asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of lascar seamen employed on ships of other than British nationality; and particulars of the demand of each foreign nation for such labour?

The Government of India are collecting from the ports the information desired by the hon. Member. When it arrives, I will communicate with him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give a report on the health of lascar sea- men in view of the fact that the Government of India has removed all restrictions on the employment of lascars as deck hands on vessels proceeding to the east coast of America, North of 38 degrees North latitude and the Baltic during the winter months?

The removal of the restrictions to which the hon. Member refers applies only to the limits mentioned in Sub-Clause (b) (2) of the first proviso to the Lascar Agreement; these limits do not include the Baltic. Since last September, when the restrictions were suspended, medical reports on the health of lascar seamen returning from Northern latitudes have been received only from Calcutta, no such crew having been discharged at Bombay. The reports from Calcutta, cover 11 vessels, and in no case are ill effects due to cold climates mentioned as calling for special notice. The Shipping Master at Calcutta is of the opinion that the lascars have stood the climate very well, and the Government of India consider that this opinion is justified.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the employment of lascars in Northern regions will have a detrimental effect on the employment of home seamen; is he also aware that representations to that effect have been made to the Government, and will he take the matter into consideration?

I think that is a question which should be addressed elsewhere. What the Government of India are concerned with in this matter is the health of the lascars and that is the point to which the question on the Paper refers.

But is it not the case that the Government of India have withdrawn the restriction on the employment of lascar seamen in these seas; therefore, is it not a matter for the Government of India and will not His Majesty's Government here, in view of the effect on home seamen, make representations to the Government of India?

It is the second point on which, as I say, questions should be addressed elsewhere. What the Government of India are concerned with is the health of these lascar seamen, and that is the point to which the Question on the Paper is directed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, with regard to the suggestion made through the Viceroy of India that there should be a round-table conference upon the question of colour-bar legislation in South Africa similar to the 1927 and 1928 Conference, whether this suggestion has now been agreed to by the South African Government; and when the conference is likely to take place?

Negotiations are in progress between the Government of India and the Union Government, and I should prefer not to make any statement on the subject at this stage.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will give an assurance, in the interests of the primitive tribes of India, who depend for their health on spirits distilled from jungle pro ducts, that Governors will exercise the special powers conferred upon them, and protect the partially-excluded areas from the operation of Prohibition Acts?

I feel sure that the Governors can be trusted to bear their special responsibilities in mind when considering any proposal for the extension of prohibition to the partially-excluded areas.

Is it not a fact that there has been very careful research into the conditions of these tribes; and when Mr. Tupper's report is received, will it not receive full consideration?

I shall be very grateful to the hon. Member if he will give me any information that he has on this matter.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what these tribes are, what are their names and in what respects they are primitive?

If the hon. and learned Member wants their names accurately, will he put the question down?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with regard to the situation in China?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make regarding the position in China generally, and in the international settlements in particular; and what steps the Government are taking to safeguard the lives and interests of British subjects in these areas?

Some fighting has been proceeding in Central China in the Han River area, but the general line held by both sides remains the same. The general situation in the International Settlement at Shanghai remains substantially unchanged. There has been no reduction in the numbers of the landing parties at Kulangsu and negotiations for a settlement there continue.

Are the British and American marines still on land at Kulangsu?

Yes, Sir.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information with regard to the Japanese enterprise at Kalgan and with regard to the two British officers held there?

I have had some recent information on that subject. I understand that the Chinese Secretary to the British Embassy and the British military liaison officer are returning to Peking and were expected to get back there yesterday with the latest news. When I have the latest news, I will communicate it to the hon. Member and to the House.

Has any representation of any kind been made to the Japanese Government?

Yes, Sir. The whole matter has been taken up with the Japanese military authorities.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Japanese naval mission at Tsingtao now require landing permits for each separate bill of lading in respect of goods shipped in British vessels; that the cargoes have to be stored for several days on the open wharf, with consequent risk of loss or damage pending the granting of the permits; that no such restrictions are placed on cargoes arriving by Japanese vessels; and whether he will indicate to the Japanese Government that, unless the restrictions on British trade are removed, it may be necessary to impose similar restrictions on Japanese vessels arriving in British ports?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. Discrimination exists in so far as warehouse accommodation is made available for Japanese ships but not yet for British vessels. The matter has been taken up with the local Japanese authorities at Tsingtao and representations have been made by His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo pressing for the allocation of a further berth and/or reasonable warehouse space.

