asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any further announcement to make on the situation in Rajkot; and whether he has been in communication with the Ruler of that State regarding the honouring of his pledge to the people?

On 2nd March, Mr. Gandhi sent an ultimatum to the Ruler of Rajkot State suggesting that he should set up a committee to recommend a scheme of constitutional advance in the State. The committee was to consist of four members chosen by the Ruler and five members, including the chairman, named by Mr. Gandhi. Three officers of the State to be approved by Mr. Gandhi might be appointed as advisers to the committee without the right to vote. The committee was to start work on 7th March and report by 22nd March. Its recommendations were to be put into force within seven days, subject to their examination by Mr. Gandhi or Mr. Vallabhbhai Patel. Mr. Gandhi undertook to allow nothing to remain in these recommendations which would affect the prestige of the Ruler, his State or his subjects. Mr. Gandhi also stated that all political prisoners must be released and all fines for political offences remitted. Failing acceptance of these suggestions, Mr. Gandhi threatened to fast. The Ruler rejected this ultimatum, and Mr. Gandhi began to fast on 3rd March. The Ruler denies that he has broken any of his undertakings in connection with the appointment of a Reforms Committee, and His Excellency the Crown Representative does not consider that a case to the contrary has been made out. I am not aware that any specific communication on that point has been made to the Ruler, but the Resident is, of course, in constant contact with him.

Has the Under-Secretary's attention been called to the plea put forward by two Indian papers, both under British control, that the time has arrived when there should be some inquiry as to what is happening in this State?

Yes, Sir; I have seen those newspaper articles.

Does the Under-Secretary, in that case, propose that any inquiry should be conducted, in view of the very serious situation that would arise if anything should happen to Mr. Gandhi?

The Secretary of State and the Crown Representative are in constant consultation on this matter, and are acting in accordance with the normal tradition of the Crown Representative.

Will not the normal tradition of the Crown Representative in this case be such a tragedy that it might be better to find some new precedents for dealing with the situation?

Does not this matter really rest with the Ruler of the State?

The lines on which the Crown Representative acts in connection with the Ruler of a State have been stated on many occasions in this House, and I think the normal custom is being followed in this case.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the forthcoming visit to this country of Colonel Beck, the Polish Foreign Minister?

I am glad to be able to inform the House that the Polish Foreign Minister will shortly pay a visit to this country, most probably in the first week in April. His Majesty's Government welcome the opportunity which this visit will afford of discussing with Colonel Beck matters of common interest to our two countries.

asked the Prime Minister what further progress has been made between the Locarno Powers for an air pact, providing for the limitation of European air armaments and mutual assistance against an aggressor?

I have nothing to report as to any proposals for a Western Air Pact.

Have any arrangements been made for further discussion of this subject?

As far as we are concerned, the whole question of the limitation of aerial warfare is being examined by the Departments concerned, as the Prime Minister informed the House, in answer to a question put by the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen), on 13th February.

Is this survey likely to be completed in the near future?

I cannot give any definite date for its completion.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that, before entering into negotiations as to a loan from Great Britain to General Franco, he will lay down as a condition the recognition by the new Spanish Government of the legitimate aspirations of the national minorities in Spain, the Basques, the Galicians, and the Catalans?

No such negotiations are at present in prospect; the question, therefore, does not arise.

Would not the Prime Minister agree that a Spain in which the minorities are contented would be the best security for any loan we may make?

May I ask what business this is of ours?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that we shall not be faced with a promise to make loans without any assurances as to the treatment of minorities or prisoners in Spain?

I do not think the time has arrived to give any such assurances.

Is it not our business to get good security for our loans?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a further statement concerning the conditions in the Spanish refugee camps in Southern France?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider making proposals for joint action with France to organise relief and migration of Spanish refugees who entered France in consequence of the defeat of the Republican Government forces in Northern Spain

His Majesty's Government are at present awaiting the views of the French Government on various aspects of this question, and I regret that I have at present nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 27th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that credible eye-witnesses reported last week that the average mortality per day was approximately 200 or 300, and that the conditions are really beyond description? They have now been endured for a month, and it is believed that they have been allowed to continue in order to bring pressure to bear on these men to return to Spain. Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations in this regard?

