asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the arrest of leaders of the political opposition in the city of Danzig; whether the retiring League Commissioner has asked for explanations from the Senate; and whether any action has been taken as the result of his representations?

The answer to the first part of the question is, "Yes, Sir." With regard to the second and third parts, I have no information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any appointment as League of Nations High Commissioner for Danzig has now been made; and what steps are being taken to restore to their liberties and rights the Conservatives, Socialists, and Catholics imprisoned contrary to the Constitution?

Professor Carl Burckhardt, Professor at the University of Zurich, was appointed League of Nations High Commissioner in Danzig on 18th February for a period of three years. It will be for the new High Commissioner, on taking up his appointment, to take into consideration, on the basis of the report adopted by the Council on 27th January, all matters affecting the maintenance of the Constitution.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total number of international disputes settled by agreement at the League of Nations between the years 1920 and 1930; and the number of international disputes settled by the League of Nations since 1931?

Between 1920 and 1930 the Council of the League disposed of 24 disputes of a political character. Since 1931 the Council has disposed of 10 such disputes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any statement has been made, or will be made, to the League of Nations regarding the new armaments policy of Great Britain?

A statement regarding the rearmament policy of His Majesty's Government was contained in the speech which I made no behalf of His Majesty's Government at the Assembly of the League of Nations on 25th September last.

After that speech, have any representations been made by the smaller Powers of the world on this question?

Certainly no representations against our re-arming have been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the League of Nations' committee on sources of supply and distribution of raw materials is now fully constituted, and when it will hold its first meeting?

So far as I am aware, the committee will be substantially the same as that outlined in the report of the Polish representative to the Council, a copy of which is available in the Library. I understand that it has not, however, as yet been finally constituted. The committee will meet at Geneva on 8th March.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the arrangements made for the conference at Montreux on the Egyptian Capitulations; what progress has been made in recent discussions in Cairo; what countries will attend the conference; and who will represent the British Government?

As regards the first part of the question, the arrangements for the conference are in the hands of the Egyptian Government. As regards the second -part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my Noble Friend on 9th February to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Hopkin). As regards the third part, so far as I am aware, the countries to be invited to the conference will be all those entitled to capitulatory rights under capitulatory treaties. The matter referred to in the last part of the question is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Note of the Egyptian Government to the Capitulatory Powers, published on 3rd February last, in any way expresses an agreement arrived at between the Egyptian authorities and the representative of the British Government who has recently visited Egypt to discuss legal matters connected with the treaty; and, if not, whether the Government will make it clear that it is in no way bound by the terms of this document?

The Egyptian Government's Note of 3rd February to the Capitulatory Powers in no way expresses an agreement between His Majesty's Government and the Egyptian Government. In this connection I would refer my hon. Friend to the very full reply given on this subject by my Noble Friend to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Hopkin) on 9th February, in which the position of His Majesty's Government with regard to this Note has already been stated.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the view of His Majesty's Government, the elimination of friction and suspicion between the various countries of Eastern Europe, which is one of the cardinal factors in the field of progress, can best be effected by the conclusion of an eastern pact between Poland, Russia, Germany, Czechoslovakia, the Baltic States, and Finland?

I have nothing to add to the very full reply which my Noble Friend gave to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member on 8th February.

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that on 1st August, 1935, the First Lord of the Admiralty stated that the conclusion of an Eastern Pact was a cardinal factor in the general European situation, and that in a recent reply the Under-Secretary of State confined his statement to saying that the removal of friction and suspicion among the various countries was the cardinal factor; and are we to understand from those two replies that there has been a change in the policy of His Majesty's Government?

I do not think there is any inconsistency. The greater includes the less.

May we have a definite reply? Is it the policy and the view of His Majesty's Government to-day that the conclusion of an Eastern Pact is a cardinal factor in the settlement of those outstanding European problems?

We would welcome any arrangement, either in Eastern Europe or anywhere else, if it would assist to remove friction and suspicion.

May we have a straight answer?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, now that the draft proposals of a new Soviet Constitution guaranteeing the right to hold political demonstrations, freedom of speech, and security from arbitrary arrest have been ratified, he will inquire whether British nationals desirous of lecturing or speaking in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics upon the respective advantages of different systems of government and forms of industrial organisation will be permitted to do so and to enter and leave the country without restriction?

