asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any recent reports from British officials as to the existence of slavery between the Persian Gulf and Persian Baluchistan; whether conditions on the British side of the frontier are satisfactory; and whether he can state when the last report was received?

My information is that it is many years since the British authorities in the Persian Gulf reported any case of slave trading in the Gulf, and that this trade does not in fact exist. I understand that this is borne out by the last report from the Political Resident and Consul-General at Bushire, which was received last July. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that conditions on the British side of the frontier between Iran and British Baluchistan are satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any proposals have been made since 19th December, 1935, by the League of Nations or the French or British Governments to secure the cessation of hostilities in Abyssinia by means of negotiation and arbitration?

No, Sir.

Is there any truth in the rumour that the United States Government are taking steps in this direction?

I am afraid I have not heard the rumour.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps are being taken by the military attachés on both sides to obtain particulars as to the numbers of casualties in the Italian-Abyssinian conflict for the information, both of the League of Nations and of this country in general; and, if not, whether instructions will now be given for this to be done.

I am satisfied that the military attaches at Rome and Addis. Ababa are taking steps to supply, in accordance with their standing instructions, all possible information regarding, the progress of the Italo-Abyssinian war, including casualties suffered by the belligerents.

Does my right hon. Friend know whether the figures that were published in the Press this day last week were accurate?

I am afraid I could not possibly say.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say, or inquire, whether any prisoners, wounded or unwounded, have been taken by the Italians?

I have no information on that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affaire, whether he has any information as to the total number of Italian subjects transported from East Africa through the Suez Canal since 1st November to the last available date?

While I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the figure, I am advised that approximately 19,000 Italian European and Colonial troops and civilians passed through the Suez Canal from the Italian Colonies in East Africa between 1st November and 6th February.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much longer this traffic through the Suez Canal is going to be tolerated?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who is paying for the Italian native troops interned in British territory?

The cost, which is not expected to be great, of maintaining deserters detained in Kenya is being borne in the first instance by Kenya funds. A supplementary Estimate is being presented to Parliament to provide a grant-in-aid to assist Kenya in meeting this and other special expenditure.

Is it not a fact that during the War any troops interned were paid for by the country in whose service they used to be, and not by the country to which they fled?

If the Government made application for payment the obvious reply would be that we could let them go back.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in war time you could not let them go back?

Then the question of payment, surely, does not arise at this stage.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of treating deserters from the Italian troops with the utmost hospitality, so as to encourage more desertions?

Our hospitality in this matter is well known.

Why is the cost not expected to be very high?

Because they are not too numerous at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the Customs examination at Berbera is sufficient to ensure that the air service between Eritrea and Italian Somaliland is not used for the transport of Italian military officers or communications of a military nature between the two seats of hostilities?

The local regulations at Berbera are such as to ensure that persons travelling by the service in question would include no military personnel in uniform or persons carrying arms or travelling in any sort of formed body even if in plain clothes. I have every confidence that these regulations are being properly enforced.

Does the right hon. Gentleman wish the House to infer from the reply that it is not possible for this service to be abused by civilians, or military officers travelling singly in civilian clothes?

The object of my answer is to convey that our information is clear and definite that we do not think that the regulations are being abused. If the hon. Gentleman has any information to the contrary, I will investigate it.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has information as to the quantities of petroleum and other oils exported during the course of the last six months from British controlled properties in Persia to Italian East African possessions; and how these figures compare with similar exports in the two periods of six months preceding?

The only direct shipments of Iranian potroleum products to Italian East Africa during the 18 months ended 31st December, 1935, have consisted of very small quantities of fuel oil for ordinary industrial use.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has information as to the quantities of petroleum and other oils exported from the' countries in the British Commonwealth of Nations (including protectorates and mandated territories) to Italian East African possessions during the course of the past six months; and how these figures compare with similar exports in the two preceding periods of six months?

The latest available records have been examined, and from these it would appear that no petroleum products have been exported from countries in the British Commonweath of Nations (including protectorates and mandated territories) to Italian East African possessions during recent periods. Normally the total imports of petroleum products into these territories are very small.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information with regard to the trial of Damian Veltcheff and others in Bulgaria; and in view of its international importance, will he keep himself informed of the situation that may arise?

I understand that the trial began on 18th December and is still in progress. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Minister at Sofla naturally keeps me informed of events in Bulgaria in the normal exercise of his duties.

