asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inform the German Government that the restoration of the German colonies is not a discussible subject?

I have nothing to add to previous statements on this subject made on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

Am I to understand that we no longer adhere to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on 2nd May, 1935, that this subject was not a discussible one?

The hon. Member had better read the statements that have been made.

May we take it that there has been a change?

Has the Noble Lord any guarantee that this subject will not be discussed with Germany without the concurrence and presence of the allied and associated Powers?

I think that hardly arises from the question. I cannot add anything to what I have said.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any negotiations for a new naval treaty are being conducted between Germany and His Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether he is in a position to make a statement?

Negotiations have for some time past been proceeding between His Majesty's Government and the German Government with a view to concluding a bilateral agreement dealing with qualitative limitation on the basis of the London Naval Treaty, 1936. Satisfactory progress has been made, and it is hoped that agreement may shortly be reached on all outstanding points. The conclusion of an agreement with the German Government depends on the conclusion of a similar agreement between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government, with whom parallel conversations are now proceeding.

May I take it that the German Government are not raising any difficulty by reason of the fact that His Majesty's Government are in negotiation with the Russian Government?

I said that satisfactory progress has been made and it is hoped that agreement will shortly be reached on all outstanding points. The conclusion of an agreement with the German Government depends upon the conclusion of a similar agreement with the Soviet Government, with whom parallel conversations are now proceeding.

I asked whether the German Government are not raising any objections by reason of the fact that the British Government are negotiating with the Russian Government?

Are the Government prepared to extend this bilateral system of agreements to other countries?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Dominions are parties to the arrangement, arising out of the infraction of the Locarno treaties by Germany on 6th March last, for assistance to France and Belgium in the event of unprovoked aggression; and whether they have been consulted on the subject?

I think the hon. Member may be under some misapprehension. I would recall that, in conformity with Section III of the Text of the Proposals of 19th March, 1936, the position of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in this respect is still governed by the Treaty of Locarno, to which the Dominions are not parties. His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions have been kept informed of every phase of the negotiations arising out of the events of 7th March last.

My question is, have the Dominions associated themselves in any way with the joint action which the British Government are taking with France and Belgium in this matter?

My point is that at the present time we are still governed by the Treaty of Locarno, to which they are not parties, but they have been kept informed.

While that is perfectly true, is it not possible for the Dominions, if they so wish, to associate themselves with this action, and have they, in fact, done so?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the views of His Majesty's Government on the reform of the League of Nations have yet been conveyed to the German Government?

The views of His Majesty's Government on this subject have been publicly stated on various occasions, notably at the Assembly of the League on 25th September and in the House of Commons on 5th November.

In view of that answer, is it the opinion of the Government that it is not impossible for the German Government to answer the British questionnaire?

It is certainly the desire of the British Government that any steps should be taken that might lead to the resumption of negotiations.

In view of the statement made by Herr Hitler on 3oth January that the British Government would be satisfied with the reasons why they have not answered the questionnaire, and as those reasons do not operate now in view of the answer of the Noble Lord, will he convey a copy of his answer to Herr Hitler?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give the House any information regarding the participation of Italian warships and soldiers in the rebel operations against Malaga; and whether the Foreign Office has been in consultation with the Admiralty regarding the new naval situation which has been created in the Western Mediterranean?

As regards the alleged participation of Italian warships in the attack on Malaga, I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to a question asked by the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on Monday last. With regard to Italian soldiers, my information is that a force of about 6,000 men entered Malaga on 8th February, including about 3,000 Italians. With regard to the last part of the question, the Foreign Office are continuously in contact with the Admiralty with regard to the situation arising out of the Spanish civil war.

In reply to the Noble Lord's answer to the first part of my question, may I ask how long it takes the Foreign Office in these days to acquire information in regard to important matters of this kind? Is it not a long while since the incident took place?

As I have already explained, it is not what the House is entitled to, but what information is available. His Majesty's Government's representatives send such information as is available, and I have no reason to think that that has not been done.

Is it not a very long time that has elapsed between the incident complained of and the Foreign Office knowing anything about it? Is it not a serious reflection upon the competence of the Foreign Office?

Are the Foreign Office in possession of any unofficial information in regard to the movement of Italian warships?

Is it in order for an hon. Member to make a statement that war vessels of a certain country took part in certain operations, without first having ascertained that in fact they did so?

The hon. Member, I take it, makes himself responsible for the information in the question.

indicated assent.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make with regard to the bombing from the air of two of His Majesty's destroyers in the Mediterranean on 15th February?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a report has been received from the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet as to the bombing of two British destroyers by a large aircraft, apparently a Junker machine; and, if so, whether he is taking any steps in the matter?

