asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies with regard to the proposed Royal Commission on the West Indies, whether he can yet state the personnel of the commission and also the terms of reference; and whether, in particular, constitutional and franchise questions will be included?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state the names and terms of reference of the Royal Commission to investigate economic conditions in the West Indian Colonies?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this matter, but I hope to be able to make an announcement in the course of next week.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on what date he will be able to make an announcement?

I have expressed the hope that I shall be able to make it next week, but I could not say what date precisely. Perhaps it will be on Wednesday or Thursday.

Will the question of the franchise be included in the terms of reference?

I think the hon. Member had better await a comprehensive statement on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in the West Indian Colonies a number of leaders of the working populations are imprisoned; and whether, as a contribution towards allaying the strong undercurrent of discontent, he will release the men concerned?

The prerogative of mercy rests solely with the Governors, and it would be improper for me to intervene in any cases in which sentence has been passed by the Colonial courts.

With a view to allaying the unrest in many parts of the West Indies, would the right hon. Gentleman consider by some means or other—extra- constitutional methods, if you like—releasing certain prisoners who are in prison for organising the working class?

I shall see that the hon. Gentleman's question is brought to the notice of the Governors concerned.

Have all the prisoners who were concerned in this matter been brought to trial?

That question covers, I am afraid, a good many cases, and I could not answer it without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to indicate what is the outcome of the conference of the International Sugar Council and in what way the decisions reached are likely to benefit the West Indian and other sugar-producing Colonies?

My hon. and gallant Friend will have seen the communiqué issued by the International Sugar Council last Monday, recording the agreements which were reached. As a result, the surplus production of certain Colonies in the current year can be absorbed with only a very small carryover into next year, and there is a good prospect that in the coming year there will be a substantial rise in the price of sugar. The price is already 6d. per cwt. above the price prevailing when the Council met a fortnight ago.

May I take the opportunity of congratulating my right hon. Friend—

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many people have been killed or wounded, how many bombs have been thrown, how many other terrorist acts have been committed, and what damage to property has been sustained in Palestine during the past fortnight?

During the fortnight ended the 19th July, 77 persons were killed and 247 wounded, and there were 32 cases of bomb-throwing. Other terrorist acts included 52 cases of sniping, seven armed robberies and one kidnapping. There were two outbreaks of arson at Haifa, which were suppressed, and a number of acts of sabotage against Jewish, Arab and Government property; but I am unable to estimate the extent of the damage to property sustained during the period.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered asking the Commission at present in Palestine to expedite the preparation of its report in order that British policy must be announced in Palestine as a first step towards checking such acts of terrorism as the right hon. Gentleman has just given us?

My information is that the Commission has almost completed taking evidence in Palestine and will be leaving Palestine at the beginning of next month. I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that it will not lose any time after that in completing its report, although it will require to take certain evidence and consider further other matters after its return to this country.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the country from which the bombs were imported?

I understand that by far the greater part of them, at any rate, were manufactured in Palestine itself.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information about a number of them being manufactured in Germany?

No, Sir.

Has the Commission been asked to expedite its report, as far as possible?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of persons killed in the disturbances in Palestine during 1936, 1937, and 1938, giving separate figures for British, Jews, and Arabs?

As the answer contains columns of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell us, at any rate, the total number of people killed in Palestine since 1936.

I am afraid I have not the total expressed in that way. I think the best way will be to circulate the figures, and then hon. Members can add them up for themselves.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Mufti has circularised terrorists inviting them to leave Jews alone and concentrate on killing Arabs who are in favour of reaching a settlement?

I am not aware of that fact.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in quarters where he is likely to get information?

indicated assent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered a protest from the Arab Women's Committee alleging that most gates in Jerusalem are closed against the Arabs; that bombs have been thrown at worshippers leaving the mosque, killing innocent women and children; and what fresh steps he is taking to put an end to this state of affairs?

