asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there is any shortage of cooks in the Navy; whether the service has any difficulty in obtaining them; and whether any steps are being taken by his Department to train men for the work?

We are not at present getting as many cooks for the Navy as we should like. We are considering steps to remedy this deficiency. With regard to the last part of the question, any volunteers from other branches for the cook's branch are trained for their new duties, but there are not many volunteers.

Does that mean that the sailors are going without food?

No, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of civilian employés, including non-industrial employés, in the service of the Admiralty at Gibraltar in March, 1936, and March, 1937?

The number of civilians employed by the Admiralty at Gibraltar at the dates mentioned was 1,609 in 1936, and this year 1,645.

Do I understand that the whole of these employés get a fortnight's holiday?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make any announcement about the introduction of a marriage allowance for naval officers?

The position remains as described in the answer which I gave on 3rd November to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hertford (Sir M. Sueter).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the present proportion of established to unestablished chargemen in Chatham Dockyard is much lower at the present time than in either of the other two principal home dockyards; and whether he proposes to take any steps to bring the numbers of such established chargemen in Chatham Dockyard up to the level which obtains elsewhere, in the near future?

There is no fixed complement of established chargemen at any yard, but, when transfers are made to the established list, a general preference is shown to chargemen, and any chargeman on the permanent list or any other charge-man of trades of over 15 years standing is established automatically. Hence the proportion of chargemen established is much higher than that of ordinary workmen, but the percentages may vary at different yards. In view of the preference already shown to chargemen over ordinary workmen, the Board see no reason to fix a proportion or otherwise to interfere with the discretion of yard officers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the approximate total value of the orders for new warship construction placed or to be placed during the current financial year with the Royal dockyards and with the private shipbuilding companies, respectively?

The approximate total value of orders for new warship construction (including small craft) placed or to be placed during the current financial year in the Royal dockyards is£6,175,000 and with private contractors£62,700,000. The figures for the dockyard vessels include the cost of two cruisers forming part of the 1936 programme, and represent the total cost of the various ships with their armour, guns, machinery and other contract supplies.

Is it possible that the share of the Royal dockyards might be slightly increased, as 90 per cent. for private firms is rather a high proportion?

The share of the dockyards in the extension is almost entirely taken up with fittings and repairs, and therefore the proportion of shipbuilding given out is increased.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in parts of the country where there is serious unemployment these orders would be welcomed?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make concerning the work of the Trinidad Commission of Inquiry; and the present condition of the island?

I am unable at present to add anything to the reply returned to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Riley) on 10th November. The situation in the colony remains calm.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the charge against Uriah Butler, leader of the Trinidad oilfield workers strike; whether the reward offered by the Government for his arrest has been paid; whether he was permitted to give evidence before the Commission of Inquiry; and whether conciliatory machinery for the settlement of industrial disputes had been established before the strike occurred?

There were two charges: the utterance of words having a seditious intention, and incitement to murder. I understand that the reward has been paid. Butler was permitted to give evidence before the Commission Legislative provision for the setting up of industrial courts had been made, but I understand no court had in fact been constituted.

Is it likely that this man will be actually brought for trial and sentenced, if he is judged to be guilty?

I think he is now being tried before a judge and jury.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions and hours of employment of white labour in certain of the mining establishments in the copper belt in Northern Rhodesia; and whether the terms of inquiry by Major Orde-Browne can be expanded so as to include the conditions of white as well as black and coloured labour?

No special question relating to the conditions of employment of Europeans in the Northern Rhodesia copper mines has recently been brought to my notice. As regards the second part of the question, Major Orde-Browne has no specialised knowledge of white labour problems, and it is not contemplated that these should be included within the terms of his inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make as to the present position in Palestine?

Some further outrages have taken place and the additional measures for dealing with certain classes of crime, to which I referred on 10th November, are now in operation. Military Courts have been set up for the trial of cases of discharging firearms at any person, carrying arms, bombs, etc., sabotage and intimidation. On the night of 21st November, troops surrounded a village near Jenin; Sheikh Farhan Essaid, a notorious gang-leader, and three others were arrested, and four rifles, 1,500 rounds of ammunition and some revolvers were seized. These men will be tried by a Military Court.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many murders and assassinations have been committed in Palestine since the beginning of 1936; how many of the assassins have been convicted and sentenced to death; and how many of these have been reprieved?

