asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state the position with regard to the Jarrow steel works; and give any approximate date as to the starting of the work in Jarrow?

I fear I can add nothing at present to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 9th November.

In view of the anxiety that is felt in this area, would the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiries as to when the preliminary work is likely to begin? I take it from what the Minister said that there is no doubt about it starting, but perhaps he could make some inquiries as to possible preliminary work?

The hon. Lady can be assured that I have not only been making inquiries but trying to urge the greatest haste. I think she will agree with me that it is unwise to raise hopes in this matter unless we are completely certain of the exact date when they will be fulfilled.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Runciman raised hopes in people by actually promising them that a steel works was to be established; and, as this matter has been going on for months, cannot the Government use their influence, if they have any, in order to have the works started?

I am using my influence, and as a result a good many difficulties have been cleared out of the way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the alarming increase in the importation of foreign carpets and the consequential reduction in employment, he will request the Import Duties Advisory Committee to make an early recommendation with regard to the application for increased duties which is at present under their consideration?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 8th July last to the hon. and gallant Member for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the refusal of the Import Duties Advisory Committee to recommend a reduction in the duty on turkeys and seeing that in consequence a tax of 3d. per pound will be levied on the turkeys now being imported for the coming Christmas season, which will make them too dear for a large section of the working-class population, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The duty was imposed on the recommendation of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, and in the absence of a recommendation by that Committee to the contrary, no action is contemplated.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that large numbers of working people indulge in turkeys at this time of the year, and does he think that the Government should take this method of collecting taxation at this period?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the census of turkeys last Sep- tember showed that there were more turkeys in this country than there have ever been before at the same time?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the negotiations with insurance companies in respect of antiaircraft insurance?

I am not aware of any negotiations such as my hon. Friend suggests. On the general question of war risks insurance, I would refer him to the answers I gave on 2nd and 9th November to the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Joel).

Can my right hon. Friend give any indication when the citizens of this country will be able to take steps to cover themselves against these risks if they should desire to do so?

As no private insurance company is likely to undertake this risk, will the Government consider the advisability of the Government accepting it?

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the answer to which I referred, he will see that I dealt with that point.

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount of land and the number of farms recently purchased by his Department in Southeast and East Kent; and the total acreage it is intended to purchase, the position of the land, and for what purposes it is intended to be used?

Land in South-east Kent in the area between Canterbury, Folkestone and Dover is required for military training. It is in contemplation to purchase some 16,000 acres in this area, but no purchases have been completed.

When the purchases have been completed will the farmers be allowed to remain on; if so, on what, if any, special conditions?

I will communicate with my hon. Friend and give him the answer which he requires.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that as soon as land owners know the War Office are to purchase land, the price goes up by 50 per cent.?

No, because we have compulsory powers in case of necessity.

Does that mean you have to go to arbitration in the case of every site?

This is an arbitrated figure.

Has the right hon. Gentleman assured himself that there is no land of less agricultural value than the land which has been bought?

That is one of the considerations. Another is the necessity of having training grounds in particular areas.

When such large areas are being taken over for Government purposes, do the Department ascertain the relative values for agricultural purposes of one area and another?

I have given instructions that all those considerations should be borne most carefully in mind, and that the utmost respect should be shown to both the agricultural and the town planning considerations involved. The War Office never takes a step except from necessity.

Is any of this acreage common land or manorial waste?

asked the Secretary of State for War the present shortage in the Regular and Territorial armies; and when he estimates these armies will reach full strength on their present establishments, taking the improved recruiting figures of the last three months as a basis?

As establishments are liable to alteration, neither significance nor accuracy could be attached to a calculation on the assumptions in the question. My hon. and gallant Friend might, however, be glad to have the following figures. If the establishment of the Regular Army had remained what it was in 1935 the strength to-day would be 96 per cent. of establishment. If the establishment of the Territorial Army had remained what it was in 1935, the strength to-day would be 90 per cent. of establishment. Meanwhile, owing to increases in establishments the Regular Army on 1st November was 19,619 short, and the Territorial Army 42,303 short.

Would my right hon. Friend get into touch with the Home Office to arrange that any recruiting they may do for air-raid precautions does not adversely affect the Territorial Army?