I should not like to accept the latter part of the hon. Member's statement, but I know that the conditions have been very serious, and we have been in communication with the French Government on the matter. The House will realise that, if we had had a reply from the French Government on these points, I could give more information, but as this is on French territory I can say no more.

Are the British Government contributing anything to the maintenance of the refugees, either in the way of money or by sending doctors to assist in this extremely difficult situation?

The British Government's contribution is sent through the International Commission. The International Commission operates to help the refugees on the French side of the frontier, as it did before on the other side, and in that way we are helping. With regard to the more detailed points, these are matters on which we have had exchanges with the French Government.

Have the Government any direct information from eye-witnesses on the spot about the conditions in these refugee camps; or, if not, on what information are the Government relying?

We have had a certain amount of information on the conditions, in these camps, and that is why I acknowledge that the conditions have not been satisfactory.

Could the right hon. Gentleman consider sending tents or other shelter, in view of the fact that many of these people are in the open in very severe weather conditions?

Certainly no such suggestion would be ruled out.

Have the Government made an offer to the French Government to send their own representative to the spot to discuss these matters with the French authorities at the camps?

As our communications with the French Government are not yet concluded, I am afraid I can give no further information on details, but the hon. and gallant Member may be reassured that every aspect of the question is being considered with the French Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether relations are to be maintained between His Majesty's Government and the Spanish Republican Government through the medium of diplomatic representatives; what status is to be accorded to the representatives of each Government in London and Madrid, respectively; and whether he will make a statement on the matter?

On a point of Order. Before this question is answered, could I ask for your guidance, Mr. Deputy-Speaker? In view of the ambiguity in the minds of many hon. Members in regard to the Spanish situation, will you guide us as to how questions should be phrased in future, and as to whether General Franco's troops should now be referred to as the Government forces and all the others as insurgents?

I do not think that that is a matter on which the Chair should give a decision; it is a matter of individual taste and opinion. Hon. and right hon. Members will phrase their questions or their speeches according to their own choice, and it will depend on their exercise of that choice whether the questions are called by the Chair or not and whether speeches are interrupted by the Chair or not.

Is it not a peculiarly un-British thing to kick a brave people when they are down?

Recognition of the Republican Government was withdrawn simultaneously with the announcement by His Majesty's Government of their recognition of General Franco's Administration as the Government of Spain. There can, therefore, be no diplomatic representation between His Majesty's Government and the Republican Administration. In the territory which is not at present under General Franco's control His Majesty's consular officers will take such action as may be appropriate for the protection of British interests and for humanitarian purposes.

In view of the fact that, prior to the recognition of the Spanish insurgent authorities, the British Government maintained an agent at Burgos, do not His Majesty's Government propose to maintain an agent in Madrid? Or do they propose to have no relations whatever with the authorities in Central Spain?

As far as we know, the late Spanish Government are not in control of the territory around Madrid.

Will the late Spanish Ambassador continue to have the status held by the Duke of Alba before the recognition?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question.

That question is on the Paper.

I have said there are no diplomatic relations between His Majesty's Government and the late Spanish Government. I cannot say without notice what the exact position of the Duke of Alba was then.

Is it not a fact that, prior to the recognition, the Duke of Alba had no diplomatic status but, nevertheless, was in continual communication with the Foreign Office? Will that now be the position of Senor d'Azcarate?

No, it certainly will not, because the position of General Franco's Administration at that time was quite different from that of the late Government now.

In view of the fact that there has been no surrender by the late Government, and that the contest is still going on, is not the situation precisely what it was before?

Is it not a fact that the late Spanish Ambassador in London was accredited to the Government of Senor Negrin, and that that Government has been replaced by a joint committee?

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any information from Madrid as to whether Senor Negrin's Government is in control, in view of the number of times we were warned not to accept mere Press reports?

We have received no communication from Senor Negrin's Government.

Then why assume that it is so?

asked the Prime Minister the approximate number of civilian refugees in Catalonia who crossed the French frontier for whom grants in relief have been provided by Great Britain and other Powers; and what proportion of the population of Catalonia this represents?

His Majesty's Government, together with many other Governments, have made grants to certain international organisations for purposes of Spanish relief. One at least of these organisations recently extended its activities to cover the relief of Spanish refugees on French territory. I understand that some 400,000 refugees, that is some 17 per cent. of the normal population of Catalonia, crossed the frontier into France. Nearly all of these are doubtless receiving some form of assistance from the French Government.

