asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of persons now employed at the Foreign Office and the number so employed in 1914?

The staff of the Foreign Office and Passport Office, including the staff of messengers, cleaners, etc., amounts to 794, as compared with 189 in 1914.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether negotiations have been completed for taking over a portion of the new block of flats of Lansdowne House, Berkeley Square, in order to accommodate some departments of the Admiralty; and whether alternative accommodation could have been obtained at less cost?

Arrangements have been completed to lease a portion of Lansdowne House for the Admiralty, at a rent which compares favourably with rents paid elsewhere for office accommodation in Central London. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is it necessary for the Government to choose for their offices the most expensive sites in the centre of the West End, and would it not be more economical to go to a less expensive part of London?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any recent reports from His Majesty's Ambassador or His Majesty's Consuls in China as to the measures which are being taken by the Chinese Government to give effect to the recommendations of the Anti-Opium Committee of the League of Nations?

I presume my hon. Friend has in mind the Opium Advisory Committee of the League of Nations, which, so far as my right hon. Friend is aware, has made no formal recommendations to the Chinese Government. His Majesty's Government receive from time to time reports from His Majesty's Ambassador in China on the situation in regard to narcotics in that country and the measures taken by the Chinese Government in respect of it.

Will my noble friend consider the question of placing in the Library the reports from the Ambassador?

I will certainly consider that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Germany has modified her claim to repudiate treaties; and whether, in the forthcoming negotiations, he will invite the German Government to suggest a tribunal before which disputes can be brought and the decisions of which will be respected?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the terms of the German Government's memoranda dated 24th March and 31st March, which have been published in the Press.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make a statement concerning the use of superheated steam in His Majesty's ships; and whether the system has been a success or whether it was in any way responsible for the failure of His Majesty's ship "Amphion" to complete her trials?

In accordance with modern practice, superheated steam has been used in His Majesty's ships since 1927. It has contributed in no small degree to the economy and efficiency of the machinery installations. Its adoption has been entirely successful and was in no way responsible for the defects that have occurred in His Majesty's ship "Amphion."

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any experiments are in progress regarding the use of pulverised coal, in conjunction with oil fuel, for firing the boilers of His Majesty's ships?

Experiments in the use of pulverised coal and oil mixtures have been carried out. They have, however, been discontinued for His Majesty's ships, since this method of firing is at present unsuitable for highly forced naval boilers; difficulties also arise as regards supply, transport and storage which make the method impracticable in the case of naval vessels.

Is that the reason why there are 14,000 more miners out of work this month that there were last month?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has considered granting marriage allowance to young married men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and increasing the annual bounties granted to men of that Reserve, having regard to the concessions which are to be made to the Territorial Army?

I am glad to be able to announce that, as from 1st April, marriage allowance is payable to all married men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve of the age of 21 or over. The bounty has also been increased on the lines recently approved for the Territorial Army.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this concession is likely to be very greatly appreciated by the men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of extending establishment to all dockyard employés after 10 years' service?

It is important to maintain a proper proportion between the numbers of hired and established work-people in the Royal Dockyards, and to select men for establishment on grounds of merit and not merely length of service. For these reasons the Admiralty are not prepared to adopt the course suggested in the question. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, approval has recently been given to relax certain restrictions in the filling of vacancies for establishment.

Does my hon. Friend not consider that if the men were established it would tend towards greater contentment among them and better control by those who look after them?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many officers under the age of 35 have retired from His Majesty's Navy during the past three years under the various schemes to encourage early retirement in order to reduce excess numbers; and whether he will consider the desirability of arranging to re-engage some of these officers who are willing to rejoin, in view of the decision to increase the personnel?

102 officers under the age of 35 at the date of retirement have retired from the Royal Navy since 1st April, 1933, under the various special retirement schemes. There is no present intention of re-entering any of these officers on the active list.