The demands of the State on the man power of the nation are very considerable, and it is sought to coordinate them as far as possible.

Is it a fact that the British Broadcasting Corporation does not encourage recruitment for the Territorials among its staff?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that retired officers do not receive the same emoluments to-day as they did in 1931; and whether he will explain why the cut has not been restored as were the cuts imposed in other professions?

Yes, Sir. From 1919 to 1935 officers' retired pay, like the pay of serving officers and the bonus of civil servants, was subject to variation with changes in the cost of living. The only variations in retired pay made during these years, including 1931, were in accordance with this principle, except that whereas civil servants' bonus was brought into line with the current cost of living figure from 1st March, 1931, officers' pay and retired pay were issued at a slightly higher rate till 1st October, 1931. Pay, retired pay and civil service salaries were all consolidated in 1935 at rates corresponding to a cost of living figure of 55, which was the figure for the earlier part of 1931.

Were not these retired rates of pay consolidated—no doubt by chance—when the cost of living happened to be very low?

I have answered my hon. and gallant Friend's question, which is based upon a slight misapprehension. If he will read my answer, he will see that, if anything, officers have been slightly better treated than other sections of the community.

Will my right hon. Friend revise these figures in view of the rise in the cost of living?

I cannot revise them. They are applicable to all services

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the successful experiment carried out in the early part of this year of affording special training and nourishment to recruits under standard has been further extended; and, if so, the number of recruits dealt with in this manner?

The maximum number under training at any one time at the Recruits Physical Development Depot was 235. The transfer of the depot to Canterbury, which took place on 20th November, will enable 300 to be taken, as soon as the accommodation is complete. The results of the experiment are most encouraging. Of 305 men who completed their training at the depot, 295 have been passed fit and sent to their regimental depots.

May I take it that in view of the fact that the Regular Army is largely under peace establishment the right hon. Gentleman proposes to extend this successful experiment?

Yes, Sir, I hope to be in a position to extend it. I think it is one of the finest services which the Army has rendered to the State, this taking of boys who are not completely fit and bringing them up to the standard by careful physical training.

Does not that experiment show that a large number of men in this country are under-nourished?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give a specimen of the daily menu for the Regular Army, and for such recruits as are not physically fit for the Regular Army?

The diet varies from day to day, but for purposes of illustration I will circulate a statement showing to-day's menus for a regular unit and to-day's menus for a regular unit and Depot.

asked the Secretary of State for War by what method it is proposed to select Territorial officers for courses at the Staff and Imperial Defence Colleges; and whether the Territorial officers are to serve as long at these colleges as Regulars?

The methods of selection, the courses and their duration will in both cases be similar to those for Regular Army officers. For the Imperial Defence College Territorial Army students will, after recommendation, be nominated by the Chief of the Imperial General Staff. For the Staff College Territorial Army students will be nominated by the Army Council after recommendation by their superior commanders and qualifying at the entrance examination.

Would my right hon. Friend take into consideration that there is an excellent course at the London University which can turn out staff officers in the evenings, and which might possibly fill the gaps if the Government are prepared to pay the small fees which the course entails?

My hon. and gallant Friend must know that I am only too

Can the right hon. Gentleman at the same time circulate some specimen menus from other armies, for example, the German army?

I will do my best to obtain them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take an early opportunity to make a statement as to the part which the Territorial Army is intended to play in the national defence system?

The Territorial Army is intended to provide the first line in anti-aircraft and coast defence at home, and further to serve where it may be required at home or abroad, not in drafts but in its own units and formations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Territorial Army competitions such as the King's Cup for artillery tend to cause over-specialisation at the expense of a more desirable general training; and whether he will consider the modification of the conditions and conduct of such competitions with a view to eliminating this tendency?

The intention is to give units training in the duties they have to perform in war, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any considered suggestions to make, I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Welsh Territorial Force will be specially represented upon his committee to inquire into the general administration of the Territorial Army?

As the Territorial Army is composed of units raised in all parts of the country, it is not practicable to provide for representation on a geographical basis. I hope, however, the personnel of the Committee will command general assent.

