asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether British troops quartered in India will be excluded from the operation of any local law prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor?

In none of the five Provinces where prohibition has been introduced so far, are British troops prevented from obtaining alcoholic liquor. In four of these Provinces the prohibition measures impose no restrictions upon them, while in the remaining Province they may drink in messes and canteens without permits. Any proposals for the extension of prohibition will be carefully watched by the Government of India from this point of view.

Will the Minister remember that any proposal to interfere with the British soldier's beer, would have a disastrous effect?

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman see to it that the convenience of British residents in India does not interfere with the efforts of Indian reformers?

Will the Minister also see to it that these chaps always get butter?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will state according to the latest information in his possession the number of trade unions, including federations, at present registered under the India Trade Union Act?

I have nothing to add to what I said to the hon. Member in reply to a similar question on 8th May last.

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman said that he was going to inquire into the number of trade unions and federations, can he say whether that information has been received yet?

I think in my reply to the hon. Gentleman I expressed regret that I had not the figures for which he asked. I pointed out that the administration in regard to trade unions was a matter for the provincial governments, and that my Noble Friend would not normally get information of this kind. I also said that it was not customary for information in regard to these matters, which are under the provincial government, to be supplied. I am sorry if the hon. Member thought that I undertook to obtain the information.

In reply to a supplementary question, did not the hon. and gallant Gentleman say he would have inquiries made?

I have given the hon. Member the gist of the reply both to his main question and to the supplementary question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the present position at Tientsin, and the progress of the Tokyo negotiations?

The general position at Tientsin is unchanged. No incidents have been reported. The milk situation is fairly satisfactory: supplies are good but continue to be subject to delays at the barriers.

As regards the second part of the question, since 15th July preliminary conversations have been proceeding at Tokyo between His Majesty's Ambassador and the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs before starting negotiations for the settlement of the situation at Tientsin. At the outset of the discussions, the Japanese Government expressed the view that, if progress was to be made in the removal of misunderstandings and the establishment of better relations, it was essential to recognise the background against which the situation at Tientsin should be viewed. This had nothing to do with His Majesty's Government's China policy but was a question of fact. Hostilities were proceeding in China on a large scale. The Japanese Army had to provide for its own security and maintain public order in the occupied areas and was, therefore, obliged to take action to see that these causes were not prejudiced.

In order to clear the way for the Tientsin discussions, His Majesty's Government have accordingly agreed upon the following formula with the Japanese Government:

"His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom fully recognise the actual situation in China where hostilities on a large scale are in progress and note that, as long as that state of affairs continues to exist, the Japanese forces in China have special requirements for the purpose of safeguarding their own security and maintaining public order in regions under their control and that they have to suppress or remove any such acts or causes as will obstruct them or benefit their enemy. His Majesty's Government have no intention of countenancing any act or measures prejudicial to the attainment of the above-mentioned objects by Japanese forces and they will take this opportunity to confirm their policy in this respect by making it plain to British authorities and British nationals in China that they should refrain from such acts and measures."

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that nothing will be agreed to in these forthcoming negotiations which is calculated to impair Chinese currency, or to impair the right of this country to grant credits to the Chinese Government for any purpose whatsoever?

Yes, Sir, the discussions are confined to the local issues at Tientsin.

Do not these concessions, in effect, constitute a de facto recognition of Japanese sovereignty in respect of those parts of Chinese territory which are now under the control of the Japanese armed forces?

No, Sir.

What territories are referred to by the Prime Minister when he speaks of territories under effective Japanese control?

I would not like to give a definition of that in answer to a supplementary question.

Have we not given an undertaking to pursue a certain course of policy in this area? What is the area?

The area under Japanese control.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer not mean that the Government have now definitely taken the side of Japan?

No.

Does not the answer mean that we are preserving strict neutrality?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in the declaration he has made to-day there is any change whatever in British policy in regard to China?

No, Sir, the declaration does not connote any change in British Government policy in China?

Will Chinese currency not interfere with the Japanese?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make on the detention of Colonel Spear?

The officer in charge of His Majesty's Embassy at Peking has been informed by his Japanese colleague that no formal trial has started and that preliminary investigations are still proceeding. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo is maintaining the closest touch with the Japanese Government, and my Noble Friend trusts that in view of the improved atmosphere this question may soon be settled.

Will it be made clear to the Japanese Government that His Majesty's Government hold them responsible?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the safety of the personnel of the English Presbyterian Mission Hospital at Chuanchow, in the Swatow-Fuchien district of China; and whether supplies of food and drugs are now available?

