asked the Secretary of State for Air when the joint report, being prepared by his Department and the Home Office, on the cause of the loss of the 24-ton flying boat "Connemara" by fire, at Hythe, on 19th June, will be issued?

It has been ascertained that the fire in question originated not in the flying boat but in the barge, and accordingly the question of issuing a report on the matter is one for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many flights by Royal Air Force bomber squadrons have been made over French territory up to date; and whether similar flights over other friendly countries are contemplated?

Three flights have taken place to date. In regard to the second part of the question, as I informed the hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on Wednesday last, it is hoped that other practice flights will be possible, but I am not at present in a position to give any details.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement in regard to flights over this country by squadrons of French aircraft; and whether similar facilities will be extended to the air forces of other friendly nations?

I understand that this matter is now under consideration by the French Government. I am prepared to consider any requests for similar facilities that may be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether lapel badges for members of the Auxiliary Air Force are now available and when distribution to units will be completed?

Yes, Sir. Approximately 75 per cent, of the badges are now available for distribution and the remainder should be available by the end of this month.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will explain fully the functions and the varying status of the Auxiliary Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air Cadets; the reason for so many categories, and the cost per unit of each?

The Auxiliary Air Force consists of flying squadrons and balloon barrage squadrons recruited on a Territorial basis, intended to play their part in the air defence of this country as units. The Air Force Reserve, including the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve is designed to provide trained individuals to act as reinforcements to the regular air force in time of war. The Air Force Reserve proper comprises mainly personnel with previous service in the regular Air Force, and the Volunteer Reserve is composed mainly of those without such service. Thus each force meets a different requirement in our defence organisation. The Air Defence Cadet Corps is an organisation sponsored and administered by the Air League of the British Empire with a view to stimulating interest in air matters and giving elementary training in aircraft and maintenance to boys who join the Corps. The Corps receives small cash grants and certain assistance in kind from the Air Ministry. I regret that comparative figures of cost are not available.

What is the difference in the cost in the buildings and equipment generally of the Auxiliary Air Force and of the Air Force Reserve, and what is their difference of function either in time of peace or of emergency?

I doubt whether those matters are really comparable, as they perform different functions.

Is there any age-limit under which recruits are not taken?

Yes, Sir. I recently issued a statement on that matter which I will send to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, since it is contrary to the public interest to disclose the existing air strength of Great Britain at any specified moment, he will arrange to publish the relevant figures in arrear after the lapse of a period of, say, three to six months?

No, Sir. It would not be in the public interest to publish the figures suggested.

Does not the Minister think that such retrospective publication, which would do no harm, would help to foster our national self-confidence?

No, Sir. I am advised that it would, in fact, give an indication of our rate of expansion.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to state the result of his consideration of the methods employed by foreign competitors of British air lines for protection against ice accretion; and in particular whether he will now adopt the recommendation of the Civil Airworthiness Committee appointed by the Air Ministry that the equipment of British air liners with de-icing systems shall be made compulsory?

As I informed the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) on Wednesday last, the issue of further regulations on the subject of de-icing equipment for passenger-carrying aircraft is under review and it is hoped to make an early statement. The recommendations of the Civil Airworthiness Committee published in Air Ministry Pamphlet No. 86 were implemented by the issue of Air Navigation (No. 3) Regulations, 1938, which came into force on 1st November last. Since then the protection of instruments and radio apparatus in aircraft capable of carrying ten or more persons including crew, whenever weather conditions predisposing to ice formation are indicated, has also been made compulsory by the issue of the Air Navigation Regulations, 1939, which came into operation on 1st April last.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I impress upon him the urgency of doing something in this matter, in view of the great increase in the number of aircraft and the near approach of ice-forming conditions in the early autumn?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make as to the progress of the salvage of His Majesty's Submarine "Thetis"?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make on the progress of the attempts to salve the "Thetis"?

The question of what further steps should be taken to salve His Majesty's Submarine "Thetis" is being considered by all the parties concerned, in the light of the recent unsuccessful attempt to lift the submarine.

May I take it that there is no intention of abandoning the efforts at salvaging this boat?

