asked the Postmaster-General whether the list of 23 firms engaged upon non-competitive agreements for supplying telephone equipment, published on the 19th June, is complete; and in precisely what way are Messrs. Switch-gear and Cowan engaged in Government contracts?

The list given in my reply of the 19th June to the hon. Member for Islington, West (Mr. Montague) is complete so far as the bulk agreements for the supply of telephone apparatus and equipment are concerned. I have no trace of Messrs. Switchgear and Cowan as holding or having held a contract with the Post Office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the contracts upon which the 23 telephone manufacturers are engaged are entirely completed by them; or, alternatively, will he supply a list of all sub-contractors.

The amount of sub-contracting by these firms under the bulk agreements is small and is mainly confined to cases in which direct contracting might conflict with the responsibility which the main contractor is required to assume for the overall performance of the plant. Firms carrying out sub-contracts of any magnitude are already included in the list of 23 firms.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to see that the ring of telephone manufacturers engaged upon non-competitive contracts will be treated the same as armament manufacturers and charged 60 per cent. on additional annual profits over £200,000?

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for West Islington (Mr. Montague) on the 19th June.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is still satisfied with his Department's position in regard to the price ring arrangements with the telephone industry, observing that three firms, namely, the General Electric Company, Messrs. Siemens, Limited, and the Automatic Telephone and Electric Company, out of 23 manufacturing telephone equipment, made collectively annual profits of £2,291,307?

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he will now furnish a complete statement showing, individually and collectively, the annual profits made by the whole group of 23 telephone equipment manufacturers, observing that some of the firms are private companies and their profits therefore not readily ascertinable, the public importance of this matter being that three of these firms made a combined profit of £2,291,307 last year;(2) whether he will state the annual net profit of Standard Telephones and Cables, Limited, one of the group of 23 telephone equipment manufacturers who have non-competitive contracts with his Department during the past five years, this concern being a private company and the balance sheets not being readily accessible?

I have no information as to the individual companies' profits, beyond that made available to the public by the Registrar of joint stock companies. The activities of the 23 firms referred to, including the named firms, are not restricted to telephone work for the Post Office. Our concern is to get a reasonable price for that portion of the firm's business which is connected with the Post Office.As the House is aware, detailed investigations by my Department are now proceeding into prices under the largest of the bulk agreements and I hope to extend these arrangements to other bulk agreements as they fall due for renewal.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the requisite safeguards to prevent the escape of dangerous animals are sufficiently stringent and are being properly carried out?

Those who keep dangerouse animals are responsible for taking such steps as are necessary for the protection of the public. The comparatively small number of escapes seems to show that this responsibility is fully appreciated and I do not think that any further safeguards are necessary or practicable.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is continuing to give consideration to requests for the extension of television service to the provinces; and whether he will, consider the establishment of a station at Sheffield?

I have recently received a report from the Television Advisory Committee dealing, among other matters, with the question of extending the television service to the provinces. This report is now under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to announce a decision on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can say what steps are being taken in order to bring about a settlement of claims against the Czech assets now held in this country; and whether he can give an assurance that a settlement will be made before the Summer Recess?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this complicated matter. If my hon. Friend will repeat his question in, say, a fortnight's time, I hope to be able to give more information.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will submit to the Royal Fine Art Commission the elevations of the proposed block of offices on the site of Nos. 18– 28, Abingdon Street, overlooking the Palace of Westminster; and whether he will exhibit them in the Tea Room?

I have already been in communication with the Royal Fine Art Commission in regard to this building scheme, and I hope that in due course I shall be able to arrange for the elevations to be exhibited in the Tea Room.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether be will state the amount of semi-finished steel imported from abroad since the 1st January this year; whether these imports are increasing; and what are the countries supplying them?

