asked the President of the Board of Trade, what was the total quantity of oats imported into Great Britain from Canada in each of the years 1913, 1930, and 1935?

During the years 1913, 1930 and 1935 the imports into the United Kingdom of oats consigned from Canada were as follow:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, whether his atten- tion has been called to the fact that the French air ministry has agreed to carry out an official test of the Flying-flea aeroplane; and whether he will now reconsider his decision not to provide a similar official test for this type of aircraft in Great Britain?

I am aware that it has recently been reported in the Press that an aircraft of this type is being subjected to official test in France. As regards the second part of the question, my hon. Friend must, I think, have overlooked the statement which I made to the hon. Member for Aberdeen North (Mr. Garro-Jones) on the 10th June, when I said that if a "Flying Flea" is sent to Farnborough experiments will be carried out on it with the minimum possible delay. Detailed arrangements for this purpose are, in fact, now being discussed in correspondence with the Air League of the British Empire, who propose to supply an aircraft for test.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, what was the number of promotions in the departmental clerical class of his department, from Grade III. to Grade II and from Grade II to Grade I, during the last 10 years?

During the ten years from 1st June, 1926, to 31st May, 1936, the number of promotions in the Admiralty Departmental Clerical Class from Grade III to Grade II was 287 and from Grade II to Grade I, 128.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, what is the attitude of his department on the subject of encouraging British farmers to grow flax; whether this is regarded as a paying crop; and, if so, why it is not more extensively cultivated?

Attempts have been made to encourage the cultivation of flax in this country since the War, but hitherto the results have been disappointing. The Linen Industry Research Association, in collaboration with the Linen Industry of Belfast, are however carrying out experimental work in Norfolk, with a view to determining whether, by the use of pedigree seed and an improved process of fibre-extraction, flax can be made a paying crop in suitable areas in Great Britain. The prospects of this experiment appear to be favourable, but it is too early to come to a definite conclusion. The future of the flax crop in this country must, of course, depend upon the world price of flax which in recent years has been subject to wide fluctuations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in view of the continued progress made by the administration in Liberia in the economic and social spheres, His Majesty's Government will now take steps to resume diplomatic relations with that government?

The question raised by the hon. Member is one to which His Majesty's Government are giving close consideration, but my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has considered the representations from the Northern Co-operative Society in regard to the frequent tampering with empty milk bottles by a certain section of the public; is he aware that although all milk bottles are thoroughly sterilised it is possible that doubts may arise in the minds of the public as to the cleanliness of this system of distributing milk; and whether he will consult with milk distributors with a view to arriving at methods of avoiding any tampering with milk bottles.

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The public health aspect so far as the distribution of milk is concerned is protected by the Dairy bylaws which require bottles to be thoroughly cleansed before being filled with milk. If, however, milk distributors or' others concerned have any specific suggestions to make as to how the matter complained of could be effectively prevented, I should be glad to consider them.