asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, under existing regulations, any servant of the Crown serving in the Department of Civil Aviation, or the Minister or Under-Secretary of State in charge of the Department at the time of the formation of the corporations which are to be given the monopoly of civil aviation, internal and external, are debarred, on retirement, from seeking any employment directly or indirectly connected with commercial activities of the financial groups in control of the combine?

The principles governing the acceptance of business appointments by officers of the Crown Services are laid down in Command Paper 5517, which was presented to Parliament in July, 1937. These require that civil servants of the higher grades must get the assent of the Minister in charge of their Department before accepting employment in undertakings such as those referred to by my Noble Friend. This applies to them not only while they are on the active list, but also for two years after their retirement. Such procedure is obviously inapplicable to Ministers, for whom the surest guide lies, as successive Prime Ministers have pointed out, in the traditional standards of public life.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has considered or will consider with the Admiralty, War Office and Air Ministry, the selection of clerk-typists and shorthand-typists for clerical and secretarial work on the lines of selection and on conditions of unestablished service for corresponding groups in the Civil Service?

If I am right in assuming that the hon. and learned Member refers to clerical and secretarial work now performed by uniformed personnel, the answer is in the negative. The allocation of Service personnel to their duties is not a matter for the Treasury, but for the Departments concerned.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman considered what was said during the Debate on the Adjournment on Civil Service examinations last Wednesday? Does he not recollect that one of the matters brought up then was that there is a deep sense of grievance among candidates who have been prevented from sitting for Civil Service examinations in respect that they are qualified to do the work indicated in the Question which is being performed by young women in uniform who have not had the training for the Civil Service examinations?

I promised to consider carefully what was said then, but this is another question. If my assumption was right, and if the hon. and learned Gentleman is meaning uniformed personnel, he should address that question to the Minister concerned in the Service Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider providing the necessary financial support to make possible a gliding camp for air cadets?

For Defence reasons, it has been necessary to impose severe restrictions on all kinds of civil flying in this country, and I regret that I cannot see my way, in present circumstances, to sanction the establishment of a gliding camp for air cadets.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are 20,000 of these young air cadets, in 170 squadrons, and can he not do something to give them greater encouragement?

I should certainly like to do everything I could to encourage these excellent cadets, but I am afraid that, in war time, the actual suggestion made by my hon. Friend is very difficult to carry out.

Are there actually any military reasons for stopping gliding?

I am advised that, for Defence reasons, we cannot manage to do this. As my Noble Friend knows, we are considering the possibility of introducing gliding as a recreation for pilot pupils for the Royal Air Force, and that, we think, is as far as we can go.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the suggestion made to his predecessor by the hon. Member for North Salford regarding the provision of super-charged searchlights on the floor of seaplanes and aeroplanes made four months ago, and which device, since that date, is now in use by the German air force?

The suggestion to which my hon. Friend refers has been carefully considered, but the conclusion has been reached that there are better and easier methods of achieving the object which my hon. Friend has in mind.

Is it not a disgraceful state of affairs that I should have to wait four months for a reply to my suggestion and then receive it only under pressure? If my suggestion has been examined by the advisers of the right hon. Gentleman, may I have a copy of the report? Thirdly, why is the German air force using this device?

I can only say that I saw my hon. Friend's Question only the day before yesterday, and that I have given him an answer to-day. As to whether or not the German air force are using what my hon. Friend suggests, I do not know whether that is so or not; but, at any rate, we are convinced that we have better methods of achieving my hon. Friend's object.

While agreeing with my right hon. Friend, may I say that I have already approached his right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal three times and his Parliamentary Secretary twice?

These things get better with time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that some resentment is felt in certain cases by British merchant seamen, fishermen, and others, who are assisting naval operations, in consequence of their ineligibility to use naval Service canteens; and whether he will consider removing this embargo and making provision for all seamen who are co-operating with His Majesty's Navy, but not in the Service, to have some easy and outward mark of identification, such as an armlet or headdress, during shore leave?

Naval Service canteens may be used by all men serving in commissioned ships of the Royal Navy, but not normally by other seafaring men. While it would not be desirable to displace the facilities already provided by private enterprise, consideration is being given to opening the canteens to Merchant Navy personnel in those remote places where no convenient private facilities are available. Men serving in commissioned ships, who are not provided with uniforms, wear armlets, and men of the Merchant Navy have been issued with the Merchant Navy badge.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he is aware that during the last war a sum of over £2,000,000 was expended upon the camouflaging of ships; that this, in spite of its imperfections due to lack of scientific control, was generally recognised by the Mercantile Marine as of considerable value and by underwriters as justifying a reduced premium for insurance; and whether he will give an assurance that immediate steps will be taken to secure to the Navy the advantages of a proper system of camouflage under direct supervision by scientific experts?