My Noble Friend is calling for a report on this subject, but he has no reason to believe that the personnel of the English Presbyterian Mission are not safe.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that the Chinese silver reserve in Tientsin, the estimated value of which is £2,500,000, will not be surrendered to the Japanese authorities?

The Japanese Government have never formulated to His Majesty's Government any proposals in regard to the disposal of this silver.

Is the silver reserve lodged in a British bank, and would it not be advisable, in view of the unsatisfactory state of affairs in Tientsin, to move it out of harm's way?

I should require notice of that question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that the Chinese Government might be anxious for us to hand it over to the Japanese?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has had brought to his notice the recrudescence of broadcasts authorised by the Reich Ministry of Propaganda, which are de signed to incite he Arabs to violence against the Jews in Palestine; and what steps he proposes to take against this abuse of the international broadcasting system which is likely to lead to deaths and destruction of property?

It is unfortunately true that much propaganda of an anti-British nature is published in the German Arabic broadcasts and much inaccurate information especially regarding Palestine, but they do not appear to contain any direct incitement to violence; the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

If nothing can be done by way of intervention with the German Government, would the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of action being taken by the Palestinian Government, and would it not be well for the High Commissioner to broadcast denials of these allegations?

The British Broadcasting Corporation have broadcast denials of the worst of these allegations which, as I have said before, are without any foundation or truth. I do not think a direct approach would be likely to achieve the result which the hon. and gallant Member desires.

Would it not be better if we had more money available for propaganda?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that under German law money becoming due by way of inheritance or legacies to residents of other countries is transferred to a blocked account which can only be used for a limited number of purposes, which prevents the said money leaving the Reich; and whether he will enter into negotiations with the German Government with a view to agreement on some more satisfactory arrangement?

His Majesty's Government are aware of the fact that under German law money becoming due by way of inheritance or legacies to residents of other countries is transferred to a blocked account in Germany, and they are giving the matter their careful consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that on 16th December last a reciprocal agreement was arrived at between the United States and the German Reich on this matter, and will he consider taking similar steps to force Germany to come to an agreement?

I have said that we have this matter under consideration, and I will certainly pay due attention to the point raised by my hon. and learned Friend.

Will my right hon. Friend see that whatever regulations apply to this country and Germany, similar regulations shall apply also to Germany and this country?

asked the Prime Minister whether Miss Church and Mr. John Lennox, who are under judicial arrest in Vienna, have been allowed yet to receive visits from consular officers; if not, whether he will make a strong protest through the proper channels against the refusal to allow these persons to have legal assistance; and whether he can say how long they have been under arrest without trial?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The date of Miss Church's arrest is given as 21st March and that of Mr. Lennox as 25th March. There are no legal or treaty grounds for insisting that prisoners arrested on suspicion in Germany shall be allowed legal assistance before a charge has been formulated against them. But I can give a categorical assurance that no effort has been or will be spared to move the German authorities to expedite the investigation in order that the prisoners may be brought before a court and allowed normal facilities at the earliest possible moment. The Acting Consul-General at Vienna reported last Saturday that the examining magistrate expects to complete his investigations during the course of this week.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any explanation of the very prolonged delay, now going into several months, before these people have the advantage of having the case put against them and brought before the court?

No, Sir, but this long delay is regretted and has already been the subject of representations by His Majesty's Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the German authorities gave a promise as long ago as 26th May that Mr. Lennox should be allowed to write to his wife, that that promise has not been kept, and that Mr. Lennox has not been allowed to write since the time of his arrest.

My information is that the prisoners are allowed to write one letter weekly to their relatives, but I will investigate the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will arrange for short weekly broadcasts in Hungarian, Yugoslavian, Rumanian, and the Czech languages, in view of the anti-British propaganda at present being carried on in Central and Eastern Europe over the wireless?

The question of a possible extension of the present series of foreign language broadcasts is being sympathetically considered by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the success of the B.B.C. broadcasts in Germany?

Certainly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider extending the broadcasts to Spain where there is also much anti-British propaganda at the inspiration of Berlin and Rome?

There are already two kinds of Spanish broadcasts done by the B.B.C.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent broadcasts in Arabic containing false allegations against the conduct of the British troops in Palestine, he will con- sider arranging for authentic broadcasts to be made from this country to the German people about the methods of expropriation of people of German origin in the Austrian Tyrol?

My Noble Friend has been informed by the B.B.C. that descriptions of the situation in the South Tyrol have been given on several occasions in their daily broadcasts in German, as have denials of the false allegations against British troops in Palestine, which have been repeatedly and authoritatively given in this House and elsewhere.

