asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position with regard to partition in Palestine, in view of the evidence given by Sir John Shuckburgh, Permanent Under-Secretary for the Colonies, to the Mandates Corn-mission in Geneva, to the effect that the matter is contingent upon the findings of the Technical Commission?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on the subject in the course of the Debate on 14th June.

Do I understand that it would not be true to say that the question of partition is in any way dependent on the findings of this Technical Commission?

The commission are inquiring into the question of an equitable and practicable scheme, and, naturally, a certain amount must depend on the findings of the commission.

Is it not the case that in principle partition is the definite policy of the Government now?

Yes, Sir; I withdraw nothing of the statements on that point which have been made from time to time in this House and elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is anticipated that the Palestine Partition Committee will be able to submit its report; and whether it will be possible to submit any final proposal for the settlement of the Palestine question to the Mandates Commission at Geneva during the current year?

It is not yet possible to foresee when the Partition Commission will be able to submit their report, or when it will be possible for His Majesty's Government to reach a decision, but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that there will be no avoidable delay.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now make any statement about the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem?

It is hoped to publish next month the draft of an Ordinance to revise and amend the law relating to the organisation and administration of the Patriarchate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that over 6,000 Abyssinians are now living in Kenya; whether he will consider the possibility of transferring them to the hilly territory in Tanganyika, which is a similar climate to that of Abyssinia; and if he will approach the Emperor with a view to offering him the rule of this territory within the suzerainty of the Empire?

The question whether it would be possible to settle the Abyssinian refugees in the Highlands of Tanganyika has been fully considered, but the conclusion reached was that it would not be practicable. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Why does my right hon. Friend consider it to be not practicable?

There are a number of detailed difficulties. Perhaps I might let my hon. Friend have a communication on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether or not juveniles employed in Kenya come under the penal sanctions of the labour code?

As the law stands at present, juveniles employed on contract in Kenya are subject to the penal sanctions prescribed by the Employment of Servants Ordinance. As I indicated in my reply to a question by the hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. Harvey) on 20th June, the Governor is appointing a committee to review the question of child labour in Kenya, including the application of penal sanctions for the enforcement of contracts entered into by juveniles.

When is the Minister likely to have the report on the subject?

I think it will be some little time. I am not yet certain of the actual personnel of the committee of inquiry that has been appointed, but I can assure the hon. Member that the inquiry will be pursued as rapidly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the nature of the experience referred to amongst the objects and reasons for the Bill lowering the age of child labour in Kenya which convinced the Kenya Government that it must regulate the employment of juveniles and lower the age to 10 years?

It is not the case that the age limit at which children can be employed in Kenya has been lowered. The position is that, except for the minimum ages prescribed for certain forms of employment in the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Ordinance, 1933 there has not hitherto been any overriding minimum, which has now for the first time been prescribed in the Employment of Servants Ordinance. As regards the remainder of the question, I am informed by the Governor that the statement in the Objects and Reasons, that experience has shown the necessity for further provision to regulate the employment of juveniles, did not relate to any particular experience, but that this was a general statement implying that, in Kenya as elsewhere, control of the employment of juveniles had been found to be advisable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the conditions imposed by various ordinances on the recruitment of children of 10 years in Kenya permit of these children being removed from their parents and employed at a long distance from their homes?

There is no specific restriction in the law on this point. But no juvenile may be recruited without the consent of his parent or guardian and the certificate of the district officer: and these restrictions are designed, among other things, to safeguard the interests of juveniles in the respect which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is right and reasonable that children of these tender years should be removed from their parents to go to work in distant parts?

As I have said, the Governor is appointing a committee of inquiry to go into this very question. Pending the report of the committee, I could not add anything to answers I have given to previous questions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in possession of any reports to the inquiry which he was having made regarding the conditions of employment of children from 10 years upwards in our African Colonies; and will be have copies or summaries of all such reports placed in the Library?

It will, I expect, be some little time before I receive these reports, especially in the case of Kenya, where, as the hon. Member is aware, the Governor is appointing a committee to review this matter. As regards the last part of the qeustion, I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion when I have received the reports.

Will the report be laid before this House in any form, or issued as a White Paper?

I cannot promise that, but I will give the matter consideration when I have received the report.

Will the report include an account of the penal sanctions to which these children are subject?

