asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is yet in a position to make any statement as regards the discussions with the Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa relating to the High Commission Territories in South Africa?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can now make a statement on the subject of recent discussions with the Government of the Union of South Africa on the High Commission Territories?

Yes, Sir. As a result of these discussions the (2) the number of tons of coal cut by coal-cutting machines in Durham County during the years 1935, 1936, and 1937, respectively?

As these questions involve a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, answer them together by circulating a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

General Hertzog and I took the opportunity of his visit to England in May and June last to discuss the situation in regard to the transfer to the Union of the Government of the High Commission Territories and have since continued our communications on the subject. As regards the principles involved, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom entirely accept the view expressed by General Hertzog in a speech in London in May, 1935, that Section 151 of the South Africa Act (which deals with the transfer of the Government of the High Commission Territories to the Union) has a meaning and intention. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom fully recognise the significance of the Section and do not seek to minimise it. At the same time the position of the United Kingdom Government is also governed by the pledges which were given during the passage of the South Africa Bill through the United Kingdom Parliament in 1909, namely, that transfer should not take place until the wishes of the natives of the Territories had been most carefully considered, and that before such transfer the United Kingdom Parliament should be given the fullest opportunity of expressing its views.

Bearing these fundamental conditions in mind, General Hertzog and I have been jointly studying what is the best and most practical course to pursue. We have especially had under consideration the progress made with the policy of cooperation adopted three years ago, the aim of which as set out in the Aide Mémoire of 1935 was to demonstrate to the peoples of the territories that "the Union Government are working in concert with the local administrations with a real and generous desire to develop and improve conditions in the territories." It seems to us that, putting aside for the moment large financial schemes, there is room for a closer co-operation on lines which have not yet been fully explored. We have therefore agreed to constitute a standing joint advisory conference consisting of the Secretary for Native Affairs and two other officers of the Union Government together with the Resident Commissioners of the three High Commission Territories, whose function it will be to study openings for co-operation between the Union Government and the administrations in matters affecting the development of the territories and to consider any matters of joint concern to the Union and the territories such as prevention and control of animal diseases, marketing of produce, prevention of bubonic plague, etc. The establishment of this Advisory Conference would not, of course, affect the present responsibility of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom for the government of the territories.

It has also seemed to us desirable that the peoples of the territories should have before them a clear picture of the terms on which the transfer of the Government would take place, if decided upon. Such terms would naturally follow closely the provisions of the Schedule to the South Africa Act of 1909, but it seems to us important that His Majesty's Government in the Union should set them out in a more convenient and more complete form, so that the peoples of the territories may appreciate the conditions under which the territories would be governed, the position in regard to the maintenance of the tribal institutions of the natives, the economic advantages which the Union Government anticipate would accrue to the peoples of the territories and any other relevant matters. It has accordingly been arranged that memoranda should be prepared by the Union Government setting forth the terms which they would propose and that these memoranda should be made available for the information of the native and European inhabitants of the territories. We feel that this step will be very helpful in clarifying the whole question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea when he proposes to appoint the advisory committee; and will he receive their report before any further action is taken and see that it is brought before the House?

The advisory conference is simply concerned with the details of technical questions outlined in my statement. That conference will be appointed at the earliest possible date, and naturally before taking decisions on matters which come within the purview of that conference, I should like to consider any report or any comment that they wish to make on the matter.

Will it be possible for Members of the House to have copies of the memoranda which are to be made for the guidance of the advisory conference?

The memoranda are not for the guidance of the advisory conference but for the information of the inhabitants, native and European, within the Territories. They are being prepared by the Union Government, and I do not anticipate that they will be published at a very early date, but certainly, as soon as they are available, I will propose that they should be published in a form which made them easily available to Members of the House.

Will there be representatives of the native populations on the advisory conference?

My statement says that the advisory conference will consist of three officials from the Union Government and the three resident commissioners of the Territories. Naturally the three resident commissioners, who are responsible for government in the Territories and for looking after the interests of the natives, will be well aware of those interests and what they may require.

That was not the point I was putting. It was whether on the advisory conference there will be an actual representative of the natives?

There will be no representation of the natives as such, but that does not mean that the natives' interests will go unrepresented.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper giving all the relevant points of the history of this matter?

I will certainly consider that, but it might be more convenient if it were postponed until the memoranda are ready.

May I ask whether the decision to advise natives what will happen when the Territories have been transferred implies a decision that the responsibility for the Territories should be transferred of the Government of the Union, and, if not, why are these memoranda being published?

The statement says that we recognise the significance of Section 151 of the South Africa Act in which the question of transfer is referred to. There is no further commitment in anything which has happened since beyond the commitment in that section.

May I press my right hon. Friend? Why tell the natives what is going to happen unless a decision has already been made that it should happen?