I have received a report from the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, to the effect that on 13th February last, His Majesty's Destroyers "Havock" and "Gipsy" when in the vicinity of Cape Tenez, Algeria, were bombed by an aircraft presumed to be in the service of the Spanish Insurgent authorities. It was stated that the aircraft appeared to be of a four-engine Junker type, and that four large and two small bombs were dropped without effect. In accordance with the instructions which have been issued to His Majesty's Ships to defend themselves against attacks such as this, fire was opened on the aircraft. Steps have been taken to lodge a suitable protest with the insurgent authorities.

Does the First Lord consider that this was an accident or was it that as this was a new type of destroyer it was done deliberately to find out what kind of anti-aircraft gun she was fitted with?

I have no reason to suppose that that was the case. I imagine that it was one of several incidents which have occurred during the Spanish civil war in which gross errors have been made.

Is not this evidence of the reckless irresponsibility of units of the German air force who are serving with the insurgent forces, and does it not justify the charge that they have been engaged in bombing defenceless refugees fleeing from Malaga?

May we ask why they missed the aircraft?

Or ask why the aeroplane missed the destroyer.

Are our destroyers armed with the latest anti-aircraft guns? If so, why did they miss?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many public demonstrations have been organised in Malta in support of the insurgents in Spain; and who was responsible for organising them;

(2) whether he is aware that Monsignor Pantalleresco, the Dean of Malta, who is the nominee of His Majesty's Government, is acting in a way contrary to the expressed policy of the Government in relation to the situation in Spain; that at a large demonstration which was organised ostensibly for religious purposes he submitted a telegram of good wishes to General Franco and subsequently sent it to General Franco; and what action was taken, if any, to warn Monsignor Pantalleresco against interfering in this civil war?

I have made inquiries of the Governor, who informs me that no public demonstration has been organised in Malta in support of the Spanish insurgents. I understand, however, that at the Roman Catholic festival of Christ the King on 25th October of last year Monsignor Pantalleresco, Dean of the Cathedral, read out a telegram which he sent, in the name of the congregation, to General Franco in the following terms: — "Catholic Malta gathered in its thousands feast Christ King in communion of spirit pray final victory of arms of Catholic Spain"

Does not the right hon. Gentleman regard that interference in a civil war on the part of His Majesty's Government's nominee as being directly contrary to the expressed and spoken and written policy of His Majesty's Government, and does he not feel that the Government are entitled to intimate to their nominee that this ought not to be repeated?

We cannot regard this Monsignor, acting in connection with a festival of the Church, as His Majesty's Government's nominee. I know that Catholic people all over the Empire are as entitled to their views as the hon. Member is to his views.

Has not the hon. Member's party sent money to the Government of Spain?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman regard this action on the part of the Dean of Malta as being as much anti-British as it is pro-Franco?

No, unless I concede that every Catholic who openly in this country expresses a preference for one side or the other is anti-British, and that I decline to believe. After all, many people take the other view, and are allowed to express their opinion. The Government's position is non-intervention, but hon. Members opposite seem to be very much on the opposite side.

May I point out, first of all, that there is no implication of anything either anti-or pro-British in the question? I am asking the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks it is consistent with the policy of His Majesty's Government for one of their nominees to organise a huge religious demonstration and to take advantage of that opportunity to send telegrams to Franco, and whether ii is not the case that there is less religious tolerance in Malta now than there was before?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many officers between the ages of 21 and 30 it is proposed to transfer from the Royal Naval Reserve to the Royal Navy; and whether, before arranging for this transfer, due consideration has been given to the possibility of re-absorbing into the Royal Navy young officers who have voluntarily retired during recent years owing to the poor prospects of promotion and who are still under the age of 35?

The total number of officers of the Royal Naval Reserve who will be transferred to the supplementary list of the Royal Navy will depend on the requirements of His Majesty's Fleet and the number of volunteers. About 50 will, it is hoped, be entered by the beginning of April. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) on 29th July last.

Is the First Lord giving any consideration to the making of more promotions from the lower deck?

Certainly. We are giving it constant attention.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make a statement of some detail on that matter?

Yes, Sir. I will certainly deal with it, but the right hon. Gentleman will see that there are other questions on the Order Paper to-day.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) the number of commissions as lieutenants and sub-lieutenants, Royal Navy, respectively, to be given to Royal Naval Reserve officers; and the numbers of commissions of paymaster-lieutenants to be given to Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officers;

(2) whether he will state the reasons for appealing to reserve accountant officers to transfer to the Royal Navy for the first time in the modern Navy instead of instituting a scheme of promotion to commissioned rank for accountant branch ratings, similar to the promotion schemes open to the seaman branch, engine-room artificers, and Royal Marines, observing that among accountant ratings are some of the most highly educated ratings in the Navy, qualified by several years of naval training and experience to become an efficient type of officer?