I have seen the protest to which the hon. Member refers. The House is aware of the recent steps which have been taken to increase the military forces in Palestine. In addition, the recruitment of considerable numbers of additional British police is now proceeding.

Is the Minister not aware that, since the Government took a definite decision not to set up a legislative assembly, the situation there has become continually worse, until it has now reached a condition of desperation; and will not the Government announce a policy and give Jew and Arab the opportunity of living together under a legislative assembly of their own?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make with reference to the announcement of Government policy made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at the Evian Conference on 15th July, to the effect that the restrictions on Jewish immigration into Palestine had been made with the object of maintaining the existing balance of population; and whether the test of economic absorptive capacity has now been abandoned?

The statement made by my Noble Friend at Evian was in full accord with the policy of His Majesty's Government as set out in my predecessor's despatch of 10th March, 1938. This despatch, which was published at the time in the proceedings of the House, gave a full explanation of the principles which have been adopted as a temporary measure for the control of immigration into Palestine during the present interim period.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the policy of restricting Jewish immigration in order to maintain a balance is approved by the Mandates Commission?

The Mandates Commission inquired into this matter at their recent meeting, and they have approved the policy which is being pursued as an interim policy.

May we hope that there will soon be a resumption of the policy of economic absorption of Palestinians?

When does my right hon. Friend expect that what he describes as the interim period will come to an end?

As soon as His Majesty's Government have been able to reach a final decision regarding policy in Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to cases of victimisation and intimidation for trade union activity on certain estates in British Guiana; and will he direct the Government of the Colony to make clear to the employers concerned that it will not tolerate any interference with the principle of free association and the proper functioning of trade unions?

I have ascertained from the Governor that complaints have been made that in a few cases on two estates labourers who had been prominent in trade union activities were given notices to quit. The employesr stated that these notices were given because the men were unsatisfactory workers who had been neglecting or deliberately slowing down their work, and that they were given notice on this account and not because of their connection with the union. As regards the second part of the question, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage the growth of sound trade unionism in the Colonies.

What action is the right hon. Gentleman likely to take in regard to this matter?

The answer to the question was that these men had been dismissed for a perfectly proper reason.

Will the Colonial Government make a definite declaration that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that such trades-union organisers should be protected and that the excuses in regard to victimisation are so much camouflage?

It is impossible to agree with the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's question. In regard to the former part, it has been expressed again and again, and I will repeat, that it is our policy to encourage the development of sound trade unionism in the Colonies generally.

Will the Minister tell us what sound trade unionism is?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, owing to the forcible seizure of cattle by the Kenya authorities in the Wakamba territory, children there are now suffering a shortage of milk and, in consequence, the people are in a state of unrest; and whether he will take the necessary steps to see that provision is made for an adequate supply of milk for the children?

I have received a complaint to this effect from the Kikuyu Central Association, but I am assured by the Governor that, although it was recently necessary to concentrate the cattle in part of this reserve for the purpose of branding, care was taken to leave an adequate number of milking cows in the villages.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that these people are given more land on which to graze their beasts, so that they may be able to produce milk for themselves?

I cannot add to the many previous answers that I have given to similar questions.

Do they give them pasteurised milk?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the recent closing of the Kikuyu native school at Mukui by the Kenya authorities and of the fines of £100 imposed on three native teachers; and whether he can give the reason for the action taken?

This school was closed some time last year because it had been opened in defiance of the authority of the local native council. Orders for the closing of the school were given on several occasions, and eventually the managers and teachers were prosecuted before the native tribunal. No such fine as the hon. Member suggests was imposed, but two teachers were fined 10s. each.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Nazi leader at Moshi, Tanganyika territory, on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty's birthday, who appeared in the town wearing a brown shirt, brown riding-breeches, top-boots, helmet, and a tie pin bearing the words Nationalsozialislische Deutsche Arbeiter Partie, surrounding a swastika, and who, together with all other Germans present, gave the Nazi salute when the British National Anthem was played; and what action he has taken to deal with this breach of the law?

