asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the proposed visit, officially announced, of Admiral Foerster, formerly commanderin-chief of the German High Seas Fleet, to the former German colonies in Africa, will be of a quasi-official character; and whether he has any information as to the object of this visit?

I have no information regarding this visit.

Has my right hon. Friend noticed in the public Press that this visit of Admiral Foerster is to be of a quasi-official character?

I have no information about it, but I understand that this admiral is no longer in command of the German Fleet.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action the Government propose to take with reference to the German demand for colonies, as reiterated in Herr Hitler's speech on Saturday; and whether he will make it clear that this matter, whether dealt with by extension of the mandate system or otherwise, can only be considered as part of a general settlement in which Germany would return to the League of Nations and co-operate in the collective system, and that the paramount consideration, in any event, must be the welfare of the natives?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 18th December last, to which I have nothing to add.

Is it not perfectly clear that an overwhelming collective force and a willingness to use it are the only arguments to which Germany is likely to listen?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is not only the United Kingdom that holds mandates, but that the Dominions also hold mandates?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended to secure the assent of the German Government to a treaty guaranteeing the integrity and sovereignty of Holland and Belgium?

The question of the treaty relations between Germany and her Western neighbours will be a matter for consideration in the course of the negotiations for a new system of security in Western Europe, the arrangements for which are still under discussion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman request the British Ambassador in Berlin to pursue this matter with the German Government?

This is, in the first instance, a matter for the Governments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the Committee on Raw Materials set up by the League of Nations Council; and, in particular, what are its terms of reference?

On 26th January the Council approved a report by the representative of Poland regarding the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry into the question of raw materials. I am arranging for copies of this report, together with the provisional minutes of the discussion of the Council, to be made available for hon. Members in the Library of the House. The committee's terms of reference were defined in the Assembly resolution of last October, paragraph 1 of which reads as follows:—

"Considering that the time has now arrived when discussion of and inquiry into the question of equal commercial access for all nations to certain raw materials might usefully be undertaken with the collaboration of the principal States, whether members or non-members of the League, having a special interest in the matter."

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that there will be no question of the transference of territory in this matter?

Yes, certainly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what countries have accepted the invitation, and whether Germany is prepared to serve on it?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down. I have some information, but I would like to make sure that what I say is correct.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the organs of the League of Nations have been co-operating with the Spanish Government in humanitarian work since the last meeting of the Council?

In accordance with the terms of the resolution passed by the Council the League of Nations at its meeting last December authorising the Secretary-General to make available the assistance of the technical services of the League in regard to humanitarian work in Spain, a mission consisting of three delegates of the Health Organisation of the League recently visited Spain at the request of the Spanish Government to draw up a report and to furnish recommendations for the further organisation of relief for the Spanish civilian population. At a meeting of the Council at which the mission's report was considered, the Spanish representative stated that the recommendations made by the mission were receiving the urgent consideration of his Government. I understand that the Spanish Government have also approached the Secretary-General of the League, asking that the League should recommend the name of an expert who might be employed by the Spanish Government for various humanitarian purposes, notably in connection with the evacuation of the civil population of Madrid. I understand that certain names have, in fact, been put forward by the Secretary-General for the consideration of the Spanish Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the action of the Swiss Government in expelling from Switzerland Signor Carlo a Prato, a journalist accredited to the League of Nations and editor of the "0Journal des Nations"; and whether he will consider the advisability of bringing before the Council of the League the question of the best means of securing freedom for foreign journalists attached to the League to carry on their work?

The answer to the first part of the question is Yes, Sir. The position of foreign newspaper correspondents at Geneva has, at the instance of the President of the Council, already formed the subject of preliminary discussion at Geneva among the members of the Council.

Has this particular case been considered?

No, Sir. We were not asked to consider it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many men of the artificer branches of the Royal Navy have responded to the re-engagement request to continue service after completing time for pension; and what are the terms offered to induce engine-room artificers to continue and the number of them who have done so?