In view of the grave danger to the peace of the Balkans that is involved in this trial, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the possibility of urging moderation and clemency in certain circumstances?

I do not admit that there is danger to the peace of the Balkans, and I think it is a mistake to make that suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the opinion expressed by the Norwegian delegate during the discussion in the Sixth Committee of the Assembly of the League of Nations in September last, that the mandate system should be extended, in view of the fact that the principle of colonial mandates applied as yet only to a relatively small part of the colonialtion of the mandates principle might world, while a broad and liberal applicacontribute to the maintenance of international peace; and whether the Government are prepared to consider the possibility of action on these lines, provided other countries did the same?

His Majesty's Government are always prepared to consider on their merits any proposals that may be submitted to the League of Nations on any subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this point was covered by the late Secretary of State's speech at Geneva in September last?

That is another question.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the mandate for Wolverhampton will be granted to Birmingham?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what circumstances Father Zalges, a Maltese priest, has been ordered by the Italian Government to leave Tripoli; whether he is a British subject; and how many other British subjects have recently been deported from Tripoli and on what grounds?

I have no information on this subject, but am calling for a report.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any special action has been taken for the immediate laying down of an increased number of cruisers and destroyers in view of the heavy strain which will be imposed on the national resources next year by the replacement of capital ships.

No special action has been taken for the purpose mentioned.

Is my Noble Friend satisfied that there will be an adequate amount of skilled labour available unless the suggestion made in my question is carried out?

That question is always under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has been come to with regard to the building of capital ships; and, if so, when tenders will be invited?

I regret that details of the proposed new construction programme cannot be given in advance of its presentation to the House.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what steps have been taken to open any further training establishments in the United Kingdom, in view of the increased requirements which will follow the rearmament programme?

Some additional training accommodation has been found to be necessary to provide for present and more immediate needs of the Service; particulars of this will be found in the Supplementary Navy Estimate, copies of which are now available. Future requirements are still under consideration, and it would be premature for me to make any statement at present.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what time it would take after a bombing alarm was given to the aircraft carriers at Alexandria to get the crews on to the airplanes and the airplanes off the ships?

I regret that this information is not for publication.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know what the figures are, and could he give them to me privately; and is he satisfied that the ships that are in commission at the present time are in such danger?

I do not agree with that assumption. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the training of the pilots is made as effective as possible.

Could the figures be given to me privately?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is satisfied that British ships now lying in the harbours of Alexandria, Haifa, and Aden are adequately equipped to defend themselves against attack from the air?

Yes, Sir.

Has the attention of the Minister been drawn to the statement which appeared in the Press two days ago, from Lord Rothermere, to the effect—

The hon. Member cannot ask whether statements in the Press are accurate.

May I put it in this way? Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the rumour that British ships now lying in harbour at Alexandria, Haifa and Aden are completely at the mercy of the Italian Air Force, and like sitting rabbits against hawks.

That is a quotation from the Press.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the total value of work placed in the depressed areas under the special arrangement by which Government Departments in allocating contracts give a preference, other things being equal, to places scheduled by the Ministry of Labour as depressed areas?

I regret that complete information is not available. I can, however, state that during the period 1st April, 1934, to August, 1935, contracts to a total value of £5,000,000 were placed with firms in the areas shown in Parts I and II of the First Schedule to the Special Areas (Development and Improvement) Act, 1934, excluding the Clyde. The latter area received contracts of roughly similar value over the same period. A concrete example of consideration of the unemployment position in shipbuilding districts was the arrangement made by the Admiralty for the hull of His Majesty's Ship "Sheffield" to be constructed at Walker-on-Tyne. I should also add that a bigger proportion of our steel requirements has been allocated to the special areas than would have been the case under normal circumstances, but the value of the increased allocation cannot be easily assessed.

May I ask whether the £5,000,000 was allocated under ordinary tender, in view of the fact that the hull of His Majesty's Ship "Sheffield" was placed specially; and is the Parliamentary Secretary prepared to give the House the whole story of the placing of that contract? May I ask, also, with regard to the steel, whether that steel is required for building or for special purposes?

In reply to the last part of the supplementary question, the steel is required for building. Surely the important point is the value of the total allocation of orders placed in a depresesd area, and not the way in which the money is divided.

The point is, are these special orders or only ordinary contracts?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what ships are allocated to the Cape of Good Hope station and what ships are at present actually on the station?

