asked the Secretary of State for War whether a supply committee has been set up at the War Office; and, if so, will he outline its composition, functions, and powers, and the work accomplished since its inception?

The Department of the Director-General of Munitions Production is charged with the duty of supply. A full description of the Department and its duties is contained in the annual Army Estimates.

asked the Postmaster-General when it is intended to convert Tottenham telephone exchange to the automatic system?

The Tottenham telephone exchange will, it is hoped, be converted to automatic working towards the end of 1940.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the rationalisation of the tramp-shipping industry with State aid, he can say whether minimum freight rates, which were the object of such rationalisation, are being maintained, or whether schemes formed in connection with it are showing signs of weakening?

The minimum freight rate schemes which were in force during the period of the British Shipping Assistance Acts are still being maintained by the in- dustry on a voluntary basis. I am informed that during the current year this co-operation has been further developed and that although difficulties have been encountered during the depression from which shipping has suffered in past months, there are no signs of any weakening in the support of the schemes by those participating in them.