asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether Imperial Airways, Limited, have direectly or indirectly sought the aid of His Majesty's Minister in Bangkok towards establishing a Bangkok-Hong Kong air service; whether such aid was forthcoming; and what were the reasons for the failure to secure such an important route?

His Majesty's Representative at Bangkok has been conducting negotiations with the Siamese Government, and I am happy to be able to state that formal agreement was reached on 3rd December and recorded in an Exchange of Notes, which will be laid before the House in due course. I understand that arrangements have now been made to inaugurate the service from Bangkok on 19th December.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry have supplied Imperial Airways, Limited, with any motor-boats; if so, how many; and whether any payment has been made to the Air Ministry for these boats?

Under the agreements for operation of the Empire services the Air Ministry is responsible for providing or arranging for the pro vision at certain stopping places on the Empire routes of all ground services and ground equipment which are essential aids to navigation. Motor-boats are included in such equipment, the total numbers at present involved being approximately 80. The cost of upkeep of these boats is borne by the Air Ministry or the local government concerned, but the arrangements provide for debiting Imperial Airways for the use of the boats when employed for purposes of the company other than those specified in the agreements.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how often the Maybury report was revised before being finally issued; and how often it was sent back by the Air Ministry to the committee to be re-written?

The report of the Maybury Committee was published as received from the Committee, and they were never asked to revise or alter their report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any air company has offered, with or without subsidy, to carry out the air junction scheme of the Maybury report?

One company has put forward a proposal to carry out the air junction scheme of the Maybury report on certain conditions including an adequate subsidy. It is not intended that any subsidy should be paid to the company or companies operating the junction scheme.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us the name of the company?

Yes, it is Utility Airways, Limited.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to adopt the air junction scheme of the Maybury report; and, if so, what assistance will be given to the Doncaster and other municipal aerodromes on the East Coast to enable them to maintain their services?

The Government have accepted in principle the desirability of a junction scheme. As regards the last part of the question, the Maybury Committee reported against direct subsidies to civil aerodromes and the Government decided to maintain their policy in that respect. The Government in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee will provide, maintain and operate radio facilities, a meteorological organisation and a comprehensive air traffic control organisation.

Is the Secretary of State considering the adoption of the air junction scheme of the Maybury report; and, if he adopts it, will that mean that the aerodromes on the East Coast will become derelict?

No, Sir. The Government have accepted the general recommendations of the Maybury Committee which include the principle of the desirability of a junction scheme, but actually whether the scheme is to be operated or not, will depend on the applications from companies who can work it. No selection of a particular place for the junction has yet been made.

Can these matters be brought before the Cadman Committee?

Perhaps the hon. Member would ask the Cadman Committee and hear what they say?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of fare-paying passengers who have lost their lives since 1st June, 1934, while flying in Air France machines, and similar figures for Imperial Airways, Limited?

The figures are 3 and 16 respectively.

Is it not a fact that Imperial Airways carry more fare-paying passengers than any other operating company and that they have the greatest reputation for safety of any company?

Imperial Air ways have an extremely good reputation for safety.

Do not Imperial Airways get a bigger subsidy from this Government than any other air company in the world?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the conditions which necessitate wives and children of men serving in the Royal Navy having recourse to relief from public assistance committees; and whether, in view of the undesirability of this state of affairs, he proposes to remedy it?

The special difficulties of men serving in the Navy who have married below 25, the qualifying age for marriage allowance, have always been realised, and formed the subject of further representations made by their officers to the Board of Admiralty some weeks ago As a result, the Admiralty are endeavouring to arrange that all cases of actual distress which cannot be dealt with by the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust will be sympathetically considered by the Admiralty Family Welfare Sections at the Home ports to whom they should be represented.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Secretary of State for War and the Secretary of State for Air with a view to reducing the age of 25, at which they qualify for marriage allowance?

That is a question of general policy. I am always prepared to consider any suggestions put forward by hon. Members, but whether it would be wise to enter into consultation with other Departments I am not prepared to say.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is undesirable that the Navy should be maintained by the Unemployment Assistance Board?

In view of the alarm in the country at the decrease in the birth rate, will the right hon. Gentleman get into touch with the Minister of Health and hear what he has to say about it?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the date of the last occasion on which the marriage allowance pay able to married ratings was reviewed; and whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he is prepared to recommend any further alteration?

Marriage allowance is paid on a sliding scale, the rate of allowances for the 12 months from April to March being determined annually by the cost-of-living index figure on the preceding 1st January. The existing rate due to change in the cost-of-living figure came into operation 1st April, 1931. It will be remember, however, that as from 1st October, 1936, the basic allowance for a wife only, for men on the 1925 scale of pay, was increased by 3s weekly, the rates of allowances for children remaining as before.