Can my right hon. Friend say when he will be in a position to announce the constitution of the committee?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question next week, I shall hope to be able to do so then.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider extending the regulations governing the granting of leave with pay to Government employés who are members of the Territorial Army so as to allow leave with pay to men attending courses of instruction in addition to that allowed for annual camp?

Government employés who are members of the Territorial Army are allowed special leave with pay in addition to their ordinary leave in accordance with the arrangements approved early this year. Such special leave would normally be taken for the purpose of attending annual training in camp, but objection would not be taken to its being utilised in whole or in part on courses of instruction if desired.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that 47 boxes of whether he fresh fish, shipped from Scalloway on Wednesday, 17th November, which should have reached Glasgow on Friday, 19th November, had not reached Aberdeen by Saturday, 20th November; and whether, in view of the fact that Scalloway is only 12 hours from Aberdeen by a 15-knot steamer, and that the Shetland fishermen complain that they suffer heavy losses every winter through the inadequacy of the steamer service, he will cause an investigation to be made into the whole question of transport as it affects the prosperity of Orkney and Shetland and the Scottish islands?

I am informed that the consignment of fish referred to in the question reached Aberdeen in the early morning of Saturday, 10th November, and was placed in cold storage at Glasgow on that evening. The delay in arrival of the steamer at Aberdeen was due, I am informed, to stormy weather which caused a general hold-up of shipping. As regards the last part of the question, a sub-committee of the Scottish Economic Committee is at present engaged in examining the economic conditions of the Highlands and Islands and I do not see occasion, in present circumstances, for considering such an investigation as is suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we had precisely the same difficulties on the West Coast with a private enterprise service until his predecessor got a public utility corporation established with a limitation of dividend and a State director, and that since then those troubles have been obviated? Could he not do the same thing for Orkney and Shetland?

I do not think that point arises out of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that before any committee was set up these complaints were proven, and that it was well known that the service was absolutely inadequate for these islands?

Can the Minister say when we may expect the report of the Scottish Economic Committee?

I could not say, but it will be at the end of this year, or at the beginning of next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of houses approved for grant for Scotland for the first six months of 1936 and the total number approved for grant for the first six months of 1937, and giving the numbers approved for grant under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, for each of these respective periods with the average grant per house?

The Department of Health approved tenders for 9,782 State-assisted houses in the first six months of 1936, and for 11,029 houses in the corresponding period of 1937. I regret that I cannot say how many of these houses will be subsidised under the Act of 1930, as the allocation of houses to a particular Act for subsidy purposes is determined, not at the approval stage, but according to the use to which the houses are put when completed. The average grant per house in respect of houses completed during the half-year ended the 15th May, 1936, and allocated to the Act of 1930, is £12 7s. 3d., and according to claims so far submitted to the Department the figure for the corresponding period in 1937, is £13 8s. 6d.

Is it possible to tell us the number of houses allocated under the Act of 1930 for a different period than the one for which I asked?

I will look into that point and let the hon. Member know.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many State-assisted houses in the Outer Islands built since 1931 have inside water supply; how many of those have lavatories; and how many have bathrooms?

All of the 161 houses erected with State assistance by local authorities in the Outer Islands since 1st January, 1931, have inside water supplies, water closets and bathrooms. Of the 235 State-assisted houses erected by private enterprise since that date, 38 have these facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of applications for houses which have been received by the housing department of the Glasgow Corporation for each year since 1933; the number of applications which have been granted in each year; and the number of cases where the application has been before the corporation authority for three years or more without result?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses under the slum-clearance provisions are to be provided in the Borrowfield area of the Camlachie Parliamentary Division; and whether, in view of the bad housing conditions in this part of Glasgow, he will take steps to expedite the provision of houses for the people living in such housing conditions?

I am informed that the corporation are preparing plans for approximately 550 houses in the Borrowfield area to accommodate tenants from unfit or overcrowded houses. I shall continue to keep in close touch with the corporation to secure that the provision of houses to meet the needs of people living under such conditions is expedited as much as possible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this particular corporation are so backward? Are they competing with the Socialist Council in London?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance the sanitary department of the Glasgow Corporation are prepared to give to tenants of houses in Glasgow infested by bugs and swarming with rats and beetles; and whether the department has ratcatchers on their staff whose services are available in such cases?