His Majesty's ships allocated to the Africa station are "Amphion," "Carlisle," "Bridge-water," "Milford," "Rochester," "Penzance" and "Afrikander," which is a depot ship. All these ships are actually on the station at present, except "Amphion" and "Penzance."

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what expenditure over and above the contract price has been incurred to date in respect of the machinery defects of His Majesty's Ship "Amphion"; and whether such expenditure will be a charge on public funds or be borne by the contractors?

It is not yet known to the Admiralty what expenditure has been incurred by the machinery contractors for His Majesty's Ship "Amphion" in respect of the machinery defects. The question of ultimate liability for such expenditure has not yet been determined.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the date of completion of His Majesty's Ship "Amphion"; the date of her acceptance trials; and the date when she is expected to commission?

It is expected that "Amphion" will complete in the course of the summer, but it is not possible at this stage to forecast the exact date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the further case of sabotage to one of the vessels of His Majesty's Navy while in dockyard hands, he will take early steps to increase the proportion of tested, established, and pensionable employés in such yards and to reduce the amount of casual labour now permitted to work therein without adequate steps being taken to ensure they are of British nationality and to investigate their antecedents?

In view of the fluctuations of work in the Royal Dockyards, it is necessary to enter numbers of work people on a casual basis. All practical steps are taken to investigate their antecedents and character on entry.

Is my Noble Friend aware that pensioned men are being re-employed, with the result that their pension is deducted from their pay; and could he take steps to see that these men retain their pensions, for which they have subscribed and to which they are entitled?

I do not think that arises out of the question on the Paper, but I will certainly look into it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the sabotage in the British warship "Cumberland"; and whether he can make a statement?

A case of sabotage in His Majesty's Ship "Cumberland" was reported on 16th January, and inquiries were immediately instituted, which are still proceeding. Precautions against acts of this kind have already been taken in all Dockyards, and further measures are. now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs where the negotiations with the representatives of the Egyptian Government for a settlement of outstanding differences will take place; and who will be in charge of the negotiations on behalf of His Majesty's Government?

The conversations to which I referred in my reply to a question put by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) on 4th February, will take place in Cairo, and will be conducted by His Majesty's High Commissioner on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the maintenance of the Kenya defence force falls on the general funds of the territory; and to how much it amounts?

Yes, Sir. The amount provided in the Estimates for

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much of the land examined by the geological surveyors of British Guiana has been made available to local gold-diggers and how much to other interested bodies?

The total area examined by the Geological Survey is 4,050 square

1936 is £4,112, which covers all charges, in connection with this Force.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of concessions granted for the working of gold and diamonds in British Guiana; the areas covered by such concessions, and the dates on which they were approved; and the names of the concession holders together with their claims and the results of the operation of such claims?

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement containing the information which I have available. The hon. Member will appreciate that the labour involved in obtaining the particulars for which he has asked in respect of all concessions and claims, would hardly be justified.

Following is the statement:

miles, of which 380 square miles are held under exclusive permissions to explore or concessions to mine or dredge gold by interested bodies, some of which are local. Of the balance of the area examined by the Survey it is calculated that about 2,700 square miles are of the type of ground suitable for the methods of local gold-diggers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position of the cocoanut industry in British Guiana; and what steps are contemplated for the encouragement and improvement of this industry?

During the great depression of recent years the cocoanut industry of British Guiana, like all other cocoanut industries throughout the world, suffered severely from low prices, but there was some recovery in prices at the beginning of 1935, which has since been maintained, and the protection and preference which this industry enjoys should enable it to take full advantage of this improvement.

How was the production last year compared with 1933?

I have just explained that, owing to the drought, it was not satisfactory.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think this will be an advantage or a disadvantage to the milk industry of this country?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information on the present position of the rice industry in British Guiana; and will be cause inquiries to be made into the working of the Rice Marketing Board with a view to ascertaining whether the functioning of this board is in the best administrative and industrial interests of the colony?

