asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma what are the transport facilities between Burma and China; and whether steps are being taken to improve the present means of communication and to open up new ones?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) on 6th February for information in regard to the Burma sector of the new highway from Lashio, the terminus of the Burma railway, to Kunming. There is also a connection, a portion of which for the present is only practicable in dry weather, between Bhamo and this road, and, in addition, there is the traditional caravan route between Bhamo and Tengyueh. Reciprocal arrangements have recently been concluded with the Chinese Government for the establishment of an air route between Burma and Kunming and arrangements are under consideration for the inauguration of services.

In view of the occupation of the island of Hainan by Japan recently, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the question of these communications between Burma and China has given India a position of superlative strategic importance and potential commercial importance; and have the Government any plans in view with regard to improving these communications?

In view of the very wide nature of the hon. and learned Gentleman's question, perhaps he would put in on the Paper.

Has my hon. and gallant Friend any information that the prospect of further Chinese penetration of Burma along these roads is causing serious apprehension among the people of that country?

I have no information to that effect.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement with regard to the relations between the British Concession at Tientsin and the Japanese authorities in that area; and whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government are determined to protect British interests in the Concession against either military action or economic pressure?

On 14th December last barriers were placed by the Japanese military authorities in Tientsin at all exits from the British and French Concessions, and movements of persons and merchandise were subjected to considerable restrictions. The reason given for the measures in question was the necessity for taking precautions against anti-Japanese activities. Representations were immediately made to the local Japanese authorities and to the Japanese Government, and the situation will continue to be closely watched.

asked the Prime Minister whether the approach to Canton by the Pearl River has been closed to commercial shipping by the Japanese authorities, and, if so, for how long; and what action has been taken by His Majesty's Government to protect British interests?

The river is at present closed. His Majesty's Government have made representations to both the Governments which have at different times been responsible for the closure, and they propose to continue, as at present, to take all possible steps to secure the reopening of the river.

asked the Prime Minister what point has been reached in the negotiations with the Japanese Government on the question of British interests in the Shanghai-Nanking, Shanghai-Hangchow, and the Peiping-Mukden railways, particularly with regard to the currency in which the revenue is being collected; the provision being made to secure payment of interest to British bondholders; and the inspection of the Shanghai-Nanking line by British engineers?

The position remains as stated in the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on 21st December. The question has been under re-examination with a view to deciding what further action would be likely to be effective.

May I ask my right hon. Friend to press this matter, because when I asked a question about it on 21st December, I was told that the subject was then under consideration? Cannot he do anything about it?

I will certainly do what I can.

asked the Prime Minister what has been the result of the negotiations with the Japanese Government on the subject of their encroachment on the administration of the International Settlement in Shanghai; and whether arrangements have yet been made for the restoration of the Yangtzepoo and Hongkew districts to the control of the Shanghai Municipal Council?

The question of the resumption of control by the Shanghai Municipal Council over the districts named is now under discussion between the Council and the local Japanese authorities. Pending the result of these discussions it is not proposed to approach the Japanese Government in the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Japanese authorities, in pressing foreign bankers in China to recognise the currency of their Chinese Federal Reserve Bank, have refused to authorise the Federal Reserve Bank and the Japanese banks to sell foreign exchange against Federal Reserve Bank currency; and whether he will represent to the Japanese Government the futility of asking for the recognition of a currency which is not permitted to be a medium of exchange?

As stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 16th November last, His Majesty's Government are aware of the position. They do not feel that representations of the nature suggested would serve any useful purpose at this juncture, since the Japanese Government are already aware of their view that the setting-up of an inconvertible currency in North China is calculated to be injurious to the interests of all Powers trading there. The matter will, however, be borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received any reply from the Japanese Government to the open door note of the British Government, with regard to China; and if so, whether he can state its nature?

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has yet been received from the Japanese Government in reply to the note of His Majesty's Government of 14th January, 1939, stating that they are not prepared to accept or recognise changes brought about by force; and, if so, what are the terms of the reply?

No reply has yet been received.

Will the right hon. Gentleman press the Japanese Government for a reply in view of the long period which has elapsed since the note was sent?

