asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now state the ages, on the date of their promotion, of the four sub-lieutenants, ex-lower deck, commissioned in 1936; the certificates obtained in their various examinations; the accelerated promotion obtained; and the dates they are due for promotion to lieutenants and their ages on that date?

As the information requested involves a table of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will cause further inquiries to be made from naval officers below the rank of captain as to their views upon the proposed scheme of naval marriage allowance?

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by making further inquiries at this stage, and I am hopeful that when the scheme is fully understood it will meet with general approval

When the White Paper is brought out will it be submitted to the officers of the Fleet for their consideration, in view of the fact that a very real feeling exists among junior officers that they were never consulted?

I will endeavour to see that copies of the White Paper are made available for officers of the Fleet.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the case of officers who will have their basic rate of pay reduced by 2S. a day in accordance with the marriage allowance scheme, these officers will receive an extra 2s. a day lodging allowance when they take up an appointment where service quarters are not provided for them?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider such modification in the proposed marriage allowance scheme for naval officers as will ensure that no married officer ashore shall suffer loss in his total emoluments owing to the introduction of the scheme?

I am happy to inform my hon. and gallant Friends that the orders which will be published to the Fleet on Friday will contain a provision that an increased rate of marriage allowance will be payable in certain instances to ensure that no married officer ashore will suffer financially as a consequence of the scheme for marriage allowance.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, am I to understand that a married officer who takes up an appointment where there are no Service quarters will receive both married allowance and lodging allowance? He is entitled to both those allowances for perfectly definite and specific reasons.

The arrangement that has been made is that in any case where an officer receives less under the new scheme than he would under the old scheme, his marriage allowance will be increased so that he will be equally well-off, and will not suffer.

Does that mean that he will receive his lodging allowance because he is entitled to it? Will he get his lodging allowance as lodging allowance and his marriage allowance as marriage allowance?

Subject to a means test.

When is the White Paper being issued, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in general, the married officers express satisfaction with the concession that has just been made, even though the bachelors look upon it as a heavy tax upon a happy position?

I cannot at present say exactly on what date the White Paper will be issued, but it will be issued as soon as possible. Under this scheme every married officer afloat will be better off than he was before, and no married officer ashore or afloat, can be worse off. The only people who could complain are the bachelor officers, to whom my hon. and gallant Friend referred, and I would like to say, to their credit, that no single complaint has come from them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to give equal satisfaction to naval ratings under the age of 26 who are married?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the proportion of married officers of the rank of lieutenant-commander, commander, and captain, to the total number of officers of those ranks over the age of 30 years?

The percentages of married officers of the ranks of lieutenant-commander, commander and captain to the total number of officers of those ranks over the age of 30 years, are approximately 73, 85, and 85 respectively.

Is not the unmarried officer helping to keep the married officer, in addition to having to pay his marriage allowance?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many petty officers and men of His Majesty's Navy are receiving lodging allowance in the home ports?

The number of petty officers and men borne on the books of ships and establishments at the home ports who are receiving lodging allowance is 684.

Will these petty officers and men of the lower deck get marriage allowance and allowance for children, in addition to their lodging allowance?

Yes.

If it is just and fair that the lower deck should receive both lodging allowance and marriage allowance, why is it unjust and unfair that officers should receive the same treatment?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that nobody on the lower deck will be worse off as a result of the operation of these schemes?

Nobody on the lower deck will be worse off. The pay of the naval officer was settled after the War at a higher rate than the pay of the other Services, and was supposed to take into account a certain allowance for marriage.

Arising out of that question——

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will direct the appropriate officers of the naval staff to examine the position as regards the strength of the Navy in destroyers with a view to reconsidering the advisability of increasing the building programme of these ships?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether further consideration has now been given to the desirability of making plans for increasing destroyer construction; and whether he is yet in a position to make any statement on this subject?

