asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to whether the construction of fortifications or other measures of military defence is taking place in the demilitarised zone in the Rhineland?

His Majesty's Government have no official information that fortifications are at present under construction in the Rhineland.

In view of the misgivings which exist at the present time following the reoccupation of the Rhineland by Germany would it not be possible for His Majesty's Government to make strong representations to the German Government as to the desirability of answering the questionnaire?

That is an entirely different question.

Is it possible for His Majesty's Government to make some inquiries with a view to ascertaining whether fortifications are being erected or not?

I will consider that.

asked the Prime Minister on what approximate date he became aware of the abnormal increase of the air armaments of Germany?

The increase to which the hon. Gentleman refers was dealt with in the Debate of 19th March of last year, and the material upon which this view was based came before the Government somewhat prior to that date.

Has the right hon. Gentleman sought to find out when the Prime Minister will reply to the charge that was made last week-end by the ex-Minister for Air, which implied that this House had had information withheld from it?

There is a question on the Paper to-morrow on that subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take an early opportunity of discussing with the new Japanese Ambassador the question of stopping the smuggling of goods into China by Japanese subjects; and whether he will especially draw attention to the necessity for allowing Chinese Customs officers complete freedom of action in the discharge of their duties?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, having regard to the fact that more than eight weeks have elapsed since he first made representations to the Japanese Government through His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo as to the serious effects of smuggling into North China, facilitated by the restrictions imposed by the Japanese authorities in that area upon the Chinese Customs officials, he will now represent to the Japanese Government that the matter should be settled without further delay;

(2) what action he proposes to take in view of the continued failure of the Japanese Government to remove the restrictions placed by the Japanese authorities in North China upon Chinese Customs officials engaged in the prevention of smuggling?

The earliest opportunity has been taken of emphasising to the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador the serious view which His Majesty's Government take of this problem, which had already, as the House is aware, been the subject of urgent representations to the Japanese Government, and in particular the need for the restoration of the means of exercising their authority to the Customs preventive services in North China. His Majesty's Government are at present considering what further steps they can usefully take to facilitate an early settlement of the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information from the Japanese Government or from His Majesty's representative at Tokyo or in Peking as to the results of the visit of the official sent by the Japanese Government to North China to inquire into the extensive smuggling of goods by Japanese importers?

No, Sir.

Can the noble Lord tell me when I shall be able to have any information? It is some time since this official was sent.

My information is that this official has been sent, and my right hon. Friend will not fail to inform the House as soon as he is in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inquire of His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires in Peking whether the Chinese Government have been able to place customs guards in the goods yards of the railway termini at Tientsin and Peking to prevent the egress of smuggled goods; and, if not, by whom this safeguard has been prevented?

I have no information on this point, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the strikes now in progress in France and Belgium, it has been found necessary for him to take any steps to protect the interests of British subjects?

No, Sir.

Is the Noble Lord aware of the alarmist statements which appeared in a number of newspapers in this country during the weekend as to the bloodshed and terrorism which is going on?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty His Majesty's Government's future policy for the discontinuance of the existing or the laying down of any new submarines; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to explore the possibility of the position with other nations in illegalising the submarine by mutual agreement?

As has frequently been made clear, His Majesty's Government favour the complete abolition of the submarine by agreement between the naval Powers. It has, however, unfortunately proved impossible to secure such agreement, in spite of repeated attempts which have been made since the War. No useful purpose would be served by a further attempt at the present time; and the policy of His Majesty's Government is to continue to lay down new submarines as necessary for the Royal Navy.

Can the Noble Lord say whether the United States also agreed to the same principle?

I understand that they also are building submarines.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many drifters are necessary to the Fleet in time of war; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the number of drifters necessary for Admiralty purposes shall be maintained in good condition?

The number of drifters necessary to the Fleet in time of war must naturally depend on the nature and extent of the war. I can assure my hon. Friend that the size and condition of the drifter fleet in relation to Admiralty requirements are kept constantly under review.

Is it not a case for further action rather than keeping the matter "under review"; and that it may he necessary if the Admiralty is to be supplied with a sufficient number of drifters for any purpose in the case of any war, to take steps to ensure that a number of drifters are kept in good condition?

That is what is meant by keeping the matter "under review."

