asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to make a further statement in regard to the scheme for the withdrawal of volunteers from the two forces in the Spanish conflict; and why there is delay in the adoption of the proposals in the Non-Intervention Committee?

I am glad to be able to say that at the meeting of the Chairman's Sub-Committee which was held on 26th May, very considerable progress was made. All the Governments concerned have now accepted the British formula which furnishes a definition of the "substantial progress" in the withdrawal of foreign volunteers provided for in the British plan of 14th July last. Three new proposals were put forward by the United Kingdom representative designed to dispose of difficulties which had arisen in connection with the date for the restoration of observation, the balancing of the sea and land observation schemes, and the method of withdrawing volunteers. These proposals were accepted by all the representatives present, with the exception of the Soviet representative. Agreement was also reached on nearly all the provisions of the Draft Resolution, apart from a number of reservations on the part of the Soviet representative. Further meetings of the Sub-Committee have been fixed for this week, when I earnestly hope that the progress recorded at the last meeting may be consolidated by the adherence of the Soviet Government.

Would it, therefore, appear that the reluctance to withdraw foreign nationals lies on the side of the Republican Government and their supporters?

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the proposals to which objection is taken by the Soviet Government are sufficient to prevent considerable supplies of war material from reaching General Franco by sea, even during the operation of the closing of the French frontier?

That is a matter of opinion. We attach importance to the British plan if it is accepted in toto, and we hope to gain the adherence of the Soviet Government.

Is it possible for the Soviet Government's embargo to hold up the whole agreement indefinitely?

That is why we want to gain adherence from the Soviet Government.

What Governments are concerned in the withdrawal of volunteers?

This matter has been discussed by all the members of the Non-Intervention Committee, and the Governments concerned are those which are represented on the Committee.

I would like the Minister to answer what Governments—[interruption.]

Is it not clear that the objections of the Soviet Government are to the details of the plan, and not to the wish to have foreign combatants removed from Spain; and will the hon. Member not, therefore, repudiate the suggestion that was made just now across the Floor of the House that the Soviet Government are hostile to the withdrawal of foreign combatants from Spain?

As I have said before, I cannot answer for another Government. We have done our best by putting for- ward our plan, and we are attempting to gain the adherence of the Soviet Government to that plan.

Are not these objections the same as those of the Spanish Government to the—[Interruption.]

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has yet been received from the insurgent authorities to the protests made by His Majesty's Government against the deliberate bombing of British ships in Valencia and Barcelona; and whether any action has now been agreed upon for the prevention of similar incidents in the future?

The British agent has been informed that, following his representations, the Burgos authorities are making an inquiry.

In view of the fact that it is three weeks since the first protest was sent, and that the only effect of the protests appears to be continued and, in fact, intensified, deliberate bombing of our ships, is it not time that some definite action was taken?

I hope that the inquiry which is being made will have some effect.

As these ships are in Spanish territorial waters, are they not there entirely at their own risk?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a fresh instance of bombing of British ships within the last 24 hours; and are not these long delays certain to encourage the Burgos authorities to think that they can go on bombing British ships and sacrificing British lives with impunity?

I am aware of the gravity of the situation. In this case I am answering the question on the Paper.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister on how many occasions British ships bound for ports under the control of the Spanish insurgents have been stopped and searched by British naval forces?

There have been no such occasions.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why, since on many occasions ships going to the Government of Spain have been searched, the British naval authorities are so much more zealous in examining ships—

The hon. Member must not put a supplementary question in that way.

Surely, when there is an extraordinary disparity between the conduct towards the insurgent authorities and the Government of Spain, one is entitled to put a question on that point?

Yes, but not in that language.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning the bombing and sinking of the ship "Thorpehall," off Valencia, on 24th May?

From the reports which I have received, I understand that at 2.45 a.m. on 25th May this vessel was attacked by an aeroplane which dropped two bombs. One of these struck the vessel, which sank half an hour later. From the fact that the ship was lying well away from the harbour, about ¾ mile from the end of the breakwater, and that she had been reconnoitred by a similar aeroplane on the previous evening, His Majesty's Government consider that she was the victim of a deliberate attack. Sir R. Hodgson has been instructed to bring this incident to the notice of the Burgos authorities and to request that strong disciplinary action should be taken against the crew of the offending aircraft. Sir R. Hodgson has further been instructed to impress upon the Burgos authorities the serious view taken by His Majesty's Government of the repetition of deliberate attacks on British shipping, and to request that immediate instructions should be given that such attacks should cease. His Majesty's Government have reserved their right to claim full compensation for loss and damage to persons and property resulting- from this attack.

