asked the Prime Minister whether he will bring the existing state of affairs in Palestine to the notice of the French Government with a view to their ceasing to afford an asylum, in territory under French jurisdiction, to Arab leaders engaged in fomenting and directing the terrorist campaign in Palestine?

As in the case of the ex-Mufti of Jerusalem, close contact has been and is being maintained with the French Government regarding the alleged political activities of other Arab leaders in the territories under French Mandate.

Is it not abundantly clear that the campaign of terrorism in Palestine is controlled, in- spired and directed by the Mufti from Syria, and is it not impossible to stop this terrorism in Palestine unless it is dealt with at its source in Syria?

I have informed the hon. and gallant Member that close contact has been and is being maintained with the French authorities.

Is it not the case that these Arab leaders are fighting for the independence of their country?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now state how many times the pipe-line in Palestine has been cut since its inception; and how many Arabs have been responsible for its injury and how many Jews, respectively?

I am not in a position to supply the statistics for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks. The pipe-line has been attacked on a number of occasions by Arabs. I am not aware that there have been any Jewish attacks upon it.

Is this not an additional argument in favour of increasing later the number of Jewish people who are allowed to bear arms?

I said in answer to a previous question that the matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the supernumerary police at Safad, Galilee, which were reduced from 27 to 12 during May, have not been restored to their former strength?

I understand that there has been no such reduction as the hon. Member suggests in the number of Jewish supernumerary police employed in Safad. Between 20 and 3o men are still normally on duty there. It has now been arranged in addition for a military detachment to return to Safad.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the Palestine Commission is unable, under its terms of reference, to consider any settlement other than that of partition, the Government, with a view to seeing whether it might form a basis of negotiation between the parties concerned, will examine the plan put forward by the Emir Abdullah to avoid partition by reconciling Jewish and Arab interests in a united state of Palestine and Transjordania?

I can add nothing to the answers which I have given previously to questions regarding the plan referred to by the hon. Member.

Will the Minister say whether the Government will examine this plan or ask the High Commissioner to examine it for them?

The Government have expressed their view that the policy of partition offers the best and most hopeful method of solving the deadlock. At the present moment a Commission is in Palestine making further inquiries into that question, and until that Commission returns to this country I do not think any useful purpose would be served by considering the next step.

In view of the fact that the House of Commons deliberately refused to commit itself on the question of partition will the right hon. Gentleman examine this matter so that the House may have some further information upon this suggestion?

I have taken note of this suggestion and many other suggestions, but I must say I have no evidence that any suggestion which has yet been put forward would form a basis of agreement between Jews and Arabs. Beyond that I cannot go.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the High Commissioner to report on the other plan?

I cannot add anything to what I have said.

Is the right hon. Gentleman also considering now the imposition of martial law in Palestine in order that we may get a solution in a time of peace, and not of disorder?

That question does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the effect of recent events in the Sanjak of Alexandretta on the Armenians previously resident there; and whether the good offices of His Majesty's Government can be utilised to enable those who desire it to secure settlement in a place of greater security?

My Noble Friend has no information regarding the effect, if any, of the recent Franco-Turkish Agreement on the future of the Armenian community in the Sanjak, and His Majesty's Government have not been requested to take any special action in their regard.

In view of the alarming reports of the distress and plight of many of these Armenians, will my hon. Friend make inquiries through His Majesty's Consuls as to the position?

I will certainly see that we have the latest information on this subject.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) how many of the 995 lieutenant-commanders on the active list in the five groups, as recognised in the marriage allowance scheme by different basic pay, are exceptionally in receipt of both lodging and marriage allowances; and of these how many are in short-course appointments of three months' duration or less;

(2) how many of the 995 lieutenant-commanders on the active list are now in receipt of lodging and compensation or its substitute under the marriage allowance scheme, and how many of these, married and single, separately stated, belong to each of the five groups as recognised in the scheme by different basic pay?

