asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability, with a view to securing that any increase in armaments shall form an effective contribution to the collective system, of proposing that a conference on the organisation of collective security should be held by the League of Nations with this object or, alternatively, that consultations shall take place between the countries principally concerned on the subject?

The proposition that national armaments should serve to strengthen the system of collective security under the Covenant, and that that system should be made as effective as is possible in existing circumstances, is one with which His Majesty's Government are in full accord. I do not think, however, that the action suggested by the hon. Member would be practicable at the present time.

Do I understand there is to be no consultation at all with regard to what contribution this country is going to make towards collective security in connection with the Governments' rearmament plan?

My hon. Friend will recall that the Disarmament Conference had a somewhat similar object. I am afraid I cannot say what is the exact procedure to be used.

Do I understand there is to be no contact or consultation whatever with other countries in this respect?

Could my right hon. Friend say whether the Defence Forces will be used to defend us as well as everybody else?

In view of the fact that we have been told in this House that we are to make a contribution to collective security, how is the right amount to be ascertained without any consultation? Who will decide?

Every nation has a national responsibility to aid in the scheme of collective security.

Is there to be no pooling?

I did not say there would be no pooling.

Is there any system of collective security in operation at this time?

Yes, Sir. The Covenant of the League of Nations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider suggesting to the League of Nations that Germany be invited at an early date to put before the League her territorial grievance arising out of the Treaty of Versailles, and also her views regarding the general question of access to the raw materials of the world?

The answer to the first part of the question is No, Sir. With regard to the second part, the hon. Member will be aware from recent statements in the House that the whole question of Colonial raw materials is under consideration by His Majesty's Government.

In coming to a conclusion with regard to the first part of his question, has the right hon. Gentleman borne in mind the difficulty which the public in this country has in coming to any calm and reasoned opinion regarding the German problem unless it knows authoritatively from some source what Germany considers to be her grievances?

Is there any ban on the export of raw materials from any territory administered by this country?

I do not think that is a question for me.

Do not the Germans want all they can get?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of statements that have been made in the countries concerned, he will make it clear that the policy of the British Government in the Near East is directed towards securing concord and co-operation between all States in general and, in particular, between Yugoslavia and Bulgaria?

I do not know to what statements the hon. Member refers, but I feel sure that the long standing desire of His Majesty's Government to encourage good relations between Yugoslavia and Bulgaria, and between all other States in the Near East, is sufficiently well known not to require any special declaration on my part of the kind suggested.

Would my right hon. Friend in this connection be good enough to bear in mind the recent conspiracy trial at Sofia and use his good offices in the direction of clemency?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information concerning the negotiations between Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini which took place before, and concerned, the Abyssinian campaign; and whether a document sent by the German officials to Signor Mussolini on the military prospects of such a campaign was sent to the Foreign Office, on what date, and what were its contents?

The answer to both parts of the question is No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to what extent the special measures taken in connection with the Italo-Abyssinian dispute represent an acceleration of naval construction, and why this acceleration was necessary as a special measure?

The only special measure of acceleration arising directly from the Italo-Abyssinian dispute was the purchase of 20 trawlers. The reasons for this and any other alterations to our existing programmes were fully debated on Monday last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether conversations between representatives of the defence services of this country, France, and Germany, and the other signatories, have taken place or are contemplated in connection with steps which might have to be taken to carry out the Treaty of Locarno; and whether, in view of recent consultations of a similar nature in connection with Mediterranean security, action on the above lines will be taken?

The answer to both parts of the question is No, Sir.

But if Locarno is to be an effective instrument, is it not essential that it should be worked out in detail on the technical side?

The hon. Gentleman is confusing two things. The inquiries of the Mediterranean Powers took place after a breach of the. Covenant.

Is it not better to make inquiries and to have arrangements made before rather than after?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether lie has received any representations from the German government on the Franco-Russian pact and, if so, of what nature; and whether the attitude of Germany to the Locarno Treaty is in any way modified by the arrangements embodied in the Franco-Russian pact?