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the recruitment of young men of 19½ to 21 years of age as fifth-class engine-room artificers is now in operation; and, if so, how many have been recruited, and of the number so recruited how many of them are semi-skilled men and how many of them have served a period of recognised apprenticeship in the engineering industry?

Yes, Sir. Eleven of these men have been recruited, none were semi-skilled, and all have served a period of recognised apprenticeship in the engineering industry.

Can the Noble Lorod say what term of apprenticeship has been served?

All these men have served four years' apprenticeship, some of them five years.

Is the Noble Lord aware that four years is not a complete apprenticeship?

The hon. Member asked whether they have served an apprenticeship, and I have given him an answer.

Is the hon. Member aware that the understanding with the engineering industry is that they should serve a period of five years, from 16 to 21 years of age; and is there anything in the reply which contravenes the arrangement made with the trade union and the rest of the industry?

I understand that the arrangement was made by agreement with the trade organisation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies with regard to the proposals which are now, or recently have been, under consideration for the grant of an exclusive licence for the felling of mahogany on the Crown lands, or any portion thereof, on the Belize River, in British Honduras, the proposed grantee being the Belize Estate and Produce Company, registered in London, whether, before any such exclusive licence is issued, he will satisfy himself that it is in the public interest; and whether he will be prepared to lay papers in the Library explaining the terms of the licence and giving the names of the beneficial owners of the company?

A proposal which may be that to which the hon. Member refers was submitted to the British Honduras Government by the Belize Estate and Produce Company. I understand that the company were informed by the British Honduras Government on 14th March that consideration of their application would be deferred pending investigation of the area in question by the Forestry Department; and that in due course it was probable that Government would invite tenders for mahogany cutting on the lands in question. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this company already holds one-fifth of the total area of British Honduras, and before any further concessions are given to this organisation will he make the fullest inquiry?

This is one of the most substantial, best run and oldest companies in British Honduras. It has been engaged for many years in the cutting and export of mahogany timber and I do not think that any further investigations are necessary.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us what is the class of labour used in this timber felling? Are any of the workers working under compound or slave conditions?

The population in British Honduras is, of course, an extremely mixed one, but there is no such thing as compounds or anything of that kind.

Does the fact that this company is an old-established one make it any better that it should hold more than one-fifth of the Colony?

That is not the point. The exploitation of the tropical forest and the getting out of the timber is a technical job, and an old-established company is much more likely to get that timber out for the use of humanity than people who know nothing about it. I have no objection to this company, and see no reason why any reflection should be cast on it.

Is it not the case that they are asking for exclusive ownership?

I have no evidence to that effect.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received from the Governor of Nyasaland the report of a Commission to consider the question of emigrant labour; whether the report is of a satisfactory character as to the results, both moral and economic, of such emigration; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have recently received a copy of the report referred to. The committee came to the conclusion that the results of the hitherto almost uncontrolled emigration of native labour had been most harmful to village and tribal life, and that a continuance of present conditions would have a very serious effect on the future of the Protectorate. I am awaiting, the Governor's considered recommendations before coming to any decisions as to the various lines of action which would seem to be called for.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the 1,206 Arabs and 328 Jews, respectively, who have been convicted in connection with recent disturbances in Palestine were convicted for minor offences against the curfew regulations?

The figures referred to in the question include respectively 331 Arabs and 265 Jews convicted of curfew-breaking.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is able to announce the names of the members of the Palestine Commission?

The composition of the Royal Commission is engaging my attention, but I am not yet in a position to make any announcement.

In view of the present position in Palestine, will the right hon. Gentleman consider postponing the sending out of this Commission?

I would have notice of that question.

In view of the present position in Palestine, will the right hon. Gentleman consider expediting the sending of the Commission

In view of the present position in Palestine, it is quite obvious that the Commission cannot go there.

Does the right hon. Gentleman adhere to the statement he made the other day that in no circumstances would he send the Commission out until law and order are restored?

That is the policy.

If the right hon. Gentleman withdrew the troops, would not the position be quite clear for the Commission to go?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are taken by the Palestine Government to ensure reasonable living conditions at the Sarafend concentration camp?

