asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is still an unfilled demand for labour in various branches of the catering trades in the Metropolis and in provincial residential districts; and, in view of the large body of unemployed men and boys, what further action does his Department propose to take to match demand with supply, and to find a solution, if necessary, by adjustment of wages or by securing improved conditions of work?

I am aware that there is an unsatisfied demand for certain types of workers in the catering trades. The Employment Exchanges bring the vacancies to the notice of all suitable available persons. Training is provided for men and women who lack the necessary experience. As regards the latter part of the question, the position in the licensed victualling, the hotel and catering trades is under consideration, and certain steps have been taken in regard to the licensed victualling trade.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of factories now in operation on the Team Valley Trading Estate; what commodities they are producing, and the actual number employed, men, women and young persons?

On 31st March, 1939, the number of factories in operation on the Team Valley Trading Estate was 90. The factories include woodworking industries of various kinds (including veneers and manufactures of plywood such as plywood doors), motor body building, containers of various kinds, electrical engineering, electric wiring, electric batteries, food products of various kinds (including confectionery), clothing, leather handbags, buttons and various light metal industries. The number of workpeople employed in the factories on 13th March, 1939, was 1,001 men, 566 women, 185 boys (under age 18) and 635 girls (under age 18); making a total of 2,387. In addition there were 483 men and 31 boys engaged on constructional work on the estate.

asked the Minister of Labour how many disabled ex-service men are registered at Employment Exchanges as unemployed; the number unemployed for 12 months or longer; the number with no application for unemployment insurance or assistance; and the numbers in categories A, B and C, with the comparative figures obtaining at March, 1938?

On the 3rd April, 1939, 29,700 disabled ex-service men were registered at Employment Exchanges as unemployed. Of these, 1,720 were not applicants for unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance allowances. The numbers registered in categories A, B and C were as follow:

asked the Minister of Labour how many disabled ex-service men were employed through the King's National Roll scheme at March, 1938; the number employed at the latest available date; the numbers employed at each date in Government Departments, by local authorities, and by firms enrolled in the scheme; and whether any records are kept of the numbers of men in categories A, B and C, who are employed through the scheme?

At April, 1938, and April, 1939, the numbers of disabled ex-service men employed by members of the King's National Roll were 316,776 and 322,218 respectively.These figures are made up as follows:

asked the Minister of Labour how many firms were members of the King's Roll at March, 1938, and at the latest available date; what was the number of local authorities enrolled at the same dates; and the number of local authorities who are not now members of the King's Roll but might reasonably be expected to enrol?

The numbers of firms enrolled on the King's National Roll at April, 1938, and April, 1939, were 23,087 and 24,309 respectively. At the same dates, the numbers of local authorities enrolled were 989 and 977 respectively. At April, 1939, 173 local authorities who were not members of the Roll might, in the opinion of the King's Roll Committees, reasonably have been expected to enrol.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of applications received under the Factories Act so exempt employers from the provisions limiting the hours of labour of young persons; and the names and addresses of the applicants?

asked the Home Secretary how many applications have been received under Section 71 of the Factories Act, 1937, for a variation of the hours of work of young persons under 16 years of age; from whom such applications have been received; and what action has been taken in connection with them?

I have received 44 applications for regulations under Section 71 of the Factories Act, 1937. These refer to 34 industries. The names and addresses of the applicants are in the following statement:The Section gives me power to make regulations increasing the weekly maximum from 44 to some other figure not exceeding 48 for any class or description of factory or for a particular process, but only if I am satisfied as the result of an inquiry which must be held in public that certain specified conditions are fulfilled.Inquiries have been held in the case of the cotton and woollen industries, but the reports have not yet been received. Inquiries are in course of arrangement for seven other industries. In six cases an inquiry has been refused. As regards the remainder, no final decision has been taken: the applicants in many cases have been asked to furnish additional information if they wish further consideration to be given to their applications.FACTORIES ACT, 1937.

asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the fact that the freedom which the Press of this country enjoys, and which has been taken advantage of by several publications to scare the public mind in these critical times by indiscreet headlines and articles, thereby adding to the unrest, and at the same time adversely affecting trade, commerce and investment, he will consider asking for powers to appoint a Press controller with a view to exercising these powers only if no more discretion is shown by the newspapers concerned?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to avoid the necessity for any form of State interference with the freedom of the Press, he will invite the recognised organisations of the Press to follow the example of other professions and set up within the profession itself a representative council of conduct, if necessary with statutory powers, in order to uphold fully the traditional dignity and responsibility of British journalism?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the replies given on the 6th March by the Prime Minister to a question put by the hon. Member for Salford, North (Mr. Morris) and supplementary questions arising out of it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will instruct the Chief Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis to allow the demonstration that will march from Beckton Road on Sunday morning, 7th May, at 11 o'clock, to pass along the Commercial Road without having to break up at the iron bridge, Canning Town, because of the ban on parades between Canning Town and Aldgate, in view of the fact that the police have never had any trouble with the May Day demonstration from West Ham?

I have no power to waive in respect of a particular procession the requirements of the Order now in force prohibiting all political processions in a specified area in East London.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the explosion at the propeller foundry works in Anchor and Hope Lane, Charlton, on Thursday last, when two men were seriously injured; and what was the cause of the explosion?

I understand that the explosion occurred in a gas-heated oven used for core drying and was due to a mixture of coal gas and air. The circumstances which caused the oven to become filled with this mixture and the manner in which the mixture was ignited, are being investigated. I am happy to say that the two injured men are now reported to be off the danger list at the hospital.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the explosion at Cadby Hall, Kensington, on Saturday; whether any people were injured; and what was the cause of the accident?

This explosion occurred in a compressor room and was due to an escape of ammonia, the mixture of ammonia and air being ignited by a lighted gas ring. I understand that no one on the premises was injured but a passer-by in the street received slight injuries. The cause of the escape of ammonia is not yet known but is being investigated.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the number of convictions recorded against motorists for exceeding the speed limit in public and/or Royal parks in the Metropolitan district of London for the 12 months ended the last convenient date?

I am informed that during the year ended on the 31st December, 1938, there were 3,383 convictions of speeding in the Royal parks in the Metropolitan Police District. The enforcement of the speed limit in the other parks is carried out by officers of the local authority, and I regret that I have no information as to those parks.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the total authorised strength of the factory inspectorate, men and women, for the 12 months ended the last convenient date; and can he give particulars of the increase that has taken place in same during the last 12 months?

The total authorised strength of the factory inspectorate on 31st March last was 307. During the 12 months ended 31st March the inspectorate was increased by 26. The appointments included an additional deputy chief inspector, an additional superintending inspector, three medical inspectors, seven engineering inspectors, one electrical inspector and 13 other inspectors.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that it is becoming increasingly difficult to control, under local by-laws, the part-time employment of school children; and whether he will introduce legislation to prohibit such employment entirely?

I am not aware of the increasing difficulty to which the hon. Member refers, but I shall be happy to consider any information which he has if he will be kind enough to send it to me.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will order the issue of visas to Oswald and Maria Altmann, applied for as domestics by Mrs. Arundel, of Frinton-on-Sea, on 17th March, in view of the fact that nothing further has been heard of the application, that they have been strongly recommended by the Society of Friends in Vienna, that they are transmigrants, that they are under orders to leave Germany, and that they are personally known to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood)?

My right hon. Friend has inquired about this case. The Domestic Bureau of the Central Office for Refugees is at present dealing with a number of applications in respect of married couples for domestic service and, as far as possible, gives precedence to those in which there is a special degree of urgency. The bureau had not felt able to give priority to this case. It has now, however, recommended it to the Home Office, and it should be possible to authorise the grant of a visa within the next day or two.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the clause in the White Paper concerning the provision of £200 for individual Czechoslovak refugees still applies to those who were given certificates in Prague by the British liaison officer; and whether the issue of such certificates to those who have escaped and are going on to the British Dominions is still possible?

