asked the Prime Minister whether the arrangements made at Munich for a continuance of conversations between this country and Germany with a view to furthering the policy of appeasement were in any way contingent upon this country not increasing or accelerating its re-armament programme; and whether any meeting between members of the British and German Governments to discuss appeasement is contemplated in the near future?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Is it to be understood that His Majesty's Government intend to pursue their policy of appeasement, while pressing on in every possible way with the acceleration of the re-armament programme?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the demobilisation of the German Army; and whether he will state what degree of demobilisation has taken place since the end of September?

While my Noble Friend has no official information on this subject, there is good reason to believe that the German Army is now at peace strength and that the reservists specially called up have been released.

Can the Minister inform the House exactly what is the source of that information?

No, Sir.

Do the Government base their policy of good faith and reason upon unofficial information?

The hon. Gentleman must realise that the Government information is sound.

Will the hon. Gentleman, in the interests of good relations and good faith between this country and Germany, try to procure information from official German sources?

I appreciate the hon. Member's interest in the matter. He may take it that the information which I have given him is correct.

Is there any difficulty in the way of inquiring from German authorities whether they have or have not carried out demobilisation?

Perhaps the hon. Member will do me the honour of reading my answer. From it he will see the information I have given, for which I take the responsibility.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the anti-British propaganda now being carried on in Germany through the medium of agencies under the direct control of the German Government; that charges are being made against His Majesty's Government of permitting acts of terrorism in India and Palestine; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

asked the Prime Minister what is being done to counteract the propaganda that is being carried on in. Germany against Great Britain?

The answer to the first two parts of the question by the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. Henderson) is in the affirmative. The German Government will be well aware of the unfortunate effect of such articles on Anglo-German relations, and my Noble Friend does not consider that it is necessary to draw their attention to this fact.

asked the Prime Minister for what reason His Majesty's Government issued invitations to meet representatives of the German Press at the Carlton Hotel on Tuesday, 15th November; and whether Government Hospitality Fund money was used for this purpose?

Arrangements were made some time ago for a small reception to be held on 15th November for a party consisting of officials from German Government departments and economic correspondents of various German newspapers, who recently visited London. The cost was defrayed by the Government Hospitality Fund. In view of the hospitality frequently shown by the German Government to parties of visitors from this country, and in view of the practice of His Majesty's Government in extending hospitality to distinguished foreign visitors, the holding of this small reception scarcely requires justification.

While accepting the Minister's apology, may I ask whether in view of the circumstances in Germany last week, it was really in the best of taste to continue with this particular act of hospitality?

What was the nature of the conversations which took place at this function?

I am sure they were very interesting.

If they were interesting, could the House not be informed of them?

asked the Prime Minister what reply has been received from the German Government to the British note concerning damage to the property of Jewish-British subjects in Germany?

No reply has yet been received to this note.

Have the Government yet received any report as to the extent of the damage done to the property of British Jews in Germany during the recent riots?

I should want notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether a reply has now been received from the German Government to the protest made on behalf of His Majesty's Government in respect of the attack on the Leader of the Opposition and other Members of this House?

No, Sir. No reply has yet been received.

Do His Majesty's Government expect that the German Government will in due course send a reply to this protest?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

Would the Prime Minister like to hear what I think about some members of the German Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the failure of the London boards of the Anglo-Argentine railway companies to earn more than 2¼ per cent. on £277,000,000 of railway capital, of which £144,000,000 has not been allowed to earn a dividend for some years past, he will propose to the Argentine Government that they should buy the Anglo-Argentine railways at a price of their cost to British investors in return for Argentine Government sterling bonds or, alternatively, that the Argentine Government should relax the restrictions imposed upon the companies so as to allow them to earn a dividend of not less than 5 per cent. on the £144,000,000 of capital?

According to a recent statement from an authoritative Argentine source, the British companies concerned have submitted to the Argentine Government various suggestions for reform tending to remedy the situation, and the authorities are examining these with all good will to find an equitable solution within reasonable limits. His Majesty's Government, who are naturally interested in the welfare of the railway companies concerned, welcome this statement. The Argentine Government are already aware of the hope of His Majesty's Government that a settlement satisfactory to both parties will be reached as soon as possible, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will continue to watch the situation in full consciousness of the importance of the British interests involved.