Description.	Country whence consigned.			Quantity.
				Tons.
Blooms, billets and slabs—	Total imports of which consigned from	…	…	104,803
Of steel, other than special steel.	France	…	…	33.044
	Canada	…	…	28,471
	Belgium	…	…	23,048
Bars and rods—	Total imports of which consigned from	…	…	39,120
Of steel, other than special steel.—
Sheet bars	Belgium	…	…	25.369
	Luxemburg	…	…	8,586
	France	…	…	3,637
Tinplate bars	Total imports	…	…	Nil

There was some increase in these imports during May, 1939, as compared with the previous four months, but aggregate imports during the first five months of this year were much less than in the corresponding period of 1938.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the volume and value of the imports of Japanese underwear and hosiery into Great Britain during each of the last three years; and

Description.	Quantity.			Declared value
	1936.	1937.	1938.	1936.	1937.	1938.
Apparel:	Th. Doz.	Th. Doz.	Th. Doz.	£000	£000.	£000.
Undergarments, other than knitted, netted or crocheted goods:
Shirts, collars and cuffs	(a)	360	353	123	166	158
Pyjamas, night shirts, nightdresses and other night wear.	(a)	8	8	3	6	7
Other undergarments (not hosiery).	(a)	353	121	70	102	33
Knitted, netted or crocheted goods (hosiery):
Underwear (including knitted, etc., shirts):
Of cotton, or of which the chief value is cotton.	623	468	320	129	123	82
	Th. Doz.	Th. Doz.	Th. Doz.
Stockings and hose:	pairs.	pairs.	pairs.
Of cotton, or of which the chief value is cotton.	906	1,007	701	78	95	67
(a) Recorded by value only prior to 1937.
Note.—The particulars for 1938 are provisional.

The following statement shows the total quantity of the under-mentioned descriptions of steel imported into the United Kingdom during the five months ended May, 1939, distinguishing the principal countries of consignment:whether, in any economic action to be taken against Japan in relation to her activities in the Far East, he will consider steps to deal with this importation?

The following statement shows, in respect of each of the years 1936, 1937 and 1938, the quantity and declared value of imports into the United Kingdom of the under-mentioned articles of apparel consigned from Japan (including Formosa). The suggestion made in the second part of the question has been noted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered that the possible result of the non-aggression pact between Germany and Denmark would be the cutting off of our bacon supplies in time of war; and whether immediate and increased steps will be taken to make us more independent of Danish imported supplies?

I do not consider that the non-aggression pact recently signed between Germany and Denmark would necessarily have the consequences suggested by the hon. Member, but I understand that the Food (Defence Plans) Department are actively considering the means of making good any deficiencies in imported bacon supplies in time of war. The hon. Member will also be aware that the Bacon Industry Acts 1938 and 1939, provides for a steadily increasing production of bacon in this country and that there has been a substantial increase in such supplies in recent years, as well as a marked rise in the volume of imports of bacon from Canada.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of making public the rates at which disability and dependants' pensions will be payable to officers and men of the mercantile marine as a result of injury or death arising out of, and in the course of employment in time of war?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on 20th June, stating that it is not proposed to publish details of schemes of compensation until legislation is introduced.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government's scheme for war insurance of merchant shipping will make provision for reimbursing owners the cost of paying officers and men full pay from the day on which a ship is lost till they reach their home port; and what payments of this nature will be made in the case of ships on Government charter?

No, Sir. It is not proposed that the British Shipping War Risks Reinsurance Scheme shall include provision for reimbursing owners of the cost of any wages they may be under obligation to pay to the crews of ships that are lost. I understand that it is usual for shipowners to cover this contingency with mutual insurance associations.In the case of ships lost on Government charter, the position would depend on the terms of the Charter party, but if they are such that the liability for war risks is taken by the Government as charterers, steps would be taken to ensure that the persons concerned were at least in as good a position as if the ships were in their owners' service.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will inquire into the circumstances of the refusal of treatment and allowances to Mr. S. R. Brotherton, 51, Vansittart Road, E.7, Reference No. 11/N/3086/A?

I have inquired into the facts of this case, but I regret that it is not possible to provide treatment at the expense of the Ministry, which is empowered to provide treatment only where it is necessitated by the persisting effects of Great War service. Mr. Brotherton's disability, epilepsy, was not caused by war service although it was accepted as having been aggravated to some extent thereby. The whole history of the case was most carefully reviewed some years ago by my medical advisers who found themselves unable to certify that any need for further treatment could be ascribed to the persisting effects of war service. I have fully reviewed the case in consultation with my medical advisers, but I am afraid that there are no grounds for reversing this decision.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received the annual report of the Herring Industry Board, and when the report will be published?

