asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is a condition of naval contracts that any coastal transport of material which may be involved in the fulfilment of such contracts shall be undertaken by British ships?

Since the end of 1934 a stipulation has been made in Admiralty contracts, whenever practicable, that contractors shall employ British ships if delivery is to be made coastwise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many cruisers have still to be allocated under this year's naval programme; and when the allocations may be expected?

The 1936 New Construction programme includes seven cruisers, two of which have already been ordered by contract. Of the remaining five vessels, three are to be built by contract and tenders for these will be invited in the course of the next few weeks, with a view to the placing of orders about February next. The other two ships will be built in His Majesty's dockyards, and construction will, it is anticipated, commence in March.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has been come to with regard to the reengining of two of His Majesty's battleships, which was foreshadowed last July?

Tenders for the reengining of two battleships were received a few days ago, and are now under consideration. It is hoped to reach a decision very shortly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the recently announced increases in the pay of civilian employés at His Majesty's Dockyard at Malta do not meet the claims of the staffs concerned; and, as it is still desired to refer the question to arbitration, whether he will cause instructions to be given for the immediate reference of the matter to the Civil Service arbitration tribunal?

The question of arbitration on the claim of the locally entered clerical staff is receiving active consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that his visit to the Mediterranean was necessary to ascertain that an increase in the rates of remuneration. of locally-entered clerical staffs at Malta was necessary, he will take steps to ensure that for the future the legitimate claims of staffs serving abroad can, by use of the machinery of the staff side of the departmental Whitley Council of the Admiralty, be considered and dealt with reasonably without delay?

I see no reason to assume that the existing machinery for dealing with claims from local staffs in His Majesty's Naval establishments abroad is not competent to deal with such questions with no greater delay than may result from the nature of any particular question.

In view of the answer which the right hon. Gentleman gave last week as to the pay of employés at Malta having been increased, does he propose to make that increase date from the time when the application for arbitration was made?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the request of the staff association concerned for the reference to the Civil Service arbitration tribunal of a claim on behalf of locally-entered clerical staffs employed in His Majesty's dockyard at Malta; whether he is aware that this is due to the inability of the association to secure an agreement with the Admiralty either as regards the pay of these staffs or the reference of their claim to arbitration; and whether he is prepared to place the conciliation machinery of his Department at the disposal of the Admiralty and the association in order to facilitate an agreement in respect of the matters in dispute or their reference to the appropriate arbitration tribunal of the Civil Service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer on the same subject given to him to-day by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, which states that he has the question of arbitration on this claim under active consideration. In these circumstances the second and third parts of the hon. Member's question do not arise.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this case has been under active consideration for the past four months?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of cases of damage, or attempted damage, to His Majesty's ships undergoing refit in His Majesty's dockyards during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and in how many of these cases sabotage was suspected?

I am glad to say that the number of occasions on which sabotage was suspected during the last 12 months is small, but I am not prepared to give a more detailed statement.

Have any inquiries taken place and have any prosecutions followed?

Yes, Sir; I think there have been prosecutions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say with what result?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the outbreak of scurvy in the Lupa mining area, and to the statement in the report of the recent Government Commission in Nyasaland that emigrant labour in this area is underfed and that the average pay is only 10s. a month; and what steps are being taken, by the enforcement of better conditions of pay and food, and by labour inspection and medical facilities, to prevent such an occurrence in the future?

The Government of Tanganyika is already paying attention to problems arising from the employment of natives in the Lupa goldfield, and a special effort is being made in particular to deal with the incidence of scurvy. I am sending the hon. Member a memorandum which sets out some of the measures taken or contemplated by the Tanganyika Government in this area. In addition, the general question of labour conditions in the Territory has recently been the subject of review by an authoritative local committee, whose report is expected early in the New Year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to implement the proposals as to soil conservation in Kenya Colony made by Sir Alan Pim; whether his warning against the treatment of the question as of secondary importance will be taken into account; and what instructions are being given to both administrative and technical officers?