I am informed that while the sanitary department of Glasgow Corporation does not itself undertake the disinfestation of houses, its officers are prepared to advise tenants on methods for getting rid of vermin. Supplies of an insecticide, I am told, are also issued free of charge when considered necessary, and an officer from the department may attend to apply this insecticide. I understand that the sanitary department has ratcatchers, but not for work in private houses.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the best way to deal with this plague is to provide decent houses for the people?

Oh, yes, certainly Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether effect has yet been given to the proposal announced a year ago of an intended improvement in the scales of pay of divisional land officers and the technical grades working under them; and whether he can make any statement as to the extent of such improvement?

The remuneration of the divisional land officers and the officers working under them is at the present time the subject of negotiations on the Departmental Whitley Council, and, in these circumstances, the hon. Member will appreciate that I am unable to make any detailed statement as to the extent of the actual improvement under consideration.

Does that mean that delay has taken place in dealing with the remuneration of these civil servants? Who is responsible for that delay? Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the matter is likely to be determined?

It is true that the revised scales were laid before the staff in December, 1936, and negotiations have been in progress since that date, unfortunately without result so far.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what practical steps are being taken in the Western Isles of Scotland at the present time to provide wholesome water supplies in the villages in place of many of the present dangerous and polluted supplies, and in which districts?

I am aware that the water supplies at a number of places in the Western Islands are unsatisfactory in various respects. The County Council of Inverness have recently decided to institute an engineering survey into water supplies and resources in North Uist and will consider later whether similar surveys should be made in other islands in the county. Improvements to water supplies are at present being undertaken, I understand, at Leverburgh and Scalpay in Harris.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not a question for consideration in the future, but is a matter of urgency, because there is a danger to the health of the people? There are several examples, such as Eriskay, which he might investigate as a matter of urgency now.

As I say, the county council are investigating.

The county council have never done anything.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered representations from Glasgow Corporation asking for the removal of Duke Street Prison, so that the site may be converted into an open space and thereby add to the amenities of the district; and whether the Prison Commissioners have prepared any scheme for the building of a new prison for women on the outskirts of the city, so that Duke Street Prison can be replaced at an early date?

I am aware that the Glasgow Corporation were at one time considering the question of acquiring the site of Duke Street Prison for a city improvement or other civic purpose, but I have received no specific proposal from them. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 24th June last to the hon. Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern).

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is satisfied that the regulations and orders made under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, dealing with shot-firing are fully carried out in all mines?

No, Sir, but I am satisfied that there is seldom any wilful contravention. The number of accidents is not high in proportion to the large amount of shot-firing done, but so long as any accidents occur efforts to prevent them must be continued. The problem of still further minimising the risks is one of those at present engaging the attention of the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has given consideration to the interim report prepared by the committee of the Institution of Mining Engineers on shot-firing and its alternatives; and does he propose to take any action?

This report—an ad interim one—is largely a summary of information already published or relating to lines of inquiry or development which are already being followed. It does not point to any new line of action that I could usefully take.

Have the Mines Department considered recommending the use of coal bursters in preference to other methods?

I do not think that question arises out of this report.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has sufficient evidence to show that the use of sheathed explosives in mines where fire-damp may occur tends to eliminate ignition; arid is it proposed to take any action?

Yes, Sir, I have good reason to believe that, m mines where there is danger from fire-damp, sheathed explosives, which are now extensively used, contribute towards safety in shot-firing. As regards the second part of the question, I will consider the possibility and advisability of a general measure of compulsion to the use of sheathed explosives as soon as certain outstanding technical problems have been solved. Meanwhile, I am glad to say rapid progress is being made in their adoption on a voluntary basis.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether compensation has ever been paid by the purchasing company to miners displaced by the voluntary amalgamations of collieries that have taken place?

I regret that I cannot give a definite reply, but no instance of such payments has come to my knowledge.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the minimum prices fixed in each district selling scheme are in operation or whether there is still some coal being sold at less than the minimum prices?