As the result of the greater attention paid to the organisation of the export trade, the exports of rice from British Guiana have shown a substantial increase during recent years, although they suffered a setback in 1934 owing to damage caused by floods. I have no reason to think that the Rice Marketing Board is not functioning satisfactorily, but if the hon. Member has any particular point in mind I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information on the position of the sugar industry in Essequebo, British Guiana; on what grounds the government of the Colony found it necessary to appoint a commission to investigate conditions there, as a result of which investigation workers in a district of formerly flourishing sugar estates are being advised and assisted to leave their homes and holdings for other sugar estates in Demerara and Berbice, thus creating unfavourable wage and living conditions in those places; and whether steps will be taken to protect the interests of sugar estate workers in Essequebo?

The Essequibo Coast Commission was appointed in December, 1934, to inquire into the position arising out of the imminent abandonment of the last surviving sugar estate on that coast. The measures to which the hon. Member refers are being taken in order to assist sugar estate workers in Essequibo, a district where sugar production has ceased to be economic, to obtain work in those districts where there is more demand for labour.

Is it not a fact that these labourers are worse off in the new place than they were in the old, and will he see that what they are getting is not less than they had before?

The question on the Paper has nothing to do with wages. It is about people who are thrown out of work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in 1931 the regulations for the colonial scholarship in British Guiana were altered; that as a result teachers in the schools there are being penalised and restricted; that harsh conditions are imposed on winners of the scholarship; and that no examination for the scholarship was held in 1934; and will he direct a full inquiry into the whole matter of this scholarship with a view to improving the conditions of its grant and allaying the present dissatisfaction among teachers in the Colony?

I am aware that as a result of the recent change in the regulations it was not possible to hold an examination for the British Guiana scholarship in 1934. I am not aware that the revised regulations are regarded as detrimental to the interests of local teachers or that harsh conditions are imposed upon scholarship winners; but I will ask the Governor for a report.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a committee recommended certain things with regard to improving the conditions of this scholarship, and that those recommendations were ignored by the Director of Education?

I will certainly inquire into it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the committee which recently reported on mui-tsai in Hong Kong declared that the sale of girls was an undesirable practice, but that any attempt to stop the practice was doomed to failure; and whether he accepts this declaration or adheres to the policy of recent governments in Great Britain, who have all declared in favour of its abolition?

Yes, Sir. I have seen the report. I need hardly say I agree emphatically that the sale of girls is undesirable, and I do not accept the view that it is impossible to suppress the practice in countries under our jurisdiction. The mui-tsai system is illegal in Hong Kong, and it has been the policy of His Majesty's Government for years past to secure its final disappearance. The policy is one that I intend to pursue vigorously, and I am taking every step towards that end now.

Are the Government taking steps to ensure the disappearance of the system?

Yes, a system of inspectors and then prosecutions. I have looked into the prosecutions and I find there are far too many fines. I should like to see imprisonment as a deterrent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much of the British taxpayers' money has been put into Tanganyika by way of grant-in-aid by loans free of interest, and by loans at interest, respectively, since we took over the mandate?

The following assistance was given to the territory in the years before 1926:

Have any of the nations that are very anxious to have mandated territories offered to pay this money?

No. I think they would experience difficulty also.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the sums annually paid in respect of mail to Pan-American Airways by the Governments of the Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua, Trinidad, and British Guiana; and the dates on which existing contracts expire?

As the answer necessarily contains a number of figures, I am, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The amounts paid to Pan-American Airways by the Governments of Jamaica, Antigua, and British Guiana for the carriage of mail during the year 1935 were £6,138, £437, and £1,194, respectively. No contracts have been concluded with the company by the Governments of Antigua and British Guiana, but that concluded by the Government of Jamaica is due to expire on 24th September, 1944. In the case of Trinidad the average annual payment made to the company for the carriage of mail is £1,840. The agreement concluded with the company by the Government of Trinidad is due to expire on 2nd January, 1941. In the case of the Bahamas the Government has contracted to pay the company a. subsidy of £1,000 per annum for the five years ending on 30th June, 1939, to be increased to £2,000 per annum for the years 1937 to 1939 if the revenue of the Colony for those years exceeds a fixed sum. The Company receives in addition payment at an agreed rate per pound for all mail transported from the Bahamas, but I am not aware of the actual amount paid on this account during 1935. The agreement governing the last mentioned payment will expire on 14th December, 1939.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the communication addressed to him from Trinidad requesting increased non-official representation in the Legislative Council of Trinidad; and whether it is proposed to grant the same in the near future?