I think that the Japanese Government are aware of our wish to have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now received full information from His Majesty's consul-general at Shanghai of the formation of the Yangtze River Steamship Company, under Japanese control; whether such information points to an attempt to exercise a monopoly of shipping on the Yangtze; and what action he has taken to protect British shipping?

His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai reports that he has received information to the effect that little headway has been made with the proposed formation of the Yangtze River Steamship Company, and that it appears doubtful whether the new company has yet acquired any tonnage. In other respects the situation as regards navigation on the Yangtze remains unchanged. Renewed representations were made to the Japanese Government by His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo on 14th January last.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Japanese forces have been landed on the island of Hainan; and whether he will immediately consult with the French Government with a view to the joint protection of Anglo-French interests?

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend is already in touch with the French Government on this matter.

May I ask whether the Japanese Government gave any previous notice of their intention to occupy the island of Hainan, and whether they have given the British or French Governments any information as to the duration of their occupation?

In view of the serious nature of this matter I should require to have notice of those two important questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the necessity of better informing public opinion in the United States of America on British achievements, he will consider extending the scope and powers of the British Library of Information situated in the city of New York?

The British Library of Information in New York was established in 1920. It is not concerned with propaganda and its scope is strictly limited to answering requests from persons and in- stitutions in the United States of America for authoritative information about the British Empire and its affairs. Since its institution the Library has considerably expanded in order to meet the increasing demands for its services. I am not sure what the hon. Member has in mind as regards the extension of its scope and powers; but it should be made clear that His Majesty's Government have no intention of making any change in the policy of limiting its functions to the supply of information on demand.

In view of the fact that the United States is such a large country, would it not be possible to have branches of this library in Chicago and San Francisco?

I will certainly investigate that point.

If information is really given by the British Government to this organisation, would it not be well to have a branch in London to which Members of Parliament could apply?

And Edinburgh?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give further information respecting the arrest and deportation from Paris of three British Indian subjects?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Day) on 6th February, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will assure the House that, in view of the changed military situation in Spain, His Majesty's Government do not contemplate recognising the Spanish insurgent authorities as the de facto or de jure Government of Spain?

It would, obviously, be impossible for me to give such an assurance as the hon. Member asks for in a situation which is changing very rapidly. I may say, however, that His Majesty's Government, who are in close touch with the French Government, have taken no decision as yet on the matter.

In view of the fact that the Republican Government is a member of the League of Nations, will His Majesty's Government consult the League before action is taken which may cause great resentment among great masses of the British people and render all hope of national unity an impossibility?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the House itself will be consulted before any such fundamental change in policy is made?

No, Sir, the Government must take the responsibility.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, inasmuch as he has said that he would not grant belligerent rights to General Franco while support was still being given and Italian troops were present in Spain, that will also apply to any de jure recognition of the Spanish Government?

I think I should understand the right hon. Gentleman's question better if he put it down.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Prime Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek to move the Adjournment of the House at the end of Questions, in order to raise this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the magnitude of German aerial and naval preparations in the Basque country and Galicia; and whether he proposes to make any representations on the matter to Berlin?

No, Sir. The information in my Noble Friend's possession does not confirm the accuracy of reports which have been circulated regarding such preparations.

If I furnish my right hon. Friend with further evidence, will he find time to consider it?

I shall certainly consider any evidence which the hon. Gentleman puts before me.

Have the Government received any guarantee with regard to Germany's evacuation of Spain at the conclusion of hostilities?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has been informed by the French Government of the results of the interviews between M. Leon Bérard and General Jordana on the subject of the retention of foreign troops in Spain?

As M. Bérard's mission was an unofficial one, I am not able to make a statement on the subject. The hon. and gallant Member may, however, rest assured that there is the closest contact between His Majesty's Government and the French Government on all matters concerning the Spanish situation.

Do the Government propose to make any representations to the French Government about this matter, in view of the important bearing it has on the recognition of General Franco?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman's question and his supplementary question both refer to a mission which was unofficial, and I regret that I can give no further information about it.

Has my right hon. Friend any information about the 11th, 13th and 15th International Brigades which were fighting in the last week of January, months after Mussolini had declared that the last Italian troops had left Spain?

Is it not the case that M. Bérard has reported directly to the French Government; and is it accurate, therefore, to describe the mission as unofficial?

