asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the propaganda broadcasts being sent out from Berlin to various British Dominions, Colonies, and Mandated Territories; and whether, in view of the matter broadcast, any representations are being made as to the undesirability of action of this kind?

So far as concerns broadcasts received in the Dominions, the hon. Member will appreciate that the matter is entirely one for the Dominion Governments. As regards the Colonies, Pro- tectorates and Mandated Territories, reports received from Colonial Governments indicate that the broadcasts received from Germany are not of such a nature as to give cause for representation.

May I draw the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to certain reports which have been received?

I have listened in to one or two of them, and they seem to consist of light music and a praise of German landscapes.

When the German Ambassador returns to London, is the right hon. Gentleman going to have conversations with him about Colonies, in view of what he said the other day?

That has nothing to do with broadcasts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the view of his advisers, Germany's recent denunciation of the international status of German rivers affected the Barcelona Pact of 1921 and the agreement of 1929 by which Czechoslovakia was given the right to establish her own zones in the ports of Hamburg and Stettin?

I am informed that the German Government have assured the Czechoslovak Government that they consider themselves still to be bound by the stipulations of the Barcelona Convention of 20th April, 1921, and by their undertakings in respect to the Czechoslovak free zones existing in Hamburg and about to be established in Stettin.

Are we to understand that in fact there has been no interference by the German Government with the right of the Government of Czechoslovakia to establish these zones?

I understand that is so, but perhaps the hon. Member will put the question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Advisory Committee for Communications and Transit of the League of Nations have reported upon the resolution on the sub- ject of calendar reform passed by the International Labour Conference last June; has the suggestion been brought to the notice of the various Governments; and what has been their decision?

No communication from the Advisory Committee on the subject of calendar reform has been received by His Majesty's Government since the date of the Council resolution quoted in the answer given by my Noble Friend to the hon. Member for South Bristol (Mr. Walkden) on 10th February. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Is the matter still under consideration?

I am afraid I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability of making a declaration of policy to the effect that British armaments not only may but will be used in bringing help to the victims of aggression, in accordance with our obligations under the Covenant of the League of Nations?

As the hon. Member will be aware, I dealt fully with this subject in the course of yesterday's Debate, and I cannot add to what I said then.

I take it that the right hon. Gentleman is definitely not prepared to substitute the word "will" for the word "may"?

I would refer the hon. Member to what I said in yesterday's Debate.

Do not the terms of the question on the Paper seem to indicate that the hon. Member has not read the text of the Covenant of the League?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) particulars of the Chinese insurance enterprise law, which it is understood came into force on 15th January, 1937. particularly with regard to the respective obligations of Chinese and foreign insurance companies;

(2) whether he has yet had any report from His Majesty's Ambassador in China as to the proposal of the China Government to amend the law relating to insurance so as to require that all policies of insurance shall be in the Chinese language; and whether, in view of the fact that the new Chinese insurance law was originally promulgated in July, 1935, and came into force in its revised form on 11th January, 1937, he will ask His Majesty's Ambassador to expedite his report on the subject with as little delay as possible?

I am informed by His Majesty's Ambassador, that on 11th January of this year the Chinese Government promulgated certain modifications of the Insurance Enterprises Law, together with regulations for the enforcement of the revised law. One Article of these regulations provides that policies shall be printed in Chinese, and that, if a foreign language is also used, the Chinese text shall prevail. A further Insurance Law, governing contracts between the insurer and the insured, was also published on the same day. I understand, however, that these measures did not come into force upon the date of their promulgation, and are not as yet operative. I have at present no further information, but a full report upon the subject is already on its way and will reach me shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any reports as to whether the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs directed the provincial Government of Szechuan early this year to the effect that no foreigners or their Chinese representatives are permitted to do insurance business either in the interior or at any non-treaty port; and, if so, what steps he has taken to protect British interests in this respect?

No, Sir. I have received no information to this effect, but I am requesting His Majesty's Ambassador to furnish me with a report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make concerning an attack by Japanese upon Englishwomen in the Osaka prefecture; and what action His Majesty's Government are taking?