We are aware of the advantages which are claimed for camouflage and dazzle painting and of the views which my hon. Friend has been good enough to lay before us. The evidence obtained, both from this and the last war, has not so far supported all the claims which have been made for these devices, but we are continuing to examine their possibilities, to keep in touch with the best expert advice obtainable, and to press on actively with all practical applications.

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is much more important to camouflage ships than to camouflage typists with uniforms like those of the belles of "Bagatelle"?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why permission was given, on April 9th, for the publication of false reports of the landing of British troops in certain Norwegian ports?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware of the serious effect on public opinion, in this and foreign countries, of the passing for publication on 9th April of the false news of the landing of British troops in certain Norwegian ports; and whether he can explain the action of the Ministry in the matter?

I have been asked to reply also to Question 31. The British Press, unlike that of the enemy, is not subject to Government control. The newspapers in this country remain individually responsible for the accuracy of the news they publish, and also for the prominence assigned to any items culled from the foreign Press. The Admiralty is always willing to give unofficial advice, but if, as in this case, some of the Press choose to disregard the advice given, the responsibility does not rest with us.

Was it not the responsibility of the Admiralty, while not suppressing this information, to issue a denial, so that false hopes would not be raised in the country with the result of unfortunate emotional reactions afterwards? Surely the hon. Gentleman realises that very high feeling has been created by these reports?

Perhaps I may tell the hon. Gentleman that it is a very common dodge on the part of the enemy to spread abroad wholly or partially false reports, and that an official denial may well provide the enemy with information which he is anxious to get but cannot secure. It is for this reason, among others, that it is not the practice of the Admiralty to issue official denials of rumours.

Is it not a fact that, on this occasion, the Admiralty were approached by some papers, specifically the "Daily Herald," and asked whether they might publish this, and that the Admiralty told them that they could publish it on that day?

It is perfectly true that the "Daily Herald" and certain other organs of the Press did approach the Press Department in the Admiralty. They were told by the officers of the Press Department that they should treat these reports with reserve. Bearing in mind the considerations which I gave to the House just now, I think that that was the right policy for the Admiralty to follow.

Did the "Daily Herald" also approach the Admiralty in relation to the very comprehensive details published in yesterday's edition of that paper with regard to the sailing of an expeditionary force to Norway?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the position with regard to the application by Mr. C. Brudenell-Bruce, of Virgin Islands Tobacco, for a loan from the Colonial Development Fund, for the purpose of developing tobacco-growing in the British Virgin Islands; and whether, in view of the long delay in coming to a decision in this matter, he is able to state what assistance it is proposed to give?

In April, 1939, I received an application for a loan of £3,000 from the Colonial Development Fund to finance this undertaking. Certain difficulties were apparent, particularly as regards marketing, and I felt unable to place the matter before the Colonial Development Advisory Committee until some means of overcoming them could be devised. In the meantime, loans totalling £1,000 have been made to this undertaking from the funds of the Virgin Islands Government.

Is there any objection in principle to the encouragement of tobacco-growing there, and are not funds available for a concern of this kind?

As I have said, we are encouraging this tobacco-growing, by giving assistance from the local Government's funds, so clearly there is no objection in principle.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply was sent to the New Zionist organisation which, on 14th February, offered to assist him in weeding out German agents from among illegal immigrants into Palestine?

His Majesty's Government naturally felt unable to entertain this offer from a body which is known to be engaged in promoting this illegal traffic.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say the other day that he had received no offer of assistance and that if he did, he would be prepared to accept it?

It depends entirely on the value of the offer. We regard this particular offer as valueless.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, on 2nd March, after the proclamation of the curfew in Tel Aviv about 12 o'clock mid-day, a boy named Mizrachi, aged 15 years, was arrested and fined 100 mils for curfew-breaking; that three days later he was rearrested on a charge of participating in a demonstration and carrying a banner, the same offence for which he had been fined, and was sentenced to 12 strokes, and that the sentence was carried out the same day although the defence asked for leave to appeal; and who was responsible for this injustice?

