asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he can now give the House any further information respecting the scope and nature of the recent conversations between the Viceroy and Mr. Gandhi; what decisions were reached; and whether further discussions either with him or with Congress leaders are likely to take place in the near future?

I have nothing to add regarding the character of the conversations to the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. Member on 20th March. I understand that no further discussions are at the moment in view.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his previous reply to me contained no information regarding the particulars of that discussion, and in view of that fact, could we have, at an early date, some indication of the nature of the discussion and what has transpired since then?

I do not think I could promise the hon. Member any further details than those he has already had. My previous reply on 20th March was that discussions, which were of a friendly character, took place on various points arising out of the recent dispute regarding events in Rajkot State, and I gave the hon. Member a very long statement previously on the circumstances of that dispute. I think perhaps those two answers, taken together, indicate the scope of the discussions.

While I thank the hon. and gallant Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether he will answer the last part of my question, regarding possible discussions with the Congress leaders or with His Majesty's Government?

I understand that no further discussions are at the moment in view. That refers both to Mr. Gandhi and the Congress leaders.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the possibility of an economic boycott of Germany?

No, Sir.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not regard it as singular that a Member of his own party should now be asking for something which is subversive of the Munich policy?

asked the Prime Minister the number of military effectives serving with the colours in Germany and Italy, respectively; and the extent to which such numbers have increased since 1st February, 1939?

No up to date published figures are available regarding the number of military effectives serving with the colours in Germany and Italy respectively. While some reservists have recently been recalled for training in both countries, it is not believed that the numbers have very materially increased since the 1st February.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the failure of the German Government to consult His Majesty's Government before annexing Czecho-Slovakia and the Memel Territory, he will state to what extent His Majesty's Government regard the Anglo-German Declaration of 29th September as an effective instrument for regulating the relations between the two Governments?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his initiative for meeting Herr Hitler in Germany last September, he has conveyed to Herr Hitler his sense of indignation at recent events and intimated the grave inconsistency for which Herr Hitler is responsible and requested an explanation?

I have nothing to add to my speech at Birmingham on 17th March and to recent statements made to the House, which clearly indicated the attitude of His Majesty's Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not feel, in view of his new responsibility for personal contact with Herr Hitler at Munich, that the logical and moral implication of that would be now to get in touch with Herr Hitler again to try and find some personal explanation?

I think that would not serve a useful purpose.

I could not hear the right hon. Gentleman's reply.

On a point of Order. In view of the answer which has just been given, is there any method whereby Members of the House may ascertain in any official record what exactly it was that the Prime Minister said at Birmingham? He has said in answer to a question that he had nothing to add to the speech which he made at Birmingham which, apparently, is to be taken as a statement of Government policy, but that does not seem to be available to Members of the House?

That does not appear to raise any point of Order.

If the Prime Minister states that the Government's policy is set out in some document of which there is no official record, does it not mean that his Parliamentary answer is incomplete and must be completed, therefore, by the publication of some further official document?

I cannot see that that is a point of Order.

Would it not be in order in that case to put a question asking that the reference which the Prime Minister has made should be recorded in some way officially in the records of this House?

Is it not the case that hon. Members opposite have frequently referred to the speech in question themselves?

On the point of Order. May I ask whether there will be made available to Members of this House copies of the Prime Minister's speech?

The hon. Member had better put a question on the Paper to that effect. We will see whether it is in order.

Is it not a fact that in the speech to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred, he did not in any way indicate whether, as a result of the events in Czecho-Slovakia and Memel Territory, the Anglo-German declaration was in any way affected, and does he still consider that declaration binding upon both Governments, and, if so, to what extent?

In the speech to which I referred—and I think I have raised the point also in this House—I pointed out that I had received certain assurances from Herr Hitler and that the recent action of Herr Hitler appeared to me to be inconsistent with those assurances, and I asked the question whether, in view of that, it was possible to rely upon any further assurances.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a full statement on the recent annexation of Memel by the German Government?