How long will it be before we know the result of these negotiations?

I hope as short a time as possible.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect a reply to the representation which has been made with regard to this restriction?

I trust that we shall get a reply as soon as possible.

Have His Majesty's Government stipulated any period of time for a reply?

We have said that we desire an early reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give particulars of the reply received from the Japanese Government to the communication addressed to them by His Majesty's Government relative to the steps that are being taken to safeguard British trade in respect of currency circulated in the Nanking district, which traders generally do not recognise?

As the reply is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this currency is accepted as legal tender?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I propose to circulate.

asked the Prime Minister particulars of the report called for by His Majesty's Government on the fact that the Japanese are endeavouring to create a Japanese monopoly in the trade affecting raw cotton in and around the area of Shanghai?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, South (Mr. Stourton) on 20th December.

In view of that statement may I ask whether the Government are taking any further action?

In view of the fact that some time has elapsed, my Noble Friend is making further inquiries.

asked the Prime Minister if he will satisfy himself that the Japanese, not having declared war against China, are under international law not justified in claiming the right to blockade Chinese ports and make representations to Japan accordingly?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Japanese are claiming to institute a blockade of Chinese ports; and whether, in that case, we recognise the existence of blockade?

Shortly after the outbreak of hostilities between China and Japan in 1937, the Japanese Government purported to declare a blockade of the whole coast of China, which, however, they stated would be applied exclusively to Chinese vessels. Any attempt to apply such a blockade to the vessels of third Powers would constitute an assertion of belligerent rights and would, in the absence of a state of war between China and Japan, be illegal. His Majesty's Government have already made their views on this matter clear to the Japanese Government.

Do the Government regard the incident of the "Ranpura" as closed on the explanation given by the Japanese Government that they were mistaken as to the identity of the vessel?

We have agreed that our ships may be boarded in case of genuine doubt as to whether a ship is a British ship or not. In the case of the "Ranpura," there could be no doubt whatever. Therefore, we took up a definite attitude and have now received an explanation from the Japanese Government that they made a mistake.

Is that regarded by the Government as a satisfactory explanation?

Yes, Sir, so far as it goes.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a further statement with regard to the service of loans issued by the Brazilian Government in the United Kingdom?

The Brazilian Government have informed His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio that they are studying a method for the resumption of debt payments and hope to be able to make some announcement before 1st July. They have further assured Sir H. Gurney that all creditors wil receive equal treatment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman considering the question of receiving some of the coffee which is normally destroyed in Brazil in part liquidation of these debts, and as a means of building up reserves of foodstuffs in the event of an international emergency?

All relevant considerations are being borne in mind.

Is not this consideration a very important one, and is it not a practical suggestion with regard to the liquidation of these Brazil loans?

Have the American Government done anything about our debt?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement regarding the representation of British interests in Bohemia and Moravia?

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has been arrived at about consular representation in Prague?

My Noble Friend is in communication with other interested Governments on this matter, and I have no further statement to make at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House who is at the present moment looking after British interests in those countries?

The Vice-Consul.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement as to the present position in Danzig?

I have no special statement to make on the situation in Danzig.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the matter was discussed by the Foreign Secretary at Geneva when the position of the Commissioner was discussed?

Perhaps the hon. Baronet will put that question down.

asked the Prime Minister what has happened to the British Legation in Albania; whether there is any British representative in that country; and whether he can give an assurance that nothing has been done to recognise its annexation by Italy?

His Majesty's Minister is still in Durazzo. On the question of the recognition of the new status of Albania, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 26th April, to which I have at present nothing to add.

May I ask in what capacity His Majesty's Minister is there at the present time?

As a Minister.

Is it not time that the Government made up their minds whether they are going to recognise Albania or not? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that they will not?

I am not prepared to make a statement on that point. What I said in reply to the hon. Member for Kingswinford was that the matter will fall to be considered when the constitutional position and future relations between Italy and Albania, as well as the international position of Albania particularly in the sphere of foreign relations, become clearly defined, as they are not at present.

If we have a Minister there, surely he must be a Minister to the King of Albania, and that means we have recognised him?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his public declaration before the Munich conversations that it was of great benefit for the heads of States to confer personally, he has considered, or will consider, the desirability of making an official visit to Moscow?