Can we have an assurance that we shall not have a quarrel with the Argentine Government, such as we had in the case of Mexico?

I do not think the cases are similar.

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made by the International Commission set up after the Evian Conference to deal with the problem of refugees?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to await the statements which will be made at the end of Question Time and during the course of this evening's Debate.

In conformity with the recommendations of the Evian meeting in July last, His Majesty's Government have had under constant examination the contribution which they could make, in respect of the United Kingdom and of the Colonial Empire, to the international effort to facilitate the admission and settlement of involuntary emigrants from Germany. They have also had in mind the view expressed by the Evian countries that the country of origin should make its contribution to this problem of migration by enabling intending emigrants to take with them their property and possessions. The extent to which countries can be expected to receive emigrants must depend very largely upon the conditions in which they are able to leave their country of origin. His Majesty's Government have been greatly impressed by the urgency of the problem created by the anxiety to migrate overseas of sections of the population in Germany and of individuals who, in consequence of recent events in that country, have found temporary asylum in countries of first refuge.

In the light of these circumstances and of the recommendations of the Evian meeting, His Majesty's Government have again reviewed the situation.

With regard to the United Kingdom, the number of refugees which Great Britain can agree to admit, either for a temporary stay or for permanent settlement, is limited by the capacity of the voluntary organisations dealing with the refugee problem to undertake the responsibility for selecting, receiving and maintaining a further number of refugees. His Majesty's Government are keeping in close touch with the Committee which has been set up to co-ordinate the activities of the voluntary organisations engaged upon this task. The United Kingdom has, since 1933, permitted about 11,000 men, women and children to land in this country, in addition to some 4,000 or 5,000 others who have since emigrated overseas.

As regards the Colonial Empire, it must be remembered that, although covering a great extent of territory, it is not necessarily capable of the immediate absorption of large numbers of refugees. Many of our Colonies and Protectorates and our Mandated Territories in East and West Africa contain native populations of many millions, for whom we are the trustees, and whose interests must not be prejudiced. Many large areas, which at present are sparsely populated, are unsuitable either climatically or economically for European settlement. The Colonial Governments could only co-operate in any schemes of large or small-scale settlement provided the schemes were formulated and carried out by responsible organisations.

As was indicated in this House by Lord Harlech on 30th March, and as was subsequently made clear by the United Kingdom representative of the Evian meeting, His Majesty's Government consider that there is no territory in the Colonial Empire where suitable land is available for the immediate settlement of refugees in large numbers, although in certain territories small-scale settlement might be practicable. The Governors of Tanganyika and British Guiana have, however, been asked to state whether, without detriment to native interests, land could be made available for leasing on generous terms for the purpose of large-scale settlement to the voluntary organisations concerned with refugees, provided they undertake full responsibility for the cost of preparing the land and of settling refugees of suitable types as the land is made available.

The Governor of Tanganyika has replied expressing his readiness to co-operate in any schemes of settlement of the refugees so far as existing obligations will permit. While he has not yet had an opportunity of consulting the Legislative Council, the Governor has expressed the view that the only suitable areas for large-scale settlement are likely to be found in the Southern Highlands and in a part of the Western Province, but a thorough investigation will be required before a definite indication of the available areas can be given. He would welcome a mission from the refugee organisations, and would readily give them all facilities for inspecting the areas and forming an opinion of the possibilities. The area that might be available comprises about 50,000 acres of land.

In addition, a scheme of small-scale settlement up to a total of 200 settlers is being considered.

A small experimental private scheme in Kenya, devised by one of the Jewish organisations in London, has been approved by the Governor after consultation with the Legislative Council, and young men who have undergone a course of training at one of the agricultural training centres established by Jewish organisations in Germany have already been selected for this scheme. These men will be settled on farms purchased by the Jewish organisations, after a further period of training in the Colony, and, if the scheme proves successful, they will be joined by other members of their families.