I am aware of the provisions of the new Soviet Constitution to which my hon. Friend refers; but I would point out that these relate only to Soviet citizens. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by addressing an inquiry to the Soviet Government on the lines suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Non-Intervention Committee have now reached an agreement to prevent men and munitions of war from entry to Spain; whether the countries parties to the agreement have been allotted sections of the sea coast or frontiers of Spain for surveillance; and, if so, will he indicate the section placed in the charge of each country?

The International Committee agreed on 16th February to extend the Non-Intervention Agreement to prohibit the entry into Spain of persons proposing to take service in the war in addition to prohibiting the export to that country of arms and war material. The prohibition was to take effect as from 20th February, and I understand that all the Governments concerned took the necessary measures on that date. As regards the remainder of the question, the final details regarding the proposed plan of supervision are now under discussion between the Governments concerned, and it is hoped that a definite agreement on this subject will be reached within the next few days.

Are any negotiations going on upon the Non-Intervention Committee for the withdrawal of those foreign nationals now in Spain?

I do not think that the Committee have begun on that yet.

Is there any hope of the matter being discussed at an early date?

I would rather like to have that question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on the latest arrangements which have been approved by the Non-Intervention Committee for the supervision of the Portuguese frontier?

An arrangement has been reached between His Majesty's Government and the Portuguese Government by which 130 British officials will observe the application of the Non-Intervention Agreement on the Spanish-Portuguese frontier. This arrangement has been communicated to the Non-Intervention Committee. The committee have approved the principle of a special AngloPortuguese arrangement, but the final details of the scheme have not yet been submitted to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Communist organisation in Great Britain is recruiting British unemployed workers for the Spanish Government by promises of work at £6 a week behind the lines in Spain and that, on their arrival, such men are at once put into the fighting line without preliminary military training, so that considerable numbers have lost their lives; and whether the Government will take immediate steps to prevent the exploitation of the unemployed in the manner referred to, and will arrange for the repatriation of all British citizens who have been enlisted in the forces of the Spanish Government in the manner described?

I have no information on this point other than that which has appeared in the Press. As regards the second part of the question, the Governments concerned have agreed to extend the Non-Intervention Agreement to cover the recruitment in, the transit through, or the departure from, their respective countries of persons of non-Spanish nationality intending to proceed to Spain or the Spanish Dependencies for the purpose of taking part in the civil war, and this prohibition became effective as from midnight 20th-2Ist February. As regards the last part, consular officers are authorised under standing instructions to repatriate on application any deserving British subject who may be without means. These general instructions would cover those cases referred to by my hon. Friend. Instructions are, however, being issued not to defray without special authority the cost of return journey to this country of any person who left the United Kingdom for the purpose indicated above on or after 11th January, the date on which attention was drawn by His Majesty's Government to the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act in relation to Spain. Consular officers are being instructed to refer to His Majesty's Government any cases falling within the above category which may appear to deserve special consideration.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some 40 of these unfortunate unemployed men, who were enlisted as described and who were recently captured by General Franco's forces, made a solemn declaration to the effect stated in the question; and is it not desirable that the Government should take steps to stamp out an organisation which is enlisting these unfortunate unemployed men and which consists of the very people who are doing their best to prevent recruitment for the British Army in this country?

If repatriation of British citizens is not applied, can the withdrawal of volunteers be made effective?

That is another question. In reply to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison), I deprecate as much as anybody else enlistment here contrary to law, but any action in this country is not a matter for me.

In the event of action being taken covering the persons referred to in the question, would it cover also persons who had volunteered to serve in General Franco's army, or are we to understand that no British citizens have thought fit to volunteer for General Franco?

Is the Minister aware that the basis of the original question is a lying campaign being conducted in the "Daily Mail"?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what complaints he has received from representatives of British businesses in Spain regarding treatment of such business interests by the Government of General Franco; what businesses have made such complaints; and whether he has made successful representations to the Government of General Franco regarding them?

Certain British undertakings with interests in Spain have approached His Majesty's Government regarding the difficulties which they are experiencing as a result of action taken by General Franco's administration. Representations have been made to General Franco's administration, and, in view of the prejudice caused to British interests, the matter is under the urgent consideration of His Majesty's Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to attach British naval officers to the German and Italian naval forces operating off the coast of Spain?

