asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the application for a passport to enable Mr. Jain, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture in the United Provinces, to visit the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, has been granted?

I understand that Mr. Jain's passport has been endorsed for Russia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make a statement about the use of troops against strikers in the oilfields of Assam; in particular, whether they opened fire on the strikers without previous warning; whether any civil officials were present when the firing took place; whether they gave advice or instructions; and whether the troops were asked for by the Provincial Government?

In answer to the first part of the question, no troops have been employed in connection with the strike at Digboi. The subsequent parts of the question do not, therefore, arise. A patrol of the Assam Rifles, however, was involved on 18th April in a shooting incident in which three persons were killed and five injured, apart from injuries to members of the patrol. The Assam Rifles are police, and their actions are within the responsibility for law and order of the Provincial Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will personally consider the case of Mr. Joseph Martin, of 18, St. George's Terrace, Brighton, formerly a teacher of English in Moscow, who, on refusing to join the anti-British section of the Communist International and work for a revolution in the British Empire, was arrested without being charged with any offence and, without trial, imprisoned in a filthy cell amongst corpses, where he contracted typhus and blindness, and was not repatriated for two years; why a claim, as promised by the then Foreign Secretaries in 1923 and 1926 was not put forward by the British Government to the Soviet Government in 1923 at the same as claims on behalf of Mr. C. J. Davison and Mrs. Stan Harding, both of whom received compensation; and will he take steps to see that compensation is now granted to Mr. Martin, who is now unemployable?

I am aware of the sad circumstances of this case. It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to press for a measure of satisfaction for Mr. Martin's claim, as well as other claims for compensation for personal injury, as part of a general settlement of the claims of British subjects against the Soviet Government.

Will my right hon. Friend deal with the question as to why, the late Government not the present Government at that time, did not deal with this case at the same time as the claims of Mr. Davison and Mrs. Stan Harding, when Mr. Davison got £10,000 and Mrs. Stan Harding, who did not suffer half as much as Mr. Martin, received £3,000?

I am aware that these two claims were settled in 1923, but Mr. Martin's claim is one of some 260, in all of which there are very sad circumstances, and I am afraid that we cannot treat his case any differently from the other cases that occurred.

When are they to be raised?

At the first suitable opportunity.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any idea of what the anti-British section of the Communist International is?

No, Sir. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman can help me to elucidate it.

Is it fair that a patriotic British citizen, who has refused to join—

rose—

asked the Prime Minister whether he will say, from the latest reports received, the number of British subjects at present residing either in the Amoy or Kulangsu Islands, China; and whether any British subjects have been recently evacuated from these islands?

My Noble Friend is calling for a report of the exact numbers of British subjects residing at Amoy or Kulangsu. There are believed to be approximately 30 in both islands together. No evacuations have recently taken place.

Has any claim been made by His Majesty's Government on behalf of any of those British subjects in this district?

Not so far as I am aware.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information to give the House concerning the death of Mr. R. M. Tinkler at Shanghai.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the attempts of the Japanese press to inflame Japanese public opinion against Great Britain by distorting the Japanese attack upon and murder of Mr. Tinkler at Shanghai and the detention of the British military attaché at Kalgan into lawful actions in defence of Japanese rights; and what action he has taken to cause the true facts of the case to be published in Japan?

asked the Prime Minister for what reasons the military guard of British marines has recently been withdrawn from the British- owned mill in Pootung, Shanghai, in defence of which Mr. Tinkler was assaulted by the Japanese and eventually fatally injured; and whether the Japanese gave any undertaking in writing to the Shanghai Municipal Council or British authorities in Shanghai that upon such withdrawal they would preserve order and protect British subjects from violence?

Strikes broke out on 20thMay and following days at the China Printing and Finishing Company's mill at Pootung and their works at Nantao, both of which are situated outside the settlement. His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai requested the Japanese authorities to afford adequate protection without delay, and pending receipt of a reply British armed parties were sent to assist in maintaining order. Satisfactory and full assurances in writing were received by His Majesty's Consul-General from his Japanese colleague and the British parties at both places were then withdrawn. At the time of their withdrawal the situation was reported to be quiet. On 6th June a clash occurred between Chinese employés of the company and strike agitators at the entrance to the Pootung mill and Japanese marines were called in to restore order. The actual facts are not yet established but it would appear that a fracas ensued during which Mr. Tinkler fired a revolver shot. In the struggle which followed Mr. Tinkler received several bayonet wounds. He was first removed to the hospital attached to the Japanese naval landing party headquarters at Pootung and in the evening was brought to Hong-kew General Hospital for an emergency operation, but I regret to state that he died the following morning.