Is it not a fact that of that 400,000 some 300,000 were in fact militiamen, and that my question referred to refugees?

I cannot differentiate in detail without notice. I have given the total number.

Will my right hon. Friend inquire?

Yes, I will do so.

Can my right hon. Friend say how many have gone back into Catalonia?

Not without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large sums of money subscribed in Great Britain for food supplies for the relief of sufferers in Barcelona and the fact that this money was collected on humanitarian grounds, he can give an assurance that the food supplies thus purchased have in fact reached, or will reach, Barcelona; and whether he will seek the co-operation of the Spanish Government to this end?

Arrangements for the distribution of food supplies by independent relief organisations are not under the control of His Majesty's Government, and must be a matter for those organisations themselves.

In view of the fact that my ever-generous constituents are subscribing to these food ships which are proposed, will my right hon. Friend see whether, if there is any difficulty about those ships getting to Barcelona, he can open negotiations with a view to facilitating them?

I certainly will look into the matter.

Will the Minister also make inquiries as to how many cheques the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth (Sir H. Croft) sent?

asked the Prime Minister whether the French Government have informed him of the terms of the arrangement reached with General Franco as to the return of arms left in France by the Republican forces?

My Noble Friend has received no information from the French Government on this subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether an agreement has been reached between the French Government and General Franco with regard to this matter?

I will certainly see whether an agreement has been made, but it is a matter for the French Government.

Is it not a matter of some interest to us whether an agreement has been made?

In view of the interest to us, I will see whether inquiries can be made, but I must repeat to the House that it is a matter for the French Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any further information as to the death of the master of the "Stangrove"; and whether he has any information as to the safety of the non-intervention officer?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received a report on the loss of the "Stangrove"; whether she was captured on the high seas, and by whom; when information of the capture reached the Foreign Office what action was taken upon it, and when; whether the "Stangrove" received at any time help from the naval authorities; whether she was ordered to sea in bad weather; and what was the cause of the death of the captain?

A British Naval Court, which assembled in co-operation with His Majesty's Consul at Palma on 28th February, found that the master's death was due to injuries received accidentally when alone on board. According to a report received from His Majesty's Consul, the Spanish authorities made every effort, when the crew were rescued, to save the master as well. The nonintervention observer is understood to be safe and to have been landed at Marseilles by one of His Majesty's ships on 2nd March. I made a statement on 20th February on the circumstances of this vessel's capture and the action taken by His Majesty's Government at Burgos, to which I would refer the right hon. Gentleman. I would only add that the "Stangrove" was not ordered to sea in bad weather, but was requested to raise steam. I am not aware that at the time of her capture any request for assistance was made by the master to the naval authorities.

May I ask why the owners were not informed for a whole fortnight after the capture of the ship, and whether, perhaps, the life of the master might not have been saved had the owners been so informed?

It was understood in the present case that the master was known to have been in touch with His Majesty's Consul at Palma within 48 hours after the vessel's capture, and was therefore assumed to have followed the usual practice for establishing direct contact with the owners. An explanation in this sense has been given to the company concerned, and, in response to inquiries from shipping interests, my Noble Friend has agreed in future cases of this nature to inform the shipowners irrespective of any information which they may have received from the master. In regard to the latter part of the question, I would only say that I very much regret the death of the master in these tragic circumstances. Every effort was made to take the master off the ship at the time the crew were taken off, and he refused to leave his ship.

Why was it that this ship's captain, 68 years of age, was allowed to remain captive from the 8th to the 24th February, and then ordered to raise steam and go to sea? Does not that really amount to the constructive murder of the captain?

No, Sir, I cannot accept that. The British Government made representations to the Burgos authorities immediately the news came through on 8th February. As a result, the Burgos authorities agreed to release the vessel, but, unfortunately, before its release took place, a storm arose in Palma Harbour, and the authorities requested the master to raise steam because of the danger of drifting on to the rocks. The master refused to raise steam, and the ship did drift on to the rocks. They saved the crew, but the master refused to leave his ship, and, unfortunately, he died from the head injuries he had received.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the master had coal on which to raise steam; and whether the master was not in fear that he was to be taken to another port in order to be kept in prolonged captivity?

How is it possible for the court of inquiry to say that these head injuries had been received accidentally when the master was alone?