The declaration in question was, of course, subject to considerations affecting the conditions at any particular time. In present circumstances, I do not consider that the suggestion of the hon. Member would serve a useful purpose.

As the Prime Minister, during recent negotiations, has stated that there are certain barriers between this country and Russia, does he not feel that a personal visit would remove this undesirable phenomenon?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement regarding the recently-denounced Anglo-German Naval Treaty?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on 8th May.

Are His Majesty's Government considering negotiating a further naval agreement as suggested by Herr Hitler; and, further, have they yet come to any decision as regards the scrapping of ships of the "Royal Oak" class?

I cannot enter into technical and detailed points at this stage, except to say, that as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the hon. and gallant Member on 8th May, the whole situation created by the denunciation of that agreement is being considered in all its aspects?

Surely the Undersecretary can reply to the question of whether His Majesty's Government are contemplating another treaty?

I regret that I cannot add to the answer already given.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether an announcement is to be expected quickly?

Certainly the matter is reaching a stage when I think some announcement may be made in the near future.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give further particulars respecting the triple alliance between France, Russia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

The reply of the Soviet Government to the proposals made by His Majesty's Government and the French Government was received on Saturday and is now under consideration.

Has any reply been made to the representations which are said to have been made by the Vatican?

I do not know to what representations the right hon. Gentleman refers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate some statement being made in the very near future after the reply has been considered?

Yes, Sir.

Is there any truth in the published statements to the effect that the Vatican has made representations to His Majesty's Government against the conclusion of a pact with Russia?

I am not aware of anything of the kind.

Is there any likelihood of Russia joining the Anti-Comintern Pact?

asked the Prime Minister how many Italian troops have been withdrawn since the victory march of Madrid; and how many Italian troops are still in Spain?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the situation in Spain?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state what progress has been made towards the settlement of claims for loss of life, personal injuries and damage to British shipping by Spanish forces during the war in Spain?

The situation in Spain is steadily returning to normal. Five German ships left Vigo for Germany on 26th May, having embarked some 6,000 officers and men of the Condor Legion. On 31st May and 1st June, nine transports left Cadiz with approximately22,000 Italian troops, and only a small proportion remain. The necessary machinery has been established in the Foreign Office for the examination of all claims—other than commercial claims, which are being dealt with by the Board of Trade. Some outstanding claims are being collected by organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce for Spain and the necessary decisions will be taken when they are submitted to the Foreign Office. The system of safe-conducts for persons wishing to enter Spain, which had caused much delay and inconvenience and which has been the subject of representations by His Majesty's Government was recently abolished in favour of a normal visa system which it is hoped will work more rapidly and smoothly.

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly say whether guns and equipment are being evacuated at the same time as men, or are they being left behind in depots?

Some war material has been returned, but a considerable quantity has been handed over to the Spanish Government.

Is not that contrary to the Anglo-Italian Agreement and assurances?

There is nothing to prevent the Italian Government selling war material or giving it to the Spanish Government.

Does it not say that the troops with their war material would be withdrawn?

On a point of Order. In view of the fact that the House was given a definite assurance by the Prime Minister that he would answer on all questions of major importance, can we ask the Prime Minister to reply to this question?

If the hon. Member wants to ask a question other than that on the Paper, which is not in order as a supplementary, he must put it on the Order Paper.

Is it not a fact that the Prime Minister gave an assurance that he would himself answer all questions of major importance on foreign affairs?

That is not a matter for me.

May I ask the Undersecretary, as the Prime Minister is 10th to reply, whether it is not the case that an impression was definitely created on all sides of the House that the withdrawal of men implied also the immediate withdrawal of material?

I think the position is clear. I have stated that certain war material has been withdrawn and that certain war material has not been withdrawn. All that the Anglo-Italian Agreement said in the exchange of letters was that all Italian war material would be withdrawn. There is nothing in it to stop the Italians either selling or giving war material to the Spanish Government.

In these circumstances is it not the case that the Government have seriously misled this House in this matter?

I would not say so at all. Naturally, we should wish that all material should go back, but there is nothing to prevent the Italian Government selling or giving war material to the Spanish Government.

It is a breach of the Agreement.

May I press the Undersecretary? Is it not the case that the Government definitely stated that the understanding was that war material would be withdrawn with the troops, and if that is not being done, is not that a breach of the undertaking given to the House?