The number of men of the artificer branches who have re-engaged for a further period of three, four or five years' general service after completing time for pension, including pensioners re-entered after a break in service, is 100, including 73 engine room artificers. They receive the pay of their rating on the scale of pay introduced in 1925, and in addition receive a special bonus of a shilling a day and are allowed at the same time to draw their pension. Those who re-engage without a break in service are given the option of not drawing their pension and of remaining instead on the 1919 scale of pay with a special bonus of a shilling a day, their further service counting for increase of pension.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the response?

No, Sir; I should like to see a larger response.

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to find out from the artificers themselves what can be done?

I shall be glad to have assistance from anyone, and if the hon. Member will send me any suggestions I will give them careful attention.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there is any person designated the publicity officer of the Royal Navy; and, if so, what are his exact duties, his rank and qualifications, and the salary paid to him?

There is no person designated publicity officer of the Royal Navy. There is, however, at present, in addition to the Admiralty Press officer, a recruiting publicity officer employed on a part-time basis at a salary of £150 per annum. He is a Commander, R.N. (retired), with journalistic experience.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the staff organisation concerned is still awaiting the decision of the Admiralty to its request that the pay conditions of locally entered staffs at Malta shall be referred to the Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal; that this request was made originally in July and that repeated efforts to secure a decision have proved unavailing; and whether, in pursuance of the undertaking which he gave to ensure an early decision on the matter, he will arrange for the Admiralty's conclusions to be communicated to the staff association concerned forthwith?

A communication will be sent to the association in the course of the next few days.

Do I understand that they will agree to arbitration, or do they propose to make an offer to these people?

I think the hon. Member had better wait and see the communication. I think he will find it not unsatisfactory from his point of view.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the rates of wages paid to and hours worked by the engineers, patternmakers, boilermakers, iron shipbuilders, shipwrights, carpenters and joiners, plumbers, blacksmiths, steam hammermen, fitters and turners, painters, and draughtsmen working in the Royal Dockyards?

As the answer includes a large number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make a statement regarding the work done by ships in the Navy in rescuing refugees from Spain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Finchley (Mr. Crowder) on 11th November. Since then the number of refugees evacuated has substantially increased, but exact figures are not at present available.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on whose instructions plain clothes police were called to the Unicorn Gate, Portsmouth Dockyard, on 27th January to confiscate leaflets relating to the recent dismissals at Sheerness and Devonport that were being distributed there?

The naval authorities, having been informed that it was intended to distribute certain leaflets to dockyard employés, the dissemination of which in the dockyards would be contrary to the regulations, drew the attention of the Portsmouth city police to the position. The subsequent action was taken solely on the authority of the city police.

Can the right hon. Gentleman provide us with the regulations which empower the civil police to take quite ordinary leaflets advising members of trade unions out of the hands of ordinary civilians?

No, Sir. I have no jurisdiction in the field of the city police. All we did was to give the city police certain information, and they were responsible for the action they took, and not the dockyard authorities.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether plans for building new munition factories and increasing the output of existing factories will provide any opportunities for better promotion of present employés of the Royal Naval armament depots in view of the technical knowledge and experience possessed by these men?

Due regard will be paid to the qualifications of the present employés in Naval armament depots when consideration is given to the selection of personnel for such services as those referred to which may require to be provided for the Admiralty.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will take steps to improve the position of watchmen at the Port Edgar base, seeing that they now work an average of 84 hours per week for a wage of 52s.?

The rate of pay of the two night watchmen at Port Edgar was reviewed as recently as October, 1936, and an increase of 3s. a week granted to them. This rate was fixed in relation to the rates ascertained to be paid locally for comparable work in outside employment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, in comparing these wages with outside employment, that this is a very depressed area, and is he satisfied with the number of hours that these men are called upon to work? Are they not quite out of keeping with Government practice?

The hon. Member communicated with me on the subject, and I made very careful inquiries. I found that this did compare favourably with the normal conditions of labour in the neighbourhood. As to the question of hours, I will look into that point as the hon. Member has raised it again.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these two men are not dismissed because of subversive conduct?