Inquiries have been made of the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland as to the possibility of small-scale settlement in those territories also, and I am glad to say that the replies received from both Governors indicate that this may be possible.

I turn now to British Guiana. In the interior of this Colony there are extensive tracts of sparsely occupied land, consisting mainly of forest and savannah. These areas include certain Indian reservations, but the Governor states that ample space is available to provide fully for all possible needs of the Indian tribes and still leave large areas worthy of examination as to their suitability for refugee settlement. Agricultural development of these areas has hitherto been prevented by unfavourable conditions and lack of communications. It would, therefore, be essential that careful surveys by experts should be made before any definite scheme can be formulated, and His Majesty's Government propose to invite the voluntary organisations to send out their own representatives as early as possible to conduct such surveys on the spot. They will be given all facilities for this purpose by the Colonial Government, and His Majesty's Government would also be ready to send out some experienced official to advise and co-operate with them. Provided that the results of the surveys are satisfactory, His Majesty's Government contemplate the lease of large areas of land on generous terms under conditions to be settled hereafter. It is not possible at this stage to give exact figures of the total area which could be made available to be leased for this purpose, but it would certainly not be less than 10,000 square miles, and possibly more.

Finally, I must mention Palestine. It is generally recognised that that small country could not in any case provide a solution of the Jewish refugee problem; but Palestine has been making its contribution. No less than 40 per cent. of the Jewish immigrants entering the country during the last 12 months have come from Germany.

His Majesty's Government hope that the other countries represented on the Intergovernmental Committee to continue and develop the work of the Evian meeting, will also endeavour to make what contribution they can to the urgent need of facilitating emigration from Germany and from the countries of first refuge.

In conclusion, I must emphasise that, however great may be our desire and that of other countries to assist in dealing with this grave situation, the possibilities of settlement are strictly limited.

The right hon. Gentleman has said nothing about the Dominions.

No, I spoke only of conditions which we can control ourselves.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his statement, may I ask whether the Government will be willing to consider favourably the admission into this country of young children from Germany, who will not be competing in the labour market?

We shall be having a Debate on this subject later in the day, and perhaps the matter could be discussed then.

Is my right hon. Friend in a position to say what plans there are to cover the intermediate period while the final plans are being made?

That, also, might be discussed to-night.

Are any approaches being made to the German Government by the Powers unitedly in order to induce them to facilitate the exodus of these people?

My hon. Friend knows that approaches have been made.

Would the Government not consider the possibility of granting a revolving loan for the maintenance of these refugees, in view of the fact that private organisations might not have the money?

That would be a little premature at this stage.

Is the area of 10,000 square miles in British Guiana the same as that considered by the League of Nations for Assyrian settlement three years ago, and condemned?

It includes that area, but it also includes other areas besides.

With regard to young children, if there are persons in this country who will undertake the responsibility for them and for their education, will the Home Office grant facilities for their speedy admission?

My right hon. Friend will deal with that this afternoon.

May I thank the Government for their interest in this matter?

asked the Prime Minister what are the nature and quantity, and what is the value of the rolling stock alleged by the German Government to have been removed from the Sudeten-German area; and what is the present position regarding the German Government's claim against Czechoslovakia in this matter?

Full details on this matter are not available. The function of the International Commission was to lay down the principles according to which the term "existing installations" in Article 2 of the Munich Agreement should be interpreted. The Commission was not concerned with the application of these principles, which was entrusted to a special German-Czech Commission.

Are road motor vehicles included in the definition or interpretation of that term?

I should like to have notice of a question on that particular point, but it does include such movable material as are necessary to the normal function of the installation.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that the German Government is now demanding further areas of Czechoslovak territory, notably in the neighbourhood of Bratislava, which were not included in the Godesberg demands; and whether these demands have been approved by the International Commission and agreed to by the Czechoslovak Government;

(2) whether, in view of the fact that the German Government is demanding further areas of Czechoslovak territory, he will instruct the British representative on the International Commission to demand as compensation the return to Czechoslovakia of equivalent areas where the new frontier on the German side includes compact districts and important towns with large Czech majorities?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning the recent decision of the International Commission in Berlin whereby a further 100 villages with a population of 50,000 Czechs have been transferred to the German Reich?