I can assure the hon. Member that the Government of Kenya is now fully alive to the vital importance of soil conservation. The problem affects both the settled areas and the native reserves, and while, within the compass of a Parliamentary reply, I cannot give a detailed account of the various steps that are being taken to deal with it, I may say that the active co-operation of administrative and technical officers is being enlisted. I have also been glad to learn of the valuable assistance which is being rendered by private individuals and associations in the effort to awaken all sections of the community, both European and native, to a realisation of its importance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the fact that the natives of Kenya are the only section of the community which, under the existing arrangements, will not benefit from the exploitation of the mines so far as their main development services are concerned, what steps are being taken to remedy this anomaly?

I do not share the view that the fact that mining royalties and fees are paid into the general revenues of the Colony and not into any local fund constitutes an anomaly. In the first place, the natives share indirectly with all other sections of the community in the benefits arising from the receipt by the Government of mining royalties. In the second place they derive very substantial direct benefits from the operation of the mines in the Reserves by way of the profitable employment which is now available to them, the easy and expanding market provided for their produce, and the ground rents and fuel royalties which are paid to the local Native Councils, for the benefit of the communities directly affected.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to show what direct benefits come to the natives from these developments and improvements?

As examples I have given the ground rents, the fuel fees, and employment at far higher wages than they have ever had before.

Do these natives enjoy the same amount of benefit as miners in Britain from the royalty owners, because there are 44,000 of them out of work now?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the attention of his Department has been called to the figures given at the 23rd session of the Mandates Commission to the effect that before the War there were in Palestine over 25 licences to sell intoxicating liquor, and that the number had grown to 970; whether these figures are approximately correct; and what additional licences have been granted during each of the last five years?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is impossible to check the actual number of licences issued in Palestine before the War, but the num- ber of licences in 1933 was approximately as stated. I am not in possession of the figure for 1935, but the number of licences issued in the years 1930–1934 are as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state or will obtain information as to the number of licences for intoxicating liquor in Palestine held by Arabs, Jews, or other nationals, respectively?

I have not this information, but I will inquire whether if, can be supplied.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at what date the Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Province was informed that the Governor of the Gold Coast did not recognise Asamangkese's claim to he independent of the stool of Akim Abuakwa?

This claim was referred by agreement to arbitration and was rejected by the arbitrator in an award dated 9th September, 1929. I have no knowledge of any communication on the subject from the Governor of the Gold Coast to the Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Province.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that for some time past there has been a state of unrest in the chiefdom of Akim Abuakwa and its sub-divisions in the Eastern Province of the Gold Coast, that the stool of Asamangkese and the stool of Akwatia are sub-stools of the paramount stool of Akim Abuakwa and members of the council of that State, and that by orders, dated 12th August last, the Governor of the Gold Coast has deposed the Odikro Kwame Kuma and ordered him and four of his councillors to leave the Asamangkese division, to reside in another district, and not to return home; what is the reason for this deportation without trial, whether the orders were issued at the instance of or after consultation with the paramount chief of Akim Abuakwa and with the knowledge and approval of His Majesty's Government; and whether the question of the deportation of the mankrado of Asamangkese and of Mr. Anti-Dakwa, the Oman secretary to the joint stools of Asamangkese and Akwatia, has been considered by the Governor?

Yes, Sir. The Odikro was deposed by an order issued by the Governor on 4th August, and he and four councillors were ordered to leave the Asamangkese division by orders issued by the Governor on 12th August. The Governor acted under the powers conferred upon him by Sections 9 to 11 of the Asamangkese Division Regulation Ordinance of 1935, which enables him to depose and remove chiefs and others who appear to him to have obstructed the officers in charge of the Stool Treasuries in the exercise of their duties. The persons concerned were given five weeks in which to answer the charges, but failed to exculpate themselves to the Governor's satisfaction. The Governor acted on his own initiative and the approval of His Majesty's Government was riot required. I have no information with regard to the last part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable disturbance has been caused in the Gold Coast district owing to the deposition of the Odikro Kwame Kuma and his subsequent deportation? Further, is he aware that some of these men referred to have been sent far into the jungle, in a part of the country where they find it very difficult to live, and can he find some means to secure for them a more suitable area pending their return to their own country?