I regret that the information required cannot be collected without the expenditure of a prohibitive amount of time and labour. If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me know what is the point he wishes to establish, I will do my best to have it investigated and send him a reply.

The point I wish to establish is how many of these officers benefit under these marriage allowances?

As I have explained, the labour which would be involved in making inquiries of every station and ship would be really incommensurate with the importance of the point.

There are certain officers getting lodging and compensation and marriage allowance, and it ought not to be difficult to find out the number.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the extent of the further outbreak of rheumatic fever amongst the lads in the training ship "Caledonia," at Rosyth; and what steps have been taken to make an examination into the sewage system?

There have been 31 fresh cases of rheumatic fever amongst the trainees in "Caledonia" since 1st April last, a ratio of approximately 18 per 1,000 strength. The sewage arrangements both on board the "Caledonia" and on shore have been under continuous observation by the Departments concerned and, except for one temporary breakdown, against the recurrence of which steps have been taken, no deficiency has been reported. The pumps will again be overhauled during "Caledonia's" summer vacation.

Will not the Minister arrange to have a special investigation into the sewerage arrangements, which could quite easily be dangerous to the lads, and also will he take into consideration the fact that the ship is continually lying in still waters?

I have had an investigation made, and my hon. Friend the Civil Lord is there to-day, but I do not think there is any reason to suppose that rheumatism could possibly come from any defects in sewerage.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the object of Mr. Noel Coward's visits to the Fleet in connection with ship cinemas; and whether there is a Naval officer who acts as liaison officer between the Navy and the cinema trade?

Mr. Noel Coward has consented to serve as a member of the Committee of the Royal Naval Film Corporation, and the object of his recent visits to the Home Fleet, Mediterranean Fleet and the three depots has been to ascertain the type of film most appreciated by the personnel. No charges have fallen upon public funds or on those of the Royal Naval Film Corporation as Mr. Coward has generously met all expenses himself. The Deputy-Director of Personal Services for Personnel, in his capacity as Chairman of the Working Committee, at present carries out the work of liaison officer with the cinema trade as part of his ordinary duties in connection with the personnel.

Is the First Lord satisfied that the ratings in the Fleet are fully aware that no charges fall on public funds or on canteen funds in respect of the work of the gentlemen whose names have been quoted which has so greatly benefited the ships' cinemas?

There is no reason to suppose that the ratings have any suspicion that any charge falls on public funds. I know they are very pleased to have this attention paid to their wishes.

Can the Minister say whether these officers are endeavouring to see that the same amount of British films are used as under the Quota Bill?

Will there be any films showing British merchant vessels being bombed?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many Royal Naval Reserve officers availed themselves of the opportunity of attending courses in two of His Majesty's submarine which recently visited London?

Two hundred and eighteen merchant naval officers visited these submarines, but I regret that I cannot say how many of these were also officers of the Royal Naval Reserve.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Japan is constructing a series of 20-knot 10,000-ton deadweight oil-tankers which can only serve warlike and not commercial purposes; and whether he is considering suitable counter measures?

I am aware of the construction of such vessels, but am unable to accept the assumption that they cannot serve commercial purposes. I am not quite clear what my hon. and gallant Friend means by "counter measures," but I can assure him that our own tanker position is constantly under review.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many of the lieutenant-commanders on the active list are specialist officers; and, of these, in how many cases does the specialist allowance fall short of, amount to, or exceed 2S. 6d. a day?

Of the 969 lieutenant-commanders now on the active list, 606 hold specialist qualifications. Of these 324 are eligible for specialist allowance of 2S, 6d, a day, 19 for 2S, and 76 for 4S.; the remainder receive allowances which vary according to the appointments they hold, but where these appointments involve specialists' duties the allowances are generally in excess of 2s, 6d, a day.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decisions were made at the recent meeting of the International Sugar Council; and whether he is in a positiin to make a statement?

