asked the Prime Minister whether he will convey to the French Government an assurance that they will have the active assistance of His Majesty's Government in any measures they may consider necessary in order to restrain Japanese armed forces from endangering the security of French Indo-China by an occupation of Hainan or adjacent islets?

His Majesty's Government and the French Government have, through their Ambassadors at Tokyo, made clear to the Japanese Government that they regard any occupation of Hainan by Japanese forces as calculated to give rise to undesirable complications. Should such complications unfortunately arise, His Majesty's Government and the French Government would no doubt afford each other such support as appeared to be warranted by the circumstances.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the great loss of life caused by the Yellow River flooding large areas in China and the recent statement made by General Ugaki, the Japanese Foreign Minister, to the effect that the possibility of negotiations for peace depends on the tendencies and attitude of Marshal Chiang-Kai-Shek, His Majesty's Government will do their utmost to obtain the support of the Government of the United States in making every endeavour to bring about a cessation of hostilities between Japan and China who are now in conflict but legally not at war with each other?

As I stated in answer to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 21st June, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs as recently as 17th June announced publicly that he did not think it possible for any Power to mediate between China and Japan. As the House is aware, however, His Majesty's Government would be only too ready, either alone or in conjunction with other Powers, to use their good offices at any time in helping to bring about a cessation of hostilities, if this were agreeable to both sides.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the reorganisation of the Peking-Mukden and other railway systems in North China carried out by the Japanese, with results seriously adverse to British interests and British trade; and whether he will make strong representations through the British Ambassador at Tokyo against this action?

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend's attention has been drawn to the reorganisation of these lines. He is in communication with His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo on the subject, but I am not for the moment in a position to make any statement.

asked the Prime Minister the present position of the Chinese Customs service; whether the appointment of a superintendent of Customs in Shanghai by the provisional administration in Nanking has been confirmed yet; and what are the relations between this official and the properly appointed international personnel of the service?

The Chinese Customs service continues to take its orders from the Inspector-General, subject to certain limitations of his powers in the occupied areas. As I indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 16th May, there can be no question of the appointment of the Shanghai Superintendent of Customs being confirmed by the Inspector-General. I understand that the principal function of the superintendents has in recent years been to act as a channel of communication between the Commissioners of Customs at the various ports and the local territorial officials, and this holds good of the Superintendent of Customs at Shanghai.

asked the Prime Minister what has been the result of the inquiries made by His Majesty's representative at Burgos with reference to the possibility of arranging for the release of the 177 British subjects held as prisoners of war by General Franco's administration; and will be give particulars of any progress that has been made on the subject?

Further progress has been made with a proposal that 100 of the British prisoners held by the Burgos authorities should be exchanged for 100 Italian prisoners in the hands of the Spanish Government. The Burgos authorities have agreed to this plan and the views of the Spanish Government are at present awaited. The too British prisoners concerned have been moved from San Pedro de Cardena, near Burgos, to Palencia.

Will the Minister also make representations to see that the personal belongings and money which the people had when they were captured, are returned?

I will see that the hon. Member's suggestion is considered.

Who are the Burgos authorities, and where do they get their authority?

asked the Prime Minister what steps are being taken to see that the Portuguese frontier and the insurgent-controlled ports are as effectively closed to the passage of material as is the French frontier?

The efforts of His Majesty's Government are being directed towards effecting a restoration of the complete scheme of observation on land and sea in accordance with the Non-Intervention Committee's plan. This will apply equally to the ports and frontiers of both sides in Spain.

Seeing that the hon. Member has been giving pretty much that answer for the last 12 months, without any effect, and in view of the fact that the wastage of munitions cannot possibly be made up from home sources, is it not time that, having hermetically sealed the French frontier, they should see that something active is done in regard to the Portuguese frontier?

I have already reported considerable progress in the Non-Intervention Committee in regard to this matter.

Is it a fact that the Portuguese frontier is still open?

The scheme of observation has been suspended on the Portuguese frontier.

Does that mean that the Portuguese frontier is open, while the French frontier has been closed on direct representation from His Majesty's Government?

I cannot accept the case as represented by the hon. Lady, but the fact is that the French frontier has recently been closed, and some time ago the scheme of observation was suspended on all frontiers.

asked the Prime Minister what guarantees he has received from the Italian Government that no war material will be sent to Spain following this agreement; and will that apply to the aeroplanes which travel from Italian territory to bomb Barcelona, returning immediately?

