asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of making representations to the German Government for the cessation of the supply of money and anti-semitic propaganda literature printed in Arabic and German and distributed to Arabs in Damascus and Palestine?

Consideration has been and will be given to all reports received on the distribution of such literature and money in Palestine.

Would it not be in accordance with the policy of appeasement that Germany should cease to stir up trouble for us in Palestine and elsewhere, and cannot the most vigorous remonstrances be made on the subject?

The hon. Member has asked that consideration should be given to certain reports, and I have said that it will be given.

Have any specimens of this propaganda and literature been sent to the Foreign Office for investigation?

I shall be pleased to receive anything that the hon. and gallant Gentleman sends me.

Have any been received?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any further statement regarding the progress of arrangements for the discussions in London with Arabs and Jews?

Yes, Sir. Invitations to send representatives to London for the discussions have now been accepted by the Governments of Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Trans-Jordan and by the Jewish Agency. A formal invitation has been sent to the King of the Yemen. With regard to the possibility of representatives of the Arabs of Palestine also coming to London, as I have already announced, the Government intend to grant facilities to attend the discussions in London to any person at present deported or excluded from Palestine who may be selected. In order that the persons who have been deported to the Seychelles may be readily available, if their services should be required, it has been decided to release them as soon as transport can be arranged. The release of these deportees will be final, and they will be allowed to proceed to any destination except Palestine, to which country their admission is regarded as undesirable in present circumstances.

Have any steps been taken to have representatives of the Arab fellaheen, as well as the Arab effendis, selected?

The selection of the representatives of Palestinian Arabs must be primarily a matter for the Palestinian Arabs themselves.

How is the selection to be made? Is it to be a selection only of notables, who will select merely people from the upper classes, or will there be any chance for the poorer Arabs to get any representation if they come over here?

Obviously, it is not for the Government to select representatives. That has never been suggested. It must be left to the Palestinian Arabs themselves to make their own selection. As far as the different classes in Palestine are concerned, I am not aware that there is much difference of view amongst them on the political questions involved.

What is the machinery by which the selection of the Arab delegation is to be made?

I understand that certain consultations are taking place. I cannot say any more than that.

Are consultations taking place with the Arab workers or the Arab fellaheen?

That is not a matter for the Government or the High Commissioner. We must leave this primarily to the Arabs themselves.

Is it not a matter for this Government to see that there shall be adequate representation of all sections of the Arabs? Therefore, it is not possible to pass this off by suggesting that this is a matter for the Arabs themselves, unless the right hon. Gentleman can tell us what is the machinery whereby different sections of Arabs are going to make the selection.

I cannot make a statement on that matter at present. I am fully aware of the considerations the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned, but I might add this, that I think it probable that if the Government themselves were to intervene in the matter and start to nominate representatives, the result might be that no Palestinian Arab representatives would visit this country.

Is there going to be any representation, for example, of the Arabs organised in the railway trade union in Palestine?

I am not aware yet what Arab representatives may come to London. It is a matter which, in all the circumstances, it is far better to leave to the Arabs.

Do not the Government in Palestine extend these invitations to representative organisations; and will the right hon. Gentleman see that the organisations representing the common people are included?

I think it desirable that there should be representation of different sections of political opinion amongst the Palestinian Arabs, but I cannot agree that the sort of procedure which has been suggested in some quarters would achieve the object of getting Palestinian representation in London.

What was the body that the right hon. Gentleman invited to select representatives?

Invitations have been sent, as I announced, to the Governments of certain surrounding countries and to the Jewish Agency. Beyond that no invitation has been sent. No invitation has been formally sent to Palestinian Arab organisations. As I say, certain consultations are taking place, but they have not reached the stage of sending an invitation to anybody.

If it is possible to get representations of all sections, will the right hon. Gentleman do all he can to obtain it?

What about the Arab High Committee members? Will they be represented? [Interruption.] On a point of Order. Is it not in order to ask whether members of the Arab High Committee, who are in the Seychelles, will be allowed to come to the conference if chosen by the Arabs themselves? Am I not in order in getting information on that point? They are the men who matter. There will be no conference without them.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of pupils, male and female, that have completed instruction, and are now under instruction, for the Civil Air Guard; what proportion are expected to be employed by the Air Ministry in the case of war; the cost incurred to date; and the estimated future cost of this class of flying instruction?