For the period 1st January, 1936, to 31st October, 1937, the figures are:

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Palestine there is a widely-held feeling that this practice of reprieving assassins has tended to weaken the authority of the police and to encourage further crime?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these murders were committed by Arabs and how many by Jews?

It is very difficult to say. There have been confused cases. There have been murders by both but certainly there have been more by Arabs than by Jews.

Will the right hon. Gentleman face the actual situation and institute a legislative assembly as the only means of stopping what is going on in Palestine?

A proposal of that kind was made in this House by my predecessor and was rejected.

Will my right hon. Friend, when the next Governor is appointed, draw his attention to the advisability of enforcing the law?

The law is being enforced, and I should not like it to be thought that it is not being enforced. But the question of the exercise of the Royal Prerogative throughout the British Colonial Empire does not rest with me. It rests with His Majesty's representative, and in any case it would be most improper and unconstitutional of me to make any remarks about it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what volume of citrus export can be dealt with this coming season by the new port of Tel Aviv; and how such capacity compares with the volume shipped from that port in the 1936 season; (2) whether he is satisfied that adequate arrangements have now been effected in Palestine for the transport and export of the citrus crop during the forthcoming season; and what is the storage capacity, respectively, in the three ports of Tel Aviv, Jaffa and Haifa?

I believe that the arrangements for handling the forthcoming citrus crop in Palestine are fully adequate. I will request the High Commissioner to send me the detailed figures of storage capacity asked for.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish these details?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action it is proposed to take with reference to the appointment of a mayor of Jerusalem to take the place of Dr. Khalidi, recently deported, whether by appointing the deputy-mayor to act as mayor, or an Englishman with experience of local government in this country, or whether it is proposed to hold a new election?

The Acting High Commissioner has this matter under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to say what action it may be decided to take. In the meantime, in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Ordinance, the deputy-mayor is performing the duties of mayor.

In making any appointment will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Jews constitute two thirds of the population of Jerusalem and have had a majority for 80 years?

I understand that the deputy-mayor who is now acting as mayor is a Jew.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also take notice that in Palestine as a whole the Arabs are two-thirds of the population as against the Jews?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a decision has yet been reached as to the principles on which special provision is to be made for dependants of officials of the Government of Palestine assassinated in the course of their duties?

Yes, Sir. It is not considered practicable to make any general legislative provision appropriate to all cases; but an undertaking has been given that, in the event of the assassination of an officer in the course of his duties, the question of a special award to his dependants will be considered in the light of all the circumstances of the case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed that the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies should visit any of the Dependencies during the coming winter; and, if so, which?

Yes, Sir. Arrangements are being made for the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to visit Zanzibar, Mauritius, Aden and British Somaliland during the early part of 1938.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the economic disabilities of certain grades of the British Guiana Postal Service; and whether he will take immediate steps to ensure that a comprehensive and unprejudiced inquiry be held with a view to rectifying the disabilities in question?

The conditions of service of the subordinate staff of the Government of British Guiana, including those employed in the Postal Service, have been the subject of a recent local inquiry, and as the result of that inquiry I have approved proposals for improving the scales of pay of the employés concerned. The report also contained other recommendations for improving the conditions of service which are now under consideration. In the circumstances, I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by a further inquiry of the nature suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the grave dissatisfaction existing among Government employés in British Guiana; whether he has any statement to make on the causes of recent withdrawals of labour; and whether he will take steps to secure a free and impartial investigation of workers' complaints?

The Governor of British Guiana has informed me that there is no evidence of serious dissatisfaction among Government employés in that Colony. Apart from the small strike of seamen employed by the Harbours Department in September last, which has been settled satisfactorily, some Post Office employés absented themselves from work for one day. As I have already stated in my reply to the hon. Member's previous question, the conditions of service of employés of this class have now been inquired into, and their scales of salaries have recently been improved.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any idea of what the scales are?

Not without notice. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper, not for oral answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recurring economic dislocations in British Guiana and following the precedent set up in Trinidad, he will consider the advisability of appointing a commissioner to carry out a comprehensive economic survey of British Guiana with adequate facilities for hearing workers' representations?

