asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Government will consult recognised industrial area development organisations in the matter of the suitable location of new factories for aircraft production, with a view to considering their recommendations in consultation with firms with whom special and exceptional arrangements may be contemplated?

Numerous factors have to be taken into account in deciding the best location of new factories, and, among these, full weight is given to any representations which may have been received from recognised industrial area development organisations. The most practical and convenient course is for such organisations to communicate with the Ministry, making such representations as they see fit; and this has been done in a number of cases.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether Government financial support, over and above the payment at market rates for the manufactures purchased by the State, is involved in the scheme for the erection of aircraft factories by two leading firms of motorcar manufacturers; whether the Government will ensure that the sites chosen for the new factories, whilst being in accordance with the strategical necessities of the case, will contribute to that fair division of economic activity over the different parts of the country which it is the frequently-declared desire of the Government to witness, and avoid demands for labour and social services in areas where demand already exceeds supply?

The erection and equipment of the supplementary factories or extensions will, as a rule, be financed by His Majesty's Government and both shops and plant will remain Government property. As regards the second part of the question, both in selecting these firms and siting the factories, all relevant considerations have been, and will be, taken fully into account, including those mentioned by my hon. Friend. It will, however, be essential in most cases, on economic, technical and administrative grounds, that the actual factories should be situated within reasonable distance of the main existing works.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will give the number of machines (service aircraft) at present in use in the Royal Air Force that are not equipped with the slot safety device?

There are at present 21 squadrons equipped with types not fitted with slots. The types concerned are flying boats and single-seater machines with a total fast-line strength of approximately 175 aircraft.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give figures showing the numbers of horses of various classes imported into this country for each of the last five years, the countries of origin, and the total values of the horses imported each year?

I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a statement giving the information for which he asks.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes introducing legislation to deal with the recommendations of the Sea Fish Commission on the white fish industry?

The Commission's recommendations are now receiving the careful consideration of the Ministers concerned, and I am net at present in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the prosperity which Mexico is now enjoying, he will request His Majesty's representative in Mexico to report on the reasons for the continued default of the Mexican. Government to make good its obligations towards the British holders of Mexican Government bonds; and whether His Majesty's Government proposes to take any steps to protect the interests of British investors as regards these loans?

His Majesty's Minister at Mexico City furnishes me with regular reports on the attitude of the Mexican Government towards their foreign debt obligations and I do not think that any special instructions on the subject are necessary. His Majesty's Government have, however, noted with regret the failure of the Mexican Government hitherto to give any practical effect to the declaration made by the Mexican President on the 17th August last that his Government intended to meet their obligations: and my hon. Friend may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will always be prepared to give careful consideration to any suggestion on this subject which may be made by the recognised representatives of the British bondholders.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the need for international co-operation in dealing with the question of refugees, he will set up an inquiry into the convention on the international status of refugees which was passed by the Inter-governmental Conference in October, 1933, with a view to its adoption by His Majesty's Government with, or without, reservations?

The question of acceding to this convention is at the present time the subject of active examination by the competent Departments of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any prosecutions have taken place under the Importation of Plumage (Prohibition) Act during the last five years?

There have been no prosecutions in connection with the Importation of Plumage (Prohibition) Act, 1921, during the last five years.

asked the Minister of Transport what mileage of Class I roads in Great Britain is provided with footpaths suitable for the use of pedestrians and grass margins suitable for the use of ridden and driven animals; and what proportion of the whole this mileage represents?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport the terms of reference of the Transport Advisory Council, under the chairmanship of Lord Goschen, under which all means of transport are to be reviewed; and whether all representative interests will be taken into consideration?

The Council have set up a committee of its members "to investigate the subject of service and rates in relation to goods traffic borne by rail, canal, road and coastwise shipping." The present chairman is the Right Hon. Sir Arthur Griffith-Boscawen.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any allocation of moneys under the five-year road plan is contemplated for the purpose of repairing and/or maintaining farm service, roads in rural areas?

Grants to the maintenance of unclassified roads in county areas were discontinued by the Local Government Act, 1929, which instituted the system of block grants from the central Exchequer in general relief of local government expenditure.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is yet in a position to announce any alteration in the omnibus fares charged to children travelling between Minchinhampton and Amberley, Gloucester, and Stroud, Gloucester.

I understand that new scales of fares for children have been authorised by the Traffic Commissioners on these routes and will be-brought into operation on 5th April.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make any statement as to the present position of the different schemes for by-passing Chatham and Rochester?

I understand that a scheme has been prepared by the Regional Planning Committee but that the responsible Highway Authority has come to no decision on the question of the by-pass.