The present meeting of the International Sugar Council is not yet completed, and I am not, therefore, in a position to make a statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Italian forces have recently occupied a post in British territory on the Eastern shore of Lake Rudolf (Kenya Colony); and what steps he is taking in the matter?

A post was established by the local Italian authorities in October, 1937, in the situation mentioned by the hon. Member; but, on the matter being brought to the notice of the Italian Government, instructions were immediately given for it to be withdrawn. A further Italian post near the Eastern shore of Lake Rudolf has recently been reported, and is at present the subject of discussion with the Italian Government.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information about similar activities on the Western shore of the lake?

I have no information, but there have been some cases where, by inadvertence and lack of knowledge of the run of the frontier, posts have been established just across the frontier, but in every case, on the attention of the Italian authorities being drawn to it, those posts have been withdrawn. Beyond that, I have no information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman watch the new inadvertence on the Western shore, if it be the case, which might involve inadvertence through the Sudan and into Egypt?

Has not the right hon. Gentleman said that, in spite of previous inadvertences having been repaired, a further case of inadvertence has occurred in the same district, and that there are now posts there?

This is a case of one post, which has been reported, but I can say that we have taken the matter up with the Italian authorities in Rome.

Have they inadvertently gone to the place where the previous cases of inadvertence occurred?

No, Sir. This is a different part.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any suspicion whether this inadvertence means operating in advance their side of the frontier rectifications under their share of the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

No, Sir. I cannot add anything more regarding this matter, as it is under discussion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember the inadvertence that happened at Walwal?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action the Northern Rhodesian Government has taken in respect to the three-government agreement of August, 1936, in the matter of rest places, medical, and other assistance for native labourers seeking or returning from work on the main labour routes; and whether a supervising officer has yet been appointed?

Medical facilities are available on all the main labour routes. The Northern Rhodesia Government is considering plans for the erection of rest houses where necessary on these routes. I have approved the appointment of a Labour Officer of the Northern Rhodesia Government to be stationed in Southern Rhodesia.

Will the right hon. Gentleman press on the Northern Rhodesian Government the need for action, especially in view of the fact that in the Pym report it is definitely stated that nothing so far had been done?

Yes, Sir, I propose to address a despatch to the Governor on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to improve the conditions of emigration from Northern Rhodesia to the Lupa gold mines in Tanganyika; and what steps are being taken in Tanganyika to safeguard the industrial and social interests of the natives concerned?

During the past two years conditions have been much improved on the Lupa goldfields, to which a considerable emigration of labour from Northern Rhodesia takes place. The Government has provided a large staff of administrative, medical, labour and other officers; labour camps have been set up; a hospital and three dispensaries have been established; and there has been a marked improvement in the health of the labour employed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that steps are to he taken in Northern Rhodesia to recruit in Barotseland 10,000 natives a year for work in the mines in the Union of South Africa; whether he is satisfied with the results in respect to health and mortality of the tropical natives so employed; and whether the Transvaal Chamber of Mines are prepared to enter into a satisfactory arrangement in respect to travelling costs and transport to and from the work, deferred pay, and the classification of the Barotse?

The engagement of Barotse natives is only being permitted up to a maximum of 1,500 for an experimental period of one year during which it will be ascertained whether their health on the Rand is satisfactory. The hon. Member may rest assured that further recruitment will not be permitted unless I am fully satisfied with the conditions of health and employment for these natives on the Rand, including the arrangements for transport.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him whether it is proposed to bring into operation the existing agreement of August, 1936, whereby it is proposed that 10,000 natives from Northern Rhodesia shall be employed on the Rand; and will he urge on the Union of South Africa, that, if they desire to have this labour, they should at least ratify the I.L.O. Convention?

The whole question of any further recruitment is dependent on my being satisfied with the experiment on which we are engaged at present.

Did not the experiment already made prove that the death-rate among these natives is twice as high as it is among other natives and in face of that fact why does the right hon. Gentleman not protect them?