The committee is inquiring into the question of penal sanctions as well as the question of age limit.

That was not quite what I asked. I asked if the report would include a record of the sanctions to which they are at present subject.

I think that is implied in what I have said.

Could the right hon. Gentleman not express an opinion now, without waiting for the report of the inquiry?

There would not be much purpose in an inquiry into the facts if I were to prejudice the whole inquiry by making a categorical statement now.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, where children of 10 years of age and upwards are employed under contract in Kenya, the district officer must in all cases certify such contracts; whether before such contracts are entered into the medical officer of the district must examine the child and certify its physical and mental fitness; and whether the employers of such children are under legal obligation to keep a register of such children where they are employed on the surface of mines or on plantations?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, it is prescribed that no person shall employ a juvenile in any class of labour for which, in the opinion of a Government medical officer, he is physically unsuitable. As regards the third part of the question, it is prescribed, in the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Ordinance, 1933, that the employer shall keep a register of all young persons employed in any industrial undertaking (which includes a mine) the minimum ages for which in Kenya vary from 12 to 16 years according to the nature of the employment. There is no corresponding provision in regard to the employment of children on plantations, except where the employment is of an industrial character.

Are the children examined by medical officers of health, who certify their fitness, physical and mental, before they are allowed to be employed?

The provision of the ordinance is as I have stated. Exactly how it is administered I cannot say; but I am at present in communication with the Governor, and will let the hon. Member have the information as soon as I can.

Can the right hon. Gentleman justify the exploitation of children at this age?

Hon. Members are very persistent in trying to get an answer out of me, but I have refused to prejudice the inquiry now being conducted, and I think that is a perfectly proper attitude to take up.

Who appoints the medical officers who are quite willing to issue

They are appointed in the normal way for the appointment of medical officers in the Colonies. I should have to have notice of the question before giving an exact answer.

Had you not better sack them all?

What is the nature of the employment for children at 10 years of age?

It is really employment in the plantations. I understand that the principal kind of employment is picking foreign bodies off the tea trees. It is all employment of a light kind.

What is the maximum number of hours that children of 12 can spend underground in the mines?

I think I am right in saying that the employment of children of 12 underground is entirely prohibited. But perhaps the hon. Member will put the question down.

What is the age on the surface?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons have been killed or wounded in each of the labour disputes in the West Indies in the last three years?

As the reply is in tabular form, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in the southern United States full-time malaria units, consisting of a physician, an engineer, and an entomologist, are now being added to the staffs of state health departments; and whether parallel steps are being taken in British Colonies in the control of tropical diseases?

Yes, Sir. Similar steps have for some years past been taken in most British Colonies. The need for co-ordinating medical, engineering and entomological advice is fully appreciated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement on the detailed proposals for the establishment of a higher college for East Africa; whether the inter-territorial conference called by the Governor of Uganda resulted in any constructive proposals; and whether the Government of Kenya proposes to show its sympathy with the proposed college by making a grant similar to the grants made by the Governments of Uganda and Tanganyika.

I am glad to be able to state that the proposals for the establishment of the higher college have now reached an advanced stage, and the answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the report of the Conference. A substantial proportion of the money for the endowment fund has already been promised, and plans for the new college buildings are at present being studied by experts in this country. With regard to the third part of the question, the matter will be considered by the Kenya Legislative Council at its meeting next month.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the programme of experimental Transatlantic flights which it is proposed to carry out during the present summer.

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Stour-bridge (Mr. Morgan) on 1st June, it is hoped to carry out experimental Transatlantic flights with the Mayo composite aircraft, with flying boats and with land-planes during the course of the year. The programme is under active consideration with Imperial Airways.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to fit the long-distance Empire machines with heavy-oil engines by reason of the economy in fuel and safety from fire.

As my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend on 28th May, research is in train and encouraging progress is being made in the development of the heavy-oil compression ignition engine, but the results so far attained show a marked disparity in performance as compared with petrol engines. While there is at present no machine on the Empire route of sufficient range to show economy due to fuel when fitted with compression ignition engines the Air Ministry are exploring, with Imperial Airways, the feasibility of fitting engines of this type to one of their aircraft for experimental purposes.

How many engines of this kind have the Germans in commercial service?

I cannot say.

