asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government continue to found their foreign policy on the Covenant of the League of Nations?

Yes, Sir.

Are we to understand that that involves fulfilment of the obligation of Article 16 of the Covenant?

I think that the answer is quite clear.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made with the reform of the League of Nations?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my Noble Friend to a question asked on this subject on 20th January by my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Mr. Lewis), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any decision has been taken by the League Council as to the date of the next meeting of the bureau of the Disarmament Conference; and whether he could state the matters to be discussed?

The Council has decided that the next meeting of the bureau of the Disarmament Conference will take place on 6th May next. The bureau will decide its own agenda when it meets.

In view of the fact that Germany has now secured equality of status, which was the reason alleged for leaving the Disarmament Conference in October, 1933, will the Government consider inviting Germany to resume its participation in the Disarmament Conference?

I think that the House will be aware that there is nothing we should desire more than that Germany should resume participation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the relations between the League of Nations and the free city of Danzig?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under the terms of the report of the Committee of Three on the question of Danzig, which was recently endorsed by the Council of the League of Nations, provision has been made for safeguarding the political rights, safety, and property of these citizens of Danzig who are not members of the Nazi party, and who have been loyal to the Danzig constitution, for the administration of which the League of Nations is responsible?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House an assurance that nothing has been agreed to by the Council of the League of Nations that will weaken the system for the protection of the minorities in Danzig?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give the House full information regarding the position in Danzig and as to whether, at the recent meeting of the League Council in Geneva, discussions took place regarding the violation of the Danzig citizens democratic rights by the action of the Nazi party in imprisoning members of the opposition political parties without trial, in banning opposition newspapers, and prohibiting trade unions and political parties; and what steps were taken to restore to the Danzig people the freedom guaranteed them under the protection of the League?

As the result of a resolution adopted by the Council of the League of Nations in October last, the Polish Government was invited to seek, on behalf of the Council, the means of putting an end to the situation described in the general report of the League High Commissioner at Danzig and thus of rendering fully effective the guarantee of the League of Nations. The Polish Government accepted this task and, after protracted negotiations with the Senate of the Free City was able to inform the Council in a report dated 26th January that it had received an assurance from the Senate that the latter was resolved to carry out the Statute of the Free City and the obligations resulting therefrom. Furthermore, the Polish Government quoted a declaration made to it by the Senate to the effect that the Free City based its relations with the League High Commissioner on the legal Statute in force. In these circumstances, the Polish Government considered that, if the Senate in future were to afford the High Commissioner and the Council all the assistance required to enable the League to carry out its task, then the High Commissioner should take care to see that the internal administration of the Free City should not be hampered.

Is it the intention that the new High Commissioner shall have the same powers and duties as were possessed by his predecessor, more especially as regards the protection of minorities in the City?

I should be grateful if the hon. Member would look at these documents, which are extremely complicated; but it is clear that the right of the High Commissioner to ask for information from the Senate, and the duty of the Senate to furnish it, remain unquestioned.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us that in substance there has been no weakening of the duty of the League to protect minorities in Danzig?

I would prefer not to attempt to put a gloss upon a very difficult negotiation. I would prefer hon. Members to read the papers themselves. There are certain differences in Danzig as compared with other areas, but it is not the question of minorities in the usual League sense, but the question of a German minority as opposed to a German majority, which is not the usual situation.

Are we to understand from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that the League have accepted the recommendation of the Polish Commission and have thereby confined the High Commissioner to the foreign affairs of Danzig, and exonerated or excused him from dealing with internal affairs? Are we not correct in reading the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has given as a definite surrender of any protection of the working classes and minorities of Danzig?

I would not like the right hon. Gentleman to take that view. All I can say is that my colleagues and I in an extremely difficult situation, quite unforeseen by the drafters of this Statute, have attempted to do our utmost, and I would prefer that we should be allowed to see how this arrangement works before we come to a final decision about it.

Will it be possible for trade unions in Danzig to exist with greater freedom in future than has been the case in the past?