I have no reason to think that there is any ground for complaint as to the living conditions at Sarafend concentration camp. Sarafend is a healthy locality where many British troops are ordinarily stationed. The plans of the camp are approved by the Director of Medical Services and the internees receive free rations on the scale approved by the medical authorities. Permission has also been granted to establish a canteen within the camp. Electric light and an adequate water supply have been installed. Among themselves, the internees enjoy full freedom of intercourse subject to orderly conduct, and facilities for daily exercise within the camp. Every facility is given for religious worship, and special arrangements have been made for combined prayer for Moslems on Fridays.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement on the methods employed by military forces when searching premises for arms and ammunition in Palestine; whether civil control is maintained; and whether every step is taken to avoid the destruction of property?

As I stated in the House on 24th June, the High Commissioner has already promised to furnish me in due course with information on the subject of allegations regarding the conduct of the British military forces in Palestine in connection with the disturbances. The country remains under the administration of the High Commissioner and of the civil authorities. The duties of the security forces as regards search, the disposal of confiscated property, and other matters are defined by regulations made by the High Commissioner under the Defence Order in Council, and I have no reason to think that there is any avoidable destruction of property or that the regulations are not being strictly and properly observed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the decision of the Palestine Government to destroy immediately a considerable part of the old city of Jaffa. is necessary for dealing with the present disorders; whether adequate alternative accommodation for the 6,000 inhabitants likely to be displaced has been found; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to preventing such a drastic destruction of Arab homes?

The demolition works at Jaffa, the nature of which I explained in my speech on 19th June, and in my reply on 24th June to a question by the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher), are considered necessary in the interests of public security. I am satisfied that the Palestine Government has taken and will take any steps that may be thought desirable as regards the accommodation of the displaced families, and I will ask the High Commissioner to furnish me with information on the subject.

Am I to take it that the Minister is preparing to make the way of the Commission easy by wiping out the Arab population of Palestine

I must protest against that. Before all these areas in the old City of Jaffa were cleared in order to give access to the port all the population was moved from the areas that were going to be affected. There were no casualties whatever and the operation has been completed without any injuries.

Is it not the case that a new great area is being demolished and that no accommodation has been prepared for the Arabs?

That is definitely not true. Special accommodation has been provided.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether the Palestine Government are keeping a record of the broadcasts from Bari in Arabic, so that they may be available for any Royal Commission in the future;

(2) whether he is aware of the contents of the messages which are being broadcast in Arabic from the Italian station of Bari; that these broadcasts are defaming the British troops and are calculated Lo incite the Arabs to rebellion against the Palestine Government; and whether any representations have been made to those responsible?

Transcripts of some of these broadcasts are kept on record. I am aware of the character of certain broadcast messages from Bari in the past and, as has been more than once stated in this House, representations have been made to the Italian Government. I have not, however, received any report that recent broadcasts have included defamation of British troops, and I am causing inquiry to be made as to this.

What was the nature of the reply to the representations made to the Italian Government?

That is a question for the Foreign Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any report on the strike of workers which occurred some weeks ago at Trincomalee; and whether he can state the circumstances of the dispute?

I have been informed by telegram that 700 unskilled labourers employed by the War Department contractors on earthworks ceased work on 18th April in the belief that the contractor was making large profits by paying them at much lower rates than those provided in the contract for such labour. When, after a few days, and with the assistance of the local member of the State Council, the men were persuaded that there was no truth in this, most of them resumed work on 24th April. There was no disorder, and there has been no further trouble.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the hours that are being worked?

Not without notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey my grateful thanks to the Government for their expedition in this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the abolition of party Government in Malta and of the need for increased cultural development in the island, he can now see his way to assist the Secretary of State for War in the further development of St. Edward's College, Valetta?

I fully appreciate the good work that is being done by the college, and I am ready to assist in any way that I can. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any suggestions to offer, I will gladly consider them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give particulars of the latest report received from the Government of Kenya respecting the raids made by Abyssinian raiders into that Colony to the south of the Kenya-Sudan frontier?

I have no information that there has been any raid into Kenya by Abyssinian tribesmen since September, 1933. On that occasion a Turkana fishing village was attacked by Merille tribesmen. Thirty-eight in all of the Turkana were killed and five children were carried off. The children were all recovered subsequently. It is alleged that this raid was a reprisal for the murder of five Merille by Turkana on the previous night.