Will the First Lord give a lead in this matter by seeing that these men get at least one day's holiday a week?

I do not think that arises directly on this question, but I personally looked into the case of these two men, and it appeared to me, from the information I received, that the conditions were not unfavourable.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that H. S. R. Easthope was dismissed from the service of the Admiralty at Devonport after one week's service; whether East-hope was dismissed as a result of communications from the War Office; and, if so, what was the nature of such communications?

H. S. R. Easthope was entered in His Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport, as an electrical fitter on a casual basis on 25th August, 1936, and discharged on 1st September on completion of the work for which he was entered. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Do I take it that the fact that he had been the week previously dismissed by the War Office had no relation to the fact that he was dismissed after a week's service at the Admiralty?

No, Sir, it had nothing to do with that. The man was taken on for a particular job as a casual workman; the work came to an end after a week, and he went, as many casual workers go in similar circumstances.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what orders for new cruisers have been placed in the last two months; what is the tonnage of each ship; and whether they are to have any special characteristics?

No cruiser contracts have been placed during the last two months, but Portsmouth and Chatham yards have each been directed recently to commence on 15th March next the construction of a cruiser of the new Dido class. The estimated standard displacement of these vessels is about 5,000 tons; their other main characteristics will, in the normal course, be published in future Navy Estimates as the vessels near completion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, to what foreign Powers particulars of His Majesty's ships "King George V" and "Prince of Wales" have been furnished; and whether such particulars will be furnished to the House?

As the hon. and gallant Member is doubtless aware, certain information concerning ships that have been laid down has been communicated for a number of years, under the Washington and London Naval Treaties, to certain other Governments. The communication of this information is continued under the Protocol of signature to the London Naval Treaty (1936) to the Governments of France and the United States of America. Similar information is exchanged with the German Government as an outcome of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement of 1935. Particulars concerning the two ships referred to in the question will be furnished in the usual way in the annual return of Fleets of the British Commonwealth of Nations and foreign countries, which will be laid before the House shortly before the introduction of the 1937 Navy Estimates.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the information furnished by foreign Governments is generally reliable?

Yes, Sir, I think so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the German Government furnished particulars of their new battleships?

Yes, Sir; under the Anglo-German Naval Treaty there is a reciprocal exchange of information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many ships of the Navy, in each category, are not in all respects ready for sea?

Apart from ships of the Reserve Fleet, which are maintained at varying periods of notice for sea, about 16 per cent. of the ships of the Navy are at present not in all respects ready for sea owing to being under repair, refit or alteration. The hon. and gallant Member will, of course, appreciate that a certain percentage of ships must always be under refit, and the percentage at present is not abnormal.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information on the mission of the Agricultural Adviser to the Colonial Office to East Africa to advise on the problem of overstocking and soil erosion; which territories he will visit; and how wide are his terms of reference?

The visit of my Agricultural Adviser to East Africa can hardly be described as a special mission. He is visiting Zanzibar, Tanganyika, 'Kenya, and Uganda in the normal course of his duties for the purpose of conferring with the Governments of those Dependencies on various local agricultural problems, including those mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can inform the House regarding the strike of the Commercial Motor Transport Union in South-West Nigeria, stating how long the strike lasted; what were the demands of the strikers; and whether the Government granted full facilities to the leaders of the union to negotiate a settlement of the members' grievances or whether any obstacles were placed in the way of negotiations?

I have ascertained from the Acting-Governor of Nigeria that a strike organised by owners of commercial motor vehicles in Southern Nigeria began on 7th January and lasted five days. No demands were addressed to the Government of Nigeria by the strikers either immediately before or during the strike, but it is understood that the strikers were dissatisfied with the licence lees in force and that they alleged irregularities by motor traffic police. The Acting-Governor reports that no obstacles were placed in the way of negotiations, and that it was made clear to the leaders that any representations they wished to make would be impartially examined with a view to improvement of the economics of the transport services. The Government has since issued a public statement to this effect. The Acting-Governor adds that the complaints against the police will be investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any arrangements will be made by the Royal Commission on Palestine to hear evidence in this country from himself and other persons having special experience of, or connection with, that mandated territory?