I can only give the House the result of the Naval Court. I understand that they found that his injuries were received as a result, presumably, of concussion when the vessel went on to the rocks.

Is it not the fact that this ship was captured on the high seas, and that on that, and on other grounds, its detention was utterly illegal from 8th February onwards?

I have already told the House that we regard the capture and detention of this ship as illegal.

Is it not the fact that a naval officer was on the ship; and why did he not save the captain and get him out? Why did he leave him for a fortnight until he met his death?

May I ask whether the evidence given before the court of inquiry can be made available to this House?

I will certainly investigate the point that the hon. Member for North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts) has put to me. With regard to the former point put by the right hon. Gentleman, the Government took immediate steps which resulted in the decision to release the vessel, but, unfortunately, circumstances arose of a nature over which we had no control which resulted in the vessel going on to the rocks.

The right hon. Gentleman does not answer my question. Why was the master kept a fortnight in fair weather, and then ordered to sea in foul weather which resulted in his injuries and death?

The interchanges between His Majesty's Government and the Burgos authorities took the time in question, and resulted in the decision on the part of the Burgos authorities to release the vessel.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state the name of the owners?

Is it not the fact that the master's death occurred from injuries received as a direct result of the unlawful seizure on the high seas; and is it not right to suggest that this constitutes constructive murder?

No, Sir, I cannot accept that from the hon. and learned Member or anyone else. No one regrets these tragic circumstances more than we do. They were circumstances of a very extraordinary case, but I cannot accept the construction the hon. and learned Gentleman has put upon it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that he intends to take no further action in respect of this sea captain who met his death in the circumstances which are admitted on both sides?

No, Sir, I never said that we would take no further action. I never made any such statement.

Who is to be brought to book for the death of this man?

If the right hon. Gentleman has any matter to submit to me I will naturally consider it.

asked the Prime Minister what was the purpose of Mr. Ashton-Gwatkin's recent mission to Berlin; and, in particular, whether matters relating to the former German colonies and a limitation of armaments came under discussion?

Mr. Ashton-Gwatkin visited Berlin in his capacity as Head of the Economic Section of the Foreign Office to renew personal contact with German officials and to exchange views with them on the general economic situation. No proposals relating to the German Colonies or to limitation of armaments were discussed.

Was not the purpose of this visit to make preliminary investigations in readiness for the visit of the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Trade; and did not the German Government disclose their desire that a settlement of political questions should run concurrently with a settlement of trade questions?

I can only repeat what I have said, namely, that the object of this visit was to renew personal contact with German officials and exchange views on the general economic situation. I regret that I cannot add any more to the answer I have already given.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can tell the House what guarantees he has received from the Japanese Government that they will not maintain a permanent military occupation of the island of Hainan?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) on 15th February.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning the present situation in the International Settlement at Shanghai?

A working understanding for co-operation between the Shanghai Municipal Council and the Japanese authorities has been reached which, my Noble Friend understands, does not impair the authority of the Council.

May we assume that the Government will continue to support the municipal council in their local negotiations with the Japanese authorities?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether any representations have been made to the Japanese Government about the stopping of commercial communications between Canton and Hong Kong by the closure of the Pearl River on 13th October last, and the occupation of the Canton Delta by Japanese forces; and whether complaint has been lodged by the British Chamber of Commerce at Canton as to the disastrous consequences this will have on British trade, especially in Lancashire and other industrial centres, and on British prestige in Canton?

As stated in the reply given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Preston (Mr. Moreing) on 13th February, representations have been made to the Japanese Government about the closure of the Pearl River, but no representations have been made about the occupation of the Canton Delta. My Noble Friend has from time to time been kept informed of the views of the Canton British Chamber of Commerce, and is fully aware of the effect on British trade and British interests generally of the maintenance of the present restrictions. His Majesty's Government will continue through His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo and through the local authorities at Canton and Hong Kong to press for the early resumption of traffic.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the urgency of this matter, and the serious effect that it is having on Lancashire, which is already suffering quite enough unemployment, without any additional burden?