The first part of Question No. 12 is answered in the reply I have already given to the hon. Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine). Owing to the present rapid expansion of the Fleet, the shortage of officers of the Accountant Branch has become acute, and there is an urgent need for officers fit in all respects to perform the duties of their rank immediately on entry. The duties and responsibilities of such officers are very varied, and it would take a rating promoted from the lower deck at least 2½ years to acquire a knowledge of them. For this reason, after the most careful consideration, the Admiralty has reluctantly concluded that it would not be possible to meet the shortage by a scheme of promotion from the lower deck.

As far as possible, the shortage has been met by the transference of certain duties to warrant officers, the number of whom has therefore been substantially increased. There remains, however, an immediate requirement of about 30 commissioned officers, and it is proposed to obtain them by transfer from the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. In the autumn of 1935, during the period of hostilities between Italy and Abyssinia, it was found necessary to call for volunteer accountant officers from the Reserves for service with the Fleet. During their time with the Fleet they became thoroughly conversant with the duties of commissioned officers of the Accountant Branch. It was the expectation that these officers could be obtained at once to supply an urgent need that led the Admiralty to adopt the new scheme. That this expectation was fully justified is borne out by the fact that all the officers who have so far been considered for transfer to the Royal Navy served with the Fleet during the period to which I have referred, and are in all respects fully qualified to enter at once upon the duties they will have to perform.

Are there not a number of men in the first-class lower ratings who are quite capable of training for promotion? Why is not consideration given to them?

I have given my personal consideration to this question, and in this particular case we were dealing with an emergency and had to fill up vacancies at once. There were no men immediately qualified for these places. That was our difficulty.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the recent decision to grant marriage allowance to the officers of the Royal Indian Navy at the rates of about £112 10s. per annum for a lieutenant of 30 years of age, £135 for a lieutenant-commander or commander, and £180 for a captain; and whether, in view of the improved financial position of the country and the increasing expenses of young married naval officers, particularly at Malta, he will provide moneys in the Estimates for marriage allowances for naval officers and so redress a long-standing grievance?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am afraid that I am unable to add anything to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on 27th January.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of living at the home ports and at Gibraltar, Malta and other ports have all gone up, and that the cost of domestic services, education, etc., has gone up—that everything has gone up?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of those facts, but I fear that I can add nothing to the answer that I have already given to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that naval officers' babies are just as important as bombs and torpedoes?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of tons of coal and the quantity of fuel oil, respectively, used by the Royal Navy for the years 1920, 1930, and 1936, respectively?

The Royal Navy, including shore services, used 1,033,000 tons of coal in the financial year 1920; 448,000 tons in 1930, and 434,000 tons in 1936. As regards oil fuel, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Clay Cross (Mr. Ridley) on l0th February.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that in December, 1936, 196 men employed in the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory, Greenock, had to travel 10 or more miles to their work, and that many more whose homes were beyond that distance from Greenock lived in lodgings in Greenock during the week and went home for the week-ends, he will take steps to secure the erection, near the torpedo factory, of suitable dwelling houses for these men and their families or, in any event, for a substantial portion of them?

I regret that the Admiralty is unable to take such steps as the hon. Member suggests. The matter appears in the first instance to be one for the local authorities or for private enterprise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable work of this sort was done by the second Labour administration and that at the present time there is an acute shortage of houses in this area?

I am not aware that there has been any change of policy.

As this has been a longstanding problem, will the Admiralty recommend to the local authorities who are responsible the erection of suitable dwellings more conveniently situated to their work?

I agree with the hon. Member that the primary responsibility is that of the local authorities.

Does not this question indicate the desirability of bringing production to those areas where population and housing already exist?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, to allay public anxiety, he will make a statement on the respective strengths of the British fleet and foreign fleets in the 8-inch-gun cruiser class, showing in particular whether the British ships of this class are efficient ships in respect of gun-fire, armour and speed?

The numbers of 8-inch cruisers at present completed or building by the British Commonwealth of Nations and foreign Powers are as follow:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has been able to ascertain the number of ratings qualified professionally for sub-lieutenant; and, as 78 have passed the educational examination, whether he will inform all ships and establishments that the Admiralty desire a larger number of suitable candidates to come forward so as to increase the number of direct promotions to commissioned rank from the lower deck in order that larger numbers may be sent before the annual fleet selection boards to be held in the near future, because there is a general impression throughout the service that only a few lower-deck candidates are desired?