I would invite the attention of my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 3rd November last to the question addressed to me by the right hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood). As I then pointed out, the matter is entirely one for the Royal Commission itself.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that law and order have been restored in Palestine; and whether our armed forces there are considered sufficient to prevent any further outbreak of violence?

As regards the first part of the question, I would invite the attention of the right hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 19th January to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams), to which I have nothing to add. As regards the second part of the question, it is never possible for armed forces to be sure of preventing an outbreak of violence from taking place. The arrangements which have been made are, in the opinion of the High Commissioner for Palestine and of the competent military authorities, such as to enable disorder to be effectively dealt with should it again occur.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, if the policy of saying "Please" to the Mufti and sacrificing our friends has failed, he will give to General Dill and the military the opportunity to restore peace and preserve order in that country in a manner more in consonance with British traditions and British interests?

I think that question should be put on the Paper. I cannot answer a complicated question of that kind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated cost at completion of the telephone equipment which is to be installed in Malaya for the purpose of establishing communication between London and Malaya; and have any unforeseen difficulties been experienced in the completion of these arrangements?

The cost of the equipment, including freight, insurance, etc., but excluding local costs of installation, amounts to about £1,840; so far as I am aware no unforeseen difficulties have been experienced.

Is everything progressing satisfactorily with this installation?

Certainly, as far as I know. I have heard nothing to the contrary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the Gold Coast Medical Department Report for 1935, which records a grave increase in the infantile and ordinary death rate; whether he is aware that a set-back to the health of the people has been experienced because of the immigration of under-nourished and diseased natives from neighbouring territories, the low standards of hygiene in rural and mining areas, and the increased facilities for the dissemination of disease and malnutrition; whether he will give his careful attention to this problem, particularly that aspect of it relating to immigrants and the necessity of a mobile medical unit for use among the immigrants?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, it will be clear to the hon. Member from the report to which he refers, that the situation is engaging the close attention of the Governor of the Gold Coast and his medical advisers, who are giving particular consideration to the problems connected with immigration and mine labour. A mobile unit was employed a few years ago in the Gold Coast on an experimental footing, and though it did useful work, the conclusion was reached that the funds available could be more usefully spent in other directions such as the opening up of medical stations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any recent inquiries have been made into the health conditions of Africans who are, or have been, working in connection with mining developments on the Gold Coast; and whether he has any statistics as to the incidence of silicosis or tuberculosis?

An inquiry into health conditions in the mining areas of the Gold Coast was carried out in 1935 by the Deputy-Director of Health Services, and in that year new regulations were issued governing the sanitary control of mining and mining health areas, including the medical inspection and housing of labourers and various other matters. Silicosis could only be contracted in a very few of the mines, and no statistics are at present available as to the incidence of silicosis and tuberculosis in the mining areas; but I can assure the hon. Member that the Governor of the Gold Coast is fully alive to the importance of this question and has under consideration measures for its investigation, and I have asked him to consider the engagement for this purpose of an additional medical officer, with special experience of tuberculosis.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the site numbered 6 on the plan of sites in Lancashire available for aircraft production has been considered by any of the firms concerned in the shadow-factory scheme; and whether the site and the suitability of the labour available in Preston, Blackburn and North East Lancashire will be considered before deciding upon a site for any new aircraft factory?

This site was inspected last week and its relative advantages as compared with other possible sites will be fully considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many acres of agricultural land have been purchased for new aerodromes and aeroplane factories during the last two years; and the average price paid per acre?

The answer to the first part of the question is 14,400 acres. As regards the second part, I think it would be undesirable to attempt to assess an average price per acre as the circumstances vary so much in each case.

Before the right hon. Baronet's Department decide upon the purchase of land for aerodromes, do they consult other Departments concerned such as the Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of Health?

We discuss such matters with all the Departments concerned.

Would it not be possible to obtain the figures relating to the acreage of purely agricultural land which has been purchased?