It is proposed that the undertakings already given under the Non-Intervention Agreement will be reaffirmed in the draft resolution which is now under examination by the Non-Intervention Committee. As regards the last part of the question, I am not aware that Italian aeroplanes have acted in this manner, but the undertakings to which I have referred would in the opinion of His Majesty's Government undoubtedly cover such activities.

The hon. Member tells the House so often that they have received affirmation and re-affirmation of the Non-Intervention Committee's draft proposals, but when are they to be put into operation equally on both sides?

As I have stated recently, we have very considerable progress to report, and we hope that the scheme will be put into operation as soon as possible.

Has the hon. Member seen the statement in the Rome and Berlin Press of yesterday, saying that the 17 ships that were sunk between 3rd and 24th June had been bombed by Italian aeroplanes of the Falchi type, and that they had come from the Balearic Islands? Does he want anything better than that to prove that they are Italian aeroplanes?

The question refers to aeroplanes coming from Italian territory.

Is the hon. Member aware that a fresh batch of pilots has been sent from Italy to Spain? Does that come within the arrangements of the Non-Intervention Committee?

Does the hon. Member mean that the Balearic Islands are not Italian territory?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to pursue further the demand made to the Burgos authorities that strong disciplinary action should be taken against the crew of the aircraft responsible for the deliberate attack on the "Thorpehall" off Valencia on 24th May?

The British Agent at Burgos has been instructed to inquire of the Burgos authorities what action they have taken in the matter.

Have His Majesty's Government made similar representations in regard to airmen who bombed other British ships in recent weeks?

I was asked a specific question, and I have given a specific answer.

Can the hon. Member say when the British Agent is expected back?

I presume when he has got the reply.

Does the hon. Member mean that he does not know when the British Agent is expected back?

He is expected directly he has the reply which we have asked him to get from the Burgos authorities.

Does the hon. Member appreciate that it is about a month since the request was made, and does he realise that it looks very foolish in the eyes of the world that strenuous demands of this sort should be made month after month and no action taken to see that the demands are enforced, or that the outrages cease? Moreover, is the hon. Member aware that as a direct result of the action of His Majesty's Government two more ships have to-day been bombed and three more sailors murdered?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will inform British merchant shipping companies trading in Spanish waters that no obstacle will be placed in the way of British shipping companies who desire to equip their ships with suitable anti-aircraft guns of modem design for the purpose of warding off unprovoked attacks from any aeroplane engaged in the Spanish civil war?

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any objection to shipowners who are sending their steamers to ports in Republican Spain arming these steamers with machine guns on anti-aircraft mountings?

In reply to a question by the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker), on 2nd June, reasons were given why His Majesty's Government did not desire to encourage such a measure. Further consideration of the suggestion has revealed additional difficulties and confirmed the view then taken by His Majesty's Government.

In view of the bombing and destruction of two British ships this morning at Alicante and Valencia, will not the Prime Minister indicate to the Non-Intervention Committee that the British Government would be prepared to co-operate in supplying British merchant ships with mountings for antiaircraft guns firing tracer bullets to deal with unprovoked attacks by aeroplanes flying low?

The British Government have considered this matter. A good many difficulties arise in connection with it, and I am informed that the fitting of merchant vessels with antiaircraft guns would require structural alterations.

Did not the Prime Minister say last week that it was the duty of private owners to supply these anti-aircraft guns?

Is it not the case that the fitting of anti-aircraft mountings for machine guns is only a very light equipment?

Can the Prime Minister say whether the mounting of such guns on British ships would not practically make them warships and would be an act of intervention?

Are we to gather from the Prime Minister's answer that it is impossible now or at any time to fit antiaircraft guns on ships of the British Mercantile Marine? If so, will British merchant ships be defenceless against aircraft in the event of war?

No, Sir. That is not the reply.

Will the Prime Minister explain why it is impossible to do it now?

I did not say it was impossible. I said that it could not be done without structural alterations.

Arising out of the reply—

We cannot have any more supplementaries on this question.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have addressed their attention to the terms upon which a truce or termination of hostilities in Spain may be brought about; and, if not, whether such proposals will now be prepared and set down as a basis of consideration for the combatant authorities and the interested Powers?