Is it not the fact that this ship was wholly under the authority of the Spanish Government, who have had it on charter for the last two years solely for this purpose; and can any question of compensation arise?

Apart from the representations which have been made to the Burgos authorities, are not these Italian aeroplanes, manned by Italian Air Force personnel, so that obviously deliberate attacks by them could not take place without the assent of Signor Mussolini; and, if so, ought not representations to be made to the Italian Government?

We must make our protest to the Burgos authorities in this matter.

When the hon. Gentleman says that it was a similar machine that made the reconnaissance, can he say what the type of machine was?

No; I have not that information.

Then how can the hon. Gentleman say, if he has no information, that it was a similar machine that came the second time?

I am not certain what type of machine it was that came on the second occasion.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to make a protest against the recent air bombardment of non-military objectives in the city of Alicante, in Spain?

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to take any action in reference to the recent bombing of the civilian population of Alicante?

His Majesty's Government have on more than one occasion expressed to both sides in Spain their profound concern at the intensification of aerial bombardment resulting in serious loss of life among the civil population, and have drawn attention to the universally accepted principle that aerial bombardment of military objectives is alone admissible. While I have not sufficient information at my disposal to judge what were the objectives on this occasion, I desire to take this opportunity of repeating how profoundly His Majesty's Government deplore the maiming and death of defenceless civilians.

In view of the fact that the Prime Minister himself has previously stated that this kind of aerial bombardment is contrary to international law, and in view of the fact that the Franco authorities take no notice of British protests, will not His Majesty's Government consider withdrawing Sir Robert Hodgson from any association with General Franco?

I do not think that that would be helpful.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that either side in Spain or in China will take much notice of our protests against this sort of warfare, seeing that Great Britain and all the great Powers are feverishly struggling to prepare even worse and more foul and vile outrages against civilian populations if war should break out?

I do not accept that view.

Do the Government accept the universally admitted principle that the bombardment of military objectives is not admissible if it involves danger to the civil population?

Why are we devoting Wednesday to air-raid precautions if we are not perfectly well aware that we expect to bomb any enemy with whom we may be at war, and they expect to bomb our civilian population?

since His Majesty's Government have taken the lead in refusing the Spanish Government permission to buy anti-aircraft guns for defence of open towns, surely they cannot escape responsibility?

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Embassy at Barcelona has attached to it a full complement of attaches experienced in military, naval, air, and commercial matters; and whether, in view of the importance of the British interests involved and the increasing attacks on British shipping, His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of strengthening the staff?

My Noble Friend is satisfied that the staff of His Majesty's Embassy and Consulate-General is fully adequate for the purpose of obtaining military and naval information and for the protection of British interests in that part of Spain.

Is there, in fact, a naval attaché, an air attaché, a military attaché and a commercial attaché?

The assistant military and air aé have been serving in the Embassy at Madrid, and later, at Valencia and Barcelona. No occasion has yet arisen for the appointment of a separate naval attaché.

Did the attaché know the type of machine which bombed the "Thorpehill"?

Do the Government not think that the bad naval incidents that have occurred off the coast of Spain are a reason why there should be a naval attaché? What means of observation do the Government possess?

We are perfectly satisfied with the sources of our information in Spain.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give the result of the examination of the steamship "Stancroft" at Gibraltar; whether any breach of the Carriage of Munitions to Spain Act, 1936, was found to have been committed; and, if so, will he give particulars?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the result of the examination of the steamship "Stancroft," which was taken to Gibraltar under naval escort under suspicion that a breach of the Carriage of Munitions to Spain Act, 1936, had been committed; and, if so, what further action has been taken?

I understand that, though the whole of the cargo of this vessel has not yet been discharged, it has been found to include aeroplane engines and cartridge cases. Proceedings under the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Munitions to Spain) Act, 1936, have been started against the master but the case has been adjourned until 10th June.

Are steps to be taken against the owner?

On a point of Order. The Minister has stated that this case is going to be brought to the court. I submit that it is out of order, therefore, for any comment to be made on it.

I have not heard the question yet.

My hon. Friend stated that steps are to be taken in connection with the master. Might I also ask that, if the Government are satisfied that there has been an illegal traffic, steps should be taken against the owners, who have been making great profits at the expense of British lives?

Has my hon. Friend any information to the effect that this ship was chartered by the Spanish Government?