No, Sir.

Would it not be very useful and important to observe these naval forces in action?

That seems to me to be essentially a question for the Non-Intervention Committee.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply indicate his complete trust in his own particular friends?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether further to their interim reply, the Japanese Government have now rendered full satisfaction to His Majesty's Government for-the ill-treatment inflicted upon the three British sailors by Japanese officials at Keelung?

No, Sir. The matter is, however, being actively discussed with the Japanese Government and I still hope that it will be found possible to reach a satisfactory settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to say whether British nationals desirous of lecturing or speaking in Germany upon the respective advantages of different systems of government and forms of industrial organisation will be permitted to do so, and to enter and leave the country without restriction?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress is being made in the discussions of agreements on qualitative naval disarmament which are now proceeding with various countries?

Negotiations are at present taking place between His Majesty's Government and the German, Soviet, Polish, Turkish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Danish Governments for the purpose of concluding naval agreements providing for qualitative limitation on the basis of the London Naval Treaty, 1936. As regards the negotiations at present proceeding with the German and Soviet Governments, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my Noble Friend to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 17th February. The negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the other Governments concerned are similarly making satisfactory progress.

Is it not a fact that the Government's decision to increase the Navy will give Germany the right to increase pro rata?

Perhaps the hon. Member had better put that question down.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of engine-room artificers who appeared before the Fleet selection boards and the final selection board for sub-lieutenant (E), and the numbers awarded commissions in the years 1933 to 1936, respectively?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 9th December, 1936.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of engine-room artificers who passed the education test for sub-lieutenant (E) in the years 1933, 1934, 1935 and 1936, respectively, and the number who are now qualified educationally; also the number who passed the professional test in those years and the number who are now qualified professionally?

The professional and educational tests for these officers are combined in one examination. The numbers of engine-room artificers who passed the examination in question in the years 1933, 1934, 1935 and 1936 were 21, 6, 6 and II, respectively. Of this total of 44, 13 have been promoted to commissioned or warrant rank and 17 are now over age for promotion to commissioned rank. At the present time, therefore, there are 14 engine-room artificers who are qualified educationally and professionally and who are consequently eligible for recommendation to a selection committee if and when they have had sufficient experience and provided that they are considered suitable in other respects.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Bedeaux system or the Taylor system is employed in any of the works or factories receiving contracts from his Department?

The Admiralty do not require their contractors to adopt any particular method of calculating earnings, and are consequently not concerned whether a firm employs the Bedeaux or the Taylor system for this purpose, provided always that the fair wages clause, which is included in all contracts, is observed.

If the right hon. Gentleman has no knowledge of the systems mentioned, would he, in order to get a more humane attitude towards the workers, go and work for a week, a fortnight, or a month in one of these factories, and so gain experience of the destruction of the nervous system that takes place?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what vessels in the new programme will be propelled by Diesel engines?

Eight submarines and four auxiliary craft of the 1936 Programme will be propelled by Diesel engines. I am not at present able to make any statement with regard to the 1937 Programme.

Will the new capital ships that are to be laid down be driven by oil?

I think the hon. Member had better await the Navy Estimates.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of ships in His Majesty's Navy that are fitted with talking cinema apparatus; whether it is proposed to install same in all new ships that are being built; and what arrangements are made for a constant change of cinematograph films when ships are visiting, or are in foreign stations?

Twenty-three ships have up to the present been supplied with sound film equipment under the scheme described in the answer given; to the hon. Member by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty on 6th May last. As was then stated, other ships, of which no particulars are available, have acquired sound film equipment privately. The scheme to which I have referred also provides for the supply of sound films on hire, which are sent to the various stations as occasion demands. The provision of sound film equipment in new construction is at present under consideration; but no decision has yet been reached.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see, when a decision is reached, that only British machines are installed?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the oil fuel tanks installed at the Singapore base are above ground, and therefore subject to destruction by aeroplane attack?

The answer is in the affirmative, but with regard to the assumption at the end of the question, I would point out that the active and passive defence against air attack of oil fuel installations above ground is being closely investigated.

Would not damage to or destruction of these oil tanks absolutely paralyse our ships at Singapore?