I would invite the hon. Member's attention to the reply which I returned to a question by the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 3rd November. Steps are now being taken to ensure the supervision of the conditions of employment in the Colony.

Does that mean that there is to be a comprehensive inquiry into these matters?

No; a labour inspector is being appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement with regard to the gift by the Rulers of the Federated Malay States of two squadrons of service aeroplanes to be stationed in Malaya?

At the Durbar of Rulers of the Federated Malay States held on 1st November, His Highness the Sultan of Selangor stated that in the desire to show their grateful recognition of the special effort which is being made by His Majesty's Government to make the Empire secure, and with the object of associating themselves with that effort, he and the other three Rulers of the Federated States wished to present to His Majesty's Government two squadrons of service aeroplanes to be stationed in Malaya, subject to the condition that the total cost should not exceed 2,500,000 Straits Settlements dollars. The High Commissioner for the Malay States has reported to me that the proposal of their Highnesses was unanimously endorsed by the Federal Council on 5th November. On behalf of His Majesty's Government I have requested the High Commissioner to convey to their Highnesses the warm thanks and appreciation of His Majesty's Government for this further mark of their good will and practical co-operation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the report of the Gibraltar Housing Commission which gave instances of seven adults living in one room with several children under 10 years of age, and reported that 36 per cent. of the working-class population were occupying single-room tenements; and whether any steps are being taken to remedy this state of affairs?

Yes, Sir. I have seen this report, and have approved the Commission's recommendation that a loan of£100,000 should be made by the Gibraltar Government to the Gibraltar City Council to be expended during the next five years on the provision of new houses. The City Council have already prepared plans for certain of the buildings. The Commission also made a large number of ancillary recommendations and a number of these have already been implemented.

Is not the Minister conscious of the fact that it is a scandal that the Governor should be writing letters about sport to General Franco when these conditions exist, and will he not stop this?

Will the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) sometimes bear in mind that silence is golden?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what assistance has been given by the Gold Coast Government to the people of Keta, Eastern Province, Trans-Valta district, who are suffering through the loss of their buildings by erosion; and whether steps are being taken to prevent the erosion?

I have no information on the points raised in this question, and I will ask the Governor for a report.

Am I to understand from that reply that the right hon. Gentleman will make available to the House the results of his inquiries?

I will let the hon. Member know when I have made inquiries, and perhaps he will put down another question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the publication "Africa and the World" has been prohibited from importation into the Gold Coast?

The importation of the publication "Africa and the World" into the Gold Coast has been prohibited by an Order made by the Governor in Council under Section 330 (1) of the Gold Coast Criminal Code. I am arranging for a copy of the Order in question and of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1934, to be placed in the Library of the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman mention any specific statement which is judged as seditious in this particular document, and will be himself investigate the reason for this prohibition, and let us know what it is?

It must be left to the Governor in Council on the spot to have any particular issue of a particular newspaper prohibited from being circulated. I could not possibly interfere.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept a copy of this journal if I send it to him?

Certainly, if the hon. Member likes to send it to me. I have not seen it myself.

Will the right hon. Gentleman pass some observations on it?

Oh, no.

Will the right hon. Gentleman put it in the Library among the other papers?

The hon. Member can do that.

Are we to understand that freedom of the Press exists only in the British Isles, and not in the Colonies?

No. This is very rarely done. A very large number of newspapers circulates; for instance, the "News of the World" freely circulates; and there is great liberty of the Press, but periodically certain types of articles are prohibited.

British culture—the "News of the World."

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether consideration can be given to the qualifications for franchise in Mauritius; and whether he will recommend a modification in the existing arrangements so as to give wider adult franchise? (2) Whether the report on disturbances in Mauritius has yet been presented to him; when the report is likely to be available; and whether he will urge, particularly in the Government of that Colony, the value of collective bargaining and trade union organisation and the desirability of an operative minimum in respect to conditions of employment?