I think I can describe the situation in this way. There is a good deal of uncertainty as to what would happen to the Territories in a case of transfer. There is even uncertainty as to whether the Union Government would propose to abide by all the provisions of the Schedule to the Act. I think that the memoranda which are being prepared will serve an extremely useful purpose in removing any uncertainty on that question.

Do the Government contemplate sooner or later the extension to these native Protectorates of the present native policy of the Union Government?

I think that all those considerations must wait until we see what is contained in these memoranda which are being prepared.

During the consultations which the right hon. Gentleman had, was consideration given to the large amount of anti-British propaganda which is being carried out, and, if not, will consideration be given to the need for counteracting it?

I am not aware to what anti-British propaganda the hon. Member refers. These communications were concerned solely with the situation in the High Commission Territories. I am not aware that anti-British propaganda is going on.

Can we know why there is no African on this Advisory Conference?

If the hon. Member will study the reply he will see that the advisory conference is concerned with a good many subjects which can best be considered by experts. I think the composition of the conference is such as will best facilitate an examination of the problems which it will have before it.

Is not a native an expert on the way in which natives live?

There are all sorts of experts, but they will not all sit on this conference. We have tried to constitute a body which is sufficiently small but sufficiently expert to do the work of the conference expeditiously and thoroughly.

Is not the decision to be taken by this conference one which will affect vitally the lives and the welfare of all the natives in those Protectorates, and may it not ultimately mean that they will be taken under the control of the South African Government, with all that that will mean in view of that Government's native policy? Seing that it is so vital to the natives, why cannot they have direct representation there?

I fully appreciate what hon. Members have in mind, but I do think that the resident commissioners and the other members of the conference are adequately equipped to look after the interests of the natives. If we were to accept the principle that one interest should receive special representation as such, we should be bound to accept the contention that other interests should also have representation.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases which have been reviewed, and an increase of pension awarded, during the three years ended to the last convenient date?

I have been asked to reply. The number of cases which were reviewed and an increase of pension awarded during the three years ended 31st December last was 8,385.

Is it not a fact that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction about the way these pensions are awarded?

I am not aware of it.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the total damage done by fire during the week-end on Cannock Chase to trees and land under the control of the Commissioners; and whether he can estimate the approximate period which will elapse before the planting of new trees can be commenced?

At Cannock Chase 325 acres of Forestry Commission plantations were destroyed by fire on Sunday, the 20th instant. The land itself has not been damaged from the point of view of timber production. Replanting will be started next season in nine months' time.

Can the right hon. and gallant Member say what was the cause of the fire?

Two fires started on adjoining common land and reached substantial proportions before they reached the Commission's land, and our patrol was utterly unable to stop them.

What steps are taken to prevent fires arising and spreading through plantations?

There is a regular technique of fire patrol and fire precautions. We are spending about £40,000 a year on protection, including fire patrol, and our losses would be infinitely greater than they are but for this expenditure.

Can the right hon. and gallant Member say how it was that it did not operate on this occasion?

It failed to operate on this occasion because the precautions taken against fire on the adjoining common land are not so great as those taken by the Forestry Commission.

What was the origin of the fire on the common land?

I am informed that crowds of people find their way on to the common land on Sundays, and very likely a single cigarette-end in each case may have been the cause.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many acres of forest plantations have been destroyed by fires during the last six weeks; what has been the cause of these fires; and whether any steps are being taken to protect young plantations from picnickers and other ramblers starting such conflagrations?

Seven hundred and fifteen acres of Forestry Commission plantations have been destroyed by fires during the last six weeks. Seventy-nine fires were caused by railway engines, 41 by fires spreading from adjoining land, 46 by members of the public and 80 unknown or miscellaneous. There is a fire protection plan for each forest area, and steps are taken to protect young plantations from fire by general publicity and locally by means of warning notices, organised patrols, look-outs and fire fighters.

Do these figures include the losses borne by private owners?

No, Sir. These losses are on Forestry Commission land.

Is the right hon. and gallant Member aware that land owners do not get much encouragement to plant trees when people come and burn down their trees? Cannot he do more by way of administrative order or by publicity through the British Broadcasting Corporation to warn people of the danger of causing fires?

That is done every week during the danger period.

As these fires are more prevalent at week-ends, should not the fire patrol be busier during the week-end than in the rest of the week?

That is already the case.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal of the London Midland and Scottish Railway to destroy the Doric gateway of Euston in the course of building a new station with money borrowed under Treasury guarantee; whether he is aware of its beauty and historic interest; and whether he will consult the Royal Fine Art Commission as to whether it can and should be moved to another site?