I can assure my right hon. Friend that we are looking very urgently into the question of the underground storage of oil.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the nature of the investigations into the reasons for the small number of ratings promoted to commissioned rank, the officials taking part in the investigation, and where the investigation is to be held; whether inquiries will be made into the capabilities of boys on leaving the shore-training establishments and the difficulties of continuous educational and professional training afloat; and whether evidence will be taken from the several candidates who have qualified in various parts of the examinations and yet been unable to attain commissioned rank?

Reports have been called for from the various commands and establishments. Until I have received them, I cannot say what further action may be necessary.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, with reference to the answer which he gave a few minutes ago, whether he thinks it a satisfactory state of affairs that, while 44 passed the examination, only 13 got commissions, 17 had to wait so long that they were over age, and 14 do not know whether they are to get commissions or not?

I have informed more than one hon. Member that I am myself looking into the whole question of promotion from the lower deck. It is essential that I should have this information from the commands and establishments before I come to a decision.

Will the right hon. Gentleman mention that particular case, seeing that, of 44 who qualified, presumably after working very hard, 13 is a very small proportion to receive commissions?

The case is much more complicated than the hon. Member imagines. If he is interested I could send him other information on the subject, from which he will see that he cannot draw these conclusions from the figures.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers each year since the introduction of the new sublieutenant scheme of promotion in 1933 who have been reported on the special form from the shore-training establishments and from other establishments and ships is likely to make suitable commissioned officers; whether these forms are so confidential that the necessary officers do not see them; and why the number of ratings qualified professionally for sublieutenants cannot be obtained, observing that this only requires a signal to be made from the Admiralty to all commands, and that such a signal has been made on previous occasions for similar information?

As the answer to the first part of the question involves a table of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the last part of the question,

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons which led the Government of Malta to buy the cargo of Westphalian coal which arrived in Malta on 3rd February on the steamship "Fintra"?

On 6th November last the Government of Malta invited tenders locally for the supply of 3,000 tons of Welsh washed sized coal for use in the Government Electricity Department. No offers were received by 18th December when the tenders fell due, and the Crown Agents for the Colonies were asked to assist by obtaining if possible smaller successive consignments from South Wales

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to reach a final conclusion on this matter?

I could not possibly say until I have the data.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his very clear and frank reply, may I ask him whether he will be good enough to communicate the substance of it to the coal organisations in this country and to the Commissioner for the Special Areas?

I agree. This is the second time that this has happened. Malta requires about 14,000 tons of Welsh coal a year, and last time the same thing happened. Tenders were invited for Welsh coal, but no offer was made by any of the Welsh firms.

Does it not mean that the quota system ought to be revised?

I am sure it has nothing to do with the quota system.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the committee in South Wales concerning this very important matter?

I think that public attention will be drawn to it by this question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether or not the report of the commission on mui-tsai is to be published, and when it will be available for Members of this House?

The report will be published on 1st March; copies will be placed in the Library of the House and hon. Members will be able to obtain copies for themselves in the usual way through the Vote Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what invitations to the Coronation ceremonies have been or will be sent to representatives of Nyasaland?

As in the case of other Colonial dependencies, the Government of Nyasaland has been invited to select two gentlemen to represent the general community at the Coronation of His Majesty. One, Mr. J. Marshall, the Mayor of Blantyre, has been invited and has accepted. I am not yet in a position to say who the second may be.

Do the replies from the Colonies come to the right hon. Gentleman, and, if so, has he received a reply from Abyssinia?

Abyssinia is not a British Colony.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether, with regard to the command sent to the Governor of the Seychelles that the island should send a representative to the Coronation, he is aware that the gentleman selected by the Governor fails to meet with the approval of the large majority of the people of the Colony; why the Legislative Council was not informed in advance of this decision since the Colony has to provide the funds for the visit; and whether he is satisfied that in all such cases the delegates chosen really are representatives of the Colonies which send them?

(2) whether, in connection with the representation of the Colonies at the coming Coronation, he can state the terms of the circular sent to Governors as to the appointment of delegates, and whether this circular was identical in all cases?