I can only give the hon. and gallant Gentleman the information in my possession, which is that the mission is unofficial.

Is it not a fact, according to Press reports, that the mission has been a great success?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the despatch of His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" to Minorca carrying as passenger a representative of General Franco?

asked the Prime Minister upon what representations the decision to send His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" to Minorca with a representative of General Franco was taken; whether the Spanish Government was informed of the action being taken, and whether the action was taken in consultation with the French Government?

asked the Prime Minister why General Franco's envoy to Minorca to demand the surrender of the island was sent in a British ship, which gave rise to a widespread impression that Britain was backing the demand for surrender?

At the request of the local authorities in Palma, His Majesty's Government undertook to convey a senior officer to Minorca in order that he might negotiate for the peaceful surrender of that island. His Majesty's Government had previously been informed that unless they could make negotiation possible by providing means of communication, an attack would be launched on Minorca. Thereupon, seeing that a British ship provided the only available means of making peaceable contact with Minorca, and being anxious that unnecessary bloodshed should be avoided, the offer of the services of His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" was made. His Majesty's Government consulted neither the Spanish Government nor the Burgos authorities, though the local authorities at Palma were, it is understood, in touch with General Franco. The French Government, who were kept fully informed, approved the action of His Majesty's Government. His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" duly proceeded to Minorca, and it is understood that the surrender of the island has now taken place. His Majesty's Government have taken no part in the negotiations and have no responsibility for them. His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" has taken the opportunity of embarking some 450 refugees who considered that they might run a risk of reprisals. These refugees have now been landed at Marseilles, in co-operation with the French authorities.

Do His Majesty's Government propose to make any representations to the Italian Government, in view of the fact that at least six air attacks were made on the island of Minorca by Italian squadrons during the time that the "Devonshire" was there?

No, Sir, but representations have been made to General Franco's Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us no further information with regard to this bombing? We understand from the Prime Minister that the "Devonshire" was sent in order to avoid bloodshed, and that it was done at the request of the authorities on General Franco's side, and has he no explanation as to how it came about that attacks were made at that time?

Perhaps I had better read the telegram which was received from our Consul at Palma on the subject. It says:

"The Nationalist senior naval officer who takes charge of things in Admiral Moreno's absence authorises me to quote him as stating officially that the bombardment of Port Mahon was in disobedience of orders and is very much regretted. He has promised a written reply on Monday, and I will telegraph contents."

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why no contact was made with the Republican authorities, seeing that the right hon. Gentleman is against intervention? Was not this a form of intervention?

At the time it would have been very difficult to find the Spanish Government. They were scattered about in different parts of Spain, and as we were anxious to avoid bloodshed, it was necessary to act quickly.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the mere fact that General Franco's envoy was taken in a British ship would give added prestige to that envoy and would give to the authorities in Minorca the idea that the British Government as well was demanding the surrender of Minorca, and does he consider that that is part of non-intervention?

I am aware that that is the view of the hon. Lady—

And of all of us.

—but the position of His Majesty's Government was made perfectly clear, and I do not think there was any misunderstanding about it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any assurances from the Italian Government that no Italian troops will land on the island of Minorca, and that no Italian ships will use Port Mahon?

No specific assurance has been given recently on that subject, but, of course, the general assurances of which the House is aware still stand.

In view of the difficulty of communicating with the Spanish Government, was any communication made to the Spanish Ambassador in London, as a matter of courtesy?

No, Sir.

Do not the general guarantees given by the Italian Government about Minorca apply also to Majorca, and in view of the fact that Italian planes and ships have been using Majorca for a long time, would it not be desirable to ask for a specific guarantee with regard to Minorca now?

Will there be any opportunity for this House to show to the captain and ship's company of the "Devonshire" its great appreciation of the efficient way in which they have carried out their duty?

If that is done, will there be an opportunity for the House to show that it shares the indignation of the Admiral at the action of the Italian aeroplanes in bombing the place during the time when the negotiations were going on?

Does not the fact that Minorca was bombed by Italian aircraft while these negotiations were in progress dispose once for all of the contention that these Italian aircraft are under the control of General Franco and not under the control of Signor Mussolini?

I have given the telegram which was received from our Consul at Palma, and I do not think I can add anything to it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the "Devonshire" took off all the refugees from Minorca who wished to leave that island?