My right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, informed the House on 22nd March of the circumstances in which the German demand for the cession of the Memelland was made to the Lithuanian Government. His Majesty's Government have now been officially informed by that Government that on the evening of 22nd March a treaty between Germany and Lithuania was signed at Berlin providing for the immediate return of the Memelland to Germany and the establishment of a free harbour zone for Lithuania at Memel. Both parries further undertook not to employ force against each other or to support the use of force directed against them by a third party. On receiving this communication, His Majesty's Government expressed to the Lithuanian Government their sympathy in the situation in which Lithuania had been placed. As the Prime Minister informed the House on 12th December last, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker), His Majesty's Government, as a Signatory to the Memel Convention, expressed their hope to the German Government that they would use their influence to ensure respect for the Memel Statute. At that date and again in reply to an inquiry by the Lithuanian Government on 16th March His Majesty's Government made it clear that they could only endeavour to secure respect for the Statute in so far as this lay in their power. In the actual circumstances of the case it is understandable that the Lithuanian Government acted without again consulting the Signatory Powers.

Is it not a fact that the Lithuanian Government did observe the provisions of their 1924 Statute, and is not this intervention on the part of the German Government quite contrary again to the promises made by Herr Hitler in the Anglo-German declaration in September last?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the frontiers as occupied by the German troops are the same frontiers as were laid down in the Treaty of Versailles?

I should require notice to give an exact answer, but I understand that that is the case.

In view of our responsibility as guarantors, have His Majesty's Government made a protest to the Government in Berlin against the method by which this new aggression has been carried through?

We are a signatory to the Convention, but no protest has been made.

Is it not intended to make a protest?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is a long-range objective of His Majesty's Government to help to restore its independence to that part of Czecho-Slovakia which survived the Munich Agreement?

His Majesty's Government have stated that they regard the changes effected in Czecho-Slovakia by German military action as devoid of any basis of legality. I am not prepared to add to this statement.

Is not the Prime Minister prepared to do something immediately to rectify the situation?

asked the Prime Minister the precise terms of the trade pact lately concluded between Rumania and Germany; and whether he is satisfied that the independence and integrity of Rumania has not been impaired?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the German-Rumanian Trade Agreement with special reference to the approaching visit of a British trade delegation to Rumania?

I am causing a copy of the text of this agreement, together with an interesting and authoritative commentary supplied by the Rumanian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to be placed in the Library. Meanwhile I can inform the House that the agreement foreshadows the drawing up of a long-term economic plan based on the balance of economic exchanges between the two countries. This plan will take into account, on the one hand, Germany's import requirements, and, on the other, the possibility of developing Rumania's production as well as Rumania's internal requirements and the needs of her trade relations with other countries. As described to His Majesty's Government by the Rumanian Government, the effect of the agreement in broad outline is to enable Rumania to dispose to Germany of a great deal of her produce for which she was unable to find alternative markets, and to receive in return German assistance in the form of equipment and technical advice in the exploitation of her resources. It appears that Germany will co-operate in the development of existing industries in Rumania and in the setting up of new ones, particularly in the fields of agriculture, forestry and mining; she will also assist in the construction of public utility concerns and of communication; and, finally, she will also supply Rumania with armaments. The agreement is subject to ratification; it is valid in the first instance for a period of five years but may be prolonged indefinitely unless denounced. It is to be applied provisionally as from the date of signature.

It will be seen that this agreement is in the nature of a comprehensive programme, and its precise effects in practice will depend mainly on the manner in which its provisions are carried out. In these circumstances we must await developments before coming to any definite conclusions. The Rumanian Government have informed His Majesty's Government that negotiations for the agreement began on 22nd February, that is to say over four weeks ago, that negotiations proceeded on normal lines until signature on 23rd March, and they have further assured His Majesty's Government that the agreement contains no political clause and that Rumania has not signed away her economic independence.

I should add that the Rumanian Minister of Foreign Affairs in the declaration to which I have already referred specifically mentions the need for Rumania to retain and develop her economic ties with all other States, while the Rumanian Government have emphasised that the agreement is directed against no third party and have declared their readiness to conclude similar agreements with other countries. The extension of Anglo-Rumanian trade and promotion of economic relations between our two countries is, as the House is aware, a matter to which His Majesty's Government attach the greatest importance. In this connection I need only mention the recent decision of His Majesty's Government to despatch a commercial mission to Bucharest. The Rumanian Government are still anxious that this mission should proceed and that, of course, is our intention.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his comprehensive answer, may I ask whether he will specify the extent now of the German control of Rumanian exports of oil?

The answer which I have given shows that one is not in a position yet to estimate that.

Does it not appear from the terms of this agreement that in future German experts will largely be in control of Rumania's mineral and oil production, and that she will be dependent on Germany for her supply of arms; and does not that mean that her independence will in future largely depend on German action?