The Anglo-Italian Agreement related to Italian war material, and certain war material has been withdrawn with the Italian troops. The Italian Government have at the same time given, or rather, I believe, sold other war material to the Spanish Government and we have no means of preventing them from doing that.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can now assure the House that the fear that there are sufficient troops, German or Italian, left in Spain to coerce the Spanish nation no longer exists?

I have given the numbers of Italian and German troops which have left Spain.

Is it not the fact that the Prime Minister has been duped again?

Are we to understand that His Majesty's Government have decided to acquiesce in what is a deliberate breach of undertaking on the part of the Government of Italy?

I cannot accept the position as stated by the right hon. Gentleman. I have stated the facts which it is my duty to put before the House. The facts are that certain war material has been withdrawn and certain war material has been sold to the Spanish Government. I am not called upon to approve any such action.

Is not this one more verbal quibble such as we have had from the beginning?

Can the Under-Secretary explain how it was that the week before the House adjourned the Prime Minister, in answer to a question which I put, said he was satisfied that all Italian war material had been or would be withdrawn?

Italian war material has been withdrawn with the troops, but some has been sold or given to the Spanish Government.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, under the scheme of export credits to China, purchases and sales were tendered for openly by existing British trading interests in Great Britain and China; and, if not, what method was adopted and for what reason?

I am not quite clear to what transactions my hon. and gallant Friend refers. The question of the method of purchase is primarily a matter for the Chinese Government.

Is there any truth in the rumour that the Export Credits Department advised the Chinese Advisory Committee to deal entirely with the organisation called Trade Facilities, Limited, of which the chairman is Mr. Serge Karlinski: and why were the interests of British traders in China, who have recently been hard hit, disregarded?

The hon. and gallant Member was good enough to send me a memorandum which formed the basis of his question, and I have looked into it and find that most of the statements arc entirely unfounded and a large number are deliberate misrepresentations.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the reasons for the appoint- ment on the White Fish Industry Joint Council of more than 20 employers' representatives in the fishing industry whilst only two members have been appointed on behalf of the interests of skippers and mates, enginemen and firemen, crews of trawlers, fish-handers and packers, processing and transport sections who are employed in the fishing industry; and, as this is not in accordance with the specific pledges made during the passage of the White Fish Industry Measure, whether he will now consider the appointment of representatives of those grades of workers on the joint council?

The principal functions of the White Fish Commission relate to the better regulation of the various sections of the white fish industry and fish trade. It was, therefore, inevitable that the White Fish Industry Joint Council, which has to advise and assist the commission in the discharge of its functions, should consist mainly of representatives of the businesses to be regulated. Employés as well as employers should benefit from any improvement "that can be effected in the prosperity of the industry, and I think that the representatives of labour whom we have invited should be in a position to advise on any matters specially affecting the interests of employés.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that specific pledges were given on the Committee stage of this Measure that representation would be given to the workers, and does he consider that two representatives out of 22 is adequate representation?

No undertaking to give representation to each of these classes can in fact be traced, and if the hon. Member would like to give me any information on the point I should be delighted to look into it.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his predecessor gave me a pledge on this specific point on the Committee stage, a definite assurance that there would be adequate representation for the workpeople concerned, and does he regard two out of 22 as adequate?

I would ask the hon. Member to realise that this is an advisory committee, there is no question of voting power or anything of that kind, and it seems to me that the two gentlemen whom we have asked to serve will be able to represent the views of the workpeople.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman address himself to the point of the subject? Is he aware that a specific assurance was given that there would be adequate representation, and what right has he to withdraw from the pledge which was originally given?

Perhaps I might be given fuller particulars regarding the pledge.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the Government actually put down an Amendment after we had withdrawn our opposition?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what county wage committees have increased farm-workers wages since January, 1939, and by what amounts per week; and what is the average weekly rate for England and Wales at the present time?

The agricultural wages committee for Cheshire, Kent and Wiltshire have increased the weekly minimum rates of wages for ordinary adult male workers since 1st January, 1939, by 1s.per week, that for Lancashire by the same amount for part of its area and those for Cornwall and for Merioneth and Montgomery by 6d. per week. In some of these cases the committees have made corresponding increases in the rates for other classes of male workers. The committee for Berkshire has increased the hourly rate for all female workers by 1d., and that for Somerset by 1d. for such workers over the age of 21 and by ½d. for those aged 18 to 21. The average of the weekly minimum rates for ordinary adult male workers over England and Wales as a whole is at the present time 34s. 9d.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied with the rate of progress as regards wages, in view of the feeling within the industry that he is prepared to deal with the farming position and the discussions which he has initiated?

