asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the resolution passed unanimously at a meeting of head observers held in Lincolnshire, on 21st July, 1940, protesting against the boiler suit uniforms which have been issued; whether he is aware that everyone declines to wear them; and will he, in order to strengthen the esprit de corps of all posts, provide observers with an Air Force blue uniform in two pieces?

I am aware of the resolution referred to. I cannot agree that the present type of uniform, which is intended for working purposes only, is as unpopular as the hon. Member suggests. Certain improvements, moreover, are under consideration, which should remove any reasonable grounds for criticism. The introduction of a completely new type of uniform would involve heavy expenditure, which I do not think could be justified in present circumstances.

Is the Minister not aware that the dye from these overalls has ruined many observers' suits; and why should not a two-piece uniform of Royal Air Force blue be distributed to the men?

It certainly seems that the question of the dye should be considered when deciding on any improvement of the uniform. I shall be glad to consider any suggestions that the hon. Member may make.

Would not the appearance of the uniform in question be relieved by the wearing of a carnation?

Will the Minister consider a two-piece uniform of Royal Air Force blue? That is what the men want.

Certainly, Sir; the hon. Member's suggestion will be taken into consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the threat of invasion by the enemy, he can assure the House that the Air Force is well placed, thoroughly equipped and fully prepared to meet successfully any attempted inroad of the enemy on Northern Ireland?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what conclusion has been reached on the question whether the Distinguished Flying Cross and Distinguished Flying Medal should be replaced by one decoration for which officers and airmen should both be eligible?

As the hon. Member is aware, the question whether a change should be made of the kind suggested was referred for advice to the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals in Time of War, on which all three military Services are represented. The Committee have now reported that it is their considered view that no change should be made in the present arrangements relative to the conditions of award for the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Medal. I have consulted my right hon. Friends the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for War, and I accept the Committee's recommendation.

Is it right that this new Service should accept the snobbish traditions of the old Services, and that the sergeant pilots who distinguished themselves last week should have a decoration inferior to that of an officer?

I must demur to the suggestion made by my hon. Friend. There are no snobbish distinctions in the Royal Air Force. Nobody who has been around stations in the Royal Air Force and has seen the officers and men, and the sergeants, together would think that there was the slightest snobbishness. I must also demur most strongly to the idea that the Medal is in any way inferior hi honour.

Why keep the distinction? Snobbishness is surely at the heart of it.

There is no snobbishness. One of many reasons for keeping the Medal is the splendid traditions which have clustered around and now are associated with the Medal. Men who have that Medal are, I believe, just as proud as those who have the Cross.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that it is in the public mind that this class distinction rankles?

I hope that hon. Members will try to remove that idea.

Why not make both decorations available to officers and men alike?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the hardship caused to a number of men ho responded to a Government appeal in April to train as wireless operators for the Mercantile Marine, and who are now informed that no vacancies exist when they have qualified, but that they may either volunteer for or be conscripted into the Royal Air Force as wireless operators; whether he is aware that many of these men, not possessing the £25 necessary for the course at the College of Wireless Telegraphy, borrowed the necessary money; and will he take steps to ensure that qualified students accepted into the Royal Air Force are reimbursed the £25 expended on their training?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the hardship caused to men who, at the invitation of the Government, commenced to train for employment as radio officers in the Merchant Navy at considerable personal expense, and who have now been informed that there are no vacancies but that they can join the Royal Air Force at a lower rank and pay, the amounts expended by such men will be refunded; and whether he will make a statement?

Following a very full consideration of the cases referred to and of representations which have been received from other hon. Members, it has been decided that the amount of the fees actually paid, up to a limit of £25 may be refunded to qualified students on enlistment in the Royal Air Force for wireless duties. I understand that the average fees payable for the course in question are about £14.

Will my right hon. Friend deal with the position of the Watt Memorial College at Greenock, which was the subject of a Question on the Order Paper yesterday, the answer to which was deferred by him until to-day?