Will the Minister say whether these raiders were pursued by British troops?

There are no British troops on that frontier. They are the King's African Rifles; they are natives.

Were any questions addressed to the raiders?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the arrangements for the government of Cyprus made after the disturbances in October, 1931, have been modified?

There has been no formal change in the constitutional position; but, in addition to the Executive Council provided for in the Constitution, an informal advisory council was established in 1933 consisting of members of the Executive Council and certain prominent unofficial persons nominated by the Governor.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any further modifications are contemplated and whether he thinks the conditions in the island still necessitate this very strict régime?

I shall have to look into that. I may say that the Governor of Cyprus is shortly coming on leave—I think in a, week or two—and there are a good many Cyprus questions I shall want to discuss with him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any censorship of the Press is still in force in Cyprus?

Yes, Sir.

asked (1) the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of persons employed in his Department who are in receipt of salary in addition to pension, apart from war or disability pension;

(2) the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of persons employed in his Department who are in receipt of salary in addition to pension, apart from war or disability pension?

The establishment of the Dominions Office and the Colonial Office is a joint one, and with the hon. Member's permission I will answer this question and No. 78 together on behalf of the two Departments concerned. There are ten persons with naval or military pensions for long service, and eight with pensions from other Governments in respect of service overseas. Of these 18 persons, 13 are employed as messengers or paper-keepers; of the remaining five, only two are established civil servants.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what area of land has been purchased for the Bulverhythe Aerodrome; the price per acre; and the name of the party or parties the land was bought from?

The land referred to does not belong to the Air Ministry. It was purchased by the Hastings Corporation for a municipal aerodrome, and I am not, therefore, in a position to supply details of the transaction.

In view of the Bill now before the House which seeks to control air navigation; does the right hon. Gentleman wish the House to understand that while we are taking all this trouble, the Government have no control and cannot get the information desired

The Town Clerk of Hastings will give the hon. Member any information he desires.

But my point is that the Air Navigation Bill seeks to coordinate all aerodromes and air services, and I wish to know why we cannot get information directly?

The hon. Member has had an answer to the question on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider examining the possibilities of an air route between Western Australia and East Africa via the Keeling Islands, Diego Garcia and Seychelles, with a view to developing inter-Imperial communications?

The potentialities of this route have been and will be kept carefully in view. It involves, however, long operational stages which are relatively uneconomical in the present state of aeronautical science and so preclude its consideration for development concurrently with the more economical Empire trunk routes, the development of which it is proposed to intensify under the Empire Air Transport Scheme.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when the first Empire flying boat, under construction in Messrs. Short's factory at Rochester, is to make its trial flight?

My information is that it is intended to have trial flights made in the course of the present month.

In view of the fact that many Members of Parliament visited the factory on 18th March and were informed that the flight would take place within a month, can the right hon. Gentleman explain the cause of the delay?

There has been a delay due to technical causes, but I think that when the trial takes. place my hon. Friend will be satisfied.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the Government have guaranteed a loan of £26,500,000 to the railways for the modernisation of their lines, pressure will be brought to hear upon them to ensue that they will not in future prevent the sale of tickets for air lines other than railway air lines at travel agencies in this country?

The terms of the agreement to which the hon. lady refers were settled and approved by Parliament last year.

In view of the fact that it is not possible for a citizen of this country to book a ticket, for instance to Denmark, on a British air line other than a subsidised line, while it is possible for him to book on a foreign line, is it not time that some Department looked into this extraordinary state of affairs?

That may or may not be the case, hut it is a domestic matter for the railway agencies. If they want to sell aeroplane tickets or motor coach tickets, they can do so by arrangement, but it is not for the Government to impose conditions on them.

Is it right that tourist agencies should limit the facilities of travel for the public to particular lines; and would the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the railway companies to prevent blackmail of that sort?

I do not think it would facilitate any negotiations which I might undertake with the railway companies if I were to begin by accusing them of blackmail.

In view of the fact that when I address a question on this subject to the Secretary of State for Air, I am told that it is a matter for the railways, and when I address it to the railways, I am told it is nobody's business, can I be informed which Department I am to approach on the matter?