May I protest against two allegations which have been made: that the Spanish Government chartered the ship; and that the owners are making large profits out of a breach of an Act of Parliament—comments on the case that are highly improper while it is sub judice?

If the case is sub judice, the less said about it the better.

Is it not a fact that it was the master of this ship, the "Stanhope"—[Interruption].

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Japanese military authorities are still refusing to allow the free circulation of the tramcars of the British-owned Shanghai Electric Construction Company in the Hongkew and Yangtzepoo districts of the International Settlement, thereby preventing the resumption of work in British and other factories in the district; and what further steps he is taking to protect British interests in this matter?

Yes, Sir. In spite of continual representations by His Majesty's authorities at Shanghai, the position remains substantially as described by the hon. Member. It cannot, however, be said to prevent the resumption of work, since the workmen can travel by other means. His Majesty's Government are bearing the matter in mind as part of the general question of the opening up of the occupied areas at Shanghai.

Could not this be dealt with through the Non-Intervention Committee?

While accepting what the hon. Gentleman said, that the workers could travel to their work by other means, may I ask whether he is aware that the suspension of the tramway service is causing great inconvenience to the Chinese population, and that a British manufacturer who works in the Yangtzepoo area has said that he could give immediate employment to 1,200 Chinese hands if the facilities were restored; and will the hon. Gentleman press this matter urgently upon the Japanese Government and the Japanese military authorities?

I am aware of the great inconvenience, and that is why we are indeed pressing this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to request the Japanese Government to restore to the Shanghai Municipal Council their rightful control of all parts of the International Settlement, including Hongkew and Yangtzepoo, at present occupied by Japanese troops?

since the actual fighting receded from Shanghai in November last, His Majesty's Government have lost no opportunity of representing to the Japanese authorities the desirability of the Shanghai Municipal Council being permitted to resume their normal control over the Settlement area.

Has my hon. Friend received any reply from the Japanese Government?

Not yet.

Is my hon. Friend aware that extensive areas continue to be occupied by Japanese troops, and that the Japanese have no more right to be there than any other nationals? British interests are being grievously injured.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information to show the extent to which the customs revenue of China seized by Japan is being employed in warfare against China?

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the Customs revenues at Tientsin which are now de- posited in the Yokohama Specie Bank, It is impossible to say to what precise use these sums are being put.

asked the Prime Minister what steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to give effect to the unanimous Resolution of the House on 2nd February, 1938, with regard to the question of international agreement for the limitation of aerial bombing?

As the House was informed, this question is being most carefully studied by the Government Departments concerned, with a view to overcoming the many technical and legal difficulties involved, but it has not yet reached a form in which it can advantageously be submitted to other Governments. At the same time His Majesty's Government have not failed to make clear their views about the bombardment of civilian populations and have approached the French Government and the Vatican.

Might I ask the Prime Minister personally whether he will answer this question: Is it not a fact that this was a decision of the House of Commons, arrived at very largely at the invitation of the then Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and would the right hon. Gentleman not, therefore, inform the House whether the Government are prepared to do something, apart from merely studying the matter? I suggest that the Government must have studied the matter before the answer was given by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Can the right hon. Gentleman not give an assurance that something will be done immediately, if possible, on this point, by agreement among other foreign Governments?

Yes, Sir. The hon. Gentleman is aware that what is desired is an international agreement. It is no use putting forward crude and unthought-out proposals to other Governments. The matter is one which gives rise to very great difficulties; for example, in distinguishing between the objectives which are aimed at. What we are trying to do is to get this proposition into such a form as to have some hope of acceptance by other Governments.

Has the Prime Minister taken any steps at all, with a view to inviting other Powers to come to a conference to discuss the proposals both of our Government and other Governments, rather than wait for us to argue and think out proposals before linking up with other Governments?

From the practical point of view it would be advantageous if we could find some scheme that, on the face of it, would be workable. That is what we are trying to do, and when we have succeeded in that, we should be in a position to invite other Governments.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in granting visas to Members of Parliament to visit Czechoslovakia, any conditions are made regarding their participation there in purely party politics; and what steps are taken to deal with a disregard of such conditions?

The Czechoslovak authorities do not require the passports of British subjects visiting Czechoslovakia to carry visas. The questions put by my hon. and gallant Friend do not, therefore, arise.

Is it in order for a Member of this House to take part in party politics in another country?