I repeat that it is too early to come to any such conclusion.

When will the proposed mission to Bucharest proceed?

I cannot give the hon. Member a definite date, but I think it will be shortly.

When were the Government first informed of the negotiations which took place between Germany and Rumania?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that the review of the position necessitated by the recent changes in the international situation does not involve any retributive economic measures against Germany?

Yes, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that statement being included in the German broadcast from this country in view of the propaganda which is being carried on inside Germany to the effect that this country is endeavouring to secure the economic strangulation of Germany?

I will give consideration to the hon. and gallant Gentleman's suggestion.

Is there any reason why this country should not hold itself free to take action of this sort against Germany, if necessary?

Does not the answer mean that if Germany undertakes economic sanctions against this country we are not going to take any action in return?

We should have to consider such a situation if it arises.

Does it preclude this country taking action similar to that taken by the United States?

asked the Prime Minister whether any consultation took place between His Majesty's Government, or their representatives, and the Lithuanian and or Rumanian Governments or their representatives, concerning the agreements recently made by the latter Government with Germany; and whether any, and if so what, advice was offered by His Majesty's Government?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister what alterations are contemplated in the Defence arrangements recently announced, in view of the change in the international situation which has occurred since those Debates?

These matters are under the close consideration of His Majesty's Government, but I have no statement to make upon the subject at present

May we assume that the arrangements for the provision of men and material which were announced by the Defence Minister during the recent Debates on the Estimates are already under reconsideration?

I have already stated that the whole circumstances are under reconsideration.

When may we expect a statement on this subject, seeing that the right hon. Gentleman's answer is the same as was given to me last Monday?

When we are ready.

Are the Government considering proposals for the extension of National Service for which the whole country is waiting?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is still the intention of His Majesty's Government to send a trade mission to Rumania; and, if so, when the mission is to leave for that country?

asked the President -of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement about the trade agreement signed last week between Germany and Rumania; whether the British trade delegation is still going to Rumania and, if so, when?

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer already given to-day by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in reply to the questions by my hon. Friend the Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams), and the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher).

In the absence of the President of the Board of Trade, which, I have no doubt, is unavoidable, might I ask this supplementary question of the Prime Minister? The answer just given by the Parliamentary Secretary refers to an answer given by the Prime Minister earlier this afternoon; is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on more than one occasion recently we have been told that this mission was about to leave for Rumania, and that while we are procrastinating Germany is acting; and whether he can do anything to expedite this matter?

I cannot add anything to what I have said already.

Is the Minister aware that it is because of the long delays on the part of the Government in approaching the Rumanian Government on this subject that the recent agreement with Germany has been signed?

Can the Minister assure the House that the support of Rumania has not been lost in any possible alliance against aggression?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the friendly reply received by the League of Nations from the American Government indicating their willingness to co-operate in the economic activities of the League, he will consider what steps can be taken with American co-operation to apply economic sanctions against future disturbers of the peace in Europe?

As the hon. Member is aware, the reply from the United States Government, to which he refers, suggests that much remains to be done in international relations for the promotion of human welfare in social, economic and financial matters. Within these fields the United States Government contemplates the maintenance or extension of its collaboration in the League's technical and non-political activities. The cooperation suggested in the hon. Member's question would not appear to fall within the scope of the United States Government's reply, and consequently my Noble Friend is unable to consider the steps to which he refers.

Did not the atmosphere in which that answer was given indicate that there was a great deal more behind the United States' reply than was indicated?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the extent of the devastation and massacre of the civil population caused by Japanese air raids in the towns and villages of Hupeh, Hunan, Kwangsi, and Kwantung?

The only comprehensive statement which has been brought to the notice of my Noble Friend is the communication to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations from the Chinese Delegation, dated 1st March, 1939, circulated to the Council and Members of the League on 3rd March. My Noble Friend has no means of checking the figures given in this communication.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government has made any representations to the Japanese Government with regard to the killing of the Rev. A. G. Leigh, British Methodist Society missionary, at Pingkiang, North-East Hunan on 15th March; whether he can state how many British subjects were killed on this occasion; and whether he is aware that the roofs of all the buildings destroyed were painted with Union Jacks easily visible to the raiders, who flew at a low altitude?

