asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there is any shortage of warrant officers for the Navy; how many candidates applied for the recent vacancies; what was the number of commissions awarded to the lower-deck men; whether the percentage of commissions awarded to the lower-deck men is now lower than some years ago; whether he can give the reason why more lower-deck men are not given promotion; what is the pay of a warrant officer on promotion from the lower deck; and whether the age of the lower-deck hand regulates promotion?

:There is no shortage of candidates except in the branches of gunner, gunner (T) and boatswain. With regard to the second part of the question, I would explain that no question of application for vacancies arises. The system is that candidates first undergo the prescribed qualifying tests and those who qualify are placed on a roster to await vacancies. In the three branches in which there is a shortage, all those who have been placed on the roster have either been promoted or are waiting to undergo courses preparatory to promotion. The number of commissions issued to warrant officers in 1936 was 139 and the number of warrants issued to the lower deck was 186. Of these, 48 commissions and 64 warrants were issued in the three branches I have mentioned. As to the proportion of warrant officers to commissioned officers, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Deptford (Mr. Green) on 27th January. The pay of warrant officers on promotion is 12s. 8d. a day in the non-mechanical branches, and 13s. 6d. a day in the mechanical. The age of a candidate for promotion to warrant rank does not affect his chances. There is, however, a maximum age limit of 35 in certain branches.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the consumption of coal and oil, respectively, for fuelling purposes in the British Navy for the year 1936; and what were the comparative figures for 1913?

The quantities of coal used by the Royal Navy in 1913 was 1,977,000 tons, and in 1936, 434,000 tons. I regret that information concerning the amount of oil fuel used is not for publication.

Is the use of oil fuel progressing, to the disadvantage of coal?

I am not sure what the hon. Member means. Perhaps he will put the question down.

There is a tendency for ships to use oil instead of coal, and what I am asking is whether that is still going on?

Yes, Sir.

Is coal fuel used solely for ships?

I believe the figure I gave includes only the coal used in ships, but I will look into it.

What is the objection to giving the information asked for about oil fuel?

It would be disclosing information as to the amount of time British ships are at sea, and I do not think such information is given by any other country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that information was refused to the Committee last night, and that it appears on the front page of a paper to-day? Is he further aware that there are other means for finding out the fuel consumption of the Navy than by questions and answers in the House of Commons?

I cannot imagine it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether experiments have been carried out in this country in connection with the wireless control of torpedoes and gliding bombs from aeroplanes which has been perfected by an American inventor and adopted by the United States Navy Department?

Experiments have been carried out in the control by wireless of torpedo-like weapons, and the Admiralty are aware of the possibilities and limitations of such devices. As regards gliding bombs, I understand from the Air Ministry that that Department has no information about the particular invention to which the hon. Member refers, and the answer to that part of the question is therefore in the negative.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the disadvantage to us if any great Power nearer home than the United States of America secured control of that invention?

Yes, Sir, but I do not accept the assumption on which my hon. Friend bases his supplementary question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has had an opportunity of making further inquiries into the distribution of Fascist literature in Chatham Dockyard and the fact that this has been permitted by the responsible authorities; and whether he will state the result of such inquiries?

I have caused most careful inquiries to be made as the result of previous suggestions that Fascist literature was being distributed in Chatham Dockyard; but no evidence has been forthcoming to substantiate these allegations. I can assure the hon. Member that far from permitting the distribution of such literature, or of any other literature of a propagandist nature, within the Dockyard, the authorities are most anxious to prevent it.

Was particular inquiry made into the activities of the employé whose name was given to the right hon. Gentleman in confidence by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for East Bristol (Sir S. Cripps)?

Yes, Sir. I have had two investigations made as the result of the representations made to me, and I can find no evidence of any kind for the accusations that were made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether all branches of Naval Reserve personnel are up to strength; and, if not, in what branches deficiency exists and in what numbers?

The present position is not unsatisfactory. The only deficiencies consist of 620 ratings in the Royal Naval Reserve out of an establishment of 8,330, and of 790 ratings in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve out of an establishment of 5,300. Of these numbers, however, more than one-third are serving under short engagements in the Fleet, and are expected to return to the Reserves when their Naval service is finished. The shortage in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve is chiefly in the signal and telegraphist branches. In the other Naval Reserves, I am glad to say that there is no deficiency.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many admirals, vice-admirals, and rear-admirals are on the Active List; how many in each category are employed; and how many retired flag officers are employed?