I cannot possibly commit myself to approving their return to their own part of the Gold Coast. They wilfully disobeyed the lawful instructions of the British Government and their paramount chief, and were guilty of causing grave trouble in the district. They appear to be undesirable individuals, and the Governor has insisted that they shall live far away from the district.

Is it not a fact that a large number of natives in this part of Africa are very agitated and disturbed by this action and will the right hon. Gentleman permit me to state that these men are not necessarily of a character to be described as undesirable? Further in view of the generally unpleasant odour that has arisen from the Gold Coast will he not take steps to order an inquiry into the cause?

I know of no unpleasant odour. If we are to have what is called indirect rule—rule through chiefs and recognised institutions or stools as they are called on the Gold Coast—the proper management of them is a vital concern of the Government if we are to preserve authority. These persons have defied lawful native authority and are rebels against their paramount chief.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government intend to maintain the defences of Malta.

Yes, Sir. I am aware that reports to the contrary have been circulating in irresponsible quarters, but I cannot think that the slightest credence has been given to them by informed opinion. I need scarcely say that they have no foundation whatsoever in fact. His Majesty's Government have commitments in Malta both to the Maltese people and to the general defence of the Empire. They have no intention of renouncing those commitments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) whether there is an adequate meteorological organisation for a night air service at Gatwick Aerodrome; and whether any alterations are proposed;

The Gatwick airport is connected directly by teleprinter line with the meteorological station at Croydon and regularly receives from that station the weather forecasts and reports required by scheduled air services whether by day or night. There are at present no trained meteorological observers at the Gatwick airport itself, but as part of a general scheme for improving meteorological facilities two will be posted as soon as they can be trained.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a strong feeling among pilots that aerodromes from which regular air liners start at night should have the finest equipment it is possible to have?

The equipment at Gatwick for night flying is perfectly adequate. It had been decided several months ago to post two trained meteorological observers to this airport, but, as the hon. Member knows, the expansion scheme has made greater demands on trained men.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman had any communication from any association of pilots to show that Gatwick aerodrome is not in any way satisfactory?

On the contrary. The information that I have is that the pilots at Gatwick consider the existing arrangements to be eminently satisfactory.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to instal an adequate cloud projector for measuring cloud heights by night at Gatwick aerodrome?

I understand that the owners of Gatwick airport have decided to instal a cloud projector for determining the height of low cloud.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that the Air Ministry should take the initiative in getting these things installed, and not wait for this to be done?

This is a private aerodrome belonging to a private company: It has been open only five months, and the owners of the airport have concentrated on first essentials.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether an international agreement has yet been reached as to the systems and wave lengths to be employed in the use of radio beasons; and how many of these installations are now equipped and available for use in Great Britain?

The Telecommunications Convention of 1932 embodied world agreement in respect of certain wave lengths. There exist in addition later agreements between various countries, the terms of which will come under review at the next Telecommunications Convention which is due to meet in 1938. The present number of radio beacon installations in this country of all types, including five under trial, is 10.

Have the trials of the systems installed at Croydon been successful?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to put that question down.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that certain internal air lines have been unable to use wireless owing to the statement of the Air Ministry that there are not wave lengths available; and can he give the House the assurance that there are the wave lengths necessary for further development

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for the home Department, in view of the fact that the police regulations prohibit aeroplane flights over towns except at such altitude as will enable the aircraft to land outside in the event of mechanical breakdown, what minimum altitude is prescribed by the police for flights over the centre of London and what measures are adopted to ensure that the police regulations are observed?

