the hon. Member to the speech delivered in the Debate on 22nd July last by my Noble Friend, where he pointed out the un-wisdom of drawing conclusions from comparative figures of first-line strength made at any particular moment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman without notice indicate to some extent the relation between first-line strength and the several kinds of reserve strengths in the respective countries?

No, Sir, not without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many deaths have taken place as a result of flying accidents in the Royal Air Force for the 10 months ended November, 1935; and the number for the corresponding period of last year?

The numbers of deaths resulting from flying accidents in the Royal Air Force during the 10 months ended 1st November in 1934 and 1935 were 28 and 37 respectively. The latter figure includes nine deaths in one accident to a flying boat. The hon. Member will appreciate that the hours flown in 1935 have been appreciably higher than in 1934.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet decided to make regulations for the purpose of regulating the use of powerful headlights on motor vehicles; and will he make a statement as to the form of these regulations?

The comments of various representative bodies upon the draft regulations which were circulated earlier in the year are now before me, and I will announce the course which I intend to pursue as soon as they have been considered.

Can the Minister say whether any very considerable number of accidents were caused during last year by these glaring headlights?

I could not say that, but I have given the hon. Member an answer to his question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think there is any need at all for extraordinarily powerful headlights?

Is not the only way of curing this defect to prolong the light of day?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now give financial assistance to the corporation of Liverpool in the matter of the construction of the proposed Everton tunnel?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. Logan) on 12th December, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Government, during the past 12 months, ever approved of the Everton tunnel scheme for grant on a scale sufficient to cover the full cost of the proposed tunnels, etc.?

The position is as stated in the answer given on 12th December to the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. Logan) of which I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy.

In view of the reply, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware that in Liverpool on 5th November a public statement was made to the effect that he had approved this scheme, and that a grant to the tune of 100 per cent. would be made by the Department? Would the right hon. Gentleman like me to give him quotations from the press in regard to it?

The statement to which the hon. Member refers is not a statement made by me or any other person authorised to do so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that statement has been denied in the Liverpool press?

In view of the press correspondence, may I take it from the Minister that as far as his Department is concerned there has never been any promise to give a grant for the tunnel?

The position is exactly as stated in the answer to which I refer on 12th December—exactly that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any information with regard to the progress of the negotiations which are being carried on between the Ministry of Transport and the county councils of the West and East Ridings of Yorkshire in connection with the construction of a new bridge at Selby?

I understand that the county councils are now considering the report of the consulting engineers; their conclusions have not yet been communicated to me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that many suitable roads are not yet derestricted, he will introduce legislation to amend the definition of a built-up area?

On the contrary many expressions of approval of the manner in which this inevitably contentious and complicated task has been and is being discharged continue to reach me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that in the county of Carmarthen there are ten weak bridges on Class A roads, and six on Class B roads; and what steps he proposes to take to strengthen these bridges?

There are 21 weak or inadequate bridges in the Carmarthen County Council priority list, and all of these have been approved by me for reconstruction in the five-year programme. Indeed reconstruction has already been completed in the case of three, work is in progress on two others, and in eight other cases reconstruction has been approved for commencement during the current financial year.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that complaint has been made at a meeting of the Carmarthenshire County Council of the delay in the erection of the Carmarthen bridge; and what he proposes to do to bring this delay to an end?

I have no official knowledge of the proceedings at the Carmarthenshire County Council's meeting, but so far as I am concerned I have already agreed a grant to this work.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been six years' discussion and that not a single brick of this bridge has been laid even now?

I am extremely sorry to hear it, but I have discharged my part of the matter by giving a grant.

asked the Minister of Transport under what statutory authority he proposes to limit the use of horse transport in British towns other than London; and whether, in view of the anxiety caused by the prospect that horse transport is to be discouraged in the principal provincial cities, he will take an early opportunity of clarifying his policy in this direction?

While I cannot admit the assumptions contained in my hon. Friend's question, the relevant statutory authority is contained in Section 46 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, as amended by Section 29 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, which empowers highway authorities to take action subject to the confirmation of the Minister. A statement of my policy in this matter will be found in the answer which gave on 5th December to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel Moore), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Are we to understand that what the Minister told us last July, that he proposed, with modifications, to stop the use of horse traffic on the roads in five years, is not correct?

What I said last July and what I said in December are exactly the same. If my hon. Friend will read what I said, he will find a complete statement of my policy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the £100,000,000 promised by the Government for road improvement and construction spread over five years is in addition to the ordinary grants made to road authorities and is all extra money?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a question by the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Clarry), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the ever-increasing danger from motor traffic at the junction of Asmun's Hill and Willifield Way, N. W.11, he proposes to give some protection to foot passengers?

A recent "spot check" count showed that the vehicular traffic through the junction was less than 50 vehicles per hour, while pedestrians numbered about 80 per hour. If the hon. Gentleman has any further particulars regarding this junction, I shall be very glad to have them.

