asked the Prime Minister whether he has made inquiries to ascertain whether the recent murder of the British consul at Mosul was the result of subversive propaganda by the agents of the Government of another European country?

I understand that no connection has been established between the individuals arrested and sentenced for Mr. Monck Mason's murder and the agents of any foreign Power. Both the Iraqi Government and His Majesty's Government are, however, watching the question with close concern.

As I was present in the district at the time this murder took place, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that, following on the regrettable death of King Ghazi, rumours were spread wide in Iraq and places as far distant as Beyrout and Basra, that the death had been caused by the machination of British agents, and that the murder of the Consul at Mosul was the direct result of these propaganda statements, which were in every case attributed to the agents of the German Government?

Is it not a fact that the Iraq Government have expelled the agents of a foreign Power who were responsible for spreading these rumours?

I do not think the matter is quite as stated by the hon. Member. As a result of inquiries made I have given the House the information in our posses- sion, that no connection has been established between the individuals responsible for the murder and the agents of any foreign Power.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that immediately following the death of the King the broadcasting stations of two foreign Powers broadcast statements attributing the fatality to the machinations of British agents?

I have not actual personal knowledge of that, but if the hon. and gallant Member will put the facts before me I will consult my noble Friend.

I shall be glad to do so.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement according to his latest information concerning the present position of the withdrawal of foreign troops from Spain; and are there any British subjects in the hands of the Spanish authorities serving sentences passed upon them for offences during the recent civil war?

The Spanish Government have given an assurance that all foreign troops will be withdrawn immediately after the victory parade, which is to be held at Madrid in the near future. Certain withdrawals of troops have in fact already taken place. Three British subjects are reported to be detained in Spain as civil prisoners. My Noble Friend is making urgent inquiries to obtain further details.

May we be informed whether the troops that have already been withdrawn have now returned to Spain?

No, Sir.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea when the victory parade will take place?

I should not like to give an exact date.

Is it not to be on 30th May? How many times has it been postponed?

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the recent decision of the Japanese Government not to enter into a fuller alliance with Germany and Italy for military and other purposes, whether he will take immediate steps to propose to the Japanese Government a cessation of its aggressive action in China and the withdrawal of her troops, and the immediate holding of a Far Eastern conference between all Powers affected, with a view to securing an agreement of non-aggression and of equitable economic co-operation?

My Noble Friend has only seen newspaper reports of such a decision. The views of His Majesty's Government were fully set out in their Note of 14th January to the Japanese Government.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to ascertain the facts, to see whether they really relate to the newspaper reports to which he has referred?

I think the initiative in this matter lies with Japan.

Would it not be desirable that we should have the information, and has not the right hon. Gentleman the means of securing the information?

Would it not be better to assist the Chinese to drive the aggressors out of China?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make it plain to the Japanese Government that His Majesty's Government will decline to consider any change in the constitution of the Shanghai Municipal Council in favour of the Japanese until the Japanese authorities have demonstrated their ability to maintain order in the districts under their control surrounding the International Settlement?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on Monday last to my hon. Friends the Members for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) and Preston (Mr. Moreing) to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any reports on the results of the recent Japanese bombing of Chungking, especially with regard to the loss of life among civilian non-combatants?

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to its publication, he will ask the British representatives at Chungking for a full report on the recent air raid on the city, the number of civilians killed and wounded, and the amount of actual damage to Chinese military equipment?

During the course of an air raid on Chungking on 4th May explosive and incendiary bombs were dropped in various parts of the city. One explosive bomb dropped in the native staff quarter of the British Consulate General and I much regret to say that two Chinese members of the staff were killed and 11 wounded. My noble Friend is now awaiting a fuller report on the general results of the raid. His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo has been instructed to protest vigorously to the Japanese Government.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any protest against the adverse effect on British nationals or against the bombing?

The first consideration was the making of a protest, but I can assure the hon. Member that the effect on British nationals will also be discussed.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the interests of peace, he will consider proposing to the German Government an arrangement with the German and British Press by which official reasoned statements of the respective policies of the German and the British Governments should be published simultaneously and recurrently in the Press of both countries, or whether he has considered, or will consider, alternative means of securing mutual popular consideration of governmental and national policies?