The report of the Commission of Inquiry into the recent disturbances in the Colony has not yet been presented to me, and on this point I have nothing to add to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Wentworth (Mr. Paling) on 3rd November. The Government of Mauritius have stated in the Council of Government in May this year that they are entirely willing to legislate to provide for the regulation and registration of trade unions in the Colony at any time that may seem convenient to the Council. I am about to address the Colonial Government further on this question. Legislative provision for the enforcement of a minimum wage already exists in the Colony. I am aware that the present franchise is somewhat narrow and I will keep in mind the suggestions contained in the hon. Member's question on this point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give serious attention to the question of the revision of the existing franchise, because it is impossible for any progressive legislation to get through as long as the franchise remains as it is, and sets up a definitely reactionary government?

I do not admit that. A lot of progressive legislation has been passed by the existing Government. I would point out that this is not a council where there is an official majority. There is an unofficial majority, and any proposals for reform in this matter would naturally originate in the council.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now considered the recent report of the Select Committee on Private Bill Procedure (Local Legislation Clauses); and, if so, what action he proposes to take with regard to its recommendations?

Yes, Sir. The report has now been considered and it is the intention of the Government to bring forward by way of experiment proposals which will, I hope, secure the main objects of the committee's recommendations, and at the same time meet the somewhat divergent views expressed before the committee. Should the experiment not prove successful, the matter will no doubt require further consideration. I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT an outline of the proposals.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make any statement regarding the conversations which have taken place between Lord Halifax and Herr Hitler, and other representatives of the German Government?

As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer informed the House on 12th November, the visit of the Lord President of the Council was entirely private and unofficial. It had, however, as the House is aware, been arranged that Lord Halifax should see Herr Hitler, which he accordingly did on 19th November at Berchtesgaden, being accompanied by Baron Von Neurath, the German Foreign Minister. During his visit, the Lord President also had the opportunity of meeting General Goering, Dr. Goebbels, and other prominent leaders in Germany. These conversations were of a confidential character, and the House will not, I am sure, expect me to make any further statement in regard to them at this stage. I am satisfied, however, that the visit has been valuable in furthering the desire, which I believe to be generally felt in both countries, for the establishment of closer mutual understanding.

Is the Prime Minister aware that speculations on these conversations have appeared in the morning Press?

Yes, Sir, and I should like to make it clear that these statements are not only irresponsible but highly inaccurate.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, as a result of an agree- ment with the German Government, no details can be given of the nature of these discussions?

There was no formal agreement, but it was understood that the conversations should remain confidential.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there is no foundation for the statement that the Government are considering giving Germany a free hand in Austria and Czechoslovakia, in exchange for no demand for colonies for six years?

Order!

On a point of Order. I desired to put a question of great importance, and I was prevented by some Members on the other side of the House from even getting to the end of it. I venture to submit that it is a perfectly orderly and proper question in the public interest, and I would ask you, Sir, to be good enough to consider whether the Prime Minister may not reply to it.

It would certainly not be allowed on the Paper, if a question were asked as to whether a report was true. One does not know from where the report emanates.

May I ask the Prime Minister, first, whether, in fact, any pledges have been given and, secondly, whether, in any event, the French Government have been kept fully informed as to what is taking place?

No, Sir. No pledges have been given. As regards the second part of the question, the French Government have naturally not been informed yet of the result of the conversations—

Then there has been a result?

—but a question is to be put to me later on about the forthcoming visit of French Ministers when it is hoped full information will be given them.

May we take it that no commitments of any kind on behalf of this country will be made without the House having full opportunity of discussion?

Of course.

Will it not be too late?

On a point of Order. Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the House an opportunity of discussing the Maybury Report?

As announced by my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air in the Memorandum accompanying the Air Estimates, the Government has approved those recommendations of the Maybury Committee which call for action on the part of the Air Ministry. The House had, in consequence, an opportunity of debating the report when the Estimates were considered and passed. The establishment of a licensing system for internal air services requires an Order in Council approved by a Resolution of both Houses of Parliament as provided by the Air Navigation Act, 1936. The necessary Order will be submitted to Parliament in due course.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of enlarging the terms of reference to the proposed Cadnam Committee in order to allow that Committee to consider matters now barred by the Maybury Report, such as the present position of municipal aerodromes?

That is quite a different question from the one on the Paper, and perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can now state the result of the negotiations of the Blackpool Corporation for the acquisition of about 350 acres of land at Lytharn for the purpose of its aerodrome; whether the price has been agreed upon, what is the price; and what was the rateable value previous to purchase?