I could not say without notice.

If my right hon. Friend ever gets an application from the Republican Government in Madrid or elsewhere for a message of peace, will he grant facilities for that emissary to go?

We shall do everything we can to assist in avoiding bloodshed.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large number of General Franco's supporters who, as refugees, were given protection in the British Consulate in the early days of General Franco's rebellion, and who were later assisted to leave Spain on British vessels, he will now, in the interests of impartiality, see that instructions are given for leaders of the Spanish Government to be offered the same service in case of need?

While I cannot agree that the position as regards the sheltering of refugees in British Consulates has been as stated in the hon. Member's question, I can say that such facilities as have previously been given for the evacuation of Spanish subjects of both sides in His Majesty's ships will, if circumstances permit, continue to be granted.

Do I understand from the first part of the reply that the right hon. Gentleman has no statement or report from the British Consul about Franco refugees who were fed and kept in the British Consulate? There is no secret about it; has not the right hon. Gentleman any report?

I gave the hon. Lady the information in my possession. I will certainly look into any information she may place before me.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman remembers that I gave him information 13 months ago?

I was not in office 13 months ago.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the appalling conditions of Spanish refugees in France, he will make arrangements to send food, technical, medical, and other assistance to help in dealing with the problem; and whether he proposes to give a larger amount of money than so far has been given by the British Government?

asked the Prime Minister how much of the grants, totalling £40,000, promised by His Majesty's Government to the International Commission for Child Refugees in Spain has been paid over; and whether, in view of the great increase in the need, His Majesty's Government will make further grants, and will also assist the French Government in the task of coping with the great number of refugees from Spain by sending such supplies of food, medical and other necessaries, camp equipment, medical and nursing personnel, as may be required?

Following consultation with the French Government, His Majesty's Government decided that they could most effectively contribute towards meeting the immediate needs of the refugees in question by means of a further grant to the International Commission for the Assistance of Child Refugees. They accordingly contributed £20,000 last month and they have now contributed a further £40,000; and they are prepared, if the need still exists, to contribute a further £40,000 on or after 31st March, thus bringing their total contribution since the beginning of the present year up to £100,000. His Majesty's Government will also be ready at any time to give careful consideration to any request received from the French Government for assistance in other forms.

In view of the fact that there are nearly half a million refugees on French soil and that they are directly due to the Government's policy of non-intervention—[Interruption.]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that reports from those on the spot in the neighbourhood of the French frontier last week were to the effect that there was a deplorable lack of medical necessaries and personnel, as a result of which many people died, and could he not initiate, if the French Government approved, some action on the part of the Red Cross with the support of the Government so that supplies can be sent? What is the Red Cross for if it is never on the spot?

Why is the last gift of money only to be sent on or after 31st March when the need is so great?

Have the Russian Government made any contribution?

The need in the south of France is obviously most urgent, and the Government are fully aware of it. We understand that our recent gift of money, which has just been given, has been much appreciated by the International Commission, and I hope that it will encourage other Governments to give further contributions. Contributions depend on other Governments besides ours, and I am sure that if the need becomes more urgent His Majesty's Government will give further consideration to all the points that have been put.

asked the Prime Minister how many British boats have been detained or searched by the Spanish insurgent authorities since the beginning of the year?

One, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied from the report of the International Commission that the Spanish Government has carried out its voluntary undertaking last July to dispense with its foreign volunteers; how many of these have hitherto been evacuated from Spain; how many remain; and whether he will give an assurance that steps will be taken to ensure that all those still in Spain will be repatriated or enabled to reach places of safety under conditions not less favourable than they would have been entitled to under the British plan adopted by the Non-Intervention Committee if General Franco's refusal had not prevented it coming into operation?

I would refer the hon. Lady to the resolution adopted in January by the Council of the League of Nations. As further groups of volunteers are still being evacuated, I cannot give any totals beyond those already communicated to the House pending the receipt of a further report from the League Commission. While His Majesty's Government will do all they can to obtain the evacuation of the remaining volunteers under the most favourable conditions possible, I am unable to give any assurance on a matter which depends largely on the actions of other Governments.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly reply to that part of the question which asks whether the International Commission's report has satisfied the Government that the Spanish Government have honourably carried out their undertakings?