The International Commission agreed at its last meeting that proposals for the final delimitation of the frontiers should be submitted to it by the Czech and German Governments, and negotiations have taken place between the two Governments. My Noble Friend's attention has been drawn to Press reports that various territorial readjustments are being considered in connection with these negotiations, but he has received no precise official information as to their nature. The result of these negotiations is shortly to be brought before the International Commission for their consideration, and until further information is received, I am not prepared to make any statement.

In view of the fact that Herr Hitler told the Prime Minister that he did not want to rule over any but Germans, may he not now be reminded of that statement when it is proposed that some 60,000 Czechs should be annexed?

Pending the receipt of precise information about this proposal, I am afraid I could not answer the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the recent conversations between King Carol and Members of His Majesty's Government?

The conversations between King Carol and the Rumanian Minister for Foreign Affairs on the one hand, and Members of His Majesty's Government on the other, were naturally confidential, and I can make no detailed statement. I can, however, assure the House that the discussions were of a most frank and friendly character and covered matters of common concern to the two Governments both in the political and economic fields.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the House an assurance that belligerent rights will not be granted to General Franco until all foreign troops have been withdrawn from Spain?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government still adhere to the provisions of the plan for the evacuation of foreign troops from Spain unanimously agreed to by the Non-Intervention Committee on 5th July, 1938, and in particular to the conditions there laid down for the grant of belligerent rights to the contending parties?

The conditions under which belligerent rights will be granted to both parties in Spain remain as defined in the proposed resolution adopted by the Non-Intervention Committee on 5th July last. As long as these proposals continue to represent the unanimous programme of the Commiteee, His Majesty's Government, as a member of that Committee, adhere to them.

Are we to understand from the answer of the Minister that His Majesty's Government have no intention of proposing any modification of the terms?

I have said that these proposals do now represent the unanimous programme of the Committee. I am not able to go further than that.

If this ceases to be the unanimous programme of the Committee, do the Government intend to change their policy?

The Government will consider the position as it then arises.

But are the Government trying to get any modification? That is what we want to know. Are they trying to influence the Committee to alter this unanimous view which is held at the present time?

The right hon. Gentleman must wait for a meeting of the Committee.

Are the Government making the unanimity of the Committee a condition of adhering to the terms?

I cannot go any further than the answer which I have already given twice. As long as these proposals represent the unanimous programme of the Committee, we will adhere to it.

Does the resolution referred to in the answer, take account of the removal of foreign munitions of war from Spain as well as the removal of foreign troops?

That is a much wider question than the question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister the total number of reports received from His Majesty's representatives in Spain since the beginning of September, 1938?

His Majesty's representatives in all foreign countries continually report to my Noble Friend on all matters likely to be of interest to His Majesty's Government, but I cannot give the statistics required.

Have the recent reports of His Majesty's representatives indicated a general settlement of the Spanish dispute, which was the basis of the recent Italo-British Agreement?

I cannot really reveal in a general way the many reports that we get from our representatives.

Have those reports indicated a general settlement of the Spanish dispute?

I have given the hon. Gentleman my answer to that question.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the number and location of His Majesty's Government's representatives in Spain is adequate, seeing that they have only Consular representatives in a few places and no Naval representatives at the Embassy in Valencia or in Barcelona? May I have an answer to that question?

There are 85 questions on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister what instructions were given to Mr. Hemming on the occasion of his recent visit to General Franco; and what was the nature of his report?

As I explained on 5th October in reply to the hon. Member for North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts), the object of Mr. Hemming's mission was to explain any points of detail and clear up any misconceptions which may have arisen in connection with the Committee's plan and to investigate the exact intentions of the authorities regarding its execution. Mr. Hemming's report was only received in the Foreign Office late on Saturday and is now being studied.

Seeing that the plan was first issued on 5th July, is not the delay somewhat long?

When will the hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement with regard to that report?