I understand that the Corporation of Blackpool have provisionally agreed to acquire about 167 acres at£280 per acre; the rest of the acreage referred to is already owned by them, but I am unaware of the price paid. I further understand that the land was agricultural land and therefore derated.

Could the Under-Secretary say how it is that we pay three, four or five times the agricultural value of land when it is bought for aerodromes?

No, I could not tell the hon. Member in this case.

May I ask the hon. and gallant Member whether he is keeping an eye on the colossal prices which are being paid for purely and exclusively agricultural land bought for this purpose?

The hon. Member will see that this is a case in which the Corporation of Blackpool are buying the land.

Is it possible for us to know the names of the people from whom this land is purchased?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is to be the composition and terms of reference of the promised committee to inquire into the subject of civil aviation?

In accordance with the announcement made in the course of the Debate, on the 17th instant, my Noble Friend has set up a Committee of Inquiry consisting of Lord Cadman as Chairman, Sir Warren Fisher and Sir William Brown. No formal terms of reference have been given to the Committee, but my Noble Friend has written to the Chairman as follows:—

"I am most grateful to you for accepting the Chairmanship of the Committee which I have set up to inquire into matters raised in the recent Debate in the House of Commons. I do not think it is necessary to give the Committee formal terms of reference, as the scope of the inquiry was clearly stated by the Under-Secretary of State in the course of the Debate. While broad questions of principle on which the policy of the Government has been fully explained to Parliament would not fall to be reviewed by the Committee, I should wish the Committee to exercise the fullest freedom in examining any matters raised in the Debate whether affecting the Air Ministry or Imperial Airways; and I think the Debate itself affords the most convenient terms of reference. The Under-Secretary stated that I should discuss with the Government Directors of Imperial Airways the system employed by the Company in dealing with its staff, including the methods by which pilots and others are enabled to have their grievances or representations fairly considered. It is my intention to discuss this with the Government Directors. At the same time I should very much value the opinion of your Committee on this matter, and I should therefore be much obliged if you would treat this question also as included in your inquiry."

Does the Minister realise that in every quarter of the House this is regarded as a trick on the part of the Ministry?

No, I must say that I do not.

Can the Minister say what qualifications the members of this committee have for dealing with the question, for instance, of the dismissal of pilots? What qualifications have they? Who are they? Why should they be called upon to deal with questions of this character?

The hon. Member asks me for their particular qualifications to deal with the specific questions of the dismissal of pilots. He will see that my Noble Friend intends to discuss the question of the system under which pilots' grievances are dealt with himself personally with the Government directors, as stated by myself in the House a week ago. He is merely asking, in addition, for the opinion of this committee on that particular matter.

Why is it that the Secretary of State is not a Member of the House of Commons?

May I ask the Prime Minister whether the matter can be reconsidered in view of the fact that in a Debate in this House very strong opinions were expressed that an independent inquiry was desirable, and that that was met by an offer from the Under-Secretary. The committee that has been appointed consists of one member who is a Government director, another who is a Government official, and a third who has been Secretary to the Minister for Air. In the circumstances that is not giving the House a proper independent inquiry.

I was not aware that the announcement of the composition of the committee would arouse the feeling to which the right hon. Gentleman has given expression. My Noble Friend, I am quite certain, considered that in making those appointments he was setting up a committee of complete impartiality and of experience to enable them to give a valuable opinion, but, in view of what the right hon. Gentleman has said, I will communicate with my Noble Friend.

In view of the fact that the committee is largely going to question statements made by members of this legislature, does the Prime Minister think it is right that members of the Executive should have any functions in that connection?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of endeavouring to arrange an interchange of friendly visits of Ministers with Prague and Moscow?

No, Sir. The Foreign Secretary has recently had the opportunity of meeting and exchanging views with the Czechoslovak Foreign Minister, M. Krofta, at Geneva, and the Soviet People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, M. Litvinov, at Brussels.

Since the German conversations are likely to raise questions affecting the security of these two countries and our obligations under the Covenant of the League, may we understand that no proposals affecting the security of those countries will be made to Germany before they are fully discussed with the countries affected and with the Council of the League? May I have an answer?

That is a purely hypothetical question.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the value of orders in the rearmament scheme placed in South-West Durham Special Area for the years 1936 and 1937, respectively?