As I have already informed the House, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government that the unexpended balance of the amount which was to be granted as a gift to the former Czecho-Slovak Government should continue to be available for the purposes for which it was intended, as set forth in the White Paper (Command Paper 5933). If the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will refer to Annexe III 1 and 2 (a) of the letter from Dr. Pospisil printed on page 13 of the White Paper, he will see that the arrangements do not require that any certificates of the kind referred to should be given by the British Liaison Officer.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the arrest by warrant and detention overnight in custody, on the 21st April, of Mr. G. W. Paling, a shopkeeper, of Beeston, Nottingham, a proposed witness in petty justice court proceedings; why a witness summons was not applied for in the first instance whether or not he undertook to give evidence; upon what sworn grounds the warrant was obtained and by whom sworn; and whether; in view of the indignity suffered by Mr. Paling, an apology will be forthcoming?

I have obtained a report from the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire, from which it appears that Mr. Paling was a material witness for the prosecution in proceedings against two youths who were charged with stealing. A subpoena for his attendance was issued in the ordinary course and it was only on his declining to give evidence that a warrant was obtained. There was no irregularity in the proceedings.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the recommendations of the Select Committee of the House of Lords on the Prevention of Road Accidents, with regard to the experimental motor-patrol system which has been in progress in two areas in the North and South of England; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

Yes, Sir. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, this scheme, which involved a substantial increase in the number of police officers employed on motor patrol duties, was undertaken for an experimental period of one year which ended on the 31st March last. The experiment has been of considerable value, and the experience which it has provided is being carefully studied by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and myself in consultation with the chief officers of police who were concerned in it. As, however, the experience of one year cannot be expected to provide a final answer to many of the questions involved, it is proposed, if the police authorities and chief officers of police agree, to continue the experiment in the same areas for a further period.My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed in the circumstances to offer, as an additional and final contribution, to meet the whole cost of the experiment for a further period of six months, so as to enable the experience of a second summer's working to be obtained without any charge on the local authorities. I attach great importance to the special arrangements introduced in connection with the scheme for training police officers, and in order that they may not only be continued but utilised as widely as possible, it is proposed that police officers from any force in Great Britain, and not merely from those forces directly participating in the experiment, may be given, free of charge, this special training at the schools established as part of the scheme.My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has intimated that the cost of this extension to the scheme, like the cost of the original experiment, may be charged in full to the Exchequer for a further period of one year. It is anticipated that it will be possible thereafter to meet the cost of the schools in accordance with general arrangements now under discussion with police authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that tenants of tied licensed houses have in many cases recently been tied by the brewers for tobacco, cleaning materials, etc., and have been compelled to transact all insurances as directed; that this interference has caused much discontent; and whether he will request justices only to grant licences on condition that a tenant should only be tied for goods directly produced by the brewers?

I have no knowledge of the extent of the practice referred to, but I do not think that in any event it would be proper for me to request licensing justices to exercise in a particular manner the discretion vested in them by law.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that tuberculosis is not a scheduled disease under the Workmen's Compensation Act and nurses who contract this malady in the course of their duties obtain no compensation, he will consider introducing legislation to deal with this matter?

The question of extending the Workmen's Compensation Act to cover tuberculosis and other diseases which are not specific to employment so as to permit of their being scheduled under the Act, raises great difficulties. The matter will no doubt be raised in evidence before the Royal Commission and my right hon. Friend would not feel justified in attempting to deal with it in advance of the Commission's Report.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the total sum of money paid by His Majesty's Treasury after the Great War to Krupps and other German owners of armament patents for the use of such patents by His Majesty's Forces during the War 1914–18?

So far as I have been able to ascertain, the only payment was one of £40,000 credited to the German Clearing Office in favour of Krupps.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many summonses have been issued for refusal to pay tithe or arrears of tithe since the coming into force of the Tithe Redemption Act; how many convictions there have been; and how many forced sales of farmers' property to meet defaults in tithe payments or arrears of payment during this period?

The actual number of cases of recovery under the Tithe Act, 1936, of arrears of annuities and tithe rentcharge is not available and could not be ascertained without very considerable labour. In a large number of cases payment has been made before the application has been heard and in all but a negligible proportion of the other cases an Order for recovery has been made. These proceedings are, however, civil and not criminal and there is no question of convictions. As regards the last part of the question, information as to the steps taken by officers of the Court to enforce orders does not necessarily reach the Commission, but it is believed that sales of goods under Orders of the Court have been very few.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in order to relieve the minds of many who wish to join the services, the Government will prepare a scheme to protect those who are buying their homes by periodical payments against unfair loss whilst they are serving their country?

