asked the Prime Minister whether steps are being taken to make the guarantee given to Rumania and Greece reciprocal?

No, Sir.

But are the Government proposing to treat these obligations as purely one-sided? Are they not going to make them reciprocal, as in the case of Poland?

I have given the answer to that question.

Is it the objective of the Government to try to make them reciprocal, or are they one-sided?

I have just indicated what is the Government's attitude.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of the reasons why the Government are not going to make these guarantees reciprocal? Are we to understand that this is their established policy?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any information regarding the progress of the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Turkey?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my statement yesterday on the negotiations with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, to which I have nothing to add. His Majesty's Government continue to maintain close touch with the Turkish Government.

In view of the great anxiety existing in this country regarding the delay in reaching a conclusion of the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, may I ask whether there is any objection in principle to our negotiating a straight pact with the Russian Government on the lines of the Franco-Soviet Pact?

May I ask whether the account given in the "Times," often well informed on these matters, of the proposals put forward by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is substantially correct?

I could not answer that question without notice. I glanced at the statement in the "Times," but I have not any accurate memory of what it said.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that Herr Hitler has recently charged His Majesty's Government with having adopted a policy of encircling Germany, and that guarantees on a reciprocal basis were proposed by President Roosevelt in his recent peace appeal, His Majesty's Government would be willing to give a guarantee to Germany similar to that given to Poland on a reciprocal basis?

In recent statements I have made it quite clear that there is no foundation whatsoever for the charge that His Majesty's Government have adopted the policy of encircling Germany. What President Roosevelt proposed, and what I understand Herr Hitler to have offered, is the exchange of assurances of non-aggression, rather than a guarantee on a reciprocal basis such as that recently given by His Majesty's Government to the Polish Government. His Majesty's Government would certainly be ready to consider proposals for an exchange of reciprocal assurances with the German Government.

In view of the importance of the statement which the Prime Minister has just made, will the Government take proper steps to ensure that it is brought to the notice of the German public?

Is it not the case that reciprocal assurances were exchanged at Munich and have since been found to be worthless?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see whether the statement which has just been made by him can be included in the broadcast in German?

Will the Government make it plain that the arrangements they are now making are guarantees against aggression and may be participated in by any Government which is prepared in good faith to renounce aggression?

Certainly they are guarantees against aggression solely; and as regards any extension, I have no doubt that the Government will be glad to consider any proposals for their extension.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has been officially informed of the negotiations taking place between the Governments of Rumania and Bulgaria regarding the Bulgarian minority in the Dobrudja; and whether he has any information as to the prospects of an amicable settlement of this question?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is not advisable in the interests of collective security to see whether our good offices can be used to bring about a settlement of the difficulties?

We should like to see any differences settled, but whether we ourselves should offer our good offices is a matter which would have to be considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information to give the House as to the recent conversations between His Majesty's Government and the Rumanian Foreign Minister?

His Majesty's Government were very happy to receive the Rumanian Foreign Minister in London between the 23rd and 26th April. As was stated in the official communiqué issued after the conclusion of our conversations, the visit afforded a welcome oportunity for an exchange of views between M. Gafencu, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and myself. The meetings were characterised by the utmost frankness and cordiality on both sides, and served to emphasise the general community of outlook existing between the two Governments concerning current problems.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the fact that Herr Hitler has continually complained of the Treaty of Versailles, he will draw his attention to the losses of territory suffered by Russia and Rumania by the treaties of Brest-Litovsk and Bucharest?

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by such action, as the German Government must be well aware of the terms of those Treaties.

In view of the fact that the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk took away a quarter of the territory of Russia and 62,000,000 of her inhabitants, while the Treaty of Bucharest placed the whole of the economic resources of Rumania at the disposal of Germany, are not many of the complaints made by Herr Hitler about the Treaty of Versailles misleading, if not to say hypocritical?

Certainly I think that the German Government must be very well aware of the terms of the Treaties in question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Whangpoo Conservancy Board has yet been allowed to resume its work of dredging the approach to Shanghai?