As I informed the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 14th June, His Majesty's Government will be ready to propose mediation either alone or in conjunction with other countries at any time when the prospects of successful action appear favourable.

asked the Prime Minister whether any inquiry has been made of the head of the Italian Government as to whether he is prepared to associate himself with endeavours to bring about a truce or termination of hostilities in Spain; and, if not, whether he proposes to make any such request in the immediate future?

As I have previously informed the House, His Majesty's Government will gladly take any favourable opportunity to bring about a truce or the termination of the war in Spain either alone or in conjunction with others, and with this object in view they keep constantly in touch with the Italian and other foreign Governments whose cooperation might be helpful.

Would it be a fair deduction from that answer, then, that the Government satisfied themselves that at the present time the Italian Government would not be prepared to associate themselves with any proposals for the termination of hostilities?

I am afraid I am not prepared at the present moment to add anything to the answer I have given.

Would it not be better that any proposals for mediation should arise from Powers regarded as more impartial than either the Italian Government or His Majesty's Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has obtained the views of the Spanish Government on the proposal put forward by General Franco for the establishment of neutral ports for British ships trading with Spain?

No, Sir. It will be remembered that this proposal originated from General Franco's administration, and it has first been found necessary to explore it further with that administration before approaching the Spanish Government.

Is it intended to consult the Spanish Government before any affirmative decision is arrived at on this point?

Yes, Sir. It is our intention that the Spanish Government should be consulted in this matter.

asked the Prime Minister how many British ships have been sunk and how many others have been attacked on the high seas by General Franco's armed forces since 29th October, 1937?

Three British ships have been sunk on the high seas during this period, and three others attacked. One only of these cases occurred during the last four months.

asked the Prime Minister whether the recent agreement concerning the evacuation of foreign troops from Spain includes provision for measures of international control to prevent the introduction of foreign aircraft and air personnel into Spain?

As regards aircraft, I have nothing to add to the reply given on 1st June to a question by the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander). As regards air personnel, these fall under the category of foreign volunteers whom the countries parties to the Non-Intervention Agreement have already undertaken to prevent from proceeding to Spain.

Are we to understand that in the new arrangement nothing further has been done to control the introduction of air material?

No, Sir. If the hon. Gentleman will refer to my previous statement, he will see that we must await a public statement from the Non-Intervention Committee before we can see what they have to say in this matter.

Are we to understand that the Non-Intervention Committee really is considering measures to prevent the introduction of foreign aircraft into Spain?

It is doing its best to find a method of doing so.

Does the hon. Gentleman mean that the proceedings of the Committee are so secret that Members of the House of Commons cannot be informed of them?

If the right hon. Gentleman had done me the honour of listening to my replies for some months past, he would have known that I have always said that their proceedings are confidential, but there is always a Press communique issued at the end of their meetings.

It is the most ridiculous body in the world.

asked the Prime Minister how many British ships have been sunk or damaged, and how many of the seamen serving on British ships killed or injured, since his warning to the Burgos authorities that a continuance of such practices must interfere with the friendly relations between them and the British Government; and in what form he intends to implement this warning?

Since the Prime Minister's statement on 14th June, two British ships have been sunk, one seriously damaged and three slightly damaged, while two men serving aboard British ships have been killed and two slightly injured. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the speech of the Prime Minister on 23rd June.

Can the Minister say whether there is any precedent for a Government in this country to insist that a foreign Government should take a certain line or desist from certain actions, and then not to follow it up by any effective action?

On the contrary, we have followed up every single case to the best of our ability, and the Prime Minister has repeatedly announced the recent steps which the Government have decided on.

What is meant by the expression "at their own risk" when these ships are warned before entering Spanish territorial waters?

asked the Prime Minister whether, as the port of Gandia is purely British property, cannot be regarded as a military objective and could not be bombed otherwise than deliberately, His Majesty's Government will provide it with anti-aircraft guns or some other form of protection?

The port of Gandia is leased to a British company, but it remains part of the territory of Spain. If, therefore, His Majesty's Government provided antiaircraft protection for the port, this would amount to sending British forces to protect British property in a foreign country where a state of war exists, and would be taking part in the war which, as the Prime Minister has frequently explained, His Majesty's Government are not prepared to do.