On 15th March the town of Pingkiang was bombed by Japanese aircraft. Ten bombs fell on the Methodist Mission, killing, I regret to report, eight persons, of whom one, the Rev. A. G. Leigh, was a British subject. No other British casualties have been reported. The property was clearly marked by large British flags and by white letters on the ground. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo has been instructed to protest to the Japanese Government.

Has any claim been made against the Japanese Government for the damage done to this British subject?

Protests have been made, and I have no doubt that a claim will be preferred.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now take steps to restore normal arrangements with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in regard to the provision of visas for passports for British subjects to Russia?

His Majesty's Government have no desire to prolong unnecessarily the present abnormal situation in regard to the issue of Soviet visas for British subjects proceeding to the Soviet Union. They have, with a view to restoring normal arrangements, informed the Soviet Government of the conditions in which they would be prepared to re-open the consular section of His Majesty's Embassy at Moscow, but these conditions have not yet been accepted in their entirety by the Soviet authorities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication what those conditions are?

The general purport of the conditions is that the consular section of His Majesty's Embassy at Moscow should enjoy the same facilities as are recorded to the consular section of the Soviet Embassy in London.

Is it not a fact that all foreigners have been expelled from Russia?

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Red Cross have begun the work for the assistance of Spanish refugees in Southern France for which His Majesty's Government have given them a grant; what form their assistance is taking; and whether their work will supplement or supersede that hitherto undertaken, in France or in Spain, by the International Commission for the Assistance of Child Refugees?

Yes, Sir. The assistance has so far consisted chiefly of supplies of clothing and bedding. This work is supplementary to that of the International Commission for the Assistance of Child Refugees, which is not concerned with the relief of men of military age.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the British Red Cross is already on the spot?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that 10,000 Italian troops and a large quantity of war material of exceptionally heavy calibre destined for Cadiz and other Spanish ports have passed in Italian and Spanish ships through the Straits of Gibraltar during the past two months; and what reports on the subject have reached him, either from His Majesty's representative at Gibraltar or from the representatives there of the Spanish Republican Government?

I would refer the hon. Lady to the reply given to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on 13th March, to which I have nothing to add.

Are we to understand from that reply that there is no evidence? May I submit to the right hon. Gentleman evidence to the contrary, giving the names of ships and the dates on which they passed through?

I will certainly consider any evidence which the hon. Lady submits. If she will read my reply to the hon. Member for Broxtowe she will see that that forms part of my answer to her question.

asked the Prime Minister the date of the inquiries addressed to General Franco by His Majesty's Government as to whether, and on what conditions, he was willing to agree to the evacuation of refugees from Republican ports in British warships; whether any reply has yet been received; and, if not, will he press for an answer?

The inquiries were made on 15th March. On 22nd March His Majesty's Chargé d' Affaires ascertained that the Spanish Government had not yet formulated their reply.

If General Franco has taken over a fortnight to say whether he approves or disapproves, may it not be taken that silence gives consent and that he does not disapprove of the evacuation of refugees? Is it necessary to wait any longer for a reply?

We will do our best to get an early reply. I would rather see a reply.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of ex- service men receiving Great War disability pensions in 1930 and in 1938 in the Western Isles of Scotland?

I regret that the Ministry's records are not kept in a form which would enable this information to be given.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, whether, and to what extent, there is to be participation by His Majesty's Government in the forthcoming Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto; and to what extent is British industry co-operating in the arrangement of any display there?

I have been asked to reply. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have for many years participated in the Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto by maintaining an Inquiry Bureau. It is intended to do so again at the forthcoming exhibition. The bureau cannot provide space for industrial exhibits, but there is accommodation for United Kingdom industrial exhibits in a special building devoted to British Empire industries.

Is there any co-operation between the hon. Gentleman's Department and British industries with regard to this exhibition?

I think that the connection is between British industries and the exhibition authorities in Toronto.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the amount paid to the Travel Association of Great Britain and Ireland by way of grants from the Exchequer for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and in what way this association at present carries on active work with the Dominions and Colonies?

The grant from the Exchequer to the Travel Association for the financial year ending 31st March, amounted to £15,000. The work of the Association is effective in the Dominions and Colonies as well as in foreign countries and includes the distribution of booklets, posters and films, participation in exhibitions such as the Canadian National Exhibition, and the use of broadcasting wherever possible.

May we be informed what the cash commitments of the Government are towards this Association?

I have already said it is £15,000.

That was last year.