Following the precedent adopted at the Coronation of His late Majesty King George V, the Governors and High Commissioners of the Colonial dependencies were invited to nominate gentlemen to represent the general community of the territories under their administration. In the despatch addressed by me to all of them on the subject, which was in terms similar to those employed in 1911, I suggested that they should select representatives from persons who had identified themselves with local interests over a considerable period of years and had deserved the good will of their fellow citizens. I added that I assumed that it should be possible for them to make a choice from among the unofficial members or ex-members of councils, members of local public bodies, etc., which should meet with general approval throughout the territory. This same phraseology was used in all cases.

With regard to the representative nominated by the Governor of Seychelles, who is a member of both the Executive and Legislative Councils and widely respected in the Colony, I am aware that the Governor's choice has created some jealousy, which is, however, by no means so universal as the hon. Member appears to suggest. I am fully satisfied that the gentleman selected is the best qualified in accordance with the terms of my despatch, and this observation applies to the representatives which have been selected by the Officers Administering the Governments of all other Colonial dependencies. I understand that the Seychelles Legislative Council was not consulted by the Governor before he made his choice, as he rightly considered that the matter was one for which he should assume personal responsibility.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the word "jealous" is one that he ought not to use in this connection, considering that he must be aware of the protest made in the House against the selection made by the Governor? Does he not also think the Government's action was somewhat high-handed, and one which is not likely to lead to continued good relations between him and the Legislative Council and between himself and the population generally, who pay for the journey to this country?

According to my information, though Mr. Bradley and his followers do not like the gentleman selected, the Governor has ample evidence that the bulk of the Colonists entirely support his decision. I regret that in a small place of this kind the feeling between Mr. Bradley and the gentleman chosen should be what it is.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with the coming International Sugar Conference in London, the Government have consulted the leaders of the Colonial sugar industry; and whether in that case he can state their names?

My predecessors and I have kept in close contact with representatives of the Colonial sugar industry, both by correspondence through the Colonial Governments concerned and by personal interviews in London, throughout the course of negotiations which commenced at the World Economic Conference in 1933 and have now led to the summoning of the International Conference. It would be impossible to give a list of the many names of those who have been consulted from time to time.

Who will represent His Majesty's Government at this conference?

I think the hon. Member had better put that question down. Obviously the United Kingdom will be represented, and I shall represent the Colonial Empire. The other parts of the Empire will also he represented.

How many protests against our sugar beet policy are pigeon-holed in the Department?

I have not had any. The assistance given by this House and the Government to the Colonial sugar industry is enormously appreciated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the Moyne formula for direct native services was an integral part of Lord Moyne's proposals for a betterment fund and a committee to administer the fund, and seeing that neither of these institutions have been created, whether the Moyne formula for earmarking a proportion of native taxation any longer obtains?

As I informed the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Banfield) on 17th February, Sir Alan Pim has advised an examination of the whole system of native direct taxation and until such an examination can be carried out it seems premature to consider the application of Lord Moyne's suggestion. In point of fact expenditure on native services has always been very close to the amount which would have been available on that suggestion and in the current year is expected to exceed it.

Is there any intention to abandon the idea of a betterment fund? Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any assurance as to the future?

Pending the examination of the future of native taxation in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa, I do not think I can give any such assurance. I am rather inclined to think that the most important question at the moment to examine is whether native taxation should not be reduced.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give a full statement of the import quotas which have been in force in British Colonies or Protectorates from time to time since 1934 and which are now in force in respect of non-British goods?

The only quotas applicable to imports into the Colonial Dependencies are the quotas on textiles of cotton or artificial silk which were brought into force in 1934. These applied to all parts of the Colonial Empire except the Mandated Territories, the East African territories subject to the provisions of the Congo Basin Treaty, Hong Kong, North Borneo, Tonga, Gibraltar, St. Helena, and the Falkland Islands. They covered imports from all foreign countries, except in West Africa where they were originally confined to imports from Japan. More recently the system has been applied in Nigeria to all foreign countries and in the Gold Coast, to British imports as well. The quotas originally prescribed were based generally on average imports for the years 1927–31 and that basis has been continued, except again in Nigeria and the Gold Coast where it has been thought desirable to provide under the new system for larger imports.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of unemployed in each of the West Indian islands under British control?

I regret that no figures of the number of unemployed in the British West Indies are available.

Am I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman knows nothing about the state of employment in the West Indian islands?