Does the Minister's answer apply to all the students who have passed through the training?

All the students to whom the hon. Member's Question refers.

Will the Minister see that no Communists are appointed?

On a point of Order. I had a Question on the Paper yesterday in connection with the Watt Memorial College, Greenock, and my right lion. Friend asked me to wait until to-day for an answer. There is a supplementary point arising out of that Question. Many of the students at that college had heavy travelling expenses. Will they be reimbursed for that also?

I do not think I can go further than I have gone. The Royal Air Force has gone some way in meeting the needs of these students, who were not, in fact, studying for the Royal Air Force, but were studying for the Mercantile Marine.

Will my right hon. Friend reconsider the matter, with the other Ministers concerned?

It has been considered, and it is as a result of that consideration that I have given the answer that I have to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the wide disparity between the British and German accounts of losses in air battles, he will state the methods used for checking and verifying our figures, in order that public confidence in the British announcements may be maintained?

The casualties caused to enemy aircraft are classified under the three main headings of "Certainly Destroyed," "Probably Destroyed," and "Damaged." An enemy aircraft is deemed to have been certainly destroyed if it has been seen to hit the ground or sea, to break up in the air or to descend in flames. An enemy aircraft is counted as probably destroyed if it has been seen to break off combat in circumstances that lead to the conclusion that it must become a loss. The third category includes cases in which the enemy aircraft was considerably damaged, for example, its undercarriage had dropped, its engines had stopped or parts of the aircraft had been shot away.

On returning from combat, our pilots are interrogated by the Station Intelligence Officer. When reports from all of them have been received, the Intelligence Officer again interrogates the pilots concerned in cases where any doubt exists. The numbers of enemy aircraft in each of the three categories are then transmitted by each squadron to its Group Headquarters, and from there through Fighter Command Headquarters to the Air Ministry. Only enemy aircraft in the first category are included in official communiqués.

There is a strict instruction to pilots to exercise the utmost discretion in reporting. They are, in fact, on their honour, and the honour of their squadron as well as that of the Royal Air Force is involved. It can be asserted with confidence that the reports of our pilots tend to err on the side of understatement. It is known that enemy aircraft in the second and third categories frequently fail to reach home, and no credit is taken for the losses inflicted on the enemy by those of our pilots who do not return. On several occasions during the last fortnight the total of enemy aircraft in the second and third categories has exceeded that in the first, and independent persons who have had access to the detailed figures have been impressed by the reserve with which the published total is assessed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his clear and careful answer will give very great satisfaction throughout the country; and will he agree that we may tell everybody who is conscious of the disparity between British and German figures that we may dismiss the German figures as being mere propaganda?

I think the hon. Member can safely say that, and that, if it was the fact that the Germans had shot down 878 machines of ours since 8th August, we should not be meeting here in such happy circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people of this country are so proud of the Royal Air Force that they have always been satisfied that our figures are correct?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether either the log book of the staff officer, Coastal Command, or that of the naval liaison officer, Coastal Command, shows whether the A.O.C.- in-C., Coastal Command, was informed of the evacuation of Narvik prior to the sinking of His Majesty's ship "Glorious."

For reasons of security, the decision to evacuate Narvik, which was of the highest secrecy, was not recorded in the log books to which the hon. Member refers. The A.O.C.- in-C., Coastal Command was, however, informed of the decision.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to the sit-down strike at Singapore on or about 24th June last, when 80 policemen ejected from the Firestone factory, 300 strikers, of whom 200 were women, and arrested 32 women and eight men; under what powers the police were acting in ejecting the strikers; and what are the explicit terms of such powers of ejection?