I understand that the boy in question was convicted by the District Officer under the Emergency Regulations of curfew-breaking and was fined 100 mils, which is the equivalent of two shillings. Subsequently he was charged before the Chief Magistrate at Tel Aviv with taking part in a riot contrary to the provisions of Section 81 of the Criminal Code Ordinance. The Chief Magistrate decided against the submission of the advocate for the defence that curfew-breaking and rioting formed the same act or omission, and sentenced the accused, against whom the police proved a previous conviction for theft, to be whipped. The advocate applied for postponement of execution of the sentence, but this was refused and the sentence was carried out. There is no appeal as of right in such cases.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what he calls a riot was merely a demonstration and that the boy was simply carrying a flag? Is it the traditional law and justice in Palestine now that a boy of 15 years of age can be charged twice with the same offence and can receive two separate punishments but be granted no right of appeal?

I cannot accept the statement that there were two punishments for the same offence. The magistrate took the view that the two offences were separate and that two punishments were therefore justified. With regard to the facts as to what the boy was actually doing, I have no doubt that all those were brought before the magistrate in his hearing of the case and that he gave what he considered to be the appropriate punishment.

Has the right of appeal been completely suppressed in Palestine, and, if so, what does the right hon. Gentleman intend to substitute?

The right of appeal has not been completely suppressed, of course, but it has been the law for a long time that in such cases there is no appeal as of right.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever been punished, in days gone by, by receiving strokes of the birch?

That question does not really arise.

I desire to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the replies to this Question, I shall take the first opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, so long ago as 1936, the Carnegie Corporation of New York offered a sure of $80,000 for the establishment of a central library to the Government of Trinidad; that, although the public library of the capital is in a most dilapidated and poverty-stricken state, four years have elapsed without any definite steps being taken to secure the proffered grant; and whether he will therefore take steps to ensure that the Government of Trinidad take the necessary steps to secure the grant in question?

I was informed in August last by the Governor of Trinidad that this generous offer by the Carnegie Corporation of New York had been accepted. I approved the scheme, and steps are at present being taken in consultation with the Governor of Trinidad to select a librarian for the service.

Will the right hon. Gentleman put some pressure on the Governor so that something is actually done?

Why has it taken three years to accept this offer?

The question whether the scheme can be extended to certain neighbouring territories took a considerable time to thrash out.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, whilst Lord Hailey is discussing forms of government in the Dependencies with Government officials and others, it is also proposed that he should seize the opportunity of discussing the subject with native chiefs and councils?

As was indicated in the announcement published on 27th January, Lord Hailey's visit is informal in character. The procedure which he adopts in studying aspects of native administration in the Dependencies which he is visiting in West, East and Central Africa is a matter for his discretion. The Governors of those territories will undoubtedly afford him every facility that he may desire for discussion with Africans as well as Europeans, whether official or unofficial.

Will the right hon. Gentleman put the suggestion to Lord Hailey that this type of consultation might be included in his work?

I am certain that Lord Hailey has that in mind. In fact, he has had such consultations during his visit to West Africa, which is already completed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what form of inquiry will be made into the shooting of African strikers in an industrial dispute in the copper belt of Northern Rhodesia; and whether Parliament will receive the report of such inquiry in due course?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry into the industrial dispute at the copper mines in Northern Rhodesia, and the loss of life occasioned in connection with it; and also the membership of the commission?

I am still in communication with the Governor of Northern Rhodesia about the composition and terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry which is to be set up, but I expect to be able to make an announcement on these matters in the course of the next few days. With regard to the second part of the Question by the hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. Harvey), I would refer him to the answer which I gave to a number of Questions last week, to which there is nothing to add.

In considering the terms of reference, will the right hon. Gentleman also be including the disputes with the white employés in the mines?

It would be impossible to make a public statement until the terms of reference are settled, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that that matter is not being lost sight of.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether Parliament will receive a report?

Until these questions have been decided, I cannot make any statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that the terms of reference are wide enough to include the economic grounds of the disputes?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total wages of the native copper-mine workers in Northern Rhodesia for the last available 12 months?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish with that statement the cost of living in those parts?

It would be difficult to give figures, but the whole question will undoubtedly be examined by the Commission of Inquiry, and perhaps my hon. Friend will leave that particular aspect of affairs for the time being.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether, in view of the fact that the profits of three copper mine companies in Northern Rhodesia for the last six months, for which figures are available, are estimated to be £2,674,000, he is satisfied that the recent increase of 2s. 6d. per month on the wages of native workers represented an adequate effort on behalf of the companies to meet the demands of their low-paid workers;

(2) in view of the fact that the Pim Commission reported in 1938 that at the copper mines in Northern Rhodesia there were serious defects arising mainly from the absence of any definite policy towards industrial labour, to what extent the recent labour troubles in which 14 were killed and 70 injured were due to the fact that little or nothing has been done to improve conditions since the report was issued?