Will my hon. Friend inquire from the Germans what engines they use in their trans-Atlantic boats?

If the hon. Member will put down a question on the subject, I will endeavour to obtain the information.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any decision has now been come to with regard to the Langstone Harbour scheme for Empire flying boats; and, if the town council of Portsmouth does not desire to develop an air harbour, will he consider developing with rapidity an alternative site on the South Coast, and so avoid the necessity of a flying boat having to use a French port, as had to be done recently by a flying boat on her return from India?

An examination of the various alternative sites for an Empire flying-boat base is proceeding as rapidly as possible with a view to securing the most adequate facilities to enable day and night regular arrivals and departures to be effected without interruption to air services or interference with shipping traffic.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his Department is negotiating with British Airways, Limited, with a view to their continuing the present London-Copenhagen-Stockholm service to Oslo?

Preliminary consultations are proceeding with British Airways on the subject of European Air Services, one of which is a London-Oslo service.

As it is proposed to run a service to Oslo, will the Under-Secretary bear in mind that one is already provided by Allied Airways, and will he also bear in mind the recommendation of the Cadman Report that there shall be only one British service to each centre?

Allied Airways run from Newcastle to Stavanger, and the advisability of allowing this service to rank for internal subsidy is at present under consideration with the Treasury.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the ban on air-line bookings has now been completely removed?

As I have already informed the House, the railway companies have intimated their intention to remove the ban on air bookings. The ban has been removed in the case of all internal air lines except in respect of the three services of Channel Air Ferries, Limited, and negotiations are in active progress between the operating company and the railway companies. The ban also applies to the Dublin service of West Coast Air Services Limited and that case is also under consideration.

Will the Under-Secretary look into the case of the air charter companies; and is he aware that the usual agencies while they book charters for Imperial Airways and its associated companies refuse to take such bookings for smaller companies like British American Air Services Limited?

If such services are operated at separate fares so as to require a licence under the new licensing order, they will be in the same position as regards booking facilities as any other licensed service.

Is the ban still in operation on bookings for the Irish Free State?

For the moment, yes, but negotiations are being pursued actively with a view to its removal.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a Royal Commission to investigate the Workmen's Compensation Acts and the effect of accidents and industrial diseases on the lives of the people?

The Government have had under careful consideration the question of the action to be taken in regard to workmen's compensation. As the House will recollect, proposals for alterations in the present system—some of them of a far-reaching character—have been debated in this House on several occasions during the last few years, and while there has been great divergence of opinion on the merits of the particular proposals, it has been generally recognised that there is a strong case for review of various provisions of the existing Acts in the light of modern ideas and conditions. The Government have considered the feasibility of themselves formulating proposals on the basis of existing information but they have come to the conclusion, having regard to the magnitude and complexity of the questions at issue, that it would be impossible to frame any satisfactory legislation without an up-to-date inquiry of a formal and comprehensive character. Certain special problems of workmen's compensation have been, or are, the subject of investigation by Departmental Committees, but since the Holman Gregory Committee reported 18 years ago, there has been no general inquiry into the working of the Acts. The Government have accordingly decided to recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission with wide terms of reference which will enable it to inquire generally in to the working of the present system and give authoritative advice as to any changes which may be desirable. I may add that it is contemplated that the Commission should be empowered to consider, in relation to workmen's compensation, proposals such as have recently been brought forward in this House on several occasions, for modification of the position in regard to the employer's liability at common law.

Will the Prime Minister see that when this Royal Commission is set up and starts its inquiries, it takes into account the workmen's compensation law in some of our Dominions, which is a long way ahead of anything that we have in this country?

I have no doubt that the Royal Commission will have those provisions in front of them.

As the Royal Commission may take a long time before it publishes a report on this matter, will the Prime Minister consider asking such Commission, when it is set up, to consider the publication of an interim report upon which legislation may be introduced?

I will consider that, but I am not sure that the information in our possession would be such as to justify our asking the Commission to do that. I certainly will consider the matter.

Will the Prime Minister consider asking such a Royal Commission to consider special aspects of the workmen's compensation law?

I think it is obvious that, if we set up a Royal Commission, it would not be proper to introduce any legislation which affected the general system until we have had its report. I should not consider, on the other hand, that we should be debarred from introducing legislation dealing with particular aspects of the question in the meantime.