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

Fresh instructions were sent to His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow on 21st July and a further meeting with M. Molotov was held yesterday, but we have not yet been able to study the report of our Ambassador, which has only just been received.

In view of the grave concern felt in many quarters in this country owing to the long delay in these negotiations, can the right hon. Gentleman now undertake that this House shall not adjourn for the summer until this pact has been concluded?

No, Sir.

Would it not be. possible to send a Cabinet Minister with plenary powers to settle these discussions so that they can be brought to a successful issue?

No, Sir.

May I press the Prime Minister on this subject? In view of the fact that the negotiations have been very prolonged in relation to a matter which is of profound interest to the future of the peace of Europe, surely the right hon. Gentleman would be prepared to give an undertaking that this House should not rise until the negotiations are concluded?

I cannot at this stage give that assurance.

Supposing the right hon. Gentleman were pressed a little later —I quite realise that there may be difficulties—would he think it a satisfactory situation if this House were to rise without an agreement being concluded and some arrangement were made behind the backs of this House?

No, Sir. I assume that the right hon. Gentleman shares the desire of the British Government that an agreement should be concluded, but the possibility of concluding an agreement does not lie only with His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps are being taken in the interests of British propaganda to encourage the wider distribution abroad of British news-films; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that this is to a large extent dependent on the adequate distribution of foreign and Dominion news-film in this country, he will take steps to secure the removal of the present restrictions under which British news-reel companies are compelled to restrict supplies of their films for exhibition in Great Britain to such places as are approved by the cinematograph theatre interests?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. The second part does not come within the purview of my Noble Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the present position in Danzig following the shooting of a Polish customs official?

The matters arising out of the death of a Polish customs official are being dealt with by the Polish Government and the Danzig Senate. Meanwhile I would take this opportunity to express my Noble Friend's regret at this unhappy incident.

In view of the fact that this question asks about the present position in Danzig, has the right hon. Gentleman any reply to make to the statement of the German official spokesman on Friday last to the effect that the German Government expect the British Government to bring pressure to bear on the Polish Government to agree to the unconditional return of Danzig to the German Reich?

I have no further statement to make on Danzig, and nothing to add to the Prime Minister's recent statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will review applications he receives for a war ex-service man's pension or from the widows of ex-service men on a more generous basis and in a more sympathetic manner than in the past?

Although I have only recently assumed office as Minister of Pensions, I have already examined the facts in a large number of cases, and I am satisfied that no claim fails for want of fair and sympathetic handling by my Department, which is always ready to assist in the collection of evidence to support a claim.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of calling together the Standing Joint Committee or a committee of Members of this House to consider the question?

I am giving full consideration, and very sympathetic consideration, to every case that comes before my Ministry. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to discuss it with him in my room after questions.

Is it not the case that if there is any doubt at all, it goes against the applicant?

That is not so.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether consideration has been given to the findings of the investigation conducted into the position of ex-service men disabled or incapacitated through war service by the British Legion, and the report issued in 1938; and what action has been taken or is contemplated?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 18th April last by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that reply satisfactory?

I certainly do.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has considered a copy of a resolution from the Ramsgate branch of the British Legion, supported by many other branches, dealing with the need to improve the position of ex- service war-disabled men; and what action it is proposed to take?

I have seen a copy of the resolution referred to. The proposals contained in it would involve radical departures from the scheme approved by Parliament for dealing with the effects of war injury. They must, therefore, of necessity, be most carefully considered by all Departments concerned before any action could be recommended to Parliament. I may add that my Department is in close touch with the British Legion.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of applications for pensions made by disabled soldiers and the widows of disabled soldiers during 1938, and the amount granted; and in how many cases application was made for an increase of pension, and the number of such increased pensions?

During the year ended 31st December, 1938, 2,331 applications for pension were received from disabled men and 1,824 from widows of ex-service men. The approximate annual value of the pensions which it was found possible to grant was £36,000. As regards the second paragraph of the question, the records of my Department do not enable me to give the number of applications for increase of pensions, but during the year in question pensions were increased in about 1,300 cases.

Is the hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that in the case of ex-soldiers who have suffered from disease or wounds and whose earning capacity has been impaired as a result of their condition and their age, all those factors are being taken into account?

I am quite satisfied that those factors have been borne in mind, and I want also to inform my hon. Friend that I shall never be satisfied.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman to bear in mind that this is a serious subject?

I realise that.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can make a statement regarding the results likely to accrue from the visit of the Swedish trade delegation to this country?