There has been one previous experiment, but it did not last sufficiently long to give us conclusive data, and that is why a second experiment w as undertaken.

Did it not last sufficiently long to prove that twice as many of these natives died?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will institute a special inquiry into the social and industrial conditions of native workers in Hong Kong with a view to reliable information being secured concerning hours of labour, wages, and infant and adult mortality?

The Governor has recently decided to appoint a full time Labour Officer to the Secretariat for Chinese affairs. Amongst this officer's functions will be investigations into the cost of living, rates of wages, and the local industrial conditions to which the hon. Member refers. As regards infantile and adult mortality, reliable information of deaths is already recorded in Hong Kong. But information on mortality rates is admittedly unreliable, partly on account of an incomplete compliance with the law for the registration of births (which is being remedied by administrative action) and partly owing to the fact that a considerable section of the Chinese population have no fixed habitation in the Colony. In the circumstances, I do not think that a special inquiry would be helpful.

Can we anticipate a report from the Governor dealing with the matter which the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned; and, if so, will he give some idea of when the report will be available to Members and the public?

A Labour Officer will be appointed as soon as a suitable candidate is available. We are looking for one now. No doubt, in due course, that Labour Officer will present a report on these matters.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of when he anticipates a report; and seeing that in other parts of the Colonial Empire there is considerable distress and discontent would it not be well to expedite the report?

Certainly I am anxious to receive a report as soon as possible, but we must allow the new Labour Officer a considerable time to make his investigations after he has been appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give comparative figures for Tanganyika between 1913, 1921, and 1937, respecting native and white population, volume of trade, expenditure on social services, wage levels, and mortality; and the num- ber and percentage of the white population who are of German origin?

As the answer contains columns of statistics, 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 of widespread opposition to the new Education Ordinance in Sierra Leone; and whether he will institute inquiries with a view to meeting the allegations made by native and other representatives against the ordinance?

I am not aware of any widespread opposition in Sierra Leone to the new Education Ordinance. I am informed that the Ordinance as enacted had the full support of a large committee which examined it and which was fully representative of political and educational opinion in the Colony. Subsequent to the publication of the Bill there was ample opportunity for all interested to submit their views upon it, and these received careful consideration. Subsequently the Bill was passed unanimously by the Legislative Council. In these circumstances I see no reason to intervene in the matter.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has had no kind of protest from the natives concerned?

I have received none.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the lack of adequate facilities for higher education in the West Indies; and whether the terms of reference of the Royal Commission will include inquiry into this need and into the general provisions for education?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the terms of reference to the Royal Commission on conditions in the West Indies will include investigation into the provision of education, both technical and general?

I am aware of the lack of adequate facilities for higher education in the West Indies. Educational matters will certainly fall within the scope of the inquiry of the Royal Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to avert possible disturbances in Jamaica on 1st August in view of the fact that there is a widespread belief in that island that on 1st August lands are to be distributed among the tenantry and other persons wanting land?

I am glad to have the opportunity of removing misunderstanding on this subject. Rumours that on 1st August lands are to be distributed freely amongst the tenantry and others have been current in the island, but they are entirely without foundation. A notice in this sense has been issued by the Government of Jamaica.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not undertake to examine this brilliant suggestion, and add it to the hundreds of things which he is now considering?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of small holdings in Jamaica under 30 acres; the number exceeding 30 acres; and the approximate total acreage in each category?

I regret that I have not the information asked for, but I will request the Acting Governor to supply it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the qualifications for residents in Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados, respectively, for eligibility to serve as members of the Legislative Councils?

As the answer is long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the neighbouring French islands in the West Indies there are no property qualifications for election to the Legislative Councils?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent foreign political refugees are being allowed to settle in the Colonial Empire?