I have not yet received the annual report of the board. and I understand that they axe not yet able to indicate by what date it will be available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications have been received from the English herring ports, and from which ports, for grants for the building of new motor-boats; and how many grants have been authorised?

Four applications have been received from English ports, one each from Filey, Great Yarmouth, Penzance and St. Ives. One grant has been approved in principle, and one case is still under consideration. The other two applicants did not fulfil the conditions of eligibility.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Herring Industry Board are granting preferential treatment to motor-boats by allowing them to use excess extra nets and that they refuse to allow steam drifters to use any extra nets; and whether, in view of the fact that the English fleet is composed entirely of steam drifters, he will make representations to the board to avoid any appearance of discrimination against the steam drifters?

I am aware that the Herring Industry Board have decided in certain circumstances to allow motor-boats to carry a certain number of nets in addition to the fixed number per member of crew. I understand that the board do not regard this possible increase as likely to put the motor-boats in a preferential position, but in any case I am not in a position to intervene in the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the drift of farm workers from the land, he will consider introducing a scheme of apprenticeship on farms for boys leaving school, the cost to be divided between the Government and the farmer taking the apprentice?

I have had various suggestions which have been made in this connection under careful consideration, but it does not appear that the institution of a scheme of apprenticeships would in itself have any appreciable effect in attracting boys to agriculture who would otherwise take up other occupations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any evidence yet that local authorities are responding to his recent circular urging them to provide additional land for allotment cultivation?

From references in the Press and from information reaching my Department from other sources I am glad to be able to say that the circular has aroused considerable interest, but the practical results will not be known until the annual returns are available from allotment authorities in urban areas shortly after 31st December next.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the decision to build up a reserve of tractors for agricultural development work in the event of an emergency, he proposes to take any similar steps to ensure that there is an adequate supply of horses in this country for agricultural work if a substantial expansion of food production becomes necessary?

No, Sir. Although it is expected that in the event of war the horses then on farms would be used to their full capacity on agricultural work, it is considered that mechanical tractors are more suitable than horses for the purposes of the increased tractive power that will be organised by the Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by the staff side at the Royal Naval Armament Depot, Crombie, and sent to the political head of the Admiralty protesting against the breach of established precedent involved in the refusal of the Government to grant civil pay to conscripted civil servants; and will he reconsider this matter with a view to getting it rectified?

The resolution referred to by the hon. Member has not yet reached the. Admiralty. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. and gallant Friend, the Financial Secretary of the Treasury, on the 25th May to the hon. Member for West Walthamstow (Mr. McEntee). The Government does not intend to modify the decision then announced.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is satisfied with the progress made in regard to emergency evacuation schemes for women and children in the north-east part of Cheshire?

I have been asked to reply. The area to which my hon. Friend refers does not contain any evacuable area. I am not aware that difficulties have arisen in receiving districts in this area but if my hon. Friend has any particular points in mind I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the terms of the letter received by the League of Nations on the 29th May from the Russian Government asking that the telegram of Dr. Benes, dated the 13th May, from Chicago, protesting against the dismemberment of Czecho-Slovakia should be brought before the next Assembly?

Following is the text of the communication:Geneva29th May, 1939.TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL.At the first private meeting of the Council, on 22nd May last. I referred to a communication from Dr. Benes, which, owing to difficulties of a legal character, I was unable to read to the Council then in my capacity as President.My Government, which has received a copy of Dr. Benes' communication, has instructed me to request that the communication be brought to the notice of the next Assembly.I therefore have the honour, on behalf of the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, to request that you should communicate the attached copy of the telegram to the Members of the League.I have the honour, etc.,(Signed) J MAISKY.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Council of the League of Nations has been asked to sanction the cession to Turkey by France of the Sanjak of Alexandretta, now held under French mandate?

So far as my Noble Friend is aware, this matter, regarding which an agreement was reached as recently as 23rd June between France and Turkey, has not yet been referred to the Council of the League of Nations.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many acres of land have been purchased in Scotland by the Forestry Commission which are above the altitude at which the planting of trees can be successfully carried on?

247,521 acres of land have been acquired by the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland which are unplantable owing to altitude, exposure, unsuitable soil or other adverse conditions. No record is kept of the acreage unsuitable on account of altitude alone.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he can state the total number of acres which the Commission have acquired in Scotland; and how many of them are plantable?