Yes, Sir, the visit of the Swedish Trade Delegation was in my opinion very successful, an opinion which, I am glad to say, is shared equally by the Federation of British Industries, which undertook the responsibility of organising the discussions. The conversations were conducted in an atmosphere of cordiality and goodwill, and there was abundant evidence on the Swedish side of a willingness to lend every support to United Kingdom exporters trading with Sweden. Much valuable information has been obtained and many new contacts made, which are likely to bear fruit in the future. It is probable that as a direct outcome of the Swedish visit, a permanent body will be set up in Sweden for the purpose of consolidating the work of the delegation.

Will my right hon. Friend see that there is a clause in any agreement that is come to providing for the use of British shipping?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how often the Export Guarantees Advisory Council meet; whether its members receive any remuneration for their services; and whether they are precluded from having any interest in contracts guaranteed under the system of export guarantees?

Full meetings of the Export Guarantees Advisory Council are held monthly, but other meetings and consultations take place more frequently as and when circumstances require. Members of the council receive no remuneration for their services. As regards the last part of the question, it is the practice for members of the council to make full disclosure of any interest they might have in any particular transaction. On the rare occasions when they have any such interest they naturally abstain from the discussion. I may perhaps take this opportunity of repeating that the Government are greatly indebted to the members of the council for their admirable work.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, since the Bacon Industry (Amendment) Act, 1939, provides for a steadily increasing production of bacon in this country he can state the percentage increase there has been since the passing of that Act?

My hon. Friend's premise is incorrect; the Bacon Industry (Amendment) Act, 1939, was concerned only with certain adjustments in the provisions of the Bacon Industry Act, 1938, relating to payments to or by curers on account of feeding-stuff costs and bacon prices, and to the production of bacon from imported pigs. In view of the shorter supply of pigs this year the output of bacon has not increased since the Amendment Act became law.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend tell me what is happening in the bacon industry? Why is the whole thing being held up? Why are we not making headway?

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the reports that the Pig Marketing Board's annual meeting adjourned and that the scheme looks like being in grave danger of collapse? What does the Government propose to do?

That is another question. The question I have answered dealt with the bacon industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the Pigs and Bacon Marketing Schemes, he will take steps to prevent the further closing down of the small curing establishments and factories, in view of their special value in times of emergency; and whether he will consult with the Food (Defence Plans) Department with the object of effecting this purpose?

The only grounds which exist at present under which a factory licence granted under the Bacon Industry Act, 1938, can be revoked, are that the conditions of the licence have been contravened or that the premises have ceased to be used for the production of bacon. I understand that a few licences have formally been revoked because the premises are no longer being used for bacon production, but no other licences have been revoked. My hon. Friend's question does not, therefore, arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that bacon curers in all parts of the country are unable to meet their requirements and will he take steps to see that they get better supplies?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to reconsider the present basis on which grants are made to land drainage pumping stations so that encouragement may be given to electrical installations which, in turn, would tend to promote electricity supply facilities for remote rural areas?

No, Sir. I do not think it would be wise or practicable to prescribe any particular form of power for land drainage pumping stations, but I will approve whatever proposals may be most appropriate in the particular circumstances of each case.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take into account the information which I have received from the Yorkshire Power Company that on account of high tension wires being connected to a sewerage scheme in Nottinghamshire they were able, incidentally, to connect up 10 villages and in that way bring supplies of electricity to very remote rural areas?

Yes, Sir. There is an arrangement under which the Ministry does let the Electricity Commission know of any schemes which are coming forward in order that the local supply company may be in a position to make an offer to the pumping station to supply the power.

Will the Minister take that into account in allocating grant? That is the important point.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total acreage of pasture- land in Worcestershire which has been passed as qualified for the £2 per acre grant for replanting to date?

Up to the present date, notifications of intention to plough-up grassland in Worcestershire have been received in respect of approximately 1,953 acres. I would remind my hon. Friend that notification of intention to plough does not of itself render the land eligible for the proposed Government grant, which is dependent upon the fulfilment of certain conditions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before empowering the Potato Marketing Board to buy and hold off the market for in definite periods an unlimited quantity of potatoes in addition to regulating what potatoes may be marketed at any time, he can state what steps he proposes to take to impose a reasonable maximum price to which the Board can thus force up the price of potatoes in order to provide reasonable protection for the consumer?

The object of the particular amendment of the Potato Marketing Scheme, which my hon. Friend evidently has in mind, is to clear up a certain ambiguity in regard to the Board's power to buy and sell surplus potatoes, which they already exercise under the Scheme. I see no reason, therefore, for taking any action such as is suggested, particularly in view of the natural safeguards against excessive prices which consumers already possess and of those provided under the Agricultural Marketing Acts.