With the exception of certain minimum prices for export in Scotland, I know of no minimum prices the determination of which is required by a district selling scheme which are not in operation. No cases of evasion of minimum prices have been brought to my notice.

That reply does not answer my question, which was whether any coal is being sold under the minimum price?

As I have just said, no case of evasion of coal prices has been brought to my notice.

Will the hon. and gallant Member be careful to keep up the cost of living to the poor consumer?

asked the Secretary for Mines which district is allowed to sell its coal in the London market for household purposes; and whether he can state the pithead price and the cost of the conveyance of such coal?

So far as I am aware, any coal mining district may sell its coal on the London market for household purposes. The information at my disposal relates to average pithead prices of coal and not to prices charged for coal to particular markets, while the cost of conveyance varies according to the distance of the colliery from London and whether the coal is rail-borne or sea-borne.

Surely the Minister will give a different answer from that? What we want the Minister to answer is, what are the pit-head prices of coal sent to London, and what is the cost of convey- ance? Surely he can answer those questions?

If the hon. Member thinks over the considerations which I have given in my reply, he will see the difficulty of such a reply.

We have been told that before. Why not give an answer now?

Cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman ask the Coal Merchants' Federation in London what are the pithead prices?

We know what the average pit-head prices are, because they are published, but the hon. Gentleman is asking for something quite different, for a figure which obviously must depend upon the distance to London from the colliery and the means of transport, whether rail or sea.

Is not the Coal Merchants' Federation in London aware of the pit-head prices of coal sold in the area and of the cost of transport?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can issue a report of the working in each district of the selling schemes from the date of the amended schemes which came into operation on 1st August, 1936, until 1st August, 1937?

No, Sir. I think the report published in June last (Cmd. 5474) gives all the information I can usefully place before Parliament, until early next year, when, as was announced by my right hon. and gallant Friend on 25th November, I propose to present a further report.

Seeing that the new selling schemes came into force on 1st August, 1936, is it not essential that we should have a report to 1st August, 1937, so that we may be able to judge of the working of the schemes?

I do not think there is any particular merit about a particular date. I gave a report to this House containing all the information which I had, and I promised another report within a few months.

Why have coal prices gone up so much more than food prices?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has taken any steps to secure appointments in the protectorates for British-born and educated civil servants of like character and prospects to those in our Colonial service?

As I informed the House in the course of the Debate on 29th July, improvement of scales of salaries and conditions of service of the administrative officers in the territories, which were designed to enable the administrative services of the territories to be linked up with the Colonial Administrative Service, have recently been adopted. Arrangements are now in force under which first appointments to the administrative services of the territories are normally filled by officers of the Colonial Administrative Service either transferred from elsewhere or selected under the Colonial Service recruiting arrangements. I should, perhaps, add that candidates whose home is in South Africa will, of course, receive the same consideration in connection with appointments to these posts as they already do for appointments to the Colonial Service generally.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him whether any Britons have been appointed to these services yet?

A number of appointments have already taken place under the new arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the estimated output of iron ore from Newfoundland for the year 1937; the number of men at present employed at the mines; and the total amount distributed monthly in wages, together with the comparable figures for 1935 and 1936?

I am glad to say that the iron-ore mines at Bell Island, Newfoundland, are now working to capacity. The Governor reports that the estimated output this year is 1,610,000 tons, as against an actual output of 662,000 tons in 1935 and 893,000 tons in 1936. The number of persons employed at the mines in September, 1937, was 1,982, an increase of some boo on the figures for the two previous years, when moreover many of those employed were on part time. The wages paid in September amounted to rather more than $217,000, an increase of some $150,000 over the two previous years.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether those satisfactory conditions obtain not only in iron mining but in other industries in the Island?

Improvement is generally true with regard to all the industries in the island with the exception, I am afraid, of the important industry of fishing.

How much of this iron ore comes here?

I understand that some 250,000 tons will be coming here this year, a quantity far in excess of any which came to this country in any previous year.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of vessels entered and cleared from ports in Newfoundland for the first 10 months of 1937, together with the figures for 1935 and 1936?