It is the intention of His Majesty's Government that protection shall be provided in the event of war for persons serving in the Forces against unfair loss through inability to maintain periodical payments of the character mentioned in the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will abstain from causing any obstacle to be put in the way of private investors who desire to purchase American-dollar securities having regard to their value as a potential reserve of purchasing power in America in time of war?

While the considerations referred to by my hon. Friend have weight in normal times, I think that under present circumstances National interests are best served by the adoption of the course referred to in the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Loftus) on the 20th April.

asked the Chancellor of the Exhecquer whether he can give an estimate of the amount of savings in one year to the last convenient date of the people of this country after paying rates, taxes, and expenses?

I regret that no such estimate is available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government, in order to reassure the public, will prepare a scheme to ensure adequate and equitable provision for the education of children, and the maintenance of wives, children and other dependants of men, whose earning capacities and lives may be endangered as a result of rendering National Service?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statements made by me on the 31st January and by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on the 2nd March with reference respectively to casualties resulting from warlike action and those sustained during peace-time training.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the total volume of industrial production in this country at the peak period for the years 1923, 1929, 1934, 1937, and 1938?

The volume of industrial production is normally greatest in the fourth quarter. The index numbers for that quarter, based on the year 1930 equals 100, as calculated by the Board of Trade, are 1929, 110.5; 1934, 112.0; 1937, 136.4; and 1938, 126.3. In 1938, however, the index for the first quarter (132.1) was higher than that for the fourth quarter. The index was not calculated prior to 1927 and that for 1929 is not precisely comparable with those of later years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the changed trading circumstances of recent years, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to amend the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, by removing the option which obtains at present whereby manufactured goods coming into this country can be marked foreign, Empire, or the country in which they were manufactured or produced, and compelling those responsible for the goods to give a definite indication of the country of origin?

I am not at present in a position to add to the answer which I gave on 28th March to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Sudbury (Colonel Burton).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to loopholes in the Bankruptcy Act, and to the number of people going into bankruptcy without just cause; and whether he is considering bringing in amending legislation?

I am not aware of people going into bankruptcy without just cause, but I will gladly look into any specific cases which may be brought to my notice. I would draw my hon. and gallant Friend's attention to the fact that the courts have power to refuse to make a receiving order or to rescind a receiving order if they are satisfied that the filing of the petition in bankruptcy is an abuse of the process of the court. Representations have been made to the Board of Trade from time to time in regard to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Acts and have been noted for examination when the

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can tell the House what quantities of copper and copper ore were exported from the British Empire, including the Dominions, to Japan, in 1935 and 1938, respectively?

I regret that the precise information desired is not available, as the detailed trade returns for 1938 have not yet been received from certain parts of the Empire. The two British countries of major importance in the production of copper ore are Canada and Northern Rhodesia. Following are particulars of exports of copper and copper ore from those two countries to Japan in 1935 and the latest year for which information is available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the respective areas in which the three experimental central slaughter-houses, to be set up under the Livestock Industry Act, 1937, are situated; and whether the advantages anticipated are being secured?

I understand that the Livestock Commission have not yet completed their examination of the various proposals which have been submitted to them for the establishment of experimental slaughter-houses under the Livestock Industry Act. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed, in connection with the coming season, to ask British canners of essential foods, such as vegetables, to increase their normal holdings; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that, in the case of vegetables, such additional crops are planted now, since within a few weeks it will be too late to take any effective action in this direction?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer to the reply which my- right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade gave on 2nd February last in regard to the desirability of manufacturers and traders maintaining, and if possible increasing, so far as their individual circumstances permit, their stocks of those materials and foodstuffs which will be necessary for the country in time of emergency.As regards the second part of the question, I am not aware that British canners have found any difficulty in obtaining materials, but if they anticipate difficulty I should be glad if they would inform me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements have been made for the distribution and safe storage of stocks of rubber other than in the ports of entry?