Do I understand that the Minister is giving the matter his consideration?

It will be fully considered in the natural course of events.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the case of the officers has recently been reviewed?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now give the House any information in connection with the death of the man Marples who was found in the sealed cabin on board the aircraft-carrier "Furious," stationed at Plymouth; and whether the wallet that was taken from his pocket has been found?

The verdict at the inquest was that the deceased died from shock and haemorrhage on 23rd November following a fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain as the result of an accidental fall down the ship's ladder on the previous night. The cabin was not sealed, and though Mr. Marples is stated to have been in the habit of carrying a wallet there appears to be no evidence that it was on his person at the time of his fatal accident.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the report of the commandant in connection with this wallet and its disappearance?

I have read the report and all the evidence given at the inquest.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the number of apprentices who can be promoted to the rank of cadet E is two per year; and whether he has considered the advisability of increasing the number of such promotions; and, if so, with what result?

There is now no restriction on the number of promotions from artificer apprentice to cadet E and all candidates who come up to the required standard are accepted. Three promotions have been made during the current year.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to state to what extent the claim of the Chargemen's Association for increased rates of charge-pay can be met by the Admiralty?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make any announcement with regard to the extent to which it will be possible to meet the claim of the Chargemen's Association for a revision of the present basis of charge-pay; when the proposed new scales will be brought into effect; and what will be the approximate cost of such action?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the precise nature of the award of the Industrial Court upon the claim of the Chargemen's Association for a revision of charge pay for chargemen in Admiralty dockyards; and when this award will be put into effect by his Department?

The rates of charge pay in Admiralty industrial establishments at home have recently been the subject of an award by the Industrial Court. As the details of the award are somewhat involved I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am also sending a full copy of the award to each of the hon. Gentlemen who have put questions on this subject. It is not possible at this stage to form any reliable estimate of the cost of applying the award, which will take effect from 3rd December.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the Admiralty confer with the Chargemen's Association when arranging to put into effect the award granted by the Industrial Court?

Every effort will be made to facilitate putting into effect the award.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to send a copy of the award to hon. Members who represent dockyard constituencies?

If they ask for it, yes.

May I ask for a copy?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there is any shortage of candidates for warrant rank in the Navy; and, if so, what steps are being taken to rectify the matter?

There is no shortage of candidates except in the branches of gunner, gunner (T), and boatswain. As my hon. Friend will be aware, the shortage in these branches has been investigated by a committee, whose recommendations the Admiralty have had under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the name of the Palestine public prosecutor; and, in view of the fact that this is the post which the Royal Commission recommended on page 167 should be held by an Englishman, why no change has been made?

There is no officer with the title of public prosecutor in Pales tine. The Attorney-General in Palestine is responsible for public prosecutions, and his office is being strengthened by the appointment of two British Crown counsel. The Palestine Government have, in fact, gone beyond the recommendation of the Royal Commission who suggested the addition of one British senior Government advocate only.

May I ask what is the title of the office now held by Alauni Bey, brother-in-law of Jemal Husseini, who used to be called public prosecutor?

I understand that he is still a member of the legal department. At present he is absent on leave, and it is not possible to say on what work in the department he will be employed when he returns to duty. I should like to add that I can find no reason to suppose that he is not a loyal servant of the Department.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he had the title of public prosecutor and that was the position which was criticised by the Royal Commission under the name of Government Advocate. Is he in future to have any official position in the Palestine Government?

Yes. As I have said he is a member of the legal department, but I understand he has never been public prosecutor. He was in the Attorney-General's office, and, as I have stated, two British Crown counsel have been added to the Attorney-General's office to perform functions which in this country are performed by the Public Prosecutor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the statement by the Royal Commission in Palestine that immigration increased economic absorbtive capacity; and whether this view is confirmed by his experience as regards colonies generally?

I presume that the right hon. Gentleman is referring to paragraph 76 of Chapter X of the Royal Commission's report. It is clear from the wording of the paragraph that the Commissioners' remarks had reference to the special conditions governing Jewish immigration into Palestine. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Does the right hon. Gentleman disagree with the statement of the Royal Commission that the more immigrants who enter into a country the greater the prosperity?

Yes, I disagree. It is entirely a question of the amount of work available and the amount of capital. The return of the West Indian labourers from Cuba to Jamaica has not increased the economic absorptive capacity and output of Jamaica.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not appreciate that an emigrant makes as much work as he takes?

Not necessarily.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has a detailed statement to make as to the situation in Palestine; and whether terrorist activities are now effectively dealt with?

Since my last statement on 24th November there has been a few further outrages involving loss of life. As the hon. Member will have learnt from the Press, several cases have already been heard by the military courts and in one case a sentence of death was imposed and duly carried out. I am satisfied that all appropriate steps are being taken to deal effectively with the terrorist activities.