The German Government informed the Powers signatory of the Treaty of Locarno on 25th May, 1935, of their view of the relation of the Franco-Russian Treaty of Mutual Assistance, signed on 2nd May, 1935, with the Treaty of Locarno. This attitude is re-explained and amplified in the German Government's communiqué of 21st February which was published in the London Press the following day.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will call for a report from the Minister at Addis Ababa as to whether any Englishman or Englishwoman has been kidnapped and sold as slaves in Ethiopia during the last year?

No, Sir. I have no information of any such event. I am confident that His Majesty's Minister would at once have reported any occurrence of this description and taken appropriate action had it in fact occurred.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this allegation was made recently by Lady Houston in the "Saturday Review"?

Who is Lady Houston?

I do not know, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the negotiations for a treaty with Egypt?

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made in the course of the Debate on Monday last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the present number of unestablished employés in His Majesty's naval establishments who have 10 years or more continuous service to their credit; and whether he will now consider making arrangements for such employés to be placed on the established list provided that their services have been satisfactory?

The number of hired workpeople in the various Admiralty establishments at home with 10 years' continuous service or more is 19,456. In addition there are 302 non-industrial employés of similar service who are not established, and 93 persons belonging to grades normally established who have been ineligible for establishment for medical reasons or because they are over the age limit. Since the present established complement of industrial employés has been gradually reduced, and was on 1st January last 9,704, it would be out of the question to make such a large addition to it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether arrangements have yet been made to readjust the quota of men placed on the established list in His Majesty's naval establishment to one for one; and, if not, by what date it may to anticipated that such a ratio will be in operation?

At present only one vacancy in every four occurring in the established list in the Royal Dockyards and other Admiralty industrial establishments at home is being filled, but the relaxation of this rule is under consideration. The question will shortly be discussed on the Admiralty Industrial Council.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the date of the appointment of the Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean and the date of the expiration of this appointment?

Admiral Sir W. W. Fisher was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, 30th September, 1932. His period of command will terminate shortly.

Is it not a fact that his successor was appointed some months ago but has not taken up the appointment because he is attached to the Staff, and, in view of the fact that that is rather unfair on the other senior officers in the Service, could we have any information as to how long that is likely to continue?

I have already answered the hon. and gallant Member's question.

Can no information be given as to how long that state of affairs is likely to continue?

I said it would terminate shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty by what date the Singapore base will be sufficiently advanced to enable a squadron to be placed there?

It is anticipated that the base will be ready for general use in the financial year 1939.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in January, 1935, a committee was set up by the Government of Palestine to investigate and report on the conditions of labour existing at the port of Jaffa, including wages, hours of work, conditions of employment, and stevedores' charges; that no report has so far been presented; and will he state the cause of delay in presenting a report?

I am not sure what committee the hon. Member has in mind, but I will ask the High Commissioner for Palestine for information in the subject of his inquiry.

When communicating with the High Commissioner, will the right hon. Gentleman ask him to expedite the report of the district commissioner at Jaffa on the conditions of the local work-people?

I shall certainly include that in the inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the High Commissioner for Palestine is coming home and what are the reasons for his return?

I have no reason to suppose that the High Commissioner for Palestine contemplates visiting this country in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that under Section 4 (a) of the Immigration Amendment Bill, 1936, proposed by the Palestine Government, if a foreigner is charged with entering Palestine or remaining there as a traveller or on a transit visa after the permitted period, the onus of showing that he is lawfully in Palestine is on the accused person; and whether he will take steps to secure modification of these proposals in conformity with the principles of British law?

I am aware of the provision referred to, and I consider that it is justified in the special circumstances of Palestine, in order that attempts at evasion of the immigration law may be more effectively dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the congestion and delay in the telephone service of Palestine, in particular with regard to the delay in obtaining communication between such towns as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa; and whether it is proposed to take any steps at an early date to remedy this matter and, in particular, to introduce up-to-date apparatus?