As I have already said, I think that to publish these particulars would be misleading and would also prejudice further negotiations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what area of land was acquired for the aerodrome at Finningley; from whom it was purchased; and what was the total price paid?

The area being acquired at Finningley is 433 acres, the bulk of which is being purchased from the Finningley Park Estates Company. As regards the last part of the question, information is not yet available as the price to be paid to the company is to be settled by arbitration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now able to make a statement in regard to the Speke aerodrome site being acquired for Government work?

No, Sir. A number of sites are being inspected, but no decision has yet been reached as to which one will be selected.

Would it be possible for I he right hon. Gentleman to say when he can give a reply?

I am afraid it would not be possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the Royal Air Force aeroplane crash which was discovered to have been caused by a rag in the petrol tank; and whether investigations have diclosed how such an occurrence could have arisen?

I am aware of the case which my hon. Friend has in mind. It has not been found possible to establish how or when the small pieces of rag got into the petrol tank, but even if this point were cleared up the cause of the accident would remain obscure; for very careful practical tests have been carried out using the actual sump of the petrol tank of the machine in question, and they throw considerable doubt upon any probability that the presence of the rags can have been the cause of the engine failure.

Will the right hon. Baronet consider discharging some innocent people on account of this incident?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Royal Air Force will take part in the Coronation air review; and, if so, where and when this will take place?

It is not intended that there should be an air review on the occasion of His Majesty's Coronation, but my Noble Friend is very glad to be able to authorise me to state that His Majesty has graciously intimated his intention to attend the Royal Air Force display at Hendon on 26th June.

Are we to understand that the Royal Air Force display at Hendon will be enlarged this year, so as to make it an even better spectacle than usual?

I would like to have notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Minister has considered the application submitted by Aberdeen Airways, Limited, dated 13th December, 1936, requesting that certain air-lines they are operating should be licensed; and, in view of the recommendation made in the report of the Maybury Committee that air-lines should be licensed, will the Air Ministry exercise their power under the Air Navigation Act, 1936, and license these airlines at an early date?

The application submitted by Aberdeen Airways, Limited, has been received, but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that no licensing system is as yet in existence and if the recommendation of the Maybury Committee to which he refers is adopted it will be necessary, before any further steps can be taken, to lay before Parliament the draft of any Order which it is proposed to recommend His Majesty in Council to make under Section 5 of the Air Navigation Act, 1936, and to await an affirmative resolution of both Houses. My Noble Friend has the whole matter under careful consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why, in view of the growing importance of air transport to the counties of Orkney and Shetland, the Air Ministry has approved landing fees for Wideford aerodrome, Orkney, and Sumburgh aerodrome, Shetland, substantially higher than those charged at Croydon, e.g. 25s. for aircraft, such as Dragons, of 4,500 lbs. gross weight, and 38s. for aircraft, such as Rapides, of 5,500 lbs. gross weight; and whether, in view of the fact that the fares across the Pentland Firth and between Orkney and Shetland are £1 and £2 10s respectively, he will take steps to reduce the landing fees and so make it possible to operate profitably a six-seven seater aircraft at 50 per cent. load?

The principle followed in fixing aerodrome landing charges is to approve such rates as appear to be reasonable, having regard to the cost to the aerodrome proprietors of providing and maintaining the facilities accorded to air traffic, and the use made of the aerodrome. These considerations were taken into account when rates were approved for the Wideford and Sumburgh aerodromes, and there appears to be no justification for revising them at the present time.

Is the right hon. Baronet aware of the recommendation of the Maybury Committee that there should be a standard scale of charges for all aerodromes throughout the country, licensed for public use and that owners should conform to that scale?

Yes, Sir, that has been considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that no petrol or oil can be bought at the Sumburgh aerodrome, Shetland; that no hangars are available there; that Aberdeen Airways, Limited, have been refused permission by the licensee to erect one; and, in view of the fact that Sumburgh is the only practicable landing ground in Shetland and that the licensee there has a virtual monopoly of landing facilities in Shetland, will the Air Ministry take over this aerodrome and operate it impartially in the public interest?