These are matters which will no doubt be considered by the Commission of Inquiry, and I cannot anticipate any observations which they may have to make. I cannot, however, accept the implication in the second Question by the hon. Member that little or nothing has been done to improve conditions on the Copperbelt since 1938. Considerable progress has been made as the result of the appointment of welfare officers and welfare sisters, the building of schools and the provision of additional amenities for the mine workers and their families.

Has anything been done in the direction indicated in the Question with reference to industrial labour legislation, and particularly in the direction of increased wages? In view of the enormous profits which have been made by these companies, why is it that bloodshed has to occur before these people can make any progress in their lowly-paid positions?

I was not aware that the hon. Member intended to refer specifically to labour legislation. I thought the Question referred to the conditions, and that is the Question I tried to answer. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down his Question specifically with regard to labour legislation, and I shall be able to answer it on another occasion.

Surely my Question was directed to the policy with regard to industrial labour, which was the matter referred to by the Pim Commission?

If I misunderstood the Question, I am very sorry. If the hon. Gentleman will put it down specifically, I will give him an answer.

During the period of inquiry will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the companies to the effect that there should be an increase in wages more than this 2s. 6d. a month?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the recent proposals for trade unionism in Malaya include the legalising of trade unions in line with the proposals of the Royal Commission on the West Indies?

The Straits Settlements Trade Union Ordinance, 1940, and the Federated Malay States Trade Union Bill contain provision prohibiting actions of tort against trade unions on the lines of the United Kingdom Trade Disputes Act, 1906. They also provide for the compulsory registration of trade unions and the audit of their funds. They do not include provision legalising peaceful picketing, but the enactment of separate legislation on this subject is under consideration by the two Governments.

Is it the desire of the Secretary of State that peaceful picketing should be legalised?

I do not think I could make any public statement while this matter is under consideration by the two Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now supply the return asked for, on 22nd November, 1939, by the hon. Member for Consett, for particulars to be obtained from the Governor of the Gold Coast for a return covering the last 10 years, showing the total profits declared by the gold companies of that Colony, and the amount spent on the welfare of the workers by these companies during that period; and, in view of the fact that the Governor was then requested to supply this information, whether he can now indicate the cause of the delay in obtaining the same?

I regret that this information has still not been received. The collection of detailed information of this kind covering a period of years and its presentation in the form desired must, in present conditions, necessarily take some time. I have, however, asked the Governor to inform me by telegram when I may expect to receive it: and I will inform the hon. Member of his reply.

I take it that the Minister is satisfied that these controlled companies are not showing disrespect to the Governor and to himself?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the quays at Greenock Docks have not yet been fenced off; that further casualties took place on Tuesday and Friday of the week before last during the black-out; whether he has had an inspection made of the harbour recently; when the docks will be fenced off from the street during the hours of the black-out; and if he has any statement to make on the subject?

As the hon. and learned Member is no doubt aware, the responsibility for taking measures necessary to secure the safety of harbour users rests with the harbour authority. Approximately two-thirds of the Greenock Harbour undertaking has for many years past been separated from the town by boundary fencing. I have been in communication with the harbour authority regarding the erection of a boundary fencing at the remainder, and I am informed that this is now being done, although at certain places there are physical difficulties owing to the proximity of the harbour boundary to the main thoroughfare of the town.

While I thank the Minister for his interest, is he aware that there will be great disappointment in Greenock about the measures proposed to be taken? Will he keep in mind that this matter has engaged the attention of other Departments, and that there is a strong feeling in Greenock that the deaths that have occurred at the docks have been largely due to the black-out and to the fact that the fencing has been put in the wrong place?

I will certainly look into those questions. Perhaps the hon. and learned Gentleman will be good enough to see me afterwards.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the estimated payments to be made in 1940 by way of grants to highway authorities for improvements of roads and new construction, as stated in Appendix No. 1 to the Road Fund Estimate, include the payments to be made in 1940–1 in respect of the major works mentioned in Appendix No. 2; and, if so, whether he will state the amount required for grants in 1940–1 for each of those major works?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. I will supply my hon. Friend with the details for which he asks.

asked the Minister of Transport in what capacity the services of Sir Henry Maybury are being retained by his Department; and whether he is also being employed by any other Government Department in an advisory or executive capacity?