Yes, Sir. Every effort is being made by the Palestine Government to remedy the delay and congestion which have occurred and to introduce the most modern equipment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to issue the Order in Council safeguarding the White Highlands of Kenya, as was recommended in the report of the Carter Commission more than 18 months ago?

It is the intention of His Majesty's Government that an Order in Council shall be issued to define the boundaries of the Highlands. I am not yet in a position to say when it will be issued.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will take much longer before the recommendations are carried out?

I hope not, but it is the intention to give effect to the Commission's report.

Is it intended to carry out the recommendations in their entirety; and is it not the fact that in the last 18 months difficulties have cropped up in this regard?

The recommendations are well known, but the policy of the Government is stated in the White Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the petition from chief Koinange and other representatives of the Kikuyu people, begging that a deputation be allowed to proceed to London to make representations on the question of native rights in land; and whether, in order to allay the fears of the Kikuyu on this matter, which were noted with concern by the Joint Select Committee on Closer Union in East Africa, he will encourage the sending of such a deputation?

I have not received any petition asking to be allowed to send a deputation to London. The Land Commission, presided over by Sir Morris Carter, was set up for the purpose of settling the land question in Kenya and I am not prepared to encourage the sending of a deputation. Any tribe which wishes to make representations must do so through the Governor.

Is it not a fact that difficulties have cropped up in regard to this question that were not foreseen originally; and is it not time that this question was gone into again of these natives having the right to remain on their own land?

It may well be that there are difficulties and I would be prepared to answer a question on that point, but nothing could be worse than to give encouragement in this House to the idea that any tribe or any body can appeal to London, irrespective of recognising the Governor on the spot who is there for that purpose.

Would it not be right to encourage them in thinking that this Government will care for their rights which they have had from time immemorial?

It would be right for them to think that this Government will look after their rights, but it would be wrong to encourage them not to recognise the tribunal on the spot to which they should appeal.

Does that mean that in no circumstances, whatever difficulties arise, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to encourage a deputation of natives?

No, it does not mean that. It does mean—and no one has emphasised this more than my hon. Friend did when he was in office—that there is a channel for communication and that channel is the Governor. That must always be recognised.

May we take it that these grievances will be gone into and attended to before the Order-in-Council is put into operation, to which the right hon. Gentleman referred in answer to a previous question?

I am afraid that my hon. Friend is confusing two things. The answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Donner) dealt with the definition of boundaries. I understand my hon. Friend to be asking about a different aspect of the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the mining developments in Kenya Colony, how the rates of the royalties and other charges payable on the profits of mining undertakings have been fixed; what steps have been taken to secure that due regard shall be paid to the interests of the native community; when these rates and charges were last fixed; whether they are kept under review; and whether they have been increased when circumstances required?

The rates of royalty and other charges are prescribed by regulations issued under the Mining Ordinance. The last set of regulations was issued in February, 1934. It is possible for them to be reviewed from time to time but royalties have not been increased since that date. The present rate is 5 per cent. on the gross sum realised from the gold won. Other charges, such as fees for licences, leases, etc., are also prescribed in the regulations. With regard to the native community, ample provision exists for compensation for disturbance and the latest report on native affairs draws attention to the fact that disputes and claims are few.

As there are disputes, quite a number of which are well-known to the right hon. Gentleman, is it not time to take this matter into review?

I have communicated to the Governor my hon. Friend's question, and when I get his report, I shall not hesitate to let the hon. Member know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the reply of the Government of Kenya to his inquiry about the holding up of Press messages from Nairobi for local and overseas newspapers?

I have not yet received a reply to my inquiry. When I do I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state what action, if any, has been taken as a result of the report of the Commission which inquired into the disturbances in the copper belt of Northern Rhodesia?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 19th February to the hon. Member for Jarrow (Miss Wilkinson), and I am sending to the hon. Member copies of the despatches referred to in that reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the prices obtained by the planters in the West Indies for sugar in 1929, and for each year since that date; and what was the average rate of wages paid to labourers on sugar plantations in each of those years?

