asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the German Ambassador to London also holds the position of controller in Germany of anti-Communist propaganda; and whether the Government are satisfied that this post is compatible with the duties of a diplomatist accredited to the Court of St. James's?

The answer to the first part of the question is No, Sir. The second part does not, therefore, arise.

Is it not a fact that the German Ambassador has other duties in the Reich, as well as his duties here?

That is another question.

Is not the position of German Ambassador in England a full-time job?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information in connection with the Treaty of Rapallo which was made between Germany and Russia and which was subsequently ratified in 1933; whether he is aware that the articles in the text of the Treaty state that the Treaty is for five years; and whether Germany repudiated this agreement in consequence of the recent agreement between Japan and Germany and Italy and Germany?

The Treaty of Rapallo, a treaty of friendship between Germany and the Soviet Union, signed in 1922, was superseded by the German-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, signed at Berlin in April, 1926, which was valid for five years from the date of its ratification in June of the same year. In May, 1931, the Berlin Treaty was extended by the signature of a special protocol providing that each of the contracting parties could denounce it on giving a year's notice, but not before June, 1933. As far as I am aware, neither of the contracting parties has so far denounced this Treaty.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman observed the financial relations that have been existing between Germany and Russia, and is he not aware that on 29th June, 1936, the Germans lent 300 million marks to Russia?

Is it not the case that the German Government ratified this Treaty of 1926 in 1933, and that therefore it is technically still in existence?

I said that so far as I am aware neither of the parties has denounced it.

Is it not the ordinary custom of the German Government to violate treaty obligations without notice?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of battleships over 25,000 tons which Germany has built during the past two years and has under construction at the present time; and whether the Government still regard Germany as bound by the conditions with regard to the size of battleships as laid down in the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany has completed no battleships over 25,000 tons during the last two years. As regards vessels under construction, His Majesty's Government have received official information that two battleships of 26,000 tons are being built. In addition, reports have recently appeared in a non-official German publication according to which a 35,000 ton battleship was begun in the autumn of this year and another of the same tonnage will be put in hand next year. As regards the second part of the question, the position is that His Majesty's Government will not for their part object to capital ship construction by Germany exceeding the limitation to which the hon. Member refers.

Does that mean that the Anglo-German Naval Treaty, 1935, has given such a free hand to Germany that it must necessarily mean an expansion of the naval armaments of the world?

No, Sir, I could not accept that construction or interpretation of my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the announcement by the Belgian Prime Minister on 2nd December that Belgium is guaranteed support from Great Britain if attacked, but if Great Britain or others are attacked Belgium proposes to remain neutral; and whether he has any statement to make?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The Belgian Prime Minister, in his speech on 2nd December, did not say that, if Great Britain or others are attacked, Belgium proposes to remain neutral. On the contrary, he reiterated his country's fidelity to her obligations, both as regards the undertakings entered into with France and this country last March, and as regards the provisions of the League Covenant.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that any arrangement which exists or which may be made with reference to Belgium will be of a mutual kind?

That is a further question on which I should require notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the present activities of the High Commissioner for Refugees from Germany; what funds are at his disposal and from what sources they have been obtained; and whether His Majesty's Government are giving him any assistance in his work?

The present activities of the High Commissioner for Refugees from Germany are set forth in a Resolution adopted on 10th October by the Assembly of the League of Nations. As the section of the Resolution which deals with this matter is somewhat long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the second part of the question, a, suitable appropriation is being provided by the competent organs of the League to cover the administrative expenses of the High Commissioner. The sum required for this purpose for the year 1937 has been fixed at 82,500 Swiss francs. As regards the third part of the question, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will continue to give the High Commissioner for Refugees from Germany all the assistance that they properly can.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the course of the negotiations resulting in the adhesion of the Soviet Government to the League of Nations, any concessions were granted to them to secure their adhesion; and, in particular, whether any discussion took place or any pledge was given as to the liquidation of the Nansen Office for the relief of refugees?

The answer to the first part of the question is No, Sir. It follows from that that no pledge was given concerning the future of the Nansen Office. So far as I am aware the subject was never even discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any state-merit of the negotiations initiated by His Majesty's Government on the renewal of Article 19 of the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922, with regard to the maintenance of the status quo in the matter of fortifications and naval bases in the Pacific?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on 18th November to a similar question by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton East (Mr. Mander). I have at present nothing further to add.

In view of the short time now remaining, will not my right hon. Friend press the Japanese Government to give an answer at the earliest possible moment? Are we to understand that no reply has been received from the Japanese Government?