Official German statements already receive full publicity in the British Press, and His Majesty's Government would naturally welcome arrangements for adequate publicity to be given in the German Press to official British statements. His Majesty's Government are ready to consider any practical suggestions, but I doubt whether any useful purpose would be served by acting on the hon. Member's proposal.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least consider its advisability? Although it may be a novel idea, will he consider it sympathetically? If this arrangement could be adopted, would it not be a valuable means of obtaining publicity in the German Press of our pacific intentions in this country?

I appreciate the value of the suggestion, and it will continue to receive our close consideration.

Is it not much more important that the German Government should consider this?

That is precisely one of the difficulties.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the German Government has no intention of allowing its people to know the truth?

No, Sir, I could not generally accept that.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the recent negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Turkish Government?

I hope to be able to make a statement very shortly, but at present I cannot add anything to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby) on 3rd May.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to delay making a statement about these negotiations with Turkey until the discussions with the Russian Government have been concluded?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister what reply has been received from Germany to the British Government's offer to guarantee Germany against aggression; and whether the offer has been conveyed through diplomatic channels?

What I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 3rd May was that His Majesty's Government would certainly be ready to consider proposals for an exchange of reciprocal assurances with the German Government. This offer has not been conveyed through the diplo- matic channel and His Majesty's Government have not received any communications from the German Government on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the territorial boundary which the British Government would be prepared to consider guaranteeing would include or not the new Czecho-Slovakian areas recently seized by Germany?

That is a hypothetical question.

asked the Prime Minister whether any agreement has yet been made with the Italian Government for the demarcation of the frontier between Abyssinia and the Sudan in the region of Gambela and in the valleys of Akob and Sobat?

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 29th March to the hon. and learned Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) to which I have nothing to add at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the necessity of protecting the people in this area if it should be ceded?

I think we had better await the consideration of the joint memorandum of the British and Egyptian Governments, which the Italian Government is now considering.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent strong manifestation of public opinion as tested by the Institute of Public Opinion in favour of a military alliance between Great Britain, France, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, he will reconsider the instructions given to the British Ambassador at Moscow?

The answer is in the negative, but I would ask the hon. Lady to await a reply which the Prime Minister is giving at the end of Questions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this important and scientific test 87 per cent. answered "Yes" to the question; 6 per cent. were against and 7 per cent. gave no answer at all? Has he any reason for doubting the value of this test?

No, Sir. I am always interested in any scientific test. When I have applied it in my constituency I have always been returned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that whilst there is general unity on the subject of co-operation against aggression, any idea of a permanent commitment of our people in a military alliance other than that with France would be regarded with the greatest disquiet?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the observations just made are entirely without foundation?

Does not the hon. and gallant Member speak for the people of the Fifth Column?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement issued in Moscow regarding the proposals of the British Government and whether, in view of this, he will now state the nature of the proposals made by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and of the reply of His Majesty's Government.

I have seen the statement to which the right hon. Gentleman refers and which seems to be based upon some misunderstanding of the suggestions actually put forward by His Majesty's Government to the Soviet Government. Though conversations are still in progress and the House will not, therefore, expect me to discuss these matters in detail, I think it right, in view of this statement, to place the House in possession of the general line on which the conversations have been hitherto proceeding.

As the House is aware, His Majesty's Government recently accepted a definite obligation in respect of certain Eastern European States. They did this in pursuance of their declared policy of assisting those States to resist any attempt, if such were made, to threaten their independence. His Majesty's Government undertook these obligations without inviting the Soviet Government to participate directly in them, in view of certain difficulties to which, as the House is well aware, any such suggestion would inevitably give rise. His Majesty's Government accordingly suggested to the Soviet Government that they should make, on their own behalf, a declaration of similar effect to that already made by His Majesty's Government, in the sense that, in the event of Great Britain and France being involved in hostilities in discharge of their own obligations thus accepted, the Soviet Government, on their side, would express their readiness also to lend assistance, if desired. Such a declaration, if the Soviet Government feel able to make it, seems to His Majesty's Government to be in accord with the recent pronouncement of M. Stalin, that it is the policy of the Soviet Government to support countries which might be victims of aggression and which were prepared to defend their own independence.