This matter is controlled not by police regulations but by an Order in Council made under the Air Navigation Act, 1920. That Order does not prescribe any minimum altitude except in the case of prohibited areas. The police are instructed if they observe any contravention of the provisions of the Order relating to dangerous flying to consider the question of instituting proceedings after consultation with the Air Ministry where necessary.

Can my hon. Friend say whether, in practice, the police are given any particular altitude below which it is regarded as dangerous to fly over the centre of London?

No, Sir. In certain circumstances they consult the Air Ministry. For example, recently, aeroplanes have been observed flying very low over the Crystal Palace and as a result, the Air Ministry sent two Royal Air Force aeroplanes there to-day, to see whether they could not obtain expert evidence on this point with a view to proceedings.

Is my lion. Friend aware of the growing practice of aeroplanes flying low over London for advertising purposes; and does he not think it would he most desirable to stop that practice?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the balloon barrage scheme recently decided on by the Government for protecting London against hostile air raids is the result of the defensive measures put forward in September, 1935, by Mr. C. Morris, of 62, Empire Street, Liverpool; and what recognition, if any, apart from the postcard acknowledgement sent to him on 21st September, 1935, has he received?

The suggestions put forward by Mr. Morris did not include any novel feature of practical utility. A letter informing him to that effect and thanking him for the trouble which he had taken was addressed to him on 26th September, 1935.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this notice has been given to the House about half a dozen other persons claim also to have been the instigators of it, and state that it is due to their initiative that this has been brought into practice; and can he say whether there is any truth in the statement that anybody outside brought this to the notice of the Department and never received any compensation?

I am not at all aware that so many claimants are in the field, but it is quite obvious that none of them can possibly be successful claimants, because the scheme for the balloon barrage was used for the defence of London as far back as 1918.

Is it true, then, to say that a Mr. Diamond, of Carlisle, in 1913 submitted to the Department exactly what is now in use, because he sent me a letter yesterday saying that he did so?

The question on the Order Paper refers to Mr. Morris.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to announce plans for the extension of the fire brigade services to meet the dangers of incendiary bombs?

Considerable progress has been made, with the assistance of two Advisory Committees which my right hon. Friend has appointed, in investigating this problem. Among the matters under consideration are possible methods of dealing with numerous fires simultaneously, the selection of suitable types of appliances and equipment for emergency purposes and the preparation of plans for their production on a large scale, the instruction of firemen in handling incendiary bombs, the recruitment and training of auxiliary personnel, the exploration of water supplies for fire fighting, and the preparation of plans for emergency schemes of co-operation between fire brigades. My right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to address a circular letter on this subject to local authorities before the end of the month. In the meantime, I can inform the House that a new administrative division of the Home Office has been created and is actively engaged in preparing plans and in settling, in consultation with the Treasury, the basis on which the Exchequer should give to local authorities the substantial assistance which, as I have already informed the House, the Government have decided to grant towards the cost of the provision of additional equipment and personnel for fire brigade services in an emergency.

Is my hon. Friend aware that his reply will give great satisfaction and relief?

Is that circular intended to replace the existing manual for fire protection in schools and public buildings?

I would like notice of that question, but I should not think so. I think it would be supplementary to it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience and dislocation of traffic which is caused by the railway crossing at Denaby Main; whether any scheme is under consideration for the erection of a bridge; and, if so, whether his Department will make a substantial grant towards the cost?

The five-year programme of the West Riding County Council includes provision for a new bridge to replace the level crossing at an estimated cost of £150,000. The council have not yet submitted details, but I shall be prepared to consider an application for a 75 per cent. grant to an approved scheme.

May I ask whether, when it is recognised that the case is an exceedingly bad one, the Ministry ever use their influence to expedite the carrying out of the?

Certainly, Sir, we use our influence, but we are finally dependent upon the wishes of the highway authorities.