The number of vessels entered at Newfoundland ports in the first 10 months of 1937 was 1,077, the figures for the full years 1935 and 1936 being 872 and 1,033 respectively. Vessels cleared from Newfoundland ports during the first 10 months of this year numbered 989, as against 803 and 917 in the full years 1935 and 1936.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the report of the Departmental Committee on Irish Free State immigration into this country will be published?

Yes, Sir. I propose to place a copy of the report—which is quite a short document—in the Library of the House before the end of this week. I will gladly send my right hon. Friend, and any other hon. Members who may express a wish to receive it, a copy of the report.

Will the evidence also be placed in the Library?

No, Sir, the report which was presented to me consists only of conclusions drawn from the evidence which the Departmental Committee heard, and they make certain references to it.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman place the report in the Vote Office?

The document is quite a short one, and it did not seem worth while going to the expense of producing a White Paper about it, but, as I have said. I propose to send copies of the report to hon. Members who wish to have them, and if the number is so large that it would be obviously wiser to put it in the Vote Office, I should be glad to do so.

If the Minister is not willing to put the report in the Vote Office, could we not publish the text of it in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

I will consider the whole matter when I know how many copies are wanted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman send me a copy?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs particulars of the negotiations and correspondence that have taken place with the authorities in the Dominions for the purpose of obtaining their views on the Clauses and terms of the Cinematograph Films Bill which is at present before this House?

Copies of the Moyne Committee report, and of the White Paper containing the proposals for legislation on cinematograph films, were sent to the Dominions at the time. No observations 'have been received from them upon the contents of either of these documents.

Is it intended to consult the Dominions after the Bill has left Committee?

The Dominions are 'lot concerned with the legislation of this House. As the President of the Board of Trade assured the House the other day at Question Time, the question of approaching certain Dominion Governments or certain Australian State Governments in regard to their legislation is being kept in mind.

Is the Minister aware that Dominion Governments need not be consulted, and that under the terms of the Cinematograph Films Bill they can do just as they like?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will give particulars of all films that have been censored and/or not allowed to be shown in the Dominions for the 12 months ended at the last convenient date?

I have only in my possession at present particulars relating to film censorship in the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand, and, as a number of figures are involved I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am making further inquiries as regards Film Censorship in the other Dominions, and I will communicate the results as soon as possible to the hon. Member.

Are we to take it that those films which have been banned can be shown as Empire films?

Perhaps the hon. Member will study the figures when they are published in the OFFICIAL REPORT, and then ask me any question which arises out of them.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the present position with regard to the setting up of an appeal tribunal for the members of the British Commonwealth of Nations; and to what extent the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is now made use of?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the recommendations on the subject of a Commonwealth tribunal in the Summary of Proceedings of the Imperial Conference, 1930, where it was proposed inter alia that such a tribunal should be an ad hoc body appointed as occasion might require. No recourse has yet been had to a tribunal constituted on the lines proposed. As regards the second part of the question, which of course raises a different issue, the number of appeals from Dominions set down for hearing before the present Michaelmas session of the Judicial Committee is five from Canada and one from New Zealand.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Dominions themselves are satisfied with the present position as regards an Imperial appeal tribunal?

The only occasion when such a tribunal might have been helpful has arisen since the Conference of 1930, and I think that the circumstances surrounding that occasion are well known and need no further reference from me at Question Time.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received any report from the British Legion in relation to the inquiries being made into the condition of ex-service men; 147 and whether he can make any statement 19 to the House in regard to the matter?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith).

Does the Minister propose, when the report has been received, to provide an opportunity for its discussion in this House?

I had better see the report first.

Is it possible for the hon. Gentleman, in view of the growing concern about this matter in all quarters of the House, to do anything to expedite the presentation of the report?

It is in the hands of the British Legion.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether they have considered an application of representatives of their employés in the Forest of Dean for an increase of wages to meet the rise in the cost of living; and what decision they have come to in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. The rate of wages of Forestry Commission employés was already under consideration when an application for an increase was received in December last. I n April last the standard rate was raised. Applications for a further increase have recently been received, but the Commissioners do not at present propose to make a further increase.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that certain classes of agricultural labourers are paid 39s. and 40s. a week in that same district, and that forestry work is often very special, skilled work; and will he not at least consider bringing the wages of the forestry workers up to the level of the special classes of agricultural labourers?