Was not the Prime Minister's objection to sending warships in general circumstances that any guns they might fire would be confused with an attack upon military objectives, and why should not warships be sent with anti-aircraft guns?

Does the hon. Gentleman mean to infer that it would be establishing a precedent to send British forces to protect British property in a foreign country in a war?

The port of Gandia is part of the territory of Spain, and what I said was that to send British forces to protect British property in a foreign country where a state of war exists would mean taking part in that war.

How is it that British warships are on the Yangtse-kiang?

If the right hon. Gentleman refers to China, there the position is different, because at various places we have Treaty rights.

Will not the Under-Secretary compare this case that is put by the hon. Member with the announcement in the Press that the Italians propose to protect Italian property in the Balearic Islands during the war in Spain? Why cannot the British Government take equal steps, if the Italians can, to defend its nationals?

I am proud to answer for the British Government on all these questions.

On a point of Order. I desire to call your attention, Sir, to the next three questions. The first two contain a reference to "the Minister for Foreign Affairs in nationalist Spain," and the third contains a reference to the "nationalist troops." In my submission, the only Government in Spain that is entitled to possess a Foreign Minister or to have the word "nationalist" applied to it, is the Government with which we, despite certain evidence to the contrary, are in friendly relations. These three questions must, therefore, constitute an affront to the established Government in Spain.

That is not a point for me.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the official statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in nationalist Spain that 12 towns in the Bielsa zone were totally destroyed by systematic incendiarism and that 2,000 families in that district have been left homeless and robbed of their cattle; and whether any steps will be taken to condemn these assaults on the property of civilians by armed men prior to their escape into France?

While His Majesty's Government deplore the sufferings caused to the Spanish people during the civil war, they do not feel able to pass judgment on particular incidents where the facts of the case are by their nature very difficult to establish.

In view of the proposal, which is welcomed in all parts of the House, that an international committee should visit Republican territory in Spain with reference to bombing outrages, could not such a committee also visit the spots where recent happenings have occurred with such disastrous results to the poor peasants?

I do not think that at this stage we can enlarge the terms of reference of the proposed Commission.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this story was issued by the Burgos authorities one or two days before Franco's troops entered Castellon?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the official statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Nationalist Spain that the president of the provincial council in Castellon had 600 persons assassinated just prior to evacuation; and will any steps be taken to express abhorrence at such barbarity?

His Majesty's Minister at Barcelona has been asked to furnish a report on this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a premature relief of Castellon was deliberately staged by the Republican authorities in Castellon, and 2,000 of the civilian population who welcomed what they imagined were Nationalist troops were then killed by the fire of militiamen, their bodies being subsequently found by the Nationalist army; and what steps he proposes to take by way of protest to the Republican Government.

I have not up to the present received any information on this matter.

On a point of Order. May I draw your attention, Sir, to the fact that this question contains a very vile suggestion against the troops of Republican Spain? May I suggest to you that no question of this kind should be allowed to be put on the Order Paper unless it is absolutely proved that it is well-founded?

The hon. Member must remember that in questions many suggestions are made.

Further to that point of Order. Surely, it is very unusual that in a question an allegation should be made that the troops of a friendly Power have, in fact, organised a massacre of their own subjects in their own country? Surely, that is a quite exceptional and outrageous use of the Order Paper of this House.

Further on that point of Order. May I also draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that the question on the Order Paper refers to action by "the republican authorities," which presumably applies to the Spanish Government, with which we are in friendly relations; and would it not be wise to disallow questions of this extremely partial and provocative nature, which are contrary to every rule, tradition and practice governing questions in this House?

In view of the fact that every Member in this House understands that the statement in this question is a sheer fabrication, can nothing be done about it?

Arising out of the reply, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he will take steps to make immediate inquiries?

On a point of Order. Would it commend itself to you, Mr. Speaker, to inquire from the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth (Sir H. Croft) whether he is prepared to accept personal responsibility for the statements that appear in the question?

There are so many statements made from all sorts of sources by hon. Members in questions that I am not sure whether any hon. Member would be prepared to accept responsibility for them, and I am afraid that I cannot do anything in the matter further than asking that hon. Members themselves should exercise care in the framing of their questions.

Is this not a case of an assertion rather than a question?

On a point of Order. May I be permitted to say that this was an official statement from a Government official? [HON. MEMBERS: "Which Government?"] One of the Governments.