The stay-in strike in the Firestone Company's factory began on 4th May, and some 200 men and 100 women were involved. The strikers prevented the management from entering the premises to remove rubber. Seditious anti-British meetings were continuously held on the premises, and a fighting corps was formed to resist attempts to break the strike. On 22nd June warrants of arrest under the Banishment Ordinance were executed by the police for the deportation of 37 men and nine women on the premises who were known alien anti-British agitators. No other workers were interfered with, and no objections were made. Some of the workers left of their own accord as they did not desire to resume work. The remainder stayed on the premises and resumed employment when the factory reopened a few days later.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the situation is all clear now?

Yes, Sir. The situation is clear, and from 1st July all rubber factories have been working with practically normal labour forces, and no further interference with employment has been reported.

Will my hon. Friend, with his long experience of these matters, see that he sifts the wheat from the chaff in the statement he has made?

I have already done that, and I am satisfied that the Governor was quite justified in the action which he took.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken by the Government during the last two years to implement the report of Major Orde Browne on labour conditions in Northern Rhodesia?

The most important of the recommendations contained in Major Orde Browne's report, namely, the creation of new machinery to deal with labour matters, has been adopted by the Government of Northern Rhodesia. A Labour Commissioner was appointed in 1938; and a separate Labour Department was created last year, and is in process of expansion. The Labour Commissioner has been appointed chairman of the Native Industrial Labour Advisory Board. An officer of the Department has been stationed in Southern Rhodesia to safeguard the interests of Northern Rhodesia natives working in that territory. Considerable progress has been made in improving the conditions in the Copper-belt since 1938 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. Questions of recruitment and the control of immigration are receiving the attention of Government. Effect has been given by amending legislation to Major Orde Browne's recommendations for the improvement of the Employment of Natives Ordinance and of the regulations made under it.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him whether attention was also given to Major Orde Browne's statement about the urgent need of the enlargement of native reserves, as he said two and a quarter years ago that the position was critical?

That matter is under consideration at the present time.

If the position was critical two and a quarter years ago, what action has been taken?

It is under active consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will, as part of reconstruction employment, take the initiative in planning forward the abolition of all railway level crossings except those in remote rural districts, so that consideration of a post-war scheme may not be embarked upon hurriedly and at the last moment?

Yes, Sir. In the preparation of post-war schemes the Ministry's policy of promoting or encouraging the elimination of level crossings is being continued.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will ask the Charges (Railway Control) Consultative Committee, as an alternative to suggesting methods of increasing revenue, to recommend savings that may be effected by the main line railways by such means as the dismissal of redundant directors, more modern methods of working and other similar economies?

The Consultative Committee's function is only to advise on the adjustment of charges to meet variations in working costs outside the companies' control, due to changes in rates of wages and prices of materials and to operation under war conditions, so far as they can be proved. The railway companies already have an incentive to economy since, under the terms of Government control, they retain a direct interest in net revenue.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he will give an assurance that, in view of the very heavy burden which is now placed upon the community in respect of railway rates, there will be no further increase until all possible alternatives have been explored?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, on Tuesday, 13th August, a few hours before the publication of the "London Gazette" which contained the Ministry's statement that the railway companies' application for an increase in fares and charges had been granted, Great Western Railway ordinary shares rose 30s., London Midland and Scottish Railway rose 15s., and Southern Railway deferred rose £3; and can he explain from which source in his Department the leakage arose?

There was no leakage from the Ministry, and, of course, no increase has yet been granted. The Railway Executive Committee supply periodically statements of variations in working costs and proposals for a corresponding adjustment of rates in accordance with the agreement between Government and railways. On 9th August the proposals were referred by the Ministry to the Charges Consultative Committee for public inquiry and advice. On 12th August the committee sent copies to the London County Council and various trade associations; also notice of public inquiry to the "London Gazette" for publication next day.

Am I to understand that it was only by chance that the shares rose immediately before the publication of the information?

I inquired into the share rise, and I am informed that in fact no increase of any significance took place. The movements in the prices of junior stocks that day were considered minute and might have been brought about by very small-scale buying.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make some further statement regarding toll-gate charges to the Armed Forces as regards their application to private tolls on property, where members of the Armed Forces are proceeding on duty?