I have nothing further to add. Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Is not this all the more important in view of the Japanese-German agreement? Ought we not to know exactly where we stand?

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that we are fully alive to the importance of this matter.

asked the Firt Lord of the Admiralty whether any obstacle is placed in the way of the enlistment of a recruit for the Royal Navy who, eligible in every other respect, declares that he is neither a member of the Church of England nor of any other denomination?

No, Sir.

Is it not the practice in the Navy quietly to remove anybody who, although otherwise qualified, happens to be a member of the Young Communist League or to read Communist literature?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can accede to the request put forward by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool that a portion of His Majesty's Fleet should pay a visit to Liverpool in Coronation week next May?

I can assure the hon. Member that the Lord Mayor's request will receive due consideration when the movements of His Majesty's ships at the time of the Coronation are being arranged.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the date on which the last officer commissioned from the lower deck was promoted to the rank of rear-admiral on the active list and the date of his commission; and whether, in modern times, a captain from the lower deck has commanded a cruiser or a battleship in a sea-going fleet?

No officer promoted from the lower deck has yet attained the requisite seniority for promotion to the rank of rear-admiral on the active list. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and in this case, also, lack of seniority is the reason.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of ratings in the executive and engineering branches and men in the Royal Marines who each year since 1931 have qualified educationally, qualified professionally, been recommended for the fleet selection boards, by the fleet selection boards, and promoted to

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of fully-qualified candidates, stating whether petty officers or leading seamen, on the gunner, gunner (T), and boatswains lists; and whether difficulties are still being experienced in obtaining a sufficient number of candidates for these ranks?

There are eight fully-qualified candidates on the gunner and one on the boatswains lists, all of whom are petty officers; there are no other fully-qualified candidates on the lists mentioned in the question. The number commissioned rank under the sub-lieutenant, sub-lieutenant (E), and second—lieutenant, Royal Marines, schemes?

As the answer involves a table of figures, I will, with the commended for the fleet selection boards, hon. Member's permission, circulate it by the fleet selection boards, by the in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

What steps are being taken to induce candidates to come forward? Is any improvement in conditions contemplated

I have had an investigation made into the whole question. The investigation is just completed, and I have not yet had time to consider the recommendations. The position is as I have stated. It is better than it was, but it is not as good as it ought to be.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say on what date he would be able to make a statement, if I put down a further question?

I could not say at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give particulars of what proportion of the £2,000,000 loan passed by the Jamaica Legislature has been lent to small cultivators; and whether all the details of the programme submitted for productive and other works have received his approval?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would invite the hon. Member's attention to the reply which my predecessor gave to the hon. Member for West Rhondda (Mr. John) on 3rd March. I am sending him a copy of this. So far as I am aware, no part of the loan is being re-lent to small cultivators. At present a detailed programme of works, estimated to cost £557,422, has been approved.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had time to consider all the details of the applications that have been made?

No, Sir. The total loan is £2,000,000 for public works, and, as far as I know, no part is intended for advances to small cultivators. The public works which have received approval to date represent £557,422, or rather over a quarter of the total loan, and there are one or two further items of public works.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he is aware that the Airscrew Company, Limited, of Weybridge, have refused to meet the representatives of the National Council of Aircraft Workers; and will an inquiry into the complaints of the aircraft council be instituted by the Air Ministry;

I am informed that the firm in question did meet the representatives of the National Council of Aircraft Workers, and my Noble Friend sees no reason for instituting an inquiry as suggested. He has, in fact, received no complaints from any trade union that the wages and conditions of employment at the Airscrew Company's works are not in harmony with the terms of the Resolution of the House in 1909, or that the recognised procedure for negotiations within the industry is not being observed.

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that I have a letter in my hand from the Secretary of the National Council of Aircraft Workers, the body which caters for aircraft workers, informing me that this firm refuses to meet their representatives; and, in view of that fact, will he undertake to meet the representatives of the National Aircraft Council in order to have this grievance considered?

I am aware that the hon. Gentleman has a letter in his hand, and I am equally aware that at the Air Ministry we have received no complaint from any union on this subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when the Maybury Committee was appointed; the total number of sittings that have taken place; and when he expects to receive their report?

The committee was appointed in July, 1935, and has held 22 sittings. My Noble Friend hopes to receive their report very shortly now.

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that the continued delay in the publication of the report has given the very unfortunate impression in aviation circles that there is something in it which the Air Ministry desire to suppress?