His Majesty's Consul-General has protested to his Japanese colleague against the action of the marines in bayoneting Mr. Tinkler and against the refusal of the Japanese authorities to hand Mr. Tinkler over at once when requested to do so, or to allow a British doctor to see him at an earlier stage. Representations are also being made by His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo. Such information as it has been possible to give to the press as regards the treatment of British subjects has been made available to the British and international news agencies.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware how perturbed public opinion is becoming in this country at these repeated anti-British actions by Japanese in the Far East by the interception and detention of British ships, the trespass upon British property and so forth; and is no action possible except protests?

Is anything actually being done to get the true facts of the case made known abroad?

Yes, Sir; that is the reason why the information in our possession on these subjects has been given to the British and international news agencies.

Are His Majesty's Government contemplating any action except by way of protest; and is not retaliatory action considered possible in regard to these Japanese outrages?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman will be aware, protests and representations are being made to the authorities on the spot, and at Tokyo, and I think we had better await their result.

Is it not a more serious case than that of the Russian engineers, when the Government stopped trade with Russia?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement with regard to the extent of the occupation by the Japanese of Hainan Island and the Spratley islands and whether any joint discussions with the French authorities have taken place with regard to it; and, if not, whether such discussions will be considered in view of the threat to the interests of these two countries in the Far East?

According to my noble Friend's information the Island of Hainan has been only partially occupied, while it appears that there has been no actual military occupation of the Spratley group by the Japanese. His Majesty's Government are keeping in close and constant touch with the French Government in this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has conferred with the American and French Governments on the subject of the latest pronouncement of the Japanese Government to the effect that they propose to disregard extra-territorial rights in the International Settlement in Shanghai when, in their opinion, the safety of their forces is endangered?

His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo is in close contact with his French and United States colleagues in this matter as in all matters of common concern to the three countries.

asked the Prime Minister on what grounds the recent arrangement with the Japanese authorities at Canton for an occasional steamer service between Hong Kong and Canton has been interrupted by the Japanese?

The Japanese allege that the agreement has been broken on the British side by a refusal to consider permission for a visit to Hong Kong of the"Shirogane Maru," on the ground that she was not a vessel genuinely chartered to the Japanese Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of a new constitution having been given to Albania by the Italian Government, he will state what action His Majesty's Government propose to take to define the international position of Albania; and whether His Majesty's Government have been invited by the Italian Government to withdraw the British Minister and to close the British Legation?

The full text of the new constitution for Albania is not yet available, but an agreement has been signed by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Italy and Albania under which the international relations of Italy and Albania are to be unified and centred in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. In consequence of this agreement, the Albanian Minister for Foreign Affairs has addressed a circular to the heads of foreign missions in Albania, informing them that the Albanian Ministry for Foreign Affairs is to be closed and that it will therefore no longer be possible to accord to foreign representatives the privileges and immunities previously granted to them. In the circumstances His Majesty's Representative will cease to have the title of Minister, but will continue as Consul-General—a rank which he already holds. No question of any new appointment, therefore, arises at present.

May the House take it that the granting of this constitution will in no way affect the decision of His Majesty's Government not to recognise the annexation of Albania by the Italian Government?

We have reached no conclusion on that.

asked the Prime Minister whether the occupation of Albania represents an alteration in the status quo in the Mediterranean which is contrary to the terms of the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's statement in the House on 13th April.

Is that equivalent to a reply in the affirmative?

Perhaps the right hon. Member will read the Prime Minister's statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has been made aware of the speech made by Herr Hitler in Berlin on Tuesday, 6th June, to the 18,000 German troops returned from Spain when he stated that he sent German war vessels and war material in July, 1936, to take an active part in the Spanish war; and whether this information was known to the members of the Non-intervention Committee?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the recent declaration of Signor Mussolini that the Italian Government gave all their assistance openly to the Spanish Nationalist authorities from the first day until the end of the Spanish civil war; and whether the Italian representative on the Non-intervention Committee at any time informed his colleagues that such assistance was being given?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government were aware of the considerable help rendered to General Franco by the Italian navy from the beginning of the Spanish war?

I have seen these declarations. His Majesty's Government are well aware and have often stated that from the beginning of the civil war in Spain intervention on both sides was taking place on a considerable scale. Neither the German nor the Italian representative ever communicated to the Non-intervention Committee the information now divulged.