I have tried to make it clear that the agencies of the railway companies are private concerns and can sell railway tickets or any other kind of tickets by arrangement. They are under no compulsion to sell any particular kind of tickets, any more than an air line agency would be under compulsion to sell railway tickets, and the Government cannot impose compulsion on them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make a further statement in regard to the causes of the recent accident when a Royal Air Force bombing machine crashed on board the French liner "Normandie"; and what regulations apply to aircraft as regards low flying in the Solent and, in particular, over vessels navigating therein?

The case will be dealt with by court-martial procedure, and in these circumstances my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that I cannot in the meantime make any statement as to the cause of the accident. As regards the second part of the question, the King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions for the Royal Air Force forbid low flying over ships at sea or at anchor, except during operations and exercises which render such low flying necessary for their proper fulfilment. This regulation applies, of course, to the Solent as well as other waters.

Will instructions be issued by the right hon. Gentleman's Department to see that these regulations are carried out in future?

Certainly, if the regulations are not being carried out, instructions will be issued.

Is it not a fact that the regulations cannot be carried out while the men are fed on margarine?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, now he has had time to consider the matter, he will give instructions that scenes purporting to represent the bombing of coloured peoples will form no part of any future Royal Air Force pageant?

For the reasons indicated in the answer which I gave to the hon. Member's question last week, my Noble Friend does not consider that any such instructions are required.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that in the present state of feeling, and particularly in view of the position as regards Italy and Abyssinia, it is really tactful to give these demonstrations of the bombing of native peoples?

That does not arise out of the programme of the display. The people were not coloured and as far as I could see they were dressed in ordinary white overalls and the loud speaker informed us that they came from "The Valley of the Moon." I do not think the presentation of an imaginary picture of that kind, would be misunderstood here or in any country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the Italian operations in the neighbourhood of Ganda took place in the Valley of the Moon and that therefore, the selection of that title was, again, not very tactful?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received the estimate of probable traffic results for which he asked the promoters of the projected Forth road-bridge; and when a statement of Government policy regarding the scheme will be announced?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy).

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking steps to expedite the presentation of the further case which is required

The case is being presented by the local authorities who are collecting their material.

What I am asking the Minister is whether, having received the case from the promotion committee, he is intimating to the local authorities that he has received that case, and that he wishes to have their case as quickly as possible in order that the Government decision may be announced?

I think there is some confusion. The promotion committee is a voluntary body, and the local authorities are, of course, the responsible bodies. It is from them I am awaiting the case.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the number of accidents that have recently happened to taximeter-cabs and public service vehicles, he will consider advising all licensing authorities to make it a condition of licensing such vehicles that they be fitted with safety glass and also carry an equipment of first-aid outfits?

All motor vehicles registered since 1931 are required to be fitted with safety glass to the front (except the top windows of double-decked buses). All public service vehicles used as express or contract carriages are required to carry first-aid equipment.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the number of accidents resulting in death or injury to pedestrians in our large towns, he will consider the advisability of adopting the American system of compulsory crossings with appropriate penalties for those who neglect to use them?

I considered this question from the point of view of its practicability, but the difficulties in the way of drafting an adequate legal requirement to meet the situation generally cannot be ignored. I have asked highway authorities in London to provide guard rails which on appropriate roads would connect the spaces between the crossings in such a way as to impose a physical barrier. The House will be interested to note that despite the absence of compulsion in the use of the crossings, there has been since their establishment a great reduction in pedestrian casualties, the decline this year up to 20th June being 2½ per cent. in the number of pedestrians injured and nearly 9 per cent. in the number of pedestrians killed. I would appeal to all classes of road users invariably to respect the purpose of the crossings.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that if he had power to compel pedestrians to use these crossings the number of accidents would be materially reduced?

I have said that whatever one's intentions may be, there are obvious difficulties in framing regulations in effective legal form.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that his Department should be able to frame such regulations?

I can only say that there are obvious difficulties.

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements will be made for a Debate to take place before the ratification of the proposed agreement for the re-militarisation of the Dardanelles?

My hon. Friend will realise that the Montreux Conference is still in progress. If at the appropriate stage there is evidence of a general desire for a Debate, I suggest that discussions should take place through the usual channels.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the building of the works for frames and engines for aeroplanes has begun?