No, Sir, I am not aware of that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether companies tendering for the South Atlantic route will be allowed to buy foreign aircraft?

The proposals under consideration for an air service across the South Atlantic have been invited on the understanding that it should be an essential requirement that the airframes and engines should be of British manufacture throughout and that preference would be given to airframes and engines of British design.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that during the last two years there have been several new companies started in this country to manufacture foreign aero-engines under licence; and whether it is the intention of the Government to buy in quantity foreign engines made under licence in this country?

The main factors on which the policy of the Air Ministry with regard to the purchase of aero-engines is based, were fully stated in the White Paper recently issued. They may, for convenience, be summarised as follow:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the accidents which have occurred, he will investigate the ability or otherwise of British Airways to offer a safe air service to Scandinavia?

In view of certain statements which have appeared in the Press reflecting on the ability of this company, the company themselves have invited the Air Ministry to make an investigation of their methods of operation and maintenance. This will be done. I am bound to add, however, that I do not consider that the accidents, which have occurred on the night air mail service to Hanover, call into question the company's ability to offer a safe air service to Scandinavia. Indeed, I am glad to point out that the company's daily passenger service to Scandinavia has been operated since 18th February last with regularity and without accident.

While thanking the right hon. Baronet for the first part of his reply, may I ask whether it is fair that he should express an opinion as to the safety or otherwise of the service when the company itself, according to the first part of his answer, acknowledge the necessity for an inquiry, because of the accidents which have occurred?

I think it fair to point out that the Scandinavian service has run since the beginning of the year without accident and with regularity.

Perhaps the word "Scandinavia" in the question limits it too narrowly. Is it not a fact that in the past five months eight pilots have lost their lives in the service of this company?

It is a fact that there have been accidents.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can now make any statement with reference to the contemplated agreement for the purpose of securing rights in the United States for the Imperial Airways in return for the grant of rights to Pan-American Airways in Newfoundland; and whether these reciprocal concessions have been agreed?

There is at present nothing that could be usefully added to the full statement which I made on 30th July last in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick and Haddington (Captain McEwen).

Will the right hon. Baronet agree to publish the terms of the concession requested by this company?

I should have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the approximate cost involved in taking over the scheme for by-passing Selby Bridge on the road from London to York; whether this involves an additional bridge over the River Ouse at Selby; and, if so, whether the coastal trade development council and other navigation and shipping industries have been consulted?

I understand that navigation interests were consulted by the engineers who reported on this scheme, and, in so far as I may be concerned, I should always be prepared to ascertain their views before coming to a decision about a bridge across tidal waters. My hon. and gallant Friend will not expect me to make any detailed statement at this stage concerning a scheme which may be taken over but at present rests with the existing highway authorities.

Are we to understand that the authorities concerned have not yet reached any conclusion as to the building of a bridge?

Two of them have, and one of them has not.

In view of the nuisance which the existing bridge causes to traffic, will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices in order to compel these people to get something done?

It will not be necessary, as Parliament is passing legislation giving the necessary power.

Can the Minister say when the toll bridge at Selby will be abolished?

That point is covered by the answer which I have given.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is the intention of the Government, in the event of the Trunk Roads Bill being passed into law, that all work of new construction or improvement of the roads taken over under the Bill shall be carried out by unemployed men from the distressed areas?

I shall examine sympathetically, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour what opportunities the passage of this Bill may afford for providing openings for unemployed men from the distressed areas.

Is it intended that these works shall be carried out under Government direction or by contract?

I made a full statement on the Second Reading of the Bill. In most cases, the county councils will act as agents.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared, in view of the harm done by the drift south of Scottish industries, to recommend complete electrification of our present system of railways, in an effort to afford speedier and cheaper means of transport between Scotland and England?

I am not sure that the result which the hon. Member desires would necessarily follow, but in any case the responsibility for initiating schemes for the electrification of railways rests with the railway companies.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not conceive that such a suggestion would benefit Scotland from two points of view—first, from the point of view of assisting industry and, secondly, from the point of view of assisting in dealing with the unemployment problem? In these circumstances, I would ask the Minister whether he would be prepared to bring his good influence to bear upon the railway companies in connection with this important matter?

I can only repeat what I have said. The hon. Gentleman is concerned with the drift of people from Scotland to England, but if we improve transport facilities, the drift will presumably be increased.

Would it not improve the conditions of railway transport if the right hon. Gentleman took the shackles off road transport?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to collate, within the limits of his power, local efforts to promote road safety and to relate them more clcsely to the general policy of his Ministry?