Is it not the fact that on 9th July, 1936, and again on 9th August, 1936, statements were made to the Non- intervention Committee that they were not doing this kind of business, and were they not perversion of the truth?

I would not say that they were perversions of the truth. I am sure that the Non-intervention Committee, as well as His Majesty's Government, at that time, and since, regretted the intervention in Spain.

Is it not evident, as far as the Italian Government were concerned, that from the beginning to the end of the Spanish war, they regarded the policy of non-intervention as being a pure farce?

I am afraid that I cannot answer for the Italian Government.

How does the right hon. Gentleman explain the constant assurances given to this House that these facts were not so?

Every fact that was presented to His Majesty's Government was investigated. In every case in which we had information to rebut it, we did so, and in every case in which we did not have it, we said we did not have it.

Would His Majesty's Government consider publishing the minutes of the Non-intervention Committee, so that we can know what statements were made by the representatives of Germany and of Italy?

The Non-intervention Committee was an international body and it would have been necessary to obtain their permission to do that.

Is it not the case, as now revealed, that very large-scale operations were being conducted against the Spanish Government by Italy at a time when it must have been known to His Majesty's Government, owing to the scale of the operations, and His Majesty's Government were denying that they had any knowledge of them?

I deny that statement at once. His Majesty's Government always said that there had been intervention in the Spanish war on both sides.

asked the Prime Minister on what date or at what stage of the negotiations for the Anglo-Italian Agreement the Italian Foreign Minister informed His Majesty's Government that some Italian war material might be left in Spain after the conclusion of the war?

At the end of March last year His Majesty's Ambassa- dor was informed by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs that Signor Mussolini would give an assurance that as soon as the Spanish civil war had terminated all Italian volunteers would leave Spanish territory. This assurance applied also to Italian war material, but Count Ciano made it clear at the time to His Majesty's Ambassador that some war material might, when the war was over, be sold or given to the Spanish Government.

Are we to understand that His Majesty's Government had a warning from the Italian Government that Italian troops might remain in Spain until the end of the war, although the Prime Minister was telling us they were being withdrawn and he was encouraging the Non-intervention Committee in making agreements for their evacuation?

I have not made any statement which is new. I have only repeated what I have said before.

The Government had then been informed by the Italian Government that the Italian troops might remain until the end of the war?

Yes, if they had not gone before.

Is it not the case, arising out of what the Prime Minister has said, that before he informed the House of the Anglo-Italian Agreement, and before he had told the House that men and materials were to be withdrawn, His Majesty's Government knew that in certain circles material would not be withdrawn?

Yes, I think that is quite clear from what I have said but, as I explained the other day, His Majesty's Government did not attach very great importance to that matter. The point to which they did attach importance was that war material should not be left in control of Italian troops in Spain.

Is it not the case that repeatedly from these benches the question was asked whether when men were withdrawn material would be withdrawn, and was it not well known to the Government that we had grave doubts on this side of the House as to the use to which such material would be put, and is it not the case that in this matter the House has been misled?

I must point out that, whatever was in the Anglo-Italian Agreement, it would always have been possible when the civil war was over and the Non-intervention Committee had come to an end, for other Governments to supply the Spanish Government with war material. If the Italians had taken away all the war material there would have been nothing to prevent them sending it back, either by way of sale to the Spanish Government or by gift.

Then why did the right hon. Gentleman not tell the House of that?

I have explained, or tried to explain—the right hon. Gentleman does not accept my explanation—that this was not a matter to which the British Government attached any particular importance, for the reason which I have given.

May I put a personal question to the Under-Secretary? When he told us on 3rd April that the Italian Government had given us an undertaking that they would withdraw all their troops and war material from Spain, and he told us that he had no reason to doubt that they would honour their undertaking, did he realise that there was some understanding by which they were going to be allowed to sell or give their war material to General Franco?

I have always had the same knowledge of what passed as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. I was always under the impression that the Italian Government would withdraw Italian troops and war material in Italian hands, and that is exactly what the Italian Government have done.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the evacuation of the Italian troops from Spain, His Majesty's Government will send a communication to the Italian Government expressing their appreciation of the manner in which the Italian Government are carrying out the spirit of the Anglo-Italian Treaty?

My Noble Friend does not consider that my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is necessary as no doubt the Italian Government are quite aware of the feelings of His Majesty's Government in this matter.