Proposals regarding the distribution of rubber stocks are under consideration with the trade. There are, however, obvious difficulties in removing from the ports stocks of materials which form the basis of a large re-export trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many marriages contracted in Scotland during the year 1938 were preceded by proclamation of banns; how many of such marriages were objected to; how many intentions to marry so proclaimed were objected to and, in consequence, were not followed by marriage; how many of the said objections were followed by proceedings in court; and how were these proceedings disposed of;(2) how many intended marriages were notified during the year 1938 at the offices of the registrars in Scotland; to how many of such marriages were objections intimated; in how many cases were proceedings taken in respect of such objections; and what was the nature of the proceedings?

In 1937—the most recent year for which the details are available—25,169 marriages were preceded by proclamation of banns in respect of both parties, 7,689 by publication of notice at registrars' offices in respect of both parties, and 762 by proclamation of banns for one party and notice for the other. With regard to the further information desired, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answers which my right hon. Friend gave him on 18th April.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of bigamous marriages giving rise to the charges in which the 58 persons convicted of bigamy in the Scottish courts in 1937 were involved; how many of these bigamous marriages were carried through by clergymen; how many by declaration; in what way were the remainder of said bigamous marriages contracted; how many of said marriages were contracted after proclamation of banns; and how many after notification at a registrar's office?

The total number of bigamous marriages was 54, of which 25 were celebrated by ministers of religion and 29 were irregular marriages by declaration. Of the 25 regular marriages, 12 were preceded by proclamation of banns and 13 by registrar's notice. Five of the 29 irregular marriages were never registered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the work on the modernisation of married quarters at Warley barracks, which is due to commence on 15th May, can be carried out by providing temporary accommodation within the barrack grounds by clearing vacant premises used for storing tables, chairs, etc., and by putting up temporary structures?

No, Sir. Limitations of space, together with the expense and the discomfort which would be involved, make the suggestion impracticable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why there is a German wireless transmitting station actually in Palestine; and whether he can make any statement with regard to its activities?

There is no German wireless transmitting station in Palestine. The second part of the question therefore does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider the advisability, in the event of war, of arranging that while certain aliens in this country are interned, others, of proved loyalty, shall be accepted as volunteers in the defence services of this country?

Yes, Sir. This will be considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will state the precise steps he proposes to take to ensure that in laying in stocks of tinned foodstuffs the householders are encouraged to purchase tinned meats, foods, and vegetables of British production as opposed to foreign imported produce?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on Tuesday, 18th April, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the different problems in connection with the Civil Defence Bill which affect property owners, he will consider consulting the National Federation of Property Owners and the other property owners' organisations; and whether, in that case, he can fix a date before the commencement of the Committee stage of the Bill?

I have already agreed to receive a deputation from the National Federation of Property Owners and the National Federation of Property Owners and Factors of Scotland.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the seamen now serving on vessels coasting round Britain have been supplied with gas-masks?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 2nd March to the hon. Member for the Cannock Division of Staffordshire (Mr. Adamson). Some 2,300 ships have now been supplied with gas-masks, but I do not know how many of these are engaged in the coasting trade.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what arrangements have been made for the issue of gas-masks to actors in touring companies and to other persons of no fixed abode; and whether he is satisfied that the arrangements in this connection are adequate?

Every local authority will hold a reserve of respirators from which on the occurrence of an emergency they would supply persons then in their area who had not previously obtained respirators.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the cost per mile for constructing two-way roads, such as sections recently completed on the Kingston by-pass; and the average cost of land purchased for road widening?

The average cost of constructing a new road 120 feet in width with two carriageways 30 feet wide, two cycle tracks 9 feet wide and two footpaths 8 feet wide, similar in layout to sections of the Kingston by-pass, varies from £60,000 to £75.000 a mile according to the amount of earthworks and the number of bridges involved. The variations in the cost of land, according to the locality and degree of development, are so wide as to make any "average figure" misleading.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the copy sent from residents of Corbridge-on-Tyne of an alternative scheme for a road diversion to that proposed by the Ministry of Transport, which latter they state is not a true by-pass and would divide Corbridge into two parts, whilst injuring the amenities of the area; and whether, as the alternative scheme possesses none of these disabilities, he is giving favourable consideration to the same?

