asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of making representations to the German Government on the subject of their communication to the Swiss Government, arising from the decision of the Council of the League of Nations in respect of her obligations under Article 16 of the Covenant, suggesting that her neutrality now involves, so far as opposition to Nazi ideas are concerned, Press consorship and permission for the development of the Nazi parties and Gestapo in Switzerland?

I am not aware that any such communication has been addressed to the Swiss Government. This question, if I understand the hon. Member correctly, is not one in which His Majesty's Government could intervene.

May I ask whether the Government accept the German definition of neutrality as outlined in the question?

I found some difficulty in finding out what the hon. Member had in mind.

May I call the hon. Member's attention to the communication to which I refer?

I will certainly further investigate the hon. Member's elucidation of his question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the states of Bolivia and Paraguay are members of the League of Nations; whether he can give any information in connection with the dispute between the two states; whether this dispute has been reported to the League; and whether any efforts have been made to settle it?

In reply to the first part of the question, Bolivia is a member of the League of Nations. Paraguay gave notice of her intention to withdraw from the League on 24th February, 1935, and confirmed this intention on 19th February, 1937. In reply to the second part, a peace treaty was on 21st July initialled ad referendum to their respective Governments by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Bolivia and Paraguay. Among its other provisions the treaty includes a non-aggression pact which is to be signed "under the auspices and moral guarantee" of the mediatory nations. The reply to the third and fourth parts of the question is in the affirmative.

Would it not be a good thing if other nations would settle their differences in the same way as these two nations?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the spread of disease and epidemics in China, His Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of increasing its grant for the health work undertaken under the auspices of the League of Nations?

This matter will, I understand, be considered by the Council Committee for Technical Collaboration with China at its next meeting. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will be prepared to give their most sympathetic consideration to any proposals for the continuance of this anti-epidemic work in China by the League.

Does that mean that the hon. Member will support any proposal to increase the grant for these purposes?

The hon. Member may rest assured that the question would receive most sympathetic discussion and collaboration.

Seeing that many of the League of Nations hospitals in China have been destroyed by Japanese aircraft, will the Government consider increasing the grant at once?

We will consider the position very favourably.

asked the Prime Minister what representations have recently been made by the British Minister in Prague on behalf of His Majesty's Government to the Czechoslovakian Government in relation to the Sudeten-German problem?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement concerning the recent conversations between His Majesty's Minister in Prague and the head of the Czech Government?

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement which I made on this subject in my speech yesterday, to which I have nothing to add.

Did these representations include the suggestion that a British subject should go out and act in the position of alleviator in Prague?

I dealt with the point in my speech yesterday.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to send a special representative to Czechoslovakia to advise the Government in their negotiation with the Sudeten Deutsch; and, if so, what are the terms of his appointment?

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement on this subject yesterday.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that the Noble Lord is going in a private capacity?

I made a statement on the subject in the House yesterday.

If the Government have any representations to make to the Czechoslovakian Government, will they make them through their own representative or through Lord Runciman?

If the Government have any representations to make we shall make them through our own representative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement as to the progress of negotiations between the Czechoslovak Government and the Sudeten-German and other minorities over the proposed nationalities statute; and, in view of our special interest in the welfare of these minorities arising from the Treaty of St. Germainen-Laye, whether he is satisfied that the proposed statute fulfils the pledges as to the status and welfare of the minorities in Czechoslovakia contained in the Benes memorandum of 1919?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made yesterday. His Majesty's Government have not yet seen the text of the proposed statute, and I cannot, therefore, express any opinion regarding its contents.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the request of the Sudetan Germans to join the Austrian Republic in 1919 was turned down by the Peace Conference on the promise contained in the Benes memorandum that autonomy would be given to this minority, and will he, therefore, make representations to the Czechoslovakian Government to see that this pledge is at long last fulfilled?

asked the Prime Minister what replies have been received from the Spanish Government and the Spanish Insurgent authorities, respectively, to the submission on behalf of the Non-Intervention Committee of the scheme for the withdrawal of foreign nationals now serving in Spain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on this subject made in the course of the Debate last night.