Our only desire is that this submarine may be salved as soon as possible.

Are any charges falling upon public funds at the present time in connection with these attempts at salvage; also, in the event of the underwriters who are financing them being no longer able to defray the expenses of the salvage, is it the intention to assist the attempts at the public expense?

That is a hypothetical question and I would rather the hon. and gallant Gentleman put it on the Paper; if I say that we are taking every step to see that the "Thetis" is salved, perhaps that will satisfy the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, whilst recognising that differentiation in pensions to the dependants of the "Thetis" disaster as between officers and other ratings is a matter of Service practice, he will instruct the representative of the Royal Navy on the committee responsible for the disbursement of moneys now being received in response to public appeal, to try to secure that no such differentiation shall be made in respect of those disbursements?

This matter is one for decision by the council which has been set up by the Lord Mayor to administer the fund referred to, and I do not consider that it would be proper for me to issue instructions in the sense proposed by the hon. Member.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary see that the Naval representative on this committee at least raises the question, in order to get it considered?

I think they can be trusted to see that justice is done.

Is not a principle at stake, and should there not be intervention in order to see that this public fund is administered so as to prevent people having to seek Poor Law assistance because of the loss of their relatives?

I am sure that will be prevented.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many men in the Navy were promoted to the rank of warrant officers last year, and how many to commissioned ranks during the same period; and in each case what was the percentage of candidates for promotion who were promoted?

During 1938, 200 promotions were made to warrant and 150 promotions from warrant rank to commissioned rank. Twenty-four direct promotions to acting sub-lieutenant and acting sub-lieutenant (E) were made. Full details concerning the candidates for direct promotion are contained in the answers given to the hon. Members for Romford (Mr. Parker) and Newton (Sir R. Young) on 16th November, 1938, and 6th July, 1938, respectively. Promotion to warrant rank or commissioned rank from warrant rank requires a recommendation.

Is that what the Minister calls the democratisation of the Navy, since such a very small percentage of experienced men has been promoted?

rose —

On a point of Order. Was there anything wrong with my supplementary question?

I stopped the hon. Member because he was asking the Minister to give an expression of opinion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the schools attended before joining the Navy of the 24 successful candidates and the 17 rejected candidates, respectively, of theseamen ratings who have this year undergone the nine-months course of training for commissioned rank and recently appeared before the Final Selection Board?

As the answer involves a list of some length, I will, with the right hon. Gentleman's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of selections made of executive and engineer warrant officers, respectively, for the rank of lieutenant and lieutenant (E) under the new scheme announced four months ago; their ages on selection; branch of warrant rank; seniority as such; and whether from ship or shore appointment and home or foreign service, respectively?

The selection of these officers has not yet been completed, as it has necessitated obtaining reports from Commanders-in-Chief on the various stations throughout the world.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now make a statement on the proposal to establish a naval air station at Crail, Fife?

It has been decided to construct a naval air station for the use of the Fleet Air Arm on a site near Crail in Fifeshire. Negotiations for the purchase of the site are proceeding, and it is hoped to commence work early in September next. About 1,150 workmen are expected to be employed on the work by the various contractors.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what training in aviation is provided for the naval cadets and midshipmen at Dartmouth College; and are arrangements made for these persons to take periodical flights in aeroplanes, or trips in submarines during the course of their training?

Naval cadets undergoing training at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, are given lectures on aviation by the Fleet Air Arm officer on the college staff; opportunity is taken for these cadets to visit submarines when they call at Dartmouth. All naval cadets —both from Dartmouth and special entry —are given some air experience in the aircraft carried in the training cruiser His Majesty's Ship "Vindictive." Midshipmen, while serving in the Fleet, are, whenever possible, given a short air course in an aircraft carrier; where circumstances prevent this, it is carried out at a later stage of the officers' training.

Do we understand that these cadets do not have a chance of continual periodical flights?

Not at all.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that these cadets are not given air training until comparatively late?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can give an assurance that craftsmen employed in the dockyards who are called up under the Military Training Act for training in the Royal Naval Special Reserve will not be called upon to undertake at the rate of is. 6d. per days duties similar to those of their civil occupation?