The numbers of admirals, vice-admirals and rear-admirals on the Active List are 10, 19 and 39 respectively. These numbers include one vice-admiral and five rear-admirals who are supernumerary to the list because they hold certain civil appointments or appointments under Dominion Governments. The numbers of these officers who are employed are 7, 13 and 23 respectively. In addition, two vice-admirals and seven rear-admirals are undergoing courses and three rear-admirals have not yet been relieved in the appointments which they held as captains. Two vice-admirals have been retained in their active appointments after retiring, and four other retired flag officers hold supernumerary appointments.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the cause of the mishap to His Majesty's Submarine "Swordfish" on 2nd February; and whether any damage to the hull, underwater fittings, or electrical installation was sustained when she hit the bottom?

The accident occurred during exercises. There was no structural damage to the submarine, but some underwater fittings were damaged. I shall not be in a position to give my hon. and gallant Friend details of the cause of the accident until the report of the inquiry has been received.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the value of the stock of war time gun mountings for armed merchant ships still held by the Admiralty; what proportion of such value is written off yearly; and what system of occasional inspection or review of this material is employed to guard against its retention in store when obsolete and to ensure the necessary replacements?

The ledger value of the gun mountings allocated to armed merchant cruisers, fast liners and defensively equipped merchant ships is approximately £2,500,000. The values of this stock are reduced by 4 per cent. annually to allow for obsolescence. These mountings are regularly inspected, and steps are taken to maintain them in an efficient condition ready for use.

Does the First Lord consider that an allowance for depreciation under which it is 25 years before obsolescence arrives is sufficient for dealing with a stock of this kind?

I understand that that has always been the percentage, but I will look into it again and see if there is any reason for putting it higher.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of ex-service men now employed in the Argyll, Alexandria, Dumbartonshire; and whether he is aware that men seeking employment there are debarred employment if they profess certain political convictions?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the Royal Naval Torpedo Works, Alexandria. The answer to the first part of the question is 202. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

With regard to the right hon. Gentleman's answer to the second part of my question, may I take it that the local manager of the Employment Exchange has unfettered discretion so far as the selection of employés is concerned?

Subject, of course, to the qualifications being satisfactory. There always has to be that condition.

May we have an explanation of what is meant by "the qualifications being satisfactory"?

If the hon. Member will refer to an answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, of which I will send him a copy, he will find that it set out the case in detail. We have to assure ourselves that the men are satisfactory. In order that the hon. Member may have no undue anxiety, let me tell him that people's political opinions do not enter into the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether engine-room artificers are now urgently needed for His Majesty's Navy; whether engine-room artificers now have a chance to rise to posts worth £1,000 a year; and, if so, will he state what these posts are and how many engine-room artificers, fourth-class, have occupied these posts during the past five years?

I have been asked to reply. The answers to the first two parts of the hon. Member's question are in the affirmative. With regard to the third part, my right hon. Friend finds that among those officers of the engineering branch who have during the last five years held posts worth £1,000 a year, which are generally shore appointments for senior engineer commanders, there are 13 who have risen from the rating of engine-room artificer, fourth class.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether invitations will be issued to Members of Parliament to witness the Naval Review on 20th May, 1937; and, if so, when it is proposed to send them?

All Member of Parliament will be invited to witness the Naval Review, and invitations are being sent out in the course of the next few days.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered or will consider the possibility of settling the Assyrians of Iraq in some part of British-controlled territories in the African continent?

Yes, Sir. During recent years my predecessors and I have given the most earnest consideration to this question. Not only the African territories, but the whole of the Colonial Empire has been carefully considered with a view to finding some possible place of settlement. Unfortunately it has not yet been possible to find a suitable area in any of the non-self-governing Colonies, Protectorates or Mandated Territories, in which it would be practicable to settle the Assyrians of Iraq, apart from the serious political and economic difficulties which would inevitably arise. Inquiries, however, are still being pursued.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it would entail any considerable cost on the British Government to settle these Assyrians?

I forget what was the exact amount that was stated at Geneva, but I understand that there is to be a conditional contribution, if the League pays so much and the Iraq Government pay so much.

Would not the money be well spent if it were possible to settle them?

If we could find a climatically, socially and economically suitable area, it would be our wish that they should be settled.

Can my right hon. Friend say why Transjordania, which is a very similar country to the Assyrians' home land, was rejected?

It is very similar to Iraq, and we do not want exactly the same problem to arise in Arab Transjordania as has arisen in Arab Iraq.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider an amendment of Ordinance No. V, of 1933 (Malta), requiring the deposit of a sum of £200 with the treasurer by anyone editing a newspaper, because of its inadequacy in preventing the publication of papers which may be subsidised by a foreign Government and because it renders the publication of Labour papers an impossibility while permitting publication to wealthy political leaders?