I shall want notice of the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present amount of arrears of ground rent on Crown Lands in Regent Street; the number of cases where arrears exceed one year's rental; and particulars of any scheme of relief that has been introduced to assist old tenants who, although they have been tenants in Regent Street for a number of years, have not been able to meet the arrears?

The actual arrears now amount to £133,000, but of this sum £86,000 is gradually being repaid quarterly, under agreements made with the tenants, so that there remains a real total of only £47,000 not yet collected, actually or prospectively. The number of cases where arrears exceed one year's rental is nine, but six of these are covered by the agreements for gradual repayment.

As regards the last part of the question, the Commissioners have granted temporary remissions of ground rent, not normally exceeding 15 per cent., in cases where old tenants trading in the street have proved the need for relief and are paying a ground rent to the Commissioners exceeding 25s. a square foot. They have also promised relief to old tenants who, as sub-tenants, are paying an unusually high rent to Crown lessees with a ground rent exceeding 25s., and they have written off the whole or part of the arrears in a few cases of special hardship.

Do not the Minister's advisers consider that these rents are very much too high for the present-day conditions?

The whole matter has been under review, and they consider that the present agreements are fair excepting in those cases in which we have granted relief.

Can the Minister say in how many cases there have been reductions in the rentals?

asked the Postmaster-General the number of wireless-receiving licences in force in this country as at the last convenient date; and are any separate figures kept for wireless-receiving sets on motor-vehicles?

The number of wireless-receiving licences in force in this country at the end of February was approximately 8,944,000. Separate figures are not kept of licences for wireless-receiving sets on motor vehicles.

When motor-car wireless-receivers are licensed does the registration number of the car appear on the licence?

Perhaps the hon. Member will kindly put that question down.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has given consideration in consultation with the Minister of Transport, to the suggestion of the hon. Member for the Western Isles that certain classes of goods, especially perishables, should be carried by the steamers in the subsidised area at a flat- rate charge to all islands instead of continuing the present excessive charges, and with what result?

I have been asked to reply. The hon. Member's suggestion will be borne in mind; but my right hon. Friend is not satisfied that a flat rate system of charging is practicable or desirable. In any case, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, there is no power under the terms of the contract with Messrs. MacBrayne to increase charges or to require reductions for a period of two years from 1st January, 1939.

asked the Postmaster- General whether he can give details of tenders submitted for the new sound equipment at the Blackheath studios; what system is going to be installed; whether the tender was the lowest submitted; and whether the equipment is of British manufacture?

I cannot give details of the tenders, since it is a principle long accepted by this House that such tenders are to be treated as confidential. The tenders were not for the supply of equipment to a Post Office specification. Each of the firms tendering submitted a proposal for the equipment of the studio according to the firm's system; and the tenders varied not only in the lump sum payment required in lieu of rental, but in the type and quantity of equipment, the period of lease, and the rates and conditions of royalty charges. Thus, no direct monetary comparison is possible. The equipment selected was that which was recommended by experts inside and outside the Government service as the best suited to the needs of the Department. The system which is being installed is that of R.C.A. Photophone, Limited, which is largely used by leading studios in this country; 67 per cent. of the equipment is of British manufacture.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the British Broadcasting Corporation have indicated that they will broadcast such statements of opinion on political questions as may be mutually agreed among the leaders of political parties, he will consult with the leaders of other parties and other prominent Members of this House with a view to arranging opportunities, similar to those which he has enjoyed himself at various times in the last few months, of putting their views on foreign affairs before the country, not necessarily immediately but at some time before the opening of a general election campaign?

It is the present practice of the British Broadcasting Corporation to consult the three political parties when arranging political broadcasts. I would suggest that if the hon. Member has a proposal to make he should consult his own leader.

Would the Prime Minister himself favour giving to other political parties the same opportunity as has been given to him for broadcasting on this subject? I regret that I shall have to give notice that I shall raise this matter further on a suitable occasion on the Adjournment.

Is it not a fact that there are only two and a-half political parties in this House?

Where was the Liberal party on Friday?

Where was the B.B.C. on 7th May?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, now that provision is being made by means of steel air-raid shelters for the working classes living in small houses, he will state when it is proposed to survey the larger houses, especially those with basements, with a view to advising the occupants as to the best methods of protecting themselves from air-raid damage, blast, splinters, etc., so that the necessary works may be put in hand at the owner's expense?