That is why I referred in my answer to representations which we have made to the Japanese authorities for the resumption of traffic.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the official announcement that on and after 10th March all business transactions in North China, including Tientsin, must be financed in federal reserve banknotes and the resulting foreign exchange be paid into the Yokohama specie bank, otherwise no permits to export will be granted; and whether, in order to counteract this discrimination against British banking and business, he will take steps to prohibit the entry of all exports from North China into British and Crown Colony ports unless accompanied by a consular certificate that they have been financed through a British, American or French bank?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that on and after the 10th instant the Japanese have announced that all business in North China must be transacted in federal reserve banknotes, and the resulting foreign exchange paid into the Yokohama specie bank; and whether he will take suitable retaliatory action against Japanese trade unless this discrimination against British interests is abandoned?

My Noble Friend is informed that an announcement of measures of this nature to take effect on nth March has been issued, and that on and after that date a large number of North China products will not be allowed to pass the customs unless accompanied by a certificate that the foreign exchange involved has been sold to the Federal Reserve Bank. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government will consider all practicable measures for the defence of the British interests involved.

Would my right hon. Friend give a more definite answer to the second part of my question, which asks the Government not only to consider what steps are to be taken, but to take steps? It is not a question of consideration, but of action.

I will consider whether any further action is necessary.

Is not some other action absolutely necessary against Japan?

asked the Prime Minister whether there is a British Consul at Ichang; and, if not, whether he will cause one to be sent there immediately for the maintenance of British interests and rights in Ichang, in view of the new Japanese drive up the Yangtze against that town?

No, Sir; one of His Majesty's ships is present at Ichang and the commanding officer can be relied upon to take the necessary measures for the protection of British life and property. Nevertheless, should circumstances appear to demand the presence of a consular officer, one could be sent at short notice from Chungking.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to commence the discussion on the adjustment of boundaries between Italian East Africa and the Sudan and British adjacent territories, as provided for in the protocol to the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

Consultation is taking place with the Egyptian Government regarding the adjustment of the boundary between Italian East Africa and the Sudan. It is contemplated that as soon as this consultation is terminated, His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome will submit to the Italian Government a memorandum embodying the proposals of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom for the adjustment of the boundaries between Italian East Africa on the one hand and Kenya and British Somaliland on the other, and a second memorandum, jointly with the Egyptian Minister in Rome, containing proposals for the adjustment of the boundary between Italian East Africa and the Sudan.

Are these discussions to take place through the media of memoranda or by conference?

I shall want notice of that question.

Will the House of Commons see these maps, and shall we be assured that Abyssinia really has been conquered by the Italians?

I am sure the House will be kept fully informed.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the expiry of the agreement with the Italian Government concerning British Somaliland on 1st March, 1939, any new agreement has been made or discussed, and whether, in the absence of any new agreement he will give an assurance that Members will be consulted before any extension or replacement of the present agreement takes place?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the agreements, laid before the House as Command Paper No. 5773, regarding the grazing rights in Italian East Africa for British-protected Somali tribes and regarding transit facilities across British Somaliland. As grazing facilities in Italian East Africa are necessary for British-protected Somali tribes during the coming months, the Italian Government have, at the request of His Majesty's Government, consented to extend the agreements for six months.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the balance of trade between Finland and the United Kingdom has continued since 1931 to in crease in favour of the former country; and whether he has explored the possibility of developing in Finland a larger market for appropriate United Kingdom manufactures?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has constantly under review the possibility of developing larger markets for United Kingdom exports to all countries, including Finland. As regards Finland the hon. Member will be aware that my right hon. Friend is shortly paying a visit to Helsing fors when this subject will come under discussion.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will include Bucharest in his itinerary of forthcoming visits to foreign capitals?

No, Sir.

Would the hon. Gentleman represent to his right hon. Friend that the President of the Board of Trade indicated a few months ago the desire of His Majesty's Government to develop trade with that quarter of the world, and that being so, will the Secretary for Overseas Trade take an early opportunity of visiting that part of Europe for that purpose?

The question of sending a Commission is already under consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in connection with his forthcoming visit to Germany, Russia, and the Scandinavian countries, he will have particular regard to the possibilities of expanding the exports of British cotton textile goods in those markets?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 28th February in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) which indicates the scope of these conversations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which is felt by poultry farmers at the delay in giving information regarding Government policy affecting their interests, while other agricultural matters seem to be getting preference; and, in view of the importance of an early indication of policy, when this will be given?

A full statement as to the Government's policy for the poultry industry was made to the House as long ago as nth July last. Discussions on matters arising from that statement have taken place with representatives of various interests, including producers, during recent weeks, and the Bill to give effect to the Government's proposals is now in preparation. I am not yet in a position, however, to say precisely when it will be ready for introduction.