No, Sir; but negotiations to this end with the Japanese authorities at Shanghai are being actively pursued and it is hoped that agreement may shortly be reached.

In view of the fact that these negotiations have been going on for a long time, and the fact that the work done by this board is of international importance to the shipping of all nations, will my right hon. Friend consider whether he should not try again?

My Noble Friend is aware of the value of the work done by the board, and I may be able to give a more hopeful answer as a result of the negotiations now proceeding.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of the recent representations made by the Government of the United States to the Japanese Government on the re opening of the Yangtze to merchant vessels; and whether he is in touch with the United States Government in the matter?

The answer to both parts of the question is, Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has been able to secure the removal of the barricades round the British Concession at Tientsin; and how far he has been able to secure the restoration of normal conditions?

The position remains as stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 3rd April. All possible steps are being taken to secure the restoration of normal conditions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the result of his inquiries into the complaint that a British company in Shanghai were refused permission by the Japanese authorities for four of their British employés to go to Hankow although two American employés of the company were allowed to proceed?

Yes, Sir, and the facts in this instance are as stated. It appears, however, that in a similar case at about the same time discrimination was exercised in favour of a British subject.

asked the Prime Minister what is the present position of the negotiations with the Japanese Government on the subject of the reopening of the Yangtze to commercial traffic?

The position remains as stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on 5th April.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that these long delays are very detrimental to British trade and the position of this country?

Yes, Sir, that is fully realised, and that is why we trust that some solution will be found.

asked the Prime Minister (1) to what extent the assurance recently given by His Majesty's Government to Poland was inconsistent with the provisions of the Anglo-German Naval Treaty; and whether the treaty contained any clause permitting either Government to denounce its validity;

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make concerning the denunciation by Germany of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement; and whether it is proposed to accept the invitation of Herr Hitler to negotiate another naval agreement?

His Majesty's Government are considering the recent announcements of the German Government on the subject of the Anglo-German Naval Agreements of 1935 and 1937. His Majesty's Government do not regard the assurances recently given by them to Poland as in any way inconsistent with the provisions of the Anglo-German Naval Agreements. There is no provision in the Agreements which permits either Government to denounce their validity.

Is it the intention of the Government to ask Sir Nevile Henderson to come home to report on the denunciation of this treaty by the German Government?

I do not think that is necessary.

May I ask whether, on examination, any justification whatsoever has been found for the grounds on which Herr Hitler has denounced this treaty; and will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the latter part of my question, where I ask whether it is proposed to accept the invitation of Herr Hitler to negotiate a further naval treaty?

As to the first part of the question, I think that I have already made that clear in the statement which I have just made. With regard to the second part, I am not sure that the proposal of Herr Hitler is to negotiate a second treaty, but His Majesty's Government are considering what reply they should make to the German Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what action has been taken with regard to those officials who produced an estimate of £434,710 for the building of the Newfoundland mailplane base which when work started on it was found to cost £746,338; and what safeguards have been introduced to avoid similar errors of such dimensions in the future?

The original estimate of the cost of the work at the Newfoundland air base was prepared jointly by two engineers, one an officer of the Air Ministry, now deceased, and the other appointed by the Government of Newfoundland. It was necessary to estimate the cost of preparing, in a remote part of Newfoundland, a land aerodrome from virgin forest for use by modern aircraft with their requirements of extensive and well-surfaced runways, as well as the cost of providing marine alighting areas. It was impossible to forecast with accuracy the geological and other difficulties likely to be encountered under such unusual conditions.

While it is clear that the figure could not be forecast exactly, was it not possible to get nearer than £434,000 when the real cost is found to be £746,000?

The circumstances were very exceptional, as the hon. Member will, no doubt, realise.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make some statement regarding the introduction of the Electricity Distribution Bill?

I cannot add to what has already been said regarding the introduction of this legislation, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the reorganisation of electricity distribution is regarded as a matter of major importance with which it is intended to deal as soon as circumstances permit.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that in July, 1937, there was a public inquiry in Evesham because the rural areas were inadequately supplied with electricity by the Shropshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire Electricity Supply Company? Just as we have a national telephone system, could we not have a uniform rate and a uniform supply of electricity throughout the country? The present position is an absolute scandal.