As regards the first two parts of the question, the licensing of an aerodrome for public use is not conditional upon the provision of fuel or housing accommodation for visiting aircraft. As regards the third part, I regret that I have no information but the question of granting such a facility must be regarded as a matter for the owners of the aerodrome. As regards the last part, it would be contrary to Government policy to adopt the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend in regard to acquisition of the aerodrome by the Air Ministry.

Is it not the case that the Maybury Committee has recommended very strongly that the main aerodromes at least should not be in private ownership; and in view of the fact that there is only one possible landing ground in the whole of the Shetlands, will he undertake to reconsider the whole position carefully'?

The Maybury Committee also recommended that it would be unfair to discourage or displace existing owners of aerodromes.

Is this licence subject to renewal; and if so, will the right hon. Baronet undertake not to renew it until the aerodrome provides the facilities which are in demand in the district and which Aberdeen Airways are ready to supply?

We have no powers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any action has been decided on arising from the recommendations of the May-bury Committee?

The report of the Committee is under active consideration by the Government, but no decisions have yet been taken.

If I put down another question in three weeks' time, will the right hon. Baronet then be able to give an answer?

I will try to do so.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the recent decision of the London Passenger Transport Board only to grant consents for motor-coach proprietors to operate tours of the decorations and illuminations during May on condition that a protective fare of 5s. per person is charged; and, as coach proprietors have indicated that they would be prepared to run such tours at 2s. 6d. per head and the fixing of 5s. will preclude a large number of Londoners of limited means from participating in such tours, will he ask the London Passenger Transport Board to reconsider their decision in this matter?

This is a problem which affects not the board alone but such matters as street capacity, police control, safety and larger issues all of which I understand will be taken into account. Incidentally it should be borne in mind that the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933, places an obligation on the board to provide adequate services.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, why it has been considered necessary to close Westminster Abbey to the public and to disfigure Parliament Square and other parts of the Coronation route by the erection of stands four months before the Coronation: whether such a long period was necessary for the purpose; and whether he can state the estimated cost of these preparations?

(for the First Commissioner of Works): The fitting up of Westminster Abbey and the provision of stands along the Coronation route necessitate great demands on labour and materials, particularly in respect of steel and timber. Work in connection with the Coronation will also be carried out by local and other bodies, and it is inevitable that a shortage, which is already in evidence, of both labour and certain materials, would become acute if undue restrictions of time were enforced on the contractors engaged. For these reasons it has not been possible to concentrate the work in the Abbey and on the stands within a shorter period of time. An estimate of the total cost will be laid before this House in due course.

Who is going to have the letting of these seats; who is going to sit in them?

The hon. Member must put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now announce a decision regarding the presence of African chiefs at the Coronation ceremonies; and if chiefs, in addition to native official representatives of colonies, will be invited?

Yes, Sir. His Highness the Kabaka of Buganda and Yeta III, the paramount chief of Barotseland, have been invited to the Coronation. The Kabaka accepted, but I am sorry to say that he has since been advised on medical grounds not to undertake the journey to England this year. I very much hope that the paramount chief will attend.

asked the Minister of Transport how many orders made by local authorities for speed limits under Section 29 (4) of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, have not been confirmed by him; and in how many of the cases where orders have not been confirmed has there been no public inquiry?

Twenty and ten.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the conclusion of the inter-departmental committee on road safety for children that accidents to children and other pedestrians are generally less serious in areas where speeds are limited, and that on open roads and the outskirts of towns where speed is higher there is a greater proportion of fatal accidents, he will consider the enforcing of a proper speed-limit in every case where circumstances render it desirable on roads coming under his jurisdiction irrespective of whether a stretch is technically described as urban or otherwise?

Yes, Sir. FOOTPATHS AND LIGHTING.

asked the Minister of Transport the total mileage of the trunk roads as defined by the Act of this Session on which there are no footpaths and only one footpath, respectively; and what steps he is taking to be able to remedy this state of affairs as soon as possible after he becomes the highway authority for these roads on 1st April, 1937?