Sir Henry Maybury is one of the members appointed by the London Passenger Transport Board on the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, but his services are not retained by my Department in any capacity.

asked the Minister of Transport what special measures are being taken to deal with the Whitsun traffic between the South coast of Wales and the North coast of Somerset and Devon, in view of the compulsory closing of the existing air services?

I am advised that there is no reason to expect that the railway services will not be adequate for this traffic. No special measures are, therefore, in contemplation.

Will the ferry boat be put into operation?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.

Have the railways considered the very large volume of traffic that will arise if it is not put into operation, and are they taking special measures to deal with it?

My information is that they have considered the amount of traffic that is likely to arise, and that they will be able to deal with it.

asked the Minister of Transport what applications he has received from the railway companies to increase their rates and fares; and whether he proposes to remit them for decision to the Railway Rates Tribunal?

The financial arrangements between the Government, the four amalgamated railway companies and the London Passenger Transport Board provide that rates, fares and charges will be adjusted to meet variations in working costs and certain other conditions arising from the war. I explained to the House on 13th February the machinery which would be provided for this purpose, and, in accordance with the agreed procedure, the Railway Executive Committee have submitted to me estimates of increases in working costs amounting to £26,750,000 in respect of the 19 months from the commencement of control to 31st March, 1941. These estimates have been scrutinised in my Department, and I am satisfied that increased working costs, to the extent of £22,250,000 have been proved. This figure is made up of £9,750,000 for increased labour costs, £2,500,000 for allowances to men serving with His Majesty's Forces, and £10,000,000 for increased prices of fuel and materials. The balance of £4,500,000, representing increases due to black-out and other precautionary measures, is to be examined in the light of further experience.

The Railway Executive Committee have submitted to me that the proved increases justify an all-round addition to railway charges of10 per cent., which is estimated to yield £18,000,000 in a full year. I am satisfied that the facts fully justify this increase, and I have, therefore, made an Order authorising, as from 1st May, 1940, an addition of 10 per cent. to all railway charges, including fares on the railways of the London Passenger Transport Board. This Order does not cover the road services of the Board, which give rise to special difficulties in the adjustment of fares for short stages. I am, therefore, asking the Consultative Committee, comprising the members of the Railway Rates Tribunal, to advise me as to the best means of obtaining a corresponding increase from the Board's road services.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the widespread criticism of the announcement that he has just made would have been at least allayed if he had taken the normal course of remitting the application to the Railway Rates Tribunal, for public hearing and judicial decision, instead of choosing to be judge and jury in his own case?

The reason why I did not remit this proposal to the members of the Railway Rates Tribunal, in a consultative capacity, was that time is the essence of the contract. This deficit has been running on for some time, and, under the terms of the Agreement which this House approved on 13th February, His Majesty's Government are liable to reimburse to the controlled undertakings a sum approximating to £400,000 a week. The longer that is allowed to run on without the necessary adjustment of charges, on principles already approved by this House, the more danger there is that the adjustment will have to be more drastic.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that, by abolishing the judicial protection of the railway users which the Railway Rates Tribunal afforded, he is getting into a position where only one side of the case is being heard, and that, since the Government now have an interest in the profits of the railway companies, the users' interest is not being heard at all?

If the jurisdiction of the Railway Rates Tribunal in regard to the general level of charges had not been suspended by me, it would have been open to the railway companies to apply to the Railway Rates Tribunal for an increase of charges sufficient to bring their income up to the standard revenue. The Railway Rates Tribunal, if it thought that this could be achieved—which I think is very probable—would have been bound, under Statute, to grant that increase. It is, therefore, for the protection of the railway users that I have suspended the functions of the Railway Rates Tribunal in this regard.

The Minister will appreciate that the Tribunal would have heard evidence from the other side, and that that has not been done in this case?

It is not a question of evidence from the other side. This House approved an agreement on 13th February, under which the controlled undertakings are to be reimbursed by the Government for these particular increases. The only point at issue is whether these increased charges have been incurred or not. I am satisfied that they have been incurred. Therefore, with great respect, the Government must fulfil their obligations.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is prepared to arrange for the supply of platform tickets by automatic machines at Waverley Station, Edinburgh, and Queen Street Station, Glasgow, as in the case of London Midland and Scottish stations in both towns, with a view to avoiding the congestion at the booking-office windows, which causes delay, irritation, and sometimes loss of trains to bona-fide passengers;

(2) whether he is aware that the charge of 3d. per person for platform tickets at Waverley Station, Edinburgh, and Queen Street Station, Glasgow, only results in preventing poor people securing admission to the platforms; that the congestion at the entrances impedes admission to the platforms of bona-fide passengers; that in both stations there is ample platform accommodation, and more than at the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company's stations, where 1d. is the charge; and whether he can arrange for a uniform platform charge at all Scottish stations?