As the reply is rather long and contains a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the total amount saved annually to his Department by the use of margarine instead of butter?

An exact calculation is not possible, but the amount may be taken as not less than £25,000.

Will the right hon. Baronet undertake that the meanness of successive Governments, including my own, in this matter will be rectified at an early date?

It is a question of expense. Of course we act in conformity with the practice in the older services which have to provide for far larger numbers of personnel.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that the Air service is a long way in advance of the older services?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when he

The squadron will be equipped with training type aircraft for ab initio training and with a light bomber type for service duties. The formation of the squadron at Hooton is in progress, but I cannot yet say when it will be completed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the representations for an aerodrome to be established on the part of Cannock Chase previously occupied as a military camp; and if his Department has considered whether the available land is suitable for such a project?

Representations received some 18 months ago are being borne in mind in case a Royal Air Force aerodrome in the locality should be found necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the reduction in the Supplementary Estimate for the cost of aeroplanes means that the industry is unable to produce on the scale required by the Government; and whether the Government consequently propose to make the industry more efficient by taking it under public ownership and control?

The answer to the first part is in the negative; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of flying clubs in receipt of subsidies as at 31st December, 1934, and 31st December, 1935, and the number of A licensed pilots on the roll of membership of such clubs at the same dates?

Thirty clubs and 1,823 pilots on 31st December, 1934, and 42 clubs and 2,489 pilots on 31st December, 1935. I should add that there are a large number of flying members in addition who do not hold "A" licences.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the attitude of the Air Ministry on the subject of the grant of a subsidy for a trans-Atlantic airship service; and whether such a subsidy will receive sympathetic consideration despite the existing agreement with Imperial Airways?

There is no present intention of granting a subsidy for the establishment of a trans-Atlantic airship service, though this is not precluded by the arrangements with Imperial Airways.

Will the Minister, before he gives any subsidy to these folk, see that the people who have to eat £25,000 worth of margarine get butter instead?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of private owners flying their own machines who held flying licences in 1935 and the corresponding number in 1934 and 1928, respectively?

The precise information asked for is not available. The num- ber of aircraft used for private purposes at the end of 1935 was 589, the corresponding figures for 1934 and 1928 being 478 and 125 respectively. The number of private owners is now about 500; some own more than one aircraft.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of owner-pilots who had less than ten hours and more than 100 hours of flying, respectively, registered on their pilot's logbooks during the year for which renewal of their flying licences was applied for in 1935, 1934, and 1928, respectively?

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

Is the Minister aware that every owner has to send in his logbook and supply complete information as to the flying hours for each year, in order to get his licence and that this year further particulars are being asked from private owners who have to fill up forms giving those particulars and whether such an expensive department ought to be maintained for inquiring into all these matters when simple information such as I have inquired for is not made available?

The renewal of licences by the Air Ministry is given on evidence being produced that the minimum number of hours flying has been performed by the owner of the aircraft in the past 12 months. The Air Ministry do not propose to keep all the statistics of the flying hours of every individual owner.

Is it not the case, that every detail is inquired for by the Air Ministry; and is the Minister aware that in my own case they kept my log-book for three weeks and that I had to write to them to get it back.

That shows that it must have been a very interesting book.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of unscheduled landings, due to lack of fuel, made by Imperial Airways machines operating during 1934 on the London-Egypt, Egypt-South Africa, and Egypt-India-Singapore routes, respectively?

Imperial Airways arrangements include provision for stops for refuelling, when occasion requires, at aerodromes or landing grounds not scheduled in their published time-tables. No record exists at the Air Ministry of such landings, which present no abnormal feature in operating conditions which necessitate them. I am informed that there were no forced landings due to lack of fuel in 1934.

In view of the very serious consequences that landings due to lack of fuel may have, would it not be advisable that these landings should in future be scheduled?

These are not in any way forced landings.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air under what terms Imperial Airways, Limited, have agreed to surrender their privileged position on air lines north of the line London-Berlin?