I have decided, as an experimental measure, to appoint in each division under the divisional road engineer a special officer charged with certain duties in regard to road accidents. It will be his function to study the conditions in his area, sit on any local safety committees and generally take such action as may be possible to stimulate local interest in safety problems. He will, of course, examine all accident reports and all accident statistics and, under the general direction of the divisional road engineer, confer with local or police authorities and other bodies with a view to reducing the present risks and dangers.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that if he reduced the number of taverns selling drinks on the high road, it would be one of the quickest ways of reducing road accidents?

The short answer is that I have no power to reduce the taverns.

If the right hon. Gentleman were keen about these accidents, *as he seems to be, could he not, with his gift of publicity, make it possible for the country to know what these taverns are costing in child life?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that if the taverns were reduced, the men would then carry bottles?

Will the right hon. Gentleman call for a report as to the confusion of the neon signs with regard to road traffic lights?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the frequent motor accidents which occur on the Doncaster to Barnsley road at Scawsby, where the road is a dangerous bottle-neck; and whether the road is scheduled for reconstruction?

I have no detailed information as to the number of accidents occuring at this point, but the West Riding County Council have adopted a scheme for widening the Doncaster-Barnsley road (A.635) as part of their five-year programme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he can inform the House of the number of employes of the Department who enjoy a holiday, with pay, on the King's birthday and the number who do not, stating the grades, technical, administrative and industrial?

(for the First Commissioner of Works): The day appointed to be kept in the Civil Service 'as His Majesty's birthday is one of the holidays with pay granted to approximately 2,310 employes (administrative, technical and clerical) of the Office of Works: of the remaining 6,550, all but a few 'are industrials: these receive six days' holiday a year, and, in addition, six public holidays—the King's birthday is not one of these.

'asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works his plans regarding the dilapidated shed, sometimes used at a temporary school, adjoining the disused public convenience and white-washed wall near the north lawn of the Queen Mary Garden in Regent's Park; And whether he will have them all cleared away and re-design the site as a decorative part of the Queen Mary Garden?

(for the First Commissioner of Works): So soon as funds are available, this 'area will be dealt with, but, meanwhile, the more urgent work in other parts of Queen Mary's Gardens must take precedence. My Noble Friend is not at this stage able to say what will eventually be decided About the future of the open-air school.

asked the Attorney-General the number of justices of the peace now serving who are 90 years of age and over; whether he is aware that there are at the present time chairmen considerably over the age of 90 years; And will he consider imposing a limit to the age at which magistrates may serve?

I regret I cannot give the information asked for in the first part of the question, as until a fairly recent date no records have been kept of the ages of justices of the peace. My Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor does not think that it would be practicable, or in the public interest, to impose a hard-and-fast limit of age on persons appointed to the bench; but he does not approve the appointment of persons of advanced age, and he, in his communications with advisory committees, encourages the recommendation of younger persons and suggests, by such means as are practicable, the withdrawal from the bench of persons whose age or infirmity disables them from effectively performing the duties of a magistrate.

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that there are cases of justices over the age of 90 who have actually fallen asleep during the hearing of a case, and does he not think there is a good case for limiting the age to 90 years?

Is the hon. and learned Member aware that the hon. Member now speaking is 80 years of age and as vigorous as some of the fellows who are only 40?

That is what I had in mind when I said that my noble Friend did not approve of a hard-and-fast age limit; it must depend on the question of efficiency in any particular case.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman impose an intelligence test at the same time as an age limit?

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the comments of Judge Owen Thompson, K.C., at Bow County Court, on 2nd December, when dealing with a judgment summons for £41 17s., that the defendant had been induced to bring an action for damages regarding a street injury to his child by misleading statements issued by a legal claims society; and whether he will inquire into the case with a view to instituting proceedings against the person or persons responsible for the organisation to which the judge referred?

I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for bringing this matter to my attention. I will make inquiries into it and communicate with the hon. Gentleman.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that this is by no means an isolated case?

I am fully aware of that, but I can assure the hon. Member that it is not as simple a matter as it appears. I can assure him that the matter is being closely looked into.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. Alexander Bouik, late 989, Scottish Rifles, 315148, Royal Army Medical Corps, was refused electrical hearing-aid from the Ministry while resident in Glasgow; that such treatment was granted to him when later he was resident in the London area, but that on returning to Glasgow he was informed by the local area officer that it was not permissible to renew the aid-to-hearing appliance supplied to him in April, 1934; that he is receiving a smaller disability pension than similar cases in the southern area; and whether he will set up a committee of inquiry to ensure that more uniform treatment is afforded to pensioners throughout the country?