I would refer the hon. Lady to my Noble Friend's remarks at Geneva.

Is there any truth in the rumour that 30,000 reservists of a certain friendly State received an amnesty because they were in Spain?

I have no information on that.

asked the Prime Minister particulars of the discussions that have taken place between the original participating governments concerned in the Locarno Treaty for the purpose of arriving at a basis by which an amendment can be agreed upon in order to secure a guarantee of assistance against invasion or aggressive attack?

The general position as regards the Locarno Treaty remains as stated in the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick and Haddington (Captain McEwen) on 7th April, 1938.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any variations have been agreed between the different Governments concerned?

The answer to which I have referred the hon. Gentleman is a rather long one, and perhaps he would be good enough to study it.

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been taken to safeguard the position of the Jewish minority in Danzig by any of the States signatory to the convention setting up the free city?

The position of the Jewish and other minorities in Danzig has been the constant concern of the High Commissioner for the League of Nations, who has reported from time to time to the Committee of Three appointed by the Council to follow the situation in Danzig. The High Commissioner and the Committee of Three have taken, and will continue to take, all the steps that may be possible in this connection.

Is it not clear that no active steps whatever have been taken recently in this matter?

No, Sir. The Committee of Three and the High Commissioner have been in touch with the situation.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any report from the Consul-General at Danzig showing that the Jews have been subjected to the same persecution there as in Germany?

I think there is no doubt that the constitution has been violated in that respect.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to improving trade and financial relations between this country and the countries of Southeast Europe, he will assure the House that His Majesty's Government retain their interest in the affairs of South-east Europe and that they are considering taking any necessary action in order to secure an improvement in such relations?

As was stated in the reply given to the hon. Member on 2nd November last, the policy of His Majesty's Government is to maintain, and so far as possible, to develop the trade between the United Kingdom and the Danubian countries, and so to contribute to the improvement of the economic situation of these countries.

Do His Majesty's Government propose to take any active steps to assist trade relations with countries in South-eastern Europe?

I think the fact that we are willing to do our best is made clear in my answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any report from His Majesty's representative at Prague on the working of the Option Treaty for the exchange of populations, made between Germany and Czecho-Slovakia in pursuance of the Munich Agreement; and, if not, whether he will call for such a report?

According to information received from His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires, it seems unlikely that the Agreement will result in any large-scale movement of population either into or out of Czecho-Slovakia. It is not possible, however, to give details of the working of the Agreement at the present stage, since the time limit for the exercise of the right of option does not expire until 29th March.

Is it not a fact that when we compelled Dr. Benes to adopt the Anglo-French plan we promised a chance of escape to Czechs left in Germany?

The option agreement remains in force, but I cannot give any further information at the present time.

Is it not a fact that it expires on 29th March, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any Czechs have had a chance of escape under these option clauses?

They all have the chance. Anybody who has the right to opt has the chance to opt under the agreement.

Is it not a fact that Dr. Benes himself has opted to leave his country and is now in the United States of America?

Is it not a fact that both Germans and Czechs who are in Sudetenland have not been able to opt up to the present time, and will the Government call for a special report on that question?

My Noble Friend has no information to show that persons desiring to exercise the right of option which they enjoy by virtue of the agreement have been prevented from doing so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these potential optists are already in concentration camps?

No, Sir. I am not responsible for those matters.

Of course you are.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to recent regulations under which German Jewish refugees in Italy, unless they leave that country before 12th March, will have all their property confiscated while they themselves will be liable to imprisonment; and whether, as many of these refugees are desirous of settling in British Colonies or in the Dominions, he will arrange for the expediting of the granting of visas, etc., to enable these people to leave the country within the specified time?

A decree-law published in Rome on 19th November last provides that foreign Jews who do not leave Italy by the 12th March are liable to expulsion, imprisonment up to three months or a fine up to 5,000 lire. The succeeding article enumerates as exceptions those who have completed their 65th year, and those married to Italians. Applications from persons emigrating from Italy for admission to the United Kingdom will receive very careful consideration, the grant of visas in such cases being on the same conditions as those governing the admission of other refugees. The admission of refugees to the Dominions is a matter for the Dominion Governments concerned. The admission of immigrants to the Colonial Dependencies is similarly governed by the laws and regulations of the various territories, which, generally speaking, apply to all immigrants alike, whether British or foreign. While Colonial Governments have been asked to give as sympathetic consideration as they can to applications received from refugees who are likely to prove good and useful citizens, it would not be possible to suggest that special facilities should be accorded to refugees from any particular country.