The number of "A" licence holders in the Civil Air Guard is approximately 1,000, of which some 80 are women. This total includes those who have qualified under Civil Air Guard instruction and those who held an "A" licence previous to enrolment. My right hon. Friend is now considering, in consultation with the Civil Air Guard Commissioners, the various directions in which members can serve the Air Ministry in time of war. The cost incurred for the first two months is approximately £25,000 but, in view of the comparatively short experience of the scheme, and variable factors such as weather conditions, I am reluctant to give a forecast of probable future cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many applications have been received from the London area for membership of the Civil Air Guard; how many of such applicants have already commenced flying training; and whether the Brooklands Flying Club and the Heston Airport flying school have yet begun to co-operate in the scheme?

The number of applications received from the London area is 5,605, and of this number about half may be expected to qualify for enrolment. The number undergoing flying training at the beginning of November was 551, at seven clubs; the Brooklands Flying Club has found itself unable to participate in the Civil Air Guard scheme; the Airwork Flying Club at Heston Airport was authorised to begin Civil Air Guard training as from 1st November.

How long does the Under-Secretary think it will be before the Government can effectively utilise the voluntary services at their disposal?

As I have said, my right hon. Friend is considering how best the voluntary services of these members can be used for the Air Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made in the negotiations between the General Council of the Associated Light Aeroplane Clubs and the Aviation Insurance Underwriters with regard to the insurance rates for the Civil Air Guard scheme?

The question of rates of insurance of aircraft of the Civil Air Guard is not one for the Air Ministry, but is primarily the responsibility of the clubs and the members of the Civil Air Guard. I understand, however, that negotiations with regard to insurance rates for aircraft are proceeding between the General Council of Associated Light Aeroplane Clubs and the Aviation Insurance Underwriters, and these will, I hope, be brought to a conclusion satisfactory to both parties.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether the lack of reasonable insurance facilities is holding up the development of the Civil Air Guard scheme?

Undoubtedly the task of the clubs will be facilitated when the questions which are now under discussion in regard r to insurance rates for this new scheme are settled.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend bring pressure to bear on those concerned?

It is riot primarily the responsibility of the Air Ministry, but my right hon. Friend will, I know, use his best offices in any way to facilitate a successful conclusion of this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the recent development of aviation, he, will give particulars of the manner in which His Majesty's Government or local authorities have, during the last two years, adopted further measures to assist in the promotion of civil aviation in the United Kingdom; and whether the Government propose instituting any further inquiries in this field?

Within the limits of a Parliamentary reply it is not possible to enumerate the several measures that have been taken in many directions by His Majesty's Government to assist the development of civil aviation in the United Kingdom. I would refer the hon. Member to Chapters V and VII of the Civil Aviation Report for the year 1937 in which he will find details of many of these steps. Considerable progress has been made by local authorities during the last two years in the provision of suitable municipal aerodromes, but if the hon. Member is interested in any particular area I will let him have particulars. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend does not think any useful purpose would be served by the institution of a further inquiry.

Have any municipal aerodromes been instituted during the past year?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Minister of Transport how many breakdowns have taken place on the underground railway serving Balham and Tooting, causing inconvenience to passengers, during the past five years; and how many breakdowns occurred on the same railway during the previous five years?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that the number of delays of 30 minutes or more on this line was 21 during the five years 1934 to 1938 compared with 24 during the five years 1929 to 1933. These figures do not, of course, include the period from 27th September to 7th October last during which the tunnels under the Thames were closed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received an application from the county council of Inverness-shire for assistance for the purpose of completing the Strond Road, or has urged or encouraged the continuation of the scheme by the county council, in view of the lack of transport facilities in the district and the heavy local unemployment?

No, Sir. I have not received any application for assistance, but the county council are aware that I am prepared to consider making a grant from the Road Fund at the rate of 50 per cent. towards the cost of approved works.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider introducing legislation to amend the London Passenger Transport Act to provide for the holding of an annual general meeting?

I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that considerable trouble has arisen from the creation of the London Transport Board and the Northern Ireland Road Transport Board, both examples of rationalisation, which bring demoralisation and disturbing influences wherever they go?

I thought that the London Passenger Transport Board was an excellent example of a public utility very well run.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that no vote of the ordinary shareholders is taken, and that they are not allowed to have an annual meeting—a most inequitable arrangement?

Can the Minister say where such an annual meeting would be held?

asked the Minister of Transport what action he is taking to ensure that the provisions of the Road Traffic Act as to the exhibition of traffic signs not authorised by him are being properly observed?