Can we have the assurance of the Minister that this small section of the agricultural industry is not being set aside on behalf of the more powerful interests that have had such an effect on the Government recently?

In my view the poultry section is a very large section, and I can assure the hon. Member that it is the intention to do something; and I hope to introduce a Bill this Session.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider introducing further legislation which will enable the particular circumstances of the Midland bacon curers' trade to be catered for as distinct from the Wiltshire trade?

I am not satisfied that such further legislation is either necessary or desirable.

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend realise the importance of the Midland bacon curers' trade, and is he aware that some very important curers in Evesham are unable to get the number of pigs they want, and that the whole matter requires further consideration?

I realise the difficulties of the case, but I do not see any reason for bringing in legislation at the present moment.

Is the Minister aware that the Bilston factory ought to have 400 pigs to-day and they have got only 32?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in any future legislation concerning milk, he will take note of the excessive price charged for milk in small towns and country villages under the Milk Marketing Board's regulations, with a view to providing for their diminution?

The minimum retail price of milk in rural areas is less than the minimum price in other areas. Furthermore, a majority of milk distributors in an area may secure permission from the Board to reduce the minimum price for their area, and under this provision the minimum retail price has been reduced in 245 cases, mainly in small towns and villages. Lower prices may be charged for sales at the farm door. While I cannot accept the suggestion that prices charged are excessive in existing circumstances, it remains one of the basic features of Government policy that prices should be kept at as low a level as is consistent with fair remuneration to the suppliers of the milk.

Can my right hon. Friend say how he can justify milk being sold at a compulsory price of, say, 6d. to 7d. a quart while plenty of producers would be glad to sell it in the country villages at 4d. or 5d. a quart?

As I have said, it is possible for the distributors to reduce the price by agreement among themselves. If there is any real trouble, Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act provides the machinery for investigation of the complaints.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is in a position to state the findings of the Committee on Monetary Penalties under the Marketing Acts?

I understand that the committee have almost completed their inquiry and hope to present their report within the next fortnight. The report will be published as soon as possible thereafter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to publish the evidence and findings of the Fleming Tribunal which led to the recommendation to pay the university of Oxford a sum of £51,584 out of public funds?

I am placing a copy of the report of the Tribunal in the Library of the House. I do not consider it necessary to incur the expense—which would be very heavy—of publishing the evidence.

asked the Postmaster-General the total number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank as at the last convenient date; the total amount of their deposits with accrued interest on that date, and the number of depositors who have taken advantage of the new regulation allowing the sum of £500 to be deposited in any one year; and will be consider introducing legislation, or making regulations, in order that depositors can deposit more than that amount yearly should they so desire?

The number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank on 31st January, 1939, was 11,300,000, and the total amount of their deposits with accrued interest on that date was £515,475,000. There is no record of the number of depositors who have taken advantage of the regulation, introduced in 1923, which permits sums amounting to £500 to be accepted for deposit in any year ending 31st December. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamish) on 19th December last.

Are we to understand that there is no hope of the small depositors being able to increase the amount?

The answer given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury was that the limitation was laid down by Treasury Order in 1923, and that the Treasury were not prepared to agree to any increase in the limit.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the public desire within a 50-mile radius of Manchester for a television service; what are the prospects of such a service; and will he consult with the British Broadcasting Corporation with a view to having a television station constructed on a site that will enable the people of this area to have the opportunity of a television service?

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Television Advisory Committee has given any indication as to whether the time has arrived for the extension of television services to centres outside London?

The extension of the television service to areas outside the range of the London Station involves serious problems both technical and financial. On the advice of the Television Advisory Committee technical research is being undertaken in regard to possible methods of relaying television programmes from London to other centres; but this research work is likely to occupy a considerable time; and it is feared that no decision concerning the extension of the service to other centres can be reached in the near future.

Can we have the semi-final of the English Cup televised?

Is it not a fact that there are lines in existence which would carry television, and that those lines are being used by the Post Office for other purposes?

It is not a fact that the Post Office are using the lines for other purposes, but it is a fact that we cannot use them at the present time, and that further technical research will be necessary before we can extend television. In reply to the question of my hon. Friend the Member for Middleton (Sir N. Stewart Sandeman) I may say that I should be very pleased to see the Cup semi-final televised because Grimsby Town will be playing the semi-final.