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House in which sense hon. Members are to interpret the word "free"?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, to ensure the peace of Europe, he will state that any infringement of the territorial integrity and existing political independence of the state of Czechoslovakia will be treated as an unfriendly act by His Majesty's Government?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to similar questions by him regarding Czechoslovakia on 27th May and 15th July last, of which I am sending him copies and to which I have nothing at pesent to add.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that is some time ago, and that since that date our strength has considerably increased; and would an affirmative answer to my question in any way constitute an extension of our obligations under the Covenant?

Will my right hon. Friend remind all our bellicose pacifists that the League of Nations is not a war machine?

I prefer, I think, on the whole, my definition to that of my hon. Friend, and the answer that was given some months ago still stands.

Might not such a specific guarantee as this stop a possible war before it begins?

Perhaps my hon. Friend is not so specific as he thinks he is.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the directors of the Leopoldina Railway Company have been unable to protect this British investment which is being gradually confiscated by the action of the Brazilian Government, which now finds itself compelled to furnish the company with a loan; and will he notify that Government that the unfair treatment of British savings placed at the disposal of the Brazilian public for developing Brazilian resources is regarded with disapproval by His Majesty's Government?

I have received no request for support from the company in question, and it will be realised that the question of instructing His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio de Janeiro to make representations on the subject to the Bazilian Government could not be considered unless such a request were received.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there have been any developments since this question was first asked?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that this must, in the first instance, be a matter for the company, and there is nothing that I can do until then.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs particulars of the latest reports he has received from His Majesty's representatives on the conditions in Spain?

I have nothing to add to the reply which my Noble Friend gave to the hon. Member on 20th January, and to the full statement which I made in the course of the Debate on 19th January.

Is it not true to say that General Franco is not making any headway at all?

I do not think that the hon. Member or myself are very good military experts. We can leave that to others.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are satisfied that there has been no contravention by Germany of the international treaties relating to the Moroccan zone, in view of the refusal of the military commandant at Melilla to allow British naval officers access to the aerodromes?

As explained by my Noble Friend on 27th January, His Majesty's Government, after making such investigation as was possible, are not aware that any treaty to which they are partly regarding Morocco has been infringed.

Is it the general rule to refuse to allow access to military aerodromes?

I understand that that is the general rule; I am not sure whether any particular request was made in this instance and, therefore, whether any particular refusal was received.

Am I to understand that it is the general rule in all countries but not in Morocco?

I understand it is the general rule here.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information concerning the last meeting of the Non-Intervention Committee, and the proposals made in the notes from Germany and Italy concerning the despatch of volunteers from Spain?

The text of the notes recently addressed by the German and Italian Governments to His Majesty's Government have been made public. It will have been observed that both Governments declared themselves favourable in principle to the prohibition of the despatch of volunteers to Spain. His Majesty's Government have expressed their appreciation of the helpful nature of these and other replies. The replies which have now been received have been and are still under active consideration in the International Committee. I am not, however, able to add to the information contained in the Communiqués issued by the Committee itself.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that he will not agree to prohibition upon volunteers until there is also an effective system of control?

I should like the prohibition on volunteers to come as soon as possible and the effective control to follow within a few days, but what I would like is not always realised.

If there is to be prohibition on volunteers, without control, shall we not again have the same situation as there was previously, with one-sided observance at the expense of the Madrid Government?

The hon. Member's reflection has not escaped me.

May we ask something about the Russian and French volunteers in Spain, and might we not get a recall of the whole lot?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the progress of the negotiations for an agreement between the Chinese Government and the bondholders of the Canton-Hankow (Hukuang) Railway for the payment of arrears of interest due to the bondholders and to ensure the regular payment of interest in future?

I understand that the negotiations referred to by my hon. Friend are continuing, but I am not in a position to make a statement at present.

Is it a fact that the British, German and French bondholders have expressed their satisfaction to the Chinese Government?

I have no detailed information, but I understand that a public statement will be made before very long.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement to the House concerning the settlement of the dispute between the Governments of France and Turkey concerning the territory of Alexandretta?