I fully appreciate the anxiety of the hon. Member, and indeed of the House, to have further news on this point. At the moment I cannot say more, but if the hon. Member will put a further question down, I will do my best to answer it.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will invite the French Government to join with them in proposing to Signor Mussolini collective representations by the three Governments to General Franco to induce him to put into force the plan for the evacuation of foreign troops from Spain unanimously agreed to by the Non-Intervention Committee on 5th July, 1938?

My Noble Friend is at present considering Mr. Hemming's report and is not yet in a position to come to any decision on future policy.

asked the Prime Minister whether any specific request has been received from General Franco for the grant of belligerent rights; and, if so, in what form it was conveyed to the British Government?

As long ago as 8th June, 1937, a communication was received by His Majesty's Embassy at Hendaye from General Franco's Administration, stating the grounds on which General Franco claimed to be accorded belligerent rights.

asked the Prime Minister the approximate number of British subjects at present resident in Italian Libya; and what are the consolidated arrangements that exist for the protection of British subjects and interests in that country?

There are some 3,000 British subjects in Libya, most of whom are Maltese. The protection of their interests is ensured by His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome and by His Majesty's Consuls at Tripoli and Benghazi acting under his supervision.

Are the Government considering any further arrangements?

I consider the present arrangements sufficient for the purpose.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the attempt being made by the Japanese to create a Japanese monopoly of the trade in raw cotton in the area round Shanghai; and what action he has taken in the matter?

My Noble Friend has seen reports in the Press to this effect. He is calling for a report, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that this matter will be closely followed.

Is not the condition of our trade in China very serious?

We are fully alive to the seriousness of the position.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to report the result of the discussions with the Japanese authorities in Shanghai and Tokyo as to the re-opening of foreign-owned factories in the occupied areas inside and outside the International Settlement in Shanghai?

The discussions are continuing. My Noble Friend understands that certain of the cases are in a fair way to being settled locally.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received a satisfactory reply from the Japanese Government to the representations of His Majesty's Government that an opportunity should be afforded to the representatives of the British bondholders of the Shanghai-Nanking Railway to inspect the railway line, and that the necessary measures should be taken to safeguard their financial interests in the line?

In his conversations with the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs last September, His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo was informed that there were difficulties of a military character in the way of a comprehensive grant of inspection facilities on this and other Chinese railways: an inspection of the Shanghai North Railway Station had, however, been permitted. Both the question of inspection and that of the financial interests of the bondholders are being considered by the Japanese Government, and a definite reply has been promised.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the representations from British trading interests in Shanghai urging strong and immediate action to protect British trade in China from Japanese encroachment; and what steps he has taken in the matter?

My Noble Friend has given close attention to these representations. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo has recently re-emphasised to the Japanese Government the importance which is attached in this country to the early settlement of all outstanding cases affecting British interests in China.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the Japanese official account of the inaugural meetings of the two Japanese syndicates which have been formed to control industries, commodities, and communications in North and Central China; by whom the capital of these syndicates is being subscribed; whether in cash or kind; and what steps he has taken to prevent British trade being excluded from the China market?

I understand that the two companies in question were formally established on 7th November. En each case, one half of the capital is to be furnished by the Japanese Government and one half by private investors, part of the Government's investment being represented by contributions in kind. His Majesty's Ambassador has been assured that no exclusive rights or monopolistic privileges are claimed for these enterprises. With regard to the last part of the question, representations have frequently been made, and will continue to be made, to the Japanese Government whenever British interests are adversely affected.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends during his forthcoming visit to Paris to discuss proposals for the amendment of the Covenant of the League of Nations with the French Government; and what is the nature of such proposals?

The attitude of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom on the question of the application of the principles of the Covenant was made clear at the last Assembly of the League of Nations, and their proposals were then made to the Assembly. His Majesty's Government have no further proposals to make at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that during his forthcoming visit to Paris he will not discuss proposals for the grant of belligerent rights to General Franco?

I am not able to say in advance what subjects will be discussed during the forthcoming visit to Paris.

Have no steps been taken to determine what questions will be discussed at the meeting in Paris?