The Admiralty has already sent a communication to all commands and establishments calling attention to the importance attached by the Admiralty to the success of the scheme for promotion to commissioned rank from the lower deck and is taking steps to investigate the reasons for the small numbers of ratings promoted. The information asked for in the first part of the question could only be obtained by inquiries of all ships and establishments in the Fleet. It would be of doubtful value, since the various professional qualifications which are required before a rating can be recommended to the Selection Board may be held by persons who are not suited, or are not candidates, for promotion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty in how many cases sub-lieutenants who have not obtained their watch-keeping certificates have been detailed for training in the Fleet Air Arm?

Up to the present 12 sublieutenants have commenced training as Fleet Air Arm pilots before obtaining their watch-keeping certificates.

Can my right hon. Friend say how these sub-lieutenants will obtain their watch-keeping certificates without which they cannot be promoted to lieutenants and may therefore lose their seniority in their naval rank?

They will be promoted to the acting rank of lieutenant when they have become qualified by service and confirmed on obtaining their watch-keeping certificates, after completing their initial flying training. They will obtain these certificates while serving afloat in Fleet Air Arm appointments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Gold Coast Government contemplates the passing of an Ordinance whereby the Paramount Chiefs will be given power to secure the removal from their districts of any non-native African to whom they may personally object; and whether, as this course is likely to undermine native confidence in British administration, he will have the Ordinance withheld?

I have ascertained from the Governor that no such Ordinance is contemplated.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I take it that no Ordinance is contemplated which will give greater powers to Paramount Chiefs?

The hon. Member knows that we are endeavouring to develop native local government and indirect rule, and we are increasing the power of local native authorities, not of any Paramount Chief individually. They are part of the local native authority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the late Secretary of State undertook to consider the establishment of a Betterment Fund for Kenya Colony, as recorded by Lord Moyne when Sir Alan Pim's report became available, it is now proposed to carry out the promise then given?

One of Sir Alan Pim's recommendations is that an improved system of native taxation should be devised and until that recommendation has been considered it seems that no useful purpose would be served by setting up a fund at the present time, especially as the Colony's estimated expenditure on the four main native services for 1937 is approximately £16,000 in excess of the provision which, under Lord Moyne's proposals, would have been available for the fund in respect of the same year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent reports dealing (inter alia) with the question of native taxation in the East and Central African Dependencies, he can obtain information on the methods and incidence of such taxation in, other territories, including the Union of South Africa?

As I informed the hon. Member for Chesterfield (Mr. Benson) on 1st February, the various systems of native taxation are now under consideration by the East African Governments. Information regarding systems of taxation obtaining in other territories in Africa is, of course, fully available to them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position with regard to the possibility of the imposition of tariffs against Japanese and German goods entering Palestine, in view of the fact that these two countries are no longer Members of the League of Nations; and what attitude the Mandates Commission took in the matter at their recent meeting?

Tariff discrimination in Palestine against Japanese and German goods is not possible as long as Palestine remains a party to the commercial treaties with Japan and Germany. As regards the possibility of discriminatory action in the event of the application of those Treaties to Palestine being terminated, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Heywood and Radcliffe (Mr. Porritt) on 16th November last, to which I have nothing to add. As regards the second part of the question, the Permanent Mandates Commission did not, so far as I am aware, deal with this particular matter at their recent meeting.

Are the Treaties in question Treaties between this country and Japan and Germany, or Treaties between Palestine and those countries?

They are Treaties with this country, together with the Colonial Empire, including Mandated Territories.

Did the President of the Board of Trade carry them through?

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that a Treaty which we entered into can be regarded as applicable to a country which, for Customs purposes, is treated as a foreign country, namely, Palestine?

A great many of these commercial treaties between the United Kingdom and foreign countries apply not only to the United Kingdom, but to the non-self-governing part of the Empire.

Is it not the case that Palestine is regarded as a foreign country?

For certain purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the estimate of revenue of the Palestine Administration last year; the amount of surplus over the estimate; and how it is proposed to use the surplus?

The Palestine financial year runs from 1st April to 31st March. The estimated revenue for the nine months' period 1st April to 31st December, 1936, was £4,547,915. The approximate statement of actual revenue for the same period is £3,212,176, being £1,335,739 below the estimate. No later figures are yet available. The nominal accumulated surplus balance of Palestine at 31st December last was £6,372,658. The question of its use will be considered, in conjunction with the estimates for the year 1937–38, when the general financial position of Palestine can be comprehensively reviewed, but in view of the heavy increase in expenditure on defence and security in Palestine it will be difficult to make any precise determinations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the decision to extend the municipal boundaries of Tel-Aviv and that Arab villages formerly under the Ramleh rural administration have been brought, contrary to the wishes of the inhabitants, under the jurisdiction of Tel-Aviv; what is the total acreage of the transferred area; and whether the inhabitants of transferred districts will be subject to a higher rate of local taxation in consequence of the transfer?