I think there is really nothing more to be said about it.

May I, with the greatest respect, submit to you, Mr. Speaker, that it is desirable that the long established practice which governs the putting of questions on the Order Paper of the House should not be frittered away by failure to give definite Rulings, when such Rulings are called for. I, therefore, wish to ask specifically whether it is or is not in order for an hon. Member to place on the Order Paper a question imputing a treacherous and base action to a Government and the officials of a Government with which we are in friendly relations; and if that is not in order can the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth (Sir H. Croft) be requested to withdraw his question in its present form?

Further to that point of Order. Will you, Sir, bear in mind the great importance of preserving a wide latitude in Parliamentary Questions?

If the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Garro Jones) is finding fault with me in the discharge of my duties, in saying that I have not given a definite Ruling, I would point out that the Ruling which I have given on this matter is that all Members of the House should be careful in framing their questions so as to avoid giving offence to friendly Governments. That applies to all, and if that were carried out by all parties there would be no trouble.

Have you not power, Mr. Speaker, to veto any question which you think is wrong?

Do hon. Members wish me to exercise that power to the fullest extent?

asked the Prime Minister whether any agreement has been entered into between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Italy regarding the use of the waters of Lake Tsana for the irrigation of the Sudan; if so, for what period the agreement runs; and what are the financial commitments entered into by the British Government thereby?

No agreements of any kind have been entered into between His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government with regard to Lake Tsana other than the Treaty of 13th December, 1906, between the United Kingdom, France and Italy (Cmd. 3298), the notes exchanged on 14th–20th December, 1925, between His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government (Cmd. 2680), and Annex 5 to the Protocol signed at Rome on 16th April, 1938 (Cmd. 5726). The second and third parts of the question do not, therefore, arise.

Arising out of the many manoeuvres of the Government—

The hon. Member must not put supplementary questions in that form.

I want to know whether we can have an assurance that any discussions which take place on the question of Lake Tsana will not be used for the purpose of supplying the Italians with finances for other purposes?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the provisions of Annex 5, to which I have referred, that the Italian Government are fully conscious of their obligations towards the Government of the United Kingdom in the matter of Lake Tsana, and have no intention of overlooking or repudiating them.

What is the status of the older agreement of 1906 and other agreements? Are they still valid after the conquest of Abyssinia?

I must refer the right hon. Gentleman to the terms of my answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the grave anxiety caused by Dr. Goebbels' statement on 21st June to the effect that it had been seen in Austria that one race cannot be separated into two countries and that it would soon be seen somewhere else, he will ask the German Government to give an assurance that they are not contemplating any action comparable to their seizure of Austria?

While His Majesty's Government naturally deprecate any public statements likely to render more difficult the negotiations now in progress in Prague, I understand that the statement attributed to Dr. Goebbels by the hon. Member does not appear in the official report of his speech. As I informed the House on 23rd May, the German Minister for Foreign Affairs has stated that the German Government fully share the desire of His Majesty's Government to see these negotiations succeed.

As these words are quoted verbatim in the report of the "Times" Berlin correspondent, surely it is desirable when something is threatened which may cause a European war, that His Majesty's Government should make inquiries as to what is really meant?

Equal importance should be attributed to the fact that this statement does not appear in the official report.

Is it not notorious that they cook their official report for home consumption?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the Anglo-Italian Agreement and the importance of maintaining close co-operation between Great Britain and France, His Majesty's Government have represented to the Italian Government the importance of resuming negotiations with France?

His Majesty's Government would welcome an improvement in the relations between France and Italy such as might be expected to follow a resumption of the negotiations between the two countries. The Italian Government are fully aware of our views on this question. At the same time it will be appreciated that this is a matter which can only be settled between the parties concerned.

Is it not a fact that the Anglo-Italian Agreement will be completely worthless unless Italy puts her relations with France on a satisfactory basis?

As I have said in my answer, we should welcome improved relations between France and Italy.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the United States Secretary for War has repeated Mr. Cordell Hull's offer, on behalf of the United States Government, to co-operate with other nations with a view to securing an international agreement for the limitation of aerial bombardment; and whether His Majesty's Government will take the initiative and convene a conference for the purpose of securing such international agreement?