The hon. Member presumably refers to a question asked in the Legislative Council in Trinidad last July. The question was referred to me by the Governor, and I have replied that no specific proposals for the amendment of the constitution of Trinidad are at present before me and that in the absence of any information as to the precise nature of the changes, if any, which may be generally desired, I do not feel able to make any pronouncement on the subject.

Seeing that very important changes have been made in the constitution of other Colonies will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether similar changes cannot be made in Trinidad?

If there was anything like a general demand of course I would consider it, but I have no such evidence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the estimated cost of completing the Jaffa-Haifa road; and what approximate proportion this sum bears to the present unexpended balances and surplus of the Palestine treasury?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply of 11th December last, in which I gave him the figure. As regards the second part, the most recent statement available shows that the surplus balance of Palestine amounted at 31st January to about £6,340,000. A large portion of this is, however, already provisionally earmarked for various purposes.

Is the proposed road between Haifa and Jaffa in process of construction, or have estimates been called for?

Oh, yes, it is in course of construction.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received from the Governor of the Gold Coast a report on the alleged acts of violence committed against certain native inhabitants of the state of Wassaw Fiase; whether an inquiry was held into these allegations by order of the Governor, and, if so, by whom it was conducted; and whether he will publish any reports received from the Gold Coast on these incidents or will allow access to such reports at the Colonial Office?

No special inquiry was held into the events to which the hon. Member refers, but my predecessor received a full report on the case from the Acting-Governor of the Gold Coast in October last. I do not propose to publish this report, but I will lay a copy in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of the police force of the Gold Coast is recruited from the northern territories and known as the escort police; and to what extent these police are, in general, familiar with the language and customs of the southern states, against whose inhabitants they are required to carry out punitive measures?

The escort police, most of whom are recruited from the Northern Territories, form approximately 60 per cent. of the total police force of the Gold Coast. As regards the second part of the question, I am asking the Governor for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that, owing to a legal technicality, Maltese born in Libya between the years 1912 and 1925 have been recently pronounced to be Libyan and not British subjects; whether he has received any representations from such persons; and, if so, what action does he propose to take?

I am not aware of any recent legislation on these lines, nor have I received any representations from persons affected by such legislation. I understand, however, that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is calling for a report upon the matter.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether he has any statement to make concerning plans for additional aerodromes in the county of Norfolk?

Two Royal Air Force aerodromes are at present under construction in Norfolk. I cannot say at this stage whether any further sites in this county will be utilised.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is prepared to give assurances that every precaution will be taken to ensure that the natural beauties of the district will be kept unspoilt, the bird life safeguarded, and ancient buildings preserved during bombing practices at the proposed new air base in South Carnarvonshire?

I can assure the hon. Member that all possible regard will be had to the amenities to which he refers. There is no danger to ancient buildings, as the bombing will take place out to sea, and experience at other ranges shows that no harm results to bird life.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any alteration in the degree of control by the Royal Air Force of the Fleet Air Arm or the coastal area is contemplated; and whether he can make any statement on the matter?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the quantity of butter consumed in the Air Force during the last 12 months; the quantity of margarine consumed for the same period; the quantities home-produced; the quantities imported and the countries of origin; and also the extra cost had the foodstuffs mentioned been bought and produced solely in this country and the ranks supplied with butter?

It would not be practicable, without disproportionate labour, to supply a complete answer to the hon. Member's question, but I am informed that during the last 12 months some 200 tons of margarine, all home-produced, were supplied by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to Royal Air Force stations at home. Margarine, as the hon. Member doubtless knows, is not issued in kind, but is purchased by the men's mess out of a cash allowance.

The right hon. Gentleman in his answer has referred to margarine only. There is no mention of butter in his reply. Will he answer my question with regard to butter?

What sort of education is there in the Royal Air Force which requires people to buy 200 tons of margarine a month?

May I have an answer to my question? I am entitled to an answer.

I have answered the question. The question asks what quantity of butter was consumed. My answer is to show that margarine is issued.

Am I to understand that butter is not supplied to any members of the Air Force, either officers or the ordinary ranks?

Not as a ration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of Royal Air Force machines equipped with Diesel engines?

No aircraft with compression ignition engines are at present in service in the Royal Air Force. Four aircraft of different types, however, have been, or are being equipped with such engines for experimental purposes.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is able to make any statement in reference to the loss of two Royal Air Force bombing aeroplanes forced down in the Channel and in Sussex?