Would there be any difficulty in hon. Members of this House going to Broadcasting House to see television?

Under the arrangements it is open for any hon. Member to go to Alexandra Palace to see television for himself.

I meant Broadcasting House.

Is the hon. Member aware that in the television district around Manchester there is one-third of the population of this country, and are they not entitled to this service as well as the people in the London area?

I am well aware of the position, and the Postmaster-General and myself are very anxious to get television into all the big centres as soon as possible.

Is there any truth in the idea that the Government are afraid of television in the North as it might show the representation of this House?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will give the House any further information regarding the advancement of television?

I would refer the hon. Member to the annual report of the British Broadcasting Corporation for 1938, which has just been published as Command Paper 5951 and contains an account of the progress of the television service during that year. I would also refer the hon. Member to my answer to the questions on the subject of the television services which the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith) and the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Burke) have on the Order Paper for to-day.

May we be informed whether there is any prospect of any Provincial centres being linked up with this service?

If the hon. Member will look in the Official Report tomorrow he will see that in answer to previous questions this afternoon I have already stated the position.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions under which many of the staff at the British Embassy in Paris are working; and whether any decision has been taken as regards purchasing the neighbouring house to provide adequate accommodation?

I am aware of the conditions to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but the difficulties in the way of providing suitable alternative accommodation are considerable. No decision has been taken as regards purchasing the neighbouring house.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of the women typists are working under conditions which, from the point of view of health and sanitation, would be condemned in this country by his Department and the Ministry of Health?

We are fully aware of the fact that the conditions are not satisfactory, and I hope we shall get over the difficulty soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the average time spent in the various groups for promotion from leading air-craftman to corporal, sergeant, and flight-sergeant; for what reasons the period spent in group 1 is longer; and whether he is aware that the majority in this group are ex-Royal Air Force apprentices and are thereby penalised from the pension point of view owing to the shorter period served as corporal, sergeant, etc.?

I regret that it is not practicable to furnish the information asked for in the first part of the question since the periods vary from time to time, and as between trades in each group. The policy of my Department is framed on the basis of providing better opportunities of promotion for ex-apprentice tradesmen and technical tradesmen than for other airmen. During the present period of rapid expansion it is, however, inevitable that there should be temporary inequalities in the rates of promotion, but the matter is kept under continuous review and steps are taken from time to time to adjust the position as far as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a number of corporals and sergeants of technical grades in group 1, who returned from the East in December last, have been recalled for duty at Halton two or three weeks before the expiration of their leave because there is a shortage of instructors; and whether he will cause immediate promotions to be made in this group to overcome this shortage so that these men who have been recalled may be issued with railway warrants and allowed to complete their leave?

On account of the urgent need for instructors in the group 1 fitter trade at Halton Royal Air Force Station, four instructors were recalled to duty after having had nearly two months of their overseas leave. The balances of leave, varying between 14 and 19 days, will be granted them at an early date. I would point out to the hon. Member that, whilst every endeavour is made to avoid recalling airmen from leave, leave is always subject to the exigencies of the Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that instructors of technical ability are detailed for duties that should normally be carried out by non-technical non-commissioned officers of group 5; and will he consider issuing instructions to ensure that these instructors are employed only on duties for which their technical knowledge is required, and the desirability of making an instructional allowance to these skilled men whilst carrying out the duties of technical instructors as is done in the Royal Navy?

Instructors of technical ability are normally required to carry out duties in connection with their trade and also such duties as may be required of them by virtue of their Royal Air Force rank. As regards the last part of the question, instructors like all other airmen receive a rate of pay commensurate with the duties they are asked to perform. It is not, therefore, necessary to supplement the pay of technical instructors by means of an allowance.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that certain organs of the Press during the past few years have continuously published alarming statements regarding the international situation, which in many cases were grossly exaggerated, and in others false; that such publications have caused great damage to many sections of our people; and will he consider introducing legislation to impose penalties upon the publication of demonstrably false news which results in causing anxiety and loss to the business community, the Stock Exchange, and the general public?