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative.

Does that reply mean that these men will not be employed in the dockyards during their period of service?

That is so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he proposes to deprive of their pensions naval pensioners who ignore the recent calling-up notice on the grounds that a state of emergency does not exist?

Any pensioner failing to report when called up under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act would be liable to forfeit his pension, but I can confidently assure the hon. Member that such an instance is not in the least likely to occur.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these pensioners fear that, if they are called up at the present juncture, there is a likelihood that they may lose the employment they are now following? They are quite willing, of course, to observe all their obligations should a state of emergency arise, but there is a widespread opinion that a state of emergency does not exist at the moment.

I appreciate that fear, but I think the House will agree that the Government have gone a long way, in the recent legislation, to remove that fear from the man's mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the attention of the Board of Admiralty has been directed to the recent Report of the Committee of Public Accounts; whether he has any statement to make in regard to the excess expenditure on additional accommodation at the Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham, and on the magnetic survey vessel "Research"; and whether it is now proposed to treat as urgent the necessity for improving financial control within the Admiralty?

Yes, Sir. I think it would be unusual for me to make any statement on the two specific matters referred to in the question before these have formed the subject of comment in the Treasury Minute on the Report of the Public Accounts Committee and the Minute has been considered by that Committee. As stated in the Treasury Minute of 20th December last, a committee, over which I am presiding, is engaged upon examining the Admiralty arrangements for financial control in the light of the observations of the Public Accounts Committee. My committee has recently consulted representatives of the Treasury, and I hope that its report will be completed within a very short period.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is great uneasiness about this financial control in the case of the Admiralty; and is it not very strange that the committee over which he is presiding have not consulted the Treasury at all between last December and a few weeks ago? What is the reason for that great delay?

The problem required a good deal of investigation, and on three occasions something intervened — the mobilisation, all the preparations in connection with the Military Training Bill, and the submarine loss. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that the report will be completed at the earliest possible moment.

May I ask for an immediate assurance that there will be no further case of failure to consult the Treasury about heavy excess expenditure such as occurred in the case of the"Research," which seems to have been a very grave omission?

That is one of the points which arise out of our inquiry, and I hope that a case like that will not occur again.

Has the case of the "Research," in which the estimates were enormously exceeded without consultation with the Treasury, been before the committee over which the hon. Gentleman tells us he is presiding?

Yes; we have gone with very great care into each of the cases mentioned by the Public Accounts Committee. Our report goes to the Treasury, and the Treasury, I presume, will make their comments to the Public Accounts Committee upon our report.

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty whether he will make a statement concerning the purchase of 84 modern trawlers from the existing fleet and in particular whether he will consult with the other Ministers concerned to minimise any adverse effect of this transaction upon employment, upon fish supplies to the public and upon any particular section of the fishing industry?

It has been decided to purchase additional trawlers to be converted for use with the Royal Navy; the number will probably be about 80. Full consultation has taken place with the Trawler Owners Federation and my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries has been informed of the reasons for this purchase. The hon. Member can rest assured that the interests of all sections of the industry have been borne in mind.

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is satisfied in existing circumstances with the arrangements for the manning of these vessels on naval service?

I am not in a position yet to make a statement on that point, as the manning of these vessels will require special arrangements, but I will do so at the earliest opportunity.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether this purchase is the purchase which he foreshadowed in the Debate on the Navy Estimates, and is it intended in order to bring our mine-sweeping power up to war standard?

Yes, Sir, I think in the Debate on the Navy Estimates I did state that in an emergency the Admiralty would take up a number of trawlers. These particular trawlers are not for mine-sweeping but for anti-submarine work, and my Noble Friend and the Board of Admiralty thought that, in view of the fact that this does greatly enhance our preparedness, it would be advisable to acquire and convert these trawlers now.

Will the Admiralty consider allowing the men who are at present serving on these ships to continue serving in them when they are taken over by the Admiralty?

While we shall try to do that as far as possible, there is this reservation, that the men we want to employ in the first place are those who have been trained in the patrol service as regards anti-submarine work.

