asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached with regard to the desirability of the Admiralty taking complete control of the Fleet Air Arm; and, if not, whether any satisfactory definition has yet been reached so far as the responsibilities of the Navy with regard to its own methods of air defence and attack are concerned?

The answer is in the negative.

In view of the necessity of settling this question one way or the other, will my right hon. Friend consider setting up a committee?

It is not my business to set up a committee.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the value of the orders placed by his Department in the county borough of Sunderland during the past 12 months; and what proportion of such orders was due to the preference given to the Special Areas?

I regret that it is not practicable to give these details of contracts placed in particular areas without an expenditure of time and labour which it would be difficult to justify at the present time.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that it is worth a little labour to give some facts in order to judge the value of preference to Special Areas?

I have given general figures which show that we are doing everything possible in the Special Areas, and we are as anxious to give as many orders as we can in the Special Areas.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the date on which the first of the reviews of Service conditions began; the number of requests so far received at the Admiralty and from where; the date on which the last requests are expected; whether the full list of requests and replies will be published in Admiralty Fleet Orders, as was done with the Welfare Conference requests; and on what date they are expected to be announced?

The review of Service conditions began in all commands during September and October last on dates selected by the senior officer in each Fleet. Requests have so far been received at the Admiralty from four of the smaller commands and total over 400. The last requests are expected to reach the Admiralty about the end of December. Requests and the decision on each request will be published in Fleet Orders; but at this early stage of the review I am unable to say by what date the Admiralty will have completed their consideration of the requests.

Is not there rather unusual delay on this occasion, as it seems to be a very long time since these reviews began?

No, Sir, I think that the right hon. Gentleman will find, if he looks into the matter, that we are following the usual procedure. We regard the reviews as of great importance. They come at periodical times, and we shall give very full attention to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the position in Danzig following on his recent conversations with Colonel Beck, Polish Foreign Minister?

During his recent visit to London the Polish Foreign Minister informed me that following on preliminary exchanges of view he intended to undertake direct negotiations with the President of the Danzig Senate in Warsaw this week in pursuance of the task entrusted to the Polish Government by the Council at its last meeting. The Polish Foreign Minister undertook to inform the Committee of Three of the results of these negotiations. I am taking steps with the knowledge and approval of the Polish Minister for Foreign Affairs to inform my colleagues on the Committee of Three of these conversations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that both the external and internal aspects of this question will be equally dealt with?

We all have in mind the indivisibility of the Statute.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that during the recent disturbances in Palestine not only were many towns and villages subjected to the payment of collective fines but villages were bombed from the air and individual houses were blown up with dynamite; how many houses were so dynamited and why was this practice resorted to; and how many casualties were caused by the bombing and dynamiting operations?

I have ascertained that the allegation that villages were bombed from the air during the recent disorders in Palestine is quite untrue. As a punitive measure, 93 houses were demolished in accordance with the provisions of an emergency regulation made by the High Commissioner under the Palestine (Defence) Order in Council. No casualties were caused by any of these demolitions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any, and what proportion, of the cost of the Jewish forces enrolled in connection with the Palestine disturbances is to be borne out of the Zionist organisation's funds?

In connection with the recent disorders in Palestine special arrangements were made by the Palestine Government with the Jewish Agency for Palestine whereby the recurrent expenses of supernumerary constables enrolled for the closer defence of Jewish settlements and for additional policing of Tel Aviv were to be shared equally between the Government and the communities concerned. The whole of the capital cost, for example, uniforms, equipment, arms and ammunition, is being borne by the Palestine Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the circumstances under which Sir Michael McDonnell retired from the office of Chief Justice in Palestine; and will his successor, Mr. Trusted, take the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty on appointment?

On 21st October the Chief Justice of Palestine made the following statement in Court:

"His Majesty has been pleased to approve of my retirement on pension with effect from the expiration of my forthcoming leave.

The Secretary of State has consented to meet my convenience by allowing me, pending my departure from Palestine, to be relieved from the performance of my official duties other than those which are expressly required by statute to be performed by the Chief Justice in person."