The firms who are undertaking the production of frames and engines are themselves engaged upon the preparation of the necessary plans and designs for the building of the works. I am informed that good progress has been made, and that building will be commenced at an early date.

Referring to the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman on 29th May at that Box, that everything that was to be done in connection with what he spoke of then was to come before this House before any real start was made with any kind of work, what has he to say now, when he says that that work is being carried on instead of being brought here first for the approval of this House?

I see no inconsistency between what is happening and what I said.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his statement on 29th May has one result already, as was pointed out that afternoon, that already Handley-Page shares have increased nine times, according to this morning's returns, and that this is part of the grant that he is responsible for instituting'

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has, since taking his present post, given out any orders for material on work of any kind; and whether he has given his sanction for the purchase of any land?

No, Sir. My duties, as defined in the White Paper, do not include the placing of orders for stores or the purchase of land. These remain the province of the Defence Departments and are dealt with through the appropriate organisations of those Departments.

Again referring to the right hon. Gentleman's statement on 29th May, when he said that Rootes' Properties were to be the source through which things must go, what does he mean today, seeing that Rootes' Properties are nothing but a financial corporation Will the right hon. Gentleman say to this House now that what he said on 29th May was true, or is he prepared to contradict that statement and say it was wrong?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence what steps he is taking to ensure the provision of adequate food supplies in the event of war; and whether any special machinery of Government has been set up to co-ordinate information and policy in regard to this matter?

My hon. Friend is aware that a special sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence has been set up to examine all aspects of our food supplies in the event of war. This committee is engaged upon the work to which the second part of my hon. Friend's question refers.

Can my right hon. Friend say who is the chairman of this committee

No, Sir. This is a sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and the constitution of such committees is not revealed.

Can my right hon. Friend say when the conclusions of this committee will be submitted to the House?

No, Sir. The committee is engaged upon the examination of the facts at present, and I can only say that conclusions will be reached as soon as is consistent with the magnitude of the question.

Can we have any information as to the conclusions?

I hope so, some day.

Have any steps yet been taken to fill the existing granaries to their full capacity?

That is another question. If my hon. Friend means, Are they now full to their complete capacity? the answer is in the negative.

Are steps being taken to fill them?

The question of the storage of grain is one of the questions which is being considered by the committee.

Arising out of these answers, taken in conjunction with the fact that all authorities agree that war means the end of civilisation, is there any sense in storing up food in that way?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in considering the question of food supplies from the point of view of national defence, he is directing attention to the fishing industry; and whether he proposes to take any steps to ensure that the fishing fleets shall be adequate for all emergencies?

The questions now under consideration with regard to food supplies in time of war necessarily cover the supply of fish, and the adequacy of the fishing fleets in this connection will, come under review.

Will it come under review by the sub-committee to which my right hon. Friend referred on the last question?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in view of the vulnerability of London in regard to receiving supplies during the War, the necessity of keeping the city supplied with food, and the greater risk to railways than to roads through aeroplane attack, he will consider formulating a scheme for organising or planning the adequate provision of roads for conveying supplies from the West Coast or other less exposed ports to the Metropolis?

As I indicated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Cleveland (Commander Bower) on 17th June, a special committee is dealing with the whole question of the diversion of imports, their reception at alternative ports, and distribution therefrom. This task includes an examination of the capacity of all means of internal transport. The needs of the London area will be borne in mind. The object is to have adequate plans in readiness for any emergency.

Has the right hon. Gentleman a sub-committee working on the possible date of the next. war?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has considered the letter of the Barnsley and District Chamber of Commerce intimating that works, foundries, etc., already situated within the county borough desire an opportunity to contract for Air Ministry, Admiralty and War Office equipment, clothing, shells, gas masks, aeroplane parts, etc., and that Barnsley has the highest unemployment in the West Riding in proportion to population; and will he take into immediate consideration Barnsley's claim to a proportional share of existing or future Government contracts?

Yes, Sir. The method approved for carrying out the defence programme is that of contracts between the Service Departments and individual firms judged suitable for supplying the various classes of stores, so far as these are required within the limits of the programme. Firms in Barnsley desiring an opportunity of contracting for Defence Services' requirements should therefore communicate with the Directors of Contracts of the Service Departments, and should state the class of material they are in a position to supply.