In view of the feeling of the House last Wednesday, I wrote next day to all owners of private tolls asking whether for the duration of the war they would be willing to grant exemption for members of the Armed Forces when on duty. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the letter, and will inform him of the result as soon as possible.

Would it not be just to place on record the commendable promptitude which my right hon. Friend took in the matter?

Will my right hon. Friend be kind enough to publish the results of his inquiries when he receives them, so that the whole country will know of them?

I should prefer to inform the House first. With regard to the other matter, I feel very gratified at receiving such commendation from my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the train service between Edinburgh and Kyle of Lochalsh or Mallaig; and whether he will take steps to improve the service by ensuring that passengers from Edinburgh may travel by one of two trains arriving at these destinations on the same day as that of departure from Edinburgh?

My inquiries are not yet complete. I will communicate as soon as possible with my hon. and learned Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long it will take him to find out the particulars of this train service in Scotland?

Is not the only point in the Question not so much the getting to Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh as being able to get there, and away to the islands as quickly as possible?

I will communicate with both hon. Members as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of. Transport whether he is aware that return tickets are not issued from places in the South or Midlands of Scotland to stations in the prohibited areas; and whether he will take steps to secure that travellers to these stations are not thus deprived of the benefit of return tickets at a much lower cost than two single tickets for the same journey?

I am told that the railways still issue return tickets to places in prohibited areas, but purchasers are warned that they will have to prove their 1.ght to enter the areas.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that that reply is made known, because there is a widespread impression among Highlanders living in the Lowlands of Scotland that they are unable to get return tickets?

Yes, Sir, I will.

Do I understand that return tickets are issued from Scotland?

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the fact that in the last three months 304 child pedestrians and cyclists were killed, compared with 267 in the corresponding period last year, what action he proposes to take to deal with the increased danger to young people on the roads?

The figures are deplorable. I informed the House recently that a road safety publicity campaign was being arranged for the autumn. I am also proposing a grant to the National "Safety First" Association, who are to deal particularly with young people.

Will the right hon. Gentleman in that publicity campaign particularly emphasise the danger to children through going on to public roads?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the desirability of reducing as far as possible during the war the employment of transport which consumes petrol, he will consider the advisability of setting up an inquiry into the possibilities of extending the use of horse transport in all cases where economy rather than speed is the primary consideration; and whether he has taken any steps since hostilities began to encourage maintenance of, or reversion to, horse transport with the object of economising important fuel?

I entirely sympathise with the suggestion, but I hardly think an inquiry is necessary. The rationing of liquid fuel is in itself an incentive to the maximum use of horse transport. It should be remembered that any substantial increase would involve importation of horses and increased demand for feeding-stuffs, which are already in short supply.

Does the same objection apply to licences of vehicles propelled by electricity? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that where petrol vehicles have been taken from traders for war purposes the traders are finding great difficulty in getting licences for the electrically propelled vehicles which they have bought in their place?

I am sorry I do not quite understand how that arises out of this particular Question, but if the hon. Member will explain to me further afterwards, I will deal with the matter.

Is the Minister aware that light horses are cheap and cannot be given away?

asked the Minister of Information whether his letter, of 19th July, is intended to urge the people who live in the Defence Areas to quit their homes and transfer themselves to some other areas; if so, will he also indicate the areas in which they can find accommodation; and who is to meet the costs of removal?

My letter of 19th July was intended to impress on the public that if and when an invasion occurred, they should stay where they were, but that meanwhile voluntary evacuation of persons not in employment might be encouraged in those cases where it was deemed advisable by local notification. The Government do not accept responsibility for finding accommodation for or meeting the expenses of, persons who evacuate Defence Areas otherwise than under an official Government scheme, nor can I undertake to indicate the areas in which accommodation can be secured.

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that they are to stay where they are and quit at the same time? In so far as people are affected from Berwick-on-Tweed to Poole in Dorset, and are about 35 miles inland, can he give me some indication of how people should behave in those areas?