The terms of the settlement, as embodied in the rapporteur's report which was adopted by the Council of the League on 27th January, have been fully and accurately reported in the Press. The settlement, which falls within the framework of the international obligations of the parties concerned, and does not involve any modification of the territorial status quo, appears to be an eminently satisfactory one, and is due in large measure to the spirit of conciliation and statesmanship shown by both parties, as well as to the skill and energy of the Rapporteur, M. Sandler, who spared no efforts to bring about agreement. In view of the difficult nature of the questions involved, I think it is a matter from which we take much encouragement that under the auspices of the League, in the spirit of the Covenant, and with the help of the League, it has been possible to reach a solution which both parties can find acceptable.

While associating myself with what the Foreign Secretary said about the satisfactory results obtained, and congratulating him on his share in achieving them, may I ask whether there is any ground for pre-occupation in regard to the attitude of the Syrian authorities?

I am afraid that is beyond the sphere of my knowledge. There is always fear of pre-occupation in any settlement we get nowadays.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible to come to an amicable settlement in regard to Mosul as well?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to take any steps to secure the home-beef producer from the consequences of the new subsidies to be granted by the Argentine Government to the producers and exporters of Argentine meat to this country?

The action taken by the Argentine Government appears to be designed to offset in part the lower price that might otherwise be payable to producers of cattle in Argentina in consequence of the Customs Duties recently imposed on foreign beef and veal imported into the United Kingdom. The position of beef producers in this country is safeguarded by an Exchequer subsidy and by the quantitative regulation of imports for both of which, as my right hon. Friend will be aware, permanent provision is made in the Livestock Industry Bill at present before Parliament.

How can producers of beef in this country get a reasonable living if they are faced with subsidised foreign competition, plus depreciated currency?

My right hon. Friend appears to ignore the fact that there are quantitative regulations and subsidy in force.

Do I understand that the duty on Argentine beef will not have any effect on prices in this country?

I cannot say that. My information is that the additional cost is being shared between the producers in the Argentine and the other interests involved. If such action can be taken against a tariff by a foreign Government, it only shows how inadequate a straight tariff is for the protection of agriculture although it has been strenuously advocated in the past by both my hon. Friends.

Has the right hon. Gentleman thought of the advisability of putting on a tariff so high that the Argentine Government will not be able to swallow it?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information that Iraq has invited Turkey to supply her with military advisers, in contravention of the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty?

No, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General if it is the intention of his Department to continue to include the income derived from the working of overtime as a factor in the computation of wages?

Overtime pay is not a factor which is taken into account when the rates of wages of Post Office classes are determined.

May I take it that the subject of my question has not been entirely ignored by the Postmaster-General?

I have reflected on the hon. Member's question, and I hope he will reflect on the answer.

asked the Postmaster-General the total sums paid to Imperial Airways, Limited, for the carriage of mails for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and the amounts paid to any other aeroplane mail carriers during the same period?

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind payments for the air conveyance of mails despatched from this country. The total payment to Imperial Airways, Limited, in respect of such mails during the year 1936 was £259,000; and to other air companies, or to postal administrations maintaining air services, £185,000. Of this latter sum, £69,000 was paid for the use of British or other Empire air services.

Can the Postmaster-General say to what the Post Office share amounts?

The Post Office pays for mails.

Is the Post Office satisfied with the amount it gets?

asked the Postmaster-General when it is proposed to change the Speedwell exchange to the automatic system?

Arrangements are in hand for the extension of the Speedwell exchange building to accommodate automatic plant; and I hope that it will be possible to effect the transfer to automatic working at some date in 1939.

In the meantime, can the Postmaster-General take steps to ensure greater accuracy in this exchange?

We are introducing an automatic exchange which the hon. Member will find an improvement.

asked the Postmaster-General why certain post offices in Scotland are not authorised to issue renewals of motor licences; and whether, on account of the inconvenience and surprise thus caused to Scotsmen anxious to pay cash to the State, he will take immediate steps to rectify the position?

In Scotland, as in other parts of the United Kingdom, the issue of motor vehicle licences is confined to the larger post offices, on account of the complicated nature of the work involved.

asked the Postmaster-General how long the Shetland mails have lain in Aberdeen; whether any steamer belonging to the North of Scotland and Orkney and Shetland Steam Navigation Company, Limited, is at present lying in Aberdeen ready to take the mails immediately the weather moderates; and if not, whether he will arrange for arty other available steamer lying in Aberdeen to take the mails or, failing that, for the mails to be despatched by air?