When the Prime Minister says that the position of the employers' liability at common law will also be included in the consideration of the Commission, does he mean by that that the doctrine of common employment will be considered?

Yes, Sir.

When the Prime Minister is considering the personnel of the Royal Commission, will he hear in mind the need for people who have had years of workshop experience being represented on the Commission, and that it should not be outweighed with people of the legal profession?

I hope that both employers and employed will be suitably represented on the Commission.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the trade figures for the month of May, he will now state the Government's policy to meet the slump in trade?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which I gave to him on 23rd May last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what Departments have officials considering this matter, do those officials have joint meeting, and, if so, when did the last meeting take place on the subject?

Certainly the Departments concerned do have representatives considering this matter. I cannot say without notice when the last meeting took place, but they are constantly having the matter under consideration.

Has not the slump become much more severe since the Prime Minister's last statement?

I do not accept the suggestion of a slump.

Will the Prime Minister expedite the Government decision upon big projects, such as the Forth Road Bridge, which would have a very considerable effect in preventing a slump in Scotland?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the public announcement that Prince Alexander Obolensky has been granted a commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve indicates that British-born subjects whose fathers are not British are no longer barred from entering the Royal Air Force as cadets?

There is no intention of modifying the present regulations under which the parents of candidates for commissions in the Royal Air Force, its reserves and auxiliaries must be British subjects. Under those regulations it is, however, open to the Secretary of State to authorise departure from this rule in suitable cases, and such authority was given in the case referred to.

Does not the fact that this gentleman has played rugby football for England indicate that he is tolerably well qualified to have a commission in the Royal Air Force?

Can the Minister say how many Russians it is proposed to enrol in the Air Force?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that equal consideration is given to other applicants who may not bear distinguished titles?

I will give careful consideration to any case that comes before me, but I ought to say that, in this case, the individual referred to was already a member of an air squadron and his name was put forward by his commanding officer.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to provide housing accommodation for the additional workers likely to be employed permanently by the Air Ministry on Minchinhampton aerodrome?

Stroud Rural District Council have already agreed to provide a proportion of the houses required for the additional workers, and I am hopeful that the outcome of the negotiations at present in progress with the Stroud Urban District Council regarding the provision of the balance of the accommodation will be equally satisfactory.

Do I understand from the reply of my right hon. Friend that it is the intention of the Ministry, wherever possible, to employ its own people?

I shall be obliged to my hon. Friend if he will put the question upon the Paper, as that is a general matter of policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any orders have been placed for shirts, socks, and flannel with firms in West Wales, and if he is satisfied that they are receiving a fair share of the orders for these goods now being placed?

Supplies are purchased on the basis of competitive tendering. There are two Welsh firms on the list for shirts and if the hon. Member will supply me with any names of suitable firms in West Wales I shall be glad to have them considered so far as future orders are concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, following upon the representations made by the Suffolk and Essex Fishery Board regarding the proposed extension under draft bylaws, prepared by his Department, of the sea-bombing area off Orfordness which will so curtail the fishing grounds off Aldeburgh as to render them all but useless, thus gravely affecting the fishing and other interests of the town, he has made such modification of the draft by-laws as will prevent the interests referred to being entirely sacrificed to those of defence?

The representations referred to are being sympathetically considered in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what arrangements are being made at new and isolated stations for the secondary education of airmen's children?

Consideration is now being given to this matter with a view to improving the facilities for school attendance in the circumstances referred to.

Will my right hon. Friend consider camp schools which might be built now, as there would be a great evacuation of children in the case of war, and in the meantime it would help them in regard to their health?

asked the Secretary of State for Air the date when the new regulations for the Auxiliary Air Force will come into force?

The new regulations for the Auxiliary Air Force will be brought into force as soon as the necessary administrative arrangements can be completed. It is anticipated that the new scheme of emoluments will in the main be introduced on 1st July next.

Is my right hon..Friend aware that the whole of the Auxiliary Air Force is extremely grateful to the Air Ministry and would like to place on record their thanks, and also to the late Under-Secretary of State for what he did in furtherance of this work?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has examined the possibility of placing a balloon barrage along the whole length of the East Coast of this country; and what would be the cost of such a means of defence?