Can the Prime Minister tell the House when the Non-Intervention Committee are likely to meet? I understand that they are not to meet until replies have been received?

I cannot say. I understand that they are releasing the Spanish Government's reply to-morrow morning for publication.

asked the Prime Minister whether the composition of the proposed Commission to investigate the bombing of civilian populations has yet been decided on; whether the Spanish Government and the Burgos authorities have agreed to the proposal; and when it is expected that the Commission will be able to begin its operations?

The Commission will consist of two British subjects, the one a retired officer of the Royal Air Force and the other a serving officer in the Royal Artillery. We are awaiting a final reply from the Spanish Government, and are considering a request of General Franco's administration that the scope of its inquiries should be widened, but it is hoped that the date of their departure will not be long delayed.

In view of the fact that it is more than two months since His Majesty's Government's intention of arranging for some Commission was put forward, and in view of the great importance of securing impartiality, cannot the Government ask the French Government to appoint someone to the Commission?

I do not think we can reopen the question of the membership of this Commission at this stage.

Can the hon. Member give some indication as to the direction in which the Burgos authorities desire the scope of this inquiry to be widened?

The Burgos authorities wish the scope to be widened to include assassinations and barbarities not connected with air raids.

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements have been agreed with the Government of Germany to enable British subjects, formerly resident in Austria and who now wish to live in Great Britain, to transfer the proceeds of their Austrian property to British currency?

British subjects formerly resident in Austria who wish to transfer money abroad from former Austrian territory can do so on the same conditions as British subjects wishing to transfer money from any other part of Germany.

Does the hon. Member realise that a constituent of mine lately resident in Austria has communicated with the Foreign Office, and while receiving a sympathetic reply, was told that he stood to lose 85 per cent. of his property? In view of the fact that there are some 40,000 Germans resident in this country, could not inquiries be made with a view of securing a degree of reciprocity?

I have had some correspondence with the hon. and gallant Member on this particular case, and I would call his attention to the fact that there are provisions in cases of special hardship and certain new provisions under the terms of the recent Transfer Agreement with Germany.

Can the hon. Member say what are the conditions under which British nationals can transfer property?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any further information in connection with the importation into Macao of Iranian opium designed for the Japanese authorities for distribution and sale to the Chinese; and, if so, whether he will state its nature?

I have received no information with regard to the consignment in question other than Press reports of the speech made by the United States delegate at the session of the Opium Advisory Committee on 21st June.

Cannot the Government do something to suppress this abominable trade? It looks as though it is being done with a deliberate object by the Japanese?

In answer to a previous question I have said that His Majesty's Government have this matter in mind.

Does not the hon. Member know that His Majesty's Government can do nothing with the Japanese Government?

asked the Prime Minister particulars of the reply received by His Majesty's Government to the protest made to the Japanese relative to their occupation of British-owned works at Shanghai?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement in this matter.

Do the Government recognise the right of the Japanese Government to take possession of British property in the International Settlement?

That is precisely the question under consideration, and that is why we have made representations.

How many cases have there been of this nature?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any reports of the work of the International Commission for assisting child refugees in Spain; whether he is satisfied that the funds of the Commission are adequate to the magnitude of its task; and whether His Majesty's Government can give further assistance to the work of the Commission in view of the urgency of the need?

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the fact that the fund at the disposal of the International Commission which is assisting to feed refugee children in Spain will only suffice for a small proportion of the children urgently needing assistance and is approaching exhaustion, His Majesty's Government will make a further grant for this purpose?

I have received a report on this subject from the Commission, who represent the urgent need of further funds, and request His Majesty's Government to make a further contribution. This request is at present under consideration.

In view of the assistance given by His Majesty's Government to the Commission's work at the outset, will they be willing to consider again approaching other Governments with a view to further collaboration?

His Majesty's Government realise the importance of this problem, and that is why these further requests for increased contributions are receiving consideration.