The Naval Staff have under constant review the strength of the Fleet in all categories of ships. I am not at present in a position to add anything to the announcement that has already been made with regard to this year's construction programme.

Will the right hon. Gentleman study again the expressions of opinion made on this subject in all quarters of the House during the Debate on the Navy Estimates, and consider whether there is not a case for increasing the number of destroyers?

I have carefully studied the expressions of opinion in that Debate.

Might I ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, seeing that he has given so much consideration to the officers, whether he will give as much sympathetic consideration to the operative engineers when their case comes before him?

That question is not relevant to the main question in this case, which relates to destroyers.

I know that Sir, but I wanted to get that question in.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the unsuitable situation of the Royal Naval Engineering College at Keyham, he will remove the establishment to healthier surroundings enjoying the normal amenities of an educational establishment?

The removal of the Royal Naval Engineering College to better surroundings has been under consideration for some time and negotiations are at present in progress for the purchase of a new site.

Does that answer mean that the right hon. Gentleman considers that Keyham is unhealthy?

No, I do not think it unhealthy, but I think that from many points of view it is undesirable.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of British warships now in course of construction that are being fitted with talking cinematograph apparatus and the number not so fitted; and what arrangements are made for the regular change of films during the time these warships are at sea?

All ships under construction above and including the category of gunboat are being fitted with equipment for sound reproduction for training and instructional purposes. This equipment will be suitable for the reproduction of sound films, and arrangements will be made to enable the ship's company to use it for cinematograph entertainment. Plans are now being made to provide a regular change of films.

Will the ships' companies who use this equipment have to pay hirage fee?

No, but they will pay for the use of the film.

Had they not previously to do so?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any statement concerning the provision of racing dinghies for the use of the Navy; what craft are being supplied; at what cost; and by whom they were built?

With a view to stimulating interest in sailing a 14-foot dinghy of similar design to that adopted by the Royal Naval Sailing Association has been introduced and will be supplied generally to all ships as they become available. The boats are obtained by competitive tender from various firms of boat builders on the Admiralty list, but it is not in the public interest to disclose contract prices.

Are these racing dinghies built to an international standard?

I must have notice of that question.

Will they replace the r6-foot dinghies at present issued?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that 27½; per cent. of the coppersmiths engaged at the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory at Greenock and the supplementary establishment at Alexandria are receiving 4s. 10½d. per week less than the standard rate paid to such workers in the Scottish area; and whether he will take steps to have this inequality removed and the standard rate paid to these Greenock and Alexandria coppersmiths?

It is the policy of the Admiralty to apply common standards of pay and conditions of employment to all workpeople serving in their industrial establishments at home rather than to adopt for each particular trade in each particular district those current in corresponding employment outside. In accordance with this policy the rates of pay of coppersmiths in the Admiralty establishments at Greenock and Alexandria are the same as those of coppersmiths in His Majesty's dockyards and compare favourably with the generality of rates paid in comparable industries elsewhere. Having regard to the Admiralty policy on wage regulation, I am unable to accept the suggestion that coppersmiths at Greenock and Alexandria should alone be singled out for special treatment.

As the standard rate of pay in those districts is insisted upon in the case of sub-contractors, does it not seem a little odd that a lower rate of pay should be available for the workers in the torpedo factories?

I have explained the principle to the hon. and learned Gentleman. It has been suggested that if the workers in the torpedo factories have a grievance they should bring it up before the council.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into the statement made by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Greenock (Mr. Gibson) that coppersmiths are paid about 5s. less than anywhere else, and will he rectify it if he finds that it is the case?

I have explained the position to the hon. and learned Gentleman.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many non-industrial workers at the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory, Greenock, and in the Admiralty service generally, will, respectively, by virtue of the recent decision, now be able to avail themselves of the new facilities to have their contributions for hospital purposes collected, by arrangement, by way of deduction from their pay.

All non-industrial workers in Admiralty service at home will be able to have their contribution for hospital purposes deducted from their pay as soon as the new plan comes into force. The number involved is approximately 10,000, which includes about 200 at the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory, Greenock.

Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite as much as possible the coming into force of this arrangement?

Yes, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is able to make a statement regarding the inquiry into the Power Boat Company contracts?

I have nothing to add at present to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary on 31st March, but I hope to be able to make a full statement on this matter before the Easter Recess.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that early last year a petition to the Governor of Trinidad on the subject of industrial conditions of public works employés from their trade union was referred to detectives of the Criminal Investigation Department, and that the petitioners were summoned to the police station and questioned on matter irrelevant to the petition; whether this is the practice in respect to such petitions; and, if so, on what grounds it is justified?

I have received a report on this subject from the Officer Administering the Government of Trinidad. As it is rather long I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the recommendation relating to trade unions made by the commission recently in Trinidad apply to public works employés?

The petition as to the conditions of public works employés was received from four persons calling themselves a union.

Did not they sign the petition on behalf of the union?

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that detectives will not be employed on such work in the future?

No, Sir. When four unknown persons claim to represent a union which is not registered and the existence of which is not known, it is necessary to make inquiries as to who they are and whom they represent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to secure the successful exploitation of oil concessions over the sea-bed within the territorial waters of Trinidad?

In June, 1936, the Government of Trinidad issued a gazette notice inviting applications within six months for the grant of exploration licences over marine areas in the territorial waters of the Colony. Applications were received from a number of oil companies, and after consideration of all the issues involved the Governor, with my concurrence, informed the companies that it had been provisionally decided that the entire area thus available for oil development should be explored and developed as a single unit by one joint operating company. The companies were accordingly invited to enter upon discussions with one another for the formation of a joint operating company, but their proposals for this purpose have not yet been received.

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that this is done under British control?

British Controlled Oilfields is one of the companies that have applied. There are a good many other companies besides British Controlled operating in Trinidad.

Do they pay royalties for this oil?

How soon does my right hon. Friend expect the joint operating company to be formed?

I am waiting to hear from the various companies that have applied for rights to bore within territorial waters.

May I point out that, in speaking of British control, I was not naming a particular company, but meant British interests as such?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he, is in a position to give the House any further information with regard to the numbers and condition of Abyssinian refugees in Kenya?

According to information supplied last November, the number of these refugees in Kenya is 6,181. I have no very recent report on their condition, but, in a report prepared at the end of October last by the Medical Officer in charge of the camp, it was stated that, as a result of the measures taken by the authorities in Kenya, a great improvement had taken place in the health of the refugees, especially of the children.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call for a more recent report, in view of the recent bad condition prevailing among the refugees?

The report is a very full one, with photographs and all the rest. If the hon. Member would like to see it, I think he would feel that every effort has been made.

May I assume from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that it is not impossible to come to any final decision as to the future of these people?

Who is paying the cost of this—the Colony or the Home Government?

I have recently introduced a Supplementary Estimate for this very. purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether further recruitment of Africans for the Rand in South Africa has been agreed to in Nyasaland with the chamber of mines; and whether the recruiting convention of the International Labour Office has been ratified in respect to Nyasaland?

It has been agreed with the Transvaal Chamber of Mines that the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association should be allowed to recruit up to a maximum of 8,500 natives in Nyasaland during 1938 and the first four months of 1939, for a further experimental period of one year's employment. The International Labour Recruiting Convention has riot yet been ratified by His Majesty's Government.

Does that mean that, in the event of men being recruited, travelling allowances will be paid to them when they are transferred?

As regards the experimental period, understand that, among other conditions, the Chamber of Mines agreed to meet the whole cost of transporting recruits to Johannesburg from their homes.

Will satisfactory arrangements be made with regard to health conditions?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received the report of the committee appointed to consider and advise on questions relating to the supply and welfare of native labour in the Tanganyika territory; if so, has he considered the recommendations; and what action is being taken in the territory in respect to recruiting, health conditions, penal sanctions, and protection of labour?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. Draft legislation is being prepared to deal comprehensively with the committee's recommendations, and a Labour Inspectorate has already been instituted.