These powers do not include any fresh attempt to restrict supplies either to the consumer or from the producer?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large quantity of last year's crop of potatoes has been left in the hands of the farmers and they have been unable to sell even at 15s. a ton, and does he not agree that those potatoes could have found a market among men who are unemployed or on low wages?

I shall be very glad to have any information from the hon. Member about those large stocks.

asked the Minister of Agriculture in view of the all-time low record price of wheat, whether he can arrange for an immediate further interim payment in respect of deficiency payments to be made to registered wheat- growers who have sold their wheat?

No, Sir. The Wheat Commission have already during this cereal year made five advances to registered growers at the rate of 4s. per cwt., the last advance having been made as recently as 13th July in respect of sales of wheat credited to 30th June. Deficiency payments on the very small quantity of wheat sold since that date, together with final payments on the advances already made will be made early in September.

Will any further advance payments be made between now and September? Does not a situation in farming which is unprecedented in 300 years require unprecedented remedies?

I would remind my hon. Friend that the deficiency payments have to be calculated in relation to the difference between the standard price of 10s. per quarter and the average price obtained by the registered growers for home-grown millable wheat sold by them during the cereal year ending on 31st July.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how the arable acreage of Great Britain on 4th June this year compares with that of a year ago; and whether he will state the number of agricultural workers in Great Britain to-day compared with a year ago?

Particulars of the arable acreage and of agricultural workers in Great Britain on 4th June last will not be available until August, and I regret that I am, therefore, unable at present to make the desired comparisons between this year and last year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made with drainage and flood-prevention schemes in the Great Ouse Catchment area; and whether he is satisfied that all necessary steps are now being taken to make the Fens safe from the risk of serious flooding?

As was stated in reply to a question by my hon. Friend on 6th February last, schemes of the River Great Ouse Catchment Board estimated to cost about £2,000,000 have been approved in principal for a Government grant of 75 per cent. Sections of these schemes are in progress or have been completed. As regards the last part of the question, the Catchment Board have appointed a consulting engineer to report as to the principles to be applied to provide an efficient and economic remedy for the drainage problems in the area, and I understand his report will shortly be available.

Then the Minister is not satisfied that the Fens are safe from serious flooding at the moment?

I have not said that.

You have not said otherwise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many attested herds there were in Scotland at the last available date; how many of these include cows of the Ayrshire breed; how many such cows are so included; and what counties in Scotland do not have attested herds with Ayrshire cows?

At the end of June, 1939, there were 1,798 attested herds in Scotland, comprising approxi- mately 110,200 cattle. At the time of entry in the Register of Attested Herds, 1,344 of these herds comprising 91,300 animals were wholly, and a further 128 herds comprising 9,100 animals were mainly, composed of cattle of the Ayrshire breed. Information as to the number of Ayrshire cows in attested herds in Scotland is not available. No attested herds wholly or mainly composed of Ayrshire cattle are located in the counties of Banff, Nairn, Orkney, Sutherland and Zetland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give details of the proposal to lay up 400 near-water trawlers; how many fishermen are likely to lose their employment if this proposal is carried out; and whether he is taking any steps to ensure that these men shall not be lost to the industry?

As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Central Hull (Mr. Windsor) on 18th July, I have no information regarding the present position of this proposal. While I am unable to give more than a rough estimate, the number of fishermen who might be involved if the full scheme were put into operation is probably between 4,500 and 5,000. With regard to the last part of the question, if the industry wishes to proceed with the proposal I have no power to prevent it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department been consulted in any way?

No, Sir.

Is it beyond the power of the Government to do something to save these little fishermen, who are absolutely essential to the country?

That is realised; but as to this particular proposal I have not heard of it officially, nor have I any power in the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the restrictions on the landing of fish in this country have resulted in a large increase in the cost of fish as an article of human consumption; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how he intends to meet increasing complaints from fish-friers and other such consumers of fish about a shortage of supplies, believed to be due to the restrictions on fish landings and not to the quantity of fish available?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what restrictions there are on fish landings; and what effect they have had on the price of fish?