My hon. Friend will be aware that the Prime Minister answered this question on 1st March.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that although the rural areas stand in need of urgent electricity nothing is done, owing to the persistent obstruction of these vested interests?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Grampian Electricity Supply Company has a statutory monopoly for the supply of electricity to the rural and agricultural areas in Western Stirlingshire; that the company has recently refused to carry its supplies into an area on the ground that guarantees have not been forthcoming for demands sufficient to meet an undefined percentage return upon its estimated capital expenditure; what is the percentage required; and what steps he is taking to see that the area in question is supplied with electricity at a reasonable rate?

I assume the right hon. Gentleman is referring to an extension of the Grampian Company's mains to Fintry and Newtown. I am informed that the eventual maximum gross revenue on an immediate expenditure of £2,800 is at present estimated at only £195, but that the company would be prepared to proceed if they were assured of a gross revenue of £350.

Is the Minister aware that under the Act of 1922, under which this concern operates, they may require a prospective profit of 25 per cent. upon their capital outlay before they will take electricity into a rural area; and does he think that that is encouraging electrical development in this country?

Surely it is a gross revenue of 25 per cent?

Is not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Act gives this concern power to demand that profit, and that the canvass has been grossly insufficient to enable the concern to discover the number of prospective consumers?

This is a difficult question to discuss across the Table. I have given the right hon. Gentleman in- formation on the subject and I shall be glad to see him again.

Is not 12½ per cent. gross revenue on the capital outlay a very high percentage for this company to demand? Do the Electricity Commissioners not exercise pressure on other bodies to give a supply when a far lower gross revenue than that is guaranteed?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons which recently led to a censorship being imposed by the Cyprus authorities on the newspaper "Embros"; and whether he will specify the article or articles which were thought to justify such a step?

Under the Cyprus Press Law, the Colonial Secretary of Cyprus is empowered to impose censorship upon a newspaper when he is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so, and this was the reason which prompted him to take the action referred to by the Member. The Colonial Secretary is not required to specify any particular article or articles. I may add that, though the proprietor of the "Embros" did not exercise his statutory right of appeal in this matter, the censorship was in fact removed early in February last.

Is it not the fact that this censorship was imposed on the day following the publication of an extremely mild and inoffensive leading article on the subject of the freedom of the Press?

I am not prepared to add to the statement which I have already made. As I have indicated in my answer, the matter was satisfactorily settled many weeks ago.

Is it not reasonable to ask the right hon. Gentleman to give the reasons why this action should have been taken?

I have given the reason in my answer, and beyond that I am not prepared to go.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons why the Cyprus authorities last year banned the film of the funeral of Kemal Ataturk and the film of a recent wedding in the Greek Royal Family, while films depicting Nazi and Fascist activities were allowed to be shown?

Film censorship in Cyprus is exercised by a body composed partly of officials and partly of non-officials, on which I understand that the principal local communities are all represented. I do not exercise any detailed control over their proceedings, and am unable to say what reasons may have guided them in reaching particular decisions.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman inquire what the reasons are, and inform the House?

Yes, Sir; I am already making inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the imports of British textiles into those Colonies where preferential tariffs exist show any increase during the last six months?

In most Colonial dependencies, figures distinguishing between British and foreign imports of textiles are published on an annual basis only, and I regret, therefore, that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available. Such figures as there are indicate that there has been an increase in the six months ending 31st March, 1939, as compared with the immediately preceding six months.

In view of the advantage which Lancashire has derived from these tariffs, will my right hon. Friend say that he intends to maintain them?

There is no intention to alter them.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the specific election pledge against conscription given by his predecessor at the opening of the general election campaign at Wolverhampton, on 28th October, 1935; and whether, in view of that election pledge, he will consider postponing further consideration of legislation contrary to the said pledge until a further appeal has been made to the country?