I am informed by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company that, in the preparation of the drawings for the new building at Euston, very careful consideration has been given by the architects to the possibility of embodying the Hardwick portico in the design, but that it has not been found feasible to do so. The company is willing to consult the Royal Fine Art Commission with regard to the feasibility of the removal of the portico to another site. I am assured that the company fully appreciate the historic interest attaching to this gateway and are entirely sympathetic towards the proposal that steps should be taken to secure its preservation. They will glady give permission for the removal and re-erection of the gateway on another site if those interested in its preservation are willing to bear the expense which would be incurred over and above the ordinary costs of demolition.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at the time this gateway was erected Ruskin objected to it as being inappropriate for a railway terminus, and that the community wishes the company well in planning a new station at Euston?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department particulars of the activities of the German secret police, the Gestapo, in England; and whether he is aware that Germans resident in London are continually watched and reported on to Berlin by this organisation?

It would not be in the public interest to say more on this subject than that foreigners while resident in this country are entitled to the freedom which is enjoyed by all persons who are subject to the protection of our laws and the position is being closely watched by the responsible authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Gestapo put pressure on Germans in this country who desire to obtain naturalisation, and who in other ways do not toe the line, through their families in Germany, and will he take steps to put a stop to that kind of thing?

If I have any evidence that unlawful acts are being committed, I will certainly take action.

Are not the British police perfectly competent to look after all British subjects and foreigners in this country? Do we require any foreign assistance at all?

I would certainly say that the British police are amply competent to do that.

In any cases where there is any suspicion that Germans coming to this country are doing a piece of work for Germany in this country, will the right hon. Gentleman see that they leave the country at once?

I am watching the position very closely, and if I have reason to suppose that any unlawful acts are being committed, I will at once take action.

In order to allay any uneasiness in the public mind, will the right hon. Gentleman give a categorical assurance that no agents of the German secret police are working in this country?

I have given the House full information in the answer and the supplementary answers which I have just given.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the present method of medical referees under the Workmen's Compensation Act does not give satisfaction to the injured workmen, and that a change is suggested in the report of the Departmental Committee set up to inquire into the Workmen's Compensation Act; when he intends to announce the conclusions of the Government on this report; and whether he proposes to consult the House prior to arriving at these conclusions?

The Committee's recommendations involve important changes in the present system which could not be carried out without legislation, and I cannot foresee sufficient time this Session for legislation of this character. In any case it would, I consider, be an advantage to allow more time, not only for the Government but also for industry and for Members of Parliament, to consider the recommendations of the Committee before legislation is formulated, and I shall be glad to receive and consider any representations which hon. Members may wish to make on particular points.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great unrest among working people who want some alteration of the present Workmen's Compensation Act, and will he reconsider his decision not to bring in legislation this Session?

No, Sir, I am afraid that, as far as I can judge, there will be no time for legislation of this kind during this Session.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this will be dealt with during the lifetime of this Parliament?

asked the Home Secretary whether a form of national military training has been reintroduced in the Channel Islands, and whether he can make a statement as to what form it takes?

The Defence Committee of Jersey has recommended that young men should be liable for enrolment by ballot in the Royal Militia should the numbers presenting themselves voluntarily not be sufficient to complete the establishment. A similar system is in force in Guernsey.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a Mr. L. Awbery, a working woodsman of Newbury, was summoned as a juryman to attend the Winchester Assizes on Monday, 21st February; that he duly attended on the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of that week, paying his fare of 3s. 6d. return to Winchester daily; that his services as juryman were not required; that his total out-of-pocket expenses for the five days amounted to 22s. 6d., nearly half his week's wages; and whether, having regard to the hardship involved, he will consider taking steps to provide free travelling facilities in such cases?

My attention had not previously been drawn to this case, but any proposal to provide from public funds for the travelling and other expenses of persons summoned for jury service would require legislation, and I am not in a position to make any statement as to legislation on this subject.

Will the Home Secretary bear in mind that this case is typical of the financial hardship that is caused to many of those who are called to serve on common juries, and will he not review that position of jurymen generally in relation to out-of-pocket expenses?

I will keep this case and others of the same kind in mind in the event of possible legislation in future. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that it has always been an established principle in this country that the citizen should give his service gratuitously.

asked the Home Secretary what arrangements he is making to see that a proper duplicate pressure water supply is provided for each small town as protection against the effects of incendiary bombs in a hostile air attack?

The cost of any general scheme of providing alternative water supplies would be so great as to be prohibitive, but the question how best to supplement water supplies for fire-fighting purposes in cases of attack by incendiary bombs is receiving close attention.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the weighted average price of eggs for the last 12 months?

I have been asked to reply. The necessary information is not available to enable a weighted average price of eggs in general to be calculated. It is estimated, however, that the weighted average price of English National Mark Standard eggs during 1937 was 1s. 5¾d. per dozen, compared with an unweighted average of 1s. 7d. per dozen.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount received during 1937 as a result of import duties on the following commodities, respectively: eggs in shell, liquid eggs, other egg products, and table poultry?