Almost simultaneously the Soviet Government suggested a scheme at once more comprehensive and more rigid which, whatever other advantages it might present, must in the view of His Majesty's Government inevitably raise the very difficulties which their own proposals had been designed to avoid. His Majesty's Government accordingly pointed out to the Soviet Government the existence of these difficulties. At the same time they made certain modifications in their original proposals. In particular, they made it plain that it was no part of their intention that the Soviet Government should commit themselves to intervene, irrespective of whether Great Britain and France had already, in discharge of their obligations, done so. His Majesty's Government added that, if the Soviet Government wished to make their own intervention contingent on that of Great Britain and France, His Majesty's Government for their part would have no objection.

My Noble Friend yesterday saw the Soviet Ambassador, who explained to him that the Soviet Government were still not clear whether under the proposal of His Majesty's Government circumstances might not arise in which the Soviet Government would be committed to intervention unsupported by His Majesty's Government or France. My Noble Friend assured the Ambassador that this was definitely not the intention of the proposal, made by His Majesty's Government and that, if there were any room for doubt on this point, my Noble Friend anticipated that it could without difficulty be removed. He accordingly invited the Soviet Ambassador to place His Majesty's Government in possession of the precise grounds on which these doubts of his Government were based, if they still existed, and this the Soviet Ambassador readily agreed to do.

I should add that the British Ambassador in Moscow had an interview two days ago with M. Molotov, at the conclusion of which M. Molotov promised that the Soviet Government would give careful consideration to our proposals, and we are now awaiting their reply.

Would it not be a good thing, in order to speed up these very slow negotiations, the slowness of which is causing grave apprehension in the country, that Lord Halifax should proceed to Moscow and have a straightforward discussion with M. Molotov?

I think we had better await the reply of the Soviet Government and then we shall see what further steps are required.

The Prime Minister has been good enough to explain to the House the policy put forward by His Majesty's Government to Russia, and will he be good enough at the same time to explain the so-called rigid proposals of the Russian Government which the British Government have been unable to accept?

I do not think it is necessary for me to add anything to the statement I have made.

May I take it from the Prime Minister that in these negotiations we are keeping in the closest touch with the French Government, in order that the views of all three Governments may be clear before the making, as we hope, of a firm agreement against aggression?

Yes, Sir, we are keeping in the closest touch with the French Government continuously.

Will the Prime Minister assure the House that the Government regard the conclusion of these negotiations as a matter of real urgency?

We regard it as of the greatest importance and of real urgency.

Can the House take it that His Majesty's Government have not finally closed their minds to, if circumstances necessitate, the conclusion of a military alliance with Russia?

I cannot answer a hypothetical question. Discussions are going on on certain lines, and we are very hopeful that they will soon come to a satisfactory issue.

Could the Prime Minister tell us whether the terms set out would include, if Great Britain found herself attacked by an aggressor, assistance by Russia to this country?

I made a careful and full statement, and I think it is very much better that I should not add to it.

Do the Government's proposals contemplate only the contingency of war? Do they not also contemplate the contingency of peaceful negotiations, and is there any assurance to Russia that, if peaceful negotiations are entered into, Russia will be a party to those negotiations?

What the negotiations are contemplating is an act of aggression.

Can the Prime Minister confirm the point that the guarantee given to Poland does not in any way preclude an alliance with Russia, and that Colonel Beck gave express assurances on that point?

Does the hon. Member mean an alliance between this country and Russia?

Yes.

No, that is not excluded.

And did Colonel Beck raise no objection?

I did not say that at all. The question which the hon. Member asked me was whether the arrangement with Poland excluded the possibility of an alliance between this country and Russia, and to that I said "No."

asked the Prime Minister who will represent His Majesty's Government at the forthcoming meeting of the Council of the League of Nations?

The United Kingdom representative will be my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any alternative sites to Langstone Harbour and Southampton for development as an Empire airport have been inspected and with what result?