It is my desire that unauthorised traffic signs should not be exhibited, and accordingly on 31st August last I issued a circular letter to all highway authorities asking what steps have been, or will be, taken for the removal of unauthorised traffic signs and their replacement, where necessary, by signs which conform to Section 48 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930. I will send a copy of the circular to the hon. and gallant Member for his information.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the existence of a great number of unauthorised signs put up by private owners to call attention to entrance gates to their property, thus endeavouring to throw a responsibility on the motorist which does not in fact exist?

I am aware of that, and I am anxious that these unauthorised signs should be withdrawn.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the Belisha beacons are of any use on the roads?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are certain cases where unusual signs perform a very useful purpose and that their abolition should not be agreed to without careful consideration?

asked the Minister of Transport what complaints he has received as to the non-effectiveness of road caution signs denoting schools; and whether he will consider the addition of a flashing light to such signs to operate at danger periods?

I have only received very few specific complaints on this point. I have, however, authorised the experimental use of a flashing school sign in Exeter and am prepared to authorise further similar experiments. I have also authorised for use in the area of the London County Council a sign bearing the words "Beware of school children in streets," to be exhibited when the children are arriving or leaving.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that although the volume of railway goods traffic is unsatisfactory the volume of railway traffic in returned empties has greatly increased; and what steps he proposes to take to adjust the anomaly by which the present railway freight rates for goods enable road transport concerns to select remunerative goods traffic and to throw the unremunerative returned empties freight traffic on to the railways?

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the serious economic position of the railways, which is prejudicing their efficiency and ability to meet calls that may be made on them in a national emergency, he will consider removing, as soon as possible, the statutory controls and regulations which are a century old and which were put into operation when there was no other form of competitive transport?

The points to which my hon. Friends refer are aspects of the general question of control over railway rates which is under consideration in connection with the recent representations by the railway companies.

asked the Minister of Transport the aggregate net railway receipts of the four main line companies for each of the last 15 years?

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

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether the latest returns are equal to the average over the whole period?

As one of my colleagues said the other day, that seems to involve an arithmetical sum, but I would rather circulate the figures and let them speak for themselves.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any figures to show the increase in the volume of merchandise carried on the roads since the War and the extent to which the increase is accounted for by new traffic?

No, Sir. No returns of traffic are made by the operators of goods vehicles on roads, and I am, therefore, not in possession of the figures which the hon. Member is seeking.

Is it not essential that there should be some basis if there is to be any comparison between road and rail traffic?

I have no means of ascertaining the total volume of traffic carried on the roads.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the development of the carriage of goods by road as a modern form of transport with pronounced advantages, he is giving consideration to the problem of adapting the railway services to the changing conditions; and has he reached any conclusions?

Railway services are primarily a matter for the railway company whose managements have constantly under review steps which may be necessary to adapt the railways and their methods of working to modern requirements. I am always ready to bring to the attention of the railways any practicable proposals, and if the hon. Member has any specific suggestions I shall be glad to consider them.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the railway companies had to publish their freights on 1st January, and that the road transport people can always under-cut them at any subsequent date?

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the answer, call the attention of the railway companies to the fact that the Weir Committee in 1931 recommended the electrification of the railways in Scotland?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has had a further meeting with the representatives of the railway companies; and what was the result?

Officials of my Department met the general managers of the four main line railway companies last Thursday, and the chairmen and General managers are seeing me again to-morrow.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the difficulties of the railway companies, he is taking any steps to promote the coordination of the railway, road transport, inland waterway, and coastwise shipping services as complementary parts of the country's transport system?

The whole question of the co-ordination of transport is receiving my earnest consideration in the light of the reports of the Transport Advisory Council on Service and Rates and of the representations made to me by the railway companies and other interests concerned.

Is the Minister in a position to tell the House what will be the result of his considerations?

The railway companies have recently submitted a memorandum. They were asked to supply further information. Some of that information has been received, and the chairmen and general managers of the railway companies are seeing me to-morrow in further explanation of their request.

Will the Minister take care that a huge monopoly is not created, so that there is no individual enterprise whatever in the transport industry in this country?

When the Minister is giving consideration to the case of the railway companies will he consider whether, in fact, they are not very much over-capitalised?

That will be one of the questions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in putting forward their claim in respect of rate-charging, the railway companies equally abandon on their part any desire to continue the advantages of Berating or of preferential taxation of heavy oil and kindred benefits?

The representations made to me by the railway companies have been confined to a request for the repeal of the existing statutory provisions governing the charges and conditions for the conveyance of merchandise traffic by rail.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of persons killed and injured in road accidents attributed to the drivers of commercial road vehicles and to defects in such vehicles in 1937; and the number killed and injured in accidents on the railways during the same year?