The Board of Imperial Airways agreed readily, and without conditions of any sort, to waive their contractual rights in the area in question. They further undertook to co-operate fully with any new undertaking in this field to which His Majesty's Government might decide to give financial assistance, and I should like to take this opportunity of paying a tribute to their public-spirited attitude.

Does this mean that Imperial Airways may still compete with the subsidised companies on this particular route, although not themselves receiving a subsidy?

Imperial Airways will co-operate with them if necessary, but they have waived their rights to subsidy over this route, as I said in my original answer.

Have they promised that they will not fly over this route in competition with this new subsidised company?

Well, they have surrendered their privileges over this route, so why should they wish to run a service?

Has the surrender been accomplished without any compensation whatever?

Yes, Sir.

Is the surrender irrevocable, or can they change their minds and compete with the new company, or is it merely in the discretion of the Ministry?

There is nothing mysterious behind it at all, and there is no reason why the hon. Member should be so full of suspicion.

Is the surrender contractually irrevocable? Can the right hon. Gentleman answer that?

Did the right hon. Gentleman not say last week that Imperial Airways were starting services with Deutsche Lufthause and sending over two pilots to prospect the facilities for night flying?

Yes, but only between Croydon and Berlin.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has arranged for either the salvage of the hull of the flying-boat "City of Khartoum," or its inspection by a diver, in order that certain important technical questions arising from this disaster may be answered?

The wreckage has already been inspected several times by divers, and the three engines were recovered. Attempts were also made to raise the aircraft as a whole, but without success, and according to my latest information the idea of salvage has had, therefore, to be finally abandoned.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in view of the large concourse of naval personnel at Alexandria now, it is not possible to obtain the services of an Admiralty diver to inspect this hull so as to obtain certain technical information which it is most essential that we should possess in order that this grave disaster may be solved?

I gather that all that it is possible to do in this connection has been done.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to further reducing road casualties and as a warning to pedestrians as to the dangers of not exercising caution when crossing roads, he will consider having prominently painted on the surface of the roads at all dangerous crossings the words, "Look before you cross"?

This is frequently done in appropriate cases.

Does not the Minister agree that if this was done more than it is, it would make the pedestrian public more careful before crossing the road?

Yes, I think it should be done in appropriate cases, but it is for the highway authorities to take action wherever it may be required.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider getting into communication with highway authorities to see that they do make use of this warning?

There is a variety of conditions, and I should hesitate to issue a circular on the subject, but I think the fact that the hon. Member has asked these questions will draw attention to the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department has yet had brought to its notice, or has discovered, any adequate anti-dazzle motorcar headlight lamps to eliminate dazzle, and at the same time providing a satisfactory driving light which is not dependent on dipping or turning, and which satisfies all other requirements of his Department?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport what complaints or deputations he has received complaining of the results of Sub-section (2) of Section 11 of the Road Traffic Act, 1933, so far as road transport operations are concerned; and whether he will consider introducing amending legislation in this respect?

Parliament recently decided to establish machinery for enabling objections to be lodged and considered, and it is for the licensing authorities and not for me to decide what weight should be attached to them. I should not presume, on the evidence before me, to invite Parliament to overthrow a system which provides a judicial method of furnishing the community with goods transport facilities in an orderly way.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the design of the modern motor-car has a tendency to limit the range of vision of the driver, thereby contributing to road accidents; and will he consult the motor manufacturers relative to this matter, with a view to preventing this cause of accidents?

I am aware of this tendency, and I am in consultation with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether detailed investigations have been made by his Department into the proposal to construct a certain portion of the new western exit from London over the railway track of the London Passenger Transport Board; and what was the estimated cost of this alternative scheme?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington. (Sir W. Davison) on Wednesday, 19th February, which I do not feel that I can amplify.

In view of the special feature of this type of road that no pedestrian can be killed thereon, does not my right hon. Friend think that the saving of lives of pedestrians would justify him in spending a little more money in order to improve the safety of the roads in this section of London?