Have not the British Government a special responsibility in the matter in view of the fact that these people would not have been in their present plight if it had not been for the policy of His Majesty's Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the official declaration by the Secretary of State of the United States of America on 3rd June last, that his Government are prepared to join with other nations in resuming and carrying forward the work begun at The Hague two generations ago; and whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to support the convocation of a third Hague conference in accordance with the proposal of the second Hague conference in 1907?

As I informed the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 16th June, His Majesty's Government are aware of the observations of Mr. Cordell Hull referred to, and they are always ready to co-operate with other nations in seeking an agreement to humanise the rules and practices of warfare. But for the reasons which I gave to the same hon. Member on 11th July I am not at present able to make any further statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the delay in bringing into effect the AngloItalian Agreement in regard to the Mediterranean, he will convey to the Royal Italian Government the reaffirmation of this country's loyal and abiding friendship for Italy?

As the House is aware, His Majesty's Government have, in recent months, consistently given proof of their anxiety to re-establish on a solid basis the traditional friendship between this country and Italy, and I do not think that any such reaffirmation as is suggested by the hon. and gallant Member is needed.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give a definite pledge that the House will be summoned if, during the Recess, the settlement of the Spanish question, contemplated by the Anglo-Italian Agreement is reached?

No, Sir. I could not go so far as to give a definite pledge about conditions which have not yet arisen and may not arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the House will not be put in the position of having to discuss this Agreement weeks after it has begun to operate?

That is the same question in another form.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the majority in this House and in the country can trust the Cabinet?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been directed to pages 12 to 17 of the second report from the Committee of Public Accounts; can he make a statement on the matters raised; and what steps have been taken to prevent a repetition of the charges made by the committee?

asked the First Lord of the Admirality whether he will account for the difference between the first estimated cost of the conversion of the former liner "Majestic" to serve as a temporary training establishment at Rosyth, and the final net cost, including the purchase price, which increased from £150,000 to £612,056?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the large differences between the estimates for, and the actual costs of, converting the "Vulcan" and "Majestic"; whether he can explain why these differences arose; whether any and what unexpected expenditure became necessary; and whether he will take steps to prevent any such future disparities in such estimates?

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given yesterday to questions on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to which, I think, the House will not wish me to add anything at present.

Before purchasing this obsolete ship made in Germany, did the Government consider the erection of permanent buildings, and, if so, what would have been the cost?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say the number of persons accommodated in the ship?

That hardly arises out of the question. As I have already stated, it would not be correct until the matter has been before the Public Accounts Committee, as provided for by a Treasury Minute, to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received reports from all the Colonial Governments on the subject of the circular sent to them last summer by his predecessor dealing with labour problems, trade union rights, and the establishment of labour departments and inspectorates; whether such information has been examined and collated; and whether it will be issued for the information of Parliament?

The replies to the circular despatch, which are not yet quite complete, are being considered as and when they are received, and I am in communication with a number of Colonial Governments in regard to specific questions raised. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be issuing a White Paper setting out, for the information of the House, all that has been done in the territories in respect of labour matters?

A good deal of that information was contained in the survey which was prepared and published by my predecessor. I will consider whether anything further is necessary at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the assistance approved of £45,815, in the year ended March, 1936, for agricultural development in the Colonies from the Colonial Development Fund is to be devoted mainly to the assistance of native or European agriculture, or to what extent to the assistance of each?

I am not quite certain how the hon. Member has arrived at the total of £45,815, but it appears to include schemes relating to a variety of territories to a number of which the antithesis between European and native agriculture is inapplicable. In the remainder, it is impossible to determine the relation between the benefits derived by the two sections of the population, both of whom will gain.

May I take it that there will be no discrimination between the non-European and the European population in the disposal of these funds?

Certainly, there will be no discrimination whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many students from the British West Indies have graduated at universities in the United States of America in each of the last 10 years; and how many such students have graduated at universities in Great Britain in the same years?

I regret that I have not the information for which the hon. Member asks.