I have no information regarding the matters referred to in the hon. Member's question, and I am asking the Officer Administering the Government of Palestine for a report.

Is it not a fact that Tel-Aviv is the most up-to-date and best-managed part of Palestine from the point of view of health and administration, and if the whole country were on an equal footing, would it not be a far better country?

I understand that the municipality of Tel-Aviv is very well managed.

Is the fact that it is the most up-to-date part any excuse for an attempt to swallow up the independence of other people?

Is the light hon. Gentleman aware that there are also many Jewish houses on the border of Tel-Aviv which have been amalgamated with Jaffa, in spite of the fact that their water, gas and electric light supplies come from Tel-Aviv?

I am aware that there is a Jewish population in Jaffa.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the aggregate strength of the British Forces now stationed in Palestine; how long this force will be detained in Palestine; and what was the strength of the British garrison before the outbreak of the present disturbances?

The British Forces now stationed in Palestine consist of: Eight Infantry battalions, of which one is returning to this country next month in the ordinary course of relief; one field company, Royal Engineers, and ancillary services; together with one flight Royal Air Force and three sections of an armoured car company. I am unable to say for how long these forces will remain in Palestine. The normal garrison stationed in Palestine consists of two infantry battalions, one flight Royal Air Force, and three sections of an armoured car company.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, when it is decided to give the Arabs the right to their own country, these forces will be withdrawn?

I cannot accept that statement, and quite obviously I am not in a position to say anything about the future of Palestine until I receive the report of the Royal Commission.

As long as these forces remain, will they be allowed in all circumstances to maintain order?

May I ask why the Communist party has gone anti-Semitic?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he expects to receive the report of the Inter-Departmental Committee, appointed last November, upon the steps to be taken to mitigate the hardships from which coloured persons are suffering in certain parts of this country?

The subject was considered at an Inter-Departmental Conference held in December last, and as a result it was decided that special inquiries should be made and further information collected from the various departmental authorities who are in local touch with different sides of this problem. These inquiries are now proceeding, so I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Home Office seem to be totally unaware of the existence of these persons, and having been in touch with them, may I ask whether the Board of Trade is being consulted in this direction?

I understand that the India Office, the Board of Trade, the Home Office, my office, and, I think, two other offices attended the Inter-Departmental Conference, and we are all making inquiries into what is a very complex problem.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there has been an increase or decrease in the import of Indian cotton goods to the Crown Colonies during the past year; and whether he can give the figures?

I regret that the figures for the past year of imports of Indian cotton piece goods into the Colonial Empire are not yet available. The figures for exports of such goods from India to the Colonial Empire, which may be regarded as approximating to the import figures, were approximately:—

• 45 million yards in 1931–32,
• 32½ millions in 1932–33,
• 26 millions in 1933–34,
• 33½ millions in 1934–35, and
• 45¾ millions in 1935–36.

Are we to understand from that reply that the Indian mills can compete with Lancashire goods on equal terms, and if so, why do they require a 20 per cent. duty as protection in India?

That question should be addressed to the India Office and not to me. I was asked to state certain facts which show that the export of Indian cotton goods to the Colonial Empire is now back, almost exactly, to the figure of 1931–1932.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the quantities of tea imported from Japan and Formosa, respectively, in the years 1934, 1935 and 1936; and what steps are being taken to counteract the growing competition with the tea product of British Colonies?

Particulars of imports from Formosa are not separately recorded in the United Kingdom trade returns, but the total imports of tea consigned from Japan (including Formosa) were 3,700,000 lbs. in 1934, 3,800,000 lbs. in 1935 and 6,100,000 lbs. in 1936. These imports are, however, still very small compared with imports from British Colonies which amounted to 159,000,000 lbs in 1936. The Colonial percentage of total imports into the United Kingdom actually increased in 1936 and there appears to be no reason to take any special steps to give further assistance to imports from the Colonies which are already encouraged by a preference of 2d. per lb.

Is it not a fact that although the aggregate may be regarded as small for the time being, the figures show a rapid increase and is that being kept under review?