I will consult the Governor with regard to the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet decided to permit the electricity franchise to be granted to Port of Spain, Trinidad, for which that municipality has for so long pleaded?

The transfer of the electricity undertaking from the Trinidad Electric Light Company to the Port of Spain municipality has been delayed pending the result of an appeal to the Privy Council by both parties from the judgment of the Supreme Court of Trinidad, in matters arising out of an arbitration award concerning the terms of transfer. The result of the appeal to the Privy Council is expected shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the date by which it is hoped to complete the road between Jaffa and Haifa; and whether, in view of the great importance of this road as a means of safe travel, its construction will be speeded up?

I fully appreciate the advantages of an early completion of the Jaffa-Haifa road, and considerable progress in its construction has already been made. The rate of further progress must necessarily depend on the general financial position of Palestine and the other competing claims of other urgent services upon Palestine Government funds.

Seeing that on 10th December, 1935, it was announced that 18 miles had been completed, and on 10th February that the acceleration of the building of the road was receiving consideration, can my right hon. Friend now inform the House how many miles have been completed up to date?

I should require notice of that question; no doubt I could find the information. As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, however, since that time there has been very serious trouble in Palestine, and both labour and money have had to be devoted to security services.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that this road, which, after all, has been under construction for a very considerable time, will be proceeded with with all possible celerity?

In view of the condition of Palestine, I must give priority to defence expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the manner in which the European man-power of the Kenya Colony is now being utilised on a voluntary military basis for the general security of the colony?

The general outline of the proposals was indicated in the reply given by my predecessor to the right hon. and gallant Member for the Drake Division (Captain Guest) on 16th March last. Since that date the details of the scheme have been worked out by a local committee and embodied in draft legislation, which has been published for consideration during the current session of the Kenya Legislative Council.

Were the unofficial community consulted before this legislation was published?

The object of publishing it in draft form, and no decision being taken either by the Governor of Kenya or by myself, is that the unofficial community shall be fully consulted, and the matter fully and freely debated in the Legislative Council.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say from what direction any threat to the general security of Kenya comes?

I leave the hon. and gallant Member to draw any conclusion he likes.

Is this in place of conscription in Kenya?

My predecessor said last year:

"I have agreed that the European manpower of the Colony could most efficiently be utilised, and the general security of Kenya best be served, by replacing the defence force, which is not satisfactory from a military point of view, by a Territorial Force on a voluntary basis."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th March, 1936; col. 34, Vol. 310.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the duration of the existing agreement for the carriage of air mails between the Government of the Gambia Colony and the Deutsche Luft Hansa Company; and whether there is any prospect of this agreement eventually being superseded by an equivalent agreement with a British air line?

So far as I am aware, the arrangements made by the Government of the Gambia with the Deutsche Luft Hansa A.G. provide merely for the carriage of mails from the Colony at agreed rates whenever such mails are tendered to the company, and do not relate to any specific period, and there is nothing to prevent the conclusion of similar arrangements with a British company if and when a British air service operates to the Gambia. I am, however, asking the Governor to confirm that this is, in fact, the case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that no reliable maps showing relative humidity are available for Great Britain; and whether, in view of the paucity of information available and the value of such information if available, he will cause such maps to be made?

The Meteorological Office is at present engaged upon up-to-date computations of average weather statistics. The computations in respect of relative humidity will be undertaken shortly, and it is intended to issue maps as soon as practicable. In the meantime, the Meteorological Office will be found ready to furnish replies to specific inquiries relating to humidity.

Could not the process of compiling these maps be hastened, since this is one of the few civilised countries of the world that have not such maps?

Is there any country more humid than this?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what has been the final decision arrived at by the inter-departmental committee on international air communications on the question of the inauguration of a British air service across the South Atlantic ocean?

My Noble Friend has under consideration recommendations submitted to him by the Committee a few days ago.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which company has been selected for this service?

I cannot add to my answer.

Is it proposed to publish the recommendations?

I could not undertake that, in view of the fact that this is a standing committee which reports to the Minister.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what action he has taken to develop the construction of medium-sized British air liners?

The production of suitable types of civil aircraft for the commercial market is a matter primarily for the aircraft industry. The Air Ministry have, however, recently been able to assist in the development of a particular type (the de Havilland 91) by the placing of an order for the first two aircraft to be produced. My Noble Friend has at present under consideration whether the Air Ministry may be able to give further assistance in the development of such aircraft as those to which the hon. Member refers.