My attention has been called to the speech referred to in the question, in the course of which my predecessor (replying to a remark made by an Opposition candidate) said there was no intention of introducing conscription. He also said, in the same speech, that there was not and would not be any question of huge armaments or materially increased forces. Since then the march of events has made it necessary to embark upon the largest and most costly pro- gramme of rearmament even undertaken by this country when not at war, and the same considerations have now compelled us to adopt the limited measure of compulsory military training provided for in the Bill at present before the House.

Does the Prime Minister not consider that to dishonour so specific a pledge on so vital an issue is a serious disservice to democratic methods?

Is my right hon Friend aware that in the interview given in New York last Friday Lord Baldwin stated that circumstances must alter cases and that he would have acted as the Prime Minister has now acted?

I did not see that statement, but I am naturally very gratified to see that my action has the approval of Lord Baldwin.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in connection with the pledge his predecessor gave with reference to there being no great rearmament, he later confessed in this House that when he gave that pledge he had no intention of keeping it? Is that true of the other pledge, too?

Is it not usually the case that all pledges given at Wolverhampton are honoured?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has now completed his examination into the questions that have arisen in regard to the working or organisation of the Fleet Air Arm; and will he make a statement as to the conclusions arrived at?

I am not aware of the particular questions which the hon. Member has in mind. Problems of organisation arising out of the transfer to the Admiralty of responsibility for the Fleet Air Arm are being dealt with by that Department in close contact with the Air Ministry.

Is the Minister aware that his predecessor who answered this question said the matter was receiving consideration?

Since then there has been the transfer of the Fleet Air Arm to the Admiralty.

asked the Paymaster-General, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he can make any statement as to the injuries caused to 16 children and two men at Paignton, on 20th April, by the explosion of a hydrogen balloon released by the National Physical Laboratory; and whether he is prepared to accept liability for medical expenses incurred in treating the injured persons without prejudice to any claims for damages that may be made hereafter?

I am desired to express my Noble Friend's sincere regret at this accident, and I am sure the House will wish to join with him in extending sympathy to the victims. While it is understood that the burns sustained by Mr. Lymath and Mr. Browse are more extensive than those by the children, the majority of whom are believed to have sustained only minor injuries, my Noble Friend hopes that in no case will there be any permanent injury or disability. Although there can be no question of legal liability, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research will be prepared to pay fair compensation to those injured, and this decision was communicated by letter to the clerk to the Paignton Urban District Council on 21st April, the day following the accident.

Have any of the children suffered any permanent injury?

In my reply, I said it was hoped that none of them had suffered any permanent injury.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the petition of Mr. J. W. Butler, of Trinidad, respecting his allegations of unjustifiable degradation; and whether he is now prepared to take any action in the matter?

The petition has been under consideration, but it has been necessary to refer back certain points to the Acting-Governor of Trinidad. Until I have received his reply I am unable to answer the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position in the Gold Coast of the cocoa trade and also of the textile, cotton, imports into that district; and whether the results of the commission's recommendations have proved satisfactory and effective?

Almost the whole of the 1938–39 Gold Coast cocoa crop has now been disposed of. No marketing difficulties have been experienced, but prices have remained low throughout the season. Imports of cotton piece goods have fallen by nearly 20 per cent. during the cocoa season just completed, as compared with imports in the 1937–38 season, when importers were laying in stocks which have since had to be liquidated. With regard to the last part of the question, I cannot yet add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn) on 8th March.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he is likely to be able to give a reply with regard to the recommendations of the Commission?

I am expecting the report of the Commission which has been set up on the Gold Coast, some time early in June.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of registered trade unions in Jamaica, Trinidad, and British Guiana, respectively; and the approximate membership of the registered unions in each Colony?

According to my latest information, there are six registered trade unions in Jamaica, 16 in Trinidad, and six in British Guiana. In Jamaica three further unions have applied for registration. I have no information as to the approximate membership of registered unions in each Colony.

Will the Minister make representations to the Government Departments in Trinidad to recognise those unions?