asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of applications he has received under Section 8 of the Allotments Act, 1925, for 1936 and 1937, respectively, and the decisions reached in respect thereof?

In 1936, 79 applications under Section 8 of the Allotments Act, 1925, were received. Of these 76 were granted, two refused and one is still undecided because the condition on which I was prepared to give consent has not yet been complied with. In 1937, 100 applications were received. Of these 83 were granted, two were refused, one was withdrawn and 14 are still under consideration. As my hon. Friend is aware, my consent under this Section cannot be given unless I am satisfied that adequate provision is being made for displaced allotment holders or that such provision is unnecessary or impracticable.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the tonnage of raw materials imported into this country required for the production of finished food approximates so closely to the total tonnage of United Kingdom agricultural production, he will consider measures to further encourage the production and use of feeding-stuffs suitable for the maintenance of the animal population?

I am always ready to consider any proposals that hon. Members may care to submit for encouraging the production of animal feeding-stuffs. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that the Agriculture Act of last Session and the campaign for improved grassland management which has been launched in connection with it, are designed to secure an increase in the supply of home-grown feeding-stuffs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give an assurance that, while legislation enabling local authorities to enforce the pasteurisation of milk in their areas is now being prepared, care will be taken to ensure that raw milk will at all times be available in sufficient quantities to that large section of the public who regard pasteurised milk with aversion?

The scope of the statutory provisions that are contemplated in regard to the compulsory pasteurisation of milk is indicated in the White Paper on Milk Policy which was issued in July last and I cannot add to what is there stated in advance of the introduction of legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the amount of oats and barley, respectively, imported into this country during the years 1914 anl 1937, separately?

Imports into the United Kingdom in 1914 of oats and barley amounted to 14,156,715 cwt. and 16,044,422 cwt., respectively. The figures for 1937 were 1,207,868 cwt. of oats and 18,191,954 cwt. of barley. The figures for the two years are not entirely comparable in view of the fact that imports into the whole of Ireland are included in the amounts for 1914.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any information as to the extent of the discontent existing in the Rolls-Royce and other aircraft factories working under Government contract at the introduction of various so-called efficiency systems; and whether, in view of the fact that this discontent is likely to culminate in industrial disputes in these factories, he will take steps to secure satisfaction for the legitimate grievances of workmen concerned?

As the hon. Member knows, there is agreed machinery in the industry for the settlement of any disputes which may arise, and I have no information to show that any such question has been raised upon which the union has found it necessary to approach the management.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the resignation of the ministries in Bihar and the United Provinces on account of the question of the release of political prisoners, he can give the number of such prisoners in Bihar and the United Provinces, separately, convicted for acts of terrorism, incendiarism, dacoity, and the illegal possession of arms, respectively?

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the issue of a White Paper which, in accordance with the undertaking which I gave to the right hon. Member for Gorton (Mr. Benn) on 16th February, I propose to lay as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign whether he has yet considered the publication of a White Paper giving examples of the anti-British wireless propaganda; and what decision has been arrived at?

The suggestion that a White Paper should be published giving examples of anti-British wireless propaganda has been most carefully considered. The House will, however, appreciate that there are many inevitable difficulties in the way of the presentation of an accurate and complete picture and, having regard to the considerable expenditure of time and money which would be involved, His Majesty's Government do not feel that this suggestion should be adopted.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will reconsider his decision not to reimpose a 30-mile-per-hour speed limit on the London-Brighton road between Star Inn and Dean Lane, Hooley, in view of the increasing number of accidents in that area and the recommendation of the jury at a recent coroner's inquest that such a restriction should be imposed?

I shall be prepared to give this matter further consideration when the surfacing works now in progress have been completed.

asked the Minister of Transport when the extension of the Central London line will be completed at far as Stratford and right through to Newbury Park?

The London Passenger Transport Board hope that the extension of the Central London line from Liverpool Street to Stratford will be completed by the summer of 1940 and the extension to Newbury Park by about the end of that year.

asked the Minister of Transport when the reconstruction of Aldgate East station will be completed, and the full services from the north side of the Inner Circle to Upminster be in operation?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that the works at present being carried out at Aldgate East station are difficult and intricate and that it is unlikely that they will be completed before the summer of 1939. Shortly after that date there will be an improvement of the service on the Barking and Upminster line.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can say, in view of the delay in the introduction of the necessary legislation, what steps the Government are in the meantime taking to ensure an amply adequate supply of electricity in the rural areas to enable farmers throughout the country to have electric power available?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Government propose, as soon as possible, to introduce legislation directed, among other matters, to facilitating and expediting electrical development in rural areas. Meanwhile, if my hon. Friend desires to bring to my attention any special difficulties arising in particular rural areas, I shall be glad to consider whether there is any action that I can usefully take.