Having regard to the fact that for some considerable time the 75 per cent. grant has not attracted local authorities to clear away these level crossings, will the Minister give the matter further consideration, or they are likely to continue in existence for a great many years?

I fail to see what more we can do than pay 75 per cent. In some cases it has been successful, and in some cases it has not yet been successful.

Seeing that there are 1,500 who have been out of work for more than six months, and 2,500 receiving unemployment benefit, making 4,000 in all, will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the county council to try to expedite the scheme?

I should have thought that the first person to be satisfied with my answer would have been the hon. Gentleman who asked the question, because it has elicited the offer on my part of 75 per cent.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, as successor to the Road Board, he has exercised the powers to construct and maintain any new roads or bridges, with the approval of the Treasury, contained in Section 8 (1) of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909; and, if so, what works have been undertaken, where, and at what cost in each case?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to increase the grants from the Road Fund towards road construction by local authorities in special or any other areas; and, if so, what the increases are to be and to what areas any such increases apply?

My Department is concerned in this matter with encouraging public facilities for traffic, and to this end makes grants on a graduated scale for approved works.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind those distressed areas which are not scheduled as "Special", which are in a very bad way financially as far as the local authorities are concerned, and cannot the Executive grant of 75 per cent. be made towards construction in these cases?

I have said in the answer that the grants are graduated. I am a traffic authority, and must be concerned with the value to the public of any improvement.

Does that answer mean that, as far as Liverpool is concerned, the question of the tunnel may receive further consideration?

I do not understand what the hon. Gentleman means by "further consideration". The tunnel, happily, is already there.

I am aware that the tunnel is there, but what I am wondering is whether the Minister who is dealing with these matters is also there. I am asking him whether it means that the question of the expense of taking over the tunnel may be considered by his Department?

No, Sir; my Department have made a very lavish contribution to the construction of this tunnel, and the use of it has, happily, exceeded all the estimates.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any scheme is under consideration by his Department for improving the facilities for crossing the River Tyne east of Newcastle so as to prevent traffic having to go from Sunderland and South Shields to Newcastle in order to get to North Shields, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and the North generally; and what steps are being taken to deal with this situation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 18th November to the questions asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead (Mr. Magnay).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if a bridge were built over the lower reaches of the Tyne, it would greatly facilitate the passage of traffic between north and south and would keep a large volume of traffic from the streets of the city of Newcastle, which at times are very congested; and can he tell us whether it is his intention to go forward with the scheme for the bridging of the Tyne east of Newcastle?

I gave a series of answers on 18th November which promised grants to a number of schemes, and I shall be glad if the hon. Gentleman will look at that answer.

Is it not the fact that none of these schemes was for a bridge east of Newcastle, and that all that the right hon. Gentleman has undertaken to do there is to make an inadequate ferry service free and better than it is to-day?

They were all directed to improving the communications east of Newcastle.

Has the Department of the right hon. Gentleman done anything more than merely make that promise? Has the right hon. Gentleman tried to get the county authorities to carry that scheme through?

Certainly, Sir, I have communicated with the town clerks of the authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any reports on the decline of deaths on the road in the past week; and whether it was due to less traffic on the roads or bad visibility?

As causes of accidents are analysed on an annual basis, I am unable to give my hon. Friend information beyond the gross figures for each particular week.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that statistics published by the London Passenger Transport Board show that during the rush hours on the underground railways seating accommodation is only provided for one in every three passengers; whether he is satisfied that this is consistent with public safety; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure for every passenger the seating accommodation for which he has paid?

I am advised that no accidents to passengers on the board's trains have been reported in recent years as having been due to overcrowding. For the rest, I will inform the board of my hon. Friend's representations, which I have no power to meet.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the payment of the fare entitles the passenger to a seat?