Could not the Minister take some extraordinary means of prohibiting political opinions that are disagreeable to the hon. and gallant Member for Peebles (Captain Ramsay) or else stop his incessant wailing?

asked the Prime Minister whether steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to achieve a settlement of the outstanding differences between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Mexico?

The decision of the Mexican Government to suspend diplomatic relations with His Majesty's Government having introduced a new factor into the situation, it has been decided to defer a definite conclusion as to what course it would be most appropriate to pursue until His Majesty's Government have had the opportunity of reviewing the whole position with Mr. O'Malley, whose arrival in London from Mexico is expected at the beginning of June.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government are taking steps to secure adequate British publicity in the countries of Central Europe?

His Majesty's Government have had under active consideration for some time the best methods of increasing and improving British publicity, not only in Central Europe, but abroad generally. The House is aware that the Government are studying the question of the distribution of British news abroad, and other aspects of the matter are being dealt with by the Committee set up under the chairmanship of Sir Robert Vansittart.

Does Central Europe include Germany?

Has this Committee been able to make any substantial progress in the direction desired in Germany?

I do not understand what the hon. Member means by "in Germany." The Committee is sitting here.

I understood that the purpose of the Committee was to further British objects abroad, not at home, and I am asking whether any substantial progress has been made in this direction, or whether any obstacle has been put in the way of our propaganda abroad in Germany?

I do not understand the reference to Germany, but I may say that progress is being made, and I am not aware of any obstacle in the way.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of suggesting to the French Government that, instead of converting 36,000,000 bushels of their surplus wheat into fuel, it should be sent to this country and the value to be considered as a credit against the amount of debt still outstanding from France to this country?

I have been asked to reply. I have no knowledge of any intention such as my hon. and gallant Friend refers to in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, I would remind him that payments in respect of this and similar inter-Governmental debts are suspended, as stated in the footnote on page 6 of the Financial Statement.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, when evidence is submitted by an applicant for pension in which it is stated that the ex-service man's condition is due to some extent to his War experience acting on his mind, his Department calls in a psychologist to assist in determining the case?

In every case in which an applicant produces evidence to show that his mind has been affected by his War service, an expert in mental diseases is consulted.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Hackett, 6, Thornton's Fold. Beamish, county Durham, has been refused a pension as dependant of her late husband, who had been a permanent invalid since being badly shell-shocked in the War; and whether he will reconsider this decision?

This case has been fully reviewed, but, as I have informed the hon. Member, my medical advisers find themselves quite unable to certify Mr. Hackett's death as connected with his War service. I have, therefore, no authority to vary the decision already communicated to Mrs. Hackett, but I may point out that she has a right of appeal to the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

Is the Minister aware hat this man was an extremely bad case of shell shock, and that his whole body twitched with jerks; and that the entire neighbourhood was disturbed about the refusal of a pension to the widow? Will he give the matter serious consideration?

As I assume that the widow will have the right of appeal to the War Pensions Committee, it would be unwise for me to take action.

Why is it that, in a perfectly obvious case of this description, the Minister refuses to give a pension to the man's widow? May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the very serious disturbance in all parts of the country, on a matter of which this case is a very glaring instance; and will he have an inquiry into the whole matter?

The hon. Gentleman takes me at a disadvantage, as I do not know anything about this case at all. As I understand my hon. Friend, he says the case is likely to be the subject of an appeal. If that is so, I do not see that I can do more about it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman—

We really must get on with the Questions on the Paper.

Could you not give a little more than ordinary latitude, Mr. Speaker, on this kind of thing, because it is a sample of the refusal of pensions which is causing considerable disturbance in all parts of the country? Could I not ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give the matter very serious consideration?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Lands Valuation (Scotland) Bill has the support of all the parties in this House, he will give time for its discussion?

I regret that in the present state of public business it is not possible to find time for the discussion of this Measure.

Is the Prime Minister aware that that answer will cause considerable dissatisfaction, that this is a fairly simple point, which could be quickly dealt with, and will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider his decision?

I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. This is by no means a non-controversial matter, but has aroused considerable opposition among Scottish local authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that although the association of local authorities did not agree, it was by a very small majority that they decided against giving support to this particular Measure, which I can assure him has a very large volume of support?

I can assure the hon. Member that it is by no means accepted by or acceptable to some of the largest local authorities in Scotland.

Is the Prime Minister aware that if the hon. and gallant Member for Peebles (Captain Ramsay) is a supporter of this Bill, it will be scrutinised very carefully by hon. Members on this side of the House?