Will the right hon. Baronet hear in mind that considerable numbers of this type of air liner are being required in the Dominions, particularly Australia, and that the absence of any British types is causing foreign, and particularly American, aircraft to be purchased and, in view of this, will he reconsider the matter and see whether, in view of the fact that the approved firms are nearly all fully engaged with service aircraft, he could place orders with unapproved firms?

It is considered that the type now under construction that I have mentioned will prove very suitable for the services that the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether operational experience with the Empire flying boats has confirmed the practicability and advisability of their extensive use on imperial routes both over the sea and overland?

The performance and comfort of the Empire flying boats has exceeded expectations, and nothing has occurred, so far as I am aware, which would suggest deviation from the policy of using these boats on Imperial routes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has studied the use made of the principle of the catapult ship in the present German air-mail service between Berlin and Buenos Aires; and whether, as part of the schemes of the Air Ministry for the improvement of the Imperial air communications, the adoption of such ships is contemplated for use on those routes on which large distances to be flown over water present difficulty.

Plans for making the catapult system of propulsion available for long-range trans-ocean air services are at present under active consideration at the Air Ministry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is still the intention of His Majesty's Government to adopt a balloon barrage for the air defence of London?

Yes, Sir.

Is this balloon barrage to be a permanent institution, or do we wait for the declaration of war?

We are going on with the arrangements for this balloon barrage as quickly as we can.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether delivery of balloons for the barrage defence of London began before the end of 1936, as promised by the Air Ministry; and how many have been delivered up to date?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I hardly think it would be in the public interest to give figures, but I am able to say that satisfactory deliveries have been made.

What is the cause of the delay?

There is no delay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry intends to adopt for the balloon barrage defence of London the improved Ariel type of balloon used by the French Government; and whether any negotiations for the acquisition of the necessary patents are taking place or have been concluded?

The type to which the hon. Member refers is not that for which orders have been placed.

Is it not a fact that negotiations have been going on for over a year?

The type of balloon that has been decided upon by the Air staff for the defence of London is the one they considered most suitable for the purpose.

Is it not a fact that it has been stated publicly that the Ariel type can go up 25,000 feet while the one that the Government have selected goes up only 8,000 feet?

It depends on the height you want to have them.

Is it a fact that it has been decided that this barrage balloon for the defence of London is to be limited to 8,000 feet and not to 25,000 feet?

Will the right hon. Baronet answer the question as to the purpose of the Ministry? Surely the Ministry has considered whether it is to be a permanent institution, or upon what ground it is going to put up the barrage? Cannot we know that?

You do not want them on the ground. You want them in the air.

The purpose of the barrage is, obviously, to defend London.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the present meteorological staff of the Air Ministry and other Departments is adequate; and whether any steps have been taken to secure additional trained meteorologists to meet defence requirements?

The expansion of the defence services necessitates a considerable enlargement of the meteorological service. No outside source of supply of trained meteorological staff is available, but additional staff is being recruited to the numbers required, and special arrangements for training have been instituted.

Will the increase of staff permit the Meteorological Office to devote more time to research and less to routine work?

I hope that may be so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he considers that the science of weather forecasting has been sufficiently developed, or is sufficiently accurate, to provide adequate information to defence forces or arms relying on a foreknowledge of weather conditions for their successful operation; and, if not, what arrangements are being made or researches being carried out to achieve the desired development?

The science of weather forecasting already affords information of much value to the defence forces and the possibilities of its further development are kept under constant study and review.

Will the right hon. Baronet amplify his answer? It is a vague phrase which does not contain any information at all. The question is very definite?

The answer was that we are doing what we can for the moment and that we hope to do more.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the amount spent annually on oil imported for the Navy, Army, and the Air Force, respectively, and the amount spent anually on oil obtained in Great Britain for the same objects?

Only a small proportion of the oil supplies of the Services is derived from sources in this country. In a number of classes, particularly where supplies are obtained from distributors' general stocks, the Depart- ments have no sufficient information as to the sources to enable me to give figures. For information as to the total expenditure of the Services on oil supplies I would refer the hon. Member to the annual Estimates.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the need for the production of oil from coal in Britain and, if so, what steps are being taken?

The hon. Member asks me a totally different question. If he will put it down I will obtain the information for him.

Were we not told in answer to a previous question of the tremendous reduction in the coal used by the Navy in the last few years, and is the fact that we have plenty of coal but have to import all the oil being studied?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has considered the advisability of promoting legislation to amend the Regulation of Forces Act, 1871, in such manner as would enable the Government immediately to take control of the means of transport by road, water, and air in the event of an impending outbreak of war, as was done with the railways on the night of 4th August, 1914?