As regards the second part of the question, the new Chief Justice of Palestine will, like his predecessor, take the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath in the usual forms.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Royal Commission are prevented by their terms of reference from inquiring into the inefficiency of the Palestine administration in suppressing the disorders; and whether he will take steps to rectify this omission?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that employers in Rhodesia are enticing natives from Nyasaland to proceed to that territory to work and that some of the promises made by their would-be employers Are not being implemented, with dire results to some of those natives; and will he take steps to remedy this state of things?

While I have no knowledge of any cases of individual employers enticing labourers from Nyasaland, I am aware that large numbers of such natives seek work in Rhodesia and steps have already been taken to inquire into the conditions of employment of Nyasaland natives in Rhodesia. A senior administrative officer in the Nyasaland Government service has been instructed to visit Southern Rhodesia and to report on the position.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is no place in the British Empire where labour, both white and coloured, is treated with greater humanity and consideration than in Southern Rhodesia?

I have no reason to suppose that the labour conditions in Southern Rhodesia are subject to any serious trouble, but we have had a disquieting report of the number of Nyasaland natives leaving the country, particularly Northern Nyasaland, and it is equally important to know what is happening to those Nyasaland natives in other people's territory.

Is it not because the terms of employment in Southern Rhodesia are so good; and will my right hon. Friend accept my view, as I have been out there?

It is true that in Northern Rhodesia there is considerable mining development, and, of course, far higher wages are paid to natives working in mines than to those who work on farms or in agricultural employment.

Is my right hon. Friend sure that the disquieting report comes from Southern Rhodesia and not from Northern Rhodesia?

The disquieting report comes from Nyasaland itself as to the unduly large number of Nyasaland natives who are leaving the country And leaving their womenfolk and the old people unattended.

Is it not because the conditions are so good?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the wide questions raised on the matter of migrant labour by the Nyasaland Commission, whether he will withhold his approval of the provisional agreement on migrant native labour concluded between the Governments of Northern and Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland until he has had an opportunity of receiving representations from persons interested in native welfare?

I have already informed the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland that I propose to withhold my definite sanction of the provisional agreement until I have received and considered any public comments thereon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will publish his despatch to the Governor of Kenya Colony on the subject of the report and recommendations of Sir Alan Pim on taxation in Kenya Colony?

I am sending a copy of the open despatch, which is only a brief and interim one, to the hon. Member, and I think he will agree that it is not of such a character as to justify any special publication.

Will the information be placed in the Library of the House?

Certainly, if desired, but I want to make it quite clear that this despatch is not the end of the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let me have a copy, too?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when a report will be issued by the local police investigating the alleged forged letters attributed to Sir Offori Atta; and, if so, whether, and when, that report will be available to Members of the House?

I am not at present in a position to add to my reply of 11th November. I will, however, request the Governor to furnish me in due course with a report on the police investigations, and, when it is received, I will place a copy in the Library of the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the value of the orders placed by his Department in the county borough of Sunderland during the past 12 months; and what proportion of such orders was due to the preference given to the special areas?

I regret that it is not practicable to give details of contracts placed in particular areas without undue expenditure of time and labour.

Is it not the fact that the Treasury have to make grants from time to time to the firms doing the work, and that they have all the information in the Treasury Office?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of applications received for enlistment into the Royal Air Force for the year ended 31st March, 1936; the number that were medically examined and found physically fit; the number attested during the same period; and the number rejected for any cause?

The number of definite applications for enlistment during the year ended 31st March, 1936, was 52,245. During the same period 18,889 were medically examined and found physically fit and 14,005 were attested. I regret that details are not available as to the numbers rejected for different reasons.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what has happened to the other attestants?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the costs of material required for the production of aircraft are rising; and what steps will be taken to prevent the delay in fixing prices which is inherent in the Instructions to Proceed system resulting in the Government having to pay more for their requirements?