The short answer is that people, if invasion starts, should stay where they are, but meanwhile in certain districts to which notification was given it was desirable that many people not actively employed on important work should quit these districts prior to the possibility of invasion.

asked the Minister of Information the reason for the resignation of Sir Kenneth Lee; whether a successor has been appointed; and, if so, the duties such successor will perform and the remuneration he will receive?

asked the Minister of Information the date upon which Sir Kenneth Lee tendered his resignation and the date when Mr. Frank Pick was selected to succeed him; and, in view of the fact that Sir Kenneth Lee served without remuneration, on what basis the salary was fixed at £2,500 per annum and the subsequent appointment made?

Sir Kenneth Lee offered me his resignation at the time of my taking office. I asked him then to remain as Director-General. Subsequently I came to the conclusion that a change was desirable. His resignation took effect from 7th August. Mr. Frank Pick was appointed to succeed Sir Kenneth Lee on 12th August as Director-General. Subject to the Minister, the Director-General has complete charge of the work of the Ministry. His remuneration of £2,500 a year was fixed by agreement with him.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this change is worth the extra £2,500 which it is now costing the country?

I am confident that it will be.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will instruct the investigators, working for the social survey under his Department, to make special inquiries in selected districts of Great Britain with regard to the examinations which aged people have to undergo before the Assistance Board Appeal Tribunals when applying for supplementary old age pensions, in order to test the public feeling which has been aroused throughout the country about the hardships suffered by these old people and the ordeals they have to undergo when applying for more money to keep body and soul together?

The matter referred to in the Question is the concern of another Government Department, and I should not take the action suggested except at that Department's request.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me what Department is responsible, so that I may get after that Department?

The Ministry of Health.

asked the Minister of Information whether, having regard to the fact that there are about 12,250,000 occupied houses in the United Kingdom and that only 9,065,000 wireless licences have been issued, he can furnish any information as to the reasons why such a large number of households do not listen in?

A few households are without sets because they dislike wireless, a larger number because they cannot afford sets of their own. Still others-how large a number I cannot say—have sets for which they have, regrettably, not obtained licences. The ratio of sets to houses in the United Kingdom compares favourably with that in other countries.

Is it not highly satisfactory that there are so many sets among the people of this country?

indicated assent.

asked the Minister of Information for what purpose the North-Eastern regional officer of the Ministry is issuing a News Letter, and by whose authority and at whose expense this is being done?

The News Letter issued by my North-Eastern regional information officer is designed to keep the members of the local information committees in touch with the work of the Ministry. He has a general authority for this purpose from the Ministry, who bear the expense.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read this News Letter, because it is most important and undesirable that a public servant employed by his Ministry should distribute a pamphlet imputing dishonourable and sordid motives to Members of Parliament and the Press which criticises the Ministry? Will the Minister take immediate steps to suppress its activities?

The officer in question has had it pointed out to him that it is most undesirable that he should have printed the matter he did in this News Letter. I do not think he imputed unworthy or dishonourable motives to Members of this House.

Quite apart from whether the right hon. Gentleman thinks it attributed dishonourable motives, which is the general opinion, does he think that this sort of News Letter is in any way necessary or serves any useful function? Furthermore, does he think it desirable that attached to this News Letter should be a confidential document giving the amount of damage, or lack of damage, done by enemy aircraft in different parts of the country and the places where it has occurred, which news is concealed from Members of Parliament and is given to various people in the area who have no responsibility whatever?

There is a subsequent Question on the Paper dealing with the last part of the Question as to giving local information. With regard to the first part, whether the News Letter is necessary, that is a matter which is largely left to the regional news officers.

Surely it is the right hon. Gentleman's responsibility to stop this sort of thing?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that there is a difference between the North-Eastern and the Northern regions?

asked the Minister of Information whether the Ministry of Information section of the North-Eastern Regional Commissioner's Office is directly responsible to the Regional Commissioner or to the Minister; and whether he has authorised or approved the statement on this subject made by Mr. R. K. Bacon in the Ministry of Information section in the Regional News Letter on Parliament and the Press?