I understood that that report had been math, but what has not been reported is that there is a school near, and there is danger at the times when the children are going into or coming out of the school, because a great many of the mothers take the children to school an I meet them in the afternoon. If the right hon. Gentleman thinks that is something which does not demand attention, I disagree. What percentage of accidents shall we have to have here before we can get some attention given to the matter?

I wish to be as sympathetic as possible to the hon. Member, and if he will assist me in any way I shall be glad. I have shown him that the traffic is extremely sparse at this point, and if he has any suggestion to make I shall be most glad to consider it. I do not know what he has in mind.

A policeman in school hours.

That is not a question for me.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many accidents there have been in this part of Glasgow?

It is not in Glasgow.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that certain places on the main roads in London which are notorious for the number of road accidents have been kept under observation for many months past with the object of ascertaining the principal causes of such accidents, and that certain recommendations for remedial measures have been carried out; and whether he will present a statement showing the number of accidents which occurred before and after the adoption of those measures and the causes to which they were attributed?

As a result of the intensive investigation and the special measures taken on the four roads in question, fatalities have been reduced by 53.5 per cent., serious injuries by 32.4 per cent. and slight injuries by 10.6 per cent. in the six months ended 30th September, 1935, as compared with the corresponding period of 1934. The decrease in the accidents to pedestrians is even more striking, the fatalities having decreased by 75 per cent. and serious injuries by 46.3 per cent. It is noteworthy that the accidents due to vehicles, other than pedal cycles, show a reduction of 33.3 per cent. whilst the accidents due to pedal cycles are increased by 39.5 per cent. In view of the encouraging results which followed this special investigation, and the measures taken, I have arranged for further investigations to be made of other selected roads which have a bad accident record.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask whether he will still consider the issue of a statement on the causation of accidents, in view of the importance of the utmost publicity being given to this matter in order to guide public opinion as to the real cause of accidents?

Yes, Sir. One such statement was issued, and a further one covering the investigations during the whole year will be issued as soon as possible after the end of the year.

asked the Minister of Transport whether there are any cross-roads or corners in Lanarkshire at which two or more fatal accidents have occurred during the past year; and, if so, whether steps have been taken in every case to reduce the danger at these spots.

I have received no reports on fatal accidents at cross roads and corners in Lanarkshire during the past year; two non-fatal accidents at junctions and one at a corner have been reported; in each case the highway authority has taken action to improve road and traffic conditions.

asked the Minister of Transport what has been the percentage reduction of pedestrians killed in London since the institution of a system of pedestrian crossings?

During the nine months ended 30th September, 1935, the number of pedestrians killed in the City and Metropolitan Police Districts was 21.5 per cent. less than during the corresponding months of 1934, when a complete scheme of pedestrian crossings had not been provided.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of persons killed and injured in road accidents in Great Britain during comparable periods of 1934 and 1935?

During the 39 weeks ended 8th December, 1934, 5,584 persons were killed and 184,312 persons injured on the roads in Great Britain. During the same period of 1935 the number of persons killed was 4,885, a reduction of 699 or 12.5 per cent. and the number of persons injured was 174,077, a reduction of 10,235 or 5.6 per cent.

Has the Minister any reason to believe that large numbers of the population have been frightened off the roads?

I have not observed it.

What was the increase in the number of vehicles licensed during the same time?

Between 150,000 and 250,000.

Does the Minister contemplate framing the regulations so that a certificate of efficiency shall accompany an application for licence for these motor machines, in order to avoid accidents?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the prevailing uncertainty, he will issue clearer instructions with regard to pedestrian crossings, so that the general public may realise the difference between the ordinary crossing and one controlled by a light signal or police constable?

I am sorry to hear that there is prevailing uncertainty in some parts of the country, particularly as every householder in the United Kingdom has been sent a copy of the Highway Code in which the regulations appear. I can only hope that the police in particular localities where crossings have not been long established will do all they can to make them effective.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to assist any large-scale improvement in the main Glasgow-Stirling road?

Under the five-year programme, the county council of Dunbarton have submitted a scheme for improving the Glasgow-Stirling road in the county, but the proposals are not yet sufficiently advanced for me to be able to make any statement on the subject of grant. I understand that similar proposals dealing with the sections of the road in the counties of Lanark and Stirling may be submitted, but they have not yet reached me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the No. 21 omnibus service from Harringay to the City in the rush hours of the morning; and will he consider taking steps to improve the service, in view of the inconvenience caused by the present state of congestion?

There is a tram as well as an omnibus service between Harringay and the City during the peak hours, and the London Passenger Transport Board advise me that the two services, taken together, provide adequate accommodation between these points. I do not control the services operated by the board.

Will the Minister snake further investigations in the light of the statement I make that I live in the district and am subject to the inconvenience referred to in the question?

While I am at all times ready to assist the hon. Member or any other hon. Member, I have no authority in this matter. I can really act only as a channel of communication, and I am ready to do so.

May I ask the Minister to be that channel of communication in this instance?

While the Minister is considering the question, will he take account of the fact that in this area the railway service is as scandalously inadequate, especially at some periods of the day?