Yes, Sir. In all, nine suggested alternatives have been examined at various times, but after consideration of the many factors that must be taken into account in arriving at a decision, including cost, operational convenience, time involved in construction and the future of the flying boat in the Empire Air Mail Scheme, it has been decided that, in present circumstances, the marine base should remain at Southampton.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has any information and can state the country or countries of origin of the aircraft now used in operation by the South African Airways on the Johannesburg to Cape Town air service?

The choice of aircraft equipment used by South African Airways is not a matter for the Air Ministry, but I understand that for the fast service from Johannesburg to Cape Town Ju.86 aircraft are used, and for the slower service over the same route Ju.52 aircraft are used. Both types are of German construction.

Can the Under-Secretary say how many of these aircraft are used on this service?

No, Sir. If the hon. Member wants any further information he should put a question to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say whether British aircraft manufacturers had any opportunity of tendering for aircraft for use on this service?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made with preparation of the ground for the air service to the Isle of Lewis; and whether he is now able to state at what date it is proposed to begin a regular service?

I understand that the operating company began work on the proposed aerodrome at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, in March last and that it is expected that the work will be completed during the autumn of this year. I am informed that the company has applied to the Air Transport Licensing Authority for a licence for a regular service which they propose to start next spring.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what proposals he has received for restoring the regular air services to the Isle of South Uist; and what early action he proposes?

No proposals have been received in regard to the restoration of the regular air services to the Isle of South Uist. The restoration or initiation of a regular air service is a matter for the operating company concerned, subject to the granting of a licence by the Air Transport Licensing Authority, and it is not, therefore, possible for my Department to take any action in regard to the restoration of the service in question. I understand, however, that there is a service available on demand on charter terms, but that the operating company do not consider that the institution of a regular service is practicable in view of the small amount of traffic operating to and from the Island. Further, on account of the unsatisfactory condition of the aerodrome, it has been necessary to stipulate that services may not operate from South Uist with more than 60 per cent. load.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has any statement to make with regard to the organisation of the carrier-pigeon service and the registration of suitable staff and pigeons in the event of emergency?

Yes, Sir. A comprehensive scheme has now been approved for making full use of homing pigeon services in peace and war. The work of organisation on behalf of the Air Ministry is being undertaken by a committee representing the various bodies concerned, and will include the preparation of a register of owners in suitable localities who are willing to offer their services. A large number of applications from such owners has already been received. Full details of the scheme, which provides for annual grants to owners whose pigeons are accepted for the service of the Air Ministry, are being published to-day in a communiqué of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

Are pigeons to be conscripted from the various lofts?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, having regard to the fresh sources of unskilled personnel that will shortly become available for training with the Royal Air Force, consequent upon the introduction of conscription, he will take steps to effect economy and efficiency by the abolition or drastic modification of the Civil Air Guard scheme?

The question whether the provisions of the Military Training Bill will necessitate any modifications of the Civil Air Guard scheme is being considered; but in view of the wide age limits under this scheme my right hon. Friend does not anticipate any drastic changes. The main purpose of the Civil Air Guard scheme is not affected by the Bill.

Can the Under-Secretary tell me what is the expenditure to date on this scheme, and how many first-line pilots have been produced?

If the hon. and gallant Member will put that question down I will do my best to give him an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the inadequate sum paid towards the funeral expenses of deceased airmen, killed in the Service, where the body is removed by relatives for burial; and whether steps have been taken to increase the amount of £7 108.?

This matter has been under review and my Department will, in certain cases, increase the grant to a maximum of £10.

Is there any possibility of a further increase seeing that the amount already agreed to would in many cases fall below the expenses allowed for a single person who has died as the result of an industrial accident?

I think we had better wait until we have had some more experience.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that Brown Bayley's Steel Works, Limited, propose to acquire 50 acres of land at Edale, the heart of the Peak District, in order to manufacture steel for the construction of aeroplanes; and whether he will make it clear that he will withhold contracts from them unless they put their factory on a site where it will not destroy the amenities of one of the most beautiful parts of the country?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the requirements for steel supplies for Royal Air Force purposes must govern the placing of orders with manufacturers by my Department. The site proposed for these works was not selected by my Department but by the firm concerned and I understand that the proposal to establish the works at Edale has been approved by the development authority under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932. I am, however, looking further into this matter in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, and I propose to see representatives of the firm forthwith.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether I shall be right in assuming that the prospect of such an offence to public opinion being committed in the name of air defence makes him uncomfortable?