Is not the origin of these outrages the failure of the British Government to carry out the Mandate?

That is an entirely different question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement regarding the recent ambush of three and murder of two Arab policemen in Palestine; and whether any of the terrorists responsible have been captured?

I understand that three Arab policemen on patrol were captured by a body of Arab bandits who shot two of them. The third escaped by feigning death. Troops and police have been sent in search of the murderers, but I have not yet heard whether they have established contact.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed at any stage to set up a joint committee of both Houses of Parliament to consider plans for the future of Palestine?

I am unable at present to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 21st October.

Do I understand that it is not necessarily ruled out at some future stage?

That must be seen at a very much later stage.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea as to when he contemplates sending the Boundary Commission to Palestine?

Not at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will circulate the names and offices of the 137 officials of the Palestine judiciary and Department of Justice and other Departments of the Palestine Government who, on 30th June, 1936, sent a memorandum to the Palestine Government condemning its policy; and, in view of the opinion expressed by the chairman of the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations, he will say what action he has taken in the case of each officer concerned?

I see no advantage in taking action on the lines suggested in the first part of the question, and I am not prepared to do so. As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to what I have already stated in my reply to the hon. Member for East Wolver hampton (Mr. Mander) on 18th November.

Are we to understand that no action is being taken or is contemplated in connection with the disloyal action of these members of the Civil Service, and may I ask whether the new High Commissioner who is going out has any instructions to eliminate from the Civil Service disloyal members and to make the rest of the Civil Service obey orders?

I do not feel it would be proper for me to answer that very improper question—

rose—

—and may I protest?

On a point of Order. I want to know from you, Sir, whether it is proper for a Minister on that bench to insult a Member who asks a question?

I think the fault lies with me for allowing the supplementary question.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has had any information since June or July, 1936, as to whether or not any of these 137 civil servants have committed actions of disloyalty?

The Palestine Civil Service is working in very difficult conditions, and is most loyally carrying out the policy of the Government.

On a point of Order. I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether—[Interruption.]

Cannot you feed the animals and keep them quiet?

On a point of Order. I should like to call attention on the earliest possible opportunity to the conduct of the right hon. Gentleman opposite.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the educational and health services provided for the residents in the Jewish quarter of Jaffa have cost the municipality of Tel-Aviv some £15,000, but that these residents are not held to be taxable by that municipality; and whether he will arrange to have this matter investigated at the earliest possible opportunity, with a view to remedying the injustice involved in keeping these quarters under the jurisdiction of another municipality which does not provide them with essential municipal services?

I have no information about this matter, but I am asking the High Commissioner for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the undertaking given in Palestine that, in the event of the assassination of an official in the course of his duty, the question of a special award to his dependants will be sympathetically considered in the light of all the circumstances, has reference to all persons employed in the public service in Palestine, both civil and military?

The undertaking refers to civil officers in the employment of the Palestine Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the arbiter has given his award in connection with the claim for £20,923 in respect of the acquisition by the Air Ministry of 404 acres of land for the Finningley Royal Air Force aerodrome, near Doncaster; if so, what the award was; and what was the previous net rateable value of the property in question?

The arbitrator's award was £11,584. The property was wholly agricultural and derated except for one set of small farm buildings the previous rateable value of which is not known.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend circulate a White Paper explaining to hon. Members opposite that all agricultural land is derated?

May I ask the relevant question whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman has any idea of the ordinary cost of similar land to be used for agricultural purposes?

I cannot state that as a general principle, but in this instance, the average cost of the land works out at £29 an acre, which is not on the whole excessive.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that insurance companies require an extra premium from members of the Royal Air Force Reserve who, when insuring their lives, desire to be covered against war risks; and whether, as the members of the reserve receive no pay, he will consider indemnifying them in respect of such additional premium as may be reasonable?

I am aware that members of the Royal Air Force Reserve, who, when insuring their lives, desire to be covered against risks which may arise in peace or war in virtue of their membership of the Reserve, are required by insurance companies to pay an extra premium: and this matter, in so far as it affects all non-regular personnel exposed to such risk, is under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when the new Birmingham municipal port will be available for the purposes of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve training; and what steps are being taken in the meantime to provide more facilities in the West Midlands?

It is hoped that the airport in question will be ready for Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve training in the late summer of next year. In the meantime, every effort will be made both to increase the facilities already available and to provide further facilities for training at other centres in the West Midlands.

In view of the fact that the Birmingham airport will not be ready for another eight months, what steps in regard to aerodromes are being taken in the meantime; and will service machines be available instead of merely training machines?