That is a different question altogether; I said that I could not tell the House.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman give the House some idea of the purpose of this visit and what the discussions are to be, in view of the importance of the need that the House should know what discussions are being carried on by our representatives?

I do not think it would be in the public interest.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman desires merely to be discreet or that he has nothing to say?

I was not asking for details; I was asking for the general trend or scope of the conversations proposed to be held in Paris.

The visit to Paris is a return visit, following upon the visit of the French Ministers to this country, and no doubt the opportunity will be taken while we are in Paris of discussing various matters of general interest to both countries.

Has the Prime Minister consulted, or will he consult, his Cabinet with regard to the proposals to be discussed?

asked the Prime Minister whether in accordance with Annex II of the British-Italian Agreement which agrees to the exchange of military information, His Majesty's Government will call for information regarding the Italian aviation stations in the Balearic Islands?

The Agreement provides that the exchange of information about air forces is confined to such forces stationed in or based on certain overseas possessions of either party and certain territories in Africa. I would refer the hon. Member to Annex II of the Agreement for full details.

I have read Annex II, but may I have a specific reply to the question whether His Majesty's Government, when this opportunity occurs, will make definite representations with regard to these aviation stations in the Balearic Islands?

This matter is not covered by the Agreement.

Does that mean that His Majesty's Government view those aviation stations with complacency?

I cannot accept the premises of the hon. Gentleman's statement, and the answer as regards the agreement is, as I have said, "No."

Does that mean that His Majesty's Government will have no right to ask about the aviation stations of the Italian Army in the Balearic Islands, or about the Italian troops in Spain, or about the guns that have been erected on the Straits of Gibraltar?

The question on the Paper asked whether this matter was covered by the Agreement, and I have said that it is not.

Does not the Anglo-Italian Agreement provide for the maintenance of the status quo in the Mediterranean, and can it be said that the establishment of Italian aviation bases in the Balearic Islands does not affect that status quo?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman must remember the statement made by the head of the Italian Government on the subject of the status quo.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as China and Spain are still members of the League of Nations, both countries were represented at the last meeting of the League?

Yes, Sir.

Were both those countries assured at the last League meeting that His Majesty's Government still stood by the Covenant of the League of Nations?

I had at Geneva the opportunity of meeting representatives of both those countries. When the accounts of the League proceedings come out, I hope the hon. Gentleman will study them carefully.

asked the Prime Minister whether Ethiopia is to continue to be recognised by His Majesty's Government as a member of the League of Nations?

The question whether Ethiopia is or is not a member of the League of Nations is one which can only be settled by the League itself.

How is it possible for the British Government to treat Ethiopia as though she were not a member of the League of Nations and still say it is bound to abide by or await the decision of the League as a whole as to whether Ethiopia is to continue or cease to be a member of the League?

If the hon. Gentleman will refer to the proceedings of the League last May, he will see that it was generally agreed that the League should leave each member free to take what steps it thought fit about the recognition of Italian sovereignty in Ethiopia.

In that case, cannot the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the States are free to give their opinions as to whether the Ethiopians should still be recognised as being in the League; and what prevents him informing the House as to what is the opinion of His Majesty's Government?

We must wait for the matter to be raised at the League.

Is it not a fact that there was no agreement in the Council of the League last May upsetting the unanimous resolution arrived at in 1932?

Have the Government waited for this subject to be raised? Have they not in fact recognised Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia before the Assembly of the League has given them leave?

That again is broader than the question on the Paper. I said that after the meeting of the League in May each State felt itself entitled to take independent action if it wanted to do so. We took action, of which the House is well aware.

Is it not a fact that there was no decision whatever taken in May which entitled anybody to take independent action?

No, Sir, that is quite wrong.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps have been taken to direct the attention of war pensioners, and other ex-service men, to the importance to themselves and their dependants of their taking advantage of the Contributory Pensions (Voluntary Contributors) Act, 1937, before 2nd January next, when the special provision in favour of men between 40 and 55 years of age ceases to operate?