Although there have been rises in the prices of particular materials, I have no evidence of any all-round increases such as would materially affect the cost of aircraft. In any case it is not considered that the delay in fixing prices which may arise in the case of Instructions to Proceed will result in the Government having to pay more for their requirements than they would under any other system of contract. One advantage of the system is that it enables the contractor to place forward contracts for his materials at current market quotations.

How can the price be as low now when the prices of materials are lower than they will be when prices are fixed in 12 months' time, when prices are higher?

That is the whole point. Production can go on immediately without any delay. The materials which are now bought are bought at present day prices.

Will the prices be fixed on the basis of the raw material prices when the orders were given or when the machines are delivered?

A provisional price is fixed now.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the approval of his Department has been given for the use by British Airways of American machines on the London-Sweden service; and whether the agreement with this company, under which a subsidy was granted on condition that British machines would be used, will be varied?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) whether, in connection with the order placed for American aeroplanes by British Airways, Limited, which is in receipt of a Government subsidy, he is aware that aeroplane manufacturers in this country are too busy with Government orders to supply the necessary machines themselves; and whether, in view of the damage to British prestige through the use of foreign machines on British air lines, he will assist in the making of arrangements for the temporary use on this line of adapted military machines;

(2) whether he is aware that British Airways, Limited, which is in receipt of a Government subsidy of £25,000, is taking steps to place an order for American aeroplanes; whether there is any precedent for a subsidised company ordering foreign machines; and whether he proposes to take any action to insist on the use of British aeroplanes by British subsidised air lines?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry have issued any statements to the Press with regard to the purchase by British Airways of American aircraft?

The agreement under which the service is operated and of which a summary was contained in the White Paper (Cmd. 5203) laid before the House last June, provides that except with the consent of the Secretary of State for Air all aircraft used by the company shall be of British design and manufacture. The agreement contemplated the use of the type of aircraft known as D.H. 86A for the operation of the night air mail service, and aircraft of this type were in fact purchased by the company. They were subsequently found, however, to be unsuitable for the night service and were withdrawn. In the situation which thus arose, no suitable civil aircraft of British design and manufacture being immediately available or in early prospect and the demands of Air Force expansion making it impossible to make available to the company suitable military machines, there was no alternative, if the night air mail service were not to be abandoned, but to resort to the power under the agreement to approve the use of foreign aircraft in exceptional circumstances. Consequently, when the company sought permission for the employment of foreign aircraft, my Noble Friend was reluctantly obliged to agree to the use of the Fokker F.12 as an interim measure and to consider the proposal to use the American Lockheed Electra 10A type when deliveries can be obtained. The use of these foreign machines is an unfortunate expedient necessary to maintain the night service with its important European connections. The day passenger and mail service between this country and Sweden is not affected; it is only in regard to the night air mail service to Hanover that the question of the use by British Airways of foreign aircraft has arisen. No statements have been made by the Air Ministry to the Press with regard to the purchase of American aircraft by British Airways.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate reverting to the very desirable principle of using British machines at some future date?

Yes, as early as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very damaging effect that this action has had upon British prestige abroad, and particularly throughout the Dominions, where foreign machines are also being ordered, and can he say what steps are being taken to fulfil the needs of this country?

I am quite aware of that, but it would have been even more damaging to British prestige if this night mail service had had to be abandoned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that all possible orders for aircraft which can be of any use to this country should be placed wherever the contracts can be satisfactorily made?

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to an article on this subject which appeared in the "Times" on 11th November; can he say whether that article was submitted to the Air Ministry; whether he does not consider that that article had a very damaging effect on the export trade of British aircraft; and whether he does not consider that articles of this nature should first be submitted to the Air Ministry before publication?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, will he take steps to make sure that no aeroplanes are exported from this country until the progress of our own defensive forces has been much further advanced than it is at the present time?