Will not the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with Brown Bayley to get these steel works erected on some of the sites available in the West Riding of Yorkshire and not spoil the beautiful district of Edale?

I propose to represent to the firm what I have discovered are the feelings of the House and to discuss with them the possibility of an alternative site.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain the views of the Minister of Agriculture in view of the splendid agricultural land in this area?

Will the Minister, as a matter of general policy, apart from individual sites, see that these works are put down in the distressed areas where social services already exist?

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the firm that there is a storm of strong indignation in the Midlands against this vandalistic proposal?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the proposed factory is one in respect of which a substantial Government grant is proposed, and if that is the case will he undertake to see that public money is not used to destroy one of the most beautiful places in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, with a view to the eventual elimination of the evil of child labour in the Colonies, he will advise 14 years as the age for all classes of child labour in the pending legislation in Kenya Colony?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 14th December last, to which I have nothing to add.

Would it be permissible for me to refer the Minister to the answer which he gave me about two weeks ago, in which he showed that only a certain class of children are required to have the 14 limit in Kenya, and will he not take steps to put an end to the disgrace of employing children under 14 years of age in Kenya Colony?

The answer to which I referred covers the point of the different types of employment which children take on in Kenya.

The answer to which I referred relates to these types, and I want to have no type employed under 14.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many native children in Kenya are attending grant-aided schools, and what fees are charged?

124,005 African children attended grant-aided schools in Kenya in 1938. Elementary school fees are fixed on a district basis and are related to economic conditions. A typical scale is: for boys, 50 cents—that is sixpence—a term rising to three shillings a term in the fifth year; and for girls, free tuition on entry, rising to two shillings a term in the fifth year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many children have been turned out of the elementary schools in Kenya because of inability to continue to pay fees?

The Governor informs me that no cases have been brought to his notice of children being turned out of elementary schools owing to inability to pay fees. Government and mission schools reduce fees for poor pupils.

If I bring some cases to the right hon. Gentleman's notice, will he inquire into the matter?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many elementary schools provided for the education of native children in Kenya receive a grant-in-aid from public funds; and whether such a grant is dependent upon fees being charged?

367 elementary schools received grants-in-aid in 1938. Grants are not dependent upon fees being charged, but aided schools are advised to charge fees.

Is it desirable to charge fees to children attending those schools when those fees have to be paid by parents who are, in the main, earning about 8s. a month?

There is a good deal of elasticity in the matter of fees. It has been found that in cases where fees can be charged, it enables the benefits of education to be spread over a wider population.

Is it really necessary when only about 16 per cent. of the children get any education at all, and when the parents are earning only 8s. a month, that they should have to pay these fees, in addition to heavy direct taxation?

Wages vary from district to district and, as my previous answer indicated, an allowance is made for poor parents.

Would not the Minister's answer do away with all free elementary education, if applied to this country; and if we give free elementary education here where wages are high, surely we can do something for these poorly-paid labourers in our own Empire?

It has not done away with free elementary education in Kenya.

Very nearly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the advisability of taking action to prevent the ex-Mufti from continuing his anti-British activities by staying in Syria and organising outrages in Palestine?

His Majesty's Government are in close touch with the French Government on this matter.

Is there the slightest doubt that the ex-Mufti has been carrying on his propaganda for a long time encouraging outrages in Palestine? Can the Minister say nothing more than that he is in close touch with the French Government? Are they not going to do anything about it?

We have made it perfectly clear from time to time what is our view of the activities carried on by the Mufti of Jerusalem, and we have not altered our opinion with regard to that matter.

What is the good of the Government having an opinion unless they do something about it? Are they not prepared to bring pressure upon our friend and ally France to put an end to these activities of the ex-Mufti?

For how many years have the Colonial Office been in close touch with France on this subject? Have they received a direct refusal from the French Government to take any action in the matter?