There is no reliable information, and the first step to be taken will be to make a survey of existing conditions and requirements.

Are we to understand that a survey is now being made, or is the right hon. Gentleman waiting until after 1st April next?

There are certain difficulties in this matter. I have no authority to make a survey of these roads, but nevertheless I am trying to arrange with the authorities concerned that the survey may proceed.

asked the Minister of Transport how many lighting authorities there are on the trunk roads from London to Dover, Portsmouth, Penzance, Holyhead and Edinburgh, respectively; whether he proposes to call a conference of the authorities on each of these roads to discuss with him and the gas and electricity supply undertakers the problems connected with the adequate and uniform lighting of these roads; and what action he is taking in the meantime to have these roads surveyed and their lighting problems considered?

A survey of the needs of the trunk roads in this and other matters is already being put in hand.

asked the Minister of Transport how many county councils in England and Wales have exercised their power of contributing towards the lighting of roads in their areas; and in respect of how many miles of roads such contributions have been promised or made?

The Departmental Committee on Street Lighting are collecting this information.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any information in his Department as to the comparative costs of installation and maintenance of the sodium and mercury vapour electric lamps for street lighting?

I should not be justified in making a pronouncement on this question at the moment.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department have arrived at any definite decision in connection with the experiments conducted to determine the skid resistance of various road surfaces in varying weather conditions; and can he give particulars of any deductions that can be made?

The conclusions reached are summarised in publications entitled "Experimental Works on Roads" issued annually by my Department and in a special report entitled "Road Surface Resistance to Skidding" published recently in conjunction with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of not allowing any grant to local authorities which do not put these surfaces down in the different areas?

Yes, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the fact that skidding may be due to the camber of the road apart from the surface of the road?

asked the Minister of Transport the date when the scheme for the reconstruction of the York-Tadcaster road was first submitted; the estimated cost of the scheme; and can he account for the delay in granting sanction?

The scheme was submitted in June last for widening six miles of road and reconstructing two bridges at a cost estimated at £265,000. Certain amendments were effected as the result of discussions with my technical officers, and the council were informed in November last that the scheme was approved in principle and that a grant would be issued subject to their acceptance.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as he has now had an opportunity of considering the feelings of the House, as reflected in the Debate on the dockyard dismissals, the Government will now consider setting up some appeal court to act in future cases should they arise?

I cannot add anything to the statements made on behalf of the Government in the course of the Debate of 26th January.

In view of the widespread discontent over the matter of these dismissals, and a number of other cases of dismissal that are now being brought forward, will the right hon. Gentleman consider setting up a committee of Members of this House to investigate the question of these dismissals?

I cannot undertake to do that.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the question of the establishment of a factory for the manufacture of calcium carbide in. South-West Durham will be kept in mind, considering that abundance of first-class limestone and coal are in close proximity, while electric power is at hand, and unemployment is rife among the quarrymen and coal miners of that district?

The supply of calcium carbide is under consideration, and I regret that I can give no information at present. The hon. Member may rest assured that the claims of South-West Durham, together with those of other areas, will receive full consideration.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence when he proposes to make a full statement upon the Government's food storage proposals?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwood (Mr. Sandys) on 27th January.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to publish a White Paper outlining the Government's proposals in this matter?

I certainly do not propose to publish a White Paper stating what we propose to do before we have done it.

Is it the policy of the Government to make all the arrangements first and tell the House of Commons afterwards?

The hon. Gentleman must realise that there are certain difficulties connected with the policy of food storage as well as certain advantages, and those difficulties and advantages have to be considered together?

Will the right hon. Gentleman let the Minister of Agriculture into the secret when he has made up his mind?

The hon. Gentleman will realise that the Minister of Agriculture knows all that is being done.