The desirability of extending the balloon barrage is receiving close attention in connection with a general review of methods of defence against air attack. No estimate of the cost of placing a balloon barrage along the whole length of the East Coast of this country is available, and I should add that it is not considered that the siting of a barrage as suggested would be an effective or economical use of this particular method of defence.

Assuming that this method is regarded as effective, is it not essential that mass populations on Tyneside, Teesside and in the Midland towns should be afforded similar protection to that which is afforded to London?

I can well understand that, but I would draw the attention of the hon. Gentleman to the last part of my reply, and perhaps I might be able to indicate to him certain considerations which I have in mind in that connection.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman merely said that the placing of a balloon barrage along the East coast would not be economical, and will he not consider the placing of a barrage around some of these numerous industrial populations?

That is another matter. I am dealing with the suggestion on the Paper as far as the length of the East coast of the country is concerned.

Is it not the fact that this barrage should be mobile?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has taken any steps to accelerate the completion of the balloon barrage for the defence of London?

All practicable steps are being taken to ensure the completion of the balloon barrage at the earliest possible date. Recruiting is in progress for all four centres to be located in the London sectors, and it is hoped that by September, eight of the 10 squadrons to be formed will be in training.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is now sufficient gas-making apparatus for the balloons?

Certain difficulties have arisen, but I am glad to say that they are now being overcome.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the balloon barrage system of defence is to be established in Scotland?

As I have already informed the House, I am giving the question of the extension of the balloon barrage my personal attention, but it is not possible to arrive at any decision until further experience has been gained in the development of a balloon barrage in the London area.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure Scottish Members that the defence of Scotland in this respect will not depend upon the mobility of the London balloon barrage system, and can he say whether the Scottish local authorities are being consulted with regard to this form of defence in Scotland? Has the Scottish Office been consulted?

I think we must await further experience as far as barrage in the London area is concerned before we can decide the matter to which the hon. Member refers.

Have any steps been taken to obtain the opinion of the Scottish local authorities, apart from the London barrage?

I do not think so. It is a matter more for technical consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the experiments are proceeding satisfactorily?

Has the Minister considered an alternative or additional proposal for a rocket-controlled barrage on the coast?

All these matters will, obviously, have to be considered in the light of what I have said.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the recent dismissal of an aircraftman subsequent to his conviction for cruelty to a child, it is the practice always to insist on dismissal in cases of such proven cruelty; whether there are similar cases on record; whether opportunity of reenlistment is given after an appropriate period of expiation; and whether the regulations involving dismissal for proven cases of injurious treatment of children applies also in time of war?

There are no similar cases on record. Any such case, including the re-enlistment aspect if it arose, would be considered on its merits having regard to the best interests of the Royal Air Force and of the man himself. As regards the last part of the question no such regulation exists.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that while condemning without qualification cases of cruelty to children, it is socially unwise to punish the offender in the way that was done in this case?

asked the Secretary of State for Air the present number of squadrons in the Metropolitan Air Force and those engaged in overseas service; the number of squadrons in the Fleet Air Arm; and whether the formation of the various aircraft is proceeding at a satisfactory rate?

The numbers asked for are as follow: Metropolitan Air Force, 123 squadrons (including one squadron temporarily overseas); overseas, 29 squadrons; Fleet Air Arm, the equivalent of 20 squadrons.

Are these squadrons operating as complete with pilots and machines?

I have answered the question on the Order Paper and I should require notice of any further point.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many meteorological stations in this country now take accurate observations of radiation and humidity; and whether it is proposed to add to them in the near future?

As regards solar radiation, continuous records are maintained at Kew, South Kensington and Rothamsted and occasional records at Eskdalemuir. No increase is under consideration. Humidity observations are part of the ordinary routine at all meteorological office stations and it is not intended to increase the number of stations except as part of the expansion of the meteorological service to meet both Service and civil aviation requirements.

Does not the Under-Secretary consider it necessary to increase the number of these stations? Is it not necessary that more adequate records should be taken of relative and absolute humidity for other purposes?

I will bear in mind the point raised by the hon. Member in consultation with the experts of my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied that the present staff of the Meteorological Office is adequate for its duties; and what numbers are at present engaged upon weather forecasting?