In view of the completely wrong conception of the situation which is held by the party opposite, may I ask the Under-Secretary if he does not think it would be an opportune moment to express the real feelings of the vast majority of the people of this country?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will ask His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin for a report about John Scott, of Clarence Road, Canning Town, who was killed, and James Frederick Cole, of Addington Road, West Ham, who was injured, in a motor-cycle accident, on Tuesday night, between Baden-Baden and Baden-Oos, when they crashed into a column of German soldiers and one of the German soldiers was killed and two were injured?

A report has been received from His Majesty's Consul-General at Frankfort, which confirms the main facts of this accident, in which I much regret to say that Mr. Scott and a German soldier were killed. The matter is being investigated by the German police, whose report will no doubt be communicated in due course. Meantime, the wishes of Mr. Scott's family regarding the disposal of the body have been communicated to His Majesty's Consul-General at Frankfort, who is endeavouring with the co-operation of the German authorities to give effect to them. I understand that Mr. Cole's injuries are not dangerous, but that he may have to remain in hospital at Baden-Baden for another week or two.

May I take it for granted that as soon as definite information is available, the right hon. Gentleman will send me the information?

Certainly.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will consult the Government of Switzerland with a view to ensuring that no assets of the Czecho-Slovakian Government shall be transferred to Germany until de jure recognition has been given to the German conquest of Czecho-Slovakia?

I presume the hon. Member refers to assets held by the Bank of International Settlements, and I would refer him to the statement which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made in the House on 5th June. This statement explained why the Governments parties to the agreement under which the Bank was set up are unable to interfere in the disposal of funds held by the Bank. It follows that no useful purpose would be served by consultation with the Swiss Government in the matter.

Does that mean that the statutes of the Bank override the fundamental rule of International law that no assets shall be given to a State until de jure recognition of a conquest has been granted?

I mean what the Chancellor of the Exchequer said, that it is impossible for a Government which is party to the agreement under which the Bank was set up, to interfere in the disposal of funds held by the Bank.

Is not the international rule to which I have referred part of the municipal law of every country which agrees to it, and that it is bound to apply it? Are we not, therefore, entitled to ask for the co-operation of the Swiss Government, to see that funds are not transferred?

I have given the hon. Member the terms of the convention to which the Swiss Government is a party, and I have given the interpretation which we place upon the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House of the votes which were given by the British representatives?

I cannot add to previous statements.

Why cannot we know?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make on our relations with Russia?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a further statement regarding the progress of the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

I have nothing to add to my statement of 7th June, except to say that Mr. Strang, Head of the Central Department of the Foreign Office, left for Moscow to-day.

Does the Prime Minister not realise that these very long delays in reaching an agreement with the Soviet Government are causing disquiet in the country and causing doubt as to whether His Majesty's Government really mean business in this matter at all? Are they not spinning out time until they can wriggle back again to the Munich policy?

The hon. Member is very offensive in his suggestion. I see no reason why the delay should be attributed to His Majesty's Government.

In order to dispel these disquieting reports, can my right hon. Friend assure us that the completion of the general alliance against aggression is not being subordinated to any other purpose?

asked the Prime Minister the conditions which, in the view of His Majesty's Government are essential to justify confidence that a world conference would secure a real settlement of all outstanding international problems; and what action His Majesty's Government are willing to take to prepare the ground for holding such a conference?

In the opinion of His Majesty's Government such a conference could only succeed if accompanied by a general feeling of confidence that all the participating Governments sincerely desired a just settlement, and intended to keep both in the spirit and the letter any pledge or undertaking given as a result of the conference. His Majesty's Government will always do their best to promote such a spirit of confidence but can only succeed if other Governments make a like effort.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to continue the arrangement by which British diplo- matic and consular officials abroad look after the interests of Eire and her citizens in those countries in which Eire has no separate representation, in view of the fact that by issuing passports in the name of the President of Eire that country has dissociated itself from the other countries of the British Commonwealth?

Notwithstanding the fact that Eire passports will in future be issued by the Minister for External Affairs in his own name alone, and not in the name of the King, it is not at present proposed by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to make any alteration in the arrangement under which United Kingdom diplomatic and consular officers look after the interests of Eire and citizens of Eire in those countries in which Eire has no separate diplomatic or consular representation.

Have there been any protests from the Government of Eire that her citizens are being treated as though they were British citizens, or whether there have been any protests against their receiving benefits as if they were British citizens?