The general principles of structural precautions against air attack have been studied by the Royal Institute of British Architects and other professional bodies in considerable detail, and persons occupying larger houses of the type which my hon. Friend has in mind can obtain from architects skilled advice regarding the construction of air-raid shelters in their own homes. The Department cannot undertake to give individual advice in such cases, but general advice will be provided in a pamphlet giving technical information regarding the adaptation of basements and in a handbook dealing more comprehensively with structural protection as a whole. The pamphlet will be available very shortly, and the handbook is in an advanced stage of preparation, and both will be placed on sale through the usual Stationery Office agencies.

Is this not a very technical matter upon which ordinary builders and architects are not qualified to give advice, and can the right hon. Gentleman say why one class of the community are being given shelters free and another class are not even to be given advice how, at their own expense, they can protect their houses and those in them for whose safety they are responsible?

I did not say that advice was not to be made available. I said that the Department could not undertake to give individual advice in the cases which my hon. Friend has in mind.

Could not an arrangement be made for local authorities to be put into a position to give advice required by householders, and are not the local authorities the most convenient agency for the purpose?

We are already putting heavy burdens on the technical advisers of local authorities in connection with the provision of shelters for that class of the community which could not reasonably be expected to provide such protection for themselves. I am anxious to go as far as humanly possible in the direction of giving advice, and I think it will be found that the pamphlet which will be ready early in April goes a very long way towards solving some of the more difficult problems.

Will the pamphlet be sold to those who apply for it, or how will it be distributed?

I said that the pamphlet will be on sale through the usual agents.

In other words, the householder must himself apply to the usual agents for the pamphlet?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is not so much a question of individuals applying, but of whole streets which are of the same kind of architecture; and would it not be quite easy for a number of specialists, employed either by the local authorities or by the Government, to give general advice as to what sort of structural alterations are necessary?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The pamphlet to which I have referred is intended to give exactly that sort of advice where it is suitable for application on a large scale.

Is it not the case that the Royal Institute of British Architects and the builders have for a long time been considering this matter; that they have themselves evolved ways and means of assisting the Department in this direction; and that their knowledge is available provided that it is sought?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been drawn to the continual delay in completing the trenches in Lincoln's Inn Fields; why plans submitted to his Department by the Holborn Borough Council on 21st February last, have been only formally acknowledged; and whether he will take steps to have the matter settled so that the work can proceed immediately?

The proposals of the Holborn Borough Council with regard to the trenches dug in their area during the September crisis were received in the Air-Raid Precautions Department on 27th February, and their receipt was acknowledged on 1st March. As the proposals departed in some respects from the Department's general recommendations, communicated to local authorities as long ago as November last, it was necessary to obtain advice upon the technical questions involved. A letter was sent to the council on Friday last containing the comments of my technical advisers on these questions, and suggesting a discussion. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that, when these technical issues have been disposed of, no time will be lost in authorising the council to proceed with the work.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that weeks upon weeks have gone by; that this is a very important centre with a large midday population; and that the continued delay in this and other similar instances is causing grave disquiet in the country and injuring the morale of the people?

I realise as well as anyone the irksomeness of these delays. I must point out to the right hon. Gentleman that in November last—I think on 21st November—a complete specification was issued showing how these trenches should be completed, and the local authorities were then told that, if they proceeded in accordance with the specification, they could assume that a grant would be issued as a matter of course. They were also informed that, if they chose to submit modified designs, those designs would be taken into consideration. In a large number of cases alternative designs were submitted and approved long ago, but—I make no reflection on anyone—it was only on 27th February that the Borough Council of Holborn submitted their proposals. I am satisfied that there has been no undue delay on the part of my Department in examining their scheme.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all over the country similar conditions prevail, that there are unfinished trenches in public parks all over the country, and that the local authorities are all saying that they are awaiting a move by the Government?

If the local authorities are all saying that, they are not all telling the truth. In point of fact, in many cases great progress has been made in the completion of those trenches.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has yet sanctioned for grant the plans for deep shelters laid before him by the Finsbury Borough Council?

No, Sir. The scheme has been found to require very close examination in its technical aspects, but I can assure the House that there will be no avoidable delay in completing that examination.

In view of the fact that it is now nearly two months since the scheme was submitted, and six months since the Munich crisis, when it was evident that we were totally unprepared to meet aerial bombardment, is it not now time that the Lord Privy Seal prepared a deep-shelter scheme and published it to the country?