There are no restrictions upon the entry of refugees into the Colonial dependencies provided that they are in a position to comply with the immigration regulations which apply to all intending immigrants whether British subjects or aliens. I have no information as to the number of refugees who have, in fact, settled in the Colonies; but the possibility of the settlement of a number of Jewish refugees in certain areas in East Africa is now under examination.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that, if the date when the Anglo-Italian Agreement is to be brought into force has not been determined before this House rises for the Summer Recess, it will not be brought into force until after the House reassembles and has discussed the matter?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to consult the House prior to informing the Italian Government that it considers the requirements have been fulfilled which enable the instruments in the annex of the Anglo-Italian Treaty to be brought into force?

I cannot give such an assurance in the hypothetical circumstances contemplated by the hon. and gallant Member. As I informed him on Monday last, there will be an opportunity for further discussion by the House when the date of entry into force of the instruments in question has been determined. I can give no assurance that any earlier Debate will be arranged.

Is it not very desirable that the House should discuss this agreement before it is brought into force, in view of the fact that it is an agreement based upon a phrase about a settlement in Spain which has never been defined and which the Prime Minister has consistently refused to elucidate?

I do not disagree with that view at all, but I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman will see that it would be rather difficult for me to give an unqualified assurance at this moment in circumstances which I cannot foresee. It might be that it would be necessary to call the House together again to consider the matter.

Is it not plain that it would be useless for the House to discuss this agreement after the date had been determined, and that if the House is to discuss the matter with any possibility of expressing its view, it should be before the determination of the date?

I do not think that is so at all. If the House takes a different view from that of the Government, of course it can make its view known.

Is it to be understood from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that he does not exclude from his consideration the possibility of calling the House together to discuss this agreement before the date is settled?

No, I do not exclude it.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether full use is being made of Briggs' and Ford's factories at Dagenham in forwarding the rearmament programme?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is informed that appreciable use is being made, either by way of sub-contracting or by direct orders under the rearmament programme, of the Briggs' and Ford's factories at Dagenham by all three Service Departments.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any progress has been made to establish by British Airways, Limited, the South Atlantic air-mail service?

Yes, Sir. A survey party organised by British Airways left England for South America on 11th June and is now, with the consent of the Governments concerned, examining all the operational factors affecting a mail and mail passenger air service on the South American section of the route between Natal and Buenos Aires. The survey is expected to take three months. In the meanwhile arrangements are being pressed forward for the establishment this year of the London—Lisbon service, and for its early extension to West Africa, where a detailed survey is now in progress. The necessary permissions for the passage of this service over foreign territory are being sought.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that when the present service was decided on those called on for tenders were told that the service must be flown in May, 1937? Might we therefore consider it a trifle overdue?

At the time when tenders were asked for, with a view to starting the service at some time considerably earlier than is considered likely to be the actual case, other matters of national importance were in a different state from that in which they are in to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the arrangements made at Port Darwin for the recent inauguration of the first passenger and airmail service between Southampton and Sydney by the Imperial Airways, Limited, flying-boat "Challenger," were in every respect satisfactory and as efficient as airmen might reasonably expect after making a long and trying flight?

I am informed that the difficulties experienced at Port Darwin were due, in the main, to the fact that exceptional weather conditions coincided with the first passenger carrying flight, which was of an experimental nature to test the ground facilities available before the start of the full service at the end of this month. I understand that everything possible is being done to rectify any weaknesses brought to light at Port Darwin and that a great improvement had already taken place in the arrangements for the reception of the second flying-boat.

Is it not the case that when the Dutch liner arrived a day later, everything was perfectly satisfactory, and why should not that have been the case for us?

That was owing to exceptional weather conditions and to the fact that the Dutch liner was landing on a land airport, which is considerably easier in certain weather conditions than on a marine airport; but I am happy to tell the hon. Gentleman that when the second flying-boat arrived there the nine passengers were taken off within nine minutes of mooring, that instead of the Customs inspection taking place in the aircraft, all the luggage was taken direct to a hotel, and that this course will be followed until the building of the new Customs station is completed. The proceedings were timed by officials, who were entirely satisfied with the second effort.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the results of the ballot taken by the Imperial Airways, Limited, with regard to the method of representation to be made use of by their staff can now be announced?