Negotiations for a new centre have been opened at Stoke-on-Trent and, if necessary, another centre will be opened near Coventry. With regard to machines, perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Will there be any subsidy for Doncaster?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many of the 123 squadrons in the Metropolitan Air Force are commanded by squadron-leaders; how many are 25 per cent. or more below strength in aircraft of the service type alloted to them; how many are 25 per cent. or more below strength in pilots; and how many are 25 per cent. or more below strength in technical personnel of other ranks?

The answer to the first part of the question is that 121 squadrons are commanded by officers of the rank of squadron-leader or above; to the second part, two regular and five auxiliary squadrons; to the third part, one regular and six auxiliary squadrons, and to the last part, none in so far as essential technical personnel is concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether there has been planned and prepared, to meet the contingency of the disablement of Air Ministry communications by enemy action either against the Ministry or the General Post Office, any alternative headquarters site and means of communication between units?

I regret I cannot add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 1st December last. I am sure the House will appreciate that it would be quite impossible to disclose strategic and operational plans.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I made no such request to him, but that I am merely asking him for an assurance that plans have been made for some alternative headquarters in the event of the destruction of the Air Ministry communications, and how can it be contrary to the public interest to give an assurance on that point? Is he further aware that there is widespread concern in informed quarters at the lack of planning in the Air Ministry for meeting this contingency?

I naturally appreciate that there is widespread concern among the public generally that there should be adequate planning necessary for the defences of the country, but I confess I am not aware that there is widespread concern that the necessary precautions are not being taken. As I informed the hon. Member last week, all possible precautions are being taken to cover contingencies of the nature indicated in the hon. Member's question, but I am sure that he and the House will appreciate that it is extremely difficult and likely to be very much against the public interest to become involved in question and answer on a matter of this kind.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that he is not the only person who is concerned for the public interest in this matter, and will he state specifically whether the elementary precaution has been taken of providing alternative means of communication and an alternative site for the present Air Ministry?

I hope I did not give the impression to the House that I thought I was the only person concerned. I was rather particular to indicate at the beginning of my remarks that I was naturally well aware that there was widespread concern that the best possible precautions should be taken. I will again bring to the hon. Member's notice the answer to the question to which I referred, when I said that all possible precautions are being taken to cover contingencies of the nature indicated in the hon. Member's question, and I think that really indicates that the matter is thoroughly before the Air Ministry.

Is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman of the opinion that this is the first and most essential of all air-raid precautions, and should not the House receive the assurance asked for by the hon. Gentleman?

asked the Prime Minister whether plans are complete for the co-ordination and unified command of the three Services in the event of war; and whether any form of personal command or machinery charged with this function, other than the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, is in existence to-day which was not in existence in 1918?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to a similar question on 30th November. As regards the second part of the question, the whole subject has been studied in the light of the Great War and of subsequent experience. The present arrangements provide for the fullest use of the machinery of the Committee of Imperial Defence, which has been very much ex tended since 1918, including such developments as the Chiefs of Staff and Joint Planning Sub-Committees.

Can the Prime Minister say whether the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence has undertaken any strategic co-ordination between the three Defence Services?

Perhaps the hon. Member would put that question down.

May I, with great respect, ask the Prime Minister whether he is not aware that that is at the very root of the question on the Paper; and that being so, am I not entitled to a reply on this occasion?

It may be at the root, but it does not appear above the ground.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, before the report of the Falmouth Committee is completed, he will satisfy him self that all processes at present working commercially have been examined; and whether the claims of all others which have offered evidence will be published with the report?

As I informed the hon. Member last week, the Falmouth Committee have completed their report. I have to-day received it. As regards the second part of the question, until I have read the report I am unable to make any statement as to publication.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let us know when the report will be published?

I have said that, until I have read the report, I can make no statement.

Do the Government propose to act upon the committee's recommendations without first consulting the House of Commons as to the desirability of those recommendations?

If the hon. Gentleman will allow me to read the report, I may be able to answer him.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the proposals made to him by the Automobile Association for the continuous development of 18 main highways in order of importance as traffic arteries; and whether he is prepared to accept these proposals as the starting point of a national programme of trunk road development and improvement?

The Automobile Association has made no proposals to me, but I have seen references in the Press to the proposals to which my hon. Friend refers. As at present advised, I propose, as funds and circumstances permit, to devote first attention to those points where the survey now being carried out by my Department discloses the greatest need for improvements.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has given consideration to the possibility of easing the congestion on certain roads by the construction of additional roads along side the railways where there is land available; and whether he will undertake to review this matter in detail during the coming year?

In examining the possible siting of new roads, the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend is one of the many considerations which must always be borne in mind by my advisers.

Is my right hon. Friend now considering the scheme submitted by the Lancashire County Council and can he say when his decision will be communicated?

I think that is a very different matter, and I am not aware that it has anything to do with railways along side roads.