This is always borne in mind. In reply to the first question, I may say that I am not responsible for, nor do I wish to comment on articles which appear in the papers in connection with the Air Ministry. This article was not submitted to the Air Ministry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Imperial Airways liner "Scipio" crashed at Mirabella on 22nd August, resulting in the loss of two lives; that the inspector of accidents reported that one of the reasons for the accident was that the pilot misjudged the approach and consequently had to open out his engines; and whether all the engines then responded?

I am aware of the facts mentioned in the first two parts of the question. As regards the last part, there was no evidence to suggest that any of the engines failed to respond.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the cause of the delay in providing wireless facilities at Roborough aerodrome, Plymouth; and whether he will expedite the provision of these facilities, in view of their urgent necessity?

I am advised that the area and the lay-out of buildings at the Roborough aerodrome are not yet finally settled, and for this reason it is not practicable to proceed with the installation of a radio station at present; the provision of a station will, however, be considered as soon as suitable accommodation is available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will now furnish particulars of the inquiries and negotiations that have taken place for the use of Croydon aerodrome for the purpose of operating a North Atlantic air service; and whether any detailed proposals have been furnished to his Department?

I am not aware of any proposal to use Croydon aerodrome in any special way for this purpose.

Is it not a fact that certain items of cost were asked from the authorities, which were supplied, and then further items of supplementary cost were required?

If the hon. Member has any information I should be very glad to have it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any decision has been reached with regard to the establishment of a seaplane refuelling base in the Paracel Islands, about 400 miles south of Hong Kong, on the direct Singapore-Hong Kong air line; and whether such base will be under British or Chinese control?

No such proposal is under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the proposal to sell a portion of Heston aerodrome for building purposes, he will see that the flying facilities offered by that aerodrome are not unduly impaired?

Yes, Sir, the question of ensuring that the land adjoining Heston aerodrome is not built upon has been under active consideration, and, subject to Parliamentary authority, it is proposed to purchase the area in question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to make a grant for the abolition of tolls on the high level and Redheugh bridges across the River Tyne?

Yes, Sir, And I will make a grant of 50 per cent. of the approved cost of the abolition of tolls on both the Redheugh and the high level bridges over the Tyne. I am in communication with the corporation on terms.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to make a grant towards the freeing of the Howdon ferry from tolls and the improvements of the landing stages and boats?

Yes, Sir, and if the county councils are prepared to take over the Jarrow-Howdon ferry over the Tyne I am prepared to contribute 60 per cent. towards the working expenses and the outstanding loan charges of this ferry if it is freed from tolls, and, further, to entertain applications for grant at the same rate towards any necessary expenditure on the improvement of the landing stages and boats.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to be as kind as that to the new Waterloo Bridge?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to make a grant to the corporations of Tynemouth and South Shields towards the approved cost of purchase of the vehicle and passenger ferries between North and South Shields from the River Tyne Commissioners, and the cost of improving the ferry services?

Yes, Sir, and if satisfactory arrangements can be made for the acquisition by the corporations of Tynemouth and South Shields of the vehicle and passenger ferries over the Tyne, I am prepared to make a grant of 60 per cent. towards the approved cost of purchase on condition that all charges for use of the ferries would be abolished. I am also prepared to make a grant of 60 per cent. towards any necessary improvements to the ferries.

Does that offer exclude the possibility of a crossing either over or under the river between the two harbour boroughs?

The offer stands on its own merits. I have outlined the whole scheme and several proposals regarding the Tyne to the corporations concerned, as the hon. Member knows.

Does this offer mean that the right hon. Gentleman has turned down the request from the two harbour boroughs that a bridge should be constructed between them?

That particular point of crossing has not been approved, as a result of investigation.

Do the proposals embraced here include a bridge at Scots-wood on Tyne?

There was an earlier question on the Order Paper to which I should have answered, had it been asked, that a scheme on the lines suggested would seem to be the most satisfactory method of reducing the existing congestion and facilitating through traffic between north and south. I am prepared to consider any proposal of this kind from the responsible highway authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to consider the making of a grant for the provision of a new by-pass road on the west side of Newcastle-on-Tyne and the construction of a new bridge at Scotswood to replace the present obsolete bridge?