I am ready to receive any helpful suggestions for the improvement of the present situation, and whenever a scheme is put before me that is practicable I shall be very glad to encourage it. It is merely a question of the merits of any particular proposals.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a report from the traffic commissioners relative to the prosecution of a transport contractor at Taunton who was fined £6 10s. for permitting two employés to drive lorries excessive hours, one of whom had 13 times worked more than 14 hours per day; how many similar cases have occurred in the past 12, months; and will he take steps to protect vehicle drivers against loss of employment if they communicate with the Ministry about the excessive hours they are compelled to work?

Such cases are not reported to me. I am sure that the authorities fully appreciate the necessity of taking such steps as they can to prevent drivers being unfairly penalised.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the frequency of serious accidents at the Beckhampton cross roads, Wiltshire; and whether he can assist in fulfilling the wish of the justices that immediate steps be taken for their prevention?

Yes, Sir, and I am ready to make a grant for an improvement, which has been delayed owing to difficulties—I hope soon to be overcome—in the way of acquiring the necessary land.

Will the grant be sufficient to enable this important work to be carried through?

I think amply sufficient.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to construct any new cycle tracks for the benefit of bicyclists on Scottish roads?

Yes, Sir. Seven miles of cycle tracks have been already proposed by Scottish authorities, and I shall give every encouragement to proposals for the construction of further tracks where these appear to be desirable.

Does the word "bicycle" mean that no tricycles will be allowed on the tracks?

Has my right hon. Friend received any representations against cycling tracks from Scottish cycling organisations?

Not so far as my recollection serves me, but I should not be surprised if I had received representations from them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the fact that the French authorities have successfully introduced for the last 10 years the system of parking cars on alternate days on different sides of the streets, he will consider the desirability of adopting a similar practice in this country; and, if his Department is adverse to any such action, whether he will state what are the reasons actuating it?

I have already confirmed a number of Orders made by local authorities which establish systems of this kind, and I am always ready to take similar action when a local authority makes application for this purpose and when local conditions justify.

Does not the Minister think it very much better to have separate parking places than to allow the parking of cars all down a busy street which is very inconvenient?

I entirely identify myself with the suggestion in that question. Parliament has given local authorities full powers to provide proper accommodation, and I hope that they will avail themselves of their powers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a motorist runs greater risk of prosecution by parking in a public parking place than by parking on a public highway?

Will my right hon. Friend recommend local authorities to use their powers in this matter?

I will consider that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any reply to his request for traffic figures to justify the erection of the projected Forth and Tay road-bridges; and whether, if he has not already got the required information in his possession, he will now indicate to the local authorities precisely what information he requires?

I am in communication with the authorities concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread opinion that nobody is better able than himself to supply the information from Census returns and other means at his disposal which are not at the disposal of the local authorities?

I think that that is a somewhat paradoxical point of view. As the highway authorities in a certain part of Scotland are making a request to me to incur an expenditure which amounts to about £5,500,000, I called upon them to justify the traffic case on which this request was made.

Is this the first time that the traffic case has been asked to be justified? Have no efforts been made during the long years in which this matter has been in hand to get some estimate which can only be conjectural with regard to traffic justification?

In the past it has been purely a technical question as to whether a bridge could be built and, if so, at which spot. Before making the grant I requested an investigation to find out whether the proposition was practical from the engineering point of view. I am satisfied that it is practicable, and it is now a question of whether it can be justified on traffic grounds having regard to the vast expenditure involved, and I am prepared to listen to the case.

Has nothing been done in the way of providing probable figures of traffic results prior to this time?

For many years past there have been conjectures, but I desire to make it plain that I must be satisfied there is a case, and I am not satisfied.

asked the Minister of Transport how many technical assistants, as distinct from clerical and other workers, are employed by the Ministry, and what are their aggregate salaries?

Full particulars of the technical and non-technical staff of the Ministry are to be found in the Estimates, but if my hon. Friend requires tabulation on some other basis and will send me particulars, I will readily do what I can to furnish them.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that his technical staff is sufficient to enable him to form full conclusions on the very many important matters in his charge, and does he consider that the salaries which these gentlemen are paid are adequate to secure the very best men for this important work?