I am having the hon. Member's suggestions considered, and will communicate with him as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not already aware that this happens in two different stations in Glasgow? One is charging 3d. for admission to the platform, and the other is charging only 1d.?

If the hon. Gentleman will read the Official Report for last Wednesday, he will see that I answered a Question on that subject.

Is the Minister aware that the information given to him about the stations at Glasgow is totally inaccurate, and that Waverley Station is probably the most spacious station in the world?

asked the Minister of Information whether he will exercise his right of veto with regard to British Broadcasting Corporation news bulletins?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend would exercise his right of veto on any matter to be broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation, if it were necessary to do so, but he does not anticipate that any such nesessity will arise in view of the co-operation which exists between the Ministry of Information and the Corporation.

When, as happened last week, early broadcasts are misleading, will the Minister not take steps to prevent the repetition of the misleading substance in later broadcasts?

I will certainly draw my right hon. Friend's attention to that.

Does this also apply to the broadcasting of information by the representative of Moscow in London?

Is my hon. Friend not aware that, whether we like it or not, any announcements of the B.B.C. are regarded abroad as being at least semi-official, and that fantastic, inaccurate announcements of this sort cast the gravest doubt upon our official announcements when they come out?

asked the Minister of Information what is the relationship between the Ministry and the Defence Departments in the administration of the censorship; and whether the Defence Departments exercise final authority in deciding what shall be published, and when, on matters that directly concern the Defence Services?

In my right hon. Friend's absence, I have been asked to reply. As was explained by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, in his statement on 3rd October, the responsibility for censorship rests upon the Departments which are concerned with the subject matter.

If an arrangement is come to between the Defence Departments and the Ministry of Information, will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the decision will be announced in the House of Commons and not by means of a Press communiqué?

I am hardly in a position to give that assurance myself, but I will draw the attention of the proper quarters to my hon. Friend's remarks.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister to see that the Defence Departments, on important occasions, such as the events of last week, give the Ministry of Information some positive news and guidance to give to the Press and not just negative news?

Can we have some explanation why the Minister is not here to answer these very important Questions?

My right hon. Friend is away on an important engagement, which I understand he could not cancel, and I am sure that he regrets not being able to be here.

Can we be told what the important engagement is?

asked the Attorney-General what reply he has made to the request from the Bar Council, the Law Society, or other professional quarters, on the subject of legal representation before the military service hardship tribunals and the umpire; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. Following upon representations which were made, it was decided to modify the regulation relating to the subject to which the hon. Member refers in the manner stated in the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour, to the hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. J. Morgan) on 18th January.

Has any further action been taken to bring the procedure before the tribunals into line with the procedure before the umpire? Why cannot the legal representation be allowed before the tribunal that is allowed before the umpire?

There have been no representations to my right hon. and learned Friend or to my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor in the sense that the hon. Gentleman's Question suggests, and he will recall that the regulations were modified as the result of compromise, and, in the absence of any representation since, we are justified in thinking that the compromise has been acceptable.

Does not the hon. and learned Gentleman seriously consider that this policy constitutes a distinct hardship upon the applicant appearing before the Service tribunal?

There are, of course, many other considerations, such, for example, as analogous work that these tribunals have to do, which put a different aspect upon what prima facie is agreed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is prepared to see that, if any rationing scheme is introduced for livestock foods, poultry feeding should be included on a parity basis commensurate with other livestock requirements?

The allocation of feeding-stuffs, if a rationing scheme is introduced, must depend upon the supply position from time to time and the relative importance in the national interest of the various classes of livestock. The hon. Member will, of course, be aware of the announcement of the Government's policy with regard to feeding-stuffs and livestock made on 22nd November last.

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that the suggestion contained in this Question is quite to the point, having regard to the position in Denmark at the present moment?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the protected area covers practically 40 per cent. of Scotland, and that the present regulations, unless relaxed, will have a very serious effect upon Scotland generally; and is he prepared to authorise that the local registrar or the police authorities should be empowered to issue permits if nationality and character could be vouched for?

I am aware that the Protected Areas Orders cover a large proportion of the area of Scotland, and their effect is fully appreciated. It is not considered practicable that the local registrars or police should assume responsibility for inquiries into the credentials of applicants for permits.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the proposal contained in this particular Question was unanimously adopted by the Convention of Royal Burghs in Scotland within the last two weeks?