Weather conditions prevented the despatch of the mails due to be sent to the Shetlands on Monday, Wednesday and Friday last week. Letter mails were despatched by special aeroplane on Friday as soon as the condition of the Sumburgh aerodrome, which had been waterlogged, permitted. Another letter mail and all outstanding parcels were embarked on the St. Catherine which sailed from Leith direct to Lerwick yesterday.

asked the Postmaster-General on how many occasions the night postal train from Euston to Scotland missed its proper connections at Aberdeen in the years 1934, 1935, and 1936, respectively?

The figures are 31, 35 and 57 respectively. The matter is under investigation.

In view of the great inconvenience, which is constantly increasing, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take energetic steps with the railway company to increase their punctuality?

We are going into the matter. The failure is due to railway accidents, breakdowns, transport difficulties, fog and snowstorms.

If the right hon. and gallant Gentleman can get no satisfaction from the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company, will he consider transferring the contract to the North Eastern?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will arrange to have a complete telephone directory of Scotland sent to all Scottish subscribers instead of local editions as at present?

It is already the practice to supply subscribers who make numerous calls to subscribers in adjoining exchange areas with the directories for those areas if they wish to have them. I do not think there is justification for a general supply of directories of all areas; and the cost of such an arrangement, which could not be restricted to Scotland, would, at the least, exceed £250,000.

asked the Postmaster-General in what circumstances official notices printed for post with the inscription "On His Majesty's Service" need a postage stamp affixed?

I am glad the hon. Member has raised this question which enables me to dispel what is, I fear, a prevalent misunderstanding. The printed inscription "On His Majesty's Service" on an envelope or form does not imply exemption from postage. If, however, it bears the "Official Paid" design it is so exempt. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad if he will communicate with me.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the reply postcards sent by the Ministry of Transport to people applying for examination have on them "On His Majesty's Service," but that they specially say that a 1½d. stamp is needed, and will he tell the House what utility there is in putting "On His Majesty's Service" on the cards if there has to be a stamp on them?

It indicates the nature of the communication.

What happens if a stamp is not put on? Does the Post Office send the communication back?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the constant flooding of mines in the County of Durham and to the repeated failures to get the mine owners to come to a pooling arrangement for a drainage scheme; and whether, in view of the importance of coal mining to the community, the Government will consider the advisability of carrying out a proper drainage scheme?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 1st December last to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. W. Joseph Stewart) of which I am sending him a Copy.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that certain South Wales collieries desire to supply Lancashire consumers but are prohibited from making quotations by the Central Council of Coalowners; and whether, in view of the present state of industry in South Wales and the interference with the coastwise shipping trade of the port of Liverpool, His Majesty's Government are prepared to take any steps in regard thereto?

I am advised that the Central Council of Colliery Owners have neither issued a direction nor taken any action to prevent South Wales collieries from supplying coal in Lancashire. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend give some explanation as to why it is that coal cannot be obtained by Lancashire consumers from South Wales collieries?

No, Sir. I have answered the question on the Paper.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend explain why it is that the coal merchant in Liverpool who offered this South Wales coal to the corporation was told that he had to withdraw his tender because instructions had been received from the Central Coal Council that South Wales coal was not to be sent to Liverpool?

No, Sir, I cannot, because that is exactly contrary to what I have just said in reply to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour who will represent His Majesty's Government at the preparatory conference of the International Labour Organisation, which is to be held at Washington, to consider conditions of work in the textile industry; and whether any preliminary discussions will be arranged between the three British groups?

I understand that my right hon. Friend proposes to appoint me to represent His Majesty's Government at this conference. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the question of the pollution of the River Tyne; whether the recommendations of the various local authorities have been considered; and whether any definite action is proposed?

The question of the condition of the tidal portion of the River Tyne owing to the discharge of untreated sewage has had the attention of the Commissioner for the Special Areas, who has recently received a report from the consulting engineers appointed by him to carry out a technical investigation into the possibilities of a measure of amelioration of the problem. It is hoped that copies of this report will shortly be circulated to the local authorities concerned for their consideration and observations.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that quite recently this question has been considered by the local authorities, who have unanimously recommended a certain scheme or schemes? Has this come to the knowledge of the Government, and do they intend to take any action in the matter whatever?