I am glad to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that every effort has already been made in the direction indicated. In August, 1937, I invited the chairman of every War pensions committee to make widely known among the ex-service community the benefits of the Act. A month later I caused several thousand posters to be printed and issued to all my local offices and to the branches of the British Legion urging all eligible ex-service men to take advantage of the Act. In July last I broadcast an appeal with the like object to all Great War pensioners. In August, in response to my invitation, the chairmen of all War pensions committee gave wide publicity to the benefits of the Act through the medium of the local Press. At the same time I communicated with all Great War disability pensioners individually again calling attention to the benefits of the Act and inquiring whether they had or wished to become voluntary contributors. I am following up their replies by personal visits to pensioners in suitable cases through the voluntary workers attached to the War pensions committees. Both the British Legion and the Emergency Help Committee of the British Red Cross Society have generously undertaken to co-operate.

Will my hon. Friend do what he can to make it known that although men are now 55, they are eligible if they were not 55 at the beginning of the year, as there is a great deal of misunderstanding on the point?

I will see what I can do in that direction.

Does not my hon. Friend think that Members of this House might follow out his suggestion by circularising in their own constituencies?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether if he will arrange for consultations to take place as soon as possible between representatives of all interests engaged in

I think that generally they have done so.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the number and value of motor cars of British or United States manufacture imported into Argentina and Brazil during the 12 months ended at the last available date?

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

Have the enormous differences that have existed been brought to the notice of British motor car manufacturers?

Yes, I have done it myself?

Representative associations in the trade have already been consulted.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can make a statement on the Government's policy in preparation for the New York world fair; will he consider the need for special cheap facilities to be arranged in order that the maximum number of British people can visit the fair; and will he arrange for films to be made of the development in Britain during the past 10 years and include municipal enterprise, model estates and factories, Wythenshawe and other places of interest, in preparation for the British section of the New York world fair?

I am endeavouring to arrange for the most satisfactory representation possible, in all the circumstances, of this country's achievements and activities. I understand that the British shipping companies will make available at a reduced rate monthly excursion tickets during certain periods of the Fair. The suggestion in the last part of the question has been noted.

May I ask why a number of documentary films of Scotland recently completed, which are highly regarded by the trade, are not to be shown at this important exhibition?

I was not aware of that fact. The answer is that they were not considered suitable. I will have the question looked into.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many claims for pensions have been made by ex-service men during the past 12 months; how many have been granted; and how many refused?

During the 12 months ended 30th September, 1938, 2,778 applications were received (nearly half of which were from existing or former pensioners) for fresh disabilities claimed to be due to War service. The number established and accepted for pension or treatment during the same period was 497, and the number refused was 2,267.

In view of the very large number of cases which have been refused, will my hon. Friend consider revising the regulations so as to enable more ex-service men to be entitled to pensions and to remove the grievance which so many of them feel that they have not had a square deal?

In view of the fact that it is 20 years since the War, the percentage of successful applications is remarkable—18 per cent. now compared with 17 per cent. last year, and only 10 per cent. eight years ago.

Does not my hon. Friend agree that the fact that it is now 20 years since the War is a good reason why these regulations should be revised?

Can the Minister say how many of the 2,000 cases that were turned down were examined by a doctor responsible to the Minister?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total value of food-stuffs grown at home per head of the population in 1908 and in 1937 in terms of 1908 money values?

The values per head of the population of the agricultural output of Great Britain in 1908 and 1936–37, in terms of 1908 prices, are estimated at approximately £3.7 and £4.2 respectively.

Is the low figure before or after the subsidies have been added to the prices?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the imports of dairy produce, and pig and poultry products, during 1937, were valued at £117,000,000, he can state in what proportion it is anticipated that these imports will be supplied from home sources when the recent Bacon Industry Act and the new milk and poultry legislation are effectively in operation?

I regret that I am unable to make a forecast of the nature desired by my hon. Friend. The future home production and imports of milk, pig and poultry products may be influenced by many factors which it is impossible to estimate with any pretensions to accuracy.

Do the Government expect an increase of home production from these measures?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that steps are taken to mark eggs imported into this country from Holland in such a way as to indicate whether they are cold-store eggs or fresh eggs, action can be taken in this country to ensure that retailers shall pass on this information to their customers in order to protect the interests of the British poultry industry?