Information regarding accidents on the roads and the railways respectively will be found in the following publications: Road Accidents involving Personal Injury, 1937. Report upon Accidents which occurred on the Railways of Great Britain during the year 1937.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of commercial motor vehicles involved in accidents in 1937; the number of such vehicles for which "A" "B" or "C" licences were current during the same year; and the total number of vehicles of all kinds involved in such accidents during the same year?

The number of commercial motor goods vehicles concerned in road accidents involving personal injury in Great Britain during the year 1937 was 41,078. At 3oth June, 1937, there were 507,256 commercial motor goods vehicles authorised and in the possession of holders of "A" "B" or "C" carriers' licences. The total number of vehicles of all kinds concerned in road accidents involving personal injury in 1937 was 289,326, of which 199,311 were mechanically-propelled vehicles.

Is it not a fact that the majority of these vehicles are in the hands of private owners, over whom the Commissioners have very little control?

The holders of C licences are a very large proportion.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered a resolution passed at a large public meeting held in Horbury near Wakefield regarding the death of a school girl caused by a lorry in one of the narrow streets in Horbury; and what observations he has to make on the points in this resolution?

I have not seen the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. If he will be good enough to send me a copy, I will have the matter looked into and communicate with him.

Is it not a matter of some concern to the right hon. Gentleman and to his Department that a large number of school children are being killed and maimed, and may I ask what observations he has to make upon that matter?

The death of anyone on the roads is a matter of great concern to me and my Department, and I have the problem with me every hour of the day. I know of no specific matter to which I can usefully refer in answer to a Parliamentary Question, and I have told the hon. Member that I have not seen the resolution. If he will be good enough to send it to me, perhaps I can make a useful observation upon it.

Would the right hon. Gentleman ask his Department to look at this road, which is a main road through a very busy borough? It has been in this condition for many years and some attention ought to be given to it immediately.

I will look into it at once.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the report of the Transport Advisory Council submitted to him in July, 1937, recommending certain steps towards the creation of a system of rates for the road haulage industry, has now received his consideration; and when he proposes to take steps to implement it?

Yes, Sir. I am anxious to bring into being as soon as possible a comprehensive rate system in the road haulage industry. The Transport Advisory Council recommended that an opportunity should be afforded for road hauliers to build up a rates structure for their own industry and should be given time in which to do it. A liaison committee has been set up within the industry, and I understand that real progress is being made with what is admittedly a difficult problem.

Can my right hon. Friend state approximately the time it is likely to take?

I am afraid I cannot. The problem is an extremely important one, and I think it is far better that the rate structure should be evolved from within than that it should be imposed from without. It is a tremendous problem, and I am quite satisfied that those working upon it in the industry are working in the right direction.

Does the Minister not think that the time has now arrived, in view of the trouble between the rail and road transport systems, when the Government should devise ways and means to nationalise the transport system of this country?

That is a rather different question.

Is it intended that these road rates should be published rates, and, if so, has the Minister abandoned any idea of the abolition of published rates for the railways?

It is intended, as the Minister has tried to say, to await the proposals from within the industry for a road rates structure which is applicable to that industry, and I do not want to speculate on what form it will take.

But is it to be published?

Well, that is one of the questions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the reduction of work of the goods-vehicle licensing authorities and their staffs resulting from the longer period of the A, B and C licences recently introduced will permit their employment on any fresh duties to be undertaken by the licensing authorities in the future?

Until experience has been gained of the work involved in collecting licence fees by instalments I cannot be sure that there will be a net saving to the licensing authorities and their staff of work as a result of the longer licence periods. My hon. and gallant Friend will recall that the Transport Advisory Council in their report on periods of validity contemplated that any time which might be saved should be utilised "in dealing more comprehensively with the prevalent disregard of the law."

asked the Minister of Transport what additional staff, borne on the Estimates of his Department, has been required in the current financial year compared with previous years to enforce the conditions of road transport carriers' licences; and what has been the additional expense?

During the current financial year an addition of 32 indoor and 30 outdoor officers has been made to the traffic area staffs for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, and the conditions attached to carriers' licences. The additional cost will be £5,500 this year, involving an ultimate cost of £16,000 a year.

asked the Minister of Transport the nature of the administrative work of the licensing authorities for goods vehicles which is contemplated in connection with the rates charged by road hauliers for the transport of goods; and what additions to the staffs are contemplated for that purpose?