The figure has admittedly gone up to 6,000,000 lbs. in one year, but that is the only year which shows any appreciable increase and, of course, the figures are very small compared with the figures of Colonial tea. I gather that the general opinion of Colonial producers is that they can produce better and more tea.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that concentration camps are being built in Cuba to hold 40,000 Jamaican labourers awaiting deportation under new labour laws which prohibit them from working any longer in the sugar plantations in Cuba; what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the proposed repatriation of these labourers; and, if it takes place, what preparations will be made in Jamaica to give these labourers shelter and subsistence and to provide employment for them?

My attention has been drawn to a recent statement in the Press regarding the construction of these camps, but there is at present no official confirmation of the report. While His Majesty's Government have been seriously concerned over the attitude of the Cuban Government towards immigrant labour from British Colonies in the Caribbean area there is no confirmation of the report that repatriations of British West Indian labour on a large scale are contemplated. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is making inquiries on the subject from His Majesty's Minister at Havana.

Should questions upon this case be directed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs?

Cuba is a foreign country and we have a Minister there, and anything concerning actions of the Cuban Government is obviously a matter for the Foreign Office.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not point out to the Cuban Government that they are not giving these black men a square deal?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the amount for which Imperial funds are responsible for the negotiation and arrangement of the construction of the bridge over the River Zambesi; and what contribution is being made by the Portuguese Government to the same?

The construction of the Zambesi Bridge has been financed solely from loans raised by the Government of Nyasaland, which are guaranteed by the Imperial Government under the authority of the East Africa and Palestine Guaranteed Loans Act, 1926.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the total amount?

I am not sure whether the hon. Member is referring to the amount of the whole loan or only the amount in respect of the Zambesi Bridge. I think the Zambesi Bridge cost approximately £2,000,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the area of land of Parlaunt farm, Langley, for which the Slough Council was willing to pay £63,000 for the purposes of an airport but as to which the Ministry told the council they must not pay more than £50,000; whether the land is wholly agricultural and therefore derated; and what is the value at which it has been assessed for purposes of Income Tax?

I have been asked to reply. The area which the Slough Urban District Council propose to acquire as an aerodrome is about 190 acres in extent. The council have made a compulsory purchase order for the acquisition but objections have been raised and the acquisition is to be the subject of a public inquiry before confirmation of the order is considered. I have no information which would enable me to reply to the other points which are raised in the hon. Member's question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, as proposed by the Nottingham Corporation, a compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of 165,967 acres of land in the parish of Tollerton for the purpose of an aerodrome has been made, the land belonging to Earl Manvers; what price the owner is asking or what has been agreed; if the purchase has been effected; and what is, the present value at which the land is assessed for purposes of Income Tax?

I understand that the Nottingham Corporation, in the exercise of powers made available to local authorities by Section 9 of the Air Navigation Act, 1936, have made a compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of some 166 acres of land for the purpose of extending the aerodrome at Tollerton, and that part of this land is the property of Earl Manvers. I regret that I have no information as regards either the price negotiations that have taken place or the value of the land for Income Tax purposes. As regards completion of purchase, Section 9 of the Air Navigation Act provides that the compulsory purchase order must first be confirmed by my Noble Friend as provided for in the First Schedule to the Act, and it is now being considered in that connection.

With regard to these 166 acres, will the hon. Gentleman ascertain the price and make it known as soon as possible?

The Air Ministry is not concerned with the price.

When these extensive purchases of land are made, does any Government Department take any steps to check the price by the annual value for Income Tax purposes?

I would point out that this is not a question of 165,000 acres; it is a question of 166 acres.

That is not an answer to my question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made with regard to the proposals lately before the Darlington Corporation to spend £30,000 on the purchase of 350 acres for the purpose of an air-port on the south side of Yarm Road and east of Lingfield Lane; whether powers of compulsory purchase have been obtained; whether the matter has been taken to arbitration and, if so, what was the arbiter's award; what has been the assessment of this land for purposes of Income Tax; and what, in addition to the purchase price, is likely to be the expenditure on draining, clearing of hedges and trees, levelling, and other expenditure for making the land suitable as an air-port?

The Darlington Corporation, in the exercise of powers made available to local authorities by Section 9 of the Air Navigation Act, 1936, have made a compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of 370 acres of land for an aerodrome in the vicinity mentioned. The order has recently been submitted to the Secretary of State for Air for confirmation in accordance with the requirements of the Act, and is now under consideration. As regards the other information asked for by the hon. Member, it is regretted that no information is available in the Air Ministry.

Are any steps taken by any Government Department to check these enormous prices by the annual value for Income Tax purposes?

Yes, Sir, the Ministry of Health under the Act, appoint a valuer to inquire into he financial considerations of these purchases, and if they are not satisfied they make representations accordingly.