I was not aware of that fact, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are doing our utmost to mitigate any inconvenience, and I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland about it. But I think he and the House will also recognise, in the light of what has happened elsewhere, that considerations of security must be predominant.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the worst grievances of the local people is that people, whose home is in the area but who work outside it, are able to get permits to go home and visit their families only if they state that they can go on certain dates, but if they want to visit a sick relative or a brother, or go home when a brother is coming on leave from the Front, it is impossible for them to state the specific date beforehand; and should not the permits, therefore, be issued to people whose homes are in the area without a limited effect?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of that difficulty, and we do our best to meet it. But I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will recognise that the issue of standing permits would be subject to great objection.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the public authorities which are beneficiaries under the Welsh Church Acts are to receive the properties and the portion of the redemption stock now in the hands of the trustees?

I am informed that the Commissioners have decided to make an interim distribution to the University of Wales of all landed properties transferable to the university as from 29th September, 1939, but they are advised that they are not able to make such an interim distribution to the county and county borough councils at present. The landed property transferable to them will, however, be valued as at the same date, and they will be credited with the net income thereon. The Commissioners are not in a position to hand over redemption stock to the beneficiaries at this stage, since the amount to be received by them has not yet been finally decided by the Tithe Redemption Commission, and certain legal decisions affecting it are pending. The Chairman of the Commission explained the position in detail at a conference of beneficiaries at Shrewsbury on 25th January last.

asked the Home Secretary how many officials are employed by the Welsh Church Commission, and what salary is paid to each?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate details in the Official Report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider rescuscitating the research unit dealing with rat and mouse control that was found effective during and after the last war, but which was abolished subsequently at the suggestion of the Geddes Economy Committee; in the meantime, what proposals he has put forward to enforce the Rats and Mice Act of 1914; and whether he will consider dealing with the loop-holes in the Statute by special regulations?

I have been asked to reply. The need for the research unit referred to in the first part of the Question would not appear to arise in view of the investigations on rodent control which are being carried out under the auspices of the Agricultural Research Council, and with the aid of grants from the Development Fund, by the Bureau of Animal Population, Oxford University. The results of these investigations are available to the Ministry of Agriculture and full advantage will be taken of them in securing publicity as to methods of destruction of rats and mice.

As regards the second and third parts of the Question, the execution and enforcement of the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, are vested in certain local authorities, and while some of these are fully alive to the necessity of a strict enforcement of the provisions of the Act, the question of an intensive national campaign during the present emergency, to secure, under special powers, the destruction of rats and mice is under consideration by the Ministry in consultation with other Government Departments concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the absence of Departmental imaginative fore-thought has clogged war preparations and commercial effort; and will he set up a non-political panel of persons trained in the prudent expenditure of money for the development of commerce to advise what action should be taken in anticipation of events arising from the war?

I do not accept the reflection contained in the first part of my hon. Friend's Question, and I see no necessity for the establishment of a further body, additional to those already established, for the survey of economic and commercial problems thrown up by the war.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will, in preparing schemes of employment for demobilised men after the cessation of hostilities, request his economic advisers to examine the policy and activities of the Forestry Commission, with a view to extending uses of areas under its control beyond arboriculture and kindred efforts and to ascertain how the effectiveness of the official staff can be increased?

The points to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention all bear on forest policy, which will no doubt have to be revised in the light of experience gained during the war. The Forestry Commissioners have the position under constant consideration with a view to advising His Majesty's Government in due season.

Will the Prime Minister see to it that Service men are employed by the Forestry Commission after the war and that the Commission pay better wages than they are paying now?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with maize and barley held for emergency in county warehouses, which are usually held by selected merchants for purpose of preventing pedigree stock having to be slaughtered through shortage of food, he will make some statement as to what demand pedigree stock owners have made upon these sources of supply?

Out of the 5,400 tons of maize and barley placed in the county emergency reserves in England and Wales from the middle of February to the middle of March the quantity released up to the end of March amounted to about 950 tons. Issues from the reserves are made only in cases of genuine hardship, but they are not confined to pedigree stock owners.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider taking 50 per cent. as a basis to the end of September, 1939, in respect of sugar for canning factories throughout the country, in place of the basic 50 per cent. for 1938, since 1938 was recorded as an abnormal year?