Will proper attention be paid to health standards in view of the rapid deterioration in recent years?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the statement made by the acting warden magistrate of Tobago that he intends to order punishment by the cat for any person convicted of praedial larceny for the second time; whether this conforms with the policy of His Majesty's Government; and whether he will take steps to abolish this type of punishment for such offences?

Yes, Sir. I understand that such a statement was made as a deterrent, but this is not in conformity with the policy of His Majesty's Government. As long ago as 1918 the then Governor of Trinidad was informed that the use of the "cat" in the case of corporal punishment inflicted for certain offences connected with praedial larceny should be discontinued, and a birch, light tamarind rod or cane used instead. This ruling has constantly been observed in the colony. All sentences of flogging with the "cat" (for any offence) have to be referred to the Governor for his approval before they are carried out. No such sentences for praedial larceny have in fact been awarded by magistrates during the last five years.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that this form of larceny directly arises out of hunger; and would it not be better to provide food for these hungry people? Further, what steps are being taken in order to censure this particular warden magistrate for uttering such a threat, which, I understand, was entirely illegal and unconstitutional?

With regard to the last part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, I have given my answer to-day. With regard to the other part, I would point out that there is praedial larceny and praedial larceny, and sentences of this kind are never given unless it is a case of malicious damage, and then not for a first offence. [HON. MEMBERS: "What is praedial larceny? "] Praedial larceny is the destruction of a smallholder's crop.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that it would be useful at least to intimate to this warden magistrate that the Secretary of State disapproves of the threat which he recently made?

It is not for the Executive to express disapproval of magistrates in their exercise of legal functions. It is not done here, and I should be 10th to do it. I have given my answer.

Does praedial larceny mean stealing the other fellow's vegetables?

Yes.

Then who would not man-handle a man who robbed his garden? Of course he would.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action the Government propose to take against the persons suspected of sabotage of various aircraft now in the course of construction; and what has been the approximate loss in money value and / or loss of time caused in the delivery of such aircraft through those acts?

As regards the first part of the question, I cannot al present add anything to my previous statement. Police investigations are still proceeding. As regards the second part, detailed figures are not available, but the actual loss, whether in time or money, has been very small.

Can the Noble Lord say whether a reply has been received from the firm affected, to whom a communication was sent asking for further particulars?

More than one firm is affected.

Will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster bear in mind that the workpeople are becoming a bit sick of this constant reiteration of these charges, that the amount of damage is infinitesimal compared with the output, and that the workpeople are quite pleased to co-operate in order that the maximum amount of investigation shall take place?

I have already made it clear that I am in agreement with the hon. Gentleman. I think that outside an exaggerated emphasis has been laid on this matter.

In view of the experience of the hon. Member for Dunbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) and myself, would the Minister allow us to participate in any investigation?

On a point of Order. The question was thrown across the House just now as to whether the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) and I were both guilty of sabotage. This is a very serious business. I do not want anybody named at all, but I wish to emphasise on behalf of the engineers of Britain that this idea of sabotage has got to stop, because, as I have said in the House before, there never was a more patriotic section of the community. This has to stop at once.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that leading aircraftmen and skilled workmen of Group I, who have served for 10 years in the Royal Air Force at home and overseas, are now being refused an opportunity to re-enlist to complete 24 years' service, while men of the same group and trade qualifications with no Air Force experience are being advertised for and enlisted; and whether he can give any reason for this refusal?