The question raised by the hon. Member is at present engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the appointment of an appropriate committee of experts, as was done in the case of the railways?

That: is a question that will be considered in connection with the details of any decision that is arrived at.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in view of the fact that gram when stored in bulk for long periods in this country is liable to develop mildew and other faults, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to get farmers to keep a good supply of wheat unthreshed until the summer months in each year to assist in ensuring adequate provision for bread-making in the event of an outbreak of war?

The hon. Member's suggestion represents one of the possible methods of food storage, though it possesses definite disadvantages. On the general question of food storage 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.

Would it not be a much more workable and feasible proposition to arrange with the bakery and grocery trades to hold larger stocks in their warehouses, and to use the well-aired granaries owned by the railway companies of the United Kingdom and also suitable warehouses which are standing empty at the present time?

That, also, is a matter which is very presently under consideration by the Government.

Is it not the fact that hard wheat will keep in a granary at least 12 months without any change?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, whether since the commencement of the rearmament programme any new factories have been constructed or planned in Yorkshire, and whether, in that case, he can give details?

Since the commencement of the rearmament programme, no Government factories have been constructed or planned in Yorkshire. A large number of contracts, however, have been placed in Yorkshire necessitating in some cases the extension of existing private factories.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are places in Yorkshire where there is as much as 37 or 38 per cent. of unemployment; and are such places as these given consideration when factories are put down?

Oh, yes, Sir. Yorkshire is considered, and all places are considered on the occasion when Government factories are established, but technical considerations have, of course, to be taken under review in every case.

Is particular consideration given to these places where unemployment is so heavy and where nothing has been done up to the present?

If the hon. Gentleman will indicate any particular places he has in mind, I shall be prepared to go into the matter?

I will indicate Hoyland for one.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give some information regarding the reorganisation of the national home-grown food supply; and, seeing that in a future war this country would not have time to extemporise food supplies once the war had started, is he satisfied that all possible steps are being taken to assist farmers to increase production to full capacity at once?

I have been asked to reply. Every aspect of the question of home food production in relation to national defence is receiving the fullest attention, but my right hon. Friend is not in a position to say anything further on the subject at the present time.

Can the hon. Member say when it will be done? It has been long under consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that much concern exists at the proposals of the Southern Railway Company to lay down a live electric rail through the middle of the most agricultural and rural districts of West Sussex, and that protests have been made to the railway company against the danger to those employed in agriculture to their animals and farm stock, and to the loss caused in numerous cases by segregating one part of the farm or property from another; and whether he will use his influence to ensure that the railway company arrange for overhead electric cables or some other safe way of giving protection against the dangers of a live rail to children and animals?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of any places where children and animals are allowed on an unprotected line, I will make immediate representations.

Is it not a fact that originally the commission reported in favour of overhead lines for the Southern Railway but they would not accept it, and is it not a fact that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company are using overhead lines?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that with the overhead system sparks are so frequent that it would be impossible to run trains through air raid periods.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider a live rail wore dangerous to children than a live motor car?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the obstruction in the road on the Embankment in Cheyne Walk; whether this was erected with his cognisance and consent or with the consent of the police; and, if not, will he use his powers to have it removed as being an illegal obstruction to the free passage of our streets?

The Chelsea Borough Council informed my Department and the Commissioner of Police that they were erecting this barrier as an experiment. I have no power in the matter.

What is the purpose of the experiment?

It is in connection with the proposal to re-design the junction.

Do we understand that the Minister has no power to stop obstructions put up by the local authorities in our main streets in London?

I regret to say that I have no power.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that no arrangement exists for season tickets at special rates for students travelling through London by omnibus; and whether, in view of the desirability that such facilities should be provided so as to include the central area red omnibuses, he will communicate with the London Passenger Transport Board requesting the institution of such facilities at an early date?

The Board are bound by their Act to charge such fares as will secure that their revenue shall be sufficient to meet all charges upon it. There is power for a local authority to apply to the Railway Rates Tribunal for modification of fares or conditions in particular cases.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the amount of employment provided per ton of igneous rock used for road making as compared with the employment provided per ton of gravel and sand; and whether he will bear this in mind, in addition to the wearing and non-skid qualities of road material, when considering grants for road works, especially in those counties where unemployment is greatest?

Yes, Sir, subject to suitability and cost.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the fact that several county surveyors have recently changed over from gravel and sand on their Class I roads in order to save maintenance costs?