Would not the best plan be to encourage a greatly increased agricultural production in this country?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, on what grounds it has been decided to suspend the building of the big block of new Government offices in Whitehall; whether the scheme is only to be temporarily or permanently abandoned; whether any alternative proposals are being considered; and to what use is it intended, in the event of the scheme being abandoned, to put the area where houses have already been demolished and foundation preparations started?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on Monday last to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Nuneaton Division (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, as Barnsley Post Office is to be redecorated throughout by contract, he will state the firm who obtained the contract; and, having regard to Barnsley's volume of unemployed people, will he give an assurance that Barnsley's skilled decorators unemployed will be given first preference for work by the contracting firm who obtained the contract?

The contract was obtained by Messrs. Dearden Brothers, Limited, of Leeds, in competition which included offers from five local firms. I am afraid that it would not be reasonable, in these circumstances, to lay down any such conditions.

Does the hon. Member think it would be right to bring workmen out of Leeds to do work in Barnsley with hundreds of men walking about Barnsley town unemployed? Can I have no answer and no guarantee on that matter?

The contract is subject to the normal Fair Wages Clause, and as long as fair wages are paid, I do not think it is reasonable to impose any further conditions.

I am not talking about the Fair Wages Clause. We will watch that. What I want to know is whether we are to have our Barnsley people who are unemployed, skilled people, working on this job instead of bringing people out of Leeds every day?

I have already said that as the tender was open to local firms and not one of the local firms was successful, owing to the prices quoted, it would not be reasonable, in our opinion, to impose the conditions suggested by the hon. Member.

Is the hon. Member not aware that in many cases, when local contractors do not get a job, the contractors are advised to take on as many local people as possible?

Will the hon. Gentleman, without imposing a condition upon the contractors, make representations as to the desirability of employing Barnsley people on this job?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of that procedure, and that when an outside contractor secures a contract local authorities attempt to influence him to employ as many local people as possible?

Yes, but this is not a contract given by a local body; it is given by a Government Department.

As this contract was given by a Government Department, will they not adopt the same policy as local authorities adopt in such circumstances?

I will consider that, but I cannot possibly give any undertaking in the matter.

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory reply to this question, I shall raise it on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases now being dealt with by the unemployment assistance boards throughout Lancashire; the number that have had reductions; and the number that have had increases in their determinations in consequence of the new regulations?

During the week ended 15th January last the numbers of persons in receipt of unemployment assistance allowances in Lancashire was 104,564, of whom about 47,000 were receiving more and 47 were receiving less than they would have received under the Standstill arrangements.

Is it not desirable to issue a White Paper showing the gains and losses in all parts of the country on the lines of this question?

I do not think that that is necessary at the moment.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that, in a recent case at Leicester, in which a motorist was charged with manslaughter but convicted of dangerous driving only, the learned Judge said that the evidence was conclusive in support of the charge of manslaughter, that the jury's verdict was not in accordance with the evidence because they were terrified, and that the failure of juries to do their duty in such cases was responsible for the failure to

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have carried out their obligations under the Export Credits scheme; what is the profit made on the scheme; will consideration be given to the need to reduce the guarantee charges, and the need to increase the Soviet purchases from this country of pottery, cotton, and other manufactured goods; and will he take steps to make the

No action of the kind suggested could in the circumstances have been taken in this case. As the jury convicted on one charge and acquitted on the other, no question of removal of the trial could arise, as the trial was over and there was nothing to remove.

asked the Attorney-General the number of divorce petitions presented during the year 1935–36 to the nearest available date; the number of decrees granted for that period; and the number awaiting hearing?

As figures are concerned, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has fulfilled all its financial obligations up to date under the Export Credits schemes. The surplus shown in the accounts of the Export Credits Guarantee Department (which are presented annually to Parliament) cannot be regarded as a profit so long as the Department has large contingent liabilities. In regard to the Department's charges and the need for financial facilities, no further action appears to be necessary, in view of the arrangements made between the Export Credits Guarantee Department and the Soviet Government in July last whereby £10,000,000 was made available for the export of manufactured goods to the Soviet Union. The particular kinds of goods for the purchase of which this credit may be employed (subject to the proviso that 5o per cent. of the sale price is derived from expenditure on United Kingdom labour or materials) are selected by the Soviet purchasing organisation.