Is my hon. Friend aware that some of these retired naval officers take their retirement somewhat to heart, and could he not consider offering facilities for these men to rejoin if they so desire?

The majority of the officers in question retired voluntarily.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any estimate has been made of the annual saving which will result from the provisions of the London Naval Treaty of 1936?

I regret that it is impossible to make any statement of saving such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests. In order to make such an estimate, it would be necessary to take into account not only the building programmes to be undertaken during the whole period of the Treaty but also the possible large increase in the sizes of the ships which would have been built if the Treaty had not been made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the tonnage of Government orders allocated to the Clyde and Tyne, respectively, during the last three years, giving figures for each year?

During the calendar years 1933, 1934, and 1935, warship orders allocated to the Clyde district amounted to approximately 20,200 tons, 31,800 tons and 19,650 tons respectively, and to the Tyne district 8,200 tons, 23,400 tons and 11,700 tons respectively.

In view of the very unsatisfactory comparison between the Clyde and the Tyne, can we have an assurance that the Government will endeavour to rectify the position by using their best influences to ensure that the second Cunarder shall come to the Tyne?

In view of the answer to a supplementary question the other day, would the Noble Lord consider calling a conference of shipbuilders of the Tyne and the Clyde, in order to ascertain why there is this difference of tenders, and to get an equal allocation between the two, as in pre-war days?

It is possible that in answer to a supplementary question I laid too much stress upon the price of the tenders, but there are other reasons besides price which affect the allocation of orders. I would like to point out that the Clyde, with six shipbuilding firms, has 45 slips, whereas the Tyne, with three firms, has 28 slips.

Can the Noble Lord tell us the relative position of the shipyards on the two rivers in pre-war days?

Is it not because the Clyde is obviously suffering from an inferiority complex that the Government give it preferential treatment?

Will the hon. Gentleman take the Mersey into consideration?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has satisfied himself by inquiry that Messrs. Jamieson and Company, sheet metal workers, 55–57, Rimsdale Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow, S.E., not only pay wages in accordance with the trades union rate but that the employés receive wages in excess of those generally paid in the trade; and whether he accepts this firm as in every way eligible to receive Admiralty contracts?

The Admiralty have no reason to doubt that Messrs. Jamieson and Company are fulfilling the undertaking, which they gave before being noted on the Admiralty List, that they would strictly observe the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons. As stated in reply to questions on 12th and 16th March, Messrs. Jamieson and Company have no Admiralty orders, and no need for investigating the wages paid by them has therefore arisen, but, in view of the exceptional publicity which has been given to the matter, an opportunity to do so will be taken when the Admiralty inspector visits Scotland in a few weeks time.

In view of the visit just referred to, and after further inquiry has been made, will the hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a more definite statement to the House, that this firm have always complied with Admiraltly requirements, and that the statement made on 12th March is entirely without foundation?

Before he replies, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the question of 12th March was put on information supplied by a friend of mine in Glasgow whom I have always found reliable, and will the hon. Gentleman expedite inquiry into this matter so that the position may be cleared up and the true position be fully stated?

I am glad to see that the two hon. Gentlemen are in agreement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can make any statement with regard to the subsidiary naval treaty which is to be drafted to cover the use of submarines in war; which nations will be invited to discuss, as potential signatories, this subsidiary treaty; and whether, in view of the recent increase in the number of submarines by Russia, he can undertake that Russia will be invited to participate in this matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut. - Commander Fletcher) on 31st March. Russia is, of course, among the Powers which will be invited.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will inform the House of any modifications which are contemplated in the measures recommended by the Morris Carter report as regards the land question in Kenya Colony?

No modifications in principle are contemplated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to secure that some of the proceeds of the leasing of land for mines in the Gold Coast Colony shall be placed in native treasuries for local purposes, subject to Government audit and proper control?

I can assure the hon. Member that it is the policy of the local Government to encourage the institution of native treasuries for the purposes to which he refers. Progress in this direction depends largely, however, on the education of native opinion.