To vary the basic year to meet the views of individual industries would create fresh anomalies. Further consideration is, however, being given to the sugar allowance to the canning industry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is the desire of his Department that consumers who can afford it should purchase the weekly additional four ounces of butter ration although with, reasonable care and undue sacrifice they could do without it, or whether he is advising consumers refraining from the purchase of the full eight ounces of butter per week and devoting the money so saved to other objects which do not involve foreign imports and purchases?

The supply of butter is subject to seasonal fluctuations, and the ration is fixed in relation to the stocks which are, for the time being, available for consumption. I see no reason, at the present stage, to suggest that national interests are served in the case of butter by voluntary rationing at a lower level than the official rationing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what instructions have been given to farmers who produce small quantities of butter from their surplus milk; and whether they are allowed to sell, give away or dispose of it in any manner?

Farmers who make their own butter may sell or give their output to registered customers against ration coupons, or to retailers or wholesalers who have to make a corresponding reduction in their appplications for national butter. All sales must be within the terms of the Butter (Maximum Prices) Order, 1940.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that no consumer would give coupons to a small farmer who produced such a small quantity of butter, since he might not have any butter available? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I refer to those farmers who only occasionally have a surplus of milk which they must turn into butter, and will he tell the House what they should do?

Actually, a certain number of people have registered with farmers. The difficulty to which the hon. Gentleman draws attention is one which is bound to confront anybody concerned with the rationing of such a commodity.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that farmers producing butter have been told to bury their butter?

I cannot accept that. If the hon. Gentleman has any real information to that effect, I should be interested to see it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the regulations issued by his Department, with regard to prices, have killed the farm-house butter trade? Was this his intention?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can now give any estimate of the effect on the supplies of butter and bacon of the German occupation of Denmark?

Reserves of both butter and bacon are available in the United Kingdom sufficient to enable the present distribution of these commodities to be continued for some time. When the supply position makes it desirable to reduce the amount of the present rations, an announcement to that effect will be made.

Do I understand from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that the occupation of Denmark makes very little difference, that this country will be able to get supplies from other sources and that the general public will have no cause for anxiety?

The hon. Gentleman must certainly understand that we have insured against the contingency which has now arisen.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the undertaking given by the London Bakers Advisory Committee that free samples of bread would not be condoned during the war, he is now in a position to announce his decision on the appeal against withdrawal of a licence to trade to Messrs. Weston-Chibnalls, of Hayes, Middlesex, by the Ealing Local Food Control Committee?

The matter to which my hon. Friend refers is still under consideration. It is hoped that a decision will be reached at an early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will inform the House as to who will receive the 5s. per ton levy on the surplus potatoes which the Ministry of Food itself is buying for the purpose of turning into potato meal?

The levy is not payable on the potatoes bought for this purpose, but only on potatoes bought for human consumption.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is purchasing the total output of the Northern Aluminium Company, Limited?

No, Sir. This company are not producers of aluminium metal but are engaged in the rolling and extruding of the metal and its alloys. I understand that practically the whole of their output is taken by the Service Departments.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the extravagant advertising of this company, which gives the impression that there are abundant supplies for all purposes? Is the cost of this advertising to be charged to Government account?

No, Sir, the Ministry of Supply deals only with aluminium metal. It does not deal with any further process, and such a question should be put to somebody other than myself.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that the cost of all these things ultimately comes back to his Department, and that if there is extravagant advertising, with a view to building up trade after the war, which is a charge on the Department at this stage, is that not an unfair process?

The aluminium producers with whom we are concerned are producers of aluminium metal. This firm is doing a large amount of work for other Departments, and it is not a matter for the Ministry of Supply.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will take steps to review the circumstances associated with the control of commodities required for national needs, with a view to taking possession of controlled materials and so obviate the need for successful contractors, in possession of authorised licences, to search for and compete for their requirements?

The problem referred to by the hon. Member is kept under continuous review. The Government are already the sole owners of many essential commodities, and no trouble is experienced by consumers holding the necessary licences in obtaining supplies. There would, however, be practical difficulties in extending immediately Government ownership to cover all essential commodities. If the hon. Member has any specific case in mind, my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider the position.

Is it not the case that the Department already have knowledge of contractors who have succeeded in gaining Government contracts and who, after receiving their licences to get material, and going round to holders of commodities, have actually been refused a right to purchase?

I do not think that, as a general case, that is true, but if the hon. Member has any information, I should be obliged if he would bring it to the notice of myself or my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Supply whether his Department has foreseen and prepared for the difficulties of either processing for sale as finished goods, or for sale as raw materials, whatever post-war surpluses of Government stores may have to be dealt with by means of a Disposals Board, so that post-war losses and confusion may not arise as they did in 1919?