There is no difference in the Ministry's practice as between one part of the Kingdom and another. Mr. Bouik is in receipt of pension of 30 per cent., which is in fact the average rate of pension for his disablement. With regard to the particular complaint, the facts are that no electrical instrument suited to Mr. Bouik's case was available in 1920 when his defective hearing was originally attended to in Glasgow. The first application for such an instrument was only made by him in 1934, when he was duly supplied with one. A new instrument, which the pensioner had requested, to replace one so recently supplied as in his case, is not issued if the existing one is susceptible of repair, and following his further representations the present appliance was called up for examination a week ago and the necessary repairs put in hand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the only rolling mills and rivet works on the River Wear has been sold for dismantling on account of its inability to obtain orders, owing to the import of foreign rivets into registered shipyards free of duty; and whether he proposes to take any steps to protect the remaining rivet works on the northeast coast from foreign competition?

I am not aware that the rivet industry is in difficulty on account of foreign competition. The latest information I have is that production in this country of iron and steel rivets and washers is increasing. In 1934 production amounted to 61,000 tons, whereas imports have for some years been less than 3,000 tons.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that one rivet works has been sold for dismantling only this week and another on the north-east, coast is not working, and does he not think that it is absurd that the remnants of Free. Trade should be allowed to kill an industry in a Special Area, particularly as the cost of protection would only be about £200 on a 9,000 ton ship?

Does the hon. Gentleman not feel that he would be able to satisfy his Friends by stopping all imports of all kinds?

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving further examination to the points raised by the hon. Member for Sunderland (Mr. Storey).

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the scheme submitted to him for a national campaign of health propaganda to be financed by insurance companies and approved societies; and whether he has arrived at any decision on the matter?

My right hon. Friend is aware that such a suggestion has been made, but no proposals for a national campaign have been made to him by insurance companies or approved societies. The general question of health propaganda is now receiving the consideration of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is in a position to make a general statement on the subject of civil servants in relation to membership of the Territorial Army and the National Defence Corps?

I am glad to be able to assure my hon. Friend that, subject only to the vital requirements of the public service, Government Departments give every encouragement to members of their staff to join the Territorial Army. All civil servants who undertake the full period of camp training have hitherto been allowed one week's special leave with pay. As already announced it has been decided to increase this provision in the case of civil servants whose normal leave allowance does not exceed 18 days and to give special paid leave for the whole fortnight in camp. As regards the National Defence Companies, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on 3rd December. The paramount consideration is the vital need for making the best possible use of the available manpower. In an emergency a very severe strain would be placed upon the machinery of Government. Existing Departments would, in many cases, have to face vastly increased duties and new war time Ministries and Departments would become inevitable. The view is taken that civil servants eligible for membership of the companies, namely those over 45 years of age or unfit for active service, who in an emergency could be spared from their existing duties, ought in the national interest to be regarded as available for other Governmental activities for which their experience and qualifications would make them specially fitted. In these circumstances it has been decided that, viewing the requirements of the State as a whole, it would not be prudent to allow civil servants to enrol in the National Defence companies. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War is in full agreement with this decision.

May I ask my hon. and gallant Friend, in regard to the National Defence companies, whether he does not consider that as they are only used in a state of emergency, probably the defence of the country will be at least equally as important as the normal duties of many civil servants; and also, with regard to recruiting, will he bear in mind that private employers very often suffer the same disabilities in planning their businesses as the Government?

The reply I gave was a very full one. This decision has not been arrived at without careful thought.

Does the Minister seriously suggest that civil servants should be placed in a special category by themselves?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the construction of the balloon barrage to defend London has been commenced; and whether he will have it tested to prove its efficiency?

The orders have been placed and delivery will begin at the end of this year.

Will these nets be of the same design as those used during the War, as on the only occasion on which any aircraft flew into one, the aircraft destroyed the net instead of the net destroying the aircraft?

I cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to look into it, because I can assure him that that was the case?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the matter is examined frequently and closely.

But you have not had a test yet, have you?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence what methods there are for defending London against a low-flying aerial attack, antiaircraft artillery and a balloon barrage being ineffective against such an attack?

While I do not accept the premises on which my hon. Friend bases his question, it would be contrary to the public interest to discuss the matter he raises.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence under the charge of what units of the Regular or Territorial Army the balloon barrage to defend London will be?