Our information is that in recent times the surveillance over the activities of the Mufti of Jerusalem has been stricter than it was some time ago.

Has it checked them?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that in no circumstances will the Government allow the Mufti to return to Palestine, where so many murders have been committed at his command?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the outcome of the recent Palestinian Conference held in London?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make as to the progress of negotiations for a basis of settlement in the Palestine controversy?

A statement regarding future policy in Palestine will be presented to Parliament as a Command Paper in the near future.

Will it be before Whitsun? Can the right hon. Gentleman give some indication as to when it will be?

I cannot at present add to the statement I have made regarding the near future.

Is it not the case that this conference was, in fact, completely dominated by the ex-Mufti in the background?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has inquired into the killing of a refugee and the wounding of two others on board the Greek ship "Aghios Nicolaos" which was carrying refugees to Palestine; whether motor-boats employed by the Palestinian Government were involved; how many refugees were landed from the this ship; and what has happened to this ship?

I apologise for the length of the reply. I have inquired into the action taken by the Palestine Government with regard to this ship, and the facts are as follow:

On 31st March at 11.30 p.m. a ship was observed by a police launch within Palestine territorial waters, steaming slowly without lights. When a quarter of a mile off the coast the ship stopped, whereupon she was challenged by the police launch which had approached within 50 yards. On sighting the launch the ship immediately started moving, and failed to respond to a signal to heave to. The police launch then fired a white Verey light for illumination, and as the vessel still showed no signs of stopping, the commander fired his revolver across the bows of the vessel and subsequently into the ship itself, which was drawing rapidly away. The launch followed the ship until sight of her was lost outside the territorial limits. During the encounter no passengers were seen on the ship, but on deck in front of the bridge was a large pile of wooden cases believed to contain arms which had been reported as in transit to Palestine. The action taken by the police launch was in accordance with Section 170 of the Palestine Customs Ordinance, 1929. No passengers were landed from the ship. But the Palestine authorities later received a report that a ship called the "Aghios Nicolaos" arrived at the port of Kandia in Crete on 4th April with 687 Jews from Rumania on board, and that when fired upon by a coastguard vessel off Palestine a few days previously two passengers had been wounded, one of whom had subsequently died. I have no other information confirming this report. If it is true I regret that the illegal activity of this ship should have resulted in the death of an individual.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will have inquiry made at the port where the ship was entering into these casualties, and if they are found to be correct, will he take action as regards the firing on this ship? I understand there is no martial law in Palestine, and, therefore, I request that the right hon. Gentleman should have a strict inquiry made into this action, which is typical—[ Interruption ]. I beg to give notice that I intend to ask for leave to move the Adjournment of the House on this matter at the end of Questions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the hardship and suffering from which many of the original party died during their voyage to Palestine, it is intended to permit the remaining 182 refugees now in quarantine in Haifa to remain in the country?

The case of these people is still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to say what decision will be taken in regard to them. As the hon. Member is aware, they are now in quarantine.

If these people are allowed to remain in Palestine will their numbers be set against the number of legal immigrants in the future?

Yes, Sir, that is the policy of the Government.

Are not these so-called illegal immigrants actually less illegal than the action of His Majesty's Government who have set aside the original "economic absorptive capacity" policy?

This immigration in Palestine is definitely illegal. As regards policy, that is a matter of opinion, but I cannot agree to the implication in the hon. Gentleman's question.

Has not the economic absorptive capacity already been exceeded?

When does the Minister anticipate that a decision will be arrived at?

I expect at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the average monthly number of workers employed in the gold, tin, and coal mines of Nigeria, respectively?

The latest figures immediately available are for the year 1937, and show that during that year the average numbers of African workers employed in the gold, tin, and coal mines were 9,902, 36,142 and 1,634 respectively.

Are any women or girls employed in the tin mines in Nigeria?

I should require notice of that question, but I imagine that men are employed underground, at any rate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements have been made for the publication at an early date of the report of the Commission of Inquiry with regard to the settlement of refugees in British Guiana; and whether any decision has been reached with regard to the recommendations of the Commission?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received the report of the British Government representatives who recently visited British Guiana to investigate the advisability of settling refugees in that territory; and, if so, will he consider placing a copy of the report in the Library of the House of Commons?