I know generally that there are no industrial factories and no mines. The islands are purely agricultural and we do not hear of people being unemployed. I have no reason to believe that there are unemployed in the islands.

Presumably there is someone responsible to the Department in each island?

Yes, the Governors in each case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to get us this information, differentiating between the various occupations, and particularly the sugar industry?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that an up-to-date series of average weather statistics is not available to the public, he will cease to permit the Meteorological Office to charge commercial firms and students for supplying information of this kind?

I have been asked to reply. It is not the practice of the Meteorological Office to charge for the normal supply of weather statistics. Any member of the public can call at the Meteorological Office and he will be shown the data he requires and is at liberty to take a copy free of charge. If he wishes the Office to make a copy, a small charge based on the time of the clerical staff employed is made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that fundamental and basic statistics which ought to be available are not available, and that comparatively high prices are charged for elementary services?

No, I cannot accept that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any members of the staff of the Meteorological Office are engaged in full-time research in weather forecasting; and whether any arrangements are being made to provide more intensive researches into this subject?

In the present conditions of pressure arising from the urgent needs of expansion it is not practicable for the time of any members of the staff of the Meteorological Office to be devoted wholly to research in weather forecasting. A considerable amount of research, however, on this and other meteorological subjects is being constantly carried out. As soon as the pressure abates and fully trained meteorologists are available, I hope that it will be possible to provide for more intensive research into weather forecasting.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when research into this question was last made or whether there is any extensive research going on, as there seems to be an impression that no research has taken place since the pre-war years, and that the present situation is not due to the defence plan?

There is research going on all the time, but it is limited owing to the pressure which exists on the present staff. We hope to increase the staff, and are in fact increasing it now. Nevertheless considerations affecting the safety of flying are being actively looked into.

Are the recommendations of the Maybury Committee in reference to this service and kindred services likely to be adopted by the Government?

That is another question.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether the Meteorological Office has reported any depression recently at County Hall?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air by what number the staff of the Meteorological Office has been increased during the last three years; and what further additions it is proposed to make in the near future?

The total staff of all grades in the Meteorological Office in February, 1934, was 315, and the present total is 423, an increase of 108. So far as can be seen at present, a further increase of about 100 will eventually be required, and of these it is expected that about 40 will be recruited in the course of a month or so.

Is it possible to say how many of these additions to the higher staff will be available for research work?

I am afraid I cannot say without notice of the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have given any consideration to the future of the Crystal Palace site; and whether, considering that the Palace was a great national institution, he will take steps to secure that the site is utilised to promote the health and recreation of the people?

As regards the first part of the question, this is primarily a matter for the trustees under the Crystal Palace Act, 1914; as to the second part of the question, if the trustees have any proposals to make with this end in view they will no doubt in due course lay them before the National Advisory Council for Physical Training and Recreation.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the altered circumstances and the consequent new form of the Coronation Oath to be taken in conformity with the Statute of Westminster, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will consult with His Majesty's Governments in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa to ascertain whether they would welcome an opportunity of contributing to the Civil List shortly to be considered by this House?

No, Sir. I should not regard it as proper that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom should approach His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions in the manner suggested.

While thanking the Prime Minister for that reply, may I ask him, with great respect, whether he does not feel that the people in the Dominions would welcome an opportunity of contributing financially to the maintenance of the Monarchy; and whether any conversations of a fat not al or informal character have taken place on this matter in the last few years between His Majesty's Government here and His Majesty's Government in the Dominions?

I should require notice of the second part of the question, and with regard to the first part the matter is one for the Dominions and not for me.

asked the Prime Minister whether the trade agreement with Argentina has yet been ratified; and, if not, whether facilities will be given for a Debate on that agreement, in view of its important bearing on the home livestock industry?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given yesterday by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to a question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for East Bradford (Mr. Hepworth). As regards the second part, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the Agreement has already, in accordance with the customary procedure, lain on the Table of the House for 21 days, and that it is, therefore, now open to His Majesty's Government to ratify it at any time that they may deem appropriate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the price of bacon is now too high for large sections of the population; and whether, with a view to abolishing this artificial scarcity and at the same time aiding the movement towards freer international trade, the Government propose to abolish the import quota upon this commodity?