The Regional Information Officer referred to by the hon. Member is responsible to me. As regards the second part of the Question, I find some difficulty in identifying the statement to which the hon. Member refers; but it follows from what I have said that no statement to the effect that the Regional Information Officer is responsible to the Regional Commissioner has been authorised.

Will the Minister show his sincerity in this matter by removing this gentleman from office?

Is this News Letter submitted to the right hon. Gentleman's Department for censorship; and, if not, is it fair to the London Press, which submits its matter to a censorship, to be criticised by a person in a Government publication, the matter of which is not submitted to the censorship of the Department?

Since this gentleman slandered and attacked Yorkshire Members of Parliament, is no disciplinary action to be taken with regard to him?

I have already said that the attention of the officer in question has been drawn to this matter. As a matter of fact, the criticism of the Press chiefly consisted of reprints of remarks from other organs of the Press which disagreed among themselves.

Does this officer belong to a Fifth Column or not?

Is the Minister defending this gentleman's action?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's replies, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Information whether, irrespective of the accuracy of the statements, he has approved of the principle of civil servants, in the persons of officials of his Ministry, indulging in criticisms of newspapers and Members of Parliament such as appeared in the North-Eastern Regional News Letter, dated 8th August, 1940?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that, under the heading of "Private and confidential," information as to the location and precise results of air raids on this country, not hitherto given to Members of Parliament, is being published weekly to hundreds of members of Information Committees in Ministry Regional News Letters; and whether either by distribution of News Letters, or otherwise, such information will in future be made available to Members of Parliament?

Information concerning the effects of local air raids is in some cases communicated confidentially to members of Information Committees by Regional Information Officers by means of Regional Bulletins and News Letters, in order that they may be in a position to check or prevent extravagant rumours circulating in their area. Such information is similar to that given in confidence to the Press, and it is subject to the same proviso that it is not for publication. Regional Information Officers are being instructed to send copies of these Bulletins to Members of Parliament in the area concerned in future.

Will the Minister inform the House under what order or in what way it is thought desirable that confidential information regarding air raids, which is not available to Members of Parliament, should be distributed to people in the local areas, who have no responsibility whatever?

I have just said that the information is to be made available to Members of Parliament.

Then does the Minister think it desirable to make it available?

asked the Minister of Information whether steps are being taken to inform the French people of the manner in which they have been betrayed from within, and to call upon them to abide by the principles of the French Revolution and its watchword "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity," and to repudiate the acts and authority of the Government of Vichy?

It is the aim of our publicity to inform the French people as fully as possible of the facts of the situation and thus provide them with the material for forming their own opinion of recent events.

In view of the fact that the Germans are making most vigorous efforts to tell the French people that they have been betrayed by Britain, ought not we to tell them that they have been betrayed by the traitors of Vichy?

In view of the fact that France owned 26 broadcasting stations operating on 26 different channels, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that a few 15 minutes' periods of broadcast in French on one English channel is sufficient to carry this information to anything but a small sprinkle of French listeners?

As my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) is aware, the Germans now possess a great many more transmitters than we do, and in that we are at a disadvantage, and we have to distribute our broadcasting time as best we can. With regard to the Supplementary Question of the hon. Member opposite, we are doing our best to tell the French people the true facts of the situation, and they now have to form their own opinion.

Would not my right hon. Friend strongly deprecate our pointing out to the French nation the sort of Government we thought they ought to have, however little we may think of the Vichy Government?

Would not French people in this country be the best people to give the information?

asked the Minister of Information whether the propaganda undertaken amongst the people of France is submitted to, and receives, the assent of the Foreign Office?

Yes, Sir, there is the fullest consultation.

Is the Minister hampered at all by Foreign Office fears of the results of a popular uprising in France?