It would be my duty to make requests for additional officers or for additional salaries if I were not satisfied.

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government propose to take to implement the promise that no excessive profits will be made in the production of war material?

I can add nothing to what I have said in reply to previous questions on this subject, to which I would refer the hon. Member.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to take any special step to prevent Members of this House or of another place profiteering out of the Government's rearmament programme?

Have any of those previous questions supplied the faintest indication of any such profiteering?

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to place before the House some specific plan. While recognising the difficulties shall we know what the Government proposals are?

Whenever the occasion should arise, of course that will be done.

asked the Prime Minister in view of the large turnover from coal fuel to oil fuel in transport and industry, what authority is responsible for estimating the probable requirements and reserves of fuel oil necessary for civil, military, and naval use in this country in the event of war; and whether the authority is a central co-ordinating one in touch with all the probable increased demands for oil and petrol likely to arise instantly in the event of war, especially from industrial users?

There is a standing Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, on which all the Service as well as -the Civil Departments concerned are represented, which is the central co-ordinating authority and keeps regularly under review the matters referred to by the hon. Member.

In view of the fact that much of our oil supplies come in by seaborne tanks, will the Prime Minister assure himself, in view of the importance of oil supplies to this country, that those who are responsible for these calculations and estimates are fully alive to the fact that tank tonnage is more vulnerable than any other sea-going vessels to the new form of attack from the air and to underwater attack, and will he assure himself that they arc fully alive to the fact that any calculations based on the experience of losses in the last war are very liable to be wrong?

I can assure my hon. Friend that there is represented on this body a very large amount of expert knowledge, and that they are in very close and constant touch with the whole oil situation.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will avail itself of the opportunity which has arisen for removing the block of buildings standing in Parliament Square known as Westminster House, immediately behind the statue of Canning; and, seeing that this is a national and not merely a civic improvement, will he get into touch with the Middlesex County Council and the London County Council on the matter, as these two public bodies are prepared to assist in providing the necessary expenditure which will enable the site to be cleared thereby adding to the amenities both of the Houses of Parliament and of Westminster Abbey?

This question has been carefully considered by the Government, who have reached the conclusion that the proposed improvement is not one which would justify a departure from the ordinary practice that the cost of improvements to cities should be paid for by local authorities. Consequently, they could not approve the application of the taxpayer's money to this purpose.

Would my right hon. Friend not consider that Parliament Square, which is bounded on two sides by the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey and on the third side by Government offices, is a matter which is a very special trust to the Imperial Government, and especially to the National Government, and is he aware that a grant of a little over £100,000 from the Treasury would secure this national improvement for ever to the public, and that the land would be handed over to the Office of Works for permanent occupation?

If that sum would really be the limit, I cannot think it is beyond the power of London itself to provide it.

Will my right hon. Friend confer with the London County Council and the Middlesex County Council on this matter?

I cannot give any undertaking for the moment.

Is it not a fact that it was the financial barons who prevented the Middlesex County Council taking over this land some time ago?

asked the President of the Board of Trade with which foreign countries trade negotiations are now taking place or contemplated; whether any such negotiations with the United States of America are likely to take place in the near future; and whether he will provide a list of those countries with which no trade negotiations of any kind have taken place since 1931?

Commercial negotiations are taking place with Peru and arrangements have been made for further discussions with Denmark. The Government, following their declared policy, have under constant review the possibility of negotiating trade agreements with foreign countries. Informal exchanges of views have taken place from time to time with the United States of America, with the object of ascertaining whether a basis exists for negotiations but these exchanges have so far been of a purely exploratory nature. In reply to the last part of the question, I think that my hon. Friend's purpose will best be served by circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of foreign countries with which trade and payments agreements have been concluded since 1931.

Is it not a fact that 15 months ago, in answer to a question put by me, it was indicated that an agreement with Peru was about to be entered upon? Does it take 15 months to make any progress?