The hon. Member had better await the issue of the report.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that much discontent has been expressed by men recently returned from the training camp at Langdale End, Scarborough, as to the food supplied, bedding, sanitation, and lack of proper medical attendance; and whether he will institute inquiries with a view to remedying these conditions?

No, Sir. The hon. Member has been good enough to forward a copy of a letter from a constituent about conditions at the centre to which my right hon. Friend is sending him a full reply. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the conditions at this centre as at others are such that the hon. Member need not hesitate to recommend any unemployed man to volunteer for a course there. My right hon. Friend would welcome a visit by the hon. Member and any other hon. Members to this centre or any other centre.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider at once the preparation of disused coal mines on the north-east coast, etc., for the storage of foodstuffs or petrol for use in a national emergency?

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local educational authorities have appointed special organisers for physical training; and whether Doncaster is among the number?

One hundred and seventy local education authorities have appointed one or more whole-time or part-time organisers of physical training and a number of other authorities are considering the question of making such appointments. The number of organisers now employed by local education authorities is 236. A proposal for the appointment of organisers has not yet been received from the Doncaster authority, but it is understood that the authority are considering the matter, and the board wrote to them on 1st December last calling their attention to its importance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of cases heard in the "S" division during the month of November last for driving to the danger of the public and driving without due care and attention, respectively; and how many of the former were dismissed on identical police evidence?

During November last the courts dealt with 17 cases of reckless or dangerous driving and 32 cases of careless driving reported from the "S" division of the Metropolitan Police. Of the former, eight were dismissed or withdrawn, but without a detailed examination of each case it is impossible to say what police evidence, if any, was available. As my hon. Friend will appreciate, a charge often results from an accident which is not witnessed by the police.

Can the Under-Secretary do something to ensure greater discrimination in the issue of summonses to the same effect?

I will consider that.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the arrangements for improving the traffic conditions at Victoria Gate, Hyde Park, by means of a new roundabout and otherwise; and when will the necessary work be commenced?

I am unable at present to add anything to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Paddington, South (Vice-Admiral Taylor) on 25th November last.

In view of the fact that, as I understand, most of the difficulties have now been solved, does the Ministry of Transport recognise how desirable it is to make a start at once on this urgently-needed improvement so that it may be completed, if possible, before the Coronation?

There has been no avoidable delay. We had hoped to have this work completed by the Coronation, but owing to the fact that agreement had to be come to with so many different bodies, I am afraid that that hope will not be realised. My right hon. Friend hopes very soon to be able to make a definite statement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the provisions of the third-party compensation clauses in the Road Traffic Act have proved inadequate to protect the interests of injured persons; and what remedial measures it is proposed to take?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Lichfield (Mr. Lovat-Fraser) on 27th of last month.

What proportion of people injured in road accidents gets no compensation?

I think that question had better be put on the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has forbidden, or proposes to forbid, the taking of the finger-prints of youthful delinquents?

This matter has been exhaustively considered since it was debated in this House in July last. My hon. Friend will be aware that it is proposed to take the finger-prints of juveniles only in cases of those over 14 years of age arrested for serious offences such as shop-breaking, housebreaking and larceny, and not in any cases of merely trivial offences. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that it is in the public interest that finger-prints should be taken in those cases, but in deference to the representations made in the Debate, he has decided to advise chief officers of police that in any case where it is possible to communicate with a young offender's parents his fingerprints should not be taken without their express consent.

Would it not be a good thing for all hon. Members to have their finger-prints taken?

asked the Home Secretary why his office has ceased to issue reports of the children's branch?

There are a number of reasons—in particular the additional labour involved in the preparation and bringing into force of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933—which have prevented the issue of a report in recent years. My right hon. Friend is fully aware of the value of these reports, and a further report will be issued as soon as circumstances permit.