The Forestry Commissioners have acquired 533,723 acres in Scotland, of which 269,275 are plantable. The rest consist of unplantable and agricultural land.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the Forestry Commission, on taking over 30,000 acres in Morvern, cleared off 12 to 15 family farms rented at £80 to £100 and including 1,200 acres of arable land; if a condition was inserted in the conveyance to the Commission to the effect that no part of the ground was ever to be used for land settlement; and why this was necessary?

The Forestry Commissioners on taking over three estates at Morvern comprising 24,500 acres did not take possession of any family farms or arable land. One of the estates was acquired subject to the condition that the land was to be used only for afforestation purposes and for forest workers' holdings which is a form of land settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what proportion of homegrown wool is used in the manufacture of materials for the clothing and equipment of His Majesty's Air Force?

I regret that the desired information is not readily available and could not be obtained without disproportionate expenditure of time and labour.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the supplying of only British Empire foodstuffs to those serving in the Air Forces?

Foodstuffs supplied to the Air Forces by my Department are of British Empire origin so far as this is reasonably practicable. In the main, supply is arranged on behalf of the Air Ministry by the War Office.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what proportion of home-grown wool is used in the manufacture of materials for the clothing and equipment of His Majesty's naval forces?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the anxiety amongst operators and small master-bakers throughout the country at the decision of the trade board, he will consent to receive a joint committee representing their views?

It is the practice when minimum rates are submitted by a trade board to the Minister for confirmation to consider requests for deputations from any of the responsible organisations concerned. I should propose to follow this practice in connection with the rates to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the need for encouraging continued education amongst militiamen in training, opportunities will be afforded to make use of the services of trained teachers and university graduates who will be available?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will be able shortly to issue a statement setting forth the arrangements which are to be made to provide opportunities of continued education to militiamen during their period of service?

This matter is under consideration in consultation with the Board of Education, and it is hoped that the arrangements will be completed very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of homegrown wool is used in the manufacture of materials for the clothing and equipment of His Majesty's forces in the Army and Militia?

I regret that the desired information is not readily available, and could not be obtained without disproportionate expenditure of time and labour.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made in connection with the new barracks at Shrivenham with, and apart from, the local educational authority for the provision of adequate educational accommodation; how many children is it estimated must be provided for in the various types of school; and to what extent will any part of this cost fall upon the country rates?

The provision of educational facilities for the children of soldiers who may be stationed at Shrivenham is in the hands of the Berkshire Education Committee, who, as the local education authority, are charged with the duty of providing for the elementary education of children. It is estimated that the approximate number of children concerned is 130 infants, 130 juniors and 100 senior children. I have no information regarding the proportion of cost, if any, which will fall upon the county rates.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the new barracks at Shrivenham will be occupied by troops; whether there has been any alteration made in the establishment; if so, what are the adjusted figures for officers and other ranks; how many of these will have married quarters provided; and what is the accommodation for motor vehicles?

It is hoped that occupation will begin next October. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the information asked for in the rest of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any direct contribution is to be made to the local authority for the cost of improving the roads leading to the War Department property at Shrivenham; and whether, in view of the increased volume of heavy traffic of all classes that must in future use the roads in the district, he will consult with the Minister of Transport with a view to an increased grant being made to compensate for the increased wear and tear?

Discussions on the subject of road improvements are proceeding between the county surveyor and the local military authorities, and any representations which the county council may desire to put forward will receive consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the supplying of only British Empire foodstuffs to all those who are serving in the Army?

Foodstuffs supplied to the Army by the War Department are of British Empire origin, so far as this is reasonably practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the cause of the delay in the issue of manuals and drill books to newly-formed units of the Territorial Army; and, in the event of this being due to congestion of work at the official printers, whether he will authorise the immediate production of essential training manuals of a non-confidential nature by private firms, so that newly-joined officers may no longer be subjected to the discouragement of being unable to obtain, instructional literature?

Existing stocks of these books were insufficient for the requirements of the increased establishment of the Territorial Army and the Militia, but further supplies are now becoming available, and all demands should be met in the near future. The printing has been entrusted to private firms.