His Majesty's Ambassador has reported that on the afternoon of 24th February the premises near Osaka of the Japan Rescue Mission, an officially recognised organisation engaged in social work, were forcibly entered by a Kyoto brothel proprietor and three male members of his family in search of one of his former prostitutes. In the ensuing struggle some four or five British ladies, members of the Mission, were slightly injured. I am informed that they are, however, suffering from nothing worse than shock and bruises. All the assailants except the proprietor himself have been arrested. I understand that the Acting Consul-General at Osaka is in close touch with the Japanese authorities, who are acting with energy in this matter. He has also seen Miss Kirkaldy, the acting head of the Mission, who has expressed herself satisfied with the attitude of the Japanese police.

Are there any other cases of attacks by Japanese upon British nationals in which no satisfaction has been received?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign affairs whether, under treaty with Portugal, Great Britain is bound to protect both Portugal and her colonies against all enemies?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which my Noble Friend gave to the Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Day) on 10th February, and also to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) on 11th November, and 16th December, to which I have nothing to add.

Do I understand from that answer that the Government are proposing, under certain circumstances, to ask British subjects to go out and be killed in defence of Portuguese colonies?

I think that if the hon. Gentleman will consult the answer, he will understand a great deal.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any suitable area in any of the self-governing Colonies, Protectorates, or Mandated Territories has been found in which it would be practicable to settle the Assyrians of Iraq; what contribution would be paid by the League and/or the Iraqi Government towards same; and will he make a statement on the present position?

As regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies returned to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 10th February. It is impossible to indicate in advance how any new scheme which might emerge from the settlement of the Assyrians would be financed. The present position is that His Majesty's Government have informed the Council of the League of Nations that they are prepared to recommend Parliament to agree that the balance of the contribution offered by them in September of last year towards the Ghab scheme should be made available for any new scheme, which received the approval of the Council. This offer was subject to the same conditions as the original offer, which include the contribution by the Government of Iraq of an equal amount and a contribution by the League of Nations. I understand that the attitude of the Government of Iraq corresponds to that of His Majesty's Government. Moreover, the Assembly of the League of Nations decided, in October last, that the balance of the total contribution offered by the League to the previous scheme shall also be regarded as allotted, in principle, to any new scheme of settlement. As regards the last part of the question, the general position is that the competent committee of the League Council is continuing its efforts to find a suitable place for permanent settlement for those Assyrians who still wish to leave Iraq. His Majesty's Government are doing all that they can to assist the committee in its very difficult task.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Committee are meeting with any success in their inquiries?

No, Sir, I am afraid I cannot. The hon. Gentleman knows the immense difficulties of this subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel assured that the Assyrians are receiving considerate treatment at present by the Iraqi Government?

Yes, Sir, I believe the position at present is satisfactory.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is satisfied with the meteorological information and weather forecasts supplied by the Meteorological Office; and whether he contemplates setting up a special naval meteorological department under the Hydrographer to the Navy?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, there are technical and operational aspects of meteorological work which are peculiar to the Navy and arrangements are under consideration between the Departments which will make special provision for this.

Does this special provision involve the setting up of a completely new meteorological department under the control of the Navy?

It refers to modifications in the organisation which, when they are made, will more suitably meet naval requirements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention to appoint as Director of Dockyards a naval architect or practical shipbuilder, as was formerly the practice of the Admiralty?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why a naval officer of executive rank has been selected as Director of Dockyards instead of reverting to the practice which prevailed prior to 1917 of appointing persons with appro- priate technical and administrative experience of a kind suitable for the position?

As already announced in the Press, the present Director of Dockyards will be succeeded on the 1st May next by Rear-Admiral C. P. Talbot, C.B., D.S.O. The policy of the Admiralty is to select for this post the most suitable person available when each appointment is made, irrespective of whether that person is a naval officer or civilian. The appointment recently announced was made on this basis.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the great shipbuilding programme which the Admiralty have in hand, they will now appoint an officer who is connected with, and who has practical knowledge of shipbuilding rather than one who has naval experience in the fighting forces?

I think experience shows that in this post what is needed is a man with more general abilities, and not of specific technical attainments.

What has been the experience of Admiral Talbot in materials and in dockyard work?