I have seen a statement in the Press regarding this alleged occurrence, but I have had no official report on the matter, and am asking the Governor to inform me of the facts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Colonial Marketing Board, in addition to exploring the possibility of increasing the consumption of Colonial goods in this country, will be enabled to consider the means of increasing exports of cotton goods and other manufactures from this country to the Colonial Empire?

The Colonial Empire Marketing Board was set up for the purpose of promoting the better marketing of Colonial products, and I do not think it is the appropriate body to deal with the export trade of this country, which is the function of the Board of Trade and Department of Overseas Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, without giving details of individual stocks he can state if the total public and private stocks of wheat in this country now exceed the quantities at the same date last year by an amount approximately equal to the recent Government purchases?

The answer is in the negative. At this time of the year, when we are within reach of the home harvest, stocks of imported wheat are usually at their lowest. Commercial stocks are, at present, somewhat less than they have been in recent years in view of the reduction in the price of wheat for delivery in October as compared with supplies in the present month.

May I ask the Minister whether, when we were informed that we should not infer the volume of additional food reserves of the country from the expenditure that has been incurred, the meaning was that the volume of the addition was less than the expenditure indicated, and not more, as the context of that statement certainly suggested?

I should like to see that question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the recently published report of the Gold Coast Medical Department for 1936 in which the senior medical officer in the western provinces describes the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in the mining area as abnormally high and likely to assume the gravest importance in the near future; what steps are being taken to deal with this question; and whether the committee which this officer suggests has yet been convened to consider the necessity of a complete investigation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A new hospital equipped with high power X-ray apparatus has been built at Tarkwa, and two officers of the Medical Department, who are working in close collaboration with the mines medical officers, have been posted to Tarkwa in order to conduct an investigation into the incidence of tuberculosis and silicosis.

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question?

The latter part of the question is with regard to a committee which would inquire into the necessity of a complete investigation. My answer indicates that this investigation is now taking place, so that the question of a committee does not arise.

It there any compensation in the case of miners who die, as there is in Johannesburg?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the grave situation in the Colony of St. Helena as regards unemployment, low wages, and lack of any kind of social insurance or workmen's compensation, he will consider the desirability of arranging either for the intended Royal Commis- sion to the West Indies to proceed to that Colony also, or for some other form of special inquiry regarding its affairs?

The adoption of the first of the hon. Member's suggestions would not be feasible. With regard to the second, the new Governor is now engaged in a thorough examination of the problems of the Island, and I expect to receive a report from him in due course.

Would an inquiry by the Governor create the same feeling of confidence as an inquiry by an impartial body from this country? In view of the long-established loyal character of this Colony, would it not be as well to deal with these conditions before they lead to the same sort of occurrences as they have led to in the West Indies?

The new Governor has been appointed because of his qualifications for carrying out this investigation, and, of course, there can be no question at all of his complete impartiality.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider receiving a deputation from the old age pensioners' organisation, representing the country as a whole, on the question of increased pensions?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to him on 8th February last, and to the statement made by the then Financial Secretary to the Treasury in the Debate on the Adjournment on 23rd February. I must adhere to that decision.

Is the Prime Minister not aware that since that date the organisation of old age pensioners, which originated in Scotland, has now spread to England and to Wales; and are not these old folks as much entitled to be received by the Prime Minister as the financiers of the City of London?

Is the Prime Minister aware that the number of old age pensioners applying for Poor Law relief is on the increase; and, in view of that fact, will he not consider this very important question?

The Financial Secretary made a very full statement on 23rd February, and I do not think the conditions have materially altered since then.

Will the Prime Minister be prepared to persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make some provision next year in his Budget?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is aware that on several occasions promises of work under his Department were made to representatives of Northern Ireland; and whether he has any information to give on this subject?

