asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, whether he is aware of the disquiet which has been aroused among the controlling grades of the Customs and Excise Department by the action of the Board in promoting to the post of deputy chief inspector an officer of nearly 60 years of age over the heads not only of a number of his seniors in his late rank but also of the whole of the rank immediately above, although this officer had himself been passed over recently by one of his juniors for promotion to the grade above; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the reasons for this action?

I am aware that representations have been received by the Customs and Excise Controlling Grade Association on the subject of the promotion to which the hon. Member refers. I am advised that the Commissioners of Customs and Excise fully considered the qualifications of the more senior officials before making the appointment and I am not prepared to institute an inquiry into the matter. I may add that it is not the case, except in a technical sense, that the officer in question was recently passed over for promotion by a junior. The question of filling the two posts was under consideration at the same time, but whereas that to which the junior was appointed was already vacant, the post of Deputy Chief Inspector did not become vacant until a few days after.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the number of persons employed in his Department who are in receipt of salary and pension, apart from war or disability pension?

If, as I assume, the hon. Member is referring to Civil Pensions only, the answer is three.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, whether the investigations of the Spahlinger vaccine have been commenced and are making progress; and whether he can make a statement on the matter?

The question of conducting tests with the Spahlinger vaccine in this country is still under consideration. I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the matter.

asked the Secretary, of State for Dominion Affairs, whether it is proposed to apply International Labour Office conventions applic- able to Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland to these territories; and, if not, on what principles and for what purpose this policy is framed?

It is the policy to give effect in these Territories to the provisions of International Labour Conventions to which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are a party, so far as the Conventions are applicable to the Territories having regard to local conditions.