The Air Ministry will be responsible for the balloon barrage, and units will be organised on the same lines as the present Auxiliary Air Force organisations.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the value of defence contracts placed in Lancashire in the last six months?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies I made to him on 29th July and 11th November. I am still of the opinion that the amount of labour involved in compiling the information he asks for would be incommensurate with the value of the results obtained.

Will my right hon. Friend refer to the reply given by the Under-Secretary for Air, in which particulars amounting to £5,000,000 were given for the Birmingham district, and may I ask him why we cannot have this information for Lancashire?

I have made inquiries whether the information is available, and I can assure my hon. Friend that it would take a great deal of labour to get out the necessary figures.

Does the difficulty arise because of the infinitesimal quantity, and that it is difficult to find it?

Not at all. It runs into many millions—tens of millions in all.

Have not the Government already arranged for a munitions factory to be set up in Lancashire?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the value of the defence contracts placed abroad during the last six months?

As stated in the answer on this subject given to the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 2nd December, orders have been placed abroad by the Defence Departments to the value of about £400,000, including one contract for shell bodies amounting to £63,000. This contract was placed in Canada. Contracts for machine tools amounting to about £456,000 have also been placed abroad in order to expedite manufacture in this country.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the last occasion upon which he had a meeting with the special committee set up in Lancashire to facilitate the carrying out of defence contracts?

I have not so far found it necessary to trouble the committee to see me. They have, as was arranged, furnished much useful information as to facilities in Lancashire for production for Service purposes.

Does not my right hon. Friend think it would be a very good thing if he were to pay a visit to Lancashire and interview this committee?

When the right hon. Gentleman is in Lancashire, will he go over the border and see Yorkshire?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the shortage of labour in Lincolnshire and some other arable areas of the country, he will arrange to send one of his chief officials at an early date to the Employment Exchanges in these areas with a view to making more effective arrangements to encourage workers from the distressed areas to transfer to these arable areas where a guarantee of permanent employment can be given to them?

I am not aware that there is a shortage of workpeople for permanent, as distinct from seasonal, agricultural work in the districts mentioned and, as my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for West Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Dr. Leech) on 3rd December, the transfer of workpeople from the depressed areas to employment in agriculture presents practical difficulties. If, however, my hon. Friend, would send me particulars, I should be pleased to consider the matter further.

As a great many farmers are short of labour, will my hon. and gallant Friend further investigate this shortage?

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that in North Norfolk and South Lincolnshire men are being diverted away from the land to go into Government works, and would it not be better to arrange to take and train men from the distressed areas for Government work than to take agricultural workers?

In answer to the first supplementary question, if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of cases he has in mind, we will investigate them apart from the general investigations that we are carrying out. With regard to the second supplementary question, we do, of course, make recommendations that employes for that particular kind of work should be obtained from Employment Exchanges, but contractors are free to obtain their employes where they will.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary see that no agricultural worker is prevented from improving his position?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the unfilled demand for girls, women, and boys to perform household duties at good wages in the Metropolitan residential area which will be increased by the influx of visitors to hotels and restaurants during the coming year, he will ask local authorities in South Wales and on the North-East Coast to organise a public active recruiting campaign to train and transfer suitable persons to the home counties from the distressed areas?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the hon. Member for Farnham (Sir A. M. Samuel) on 19th and 26th November, 1936.

Has anything been done to have a close investigation into the conditions to which these girls go?

We always have that under review, but, as I pointed out recently, it would be a great advantage if people would get these positions through the medium of the exchanges, so that the conditions could be more or less guaranteed.

asked the Minister of Labour how many hostels there are in London for boys transferred from the depressed areas and how many for girls?

Four hostels, providing accommodation for 210 transferred boys, have been established by the Ministry in the London area, and four others with accommodation for about 250 boys are in course of preparation. One hostel for 40 girls will be opened shortly.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider providing further hostels for girls?

Is the Parliamentary Secretary assured that these boys and girls get sufficient wages to pay for their lodging and accommodation?

We take great care, as the hon. Member must know, about the future care of all boys and girls who are transferred under our schemes.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to add anything to the statement he made to the House on Monday?

I regret that I am not in a position to add anything to-day, but I hope to make a statement to-morrow.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can give us a good hope of a statement to-morrow, because he will realise the anxiety, which is continuing and increasing?

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman and the House that no one realises that more than I do.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that grave financial inconvenience is being caused to many subjects in this country by the delay in coming to a decision, and will the right hon. Gentleman kindly suggest to His Majesty the necessity for a decision without delay?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that that does not escape me.