No, Sir. They seem to have been gratefully received.

asked the Prime Minister the total number of Italian troops in Libya at the present time; and whether the British Government have made recent representations to the Italian Government to reduce the number of such troops?

In reply to the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) on 8th March. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Does that mean that there has been no reduction in the number of troops since 8th March?

There has been no reduction.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can make any statement with regard to the results obtained at the British Pavilion at the New York World's Fair?

I understand that the British Pavilion at the New York World's Fair continues to attract increasingly large crowds, and I am confident that it will prove to be of lasting value to the prestige of this country and to the friendship between the peoples of our two countries.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made with the provision of training facilities for women on the land?

It is hoped that the first courses of training in tractor driving provided by the Ministry will commence early next month. On 2nd June my Department communicated with the local authorities for agricultural education as regards schemes of training in general agricultural subjects. Women's Land Army county committees have been set up and are arranging to interview women volunteers with a view to ascertaining their suitability and willingness to take advantage of training facilities, including short periods of training on farms during the summer holiday period. I should like to take this opportunity of appealing for the co-operation of farmers in the matter of training members of the Women's Land Army.

Is any age limit being set in regard to these women?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an age limit is being set in some counties?

Are these ladies being trained to drive tractors in peace time or in a time of emergency?

In a time of emergency.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make some statements as a result of his discussions with the Farmers Union on agricultural credits, the supply of electricity to farms, and rural housing and amenities?

No, Sir. I am not in a position to make any further statement at the present time.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether these discussions are still going on and whether we can feel sure that something concrete and crystallised will mature from them?

No, Sir. The conversations have in fact finished. Other Departments are concerned in the matter, but we will do what we can.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he can tell us who is responsible for this inexplicable and inexcusable delay?

I do not admit that there has been any delay.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the proposals embodying the principle of price insurance, he will consider setting up an authoritative body to determine whether the prices which farmers have been receiving have fallen so far as to involve them in a substantial loss in the working of their enterprise?

No, Sir, I do not propose to adopt the suggestion contained in my hon. Friend's question. I would remind him that investigations into costs of production are at present carried out by the universities and agricultural colleges.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that unless an authoritative body is set up the whole of this principle of price insurance is meaningless; and will he take some action?

I think that this question is really too complex to deal with by way of question and answer. The hon. Member will have a chance on the Agricultural Development Bill of developing this particular question.

Yes, but will my right hon. Friend see that I really have a chance to develop the question?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that someone must have fixed what is called a fair price for sheep? Can he say who it was, inasmuch as farmers say that they will not get a penny out of it?

I cannot agree with the last statement of the right hon. Gentleman. It is perfectly clear that if the scheme had been in operation last year they would have got over £2,000,000.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Scottish Farmers Union have turned down the scheme completely, saying that they cannot work it?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman is not aware that the National Farmers Union of Scotland were under a misapprehension as to the scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the serious and increasing shortage of agricultural labour, he will take steps to enable suitable refugees to be employed on the land?

Following on recommendations of the Agricultural Sub-Committee of the Co-ordinating Committee for Refugees, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has agreed to raise no objection to the admission of 1,500 refugees for training or employment or both in agriculture in this country pending eventual re-emigration. The question of the temporary admission of a further number of refugees for agricultural employment to meet the present shortage of agricultural labour is at present under consideration by the Agricultural Sub-Committee of the Co-ordinating Committee, and any recommendations they make will receive considertaion.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him, in view of the great urgency for agricultural labourers, whether he will see that the negotiations are speeded up?

That is not a matter for me. There are two sides to this question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what steps are being taken to provide the existing skilled rural labourers with decent houses?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the principle of the accumulation by householders in peace time of small reserves of suitable foodstuffs, advocated by the President of the Board of Trade, is equally applicable in the case of feeding-stuffs for livestock; and, if so, whether fanners will accordingly be encouraged to accumulate a reserve of feeding-stuffs for use in an emergency period?