According to the statistics compiled by the Ministry of Labour, the average percentage increase since July, 1914, in the retail price of bacon is below the average percentage increase shown for foodstuffs generally. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is great discontent in the county of Durham? Would he care to investigate it on the spot? If so, we would gladly give him hospitality.

I am much obliged for the invitation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the total supplies of bacon available in this country in 1932 and the total available in the last 12 months; and what were the average wholesale and retail prices in these years, respectively?

As the answer consists of a table of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any approach from the Norwegian Government for a release from the agreement with this country respecting the importation of coal on the ground of shortage of supplies and price; and, if so, whether he is in a position to make a statement?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether his attention has been called to the bulk storage of petrol and other highly inflammable fluids in large capacity tanks in crowded industrial areas and close to docks and important railway lines; and whether he has any considered plan to defend vital industrial districts and means of communication from this additional danger if attacks are again made on this country from the air?

The Committee of Imperial Defence are aware of the location of oil stocks and, as I stated during the Debate last Thursday, are constantly working on plans for the defence of important points against air attack. These include oil stocks and adjacent industrial districts and communications.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is taking any action to secure that the three Defence Departments have the necessary supplies of such metals as tin, lead and spelter; and whether he proposes to take any action to prevent speculators from holding up supplies?

The Defence Departments have had no difficulty in obtaining such supplies of these metals as they require; the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered my point. Has he been buying at satisfactory prices, and is he satisfied that he has sufficient supplies to prevent the needs of the Government being exploited by high prices?

of course, the position is constantly reviewed, but up to the present there has been no difficulty in obtaining sufficient supplies at what are regarded as proper prices.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has no concern about the speculation that is going on with regard to these three metals.

I was not asked about supplies—

You were asked about prices.

—but whether I was taking action to secure that we had the necessary supplies of such materials, and I said, "Yes."

Is not the steep rise in prices a matter of concern to the Government, and is it not the duty of the Government to take effective measures to deal with the matter?

If the hon. Gentleman likes to put down a question on that matter either to me or to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, an endeavour will be made to answer it.

Is not that question implied in the original question?

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the second part of my question—whether he intends to take any action to prevent speculators from holding up supplies?

I said that I thought the second part of the question did not arise, as the Government have had no difficulty in obtaining such supplies as they require. If there is any indication of any difficulty due to the activities of speculators, I will most certainly consider the necessary action.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been enormous rises in the metal market in the last fortnight?

I am well aware of what has been reported in the Press and I take notice of it, and I shall watch the position.

Is this an example of what the Government are doing generally to deal with profiteering?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached with reference to the supply of fats for this country from Newfoundland and the maritime provinces of Canada, and the storage thereof; and whether any officer of the Board of Trade is or has been charged with any special duty in the matter?

The question of supply of foods from all sources, including those to which my hon. and learned Friend refers, has been under close examination in relation to the Government's food defence plans. Apart from this, the reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as regards the food defence plan, it is now possible to have made available to Parliament a yearly or half-yearly report from the office dealing with the question of food supplies; and whether it will be possible for him to make some statement dealing with the work of the Department during the course of Debate?

The Food (Defence Plans) Department has only been in existence for less than three months and the question whether it should make a periodical report will be considered in due course after further experience of its working has been gained. It will, however, be appreciated that much of the Department's work must remain confidential. There will no doubt be opportunities from time to time in the course of debate for the Government to furnish the House with such information as it may he possible to give.

All the Departments are simply saying that the provision for food is adequate. Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us whether more land is being brought into cultivation?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, as in any future war food will be a primary consideration of defence, and in order that farmers may be encouraged to produce food by an assurance of reasonable profits, he will set up a special committee to examine the whole question with a view to securing both a profitable return to farmers and increased wages to farm labourers?

I have been asked to reply. Every aspect of the problem of home food production in relation to national defence is already receiving the attention of His Majesty's Government, and my right hon. Friend does not think that any advantage would be gained in present circumstances by adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Is the hon. Member aware of the widespread discontent among the whole of the agricultural community?

I have heard nothing of the sort.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now able to make a further statement of the compression-ignition safety-fuel engine in service, with the number in use in the air; the number in use in Germany; and the output from the factory in Germany manufacturing these safety-fuel engines?