The approximate figures are:—Eggs in shell, £1,655,000; Liquid (or frozen) eggs, £202,000; Other egg products, £33,200; Poultry (alive or dead), £684,000.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider proposing to the signatories that the operation of the Nyon Agreement should be extended to the protection of Spanish shipping and territorial waters and to the convoying of ships bringing war materials as well as food to the Spanish Government?

A proposal of this nature was considered at the Nyon Conference but was not accepted. I do not think it likely that, if raised again, it would meet with general acceptance and His Majesty's Government, for their part, are not prepared to put it forward.

Has any suggestion on those lines been put forward recently by any of the signatories?

I am not aware of it.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a further statement concerning the aerial bombardment of the civilian population in the towns and villages of Eastern Spain and concerning the reply which His Majesty's Government have received from General Franco on this subject.

The British Agent at Burgos has received a note from the authorities there repudiating the claim that the civil population have been the object of deliberate attack either in Barcelona or elsewhere, and alleging that Barcelona constitutes a military objective of great importance with 200 factories and industrial undertakings for the production of war material. The authorities, at the same time, express their sorrow at the loss of innocent lives and state that they desire, so far as they can, to minimise the effects of aerial activity on the populations of towns and to employ only such means when imperative military necessity leaves them no alternative. His Majesty's Government cannot regard this reply as an adequate justification in view of the exceptional loss of life and injury to the civilian population of Barcelona, but they have been glad to note that no further bombardments of Barcelona itself have taken place since their recent communication on this subject was addressed to General Franco's administration.

Is it not a fact that instead of bombing Barcelona General Franco's German and Italian aircraft have been bombing smaller towns and villages where there are no foreign journalists to make reports and where there are no military objectives of any kind, and will His Majesty's Government make a further protest against this practice?

If the Prime Minister cannot accept the answer as any justification of what General Franco is doing, what does he propose to do about it?

Why does not the Prime Minister protest to his friends at Rome—to Lord Perth and to his sister-in-law?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the recent action of the Mexican Government in confiscating the property of British companies and preventing the employment of British subjects in connection therewith?

asked the Prime Minister what representations have been made to the Mexican Government in connection with the expropriation of British property in that country?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the replies given to questions on this subject on 23rd and 28th March, to which I have nothing to add.

When does my hon. Friend hope to be in a position to give a more definite answer to the question?

When the examination of the whole position has been completed.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now prepared to consider sending notices to various local authorities throughout the country urging them to give every assistance and facility for supplies of water to be laid on to farms, in view of the difficulties experienced by many farmers at the present time?

I am not aware that local authorities generally are unwilling to supply farms with water from their mains on reasonable terms. If my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind, I should be glad to look into them.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that I always regarded him as an almost ideal Minister?

May I ask whether the Prime Minister heard what the hon. Member said?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction in Canterbury at the action of the Canterbury public assistance committee in demanding the resignation of certain members of the staff of the public assistance institution; whether he has considered a request for an inquiry; and what action he proposes to take?

I have received a communication from an organisation representing certain members of the staff of the institution. My consent is not required to the determination of the appointments of any of the officers in question, but I am asking the town council for a report on the matter and I will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the position with regard to the proposed destruction of Whitehall Gardens; what steps are being taken to preserve these historical period houses; and whether the advice of the Royal Fine Art Commission has been sought and taken?

It is anticipated that the demolition of the houses in Whitehall Gardens will be commenced in the latter part of June, in order to clear the site of the first portion of the new Whitehall building: six of the most important panelled rooms in these houses have been selected for incorporation in the new building and are being carefully preserved for this purpose, certain specimens of metalwork and furniture are being reserved for the Victoria and Albert Museum, and various other items, mainly mantelpieces and a staircase, have either already been utilised in other suitable buildings or will be taken into store for future use. The advice of the Royal Fine Art Commission has been sought in regard to both the details of the development of the site and the elevational treatment of the new building.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very strong objections in artistic circles to the pulling down of these buildings, and in view of the fact that in the interests of National Defence it may be desirable not to house great numbers of civil servants in one spot, will he reconsider the matter?

It is essential to find more accommodation in that area.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the recent conviction of a British picture corporation for having displayed posters outside a cinema advertising a certain film; and whether any steps have been taken, or are contemplated, to prevent the exhibition at special cinemas of indecent films which have been banned by the censor?

I have made inquiry and I find that the proceedings to which the hon. Member apparently refers were taken in respect of a poster not because it was indecent or because any part of the film advertised was indecent, but because

Are there special cinemas in any part of this city for the exhibition of films which have been banned by the censor and passed by the local authorities?

I should say certainly not, but I should like to have notice of the question.