Landings of fish in this country may be said to be restricted by the Sea-Fishing Industry (Restriction of Fishing in Northern Waters) Order, and by the voluntary scheme of control operated by the Hull and Grimsby trawler owners. The restrictions under the Northern Waters Order expire at the end of this month: the voluntary control scheme is worked by the industry itself on its own account and I have no power to intervene. I regret that I have no statistical information relating to retail prices of fish. Port prices of demersal fish in the first six months of 1938 and 1939 were somewhat higher than in the corresponding periods of 1936 and 1937 when prices were exceptionally low, but they were about the same level as in 1934 and 1935; 1937 was, in fact, a record year for high landings and low prices. I would add that landings of demersal fish have increased by more than one half since 1913; at the same time port prices in 1938 were no higher than before the War and were the cause of grave difficulties for the trawling industry.

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend not realise that fish constitutes the staple evening diet of the working class; and in view of the way in which fish prices are rising, can he not take action in the interests of the consumers?

My hon. and learned Friend will realise that the prices obtained for fish have a very great bearing on the number of people who can be employed in the industry, and that it is important to see that the fishermen also get a square deal.

Is there not a committee in existence to watch fluctuations in prices, and can it not look into this matter?

I should like notice of that question.

Will the Minister have more regard, in future legislation, to the interests of the consumers, who have suffered very badly?

We must first be sure that there are supplies of fish.

Can some inquiry be made as to the soundness of the feelings of the fish fryers in this matter? They were subject last season to the one lb. potato restriction, and the whole business is getting knocked sideways by this type of legislation.

Is there any reason why the interests of the fishermen should not be considered?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious effect produced on the popular supply of fish and chips by, on the one hand, restrictions on fish landing and, on the other hand, by the draft amendments to the Potato Marketing Scheme; and whether, to allay anxiety and to protect the consumer, he will postpone laying the latter before Parliament until the autumn?

With regard to the draft amendments to the Potato Marketing Scheme I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I am giving to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Sir J. Smedley Crooke), and as regards fish landings, to my reply to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Warrington (Mr. Goldie) and the hon. Members for Doncaster (Mr. J. Morgan) and Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson).

Is the Minister not aware that thousands of families in this country have fish and chips for their dinner and supper, and will he not see that they have as large a supply as possible?

I have no reason to believe that they have not enough fish.

Is the Minister aware that we are getting petitions from people on this matter, and will he give the matter reconsideration?

asked the Postmaster-General particulars of the increase in the weight of mails despatched by air to the countries served by the Empire air routes since the introduction of the Empire Air Mail Scheme?

Prior to the introduction of the Empire Air Mail Scheme on the route to East and South Africa on 29th June, 1937, surcharged air mail was being despatched by the Empire air routes at the rate of 160 tons per annum. With the successive extensions of the scheme, and the abolition of the surcharge system for the participating countries, the weight of letter mail despatched by air from this country by the Empire air routes has increased from 506 tons in the year ended 30th June, 1938, to 1,011 tons in the year ended 30th June, 1939.

asked the Postmaster-General particulars of the weight of mails despatched by air to European destinations during the last three years?

Following the adoption in 1936 of the principle of forwarding by air or surface transport, whichever offers the quicker delivery, letters and postcards for European countries prepaid at the ordinary rates of postage, the weight of the letter mails despatched by air to European destinations rose from 225 tons in the year ended the 30th June, 1937, to 571 tons in the year ended the 30th June, 1938; and 855 tons in the year ended 30th June, 1939.

asked the Postmaster-General the approximate sum paid to foreign air lines for the 12 months ended the last convenient date, giving, separately, the amount paid for the carriage of British mail to South America, to either French or German postal administrations, and for the carriage of British air mail to this country?

The amount paid for the conveyance of British mails by foreign air lines during the year ended 31st March, 1939, was £183,500. Of this sum, £62,000 was paid to the French Post Office and £51,000 to the German Post Office for the conveyance of British mail to South America. As regards the last part of the question, payment for the carriage of air mail originating abroad and addressed to this country is made by the postal administration of the country of origin.

Is it intended that in future all first-class mail shall be carried in British planes?

We shall extend the quantity of British mail carried in British aeroplanes as opportunity offers.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a number of complaints have been made in respect of delay in the delivery of telegrams from the Gosport office; and whether he is satisfied that the number of messengers is adequate, in view of the office being so far removed from the large housing estates?

The number of telegrams delivered from the Gosport Post Office during the past six months was nearly 14,000, and during that period only two-complaints were received of delay in delivery. Judged by the usual standards, the messenger staff at the office is fully adequate for the delivery work to be performed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the increase in the number of night trunk calls, since the introduction of the Is. call, is being maintained; and whether the service given is. considered to be satisfactory?