There are no compression ignition engines in use in Royal Air Force aircraft. Research work is continuing and it is expected that a service aircraft fitted with engines of this type will shortly commence flight trials. No figures have been published regarding either the number of heavy-oil engines in use in Germany or the output of the factory producing them.

Does not my hon. Friend think that it is highly important that he should obtain these figures, as the Germans are developing this engine and using it, and we are not?

If the hon. Gentleman will tell me how to get them, I will gladly do so.

Is it not the fact that eminent British aircraft authorities have paid visits to these factories in Germany and that they would be able to provide the Air Ministry with the information in their possession?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the basic pay of a flight lieutenant after five years seniority in his rank as compared to an Army captain of the same seniority, and the corresponding figures for squadron leaders and majors?

The figures as required by the question for a flight lieutenant of the general duties branch and an infantry captain are it £15s. 4d. and £I 3s. 6d. a day respectively, and for a squadron leader and a major £1 12s. 6d. and £1 13s. 6d. respectively.

In view of the fact that flying risks are still represented by minus is., would it not be a good thing for Air Force enlistment of officers if flying risks could be better compensated than at present?

My hon. and gallant Friend has drafted his question upon a basis which would enable him to draw this deduction. I could easily redraft his question so that an exact contrary deduction could be made.

Is it not a fact that the Army rate in each case represents far more years of service?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many Army officers are seconded to the Royal Air Force on 1st February, 1937, as compared to 1st February, 1935?

The numbers of Army officers seconded to the Royal Air Force for flying duties in Army co-operation squadrons, including those under flying instruction, on 1st February, 1935, and 1st February, 1937, were 16 and 42 respectively. In addition, seven Army officers were attached for staff and instructional duties on 1st February, 1935, and 10 on 1st February, 1937.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to use the balloon-defence barrage for cities other than London; and, if so, what arrangements have been made to provide the necessary personnel?

The balloon barrage units now being organised are for the defence of London only, but the provision of units for other cities will be considered in the light of the experience gained in the development of the London barrage.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what arrangements have now been made to secure the necessary personnel to man the balloon-defence barrage for London?

The balloon units will be formed on an Auxiliary Air Force basis with a nucleus of regular personnel. 309 men are now under training for this regular nucleus, and an announcement will be made in due course regarding the opening of recruitment of the auxiliary personnel required.

Can the hon. Member say whether it is still the policy of the Government that searchlights should be run by the Army, and balloon-barrage by the Air Force?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will give careful consideration to the use of cotton cloth in aeroplane manufacture, with a view to assisting the Lancashire cotton trade?

The use of cotton fabrics for aircraft has been the subject of research since 1934, in co-operation with several Lancashire firms, and although such fabrics do not at present appear to possess all the advantages of linen fabrics, further research is proposed It should, however, be added that very little fabric is used on aircraft of current design.

Is the hon. Member aware that for many years past Lancashire has produced a cloth which was made originally for Sir Wilfred Grenfell, in Labrador, which has been used in every expedition and found to be absolutely wind and air proof, that the wide range of cloths at the White City has astonished all who have seen them, and is it not time that this matter was gone into by the Government?

I said that research on this question has been going on since 1934.

Is it a fact that the Air Force is wrapping margarine in this cloth?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the proportions of profits of the Navy, Air Force, and Army canteen profits allotted to the Royal Air Force for 1936 as compared to the Army and Navy, and on what basis the proportion is arrived at?

I am informed that the accounts of the Nary, Army and Air Force Institutes for 1936 are not yet complete, and figures showing the distribution of rebate and discount for the year are not, therefore, available. There is a separate allocation of profits, based upon trading results, to the Navy on the one hand, and to the Army and Royal Air Force together on the other hand. Uniform rates of rebate for the Royal Air Force and the Army are fixed from time to time with regard to the combined trading results of the two Services, and the amount so allocated varies with the average spending per man per month, whether in the Army or in the Royal Air Force, at each station.

In view of the increasing number of personnel in the Royal Air Force, can the hon. Member make representations that there ought to be a greater allocation to the Air Force at the present time?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is still contemplated to erect in the Thames Valley district, in connection with the re-armament programme, any air-engine or air-component factories at White Waltham or elsewhere in the valley; and whether he will give an assurance that sanction will not be given to the erection of any such factory or factories without previously informing this House?