I think many things, but my thoughts are not relevant upon this subject. I can only exercise my powers. I have laid the views of my hon. and learned Friend before the board, and I am sure they will receive the attention which they are entitled to receive.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can arrange that the length of the rush hour should be expanded, thus reducing congestion, by suggesting to the leading London firms that their clerks should start and finish at varying hours, and suggest to the London Transport Board that they might set an example by doing so with their clerical staff?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the strong public feeling against the proposed regulations restricting the use of selected streets in London by horse-drawn and other slow-moving traffic; and whether he can assure the House that the regulations will not become operative in London or elsewhere without the approval of the local authorities concerned?

I am not aware of any public feeling except in favour of these proposals, although, of course, as was to be anticipated, the interests more particularly affected have stated their case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department considering the possibility of traffic control on these lines?

Certainly, I am about to make a provisional Order.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the urgent need that Parliament should deal effectively with the distress in the Special Areas by creating means of employment, and of the report of the Commissioner for Special Areas, he will now take steps to proceed with the building of the Severn Bridge, having regard to the importance of this means of communication in the national interest, and to South Wales and Monmouthshire in particular?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Government's decision which I announced on 5th November.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the methods adopted by the railway companies in opposing applications for renewal of "A" and "B" licences and, in particular, to a case before the East Midland Traffic Commission Court, in which the applicant has already answered approximately 1,000 questions put by railway companies; and will he consider the advisability of issuing regulations which will prevent the railway companies causing unnecessary inconvenience and expense to applicants for a renewal of licences?

The conduct of an inquiry into an application for a licence is a matter for the licensing authority, and Parliament has conferred rights of objection, with which it is not competent for me to interfere, on railway companies in common with other persons who provide facilities for transport.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the fact that the railway companies are asking the most intimate questions about the private business of firms who are merely applying for the renewal of these licences which they have had for many years, and will he consider the fact that firms all over the country are being put to great expense?

I cannot exceed the powers which Parliament has bestowed upon me.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this case the railway company asked to be granted the right to inspect the private books of this man?

asked the Minister of Transport (1) the total numbers of "A," "B," and "C" licences issued to road transport undertakers, and the number of licences which have been withdrawn in each group for offences in regard to the keeping of records, the hours of drivers, and the fair wages condition?

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

asked the Minister of Transport whether any cases have occurred in which holders of "A" and "B" licences granted for claimed tonnage, having a clean driving record and being fully employed on the same work as when the licences were granted, have been refused a renewal of their licences; and, if so, on what grounds?

I have no information. The licensing authorities do not report their detailed decisions to me.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a considerable amount of dissatisfaction among these small business men driving their own cars about the difficulties the railway companies place in their way in renewing their licences.

I am aware that many people have grievances, but I can only deal with those grievances with which I have power to deal.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not take power to get rid of this gross injustice which is inflicted upon road transport?

I am not prepared to admit the gross injustice.

We have given evidence.

I should have to have the facts before me.

asked the Minister of Transport what conclusions he has now come to with reference to the construction of a bridge in the neighbourhood of Charing Cross?

I am awaiting the observations of the London County Council.

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has had the report for some time, and does he not think it is time a statement was made?

I sent the report to the London County Council on 22nd July. I have not yet received a reply from them.

Does that prevent the right hon. Gentleman giving a decision as to whether he proposes to act on the Committee's report, or does the final decision rest with the London County Council?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that during the eight days ending 22nd November three persons were killed, each at different spots, between Hinchley Woods and Tolworth, on the Kingston by-pass road; will he state the aggregate number of persons killed and injured on the Kingston by-pass road over any latest period of 36 months; and will he consider prohibiting the use of this by-pass road, in its present state, for motor traffic owing to its dangers to life and limb?

Figures are not readily available covering a period of three years, but in the four months ended September last there were two fatal and 100 non-fatal accidents. The Surrey County Council propose to construct dual carriageways in the by-pass. In the meanwhile, traffic signals will be erected at the road junction at Hinehley Wood. My hon. Friend will realise that it would not be practicable to close this road to motor traffic.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say what is preventing agreement being reached in regard to the details of this Surrey County Council scheme?