I would like to give my right hon. Friend exact details, and I will do so at another time. Admiral Talbot has very considerable experience in both.

In view of the fact that previously one with knowledge of shipbuilding was appointed, why has there been this reversal to a naval officer?

It has been the practice for the last 20 years, and it has been highly successful.

It has not.

Would the hon. Gentleman seriously appoint as general manager of an engineering factory under his control a person having no experience of the running of such a factory?

I would like to point out that this position requires a knowledge of ships as well as of the work of shipbuilding.

Do not officers have to fight and run the ships when they are built?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that His Majesty's ship "President" is refusing applications to join the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve owing to her complement being full; and whether arrangements will be made for Londoners desiring to enlist in that Reserve to join another ship?

I am aware that the London Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve is now fully up to strength. In addition, the division has already been allowed to overbear both officers and men on account of slight shortages in some other divisions. The hon. Member will appreciate that the necessity for attendance at drills makes it impossible for men to join divisions out of reach of their homes.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the naval base at Singapore will be finished; how much money has been spent up to the nearest available date; what was the total estimate; and whether there has been any difficulty in obtaining iron and steel at the present time for this work?

It is anticipated that the base will be ready for general use in the financial year 1939. The expenditure up to the end of January, 1937, is £5,856,000; the total estimate is £11,211,750. No difficulty has been experienced up to the present in obtaining iron and steel required for the work.

Does that revised figure include the expansion of the dock facilities to take double the number of capital ships?

Yes, Sir.

Will the base be completed before or after the next war?

Could the hon. Gentleman say whether the Admiralty records show why all hon. Members opposite opposed its continuation in 1924?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what instructions have been given relative to a change in the colour of one of the components forming the naval ensign?

The Government Departments concerned have recently agreed to the re-introduction of the brighter shade of red formerly used for bunting and flags. This shade will be specified in all future purchases of naval ensigns.

While noting with approval the Noble Lord's reply, may I ask him to reassure the House that the change in the colour of the flag indicates no change in his right hon. Friend's political opinions?

I can assure the hon. Member that the change has no political significance.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to what improved conditions, financial and otherwise, it is intended to introduce for warrant rank in order to overcome the breakdown in the supply of candidates for gunner, gunner (T), and boatswain?

I regret that I am unable to add at present to the answer given to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on 17th February.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of ratings promoted to sub-lieutenant in the years 1933, 1934, 1935, and 1936, respectively, who received their early naval training at the Gosport training establishment, His Majesty's Ship "St. Vincent," and the Shotley establishment, His Majesty's Ship "Ganges"; also the number of these officers who received their pre-naval training at the Royal Hospital School, on board the training ships "Mercury," "Warspite," "Arethusa," and "Exmouth"; and whether, in view of the low numbers from the latter establishments, more commissions will be awarded to their boys in future?

As the reply involves a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The selection of candidates for commissioned rank can only be made from the most suitable ratings, wherever they may have been trained.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the failure of the majority of boys, recommended as likely candidates for commissioned rank from the training establishments, to obtain commissions at the same age as public school cadets, as intended under the sub-lieutenant scheme, he will institute a scheme of promotion from boy to cadet on similar lines to that for the promotion of artificer apprentices to cadet (E)?

The present scheme for the promotion of ratings from the lower deck to acting sub-lieutenant is devised to bring the ages of ratings so selected into line with those of cadet officers. Up to the present the ratings promoted have, however, been somewhat above the normal age for cadet entered officers and the matter is amongst those now receiving attention. It is not proposed to adopt the scheme suggested in the last part of the question.

What is the main reason for the severe falling-off in the number of men promoted to officer rank from the lower deck in the last three years?

That is what the Admiralty is taking steps to find out, and is the object of the consideration which is being given to the matter now.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of writer and supply ratings, respectively, between the ages of 24 and 30 (the ages between which reserve accountant officers are to join the Navy) who have passed the higher educational test for officer rank, and who have qualified professionally for warrant officer, respectively; and whether, in view of the large experience and high qualifications of these ratings, he will reconsider the previous Admiralty decision, and institute a scheme of early promotion to commissioned rank for accountant branch ratings on the same lines as the systems for seamen ratings, engine-room artificers, and Royal Marines?