Can we be assured that some of these treasuries may be used for the benefit of the natives rather than for the benefit of individuals?

That is what I have already said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the development of mining in the Gold Coast and of the frequent granting by chiefs of 99-year leases of land for mining without exaction of royalties, he will have the whole question of the granting of such leases put under the control, whether of the commissioner of lands or of some other official, with a view to protecting the natives' rights?

Under the Concessions Ordinance, no concession in the Gold Coast Colony may be certified as valid if, in the opinion of the Supreme Court, it was made without adequate valuable consideration. I am satisfied that the rights of natives of the Gold Coast, in the matter to which the hon. Member refers, are sufficiently safeguarded by existing legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the commission which has been appointed to investigate the question of the mui-tsai in Hong Kong and Malaya will make use of the information on the subject which has been collected by the International Labour Office?

All relevant information, from whatever source, will be placed at the disposal of the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, having regard to the present conditions, His Majesty's Government have now decided not to proceed with their plans for the proposed new Constitution for Palestine?

Since the recent Debate in this House I have had reason to believe that the representatives of the Arabs in Palestine would welcome an opportunity of stating their case to His Majesty's Government. Having regard to the fact that I received a few weeks ago a formal deputation representative of Jewish interests, it is natural therefore that the Arabs should have an equal opportunity of stating their case. I have accordingly instructed the High Commissioner to invite officially the Arab leaders to send a deputation to this country. This he has now done, and the invitation has been accepted. In the interval no further steps towards the establishment of a Legislative Council are being taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any Jews in Acre gaol are on hunger strike; if so, how many; and guilty of what offence and for how long sentenced?

I am asking the High Commissioner for the information desired.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the backward state of local administration in Palestine, any Department exists I here responsible for supervising the administration of existing local bodies, including municipalities, and specially charged with the duty of promoting schemes for the extension of local government in the mandated territory?

There is at present no such special Department of the Palestine Government, but I understand that the High Commissioner has under consideration the question of obtaining expert advice on local government matters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any information from Palestine concerning the wages and conditions of workpeople at the port of Jaffa; and whether he can now make a statement to the House?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 23rd March.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let me have a copy of the statement when it is made?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government in Malta are prepared to repeal the Pari Passu Act and to remodel the university statutes so as to give a better chance to English education in Malta?

Changes have recently been made providing for a more extensive use of English in the university. The repeal of the Act would raise difficulties having regard to the provisions of the Constitution on the subject of language.

Are we to understand that no alteration will be made in the university statutes, and that the teaching of Italian will be continued?

That does not necessarily follow, but the whole question of Malta will arise in another form after the Recess.

May I ask what the statutes of the university have to do with the Malta Constitution?

The difficulty is that the Act to which my right hon. and gallant Friend refers provided for the teaching of both languages, and, as far as I am informed, that has not been violated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that during the last few months there has been a marked change in opinion in Malta as to the desirability of retaining the Italian language at all, and that many of those who were previously very much attached to the Italian culture are now beginning to wonder whether "culture" is the right word?

I am glad to receive that information, and when, after the Recess, I shall be dealing with Malta in another form, I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will keep that in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government has yet reached any decision with regard to the prolongation of the international tin restriction scheme which was originally supposed to continue for three years from 1st January, 1934, subject to extension according to the decision of the signatory Governments?

I understand from the Chairman of the International Tin Committee that negotiations are proceeding between the parties interested. These negotiations have not yet reached the stage where the question of renewing the agreement on behalf of the British Dependencies concerned requires the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the continuance of the international tin restriction scheme is absolutely vital to British producers of tin?

Why?

I am aware that anything that tends to increase the value to the producer must of necessity be of benefit.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many sentences of death have been passed in British Somaliland during the past 10 years; and in how many cases these have been reversed or commuted on appeal?