Armament orders of considerable value have already been placed with firms in Northern Ireland by the three Service Departments. Further orders are under consideration. Orders have also been placed for stores such as textiles. In addition, initial contracts have been placed in connection with an extensive building programme.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask whether His Majesty's Government would consider setting up a factory in Northern Ireland for the purpose of extending the manufacture of armaments, in view of the fact that the position in Northern Ireland as regards unemployment has been so severe there—quite as severe as, if not worse than, in some parts of Durham and in South Wales?

My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that large orders have been placed, and I have informed him that other orders are now under consideration, subject, of course, always to satisfactory tenders.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that considerable numbers of Somalis, belonging to tribes which normally inhabit British Somaliland but occasionally cross into Italian territory for grazing purposes, are being recruited into the Italian forces for service in Abyssinia; whether this is sanctioned by the British authorities and by our agreements with Italy; and, if not, whether any steps are being taken to prevent it?

I am aware that some recruiting of British Somalis has taken place outside British Somaliland itself. Such recruiting is not sanctioned by the Somaliland Government, and it has recently been agreed with the Italian Government that such recruitment shall not take place.

May I ask what the objection is to this recruitment, in view of the fact that Somalis do not enjoy British nationality?

I cannot make a long statement giving the reasons, but for a number of reasons it is desirable that this recruitment should not take place, and it is now agreed that it should not continue.

Might not the right hon. Gentleman have given this information to the House when I asked a question on the subject of recruitment in Somaliland itself? Is it not rather a technical distinction?

I was answering the question that the hon. Member put. He put a question about recruiting in British Somaliland and in the Colony of Aden.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why British air pilots flying between Britain and Germany are not permitted to proceed at night beyond Cologne; whether he is aware that no restrictions are placed upon German pilots flying at night between England and Germany and that many German civil pilots have been transferred from the German air force for the purpose of learning night flying on English routes; and whether he will take steps to see that there is equality of practice in this matter on English-German routes and German-English routes?

At the present time a regular night mail service is operated by British Airways on alternate nights between London and Berlin, and regular night landings are made at Cologne and Hanover en route. I have no knowledge of any restriction on British civil air pilots of the nature referred to, and I shall be glad if the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the information in his possession on the matter.

Has the hon. and gallant Member any confirmation of the statement in this question that large numbers of pilots have been transferred from the German Air Force to the commercial lines for the purpose of learning night-flying over this country?

No, Sir. That is one of the matters on which I should be glad to receive information.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend not aware that Imperial Airways and Commercial Airways are also training Royal Air Force pilots on these services, and can he give any information as to the liability of the companies for these pilots?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the report of the Rae Committee will be available for Members before the House rises, observing that this committee has been sitting since March to inquire into the working of a single directorate at the Air Ministry?

No, Sir.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an assurance that in the event of this committee reporting while the House is not sitting and executive action being taken on their report, the House will nevertheless have an opportunity of debating that report?

That question should certainly not be addressed to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether a decision has been arrived at by the Air Ministry with the Treasury with regard to the Allied Airways service from Newcastle to Stavanger being allowed to rank for internal subsidy?

No, Sir. The matter is still under consideration. Allied Airways have been informed that no questions of application for internal subsidy can be considered until such routes are licensed by the recently appointed licensing authority, and that it will not be possible for this to take place during the present summer.

Can the Under-Secretary say when he thinks a decision will be arrived at?

I am afraid I cannot.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information with regard to Trans-Atlantic flights proposed this year?

The Mayo-Composite aircraft is due to leave Foynes Airport to-night on a flight to Botwood, Montreal and New York—returning by the southern route via the Azores and Lisbon to Southampton. In August a second flight will be made by the Composite aircraft over the same route. In September, provided tests due to take place next month are satisfactory, it is hoped that the first of the Albatross landplanes, and the first of the new Empire flying boats modified to give greater all-up weight, will each make a double crossing. In October a further flight will be made by all three of these different types, while the second Albatross should fly to Newfoundland, where the aircraft and crew will remain to study and train in winter conditions. I would remind the hon. Member that this programme must be regarded to some extent as provisional, and dependent on suitable weather conditions and the successful completion of certain trials.