Prior to 1934, when the Is. trunk calls at night were introduced, the number of trunk calls made in the evening period amounted to some 2,300,000 a year. The cheap rate has proved to be so popular that in 1938 the number of trunk calls in the evening period amounted to no less than 13,500,000. The present rate of increase is about 8 per cent. a year. This rapid increase in traffic has introduced a number of difficult problems in regard to both staff and equipment, but these have now been largely overcome. The standard of service is generally satisfactory, but occasions arise when it is impossible to avoid delay in connecting calls on individual routes where there is a sudden and heavy concentration of traffic.

Would the Postmaster-General now consider having a reduced rate for the afternoon in order to improve the afternoon service?

asked the Postmaster-General how many stamp booklets have been issued, or prepared for issue, containing an advertisement of a proprietary medicine which promises immediate results to sufferers from rheumatism, backache, painful joints, and affections of the kidney, bladder, and prostate gland; on what date the existing contract for this advertisement will terminate; and whether his Department has sought any expert advice as to whether or not it is in conformity with the restrictions proposed by the Select Committee of 1912?

The answer to the first point is 10,500,000; to the second, that there is no standing contract; and to the third, in the negative. Advertisements which specifically purport to cure any of the diseases mentioned in paragraph 58 (2) of the Select Committee's report are rejected. As the Assistant Postmaster-General stated in answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for St. Albans (Sir F. Fremantle) on 28th June, I am looking further into the policy of the Post Office in this matter.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend canvass the Government Departments and the marketing boards with a view to pointing out to them the great opportunities that are offered to them by the space in these booklets?

The answer is that the -whole matter is being considered.

Will the Postmaster-General consult the Minister of Health on the nature of these advertisements?

If it is not permissible to advertise a cure for cancer, why is it permissible to advertise a cure for all these complaints?

asked the Postmaster-General what steps are being taken to use the services of amateur radio operators in the event of war; and is he aware that, with little expenditure, a 24-hour service could be maintained even in the event of a breakdown of the grid electricity system?

It has been decided, after consultation with the Government Departments concerned, that it would be essential in time of war to close down the wireless transmitting sets used by experimenters. I understand that steps have been taken by the Admiralty and the Air Ministry to enroll a number of suitable wireless experimenters for special wireless duties in time of emergency.

Would the Minister not agree that a considerable number of these amateur operators have very good War records and could maintain communications at a time when all the wires in the country were broken down; that they could still maintain communications on behalf of the Government and would it not be rather a pity that they should all be closed down? Could I submit evidence to the Minister of the actual position?

The value of these operators is fully realised, and they have been given an opportunity to join the Royal Air Force Civilian Wireless Reserve or the Royal Naval Wireless Reserve, in order that their skill might be made use of.

asked the Minister of Health the anticipated number, by districts, of evacuees who will require to be transported from the different evacuated districts of Kent, in case of an emergency?

The plans now in operation are based on the assumption that it will be necessary to provide transport for the following numbers in the priority classes from the towns in Kent covered by the present railway time-tables:

Chatham Borough	11,800
Gillingham Borough	17,700
Rochester Borough	9,800

Plans for the further towns which it is now proposed to add to the evacuable category are now being worked out, but full details are not yet available.

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1)whether his attention has been drawn to a device for masking lights on vehicles during air raids which has been designed by a resident at Brighton; whether he is aware that at a demonstration given at Shoreham Aerodrome on 20th May four vehicles equipped with this device were able to drive comfortably at over 15 miles an hour, while at the same time competent observers, including personages from the police and local air-raid precautions services and retired Royal Air Force officers, were unable to detect the transport or its lights from an aeroplane; and, in view of this evidence, why this device has not been approved by his Department;

(2) whether the Air-Raid Precautions Department have in view the production of a device of their own for masking the lights of motor cars during air raids; and whether he can give any indication of the cost of this device to local authorities;

(3) whether he is aware that lack of guidance on the method of masking lights on essential vehicles during air raids is causing concern to local authorities and is handicapping the technical and inventive talent of the country in aiding national defence, and when recommendations will be issued; and whether it is intended to approve one or more methods for masking lights?