I regret that such information is not available, but I will ask the Governor to send a report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what, if any, legal qualifications are possessed by judges in British Somaliland who have power, respectively, to pass and to hear appeals against death sentences on defendants who are not permitted to be heard by counsel?

No court in British Somaliland is at present constituted by officers with legal qualifications; but I have the question of judicial arrangements in the Protectorate under review.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that persons who are British-protected subjects lying under sentence of death are given the same facilities for defence as are proposed for British subjects in foreign territory?

The hon. and gallant Member knows that in the particular case under review, immediately my attention was called to the question, I took the necessary steps to ensure that that should be done. That is why I said in my answer that I have in mind the whole question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the representations sent from prominent Trinidad citizens, including elected members of the legislative council, in regard to the subject of a quota for foreign condensed milk imported into Trinidad and for a further increase in duties on this product; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter?

No representations have been addressed to me from Trinidad on the subject. The matter is, however, receiving consideration, and I understand that the Board of Trade are in communication with trade interests concerned in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the prices of boots and shoes have been advanced by 6 per cent. as a result of the increase in the import duty on dressed leather; and whether he will therefore reconsider the matter with a view to the reduction of the duty?

I understand that some increase in prices of boots and shoes is taking place but my information is that this increase is due to a variety of causes of which the cost of the leather on which the duty has recently been raised is not one of the most important.

Will the hon. Member keep a close watch and investigate further, and if he is satisfied that the increase is due to the duty, which we discussed in the House the other evening, will he reconsider the matter?

Reconsideration of the duty is a matter for the Advisory Committee. I will keep a watch on the movement of prices, and perhaps the hon. Member will communicate to me any facts that he has.

Will the Minister call the attention of the Advisory Committee to the rise in prices?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to ensure that no further supplies of nickel are exported from this country to Germany, in order to prevent its use by Germany for making munitions?

No, Sir. Nickel has important uses in many industries, and the action suggested would be an unjustifiable interference with trade.

Does not the Minister appreciate that this is a very serious matter, and may I ask him to look into it again, because it may have very serious repercussions for this country?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will take immediate steps to have granted to Stornoway Trust the private licence which has already been paid for, especially in view of the fact that aeroplanes have been landing from time to time on their ground, which is much superior to the landing grounds in North and South Uist where there are now regular services?

I am advised that the landing area at Steinish, Stornoway, is at present unsuitable for use by aircraft operating public transport services. The aerodromes at North and South Uist, on the other hand, afford adequate safety in operation. As I said in my reply of 2nd March, the Air Ministry has advised as to the work necessary at Stornoway.

Could we have an assurance that the Stornoway Trust will not be involved in costs if they are not to have the advantages of a local air service?

The fee is £2 2s. for inspection and £1 5s. for the licence. If the licence is not granted, the fee is returned, as it will be in this case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the Government's desire to assist the special areas, he will take advantage of the possibilities available on Tyneside for the erection of factories for Government work?

Tyneside will be borne in mind in this connection, together with other industrial areas.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that Messrs. Wood and Skinner's yard, one of the yards which could be speeded up specially for Government work, after having been derelict almost ever since the War, is specially suitable for making seaplanes; and will he take that fact into consideration?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the severe unemployment in Lowestoft, particularly in the fishing industry, he will give consideration to Lowestoft industries in the allocation of contracts?

The claims of Lowestoft will be borne in mind in this connection, along with the claims of the many other areas in respect of which the Air Ministry has received representations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any assurances were asked for and received from the controllers of the flight of the German Zeppelin "Hindenburg" to the effect that no photographs should be taken during this flight on its approach to, or passing over, the English coast; and whether any condition was imposed that cameras belonging to all the passengers of this airship should be sealed up while in proximity of British territory?

No need for such an assurance arose. The flight came under the Anglo-German Air Navigation Agreement, which provides, in relation to flights by German and United Kingdom aircraft over this country and Germany respectively, that no cameras shall be carried by any aircraft or by its crew or passengers, except by permission; and no permission to carry cameras was requested.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far off the airship was from the coast at Dover?