As the result of the expansion of the Royal Air Force and of civil aviation a very large increase in the staff of the Meteorological Office has been called for, and is being met as rapidly as suitable personnel can be recruited and trained. There are at present 87 persons engaged on making day-to-day weather forecasts and 13 under training. These numbers will be increased during the next 12 months.

Does the proposed expansion give sufficient time for the senior staff so that they can devote adequate time to their research duties?

We recognise that these duties make a heavy strain on the senior members of the meteorological staff, but I am told that the matter can be dealt with adequately without further expansion.

Is it not a fact that the senior staff have been for years swamped with routine work and that the present expansion does not give an adequate staff to deal with research problems?

The present expansion aims at training other experts for the work in order to reduce the routine work that has to be done by the senior staff.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that weather forecasts for a fortnight or longer are now being made both in this country and in Germany and have attained a high percentage of accuracy; and whether he will consider taking steps to ensure that the present forecasts from the Meteorological Office are supplemented by comparable long-distance forecasts?

I am aware of the long-range weather forecasts being attempted by various methods in many different countries. These efforts are being carefully studied by the Meteorological Office, but so far none of the methods has attained the accuracy which would justify the issue of such forecasts in this country.

Is it not a fact that there is 95 per cent. accuracy of forecast made in this country and published in one of our leading newspapers, and would it not be advisable that the Meteorological Office should consider alternative methods of its own?

Long-range forecasts have been studied for many years in India and Germany where the work has been encouraging, but it is not convincing yet. Long-range forecasts in this country, with our changeable climate would be more difficult than in any other country, and it is best to await the result of investigations which we are now pursuing.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the slow train service between Manchester, Accrington, and Colne; and whether he will consult with the railway company as to the possibility of electrifying this route?

I am informed by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company that they are introducing improved services on this line in July. The company say that they would not feel justified, in existing circumstances, in incurring the expenditure involved in electrifying this route. I may add that I understand that the whole problem of the transport services in this part of Lancashire is to be the subject of a conference next month between representatives of the local authorities, trading bodies and operators of various forms of internal transport.

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "improved"? Does it mean that they can so accelerate this service that they can give a speed of more than 20 miles an hour for this route?

What I mean by improvement is, making it better than the position that exists. I should not like to deal with any particular mileage per hour, without notice. The London Midland and Scottish Railway have said that they propose to introduce an improved service on this section of the line in July next.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received the recommendations of the County Council of Ross and Cromarty regarding the proposed causeway at Bernera Island, Isle of Lewis; and when the work is likely to begin and the estimated cost?

The position is the same as when I replied to the hon. Member's question on 9th March last. No further application has been received from the county council since that date.

In view of the inconvenience caused to a population of several hundred people, the inevitable cruelty to stock, the damage to commodities and the general lack of facilities, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to provide the facilities necessary?

I have pointed out that it is a matter for the county council. I gave the hon. Member that reply when he raised the matter on 9th March. I have no communication from the county council since.

In view of the failure of the county council to look after the interests of these people, will the right hon. Gentleman take up the matter and do something?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now considered the further representations made to him regarding the proposed improved and faster, or earlier, steamer service to Stornoway from the mainland; and whether he has any proposals for assisting the town council and others concerned in this direction?

I am in communication with the shipping and railway companies concerned and will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the fair wages clause operates on all road work financed under the five-year road plan of 100 per cent. grants from the Ministry of Transport to Highland authorities; and what wages are being paid on such works in the Isle of Lewis and on the mainland of the county of Ross and Cromarty, respectively, on these schemes?

Yes, Sir. The fair wages clause is operative. In answer to the second part of the question the minimum hourly rate is 11d. in both cases, but I understand that the majority of men employed on the works in the mainland are, in fact, receiving higher rates.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received no complaints whatever about low wages being paid on these schemes?

I have no reason to think that the fair wages clause is not being operated.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the divergence of opinion concerning the usefulness of the barrier erected at the western end of Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, it is his intention that the various interests concerned should be given the opportunity of expressing their views at a public inquiry?

I have no jurisdiction which would warrant my holding an inquiry into this matter.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this barrier extends for 5o per cent. of the road and surely he has some means of negotiating with the local authority on the matter?

"Local government" means that local authorities have powers in their own areas. This barrier has been erected by the Chelsea Borough Council, and I am afraid it is a matter for them.