There are, of course, considerable supplies of feeding- stuffs in the country and in the event of a grave emergency arising the Government would take steps to control supply and distribution. It will be appreciated, however, that there might be difficulties in distribution in the initial period and farmers would therefore be serving not only their own but also the national interest, if, with due regard to the nature and extent of their normal requirements they created and maintained a small reserve of feeding-stuffs to supplement available supplies over the first few weeks of an emergency period. Since it is probable that all wheat will be required for human consumption, any stocks of wheat held by farmers should not be regarded as available for feeding purposes, but temporary provision for the early stages of an emergency period could with advantage be made by keeping larger stocks of, say, barley, oats and maize, whether as grain or as meal, oilseed cakes and manufactured concentrates, according to individual needs. Such a reserve would not only form a useful addition to the total stocks of feeding-stuffs held in the country, but would obviate any immediate shortage in individual cases as the result of undue strain on distribution in the early days of a war. I should emphasise, however, that if farmers decide to create reserves, they should do so while conditions are normal and not wait until a serious crisis develops. Hurried purchases of feeding-stuffs in time of crisis would embarrass and not assist the authorities.

Will the Minister take steps to secure that the farmers know of this announcement by giving it publicity?

Yes, Sir.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether this is a considered reply, related to the communication of his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to me that joint consultation with the Minister of Agriculture would take place, and whether the farmers are to be given any kind of financial assistance, such as the bakers are to receive, in storing such feeding-stuffs?

That is another question. On this matter, my answer was a considered reply.

In consultation with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?

That is another question.

Will the Minister ask the British Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast his reply?

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) in view of the fact that the cost of milk distribution is lower in towns of high density, what is the reason for the minimum retail price of milk being higher in London than in any other part of the country;

(2) what are the limits of the London area for the purpose of fixing minimum retail prices by the Milk Marketing Board; and whether he is aware that there are complaints from a number of the inhabitants of Essex that they have to pay winter prices, as in London, throughout the year?

I am sending the hon. Member a statement of the minimum retail prices prescribed in the contract for the sale of milk by wholesale, from which he will see that the minimum price of 2s. 4d. per gallon applies to all urban districts, boroughs or county boroughs in the South-Eastern region (which includes Essex) having a population exceeding 25,000 and to the City of London and the Metropolitan Police district.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what were the circumstances in which milk supplies were cut off from Mr. J. A. Thomas, of Wisbech; and whether he will have an inquiry as there is a wide feeling in that district that great hardship has been caused unnecessarily?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 15th May to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to introduce a Bill this Session to deal with the milk industry; what will be its scope, and on what date the Bill will be submitted?

As I stated in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 1st May, I appreciate that existing legislative provision in regard to the milk industry expires on 30th September next, and I hope to introduce a further measure of milk legislation this summer. I cannot yet say, however, what will be the scope of the Bill or when it will be introduced.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the date on which it will be introduced?

I am afraid I cannot give the exact date.

Is the Bill likely to contain any provisions apart from merely recouping the Milk Marketing Board?

I am not in a position to make a statement on that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in Gloucestershire are receiving, since 1st May, a lower price for their milk; and why has there been no corresponding reduction in the price of milk to the consumers in the borough of Cheltenham?

The wholesale price for the sale of milk by registered producers during May was Is. 1½d. per gallon compared with Is. 4d. per gallon for April. The minimum retail price applicable in Cheltenham during May was 2S. per gallon compared with 2s. 4d. per gallon in April.

Is my right hon. Friend aware whether the reduction has been made, since the information I have is that no reduction has taken place?

That is outside my sphere.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that postmasters of sub-post offices, paid by commission, get no allowance of any kind for holidays as do their salaried colleagues; and will he take steps to remedy this in-justice?

The conditions of appointment of scale payment sub-postmasters require them to make provision for the Post Office work throughout the year and their remuneration is assessed on this basis. A scale payment sub-post-master is not required to give personal service and is free to absent himself at any time, provided that he makes satisfactory arrangements for the conduct of his office during his absence. His position is thus in many respects not unlike that of a contractor, and there would not, in my opinion, be any justification for the provision of paid annual leave.

Are not many of these sub-postmasters far too poor to make the necessary provision as things are at the present time?

I do not think that the arrangement which very naturally my hon. Friend would welcome would be compatible with the conditions under which they conduct their business.

asked the Post-master-General how many Post Office employés will be called up for military service; and whether they will receive any payment from the Post Office during their period of training?

There are about 2,300 Post Office servants now between 20 and 21 years of age who will be called up for training under the Military Training Act. As regards the latter part of the hon. Member's question, I would refer him to the information about the position of civil servants called up for training under this Act, which the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave on 25th May in answer to a question by the hon. Member for West Walthamstow (Mr. McEntee).

asked the Post-master-General whether he can give any indication as to when the contract which has been placed with Messrs. Siemens Brothers and Company, Limited, for the laying of a telephone line to the island of Alderney is likely to be carried out; and whether, in view of the desire of the residents on the island for some telephonic communication to be established with the mainland at the earliest possible moment, he will see whether anything can be done to expedite this work?