Could not that information be obtained very simply?

I do not think it could be obtained for past years at any rate, and I think any information which we could get for the present year would be rather unreliable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make concerning the situation in Jamaica, especially as to the enrolment of special constables and their equipment with rifles and the cancellation of police leave in anticipation of disorders on 1st August?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the condition of Jamaica, in view of the apprehension felt in regard to the good order of the Colony; and whether he is able to make any statement regarding the proposed inquiry into the recent disturbances and the conduct of those responsible for order in the Colony?

The Government of Jamaica are pursuing steadily their plans for improving social and economic conditions in the Island, but I am aware that some anxiety prevails with regard to the celebrations which are to be held in connection with the centenary of emancipation on 1st August. It is suggested that these may provide an opportunity for a recrudescence of the recent unhappy disturbances, especially in view of rumours, which have been officially denied, that on that day land will revert to the peasants. The Colonial Government have taken due precautions. Special constables have been enrolled and equipped. I have seen a report in the Press regarding the cancellation of police leave, but have received no official confirmation of this. I hope and believe that the people of Jamaica will maintain good order on their day of celebrations. As regards the inquiry into the recent disturbances, I understand that this is now proceeding, though I have not yet had official confirmation of this.

Will the Minister consider making some official proclamation from London with a view to allaying the very considerable apprehension among these people as far as the centenary celebrations are concerned, and will he also note the considerable apprehension that is felt as to the way in which the disturbances which took place a few months back were quelled and the conduct of the police on that occasion?

With regard to the first part of the question, if anything additional is required, I shall certainly be prepared to do it. I will consider the matter. With regard to the second part, all sorts of charges are always made on such occasions. I am certain that the great majority of them, if not all, are unfounded, but in any case, as I said in the answer, an inquiry is now being conducted into the facts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman favourably consider the question of an amnesty for the persons who were arrested?

I have already said in answer to a previous question that that is a matter for the Governors of the Colonies concerned.

Is the Minister aware that there are rumours circulating that seamen arriving there are being enrolled as special police, and that I have seen letters to that effect?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will include a woman on the Commission which he is setting up to investigate the economic and financial conditions in the West Indies?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Director of Colonial Audit will visit British Honduras in the course of his next visit to the West Indies?

Nothing has yet been settled as regards a further visit to the West Indies by the Director of Colonial Audit.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to ascertain the extent of unemployment in British Honduras?

According to my latest information from the Governor, unemployment is not now a serious problem in British Honduras; but the question of compiling unemployment returns will be among the subjects which will be discussed with the Governor by my Labour Adviser during his forthcoming visit to the West Indies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Government of Kenya to preserve the existing forests in native reserves and to encourage reafforestation and tree-planting in these areas?

Efforts are being made by propaganda, instruction and the planting of demonstration plots to impress the natives with the importance of this matter. Local native councils are encouraged to maintain tree nurseries and to distribute plants. Progress is being made with the demarcation of the areas already declared to be forest reserves and efforts are also being made to persuade the local native councils concerned to agree to further areas of forests being brought under the direct control of the Forest Department.

Is any financial assistance being given to help in that very important work?

I should like to have notice of that.

What is the type of timber? Is it valuable?

Again, I should like to have notice of that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which of the native reserves in Kenya soil erosion is considered to be serious; and what steps are being taken for the reclamation of the eroded areas and for the protection of other areas which are threatened with erosion?

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are taken by the Government of Kenya to ensure that the principles of land conservation are taught in Government schools and in all mission schools which receive Government grants?

An illustrated booklet on soil conservation has been prepared by the Kenya Soil Conservation Service, in consultation with the Education Department, for use in native schools. It will be issued in Swahili and three vernacular languages in addition to the English version which has already been published In Government elementary schools particular emphasis is laid on the teaching of the elements of agriculture, a school garden and tree nursery being often provided.