Five supply ratings and 15 writer ratings between the ages of 24 and 30 are at present fully qualified for promotion to warrant supply officer and warrant writer respectively. 166 supply ratings and 142 writer ratings have passed the higher educational test. It is not possible without considerable investigation to indicate how many of these ratings are between the ages of 24 and 30. I will again consider the possibility of instituting a system of early promotion to commissioned rank for these and other ratings of the accountant branch.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of warrant officers over 50 now serving as the result of previous appeals to re-engage after reaching the age for retirement; and the number over 50 required to re-engage under the appeal issued last week?

The number of commissioned gunners, commissioned gunners (T.) and commissioner boatswains over 50 now serving is 68. The shortage remaining is 60.

Are steps being taken to remedy that position?

I think the right hon. Gentleman is aware that we have had a committee dealing with this matter. We are now considering what further action can be taken.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many petty officers and other naval ratings have received craft training before their final discharge from the service in the home ports in the last three years, and the length of training period?

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, and with what results, police searched Kfar Saba colony in Palestine, for arms?

This action was taken as a result of an incident at the Arab village of Kfar Saba on 3rd February, when a truck containing six Arab passengers was fired on. Acting on information received, the police on 22nd February searched six houses in the Jewish settlement of Kafar Sava, three kilometres south-west of the Arab village. The occupants of these houses were suspected of having been concerned in the firing on 3rd February. As a result of the search, one new Polish rifle, parts of another and other military equipment were seized. Six Jews were arrested, of whom two still remain in custody.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to have these men released; and has he observed that yesterday the Appeal Court in Palestine released Arabs who had been arrested for having arms on the ground that as they had been arrested after the expiration of the emergency regulations, the arrests were illegal?

I should like notice of the second part of the question. I had not heard before of the action of the Appeal Court to which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman refers. I certainly will not order the release of these people. They are suspected of having been implicated, and I think the charge ought to go forward.

Are we to understand that in Palestine there is one law for the Jews and another for the Arabs?

Certainly not.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any comment to make on the official communique in regard to the outbreak at Tiberias?

I have seen a copy of the notice which was issued to the Press in Palestine on 2oth February. I have no comment to make on it.

Was that a communique issued to the Press?

It was issued by the Palestine Government on the evidence given to them by the police and district officers on the spot. I have no information other than the official information.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman find out further information; and is he aware that this official communique stated that there was a Jewish demonstration in Tiberias and the evidence was that a party of Jews—

Order!

May I correct that statement? All the evidence which I have goes to show that this trouble was caused by a small party of Revisionists or New Zionists marching in uniform.

That is the official statement. Can the right hon. Gentleman not get further information?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can arrange for the evidence given to the Mui Tsai Commission to be placed in the Library of the House?

Copies of the volumes of evidence have already been placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when it is hoped to have published maps showing relative humidity in Great Britain; and whether it is intended to accompany such maps with a new handbook of normals?

I have been asked to reply. It is estimated that the necessary computations will be completed in about nine months' time and that the maps will be published within 12 months. The average values will be published in a book which will contain maps showing the geographical distribution of relative humidity for each month and for the year as a whole.

Do I understand that such maps would be accompanied by a new handbook of normals?

That is implied in my reply.

Will the companies who will benefit by this information be asked to pay anything for it?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a question, not of industries benefiting from the information, but of the nation as a whole benefiting?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the special facilities offered, he is prepared forthwith to select Speke as a central junction aerodrome in the proposed experimental scheme?

My Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air hopes shortly to be in a position to announce the decisions reached by His Majesty's Government as to the adoption of the recommendations of the Maybury Committee. In the meantime, it is only possible to say that if the junction aerodrome system should be approved in principle the selection of the central junction aerodrome will demand very careful consideration, and no immediate pronouncement is possible.

Will the hon. Gentleman receive a deputation on the subject?