I am aware that sensational and inaccurate statements on the international situation have not infrequently been published by certain sections of the Press. My Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and I myself have, on a number of occasions, emphasised the importance of restraint on the part of the Press in dealing with foreign affairs, a view, I am happy to say, which is fully shared by the more responsible journalists and newspapers in this country and by the bodies representative of their interests. I trust that their influence may be sufficient to keep the undesirable practice referred to in check.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that on Friday last in the lunch edition of the "Evening Standard" there appeared a report that Italy had called up 1,000,000 men including those rejected as being too small, that subsequently such report was proved to be false but pending its denial widespread consternation was caused to our people, and there was great loss to the business community, and is he aware that such reports are not conducive to the successful conclusion of his peace policy?

May we have an assurance from the Prime Minister that, whatever may be the effect on the nerves of the Stock Exchange, there shall be no censorship of the Press in this country?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he introduces legislation which effectively prevents the publication of false news and views it will be most disastrous for the prospects of the Government at the next General Election?

Is the Prime Minister aware that, in point of fact, a large number of newspapers supporting His Majesty's Government habitually gloss over the serious international situation with a false, misleading and dangerous optimism?

Is there not a good deal of resentment at the publication of some of the news with regard to other countries which is true, and will the right hon. Gentleman when he introduces legislation bear this point in mind?

I have no intention of introducing legislation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what progress has been made with inquiries into the desirability of the development of the Alberta oilfield for the purposes of the British Navy?

I do not know what inquiries my hon. Friend has in mind. The Admiralty are naturally very interested in the development of this Empire oilfield, and should oil fuel to Admiralty specification be produced and made accessible to tanker transport, they would certainly be willing to enter into negotiations with a view to purchasing supplies.

Is it not a fact that the Admiralty have had representatives looking over this field?

We have not had representatives looking over the field, but we have had the specifications sent to us. At the moment they do not comply with our requirements.

In view of the great strategic importance of this supply of oil, if it proves to be adequate and of the right quality, will the Admiralty take steps to make urgent inquiries before this oilfield falls into the hands of a company connected with a country which may be a potential enemy?

The new oilfield in Canada is primarily a matter for the Canadian Government, and I do not think there is any chance of it being developed by the wrong persons. We are certainly anxious to encourage it for strategic reasons if it produces such oil as the Navy can burn. If it does not, I am afraid it is not of such use.

Is there any need to encourage the development of this oilfield when the Navy can get all the oil it wants in this country by extracting oil from coal?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to demands for improved conditions of employment for professional football players; and whether the services of a conciliation officer from his Department will be made available to the Players Union and the Football League?

I have no knowledge of the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member other than that contained in reports that have appeared in the Press. While the services of my Department are at all times available to assist in the settlement of disputes concerning working conditions, I feel sure that the various matters involved in this case can best be settled by the organisations directly concerned.

I take it that any request from either of the parties concerned to the hon. Member's Department for assistance in providing conciliation officers to deal with some of the difficult matters arising in this dispute, will receive attention?

We shall follow our usual procedure.

Would it not be better for the Government to look after the football pools rather than football players?

asked the Minister of Labour the reason why only 76 men out of 271 engaged in Government work at the balloon barrage depot at Fazakerley, Liverpool, were given employment through the Employment Exchange service; and from what sources the remainder were obtained?

Inquiries are being made in the matter and I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Does the Minister realise that there is considerable public disturbance and feeling in regard to this proportion, and will he take some steps to see that a larger proportion of people is obtained through the Employment Exchanges?

It is always our desire that as many people as possible should be recruited through the local Employment Exchanges, but in this case we are making inquiries and I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends to take action to comply with the request made by the camps sub-committee of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England to check the speculation in land values owing to the demand now being made for sites for evacuation camps, camp schools, and holiday camps?

So far as concerns the sites for the proposed 50 camps to be erected by public corporations on behalf of the Government the matter is being fully considered in connection with the necessary legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the position of the Lancashire County Council public assistance committee who during the last 12 months have paid out £190,000 domiciliary relief to augment the payments of 10s. a week to old age pensioners; and will he make a statement as to whether his Department intends to have the position of these payments to old age pensioners examined so that the cost will be equally distributed?

I have seen a report in the Press to the effect of the statement in the first part of the question. I am not sure that I fully appreciate what the hon. Member has in mind as regards the second part. He will, of course, be aware that the question of equalising the cost of public assistance over the whole country was fully debated in this House on 1st February.