asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps were taken before the announcement of the naval officers' marriage allowance scheme to consult officers of all ranks to see whether or not the scheme commended itself to them?

The Admiralty scheme for marriage allowance was communicated to all Commanders-in-Chief, both at Home and abroad, who were asked to make such inquiries as their discretion dictated with a view to obtaining a reliable opinion from officers in their commands. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that at the time when the inquiries were made care had to be taken not to arouse expectations that any scheme would necessarily be sanctioned.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many officers serving in the Royal dockyards, Admiralty, and other shore establishments, will be worse off to the extent of £35 or more as a result of the introduction of the marriage allowance scheme; and whether he will reconsider the decision to abolish the lodging allowance of such officers in connection with this scheme?

The class to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers consists

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is being done in this country in the way of building aircraft hangars underground in order to protect them against aerial bombing?

The hon. Member will, I trust, appreciate that it would not be desirable to specify the measures which are taken to provide for the protection of aircraft.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the total number of mechanic painters employed in His Majesty's dockyards and naval establishments at home; and how many are employed under each department therein?

The total number of mechanic painters employed at a recent date in His Majesty's dockyards and other Admiralty industrial establishments at home was 664. They were distributed as follow:the low rate of pay of aircraft apprentices, arrangements will be made to grant them allowances to cover their fares when they go on leave, as are allowed in other branches of His Majesty's Forces?

Yes, Sir. Arrangements to that effect are about to be introduced.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the possible closing of nine ferries on the Thames between Cookham and Shillingford; whether this suggested clos- ing is with the approval of his Department; and whether he will make inquiries into the whole matter?

I understand that the Conservancy has appointed a committee to consider and report as to the need for continuing certain ferries above Tedding- ton Lock. I gather that the committee has not yet met, but I have no doubt that the Conservators will give every consideration to any representations made by local authorities. My jurisdiction over ferries operated by the Conservators under the Thames Conservancy Act, 1932, is confined to the approval of by-laws.