In view of the urgency of the need, is it not possible to expedite the visas for trans-migrants who are not intending to reside in this country?

I will certainly look into that point.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that a German ambassador has been appointed to Saudi Arabia; and whether any consideration has been given to the desirability of raising the British diplomatic representative in that territory to a similar rank?

No, Sir. I understand that the German Minister in Bagdad has also been accredited as German Minister to Saudi Arabia. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether any further progress has been made concerning an international air disarmament conference; and whether he has been, or will be, in communication with appropriate Governments respecting the matter?

The necessary survey by the various Departments of His Majesty's Government of this highly complex problem is still in progress, and accordingly I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the matter.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman at least inform the House with regard to the last part of my question?

No, Sir, we shall not be in communication until we have made up our minds as to the best course in this matter.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has not made up his mind as to the best way by which disarmament can be brought about?

That is exactly what I said.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the compilation of a register showing every war-disabled pensioner who is not in employment, followed by an examination of the health and employment records of all those unemployed for a period of 12 months or longer; and whether, in all cases where the war disablement and resultant circumstances are the major factors contributing to a state of permanent incapacity, provision shall be made for that condition direct from State funds of such sums as will, when added to the pension, ensure adequate maintenance for the disabled man?

I have no machinery available to institute or maintain so extensive an inquiry as that suggested. With regard to the last part of the question, the Royal Pensions Warrants already provide full compensation for permanent incapacity resulting directly from disability caused by war service and, having regard to the other social services in which disabled men share on specially advantageous terms, I do not think that there are adequate reasons for altering the basis of compensation in the manner suggested.

Is the Minister not aware that there are in this country thousands of men who gave service during the War who are now suffering from extreme poverty and neglect; and, if he is aware of that, is he not prepared to bring into existence machinery to inquire into how that neglect and poverty can be overcome?

I have given the problem of unemployment among disabled pensioners much consideration, and although I have no power to provide work for them direct yet, thanks to the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Labour, the King's Roll Committee, the British Legion and local authorities, I have met with considerable success in finding them employment. At the last count, in October, the percentage of unemployment among disabled pensioners was 7.8 per cent., compared with 14 per cent. in the case of all insured persons.

But is the Minister not aware that unemployment is rapidly increasing and that among ex-service men the increase is exceptionally great? Will he deny that this problem is there, and, if not, will he not take steps to set up machinery such as I have asked for?

I am aware of the problem and am doing my very best to deal with it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the communication from the Newcastle Emlyn branch of the National Master Farriers and Blacksmiths Association regarding the unsatisfactory state of their trade; and whether he is prepared to agree to the suggestions the association put forward in their memorandum in view of the importance of the blacksmith service in a national emergency?

I have seen the communication referred to and the reply that was sent on 31st January. I regret that there are no funds at my disposal out of which financial assistance could be given to those engaged in the smithing trade. As regards the other matters dealt with in the correspondence I am asking the Rural Industries Bureau to consider, in consultation with the local Rural Community Council, whether there is any useful advice or other assistance they can render to blacksmiths in Cardiganshire.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to define the duties of the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, respectively; to state whether any, and, if so, what, staff will be allotted to each Minister; and where these two Ministers and their staffs will have their headquarters?

The responsibilities of the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence will be broadly the same as those of his predecessor. A statement of the duties of the Minister was set out in paragraph 47 of the Statement on Defence presented to Parliament in March, 1936 (Cmd. 5107). The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will answer for the Minister in this House, and will assist him generally. He has been appointed a member of the Committee of Imperial Defence, Chairman of the Principal Supply Officers Committee, Chairman of the Ministerial Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence dealing with Man-Power, and President of the Oil Board. Both the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will be assisted by the staff of the Office of the Cabinet and Committee of Imperial Defence, which includes the staff of the Supply Board. The staff of this office has recently been strengthened. The offices of both Ministers and of the staff referred to, are at Richmond Terrace, Whitehall, S.W.1.