The numbers of airmen in Group I who can be accepted for re-engagement for a further 12 years service depend on requirements from time to time in non-commissioned and warrant ranks as calculated for a number of years ahead, but fresh enlistments must take place continually in order to fill the junior posts. At the present time all such airmen, provided they are suitable, may, if they desire, continue their service either by re-engagement for 12 years so far as requirements allow or by the extension of their engagements for shorter periods; a considerable majority are, in fact, retained to complete 12 years further service. It will be appreciated that while every effort is made to extend the service of suitable men, a constant flow of fresh recruits is necessary for service purposes.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has any evidence connecting the wreckage of the plane found on 22nd March near Norway with the suspected sabotage in the Royal Air Force factories?

No, Sir.

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that certain activities of a foreign Power in this country have no connection with this?

I think the hon. Member is under a complete misapprehension in this matter. There has been no sabotage at any Air Force station. This particular aeroplane has been at an Air Force station for some considerable time.

Has there been an inquiry as to why the plane was lost?

Naturally, there has been an inquiry; but that has nothing to do with sabotage. There has been no sabotage at an Air Force station.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been freely stated in the Press that sabotage was suspected? Does that bear the sign-manual of Ministerial opinion?

No, Sir. I must say that I cannot be responsible for wild statements appearing in the Press.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the Royal Air Force Ex-Officers Reserve has official recognition; whether the undertaking of its members to accept service in the event of war is an undertaking regarded as binding by the Air Ministry; and for what reason an annual subscription of 10s. is required of those giving such an undertaking?

The Royal Air Force Ex-Officers Emergency Reserve, which is officially recognised, is a voluntary organisation designed for the purpose of utilising the services of ex-officers who, for any reason, are precluded from entering the ordinary Reserve. Its members give a general and voluntary undertaking to come forward for service in the event of a national emergency. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that the subscription, which is a purely domestic matter, is intended to meet the expenses of administration.

Is it officially recognised and approved by the Air Ministry?

No, Sir. As my answer indicated, this is a voluntary organisation of gentlemen who have bound themselves to do certain things. How they raise the money for that is their own matter.

Is it nothing to do with the Air Ministry at all?

That is what my answer conveys.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the total number of air pilots, other than in the Royal Air Force, being trained in Great Britain under subsidised schemes; what is the cost of such training; and whether he can give comparable figures for Germany?

On 31st January last there were approximately 7,100 flying members of subsidised flying clubs under training in this country. £40,000 has been provided for subsidy payments during the present financial year to approved light aeroplane clubs. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any and what arrangements exist or have existed for the loan or transfer of pilots from Imperial Airways, Limited, to Railway Air Services; and whether any such arrangements exist between Imperial Airways, Limited, and any other operating company?

I am informed that Imperial Airways supply the pilots and wireless operators to Railway Air Services for the operation of their services and that similar arrangements are in operation between Imperial Airways and other companies. The general position is that the company are prepared to make such arrangements, subject to the necessary personnel being available, for aircraft users in general who are not in competition with them or with their associated companies.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the number of pilots belonging to Imperial Airways who are now employed by, or loaned to, Railway Air Services?

No, I cannot say the number.

Is it not the case that, as a result of the Cadman Report, there is to be no change in the arrangement between these two companies?

This, of course, is an arrangement by Imperial Airways, and not the Air Ministry. I do not know of any proposed change.

Is the arrangement satisfactory?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that American and Dutch air lines are operating in the West Indies; what is the nature of the difficulties which, so far, have rendered a British service impracticable; and when consultation with West Indian Governors on the subject will be completed?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the operations of the air lines referred to. A British service would have required a subsidy, which, owing to more urgent claims, could not have been provided from the limited amount available. The question is now being reconsidered. I am not yet in a position to say when consultations with the West Indies Governors will be completed.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has given consideration to the vulnerability of electric cables carried on pylons; and whether he will examine the question of having them underground for greater safety?

I would rifer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport to his question on 24th November last, to which I have nothing to add.

In view of the intensity of preparation for what may happen, might not something further be done on this question?

I have looked at the reasons, or the facts which were ascertained for this suggestion by my right hon. Friend, and I am satisfied that the reasons for his answer were satisfactory.