The whole question of the marking of cold-stored eggs, both imported and home-produced, is at present under consideration in connection with the forthcoming legislation to give effect to the Government's policy for the poultry industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of cattle and sheep admitted into this country from the Irish Free State since the coming into force of the Anglo-Eire Agreement, and the number for, approximately, a similar period before the agreement came into force?

As the reply includes a table of figures I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will my right hon. Friend indicate whether there is an increase or a decrease?

There is an increase, but the conditions immediately before the treaty was signed were rather exceptional, as beasts were held up on the other side in anticipation of the treaty being signed.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in addition to the other causes which have caused a slump in the prices of sheep and lambs, these imports from the Irish Free State have particularly hit the North Wales farmers?

The increase is negligible as regards that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government have arrived at any decision on the question of improved credit facilities for farmers?

I have nothing to add to the reply given on 1st November to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère).

Is my right hon. Friend aware that for three years I have been endeavouring to get something done in this direction?

The problem is a difficult one, as I have previously told the House, and it has been under consideration, but recent events have made the matter one to be dealt with more quickly.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge of the real indebtedness of the farmers of this country or the desire on the part of farmers to take large credits?

Yes, I have a certain amount of information on both heads.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will find time for a discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Evesham relating to milling combines?

I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of special time being given for the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great importance of this matter and of the fact that farmers are paying for their wheat offal supplies 50 per cent. more than they are getting for their wheat; and can he assist me to get from the Board of Trade or the Ministry of Agriculture any real information, as one Department refers back to another?

I would remind my hon. Friend that facilities already exist for discussion of this question on a private Member's Motion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the allocation for the 1937 imports of mutton and lamb from Australia and New Zealand; what was the actual quantity of these imports in 1937; and what is the anticipated quantity of such imports during 1938?

The total allocation to Australia and New Zealand for imports of frozen mutton and lamb in 1937 was 5,910,000 cwts. and actual imports from those Dominions in that year amounted to 5,486,000 cwts. It is anticipated that imports during the current year will not exceed 5,500,000 cwts.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the prevailing low price for fat sheep and lambs and the increased numbers offered for sale during the past six weeks, he will represent to the Governments of Australia and New Zealand the urgent necessity that they should drastically reduce, during the next three months, their shipment of mutton and lamb to this country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my statement during the Debate on the Address on 15th November, to which I have at present nothing to add.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the farmers of this country are waiting with considerable anxiety for action to be taken to help their industry?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made as to the effect of imports upon prices.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many prosecutions have been instituted for non-compliance with the Warble Fly (Dressing of Cattle) Order; and whether he can make any statement with regard to the progress made in eliminating this pest?

Notification has been received from local authorities of 94 prosecutions instituted in Great Britain for non-compliance with the Warble Fly (Dressing of Cattle) Order during the 1938 dressing season. Reports of the Ministry's veterinary officers indicate that, whilst there is a considerable variation in the incidence of warble infestation in different parts of the country, generally speaking the position has shown gradual improvement since the Order was first imposed in 1936.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the progress made in the cleansing of the Ogmore River, Glamorgan; the length undertaken for cleansing; and the length completed to date?

The length of the River Ogmore covered by the improvement works included in the scheme now being carried out with the aid of a grant under Section 55 of the Land Drainage Act, 1930, is eight miles, and the length completed to date is one and a half miles.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the serious falling off in the revenue of the railway companies; and whether with a view to avoiding the consequences of continuous reduction of revenue, he will cause a Royal Commission to be appointed to ascertain the causes and to make recommendations for putting the railways upon a sound financial basis?

I am aware of the falling-off in railway receipts. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is receiving a deputation from the railway companies on Wednesday when this subject is to be discussed. In the meantime, therefore, it would be premature to take any decision as to possible future action.

asked the Prime Minister whether any pledge or guarantee, written or implied, has been given by the Dominions and Colonies, either severally or collectively, that, in case of an attack upon the United Kingdom by any country, they would come to the assistance of Great Britain?