I do not think that I am the person to receive a deputation, but I will convey the hon. Member's suggestion to my Noble Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he is aware that Loughborough College has a well-equipped aeronautical engineering department with a large number of students, but that practical flying instruction is made difficult by the absence of any local aerodrome; and can he take steps to remedy this deficiency;

(2) whether he is aware that the Loughborough Borough Council over six months ago entered into negotiations and agreed the purchase price for a site of over 200 acres for a municipal aerodrome; and why the Air Ministry have so far failed to give their approval?

The proposals of the Loughborough Borough Council for establishing a municipal aerodrome have been under investigation. The technical inspection of the site has recently been completed and the views of the Air Ministry as to the requirements necessary to develop it into an aerodrome have been communicated to the borough council.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air which commercial air lines in Great Britain ceased to operate in 1936; and whether any and what further steps are proposed to improve the system of internal air transport?

As regards the first part of the question, I am circulating the particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the last part, the question of the steps to be taken to improve the system of internal air transport is being considered in connection with the recommendations of the Maybury Committee.

Is the question of Government subventions under consideration, in order to help these internal air lines in their great difficulties of development?

That is another question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has now considered a site and factory at Lytham, Lancashire, offered to him for the purpose of production of seaplanes or as a seaplane base; and what views he has formed on the subject?

The offer was duly considered by the Air Ministry, but the site is unsuitable as a Royal Air Force seaplane base, mainly because of tidal conditions in the Ribble, and the Ministry is not seeking further capacity for the manufacture of seaplanes. The agents for the leaseholder have therefore been informed that the Air Ministry does not wish to acquire the property referred to, and at the same time an expression of thanks was conveyed to them for bringing the site to the notice of the Department.

Do I take it that if a reliable seaplane base can be pointed out, the Ministry will be prepared to consider such a site?

I daresay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the bricks being used in the aerodromes in this country are being purchased from manufacturers at home and abroad; and will he see that the orders placed for bricks are located in the counties where the aerodromes are to be built?

As regards the first part of the question, the use of foreign bricks would be contrary to the contract conditions. If the hon. Member has any information that the conditions are being contravened, I should be grateful if he would inform the Air Ministry. As regards the last part, bricks are provided by the contractors undertaking the construction work, and it is not practicable to insist on their obtaining bricks made in the particular county in which the work is to be carried out.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any special funds or facilities are given to superintendents of the Meteorological Office to carry out investigations or research work; and whether the results of such investigations are published by the Meteorological Office?

No question arises of making special payments to members of the staff of the Meteorological Office, who are all whole-time civil servants, in respect of investigations or research work carried out by them. Provision is, however, made in Air Estimates to provide payment to investigators outside the office at Universities and elsewhere, and to the National Physical Laboratory for special investigations. As regards facilities for research at the Meteorological Office, the normal work of a large proportion of the staff is in the nature of research, especially at the observatories, and the sum total of research work carried out by the staff is very considerable, as will be seen from the list of papers published by them which is quoted in the annual reports of the Director of the Meteorological Office. The Meteorological Office itself publishes two series of monographs: Geophysical Memoirs and Professional Notes. During the ten years 1927–36, 35 papers have been published in the former and 29 in the latter, and many of these deal with outstanding research work in meteorological science.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has come to any new conclusions regarding separate supervision of the strategical aspects of Defence from the supply aspect of the problem?

The answer is in the negative.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that the suggestion which he dismisses so curtly has the support almost unanimously of informed opinion as expressed both in this House and outside?

I have nothing to add.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence how many new factories it is proposed to build in connection with the rearmament programme; and how many of these will be situated in the Special Areas?

It is not at present possible to say how many factories it will be necessary to build for the purposes of the defence programme. The White Paper (Cmd. 5386) indicates the extent to which consideration has already been given in this connection to the Special Areas, and the Government propose to continue this policy as and when the occasion arises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that there are areas not included in the Special Areas which are equally hard hit with unemployment, and will he also bear in mind that, in answer to a question a fortnight ago, he admitted that not a single factory had been put down in the whole of Yorkshire?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether it is proposed to establish any more aircraft or other factories; and, if so, will he bear in mind the heavy rate of unemployment in the Wigan coal area?

There is no present intention to establish further aircraft factories. Factories for other purposes will, however, be required, and consideration will be given to the Wigan area in this connection.