I am considering the representations which have been made on the proposal to make an order under Section 1 (3) of the Trunk Roads Act for a by-pass to Corbridge, but I am not yet in a position to announce a decision on this case.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any progress has been made with his Department and the local authorities on Tyne-side in regard to a scheme for the crossing of the Tyne east of Newcastle?

Yes, Sir. Consulting engineers have been appointed to report to the County Councils of Northumberland and Durham as to the practicability and cost of constructing a road tunnel under the Tyne in the vicinity of Jarrow.

asked the Minister of Labour what action he has taken, or proposes to take, in order that the Employment Exchanges may play a part in assisting for the recruitment of the Territorial Army apart from the limited aid of displaying posters on the outside of the building at the discretion of the officer in charge of the district?

Employment Exchanges have been instructed to give to inquirers full information about all branches of National Service, including the Territorial Army. Advice as to which branch of National Service members of the public might join is available from National Service Committees and I am satisfied that that is likely to be the more effective course.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether, in order to help home and Empire agriculture the Committee will discontinue the sale of foreign-made cheese in the House of Commons?

The quantity of foreign cheese sold in our dining-rooms forms a very small percentage of the total amount consumed, and in the opinion of the Kitchen Committee it would not be advisable to discontinue the sale of these special cheeses.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether the Committeee will include Wensleydale cheese in the list of cheeses obtainable in the House of Commons?

The Kitchen Committee will be glad to supply Wensleydale cheese if there is a sufficient demand for it.

asked the Minister of Health whether the corporation of Liverpool replied to his circular as to public works and development in the next five years; and, if so, what are the schemes submitted and which have been approved for grant?

I have not yet received from the corporation of Liverpool the five-year programme of capital works asked for in my Circular 1687, but I am informed that they hope to be able to send me provisional figures at a very early date.

asked the Minister of Health what progress is being made by rural district councils in providing dwellings for rural workers?

I would refer to the answers given to my hon. Friend the Member for Frome (Mrs. Tate) and to the hon. Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Day) on 9th March, of which I am sending my hon. Friend copies. During the year ended 31st March, 1939, 15,201 new houses were approved for erection in rural districts and, during the calendar year 1938, 1,470 houses were approved for reconditioning with financial assistance under the Rural Workers Acts.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make it clear that the Government is wholly in agreement with the President of the United States in desiring to enable Germany to secure the raw materials of which she may stand in need?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Prime Minister's reply yesterday to the hon. Members for St. Ives (Mr. Beechman) and West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen).

asked the Prime Minister whether, in addition to the conclusion of a comprehensive pact of mutual assistance with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, His Majesty's Government are giving consideration to a bilateral agreement similar to the Franco-Soviet pact between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

As the Prime Minister made clear yesterday, no further statement can be made at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement concerning the activities of the British Commission for the exchange of Spanish war prisoners; how far it has intervened; and with what results, with General Franco, since the capture of Madrid?

The work of the British Commission for the Exchange of Prisoners began in August, 1938, and ceased when the civil war ended last March. During that time, although no spectacular results were obtained, the Commission made a valuable contribution towards the completion of an exchange for prisoners in the Cuban Embassy at Madrid and towards an exchange of 167 Italian prisoners of war in Republican hands against an equal number of International Brigade prisoners in the hands of the Spanish Government. Further, the Commission was able to play an important part in persuading both sides to refrain from executing death penalties imposed for political offences and so contributed to the saving of many lives. In the last days before the fall of Madrid, the activities of the liaison officer of the Commission, in co-operation with the Acting British Consul, did much to ensure the safety of the refugees in foreign Missions.The last part of the question does not arise, since the Commission's activities ceased with the disappearance of any organised Republican authority following the fall of Madrid.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the deep concern in many quarters at the announcement of the recent appointment of the British Ambassador to Washington on account of his pronounced pro-German sympathies and tendencies; and if, in view of existing tension regarding matters of foreign policy, an assurance will be given that those tendencies will not in future be publicly expressed in speech or print?

I cannot accept the hon. Member's statements as representing the position. I am confident that this appointment is warmly welcomed both in this country and in the United States.