I only received notice of this question a few minutes ago, and therefore I apologise to the House if the information which I give seems insufficient, but it is all that I have been able to collect up to the present moment.

It is with the deepest regret that I announce that the aircraft in the first case mentioned by the hon. Member, which was engaged in night operations, failed to return to Boscombe Down. At four a.m. notification was received from Le Bourget that a Royal Air Force machine with a crew of four had alighted on the sea two kilometres off Le Havre semaphore station, that one member of the crew had been picked up and that the search was being continued. A later signal reported that the aircraft itself had been located 200 yards from shore but the three members of the crew were still missing. Subsequently Pilot Flying-Officer Page reported that all four of the crew had tried to swim to shore. No further information has been received. The names of the missing personnel are Sergeant Walter Job, Aircraftman II. William Watkin, Aircraftman I. Cyril Bickham.

In the second case during air operations on 19th February, 1936, Sergeant Charles Deakin was piloting a Heyford aircraft of No. 10 (Bomber) Squadron with three passengers. At approximately one o'clock the aircraft struck the side of a hill at Beacon Hill, near Midhurst, resulting in the death of the three passengers. The pilot was slightly injured. The names of the dead are, Sergeant Edward McDermott, Leading Aircraftman George Westlake, and Leading Aircraftman Cyril Adam. I should like to express my Noble Friend's and my own deep sympathy with their relatives.

Has the Minister any information as to the height at which these machines were flying, and also whether in the case of night manoeuvres there is an adequate number of aerodromes equipped for use in connection with night flying if it should be necessary to use them in an emergency?

All necessary arrangements for using aerodromes at night are, of course, made, and flares are placed at all aerodromes that are likely to be used.

Can the Minister say in the second instance whether the accident was due to fog or weather conditions?

I am afraid I have given the House all the information that I have available at the moment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when the inquest on the "City of Khartoum," which was adjourned on 16th January, will be resumed; and what has been the cause of the delay?

Responsibility for the adjournment of the inquest, and its resumption in due course, rests not with the Air Ministry but with the Coroner, who stated that the adjournment was made pending completion of the investigation which is being conducted by the Inspector of Accidents.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when he expects to be able to give the House a full report on the "City of Khartoum" disaster?

I regret that I cannot at this stage forecast when the Inspector of Accidents' investigation will be completed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry has yet received from the Irish Transatlantic Corporation, Limited, the reports prepared by Sir Alan Cobham, and other experts, on the North Atlantic air route; and whether, as this company has acquired terminal sites in Northern Ireland and Nova Scotia, and proposes taking advantage of Treaty No. 38 (1934), between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government, for the purchase of aeronautical equipment, it will continue to receive the same Government support which it enjoyed up to 2nd October, 1935, in carrying out this work of vital moment to our Imperial communications?

The company have sent various reports to the Air Ministry, relating to proposed air bases, and their representatives have been given a number of interviews. It is not the case, however, that their schemes have received Government support, or that they were at any time given reason to suppose that they might expect either a subsidy or a mail contract.

Is it not a fact that it was due to the monopoly of Imperial Airways on air mail that altered the view of the Air Ministry as to giving a contract to this company?

There never was any question of a contract.

Is there any definite alternative to this route in the mind of the Minister?

I am afraid that that matter does not come into this question.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of the first point at which aeroplanes land on this side being in the United Kingdom?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a deputation is now proceeding from the city of Sydney and the city of St. John to Ottawa to oppose the monopoly given to Imperial Airways; and will he say whether the Dominions nave been consulted in considering the Empire Air Development Scheme?

The Dominions concerned have naturally been consulted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will give particulars of the agreement entered into in 1933 with regard to trans-Atlantic air services between Imperial Airways, Limited, Pan-American Air ways, and the Government of Newfound land; whether the British Government knew and approved of the agreement at the time, or at what date this occurred; and what the present position is?

I am not aware of any agreement of 1931. In 1933 there were, however, negotiations between the parties referred to in the hon. Member's question, but they were not pursued on the basis then contemplated. As regards the present position, it is hoped that recent negotiations will render possible the establishment of air services across the North Atlantic by Imperial Airways and Pan-American Airways in co-operation.

Is it the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage monopolies and to stop competition in the carrying of air mails?

More than a year ago it was decided to entrust this North Atlantic route to Imperial Airways.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, in view of the agreement of 1933, other companies have since been encouraged to go on with negotiations to do the work themselves?