Has the Minister any idea as to when a regular service will be started?

During the coming winter further experiments are to be made with refuelling the Shortt S.30 boats, and there is every reason to anticipate that a regular service will be put into operation in 1939 when the new 70,000 lbs. all-up weight boats will be completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Air at what height aeroplanes carrying advertisement streamers are permitted to fly over the Metropolitan area; whether any restrictions exist as to the districts over which such aeroplanes are authorised so to fly; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused by the noise of such aeroplanes, he will take steps to amend such regulations with a view to limiting such flying over the Metropolitan area to His Majesty's Air Force and to aeroplanes engaged on other than purely advertising exhibitions?

There is no height restriction peculiar to such aircraft, but, under the Air Navigation Order, they are prohibited, as are all aircraft flying over any city or town, from flying except at such altitude as would enable the aircraft to land outside the city or town should the means of propulsion fail. There are no restrictions as to the districts over which such aeroplanes may fly except that permission is required for flying over or in the immediate vicinity of places where crowds are assembled in the open air in connection with events of public interest. As regards the last part of the question, this matter is receiving careful consideration.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that it is already an offence to use

"any balloon, parachute or other similar device for the purpose of advertisement on, over or above any house"

I do not know whether legally an aeroplane comes within the definition of "balloon, parachute or other similar device." This matter is a difficult one. There are the aspects of safety and of amenities in question, and both must receive attention not only in respect of laying down regulations, but also in respect of the practicability of enforcing such regulations. But I would like to repeat that this matter is at present under the attention of my Department.

Have any prosecutions taken place under the regulations referred to?

My hon. Friend should put that question on the Paper.

Has my hon. and gallant Friend not power to suspend these pilots' licences when they fly at a height of under 5,000 feet?

There is power of prosecution if it can be proved before the courts by the police that the law has been contravened, but there is no actual height laid down at which dangerous flying is not taking place or when it starts.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the source of the water supply of the Cottesmore Aerodrome; what is the total capacity of this supply; and is it considered to be adequate for all purposes, including emergencies?

The water supply of the Cottesmore Aerodrome is at present obtained from a well about 50 feet deep, which has a demonstrated capacity of 30,000 gallons in 24 hours and is considered to be adequate for present requirements. The permanent water supply which it is anticipated will be available towards the end of this year will be obtained from the Oakham Rural District Council, and will be capable of meeting any emergency.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the total price paid, or agreed to be paid, by the Air Ministry for all the sites upon which aerodromes have been or are to be built, up to the nearest appropriate date; the acreage involved; whether it was agricultural land; what were the rents paid to the owners; and what rates to the local authorities?

Since the beginning of the Royal Air Force expansion and up to 30th June last £1,025,000 has been paid, or terms agreed, for the purchase of 23,920 acres for sites for aerodromes, landing grounds and ranges in the United Kingdom. The bulk of the land was agricultural, but it would not be possible, without the expenditure of an undue amount of labour, to ascertain how much of the land was under actual cultivation at the time of purchase, the rents paid to owners, or the rates paid to local authorities. In almost every case the land was agricultural land, and, as such, derated.

asked the Secretary of State for Air, what is the established strength of the 10 balloon-barrage squadrons in No. 30 group for the defence of London; and what are the age-limits for the men required to man these squadrons?

The establishment of each of the balloon squadrons is 13 officers and 602 airmen, of whom one officer and 64 airmen are regular personnel. The age limits of the Auxiliary Air Force personnel are as follow: officers between 32 and 50 years of age, and airmen between 38 and 50 years of age. In certain cases airmen below 38 are accepted.

aswed the Secretary of State for Air whether under the substitution scheme ex-officers of good record are eligible for appointments as assistant adjutants and accountants, and whether priority is given to retired officers in receipt of retired pay in the making of such appointments?