I understand that the United States Secretary for War, in a speech on 22nd June, stated that the United States were ever ready to cooperate with other nations for definite and permanent reductions and limitations in armaments. With regard to the views of His Majesty's Government on this matter I have nothing to add to my recent statements and, in particular, to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on 22nd June.

As someone has to take the initiative in this matter, will not His Majesty's Government set the example by convening such a conference, or are we to be satisfied with speeches from both sides of the Atlantic?

If we think a favourable opportunity presents itself and such a conference is likely to have a successful result, we shall be ready to do what we can.

Is it below the dignity of the right hon. Gentleman to make an effort to get such a conference together?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have now arrived at a definition of British territorial waters off Gibraltar, and whether he will communicate that definition to the House?

The position of His Majesty's Government in this matter has undergone no change, and the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Is it not the case that territorial waters at Gibraltar have never been defined, if so, what advantage is it that the attitude of His Majesty's Government has undergone no change? Is it not desirable that the attitude of the Government should be clarified and should undergo the change of defining these territorial waters?

The question raises a good many considerations, and perhaps the hon. Member will discuss the matter with me.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Mr. C. M. Palairet, when representing His Majesty's Government at the Evian Conference, will be accompanied by any experts on refugee work or representatives of the Government Departments concerned; and, if so, will he state the names of these persons?

Yes, Sir. The United Kingdom delegates will be accompanied by appropriate expert advisers. The composition of the delegation has not yet been finally settled.

In view of the known pro-Arab sympathies of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster—

Order. That, again, is not the way to put a supplementary question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received from the Secretary-General of the League of Nations the report of the committee appointed to draw up a plan for international assistance to refugees?

The detailed plan which the Secretary-General of the League of Nations was instructed to draw up after consultation with the President of the Governing Body of the Nansen Office and the High Commissioner for Refugees coming from Germany has not yet been received.

Does the hon. Gentleman propose to ask the Secretary-General when this report may he expected?

I cannot say at present when it is expected, but we certainly hope that it will be expedited as far as possible.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in relation to the "Come-to-Britain" movement, any steps are being taken to organise a British musical centre at Bath or any other suitable English city, or Glyndebourne, so as to meet the requirements of distinguished international musicians, British music lovers, and overseas tourists who prefer not to attend Salzburg and other Central European musical festivals?

I understand that the leading musical interests in Britain, with the collaboration of the Travel Association and other bodies, are organising a London Music Festival in the spring of 1939, which it is hoped will become an annual event, and will attract music lovers from overseas.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it is proposed to publish a biennial report this year on economic conditions in Germany by the commercial counsellor to His Majesty's Embassy in Berlin?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give any reason for that, in view of the fact that the last report was greatly appreciated by commercial and other interests in this country?

Yes, Sir. These economic reports are not published at fixed intervals, but in certain cases as occasion requires. I do not think that this is a particularly good year in which to have a report on Germany, but I will certainly consider the advisability of publishing a report next year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the decision permitting a reduction of ground rent in respect of certain Crown land property leased to Rex and Regent Theatre Company, Limited, for use as offices, from £1 to 15s. per square foot, approximately; and whether, in view of the hardship to those who provide and let offices in the building on the adjacent site, where the ground rent charged averages 21s. per square foot, the Commissioners of Crown Lands will consider a similar reduction of ground rent in respect of this latter site?

The effective ground rents in the former of these cases are considerably higher than the amounts stated, and the circumstances are entirely different from those obtaining in the latter case. In the former case an alteration was made in the authorised user of the premises, and consequently in the rate of ground rent, before new buildings were erected or the lease signed, in consideration of the fact that unforeseen circumstances would inevitably prevent the lessee from carrying out his proposed contract. In the latter case the building was erected and the lease signed a number of years ago, and no ex gratia remission of the legal ground rent could, therefore, be considered save in accordance with the general scheme of relief to Regent Street tenants which was explained in my answer of 25th May to my hon. Friend the junior Member for Brighton (Sir C. Rawson) and which only applies to ground rents exceeding 25s. per square foot.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the ground rents attached to these new leases in Regent Street were adjusted in the boom period after the War and bear no relation to the rack rents of these premises; and will he be good enough to have an independent committee set up to inquire into the whole matter?

This matter was recently reviewed with the assistance of an informal committee of Members of this House, and I see no reason at the present time to re-open it.

Are not the ground rents charged on Crown lands a public scandal? No private landlord would ever charge them.