My information is that it passed over no land.

Were there any British observers on board?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the rapidly increasing number of professional pilots in Scotland and their growing grievance at having to attend examinations in London, he is prepared to state the minimum number of "B" licence pilots which would be required in Scotland before the appointment of a medical board for Scotland would be considered?

There were only three applications from Scotland for initial issue of a "B" licence during the last six months of 1935, and this figure would clearly have to be increased very considerably before a special medical board could be justified. I should prefer not to prescribe a hard and fast minimum.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that there are in Scotland some 50 pilots who have "B" licences or are under instruction for obtaining "B" licences, and that this number is steadily increasing; and, in view of the fact that they have a grave grievance in having to travel to London to pass their medical examination, will the Minister reconsider the question of setting up a medical board in Scotland?

There is no special board in England; these examinations are carried out by a Royal Air Force central medical board.

If there are 50 of these young men who are practised in aviation and anxious to be examined by a doctor, surely the resources of the Northern Kingdom should be equal to meeting this need?

There are technical and flying tests as well.

Pending reconsideration of the matter by the Department, will my right hon. Friend consider giving rebates to these young men in respect of their medical examination, at any rate as regards the travelling expenses to which they are put?

indicated assent

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he intends to extend the British air-mail service from Hong Kong to Shanghai?

I hope that such an extension will be practicable later, but it depends, as my hon. Friend will realise, on facilities being granted by the Chinese authorities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has any information as to the arrangement between the China National Aviation Corporation and Air France whereby airmail is carried from Shanghai to Hanoi by the China National Aviation Corporation and thence brought to France by Air France; and whether it is possible to make a, similar arrangement between the China National Aviation Corporation and Imperial Airways for the carriage of British mails to and from Shanghai?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would prefer for the moment not to say more than that the possibility is not being overlooked.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what new orders, if any, have been, or will be, issued as a result of the inquest findings on the "City of Khartoum" accident?

The question whether any new regulations are called for must await the report of the Inspector of Accidents, which should be available very shortly.

Would the Government publish a detailed and complete report based on their official findings?

indicated assent.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of Royal Air Force cadets at the Cadet College Cranwell, and the number which the college can normally accommodate?

The numbers are 132 and 150 respectively.

asked the Prime Minister whether the proposed staff conversations between this country and France and Belgium will commence before the House reassembles on 21st April; what precise arrangements have been made for the supervision of these talks by the Cabinet; whether they will be of an entirely private nature; and, if so, what steps will be taken to ensure that there is no leakage of information either to the British or foreign Press?

Staff conversations within the scope laid down in paragraph III of the proposals of 19th March will begin in London on Wednesday, 15th April. As regards the remainder of the question, I can only repeat the assurance which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has already given, that His Majesty's Government will take all precautions which seem necessary to them, and that the Cabinet will keep careful watch on this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the usual practice is not observed when arrangements with regard to the Press are entered into and strict observance of the arrangements is kept in London whereas all the information is given away to Continental newspapers next day?

My original answer shows that everybody has that in mind.

Is it not extremely important that the country should be informed how far it is being committed if the House is not sitting?

I can scarcely imagine that these conversations would actually take place in public. The House will be resuming its sittings within a few days.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a committee, other than a sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, to inquire whether the capital ship is still a necessary unit of the Fleet before the construction of such ships at a cost of some £8,000,000 each is embarked upon?

No, Sir. The Committee of Imperial Defence is the proper machinery to use for any investigations of this nature which His Majesty's Government think necessary to undertake.

Is it the case that the construction of these ships will be proceeded with solely on the advice of Naval officers which will naturally be somewhat prejudiced?

Any decision that is made is taken by His Majesty's Government on their responsibility.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in view of the difficulty during times of national emergency in maintaining sufficient importations, he is having regard to the importance of the continuance of the metalliferous mining industry in Great Britain?