Does the hon. Member not consider that these men who have been trained in this work should have special consideration, particularly as they have special knowledge of the use of trawlers?

Yes, that is so, and we shall try to do that as far as possible, but I would point out that it may not be always possible. In so far as we are taking up these trawlers I imagine that those men who may not be required will find it easy to get employment elsewhere.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary confirm the statement that at least 500 people will be thrown out of work in Hull and Grimsby, and can he say what efforts the, Government are making to find other employment for them?

I do not think that follows at all. If the hon. Member would like to consult me on this question I will gladly go into it with him.

Is the hon. Member aware that a number of these trawlerowners, in agreement with the trades unions concerned, have already indicated that 500 men will be thrown out of work?

I do not think that follows at all.

Can the hon. Member say whether there is any intention of purchasing any drifters for naval purposes?

Not till the emergency arises.

Has the hon. Member considered that new trawlers might have been built in a comparatively short time in some of the yards which are shut up, or which are partially employed, and would not new boats be much better for this work?

In all these problems we try to strike a balance. We have a number of trawlers being built, and these trawlers are being converted now so that they may be immediately available.

Have the Admiralty considered building an equivalent number of trawlers in order that these trawlers may be returned as soon as possible?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the salvage operations for raising the late German fleet at Scapa Flow are to be continued; how long these operations have been in progress; what ships or property have been recovered; what is the estimated value of such ships and property; and what is the estimated cost of the salvage operations to date?

The salvage operations on the German ships at Scapa Flow have been in progress since 1923. The vessels in question were sold outright to various firms, who have conducted salvage operations at their own risk and expense. I have no information as to the value of the ships raised, or the cost of the salvage operations carried out, nor whether further attempts at salvage are intended.

If this is done at the expense of the contractor, what happens to the ships when they are brought up?

That is not our business, but I presume he sells them for scrap.

Do I understand that these ships belong to the people who have raised them, and not to the Government?

We sold them outright.

Could not these people raise the "Thetis" without the slightest difficulty, seeing that they have raised these battleships without accident of any kind?

Can the hon. Gentleman say for what price they were actually sold?

They were sold, I think, for about £24,000 at the end of the War.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what active steps he has taken or is taking to develop the export of agricultural produce from Gambia and Sierra Leone to foreign countries and to the British Empire?

Special attention has been paid to the improvement of the quality of export produce from these territories by the institution of produce inspection, which now applies to groundnuts, palm kernels, beeswax and hides and skins in the Gambia, and to palm kernels, palm oil, beeswax, and ginger in Sierra Leone. Attention is also being given to the encouragement of the extension of production for export of hides and skins in the Gambia and of palm kernels, palm oil, piassava, kola, ginger, and hides and skins in Sierra Leone. In the latter Colony much attention is also being paid to the development of rice production, primarily to meet internal needs but also with a view to the ultimate development of an export trade.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the prospective number of refugees to be settled in British Guiana, and the pro-spective date of the beginning of the same?

The tentative proposals under consideration by the refugee organisations in this country and in the United States contemplate an experimental settlement of from 250 to 500 persons, to be started with the despatch of a pioneer party in the autumn of this year. The ultimate number to be settled under the proposals would depend on the results of the experimental settlement, and of the further inquiries which the proposals contemplate into the agricultural and industrial possibilities of the interior.

In view of the fact that the report with regard to British Guiana indicated that experimental settlements would be made of 5,000 persons and upwards, is it not intended to carry the matter out on a larger scale?

This is a matter for decision by the refugee authorities. They are considering very carefully the possibility of an experiment on the scale suggested in the report, and seem likely to come to the conclusion which I have indicated in reply to the question.

Would it not cost more to send one man to this district than to send 10 to Palestine?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an idea of the number of people who will form the pioneer party? Is it tens, or hundreds?

The matter is still under consideration by the refugee authorities, and I would prefer not to give any answer until they have reached a final conclusion on the matter, which I hope will be the case in the very near future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the resolutions from the Seychelles Taxpayers' Association, a body representative of all classes in this colony excepting Government officials, requesting an amendment to the constitution whereby adequate popular representation of the inhabitants and a reduction in the excessive costs of the administration may be secured; and what action he proposes in the matter?