A scheme on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend would seem to be the most satisfactory method for reducing the existing congestion and facilitating the passage of through traffic between north and south, and I am prepared to consider any submissions of this kind from the responsible highway authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this will have no effect on the traffic East of Newcastle, which is very congested and has great difficulty in getting across the Tyne?

I should hope that, like all the other proposals that I have made, this will at any rate have some effect.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can make any statement regarding the improvement of traffic conditions at Victoria Gate, Hyde Park?

My hon. Friend will be aware that no alteration can be effected here without the approval of the responsible authorities, and efforts are being made to secure agreement.

asked the Minister of Transport how far the negotiations for widening Notting Hill Gate have progressed; and when it is anticipated that work will begin to relieve the present congestion of traffic?

The London County Council General Powers Bill will provide for the acquisition of the property to enable this improvement to be carried out and subject to the necessary powers being obtained I have promised a grant of 60 per cent. from the Road Fund towards the cost of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of pedestrian- crossing - barriers that have been laid down and erected in the Metropolitan area, and the number laid down during the past 12 months; and whether, with a view to minimising the number of accidents, he will further consider the intro duction of regulations that pedestrians should only cross busy thoroughfares It appointed places?

Guard rails have been provided at 23 road junctions, and in continuous lengths in Commercial Road East and East India Dock Road, and in St. Helier Avenue, Morden. All these rails, with the exception of those at six junctions, have been erected during the last 12 months. I think that the hon. Member will share any view that the guard rails themselves are more likely to be effective than any additional regulations, and I urge highway authorities to construct them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman considering the erection of guard rails in addition?

Yes. I con eluded my answer by saying that I have urged highway authorities to construct them and I would like to see that advice followed on the largest possible scale.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage of the cost is given to local authorities to erect them?

I think it is 60 per cent., but I speak subject to correction.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether his attention has been called to a fatal accident which occurred recently in that part of Green Lanes, Harringay, known as Manor House Hill; and if, in view of the fact that this stretch of road is a steep gradient down which motor traffic travels at very high speed, he will consider taking some steps to minimise the danger to the public;

(2) whether he has considered the petition addressed to him by 1,000 residents of Harringay asking for something to be done to lessen the risk to life in Hermitage Road, Harringay, in view of the type and volume of traffic which now uses that road; and whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with the matter?

These matters will have my immediate attention.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now give a list of the schemes scheduled under the railway agreement upon which work has commenced?

asked the Minister of Transport how many fatal and how many non-fatal accidents have occurred during the last twelve months, up to the most convenient date, in those roads in South Tottenham known as Green Lanes, Seven Sisters Road, and High Road?

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

Yes, Sir, and with the hon. Member's permission I will circulate the latest information available to me in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any plans for establishing efficient 10-minute ferry services across the Forth and Tay have been submitted to him; and how the costs compare with the figures for building road bridges?

No, Sir.

In view of the fact that the cost of these road bridges is prohibitive and that ten minutes' efficient ferry services would only cost a moderate amount and would be adequate to the traffic they would have to carry, and also would probably give more local employment than a road bridge scheme, will the right hon. Gentleman have this matter looked into in order to make this most important piece of the trunk road systems of this country effective?

Certainly. The suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member is well worth consideration, and if he can use his influence locally so that a, scheme is put before me it will have my attention.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the suggestion that the cost of road bridges is prohibitive? Is it not for him to say that at the moment it is not?

I did not accept any hypothesis; I was dealing with the question.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is allowing himself to be tempted to substitute the ownership of a ferry service for the building of a proper bridge?

No, Sir, but sudden temptations are very hard to resist.

Has not this principle already been agreed to in the answer to Question 43 in the case of South Shields?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the cost to Major Oliver Stewart of defending himself when convicted by the Kingston magistrates on 8th October of exceeding the speed limit in a built-up area, and of his appeal to Surrey Quarter Sessions on 23rd October, at which the conviction was quashed, was over £200; and, in view of the fact that the costs given against the police will fall short of this amount, will he bring in legislation to reduce the costs of appeal in all cases?