I would like to have notice of that.

asked the Prime Minister when he will be able to make a statement with regard to the inquiry that he has set up into the matters concerning the British Broadcasting Corporation raised by the Lambert v. Levita case?

I understand that the board of inquiry are likely to complete their report next week. As I stated on the 12th ultimo, in reply to a supplementary question by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, the report is made to me; and when a decision has been reached on it, the decision and the report are issued as Command Papers.

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind the desire expressed by the Leader of the Opposition that there should be an

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether there is any delay by British factories in the fulfilment of munitions contracts; and whether any orders for munitions on Government account have been recently placed with foreign or Dominion manufacturers?

I will bear that in mind without committing myself.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the number of boys between the ages of 14 and 16 years recruited as apprentices to His Majesty's Forces for each year from 1930 to the most recent date, the number recruited from elementary, secondary, and other schools, and the number of applicants who have been rejected because of physical unfitness?

The age limits for recruitment as apprentices do not coincide with the limits mentioned in the first part of the question. I have had a table prepared which gives the available information and with the hon. Member's permission I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I regret that there is no information available.

The progress of the rearmament programme in regard to the supply of munitions has, in general, proceeded according to estimate, the principal exceptions being the case of airframe production which, as stated recently in this House, is at present slightly behind schedule, and that of shell production by firms not normally em- ployed on such work. In order that the flow of certain supplies shall be maintained until the requisite output is available from British factories, orders have been placed outside this country. Such orders have been placed recently to the value of about £400,000 and include the purchase of certain scientific instruments, and a contract for shell bodies placed in one of the Dominions.

In view of that statement, what method of control is exercised by his Department to supervise costing prices in respect of orders placed abroad?

The same arrangements are made with regard to all contracts, that is to say, the prices paid are based upon costings examinations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he anticipates that the lag in aircraft production will be made good in the next few months or whether it is a lag which cannot be made good within the time of the expansion programme?

It is difficult to say whether the lag which has taken place, which is not substantial, will not be made good by a particular date, but I anticipate that there will be no further lag after the preliminary difficulties have been met, as they have been met.

Is the original difficulty with regard to machine tools and gauges now completely overcome?

I am not sure what the right hon. Gentleman means by the "original difficulty" The machine tools which are required cannot be obtained until after a substantial period of time, but the supply is proceeding at the present time and there has been an acceleration as a result of the arrangements made.

What about gauges?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put a question down. The position with regard to gauges is satisfactory.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything with regard to the arrangements made with Krupps firm in Germany?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is satisfied that potential naval war requirements are given due weight in the design of flying boats and other reconnaissance aircraft supplied to the Royal Air Force?

In the design of flying boats and other shore-based reconnaissance aircraft full consideration is given by the Air Ministry, with whom the sole responsibility for these particular aircraft rests, to their function of cooperation with naval forces.

May I ask whether the Admiralty are consulted before the final design of these ships is passed?

The answer I have given states that the Air Ministry are solely responsible, but co-operate with the Admiralty in the settlement of the design of these ships.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he can give particulars of the scope and organisation of the new Department which has been set op to deal with the question of national food supplies

The Food (Defence Plans) Department will he responsible, under the President of the Board of Trade and in co-operation with me, for the organisation of supplies of food and feeding stuffs for defence purposes. The Department will not be directly responsible for home production in peace tune. This will continue to be the responsibility of the Agricultural Departments. The Food (Defence Plans) Department, however, will continue and complete the plans for the maintenance of supplies and for the control and distribution of food and feeding stuffs in all possible conditions of war. The volume of home production in peace time will, of course, be taken into account in the preparation of these plans. Consultation will take place with the Agricultural Departments, through which provision will be made for the further increase of home production as and when required.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in that connection, whether a decision has yet been taken as to the desirability of increasing the storage of grain?