The hon. Member has been misinformed. No contract has been placed for the laying of a telephone line to Alderney. Plans have been drawn up to connect the island with Guernsey by means of a radio-telephone link. In view of the work involved, I am unable at this stage to say when the service is likely to be available.

asked the Postmaster- General when the present arrangements for block contracts with the ring of telephone manufacturers expire?

There are a number of contracts for the supply of telephone equipment. These contracts expire at various dates up to 1942. The principal contracts, which relate to the supply of exchange equipment, subscribers apparatus, and telephone cables, expire on 31st March, 1940, 31st October, 1941, and 30th June, 1941, respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will supply a complete list of the members of the Telephone Development Association and state what their individual profits were for each year since 1933 including the latest published figures?

The Telephone Development Association is a company limited by guarantee whose object, as stated in its memorandum of association is

"to promote and encourage the use of the telephone in Great Britain and other parts of the Empire."

The association co-operates with the Post Office in telephone publicity and educative measures. The membership is composed, I understand, of some 150 firms covering all sections of the telephone manufacturing industry. I have no knowledge of the individual profits of the firms in question other than that made available to the public by the registrar of joint stock companies.

Are we to take it that the Government were responsible for the initiation of this association?

The Government certainly arrange contracts, but this body about which the hon. Gentleman is asking is not a body which makes contracts.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has beeen called to the fact that the reception in Egypt of the British Broadcasting Corporation's programmes in Arabic and English on short waves is much inferior to the reception of programmes from Italy and Germany; and whether steps will be taken to improve the reception of British programmes?

I am informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that according to their information reception in Egypt of the programmes in Arabic and in English transmitted from this country on short waves has generally been quite satisfactory. Recent reports indicate, however, that while the reception of the British programmes in Arabic continues to be satisfactory, the programmes in English are at times not so well received in Egypt as are the German and Italian transmissions. The position is being carefully examined by the Corporation with a view to providing the best possible service to this area.

Do the Government recognise the great importance of all English programmes of all kinds being transmitted in the best possible way, in view of the present situation, and further, what arrangements are made to report to the Government and the British Broad casting Corporation any defects which may arise in any foreign country?

I think that if my hon. Friend reads the answer, he will see that the British Broadcasting Corporation realise that there have been difficulties in the matter, which shows that they are keeping in touch, and he will also see that they are taking up the matter, which is of great importance.

asked the Prime Minister what preparations the Government are making to meet the contingency that may occur in the event of national emergency to prevent profiteering in national necessities; and whether arrangements have been made which are capable of immediate application?

Plans are in active preparation for the control of the prices and distribution of essential foodstuffs, and it is contemplated that these plans would be put into immediate operation at the outset of an emergency. The plans that arc being prepared for the control of the main materials required by industry include provision to ensure that, from the outset, manufacturers using these materials do not increase the prices of necessities unjustifiably.

Will those plans also control commodities outside armaments, such as foodstuffs?

I have said that.

Does the reply mean that during peace time profiteering is quite all right and that any hampering of it must be left until war breaks out?

No, Sir. I think the question was designed to deal with the situation which might arise in what is called an emergency, when it might be expected that prices would tend to rise.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the recommendation of Lord Hailey that a Standing Parliamentary Committee for Colonial Affairs should be set up, and whether he will constitute such a Committee?

I have seen the reference to a Standing Parliamentary Committee in Lord Hailey's survey. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has been for some time engaged on a comprehensive examination of the whole machinery for framing and carrying out Colonial policy, as it now exists, in order to determine what alterations and developments are necessary or advisable. The possibility of bringing Parliament into closer and more regular contact with the affairs of the Colonial Empire is not being lost sight of in this examination, but I am not in a position to make a statement about it until the Government have completed their consideration of the problem as a whole.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has taken into consideration the expressions of opinion favourable to such a committee which were given vent to, in the Debate on the Colonies last week, from all quarters of the House, when, in fact, the Secretary of State for the Colonies showed himself not averse from such a course?

Yes, Sir. I have taken notice of that.

If such a committee were set up on Colonial affairs, would it not be impossible reasonably to refuse it in the case of other Departments of State, and if this became general, would it not undermine the principles of Cabinet responsibility?