Will the latter part of my question be gone into and a reply given as to the expenditure likely to be entailed for drainage and other purposes?

That, again, is a question which ought to be addressed to the Ministry of Health.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether there are any factories for producing aeroplanes or aeroplane parts in Scotland; and whether the Air Ministry proposes to take any steps to encourage the development of such factories in the West of Scotland?

As regards the first part of the question, a factory for the manufacture of aeroplanes and aeroplane parts is in course of erection at Dumbarton. As regards the second part, information respecting the suitability of certain districts for aircraft manufacture has been given to manufacturers by the Air Ministry, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular place in mind I would undertake to see that the attention of the aircraft industry was drawn to it.

In view of that kind offer, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to point out to his right hon. Friend that Ayrshire is particularly suitable both strategically and for other reasons?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the representations made by the Transport and General Workers' Union in December last, that the contractors responsible for the construction of the Scampton and Hemswall aerodromes were not observing in all respects the fair wages clause; whether investigations have yet been made, and when he hopes finally to deal with the matter; and whether, in the event of the complaint being found to be substantiated, he will take steps to cause the contractors to pay proper overtime rates from 20th August last, when their attention was called to the matter by the union, to all the persons who have been in their employ since that date?

The representations referred to are under consideration, and the necessary investigations are being carried out as expeditiously as possible. If the complaint is substantiated, the question of retrospective adjustment will, as is customary in such cases, receive due consideration.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for the final paragraph of his reply, may I ask whether he appreciates the fact that six weeks ago the Department informed the union concerned that the matter was under active investigation?

I am aware that there has been some delay, but that has not been the fault of the Air Ministry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has any information about the new French air service between Bayonne and Bilbao, and/or Santander?

I am informed that a decree was recently published by which the French Government authorised the Société Air Pyrénées to operate, until 31st December, 1937, a regular commercial air service between Toulouse, Bayonne and Bilbao on the understanding that it rests with the company to obtain the necessary authorisations in respect of the section in Spanish territory. I have no information of a more detailed nature.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total amount paid in subsidies to date to Imperial Airways, Limited, giving the amounts paid by the Dominions and Colonial Governments, separately?

The total amount paid in subsidies to Imperial Airways, Limited, from 1923 to date was £4,528,920, of which £674,380 was contributed by Dominion and Colonial Governments and the Sudan.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will indicate which, if any, of the internal air lines shown in the Appendix to the Maybury report have now ceased to operate?

As a detailed statement is involved, I am circulating the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can my hon. Friend ascertain from the right hon. Gentleman whether some steps will be taken to prevent this falling off in internal air traffic to the prejudice of the air ports concerned, and whether some subvention could be made to make internal air lines capable of carrying on economically?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can assure the House that adequate precautions are being taken to conceal the new aircraft factories and aerodromes from aerial observation; and whether adequate provision is being made for underground hangars, etc.?

I am advised that the matters referred to are being accorded all due attention.

May I understand that some of the new hangars at any rate are underground, or are there any of them underground?

As the object of any measure would be concealment, I do not think that object would be attained by my answering that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry has tested any new apparatus for the prevention of fire in aircraft, and with what result?

Yes, Sir. Approval has recently been given for the adoption, in so far as installation in particular types of aircraft is practicable, of the Graviner Extinguisher which operates automatically in the event of the aircraft crashing and will tend to prevent the ignition of escaping fuel. In addition, tests are proceeding and should shortly be completed with the Henderson Safety Fuel Tank.

Is the possibility being considered of requiring the compulsory fitting of this apparatus to passenger-carrying aircraft?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the personnel of the committee appointed on 27th February, 1935, to investigate the possibilities of countering air attacks; how many meetings of the full committee have been held; and whether any report as to its conclusions has been received?

The members of the committee are:

• Mr. Henry Tizard (Chairman),
• Professor E. V. Appleton,
• Professor P. M. S. Blackett,
• Professor A. V. Hill, and
• Mr. H. E. Wimperis.

Lord Rutherford is assisting the committee in a consultative capacity. The committee is continuously at work, collectively and individually, and it reports regularly to the Committee of Imperial Defence.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the speech made by the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence at Fareham on 13th February, in which he dealt with the need for increasing home agricultural production; and whether that speech may be regarded as an expression of Government policy?

I have seen a report of my right hon. Friend's speech, in which he drew attention to the improvement which has taken place in the agricultural industry and—what would naturally be in his mind—the benefit of increased home production in the event of war. I do not regard my right hon. Friend's speech as expressing any new policy, but rather as emphasising facts which must commend themselves to all of us.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we have it on high scientific authority that a large proportion of the land of this country is still not in full productive capacity, and does he not think that, in the interests of defence, at any rate in wartime, that matter should be dealt with?