Will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking not to arrange for the establishment of any factory in the constituency of a Member who votes against the Defence Estimates?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the bricks being used in the construction of the Chorley munition factory are being purchased from the Fletton brickfields, whilst unemployment is prevailing in the brickfields of Lancashire and Yorkshire; and will he state what he proposes to do in the matter?

(for the First Commissioner of Works): No, Sir. I am informed that the bricks being used in the construction of the Royal Ordnance Factory at Chorley are being obtained by the contractor from brickfields in Lancashire.

Will the Minister see whether it is possible, in view of the large unemployment among stonemasons, to use local stone, when it is available, instead of brick?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has acquired from the Board of Trade information as to the essential manufactured requirements of this country which are imported from abroad and not manufactured here?

I am in close touch with the Board of Trade and other Departments on these matters.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the other day the President of the Board of Trade said that no information was available, and will he con- sider, when he receives the information, asking manufacturers whether they would consider setting up the factories required in the Special Areas? Could I have an answer?

Perhaps my hon. Friend would put that long question down.

Shall I get an answer if I put the question down?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, in the event of any future wars, since ration cards alone without food would not prevent starvation, what steps he is taking to secure for this country an adequate supply of food?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Sir J. Lamb) and to himself on 18th February, and to what I said on the subject of food supplies during the debate on the same day. I explained that though the Government's task is directed to ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential food and is not restricted to control and rationing schemes, it is not possible to furnish information at the present time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state, in order that more food may be produced in this country in the event of any future war, what steps he proposes to take to retain the boys and young men on the land instead of allowing them to drift away to the towns?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend gave on 19th January last to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Salford (Major Stourton).

Are the Government doing nothing to put into cultivation all the land which is now out of cultivation?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will study the answer to which I have referred.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has established any official or unofficial censorship upon the publication of information in the Press relative to the national defences; and whether such restrictions apply to the technical as well as to the daily Press?

No censorship of the Press is exercised. From time to time the Press are asked to refrain from publishing certain items of information the disclosure of which would be prejudicial to national security.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the Government have made any forward contracts for the supply of steel and other metals for use in the rearmament programme or whether they have instructed Government contractors to make such purchases at prices now ruling?

So far as direct supplies of the materials in question are concerned, advance covering arrangements have been made in certain cases. So far as supplies of contractors are concerned, no instructions have been given. Over considerable areas of supply contractors are aware in advance of the probable requirements and can take appropriate action.

May the House understand then that the price which the Government are paying for their metals for rearmament is at a figure considerably less than the greatly enhanced prices which are now ruling?

In a great many cases yes, certainly.

Does the right hon. Gentleman now expect a reduction in the price of the material by the halving of the import duty?

If the right hon. Member is referring to iron ore, I will consider that and obtain information.

Does it cover copper?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the abnormal rise in the prices of non-ferrous metals and consequent advance in the cost of materials for armaments, he proposes to formulate a plan for the control of such metals?

My right hon. Friend has consulted the Minister for Co-ordination of Defence, and as at present advised they do not think that such a control is either necessary or desirable.

Is the Minister aware that there was again a sharp advance yesterday in the price of base metals?

Yes, certainly, but if you want a commodity and there is a world price at which you can procure it, and if you set up a form of control in your own country so that you may buy it at a lesser price, it results in your not procuring it.

Are we to understand from the answer that the method of controlling metals during the War was incorrect?

Are the Government going to do nothing in regard to controlling these prices?

Has the Minister ever heard of the principle of forward purchases?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to ensure an adequate supply of timber in the event of war; what quantity of home-grown timber will be available; and whether arrangements have been made to ensure that such timber is promply made use of?

The questions involved in ensuring supplies of timber for essential purposes in the event of war are not being overlooked. Arrangements for the use of home-grown timber are being considered in conjunction with the Forestry Commission, but I am unable to give any estimate of the quantity of timber which is likely to be available from this source.

Is my hon. Friend taking any steps to see that a census of timber production is taken?

I think that that is rather another question, but I have no reason to believe that the Forestry Commission are not well informed as to home-grown timber.