I have seen the resolutions to which the hon. Member refers and propose to discuss the various matters dealt with in the resolutions with the Governor, who is now home on leave.

Can the House be advised of the results of these discussions if I put another question down?

If the hon. Member will put another question down, I will give him such information as I can from time to time, but I do not anticipate that I shall be able to give him any further information next week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has inquired into the position of establishing Whitley Council machinery in the West Indian Civil Service; and, if so, with what result?

I am in sympathy with the principle of consultation with recognised associations of Colonial civil servants, and am considering whether any further developments regarding this are feasible and desirable in the West Indies.

If I put down another question, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me a reply?

When I have any further information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the discontent existing in the Trinidad Civil Service because of the rise of approximately 15 per cent. in the cost of living; of the two promises made by the Governor that the Civil Service would be reorganised; that in this reorganisation the question of the cost of living and other matters would be dealt with; and when it is expected that particulars of the pro posed reorganisation will be furnished to the Civil Service Association?

The Government of Trinidad have had under consideration the revision of conditions of service and the regrading of salaries of civil servants in the Colony. I understand that comprehensive proposals on the matter will be introduced in the Legislative Council when it reassembles.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement regarding the institution of a standing Parliamentary Commit tee for Colonial Affairs?

I am not at the moment in a position to make a statement, but I expect to be able to do so before the end of the Session.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is in a position to make any statement with regard to the response of bakers to the special offer in connection with the storage of flour?

The scheme to which the hon. Member refers has met with an excellent response, and has led to a substantial increase of the stocks of flour held by bakers. One of the advantages of the scheme is that the stocks are widely dispersed and are maintained close to the point of consumption. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the bakers and their trade organisation for their co-operation. I may add that the scheme is being extended to flour millers and flour importers.

Was not this very largely a device to enable the Millers' Mutual Association to unload flour son to these unsuspecting bakers at an uneconomic price? Will my right hon. Friend think very deeply before he replies?

The answer is "No, Sir."

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I never accept "No"?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, since the absorption of bakery concerns by the milling combines direct or by holding companies controlled by the milling combines is undermining the independence of bakers in all districts in this country, which it is essential to safeguard in connection with Food Defence Plans, he will introduce legislation to defend the independent bakers against the encroachment caused by this practice?

My information does not confirm the premises of my hon. Friend's question, and I see no need to introduce legislation for the purpose suggested. I am satisfied that there is sufficient baking capacity to meet the needs of the country in time of emergency.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that evasion and stonewalling are no good against me? Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Millers' Mutual Association is a public menace, and that a public inquiry must be held?

I am not aware of all that.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in connection with the substantial additions which have recently been made to the Government's wheat reserves, preference has been given to the purchase of Canadian and Australian wheats; and whether he will, as far as possible, en-deavour to give preference to wheat from the Dominions in purchasing emergency supplies in future?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

But what about the American Kansas wheat? Is that not delivered here free of import duty, and is there not a profit of 5s. on the American subsidy, which enables the Millers' Mutual Association once again to make an additional profit on the standard price of flour? Will my right hon. Friend give this really deep thought?

I will give it thought when I have an opportunity of considering it. Perhaps, in order to enable me to do so, my hon. Friend will put the question on the Paper.

Is there no one in the Government who has the courage to stand up to the scandal of the milling combines?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancasterwhether, as a result of the Bren gun investigation in Canada, there has been any curtailment of orders for munitions, armaments, or military supplies placed in Canada by His Majesty's Government?

I am advised that the answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the extent in numbers during each of the last three years and for the last three months of illegal Arab immigration into Palestine, and what steps are being taken to prevent it?

I have not these figures available, but am asking the High Commissioner for a report. The land frontiers of Palestine are closely patrolled, with a view to preventing unauthorised entry by Arabs or other persons.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that at least the same energy will be shown in preventing illegal Arab immigration into Palestine as in preventing illegal Jewish immigration?