It is impracticable to limit by legislation the amount of costs which an appellant may choose to incur. When an appeal to quarter sessions is allowed and costs are awarded subject to taxation as in the present case, the actual sum to be allowed is such as the taxing officer may consider reasonable and proper in the circumstances. My right hon. Friend sees no occasion for any amendment of the law in the matter.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this appeal was made because the magistrates considered that the man could afford to appeal, and does he think it is right that advantage should be taken in that way in order that a decision may be reached as a test case which is in the interests of many?

I understand that the Chairman said that the costs would be taxed.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that in any event, whatever may be the means, it should be the duty of the Government to see that justice is cheapened?

Is it not a fact that if the gentleman concerned had not been able to afford an expenditure of £200, he would not have been able successfully to appeal?

I do not think that follows.

Is it not a fact that if the man had not had money he could have taken advantage of the Summary Jurisdiction Appeals Act, which would have cost him nothing?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the arrangements which are being made by him to interview certain private Members of the House at which important State affairs are to be discussed, he will give facilities to other private Members to obtain the information disclosed at this interview if they desire it?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in addition to the deputation he has expressed a willingness to receive of right hon. and hon. Members led by the right hon. Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) who wish to lay before the Government information on defence questions, he is willing also to receive other private Members in deputations who may wish to do likewise; and if, in view of the fact that all private Members have the same responsibilities nationally and to their constituents, he will give an assurance that no special information on defence questions shall be restricted to any one group of Members, but be available to all equally who may wish to take advantage of his willingness to impart information, whether it be information volunteered by the Government or collected in answer to statements made by deputations?

His Majesty's Government make no distinction between Members of the House as such in regard to their rights to ask for and to receive information, and it is, and always has been, their intention to observe this principle in practice. The Government, however, reserve to themselves the right to impart to Privy Councillors any information which, in the Government's opinion, it would be in the public interest to confide to them.

May I ask whether this information will be conveyed to other private Members and not given exclusively to Privy Councillors? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the Government are creating a dangerous precedent in imparting information of this nature to a supplementary and unofficial committee on imperial defence?

If the hon. Member will look at the answer I have given to the question he will see that it really deals quite correctly with the point raised.

Do I understand that all private Members enjoy the same rights as are going to be enjoyed by the right hon. Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) and his friends?

Do I understand from the answer that the Prime Minister would be willing to receive deputations similar in numbers and for the same purpose as the deputation of the right hon. Member for Epping and other hon. Members?

The Prime Minister must have, as the hon. and gallant Member will agree, discretion as to how he arranges his time, but the principle which I think is understood by all hon. Members is perfectly plain, that Members of this House are equal in these matters, and that their applications are dealt with on the level of equality.

Is it not a fact that the Prime Minister on numerous occasions has received numerous deputations on very many subjects quite regardless as to where they have come from?

No doubt that is the case.

Is it the view of the Government that only Privy Councillors are to be trusted and that ordinary Members of the House are not to be trusted?

The point is that when you have given this information to private individuals or a group of individuals, what guarantee have you that it is going to be kept secret?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing vulnerability of Greater London in the event of national emergency, due to the expansion in the number of factories in that area and the growth of concentrated population; and if, in view of the risk of the paralysis of distribution of food supplies and the destruction of these factories by air attack, the Government will introduce legislation to prohibit the building of factories within a wide radius of Greater London?

The Government fully appreciate the disadvantages, from the point of view of defence, of the great aggregation of industry and population in the London area, and they have the issues consequent upon the present state of affairs under close consideration.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that legislation to deal with this important subject is long overdue?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (1) whether it is the intention of the Government to finance the labour and material in addition to the buildings occupied in production of aero-engines under the shadow scheme; and upon what basis, having regard to the provision by the Government of a large proportion of the capital and the payment by the Government of management charges, the firms concerned will be paid for their output;

(2) whether he will state the amounts to be paid as management fees to each of the seven groups who will manage Government factories for the manufacture of aero-engines?