Naturally one hopes that the position will so improve that better wages can be paid.

Is the Minister still in contact with the representatives of the farmers with regard to an increase in wages, and does he contemplate any special steps to raise them?

They are a matter for negotiation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the terms on which the River Ouse Catchment Board have secured the services of a consulting engineer, what his duties will be, and whether this appointment has received his approval?

I have been informed by the River Great Ouse Catchment Board of the appointment by them of Sir Murdoch MacDonald as their consulting engineer, his terms of reference being

"to report as to the principles to be applied to provide an efficient and economic remedy taking into account the proposals which have been put forward previously, including that of an intermittent barrage."

I take it that the Minister has no objection to a Member of this House being employed in this capacity for a fee of this size? Is the fee to be per annum, and has the Minister no control over the business arrangements of this board, which seems to be giving a lot of unsatisfactory service?

As I understand it, the fee will be paid for a definite piece of work. As I have said, my approval is not required for such an appointment.

If the Minister has not, in fact, given his approval, has he not actually given his sanction?

I have informed the Catchment Board that I am prepared to allow this sum to rank for a grant in connection with the scheme.

Was this position advertised and were other applicants interviewed?

That is not a matter within my province.

Does the Minister consider it right that a Member of this House should be a beneficiary out of money provided by Parliament by way of grant to this authority? Has he considered that point?

That point has been considered, and I am informed that there is no question of a Member holding an office of profit under the Crown.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered whether it is in accordance with good public policy that a Member of this House should be a beneficiary under a grant made out of moneys provided by Parliament? Is there any precedent for a case of this kind?

The last question I could not possibly answer, because I do not know, but I imagine that a Member of Parliament will have to earn the money.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the subsidy of £2 per acre which it is proposed to give in respect of the breaking up of grass land will apply to such land so made available for allotments and allotment gardens?

As I have already announced, the primary object of the grants for ploughing up grass land is to make more land immediately available, if the need arises, for the production of arable crops on existing agricultural holdings. In the alternative event, it is intended that the land should be re-seeded with a view to securing improved pasture. The use of such land for allotments and allotment gardens necessitating as it would the severance of the land from the existing holdings would not, therefore, generally be in accord with the purposes for which the grants are offered. I would also remind the hon. Member that it is not proposed to pay grants in respect of areas of less than two acres.

Are we to understand that the grant in respect of poor grass land broken up is only to be given in the case of lands that are put back again to grass? If that is not the case, on what grounds would allotment holders, or any authority cultivating it, be denied the right, if their area exceeded two acres?

It is clear that if the other conditions were fulfilled the conversion of the grass land into allotments would not render the land ineligible for grant.

Therefore such an authority could apply for a grant if they broke up such land?

And if they fulfilled the other conditions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that we now have in prospect a market for the export of television instruments which may be lost by delays in the extension of television at home, he will do his utmost to expedite a decision on the question of transmission which is being investigated by the Cadman Committee?

The Television Advisory Committee is actively engaged in investigating alternative methods of extending the television service beyond the London area, but I have not yet received a report on the subject. I am satisfied that the committee is fully alive to the considerations to which my hon. Friend refers. Representatives of the Radio Manufacturers' Association have submitted evidence to the committee concerning the extension of the television service, and I have myself recently received a deputation from the association on the subject.

How many manufacturers are there of television apparatus?

I could not answer that question without notice.

Will the cost of this extension fall upon public funds?

It depends upon how it is financed. The Advisory Committee were examining the financial position. I have not yet had their recommendation on the financial aspect of the question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the two films entitled "One Family" and "A Southern April," which passed from the Empire Marketing Board to the Post Office on 1st October, 1933, are still being exhibited; and whether he can state the number of exhibitions of the films that were made during the previous two years?

The film "One Family" is no longer being exhibited, and there has been no presentation of it during the last two years. The film "A Southern April" is still included in the Empire Film Library, which has loaned it for educational purposes on 77 occasions during the last two years. In the same period it has been shown 109 times in the Imperial Institute Cinema.

Can we be informed of the fees charged for the exhibition of this film?