The report has been printed as a White Paper and copies will be available in the Vote Office for Members this evening. It is addressed to the United States President's Advisory Committee on Political Refugees, and is being carefully considered by the refugee organisations here and in America. His Majesty's Government, who are in touch with the refugee organisation in this country, are also giving the report active consideration, and expect to be in a position to make a statement at a very early date.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to issue a further White Paper when the Government's decision has been reached?

I doubt whether a White Paper would be necessary. I think a statement at this Box would be all that would be required.

May I ask whether, side by side with the publication of the report, the memoranda provided by the experts will also be published, and is it not the case that the experts expressed very grave doubts about the possibility of large-scale immigration into British Guiana owing to the climatic conditions, lack of fertility of the soil, and lack of communications there?

Various reports by experts were considered, in conjunction with the experts, by the Commission in drawing up their final report, and the report which will be published as a White Paper this afternoon will contain the views of the Commission after carefully examining those individual reports. With regard to the reports of the experts, we anticipate publishing them in a separate document as early as possible afterwards.

Before the Government make up their mind on the report, will copies of the experts' memoranda be made available to Members of the House?

Do not experts always damp down enthusiasm?

Is it not surprising that so many representatives of the refugees should run down the efforts of the British Government to settle refugees in British Guiana?

In considering their policy the Government will, of course, take careful account of the experts' reports. These will be published as soon as it is physically possible to produce them. With regard to the general question, His Majesty's Government have considerable hopes of the settlement possibilities in British Guiana.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the number of British persons employed at the present time in Hong Kong?

I have not this information, but will ask the Governor for an estimate of the number.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also ask whether these persons are employed by British interests?

I will seek that information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what expenses were incurred by the Government of Sierra Leone in respect of the recent strikes; how the Government propose to meet this extra expenditure; and how the financial responsibility in connection with the War Department strike has been allocated?

I have not the material for which the hon. Member asks; but am making inquiries of the Governor.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he is likely to receive information regarding this matter?

I am asking for it by dispatch, and I will let the hon. Member have the information as soon as I receive it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement or issue a report dealing with the work and reports of the Advisory Panel on Rearmament since 2nd February, 1939; and, in particular, what has been done by the panel with regard to future work since that date?

As I stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) on 2nd February, it was not my intention that the Advisory Panel of Industrialists should themselves make reports, neither do I consider it desirable that a detailed report on their work should be given. I should wish, however, to place on record my strong sense of the zeal and devotion with which the panel have carried out the duties falling to them under their terms of reference. I think that the following particulars may be of general interest to the House. Since their formation during the latter part of December, the panel have held 44 meetings, apart from such meetings as have been held by the sub-committees which they have set up. In addition to carrying out the survey of the rearmament programme to which reference was made in the statement published in the proceedings of the House for 2nd February, they have carried out a comprehensive examination of the arrangements which are being made to establish a war potential in this country and also of numerous matters affecting the position of industry in war. They have further been able to offer helpful advice on a number of specific problems referred to them by Government Departments and they have also dealt with such matters as have been put to them by industrial associations or by individual firms. I understand that, in addition to holding themselves at disposal to deal with specific references to them, the panel have it in mind after a reasonable interval to survey again, especially, progress made with the rearmament programme.

Is it the intention of the Prime Minister to merge this Advisory Panel into the Ministry of Supply, and, if so, would it not be advisable that a statement should be made of a similar character to that which was made on 2nd February, in order that the House may have an opportunity of "checking up"?

That is not my intention.

Can my right hon. Friend confirm the impression which exists that the continuance of this panel would prove of great value to the new Ministry of Supply?

Yes, I think it would.

Will the Prime Minister give some indication how far small firms which have found difficulty in obtaining orders in connection with the rearmament programme, have availed themselves of the services of this panel?

I could not say at the moment, but if the hon. and gallant Member puts down a question, I will try to give him the information.

The Prime Minister mentioned that the panel had had under consideration the question of industry in war time. Does the panel have for consideration such questions as that of the reserved occupations list?