Will they also teach the Africans that they have no right to have their land taken away from them for the benefit of Europeans?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, having regard to the consequences of cutting down natural growth and the serious damage done by soil erosion in Kenya Colony, he will represent to the Governor that, before giving authority to cut bamboo on the Aberdare mountains, he should inquire how far soil erosion may be caused by cutting down the natural protection of soil on this area?

I can assure the hon. Member that this matter has already been engaging the attention of the Government of Kenya, and that effective steps will be taken to ensure that the development of the bamboo area is conducted in such a manner as not to cause soil erosion.

What guarantee has the right hon. Gentleman, and what is the basis of his confidence, that these instructions will be carried out, and what special methods are to be adopted to prevent the recurrence of the excessive cutting which has led to so much erosion and has prejudiced so greatly the interests of the natives?

I understand that, as far as this proposal is concerned, licences are to be issued, and that proper safeguards will be contained in those licences.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received a reply from the Governor of Kenya Colony on the question of the repayment, whether as regards capital or outstanding interest, of the £81,000 lent to European farmers in the form of maize advances?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any date has yet been fixed for the issue of the Order-in-Council on the highlands and reservations in Kenya; and whether it is still the policy of His Majesty's Government to extinguish native rights in the highlands and to dispossess certain of the African people of their ancestral lands?

I am not yet in a position to say when these Orders-in-Council will be issued. As regards the second part of the question, there has been no change in the policy of His Majesty's Government as indicated in Command Paper No. 4580 of 1934.

Will the Minister give special attention to the new Ordinance, and will he consider particularly Section 70 of that Ordinance, whereby it is definitely proposed to extinguish the rights of natives, particularly the rights of natives going back for many generations?

As far as that is concerned, there has been no change in His Majesty's Government's policy. It has been very carefully considered by the Government, and also discussed in the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there is a considerable unrest among Palestine Government railwaymen owing to the inadequate amount of gratuity paid on retirement from the service; and whether he intends to adopt the recommendation made by the High Commissioner in June, 1935, that in future on retirement the men be granted two weeks' pay instead of one for each year of service?

I have no recent information on this subject and I am asking the High Commissioner for a report. I will communicate with the hon. Member when I receive the reply.

In view of the promises that were made by the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor, will he be prepared further to review the situation in the light of certain knowledge with which I am prepared to furnish him?

I should be glad to receive any information that the hon. Member has. It might be wise perhaps to await first the report from the High Commissioner, for which I am asking, and with which I will furnish the hon. Member when it arrives.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information in connection with the bomb outrage at Haifa, when 35 people were killed and 50 wounded on Monday last; what is the estimated damage done to property; and whether anyone was arrested?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement concerning the most recent terrorist outrages in Palastine?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the present position in Palestine, especially as to the riots and serious loss of life on Monday, 25th July?

Early on the morning of 25th July a bomb exploded in the Arab vegetable market in Haifa. Subsequently there was some shooting and stone-throwing, and an Arab crowd began attacking Jewish shops. A curfew was imposed on the mixed quarters of the town, and troops and marines co-operated with the police in maintaining order. The total casualties during the day were 45 Arabs and four Jews killed, 45 Arabs and 13 Jews wounded. I have no information as to the extent of damage to property, nor as to any arrests made. Other recent incidents include the explosion of a bomb in an unattended car in a Tel Aviv street on 23rd July, as the result of which 23 Jews were injured; and three attacks on Jewish lorries in the north of Palestine resulting in the death of two Jewish Supernumerary Police and another Jew. A curfew has been imposed in Jenin, following the shooting of an Arab constable on 23rd July. My latest report from the High Commissioner, received this morning, states that there were no major incidents in Palestine during the previous 24 hours, and that Haifa was quiet.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that these forces are large enough to deal with the difficult problems now existing in Palestine; and if not, will he consider increasing the police force rather than adding to the number of troops?

We are at present engaged in recruiting 236 extra British police. They will proceed to Palestine as soon as they are recruited.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to show who is supplying the arms and munitions for the purpose of carrying on these outrages?

We have no further information regarding that.