Has the discontinuance of the film entitled "One Family" anything to do with the conference in Southport?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give the House as to the position of affairs in Palestine?

During the past fortnight several outrages, some of them of a serious nature, have been perpetrated by Arabs and Jews in Palestine. These incidents have been fully reported in the Press. Whilst it is clear that Jewish opposition to the recent decisions of His Majesty's Government is general, there is no evidence that Jewish opinion as a whole approves of the policy of violence or forcible obstruction. On the Arab side opinion on His Majesty's Government's policy is divided. There are indications that the villagers are weary of strife, but in certain areas fear of reprisals by terrorists still prevails. Arab terrorism on the one hand and the continued flood of illegal immigants and Jewish resort to violence on the other, naturally feed the flames and increase the risk of clashes and of the continuance of violence.

Seeing that the Government invited the representatives of the Mufti section to the London conference, and have negotiated with them since that conference, could they not exercise some influence with that section of the community?

In view of the fact that that section of Arab opinion to which the hon. Gentleman has referred has rejected outright our proposals, I cannot think there is any encouragement in the suggestion that His Majesty's Government might be able to influence that section. In the second place, I must correct the statement of the hon. Gentleman that we have negotiated with members of that section of Arab opinion since the conference. We have had no such negotiation.

If the right hon. Gentleman now admits that His Majesty's Government have no control, and are not likely to have any control, over the terrorists, is it not time that they totally ignored that section when considering the future of Palestine?

As a result of military and police activity in recent months we have reduced to a very small scale Arab terrorism in Palestine. No one has ever claimed that the policy we have announced would bring an immediate stop to Arab terrorism in Palestine; but we certainly are definitely gaining control over that activity.

The right hon. Gentleman spoke of a flood of illegal immigrants. Will he tell us how many there were in the last month?

It is estimated that there were more than 1,000 illegal immigrants in May. This immigrant rate is continuing in considerable number, as the right hon. Gentleman will have seen from the report that there was a ship with some 800 of them on board.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman does not think that surrender to terrorism is the best way of decreasing it?

I cannot agree that there has been any increase in terrorism.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how soon it is intended to grant the 25,000 visas for Palestine promised in the recent White Paper, as a means of facilitating the departure of Jewish refugees from Germany?

I am at present in communication with the High Commissioner regarding a new immigration quota, including provision for refugees, and am not yet in a position to make a statement on the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the conditions of the Jews in Germany become more desperate every month and that if Palestine is to make any contribution to the problem it ought to make it now?

As the policy announces, there is to be a special quota for refugees of 25,000, to be admitted as soon as accommodation can be provided for them in Palestine. We certainly do not intend that there should be any undue delay in the reception of those refugees.

Did not the Jewish Agency say last November they could then take, and immediately provide for, 100,000?

I am in consultation with the High Commissioner on the whole question, and I cannot give any further information until the dispatch comes back with the details.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman aright that the 25,000 visas for refugees would be confined to German refugees, or would they include refugees from Poland and Rumania?

It includes refugees under the terms of the Evian Committee.

Could my right hon. Friend state—

We have done only 32 Questions up to now.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what destination it is intended to deport illegal Jewish refugees who reach Palestine from Germany or Italy?

Following international practice, illegal immigrants who may succeed in entering Palestine will be deported, where possible, to their respective countries of origin. The numbers which cannot he deported will be deducted from future immigration quotas.

Does that mean that refugees who came from Germany would be sent back to the concentration camps?

It does not mean that.

My right hon. Friend referred to a ship which contained 800 immigrants: can he state where those unfortunate beings have been sent to?

They are at present detained in Palestine, but I would point out to the House that a great many of these immigrants are not at all refugees from Germany or countries where they are having difficulties, in Central Europe.

Did the person responsible for shipping those unfortunate people take the steps necessary to ascertain whether they would be admitted?

No, Sir. So far as the people responsible were aware, those people would not be admitted to Palestine. They had not any of the necessary papers and had not made any of the necessary inquiries.

Where were most of the 800 landed?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for warrant to register marriages were presented to each of the sheriff courts in Scotland during each of the last three years, respectively; how many of such applications were refused, respectively; and what was the total amount paid in court dues in respect of the said applications, respectively, each year?

As the answer contains a table of figures, I propose, with the hon. and learned Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentleman give me the total amount for the last year?

The hon. and learned Gentleman will find that in the statement I am circulating.