My hon. and gallant Friend may be sure that the importance of this industry will not be overlooked.

Will the right hon. Gentleman support the Secretary of State for the Colonies in working for the continuity of enterprise and employment which only the tin restriction scheme can give in that industry?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the importance of the development of our mineral resources other than coal?

My answer shows that that is already, and will be, under my consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the small reserve of wheat stored in this country at the present time of international uncertainty, due to the lack of premium in forward wheat, he will investigate the desirability of taking steps to lay before the Canadian Wheat Board the proposal that the board should transfer part of its stored supplies to this country, with the assistance of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in meeting the small extra cost of storage?

I have taken note of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Will the Minister be so good as to make arrangements to be present to-morrow, when it is hoped to raise the whole question?

I think that is very possible.

Is it not the case that the normal supplies of wheat in this country will be raised by natural reasons as soon as navigation on the St. Lawrence is open for traffic, as is always the case at this time of the year?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, when allocating grants from the Road Fund to Highland counties, he will take action to ensure that workmen are paid a full reasonable living wage instead of 2½d. an hour and less, as they have been paid during the past few years in the Island of Lewis?

No free labour has been or will be employed on the roads which are being reconstructed in the north of Scotland with the aid of 100 per cent. grants from the Road Fund. In the case of certain other roads in the Island of Lewis I have given grants of 50 per cent. based on estimates in which the labour cost is calculated on the basis of the Fair Wages Resolution. I understand that a voluntary agreement has been made between the county council and the men engaged upon the work; and the question whether free labour, voluntarily offered to secure the early execution of works in a particular locality should be accepted by the highway authority is one for the discretion of the authority.

Can I read that answer as a promise that no free labour will be employed in 100 per cent. grant contracts?

I have answered the question on the Paper. The inhabitants of the Island of Lewis have voluntarily undertaken to do certain work in the provision of roads for their own benefit, in agreement with the county council. I have no locus standi in that matter. I have made a 50 per cent. grant to the county council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these people have to give free labour lest their chances of getting unemployment benefit are damaged and is that not coercion?

I think the hon. Member is under a complete misapprehension. The people of the Island of Lewis applied to the county council for a grant for the making of roads, which the county council was unable to give, or not desirous of giving. The county council applied to me for a grant and, in order to help the population of the Island of Lewis to carry out the scheme, I made a. grant of 50 per cent. The only effect of the hon. Member's agitation would be that Lewis would be without its roads.

Does not the fact that he has given a grant give him some control over wages, as there is a scale of wages for that purpose?

I have based my grant upon the Fair Wages Clause. I have given a 50 per cent. grant to the responsible highway authority. That authority has entered into an agreement with the population of the Island of Lewis for the benefit of that Island.

Is it not the case that these roads ate under the supervision of the Ministry of Tranport?

No, Sir, these roads are the responsibility of the county council, and if the hon. Gentleman desires me to intervene, I am quite ready to consider withdrawing the grant altogether, in which case they would not get the roads.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of accidents on the roads of Lancashire during the years 1930, 1932, and 1935, giving separate figures for fatal and non-fatal cases; and also the same information for Wigan, Preston, Bolton, and Oldham, giving separate figures for each?

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures required.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to state when the reports of the Inter-Departmental Committees on road safety among school children will be published?

24th April is the proposed date.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has issued or will issue any instructions or formula for the guidance of road surveyors in design-Sing the super-elevation of road curves, the provision of which is recommended to highway authorities in his memorandum on public safety dated 6th February, 1934, or what other provision is made to ensure that roads are suitably banked at corners and bends?

Yes, Sir, the memorandum to which my hon. Friend refers is being revised and will shortly be re-issued.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he can state from statistics of the last two years which are the three most dangerous spots in London and the number of accidents that have occurred at each during that period;

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the information desired in the OFFICIAL REPORT.