Yes, Sir. I understand that the ballots taken on this question have indicated a preference on the part both of the captains and of the first officers of Imperial Airways for representation by the British Air Line Pilots Association.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give the figures of the ballot?

In regard to the captains class, the total number entitled to vote was 66; the votes for the domestic committee were 21; the votes for the British Air Line Pilots Association were 38; blank ballot papers were three; and ballot papers not returned were four. As regards the larger number, in the first officers category, the total number entitled to vote was 108; votes for the domestic committee were four; votes for the British Air Line Pilots Association were 91; blank ballot papers were three; and ballot papers not returned were 10.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that that result justifies the campaign inaugurated in this House?

The campaign was not inaugurated in this House. A ballot on any question on which there is discussion is always good, whether it be a national ballot or on any other issue.

Does it not justify the removal of certain persons from Imperial Airways who were obstructing this ballot?

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made towards the formation of a joint operating company for European air services as recommended by the Cadman Report?

Negotiations between the two companies concerned are in progress, and steps will be taken to see that there is no avoidable delay.

In view of the fact that it is now five months since the Cadman Committee reported, will my hon. and gallant Friend give the companies a date before which negotiations must be completed for the formation of this joint operating company?

I do not think it is practicable to give the date by which two companies must complete certain commercial negotiations for which they themselves must be primarily responsible, but I can assure him that we are doing everything we can to urge on this matter and to give the companies every assistance that it is the power of the Department to give.

Is it the case that a new general manager has recently been appointed for this work?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether reasonable preference will be given to men resident in South Cheshire and North Staffordshire during the erection of the new factory at Crewe; and when production commences?

I am informed that preference is being given to local men by the contractors at this factory and that the same policy, as far as possible, will be followed when production commences.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement about the aero-engine works that are to be erected at Crewe; who is to finance the concern; who will own the factory; and at what date it is intended that production shall commence?

The factory at Crewe is being erected to supplement the existing capacity for the manufacture of Rolls-Royce types of aero-engine. The State will finance the capital charges involved in the erection and equipment of the factory, will own it and will lease it to Messrs. Rolls-Royce for the production of the engines required. It is not at present possible to state definitely when produc- tion will commence, but it is hoped that the factory will be substantially complete in about six months time.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what was the price awarded at arbitration for the acquisition for the purpose of Royal Air Force stores of portions of the three farms, Moors Farm, Ryelands Farm, and Bradford Farm, in the parishes of Hartlebury, Elmley Lovett, and Stone, respectively, in Worcestershire, and also of agricultural land on the main road leading from Kidderminster to Droitwich at Rushock; and whether he will state the area of each portion of land purchased, as well as the purchase price paid for it and the value at which the land had been assessed for local taxation?

The price awarded for the land at the farms referred to, which comprised approximately 96, 20 and 25 acres respectively, was £15,900. It is not possible to divide this award as between the three farms as they are in the same ownership. For approximately 18 acres of land at Rushock £1,900 was awarded. The land acquired was agricultural and consequently derated.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Hartlebury is in the Evesham Division of Worcestershire, and that is my division, and will he be so good as to have a word with me afterwards?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his review of civil aerodromes has now been completed; and in which cases it is proposed to use civil aerodromes for Royal Air Force purposes?

No, Sir, the review is continuing. As a result of the survey carried out so far, use is being or will shortly be made of 33 civil aerodromes for Royal Air Force or Auxiliary Air Force purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made towards acquiring land on the English side of the Solway Firth for use as an aerodrome at Silloth and Kirkbride; what area of land is involved; and, if it has been acquired, what price has been paid or agreed to be paid?