Yes, Sir. That aspect has been taken into account also.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make concerning the salvage of the"Thetis"?

As I informed the House in reply to a question by the right hon. Member for Wakefield (Mr. Greenwood) on Thursday, 8th June, the salvage of His Majesty's Submarine"Thetis" has been temporarily suspended pending the provision of additional appliances. Since then a conference, which the Controller of the Navy attended, has been held at Liverpool to discuss the methods of salvage and it was decided that as the work might seriously interfere with the other responsibilities of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, the Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Association should take control of future operations. Naval assistance, including naval divers, will continue to be available. Salvage operations will recommence as soon as possible, but it may be some two or three weeks before the necessary gear for another attempt has been obtained.

May I ask whether the"Thetis" had been commissioned for these trials, and, also, in the event of Messrs. Cammell Laird and the underwriters deciding to abandon the salvage of the vessel, will the Admiralty take over the work and raise the vessel?

I should like to have notice of those questions.

In view of the delay which it is always possible might happen in the salvage, will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that the public inquiry should be opened forthwith?

I shall be making a statement on that later.

Are we to understand in regard to this question of hawsers that salvage work of this description was undertaken without apparatus which was absolutely necessary in order to raise such a vessel; and are we still waiting for the requisite hawsers?

I am not sure what the position is about that. It is clear that the apparatus which was first used was inadequate for the purpose in view of the conditions which now exist.

Is the Prime Minister able to say whether the special firm which has now got the job has the complement of material necessary, or have we to wait another length of time?

I could not say.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that public opinion expects this vessel to be raised and would be extremely uneasy if there were any failure to do so, especially in view of the success which attended the raising of the German vessels at Scapa Flow?

The Government also expect the vessel to be raised.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will submit to the Royal Fine Art Commission the elevations for the proposed new office block on the site of the old Westminster hospital facing the Abbey; and whether he will exhibit them in the Tea Room?

The elevations have been submitted to the Royal Fine Art Commission, who are at present considering them. I hope in due course to be able to arrange for the elevations to be exhibited in the Tea Room.

asked the Secretary of State for Air on what grounds he proposes to establish a military aerodrome on part of an historic estate at Stour-head, Wilts, which has been offered as a conditional bequest to the nation; and whether he intends to proceed with this scheme?

In order to meet urgent defence requirements it is necessary for my Department to acquire a number of aerodrome sites in this part of the country, and the number of suitable sites is of necessity limited. While preliminary inquiries have been made in regard to a portion of the Stourhead estate, no decision has been arrived at.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking into full account the conditions attached to this bequest; and will he have regard to the wider interests of the nation, in coming to a final decision?

Yes, Sir, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will appreciate the fact that I must have regard to national Defence in the first place.

All other factors being equal, will the right hon. Gentleman take those considerations which I have mentioned into account?

Has the right hon. Gentleman received earnest protests from the National Trust, and from the Council for the Preservation of Rural England?

I understand that a number of communications have been made. In fact, I expect such communications in regard to nearly every site which it is proposed to take.

But is not this site National Trust property?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the public has enjoyed the amenities of this estate for two centuries and that it is being left to the National Trust; and that, if my right hon. Friend finds it possible to avoid acquiring this property, the public will enjoy it for ever?

I will have regard to these facts, but I must point out to my hon. Friend the necessity that we are under to obtain suitable sites. I have to obtain a very large number of sites during the next few months, and, as I have said, I must put national Defence first.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when copies of the Bill to set up a corporation for overseas air services will be available to Members?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, I am presenting the Bill this afternoon, and arrangements have been made for copies to be available in the Vote office early this evening.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in the administrative county of Durham and the county boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields, respectively, who are in receipt of old-age pensions up to the latest available date?

I regret that the information asked for is not available, as the records of old-age pensioners are not kept on a territorial basis.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to bring under the Military Training Act young alien men who have been either born in the United Kingdom or brought here as young children and who are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom?

I have been asked to reply. The Military Training Act applies only to British subjects. In the case of a British subject who also has another nationality and who notifies his intention to make a declaration of alienage on reaching the age of 21, he will be permitted to postpone his liability for military training until he reaches the age of 22 in order to give him an opportunity of making the declaration

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the views expressed by the Committee of the Headmasters Conference with regard to the antedating of militia training in the case of boys who intend to proceed to the universities after October, 1939; and whether he will make a statement upon the subject?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has arranged to receive a deputation from the Headmasters Conference on this subject to-morrow.