I think the hon. Member is misinformed. The Forest of Dean lies in the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, and the standard rates of pay for the lowest grade of forest workers are considerably above the agricultural wages rates for those counties.

If the Forestry Commission have come to a deadlock, are they prepared to submit the case for conciliation and arbitration if an application is made to that effect?

I am not aware of any deadlock.

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, what action it is proposed to take arising from the report prepared by Miss Marion Fitzgerald on the instructions of the Church Union, and with the assistance of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, indicating that the Church has been participating in ground rents from houses in Maida Vale and Paddington of doubtful character, and that on the Ecclesiastical Commissioners' Walworth No. i estate, near Lambeth Palace, every house in one bad patch of property, from which ground rents are drawn, is infested with vermin; and whether the Commissioners have considered the advisability of promoting legislation to enable them, under Section 30 of the 1925 Act, to ask the court to break the type of lease in question?

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners do not accept the implications contained in the question. The Commissioners are satisfied that either the police or the housing and sanitary authorities enjoy full powers to remedy abuses of the kind referred to wherever they may be found to exist. It is not the function of the Commissioners to invite Parliament to amend the law governing the powers of owners of land and of houses respectively, and no special protection of the Commissioners against inaction by those charged with its administration would be appropriate. The hon. Member could more speedily attain his beneficent purpose if he would persuade the authorities to exercise their powers so as to bring these houses, over which the Commissioners have no control, up to the standard which the report says is maintained by the Commissioners in respect of their own property.

Does not my hon. Friend feel that the Church has a special responsibility in this matter, and that it really cannot get out of it by saying that these properties are let on long leases; and will he not consider, if he thinks the circumstances appropriate, coming to Parliament for special powers to break the leases?

As I have stated in my answer, it is scarcely the function of the Commissioners to invite Parliament to make a change in the general law governing the relationship between landowners and householders respectively.

Would the hon. Gentleman be so good as to inform his fellow Commissioners that their duty is to look after the material property of the Church, and not to deliver sermons to Members of this House?

My hon. Friend may be assured that we look after the property of the Church far better than we deliver sermons.

When breaches of covenants occur, have not the Commissioners the right to sue in the Courts for forfeiture of the lease; and why are they not doing so when breaches of covenants have been established?

We do take action where breaches of covenants are established. In these cases I know of no breach of covenant arising at all.

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, the annual amount received by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in coal royalties?

The amount received by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in respect of royalties on coal for the year to 31st March, 1936 (the last available), was £239,000.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the recommendations of the Departmental Committee set up to consider the possibility of a scheme for pensions for ex-Members of Parliament?

The report of the Committee is, I understand, nearly ready, and will probably reach me in the course of a week or so.

Does my right hon. Friend think it will be possible to make the report available to us before the Christmas Recess?

I should not like to answer that question until I have the document.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that the Government, in basing their policy on the Covenant of the League of Nations, including Articles 16 and 19, adheres to the interpretation of Article 16 given in Annex F to the Treaty of Locarno, to the effect that each State member of the League is bound to cooperate loyally and effectively in support of the Covenant and in resistance to any act of aggression to an extent which is compatible with its military situation and takes its geographical position into account?

I am certainly not prepared to offer any fresh interpretation of Article 16 of the Covenant.

Does the Prime Minister adhere to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary some months ago, that the British Government does accept that interpretation?

When we wish to depart from any policy that we have already expressed, we shall duly give notice of it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider initiating proposals for strengthening the economic machinery of the League, so that economic sanctions arising out of Article 16 could be planned in advance, and not improvised when it is too late to do so with any hope of success?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put that question down.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take advantage of the visit of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary of France to make it clear to the French Government that this country has no intention of identifying itself with any combination of Powers purporting to be directed against the alleged dangers of Communism?

I would remind the hon. Member of the statement by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in this House on 1st November, that His Majesty's Government will join neither an anti-Communist nor an anti-Fascist bloc. I have no doubt that the French Government are already aware of this statement.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has now any statement to make regarding the recent conversations in Germany and the conversations which have just taken place with representatives of the French Government?

As regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to previous answers which I have given on this subject. As regards the second point, the best answer I can give to the right hon. Gentleman is to read the terms of the communique which has been issued at the conclusion of the conversations with the French Prime Minister and the French Minister for Foreign Affairs. This was as follows:

"M. Chautemps and M. Delbos had a number of conversations with the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and other British Ministers during their stay in London on 29th and 30th November.

The French Ministers heard from Lord Halifax himself a statement on his recent conversations in Germany. They were glad to recognise that while Lord Halifax's visit, being of a private and unofficial character, was not expected to lead to any immediate results, it had helped to remove causes of international misunderstanding and was well calculated to improve the atmosphere.

The problems of Europe as a whole and the future prospects of appeasement and disarmament came under review. On these important subjects the French and British Ministers found fresh evidence of that community of attitude and outlook which so happily characterises the relations between France and the United Kingdom.

A preliminary examination was made of the colonial question in all its aspects. It was recognised that this question was not one that could be considered in isolation, and moreover would involve a number of other countries. It was agreed that the subject would require much more extended study.

The French Ministers in their turn spoke of the forthcoming visit of M. Delbos to certain countries in Central and Eastern Europe. They were happy to note the common interest of the two Governments in the maintenance of peaceful conditions in those parts of Europe.

The situation arising out of the Spanish conflict and Mediterranean questions generally came under review. It was agreed that despite all difficulties the policy of non-intervention in Spain had been fully justified and had contributed materially to diminish the international repercussions of the conflict. It was resolved to continue to pursue the efforts of the two Governments in this direction in order to give full effect to this policy.

The French and British Ministers examined the Far Eastern situation, the gravity of which they fully recognised. They were agreed as to their readiness to co-operate, with other Powers similarly placed, to protect the rights and interests and to meet the obligations arising from international treaties relating to that part of the world.

The French and British Ministers went on to review in a spirit of mutual confidence the other aspects of international affairs of common interest to the two countries. While in no way departing from their previously expressed conception of international collaboration, they reaffirmed the desire of their Governments to co-operate with all countries in the common task of promoting international appeasement by the methods of free and peaceful negotiation."

May I ask the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to extend the conversations to other countries, and not confine them to this country and Germany and to this country and France; and whether the conversations are being carried on with other countries with a view to trying to arrive at a general settlement of these problems with all the countries concerned?

The right hon. Gentleman will be well aware that the ultimate object we have in view is what he has described as a general settlement. It is quite obvious that no general settlement can be arrived at merely by conversations between two or three countries, and, therefore, we must ultimately contemplate that other countries will be brought into these conversations. At the same time, I must make it clear that I do not think we have got as far as the advisability of an immediate extension of the conversations, although that may come at a later stage.

May I ask whether it is proposed to have a Debate on foreign affairs?

No.

asked the Prime Minister whether the form and personnel of the high command in the event of war are decided upon; whether he can give an assurance that plans for the exercise and co-ordination of the high command are specific and complete; and whether the Government's policy in regard to unified command is decided upon in relation to every international alignment in such an event?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative, subject to continued reconsideration in the light of changing circumstances. In reply to the last part of the question, the general principles that should govern the Government's policy in regard to unified command have been carefully studied, but their precise application to any particular set of hypothetical circumstances cannot be decided in advance.

On which Minister does the responsibility fall of dealing with the question of unified command in its national aspect?

Have not the Opposition got war on the brain?

I am afraid the responsibility will fall on me.

asked the Prime Minister what is to be the revised composition of the committee to inquire into civil aviation?

My Noble Friend has considered the representations, which have been made from several quarters of the House, to the effect that the committee should contain no official element. My Noble Friend's sole desire is to appoint the most competent and authoritative committee possible. I am confident that in no quarter of the House is there any wish to question the competency, impartiality or authority of the public servants whose selection has been announced. However, to meet the views expressed in the House it has been decided to reconstitute the committee, the membership of which will be:—Lord Cadman, G.C.M.G., Chairman; Sir Frederick Marquis, J.P., Mr. T. Harrison Hughes, Mr. J. W. Bowen, J.P.