My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware of the terms of the report of the Transport Advisory Council on service and rates and of the activities of a committee of the industry which, in accordance with that report, is attempting to evolve a rates structure which shall be "the product of the industry itself." The additional staffs required must depend largely upon the nature of the rates structure, and upon the steps which may prove necessary to secure the enforcement of rates, as envisaged by the council in their report.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, on granting hauliers' licences to railway companies for road-haulage vehicles, care is taken to ensure that the rates lo be charged are adequate to cover the cost of the services to be performed; and whether he is aware that any losses on road transport services sustained by railway companies can be made good from other sources of income and that independent transport concerns are compelled to accept the same rates and, having no other revenue, are only able to discharge their obligations under the Traffic Acts with considerable difficulty?

When granting carriers' licences the traffic area licensing authorities have no power to attach conditions as to the rates to be charged, but I understand that they take into account any evidence that traffic is being obtained by unfair means. I cannot assent to the suggestion contained in the latter paragraph of my hon. Friend's question.

If I send my right hon. Friend particulars of rate-cutting will he look into them?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the subways which the Ministry has asked the Middlesex County Council to construct, in co-operation, under the North Circular Road, he would state what would be the measurements of such subways; and the estimated maximum sheltering accommodation which such subways could provide?

The Middlesex County Council has not come to any decision about the construction of subways under the North Circular Road, and as no plans have been prepared, I am not at the moment in a position to give any measurements.

If these subways are provided, will my right hon. Friend consider having them so constructed that they can easily be converted into effective air-raid shelters?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the design of a subway and the design of an underground shelter are so totally different that it is almost impossible to have one design which would be suitable for both?

A question of underground shelters is obviously one which should go to my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal, but I am perfectly willing to consider that aspect of the matter when the plans are submitted.

Is there any policy upon underground shelters in the London area? If not, when shall we have a decision?

Underground shelters in the London area have certainly nothing, to do with the Ministry of Transport?

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to, introduce a Bill to safeguard motorists from the failure of insurance companies with which they may happen to be insured; and, if so, at what date?

Legislation on this and other matters relating to insurance is under active consideration, but I am not at the moment in a position to give a definite date by which a Bill will be introduced.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the number of Green Line coaches entering and leaving London central area daily; what were the comparable figures in 1935 and 1933; and whether the revenue of the Green Line services is included in the pool between the London Passenger Transport Board and the main-line railway companies?

The number of Green Line coaches entering and leaving the London central area on a normal week-day in December in 1938, 1935 and 1933 was 569, 572 and 608 respectively. The receipts from Green Line coaches are included in the pool between the London Passenger Transport Board and the mainline railway companies.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in connection with the proposed building to be erected by the Milk Marketing Board at the corner of Giggs Hill Green and the Portsmouth road, Thames Ditton, he has considered the necessity for widening the Portsmouth road or for providing a roundabout opposite Claygate Lane; and whether he can give any estimate of the probable cost?

This section of road between Kingston and the Kingston bypass is not part of the trunk road. I am informed that the building in question will be set back in accordance with the town-planning scheme, and that the Surrey County Council, who are the highway authority, do not propose to widen the road at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the decision of the London and North Eastern Railway Company to withdraw at an early date over 100 trains from its schedule of services, he proposes to consult with road transport organisations to ensure that adequate travelling facilities are provided for the public?

The Traffic Commissioners will, no doubt, take into consideration, when considering applications for road service licences, any representations which may be made to them that the public are not obtaining adequate transport facilities because of the withdrawal of certain trains to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Prime Minister why it was considered desirable or necessary to give the assent and approval of His Majesty's Government to the forthcoming visit of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Eden) to the United States of America; and will he make a statement on the subject?

My Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in the passage referred to, was replying to an accusation that the Government had neglected opportunities of maintaining contact with the United States of America. He stated that this was not the case and called attention, among other things, to the visit of my right hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington who, as a prominent British statesman, could be relied upon to place the British point of view before the American public, and whose visit had been undertaken with the assent and approbation of the Government.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Warwick and Leamington is not presently a member of His Majesty's Government and is, in fact, only a back-bencher like myself, would His Majesty's Government be prepared to give their assent and approval to the forthcoming visit to the United States of the hon. Member for Tonbridge?

On his visit to the United States will the right hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington state to the American public the differences between himself and the Prime Minister?

I cannot answer for what my right hon. Friend will state.

Will the giving of this assent and approval lend to any speech made by the right hon. Gentleman in the United States of America any official significance?

No, Sir.

Are not the Government obviously very much relieved that the right hon. Gentleman has left the country?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state who will form the members of the Royal Commission that is to investigate the problem of workmen's compensation?

If the hon. Member would be good enough to repeat his question next week, I hope to be in a position to announce the names of the members of the Royal Commission.