There was no agreemen in 1933. Discussions took place with Newfoundland, but nothing came of them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what progress has now been made towards the establishment of a central airport for London?

This matter is under review by the committee under Sir Henry Maybury's chairmanship, to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) on 12th February.

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House what is the attitude of the London County Council towards the scheme?

The Corporation of the City of London have a great interest in this scheme, because it may be necessary to have more than one airport.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in view of the great congestion now existing at Croydon, he will ask the committee sitting under the chairmanship of Sir Henry Maybury to expedite their consideration as much as possible?

They are carefully considering the whole question, but I cannot say when their report will be published.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how often his Department hold examinations for navigators' certificates; and whether he has received any representations that they should be held more frequently?

The practice since June, 1935, has been to hold about four examinations a year, instead of the former two a year. Before then a few representations were received that the examinations should be more frequent; none have been received since.

In view of the increase of the number of pilots employed, and if my right hon. Friend receives further representations, will he sympathetically consider them?

Certainly, I shall be very glad to do so, if my hon. and gallant Friend will let we know.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what facilities, if any, are provided in this country for training civilian pilots in night flying for air-line operations?

Facilities for training in night flying up to the standard required for a "B" pilot's licence are available at a number of schools and flying clubs in this country. Operating companies have their own arrangements for training their pilots for night flying for air-line operations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many schools are capable of providing these facilities?

I cannot tell the hon. Member offhand. Perhaps he will put a Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can indicate to the House when the arrangements for the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward will be made public?

No, Sir. I cannot as yet say when an announcement will be possible.

Will the Prime Minister consider giving recognition to the unemployed of this country by allowing unemployed contingents to take part in the Coronation procession?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any precedent for withholding from publication for three months the Report of a Royal Commission; and, if not, whether he will give instructions for the appropriate department to publish without further delay the Report of the Royal Commission on Tithe Rentcharge?

Reports of Royal Commissions have been published at varying intervals after they have been made, although I have not found any case within recent years where so long a period as three months has elapsed between completion and publication. In the case of the Report of the Royal Commission on Tithe Rentcharge, the interval between completion and publication, has, I agree, been somewhat prolonged, but this has been with the object of elucidating certain matters arising out of the Report for the convenience of all concerned. The Report will be published by the end of next week.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, when the Report is made public, all these elucidations will be made available to those who receive copies of the Report?

I would suggest that the hon. Member should await the publication of the Report.

As these highly complex problems embodied in the Report apparently have taken the Government several weeks to elucidate, does he not think that we might also have the benefit of them?

My right hon. Friend has been elucidating the problems, and he assures me that all the elucidations will be properly put forward.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can make a statement regarding the proposed Forth road-bridge; what financial arrangements have been made; and what is to be the position of the local authorities?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the proposed Forth road-bridge?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding the Forth and Tay road-bridges?

I have considered the engineering reports and I think it may be accepted from a technical point of view that the most satisfactory site has now been found for a bridge over the Forth. I have informed the authorities that while I am not convinced, on the information before me, that the project possesses sufficient justification to warrant a grant from the Road Fund towards the estimated expenditure, of £3,250,000, of which the authorities have offered 10 per cent., I am prepared to consider carefully any detailed evidence which they are in a position to submit to me justifying the expenditure on economic and traffic grounds. I am prepared to take a similar course with regard to the proposed bridge over the Tay, the estimated cost of which is £2,100,000.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the intense disappointment that his answer will cause after all the time that has been taken to investigate this matter? Are we to understand that no endeavour has been made to obtain some evidence of the probable traffic results? Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the amount the local authorities will be required to contribute before he can give them a favourable answer?

The answer to the first part of the question is that I am not aware that my answer will cause disappointment. I should have thought that a careful answer would have given every satisfaction to careful people. I have merely asked for evidence that this project is justified on traffic grounds. Hitherto, it has been a question of its technical possibilities. Those have been examined and found to be justified, and it is for those who require a very large grant towards a very large expenditure to justify their case on traffic grounds.

:Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the financial possibilities of making these bridges toll bridges on the principle that even a toll bridge is better than no bridge at all?

Presumably it would be necessary to charge tolls if the local authorities could put up only 10 per cent, of this large expenditure.

Does the right hon. Gentleman wish the local authorities to make additional representations in writing or by deputation?

In the first instance I would suggest they should make them in writing.