The number of firms included in the shadow engine scheme is now six. The whole of the labour and material and other costs involved in production, as well as the capital expenditure will be met by the Air Ministry. The firms will be remunerated by a management fee which combines an annual payment with a fixed payment per engine. As explained by the Secretary of State for Air in another place, as soon as practicable after production commences a basic price will be fixed by reference to the anticipated cost per engine and the firms will receive as a bonus a share of any saving effected on that basic price. I am not at present in a position to make any further statement as to the financial terms, but in due course full information will be given to the House.

Have the management fees been agreed between the Government and the groups of managers who will manage these factories?

Yes. That particular item of the financial terms has been agreed, but I would prefer if the hon. Member will allow me to make a full statement to the House when everything has been finally fixed.

In view of the separate character of the two questions I have put on the Order Paper, why should it be impossible to give the House the information which is already available and which cannot be affected by any subsequent price which may be fixed?

I have stated the reason to the House—that it is desirable to give full information when I can give the whole picture.

asked the Minister of Transport why the Departmental Committee appointed by him to bring under review the organisation of the distribution of electricity in Great Britain sat in private and has declined to publish the evidence of the witnesses called; and whether, as the Association of Municipal Corporations has protested against this refusal, this evidence will now be made public?

The committee decided to treat the evidence given to them as confidential in order that witnesses might feel free to express their individual opinions and experience, and the hon. Member will appreciate that evidence given upon that understanding could not now be published. The report of the committee is based upon their own judgment and conclusions from the evidence placed before them.

In view of the fact that this evidence is of general interest to the whole country could it be (made public?

I have already answered that question. The committee, after deliberation and consultation, decided that they were more likely to get the evidence they required if it were given under a pledge of non-publication, and as they gave that pledge it cannot now be violated.

asked the Attorney-General whether any further progress has been made on the question of appointing official shorthand writers in the High Court of Justice, or whether the legal authorities have abandoned this project; and, if so, upon what grounds?

The committee, which my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor set up under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Atkinson to consider the position of official shorthand writers in the Supreme Court, has now presented its report, which is at the moment under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of time-expired soldiers of good character have been successful in finding regular employment for the year ending 31st December, 1935, or the nearest convenient date?

A central register of time-expired soldiers showing if they secure employment is not maintained by the War Office, which has therefore to rely for information on the vocational training centres, on the Ministry of Labour and on voluntary associations. Such statistics as they can supply, however, must necessarily involve a considerable risk of overlap, and they make no distinction as between time-expired soldiers and ex-service men generally, or between men with, and those without, good characters.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a danger that inability to secure such regular employment deters young men from joining the Army?

That is a matter which we have under close consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many yards of foreign-woven cotton-cloth were imported into this country to be bleached, finished, or dyed and re-exported later marked "Made in England" for the 12 months to 30th September, 1936, or to the nearest convenient date?

During the 12 months ended June, 1936, the total quantity of cotton piece-goods consigned from foreign countries and imported into the United Kingdom under the terms of Section 13 of the Import Duties Act, 1032, for process and subsequent re-exportation was 14,464,000 square yards.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of discontent in Lancashire over this position, and can he take any steps to remedy it?

I know it has been causing a good deal of anxiety in many quarters. If any evidence is brought before us as to any improprieties being committed, I shall be glad to examine it at once.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is done with deliberate intent, that it is much cheaper to bleach and finish abroad than it is in this country, and that there is only one intention in doing it, which is recognisable by everybody concerned?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these goods which are only partially processed are sent out marked and stamped as British manufacture?

There is no means of ascertaining what proportion of the goods, if any, is marked in this way. If that is being done, it might be an offence under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, and if we have evidence that that is the practice, I will certainly deal with it.

Is it not obvious that these goods which are imported in the grey and are simply printed and finished here, and are sent out as—

Order.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of ex-soldiers engaged for permament work by his Department during the year ending 31st December, 1935, or the nearest convenient date?