Have all the requests received from the authorities in Palestine in connection with these outrages been complied with; have all the reinforcements which were asked for been sent, and is it proposed to incur more expenditure in the construction of the roads which are necessary for military operations?

All the requests that have been received have been complied with at once, or as soon as was physically possible. In regard to the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, the building of roads in the difficult territories is proceeding as rapidly as possible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the bomb thrown in Haifa was of a different character from those used in other outrages? Does he know anything about the nature and character of this bomb or its origin?

I have no definite information regarding its origin. The only information which I have is information which has appeared in the Press. It seems to suggest, from an examination of the dead bodies, that the contents of the bomb were such that it must have been of crude local manufacture.

Is it not the Government's policy that is responsible for all this?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement respecting an approximate date when a report may be expected from the Commission now investigating the West African cocoa industry; and whether there is likely to be an interim report?

The Commission hope to be able to present their report to me during August. A certain amount of time will be required for printing and for transmission to West Africa, so that the report may be published there and in London simultaneously. It is hoped that publication will take place early in September. There will be no interim report.

May we receive an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that the contents of this report will be available to Members during the Recess?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the conduct of the Chief Justice of Gibraltar who, whilst sitting in court on 24th June last, made charges of breaches of the Carriage of Munitions to Spain Act, which proved afterwards to be unfounded, against a firm of shipowners who were not parties to the case before him; and whether he will consult with the Governor of Gibraltar, with a view to holding an inquiry into the matter?

I have seen a report of the case to which the hon. Member refers. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is it not the fact that other cases in which this company is involved may come before the very judge who has made these comments; and is it fair or for the benefit of the administration of justice in Gibraltar that such a judge should try such cases?

It is no part of my duty to comment on the observations made by judges in carrying out their duties. With regard to the first part of the hon. Member's question, I am not aware of those facts, but I shall look into the matter.

If a judge makes such comments as were made in this case which were clearly unfounded—

Order.

The hon. Member must not make charges of that kind.

To which Member of the Government may questions be put as to the responsibility for allowing this baseless allegation to be made against this firm of shipowners?

I have been asked a question with regard to this matter and I have answered it. If there are other questions which hon. Members want to put down let them be put down and I will consider them.

Has the Minister himself considered very carefully the statements that have been made?

I have read the Press report and have considered that report very carefully.

Has the Minister not received a report—

We cannot spend any more time on this question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the Royal Commission that is to consider the Workmen's Compensation Act and the effect of accidents and industrial diseases on the lives of the people, and can he announce the names of the Commission and their terms of reference; and what action is to be taken with regard to the Departmental Committee's report with special reference to miners' nystagmus, medical examinations, certificates, and lump sum settlements?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add to the answers which I gave on 21st July to questions by the hon. Member and the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey).

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make known the Government's conclusions with regard to the van Zeeland Report?

In the circumstances explained by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in the course of the Debate on the Board of Trade Vote on 15th June last, the view of the Government is that action in the direction of following up the recommendations made by M. van. Zeeland must be deferred for the time being. The situation will, however, be kept under review.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he will state the date on which he first approached the trade unions for co-operation in armament production; the results obtained up to the present time; and what further action is contemplated?

I first wrote to the unions on this subject on 18th March. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 5th July. This substantially represents the present position.

Is it not the case that the 39 trade unions concerned have recently expressed the view that no action is necessary; and, in view of the complete failure of the right hon. Gentleman's negotiations, will he be good enough to say what he proposes to do now?

The resolution to which the hon. Gentleman refers was passed by one of these bodies—the Confederation of Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades—and I had observed that fact.

Is the Minister in a position to inform the House that, as far as the shipbuilding and engineering operatives are concerned, they are, up to the moment, giving him every satisfaction?

Not only the shipbuilding operatives, but all workmen engaged upon the rearmament programme, have worked magnificently.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence when the Government formed a committee to supervise the manufacture of machine tools; and what is its personnel?

I have maintained constant touch with the Machine Tool Trades Association since the outset of the rearmament programme, but I am not aware of the existence of such a supervisory committee as the hon. Member mentions. In the circumstances, the second part of the question does not arise.