The device to which my hon. Friend refers was brought to the notice of my Department in March, 1938. It was examined by the Department's expert advisers, who came to the conclusion that it was unsuitable for general adoption. The device was examined again in the light of reports on the tests carried out in May last, but my advisers found no grounds for modifying the conclusion which they had previously reached. The Department has for some time been carrying out investigations to determine the most suitable type of mask for headlights, and I hope to be in a position to issue a memorandum on the subject at an early date, for the guidance of motorists. It is intended that the memorandum shall prescribe the conditions of light distribution and intensity, and shall also give particulars of the masking device which is recommended as complying with those conditions, but any other headlamp device which produces the same effect will be permitted. I am not at present in a position to give details of the cost of the recommended device.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Department merely gave a bald statement that the filter either gave too little light for driving comfortably or gave so much light as to be visible from the air; and is he aware that that is in conflict with the reports given by the chief constables of East Sussex, Brighton, Hove, and other towns and districts in the country who have tested this apparatus from the air?

rose—

On a point of Order. I do not often waste the time of this House. I am getting one answer to three questions, and a very bad one at that.

The problem of combining minimum visibility from the air with adequate lighting for traffic purposes and an absence of dazzle under black-out conditions is a very difficult one, and many competing suggestions and claims have had to be thoroughly investigated. I hope we have at last reached finality, and, as I have indicated, it is proposed to convey the conclusions reached to the public at once.

Will my right hon. Friend submit this and other devices to a scientific committee, for the purpose of ascertaining what is the best procurable; and will he answer my Question No. 63, as to the cost of the instrument he has in mind?

I have said that I cannot give a final figure at the moment.

Is not the whole thing very unsatisfactory?

asked the Postmaster-General what action his Department are taking in order to see that owners of electrical plant which causes interference with the reception of broadcast programmes by receiving stations nearby instal some form of suppression apparatus, so obviating this interference and annoyance; and does he propose seeking any further statutory powers on the subject?

Where complaint is made of electrical interference with wireless reception, my Department approaches the owners of the electrical plant concerned and advises them as to the best method of suppressing the interference. In the large majority of cases the owners agree to fit suppression devices, although there is no legal power to compel them to do so. Inquiries regarding the possible scope and operation of a new Wireless Telegraphy Bill to deal, inter alia, with the question of electrical interference with wireless reception, are being actively pursued. The problem is, however, one of great complexity, involving consultation with many interests which would be affected; and some time must elapse before these consultations can be completed.

Has any action been taken upon the report of the committee appointed by the Institute of Electrical Engineers on this subject?

That matter is being considered, but we are not yet in a position to introduce legislation because we want to get as large a measure of general agreement as possible.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Edgware, No. 34, branch of the Amalgamated Engineering Union in connection with excessive profits made in the supply of armaments, and especially aircraft, sent to him; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My attention has not hitherto been drawn to the resolution referred to by the hon. Member. If he will be so good as to send me a copy, I shall be glad to consider it.

While expressing my regret that the Minister has not received the resolution—I understood that it had been sent to him—might I ask him to consider the question of taking the shop stewards into consultation on the matter of controlling armament prices and profits, as set out in the resolution?

It seems rather a different matter. If the hon. Member will send me the resolution first I will deal with one thing at a time.

asked the Postmaster-General what increase has taken place in the number of wireless receiving licences in Scotland during the last 12 months; and what are the figures for each of the counties, cities and large burghs at the latest available date and for the corresponding date a year ago, respectively?

The total number of wireless receiving licences in force in Scotland on 31st May, 1939, was 772,170, which is 34,813 more than the number on 31st May, 1938. I am unable to give detailed figures in the precise form asked for by the hon. and learned Member. I will, however, send him a statement which, I hope, will answer the purpose in view.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how the height of the proposed block of offices on the site of the old Westminster hospital, overlooking the Abbey, compares with that of the hospital; whether he is aware of the public anxiety that any new building in immediate proximity to the Abbey should be of moderate height; and whether he will submit to the Royal Fine Art Commission for their opinion models of the proposed building and of the Abbey?

The greatest height of the existing hospital building is about 80 feet. The greatest height of the new building will be not more than 88 feet. This, however, will be the height of the top of the roof: the height of the main wall head, the storeys above which will be set back, will be about 67 feet only, as against about 75 feet for the present building. The design is still in process of development, and these details must be regarded as approximate only: but I am in close touch with the promoters of the scheme, and I can assure my hon. Friend that I am fully alive to the considerations which he mentions. The Royal Fine Art Commission have had the opportunity of examining a model of the proposed building in relation to its surroundings, including Westminster Abbey.

asked the Minister of Health what number of parishes have been supplied with a piped water supply through the grants offered in 1934; and whether such grant in aid has now all been allocated?

The number of parishes referred to is 1,855. The grant has now all been allocated.

Is there any prospect of a further allocation of grants being made; or are instructions sent out that no further schemes are to be. proceeded with by rural district councils, as I understand is the case?

All the grants have been allocated, and further legislation would be needed before there could be any further grant.

Is there any discouragement from the Ministry?