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that a large part of the difficulty that we had with our food supplies at home in the last War was due to the fact that our land was not in full productivity in 1914?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has given consideration to the question of obtaining the maximum amount of oil from coal mined in Great Britain; and, if so, what steps are being taken to develop industry to secure the supply?

Yes, Sir. The question is continually under review by the Standing Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, to which I referred in the reply I gave on 26th January to the question by the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough (Mr. A. Edwards). The different processes for obtaining oil from coal either as the main purpose or as a by-product are carefully observed with a view to obtaining all possible information as to results obtained.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that our defence and other requirements are likely to be met from natural resources in the future, and is he aware that his colleague, the President of the Board of Trade, declared that there is little hope of the Government proceeding on the lines of further development of the production of oil from coal?

No doubt all resources will have to be utilised to provide for any emergency.

But will the right hon. Gentleman say what resources other than natural resources the Government have in mind?

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by "natural resources." I was answering a question as to processes for obtaining petrol from coal, and if the hon. Member regards that as a natural resource we should no doubt use it.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, with a view to reducing the dangerous concentration of shipping at the larger ports of the country, he has given consideration to plans for the improvement and increased use of the lesser ports on the coasts of Great Britain?

Yes, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there are numerous small ports in Ayrshire?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he can now announce the terms upon which the groups constituting the shadow aircraft and engine manufacture schemes will operate?

As the answer is necessarily very long and contains a list of names and a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Having regard to the fact that I previously asked the right hon. Gentleman to give the specific figures which are being paid under the heading of "Management," will he be good enough to abstract those figures and give them to the House?

The answer is a very long one, and I will send my hon. Friend a copy of it.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the defence of agricultural districts, such as Lincolnshire, against attacks by aeroplanes with incendiary and poisonous gas bombs is being taken into account; and whether the necessary action is being taken?

Schemes of air raid precautions are being prepared for agricultural districts as for other parts of the country, and special investigations are being made into the problems of contamination of crops and measures of decontamination and preservation in so far as they may be possible. As regards incendiary attack from the air, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwood (Mr. Sandys) on 9th February. The grant of assistance to local fire brigade authorities towards the provision of emergency appliances and personnel will be based upon the state of local emergency fire brigade schemes and their urgency.

asked the Minister of Transport why the application of the National Safety First Association for a grant towards the cost of its activities was refused; and upon what ground he discriminated between the application and that made by Mr. Gordon Stewart?

There is no discrimination. A similar grant was made to the National Safety First Association for a specific purpose in 1934.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether applications have been made other than that referred to by the National Safety First Association, and whether he has considered any such applications from them?

I do not know to which one the hon. Gentleman refers.

One since 1934?

I daresay there have been a good many, but there is no obligation on me to give Government money on application by private societies.

But is there not, if not an obligation, an inclination with regard to individuals, as was the case with Mr. Gordon Stewart?

No. This money was granted for a specific purpose, a salutary purpose, namely, the saving of child life, and the recipients in question undertook to produce five times the amount of money that the Government have offered to subscribe.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will ask the London Passenger Transport Board to afford facilities to prospective passengers to ascertain, before boarding an omnibus in London whether cheap fares are in operation, having regard to the fact that the notices with regard to cheap fares are inside the omnibuses?

The Board state that the structure and design of their omnibuses are unsuitable for the display of outside notices.

Can my right hon. Friend say why they have designed omnibuses so that the public cannot be given proper information as to the conditions under which they run?

The omnibuses were designed for what they would take inside, not outside.

Is not this information given in the case of trams, and could not the omnibuses adopt a similar device? There is absolutely no reason why they should not.

Is it not a fact that they prefer advertising Bovril to giving the public the necessary information?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the risk of red hot cinders from locomotives causing damage to persons or property in towns and cities in the case of heavy main-line trains; and whether, to eliminate this risk, he will introduce legislation requiring main railway lines to be electrified at, and for, say, two miles from termini and intermediate stations, and the heavy trains with steam locomotives in front set in motion by separate electrical locomotives pushing the trains over the electrified portions, and thereafter the steam locomotive taking up the load without the aforesaid risk?

No evidence of appreciable risk is before me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that by refusing to sanction the licensing of the type of motor coach tour known as a fantail tour, he is depriving persons who are unable to afford private motor cars of the advantages of a long-distance holiday; and will he state on what grounds he makes this discrimination between persons who travel by parties in motor coaches and those who proceed in private motor cars?

I do not accept these premises. The only decisions given by me are on appeals.