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take on the report of Sir Harry McGowan's Committee; and when he proposes to take it?

The report has been too recently received to warrant the answers required.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when it will be advisable to put a question down again in order to get a complete answer?

Not for a considerable period, but I will try and remember to inform the hon. Member when to put down a further question.

Have the Government any intention, in view of the report on the reorganisation of the transport of this country, of nationalising the transport of this country?

This question relates to electricity.

I know perfectly well that it relates to electricity, but the two are combined one with the other.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is aware that the Grampian Electricity Supply Company and other similar companies operating in Great Britain not only charge 8d. a unit, but insist on long-term contracts; and, in view of the fact that producers of electrical power from water claim to produce this power at a cost of less than ld. per unit, will he have the matter examined with the view to deciding whether the public is being charged exorbitant rates; (2) whether he is aware that Section 17 of the Grampian Electricity Acts 1924, lays it down that current shall be supplied to the County of Angus at a reasonable rate; and, seeing that this agreement was made in return for substantial concessions in rates by the county council, will he take steps to have the present charges reduced so as to be in conformity with this agreement?

The Grampian Company's Act of 1922 prescribes the maximum charges which may be made by the company and also the terms and conditions under which consumers are entitled to obtain a supply. If the local authority of any district within the area or an appropriate number of consumers consider the charges excessive, provision is made.

May I ask my right hon. Friend, in the first place, whether he is satisfied that the county receives a supply at a suitable charge in comparison with the charge made to the General Commissioners for the grid; and, in the second place, whether he has taken any steps to inquire whether the charge of 8d. per unit is a fair addition to make, in view of the fact that the cost of production, on their own showing, is under ld. per unit?

My hon. and gallant Friend will bear in mind that the charge covers not only generation, but distribution over a wide area. As to whether it is too great a charge, it is not for me to decide offhand, but only upon representations in the prescribed manner made to me by local authorities or consumers, and I have had no such representations made to me.

Is it not a fact that when the power was given to the Grampian Company one of the conditions was that they would be able to get power at a reasonable rate, which was calculated at 4½d. or 5d.?

I do not know what was in the mind of Parliament in 1922. The procedure is as laid down.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the fact that Switzerland and Norway import coal for the generation of electricity although plenty of water power is available, and that the price of Scottish coal imported into the Irish Free State has been advanced by 2s. per ton at the request of the promoters of the Shannon electricity works in order to permit them to compete in power production with power produced from this coal, will he state how costs of production of power from coal in Great Britain compare with corresponding costs in the aforementioned countries?

The Electricity Commissioners inform me that sufficient data are not available upon which to base a reliable comparison.

In view of the fact that there seems to be ample evidence that all these countries can produce power more cheaply by coal, and imported coal at that, will my right hon. Friend have inquiries made to see, in the first place, whether we are behind other countries in the production of power from coal, and, if not, whether proper encouragement will be given to companies producing power from coal in Great Britain?

I shall be glad to send any information I may receive of possible interest to my hon. and gallant Friend in regard to the points mentioned by him.

asked the Attorney-General whether any decision has been taken on the subject of setting up a system of official shorthand writing in the High Court of Justice; whether the committee presided over by Mr. Justice Atkinson has concluded its deliberations on the subject; and whether he can make any statement as to the general lines on which this subject is to be handled by the judicial authorities?

I understand that the committee presided over by Mr. Justice Atkinson hopes to present its report at an early date. It would be premature to reach any decision or make any statement upon the matter until the report has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many education authorities in Scotland were providing free meals, other than milk meals, to elementary school children in March, 1934, March, 1935, and March, 1936, and the number of children receiving such meals at these periods?

Seventeen of the 35 education authorities in Scotland provided free meals for children attending schools conducted under the Code of Regulations for Day Schools in March, 1934, March, 1935, and March, 1936. The number of children receiving free meals at the respective dates was 18,772, 18,371 and 20,859.

Seeing that the report of Sir John Orr, who is recognised as an expert on nutrition, which has been submitted to the country generally, states that half the population of the country have not sufficient income to enable them to live a decent healthy life, will the Minister take steps to see that the children receive greater attention in school than they receive at the present time?

Education authorities are aware of the powers which Parliament has given them in this regard.