Is the Minister taking ail measures to ensure as much as possible that this propaganda to France shall be done by Frenchmen who are loyal to our cause?

indicated assent.

asked the Minister of Information what steps are being taken to make known the British point of view on Spain?

The foreign policy of His Majesty's Government is made the subject of public statements from time to tine. These statements receive publicity through the usual channels, namely, the Press and the wireless.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the British case is going by default in Spain and that the Germans are very much more active in their propaganda? Is it possible to send British newspapers to Spain?

My hon. and gallant Friend asks in the Question whether the British point of view on Spain is being made known, and not whether our views are being made known in Spain.

I meant "in" Spain.

If it is intended that our views shall be made known in Spain, will the Minister consult with the British Trades Union Congress in order that the really collective point of view of Great Britain may be conveyed to Spain and the Spanish people?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we do not dispose of a medium broadcasting station that covers the Iberian Peninsula?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large number of Regulations being issued affecting the liberties and property of the people, he will explain the process which is followed before such Regulations are issued by the various Government Departments, Ministers and/or officials concerned; and what steps he is taking to ensure that all persons who were appointed to positions of authority in peace time possess the temperament and capacity to exercise the wider and more arbitrary powers now being conferred upon them?

I have been asked to reply. I presume my hon. Friend has in mind Regulations made under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Acts, 1939 and 1940. Drafts of all such Regulations are fully considered by the Government before they are made. The Regulations are laid before Parliament and, as my hon. Friend is aware, either House can within 28 days pass a Resolution for the annulment of any such Regulations. This procedure does not apply to the Orders and Rules made by Ministers under individual Regulations, but the action of Ministers can, of course, always be discussed and criti- cised in Parliament. As regards the last part of the Question, the suitability for their posts of all persons appointed to positions of authority is constantly under review.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether regular meetings of the Production Council are being held; if so, who is responsible for presiding over these meetings; and whether he is satisfied that this machinery is now the best method of increasing the supply of war materials in this country?

The Production Council meets at frequent intervals, with myself as chairman. Its functions are to give general directions as to the organisation and the priority of production for war purposes in accordance with the policy laid down by the War Cabinet, and I think that it discharges these functions with reasonable success. As regards the last part of the Question, I am certainly of opinion that the machinery for giving effect to the Council's directions ought to be modified from time to time to meet changing conditions. Consideration is constantly being given to this aspect of the problem of war production.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that this elaborate machinery will give the country the maximum supply of war materials, and would it not be better to appoint somebody to cut through red tape rather than create it?

I think that if the hon. Member was aware of the facts, he would know that the Production Council has cut through red tape.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the agenda provided for him for the proceedings of the Production Council? Does he not feel that it would be to the advantage of himself and his colleagues if he extended his consultations?

The agenda is not supplied to me. I provide it myself on the information supplied to me. As regards consultations with outside people, that is always going on with the Departments represented on the Council.

Will consideration be given to the report of the Select Committee in regard to the important question of priorities, because this system requires overhauling?

I have already communicated with the Ministers concerned, drawing their attention to the report and asking for their observations in relation to the discussions which the Council is now having on this question.

asked the Minister of Supply what percentage increase has taken place in the average weekly earnings during July, as compared with the average weekly earnings during April, at Woolwich Arsenal and the Royal Arms Factory, Enfield, respectively?

The increases referred to were 17 per cent. at Woolwich and 28 per cent. at Enfield.

asked the Minister of Supply whether any decision has been reached for the absorption of the large stocks of leather originally sold to the French Government through the Ministry of Supply, for the making into boots for the French forces, now lying in the hands of English tanners or the utilisation of those stocks in the manufacture of boots for the Home Guard?

Arrangements are being made to absorb, as far as possible, in satisfaction of Government requirements, the leather originally bought by the French Government and suitable for Service purposes, but I am not yet able to say whether it will be possible to use the whole quantity.