What does the Under-Secretary mean by "as soon as circumstances permit"?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Common Serjeant in a recent criminal case that, though he frequently recommended the deportation of criminal aliens, his recommendations never seemed to be carried out; how many recommendations for the deportation of aliens have been made by the courts during the past year; and in how many cases have such recommendations not been carried into effect and for what reason?

During the past year 205 aliens were recommended for deportation. In 166 of these cases deportation orders were made or the aliens left the country under their own arrangements, and II cases have not yet been decided. In three of the remaining 28 cases the recommendations were quashed on appeal, in 15 cases it was decided on merits not to make orders, in nine cases it was found impossible to establish the alien's nationality, and in the remaining case the alien who had been released on bail pending appeal absconded.

Can the Under-Secretary amplify the meaning of the words "decided on merits"?

The entire responsibility for deportation rests on the Secretary of State, and he naturally gives the greatest weight to the recommendation of a court. But he has to bear the responsibility and has to take all circumstances into account. In some cases there is long residence in this country, an ignorance of all foreign languages, and the fact that the man may have married and has children in this country.

asked the Home Secretary on what principle His Majesty's Government base their decision that a great part of the financial burden of instituting air-raid precaution schemes shall be borne by the local authorities?

The essentially local character of local schemes of air-raid precautions was explained in paragraph 7 of the Home Office circular to local authorities of 9th July, 1935, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. At the same time the Government have undertaken to bear the whole cost of accumulating the main items of anti-gas equipment which would be required to implement local schemes and to make contributions towards the cost of additional hospital equipment and fire fighting appliances required to meet emergency conditions. The question of the general incidence of financial responsibility is now under review in the light of representations which have been made to my right hon. Friend on the subject.

Does my hon. Friend accept the principle that responsibility for the protection of the civilian population in any area which is attacked is the common concern of the whole country?

I would prefer not to make a statement offhand on a subject of that nature while the whole question is under review.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the last financial year for which figures are available; what is the total amount of revenue raised by means of Customs and Excise duties upon foodstuffs?

The approximate amount of Customs and Excise duties collected during the financial year ended 31st March, 1936, on foodstuffs, including tea, coffee, cocoa and certain foodstuffs used in part as feeding stuffs for animals (which cannot be separately distinguished) was £36,259,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether it is proposed to go forward with the proposal to erect a block of Government offices on the Montagu House site; if not, what are the reasons for the alteration of plan; what expense will be involved by the abandonment of the project; and whether the Metropole Hotel, in Northumberland Avenue, will still be required for office purposes?

No decision has been taken to abandon the Whitehall Gardens building scheme and, in the circumstances, the remaining parts of the question do not arise.

Has work been suspended, and, if so, what is the reason for suspending it?

No, Sir, I understand work has not been suspended.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet decided what action is to be taken to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of Armaments, in view of the length of time during which this matter has been under consideration?

The Departmental examination of the report is now completed, and the whole matter will be directly under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the House will have an early statement on that subject, seeing that it is now four months since it was mentioned?

That is not the only problem we have before us.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a statement made by the Secretary of State for War at Folkestone on Thursday, 28th January, in defending the recent dismissal of five dockyard workers, that it must be apparent that if men holding such peculiar beliefs as Communism can commit crimes such as have been mentioned in the course of recent prosecutions in Moscow, such men ought certainly not to be employed in positions of trust and responsibility in Government positions here; whether this statement represents the policy of the Government, and it is therefore intended to discharge men holding the Communist belief who occupy such positions?

The policy of the Government was clearly stated by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty in reply to a Private Notice question by the Leader of the Opposition on 10th January, in the course of which he said that the political views of a dockyard employé

"are his personal affair. As long as his work is satisfactory and his politics neither interfere with it nor lead to courses that will endanger the Navy and the State, there never has been, nor should there be, any interference with him."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th January, 1937; col. 36, Vol. 319.]

May I thank the Prime Minister for reassuring the House that the statement of the Secretary of State for War involves no change in policy?

Are we to take it from the statement which we have just heard read,

Not that I am aware of.

Does not this mean that your Ministers ought to be a little more careful about what they say?

Perhaps the hon. Member will wait until he is head of a Government.

Perhaps I may be some day.