I hope we shall not have any stone-walling on this question. Is it a fact that a consultative committee has been set up by the machine tool manufacturers, and, if so, has the right hon. Gentleman been in touch with them?

I am not aware of any advisory or consultative committee at all. I have given the hon. Gentleman a very plain answer that I have been in touch with the Machine Tool Trades Association from the beginning of my occupancy of my office.

Is the Minister aware that there is an unco-ordinated demand by aircraft manufacturers and other manufacturers upon the limited number of machine tool manufacturers, with the result that prices are going up out of all proportion to the true value of the article?

There has, of course, been a heavy demand upon the manufacturers of machine tools, but there has been a great deal of co-ordination with the help of the Machine Tool Trades Association and the manufacturers concerned.

Is not the Minister aware that in spite of that alleged coordination, individual manufacturers are going behind the backs of the co-ordinators and inducing machine tool makers to give them priority by offering increased prices for the supply of machine tools?

I am not aware of any such cases. If the hon. Member has any information to give me, I shall be very glad to consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Northern Rhodesia has completed his consideration of the report of the Commission appointed to inquire into the financial and economic position of Northern Rhodesia; and, if so, what action does he propose to take?

I am informed that the Northern Rhodesian Government is in general agreement with the recommendations made in the report for the expansion of social services and that concrete proposals for carrying them into effect are being prepared.

Is immediate action going to be taken to deal with the terrible situation of these people who have no medical facilities whatever, as shown in the report?

Proposals are now being prepared, and they will be carried into effect at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any medical statistics are available to show how many airmen, boys, or pilots are rejected on medical grounds due to malnutrition?

I regret that there are no such statistics available.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) in view of the fact that Major Vernon has chosen to make his representations concerning his dismissal as an individual and through the staff side of the National Whitley Council, and that it is common in cases of this kind when an appeal is made for the appellant to be accompanied by a friend or advocate, whether, if representatives of the national staff side can be received by the Minister, there will be any difficulty in including Major Vernon in the deputation, thus fufilling the technical requirements;

(2) in view of the fact that the refusal to receive a deputation of the staff side of the National Whitley Council on the Vernon case is based in the main on the proviso that the grounds on which the appeal is made must be given in writing beforehand, whether he is aware that the staff side, which is handling this case, wishes to lay before him oral and not written evidence; and what is the reason why such oral evidence cannot be accepted to justify the reception of the deputation?

In the reply which he gave on my behalf on 18th July, the Under-Secretary of State explained that I felt unable to receive a deputation from the staff side of the National Whitley Council in this matter because the recognised procedure already provided ample facilities for representations to be made; and I see no reason to alter my decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any sites have been surveyed or inspected in or near Glasgow, with a view to establishing factories for the production of aircraft or component parts?

As the hon. Member is probably aware, a factory has been established at Dumbarton by the Blackburn Aeroplane Company and William Denny and Brothers in conjunction. Consideration will be given to the possibility of locating in Scotland any further factories required for the production of aircraft or component parts, but no inspection of sites has yet been carried out.

Have any representations been made to the right hon. Gentleman on this question by the Glasgow Council?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied that the present facilities of air squadrons now established in Scotland are sufficient to ensure the efficient training of recruits now enlisting in Scotland?

Airmen, wherever enlisted, proceed for training, before they are posted to squadrons, to depots or other training establishments, and the organisation and location of these establishments have to be determined by regard to the needs of the Royal Air Force in its entirety. It would not be practicable to provide special establishments for training of recruits enlisted in Scotland.

What percentage of recruits in Scotland now joining the Royal Air Force are transferred outside of Scotland because of the lack of training facilities?

I will inquire and let the hon. Member know.

May I ask to which air squadron the hon. Gentleman who asks the question is attached?

On a point of Order. May I say that I consider the remark of the hon. and gallant Gentleman as an insult, and that I am prepared to place before the House my record of service for the country along with his without any fear?