asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position at Tangier; whether the area is now a Spanish Protectorate; and whether the Italian submarines are still in the harbour, and Italian sailors free to move about?

On 1st December a law was published in Madrid establishing a new juridical régime for the Tangier Zone under which the laws which apply to the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco will also have force in the Tangier Zone. One of the articles of this law provides that in consideration of the special circumstances obtaining in the Zone, such measures as may be considered indispensable together with special and suitable regulations will be framed with temporary or indefinite application to this Zone. The precise effect of the document is not yet clear. His Majesty's Ambassador in Madrid has been informed by the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs that Spain will guarantee peace and will secure the economic rights of all foreigners in the Tangier Zone. In accordance with the instructions he had already received, His Majesty's Ambassador left the Spanish Government in no doubt regarding the attitude of His Majesty's Government to further unilateral Spanish action in the Zone, and fully reserved His Majesty's Government's position.

The two damaged Italian submarines are still in Tangier. On 29th November His Majesty's Ambassador renewed his inquiries of the Spanish Government as to the length of time they would be allowed for repairs. His Majesty's Government have been promised an immediate reply. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative.

In view of the guarantee of peace, can my right hon. Friend say anything about the attack on the British Legation which was reported by the B.B.C. last night?

I think that report is a great exaggeration. I regret to say that a party of Italians did attack the British post office, for the purpose of taking down certain publicity notices, but I can inform the House that His Majesty's Consul-General has already protested to the Governor of the Zone, who has promised to take every precaution against any recurrence of such an incident. These British premises are now being guarded by the Administration authorities, and the publicity notices in question have been replaced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what precisely he means by "further unilateral action" against which His Majesty's Government would protest, and are steps being taken to insist that no permanent fortifications shall be erected?

The answer to the first part of that question is that we regard the law of 1st December as a further example of unilateral action. With regard to the latter part of the question, I have already informed the hon. Member that since the original Spanish occupation of the Zone there has been a reinforcement of the Spanish forces, and to that extent the position is not satisfactory. I cannot go further.

But will the right hon. Gentleman insist that there shall be no permanent work of fortifications?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British authorities in Tangier have endeavoured to make independent inquiries to ascertain to what extent these submarines are damaged, and how long they ought to be allowed to stay?

Yes, Sir, we have done our best to procure the information, which I know the House would desire to have. I am satisfied that the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs is fully aware of the importance which we attach to this matter, and I hope that he will shortly give us a favourable reply about these two submarines.

Shall we make it plain to the Spanish Government that if these submarines are kept beyond the legitimate time, we shall cut them out?

We have made our disapproval of the time they are being kept perfectly plain.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state that he will insist upon the Italian culprits being properly punished, as well as further protection being given to our property for the future?

Have British vessels been debarred from entering the habour?

I should want notice of the question of the hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell). In reply to the hon. Member for Oxford City (Mr. Hogg), the incident caused by the Italians has been taken up with the Governor of the Zone, and he has given us satisfaction. I understand that he regards the incident with as much disapproval as we do.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the reason why the Soviet Government have refused to remit to London for the first time the amount of £92,500 due under the Lena Goldfields Agreement?

His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow has been instructed to take this question up with the Soviet Government.

Can my right hon. Friend say what is the reason for this?

It is in order to find out the reason that we have taken the matter up with the Soviet Government.

Would it not be better to have a general settlement of all outstanding questions between the two countries?

General settlements are always very desirable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been received from the Spanish Government with reference to the presence of Dr. Negrin in this country; and what reply has been sent?

My Noble Friend is not prepared to state the nature of diplomatic exchanges which have taken place on this subject, however informal they may have been.

Can my right hon. Friend say why it was made clear to Dr. Negrin that if he cared to go to the United States, or cared to go on a lecture tour to New Zealand, His Majesty's Government would not regard such a proceeding with any marked disapproval?

I can only say, what has been already stated in public, that His Majesty's Government have taken no steps to oblige Dr. Negrin to leave this country against his will, nor is any such action in contemplation.

Can we have an assurance from the Government that they will not tolerate any representations from the Spanish Government which interfere with the right of asylum in this country?

The right of asylum in this country is well known, and has been referred to by various members of the Government, including my Noble Friend, and the hon. Member may rest assured that the British reputation for hospitality will not be impaired.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information about the transference of Japanese troops from Central China to French Indo-China, the creation of further air and naval bases in the latter country and peace overtures by Japanese agents to General Chiang-kai-Shek; and whether, in view of a threatened Japanese drive into South-East Asia, he will consult with the United States of America Government on measures of defence in this part of the world?

Certain information has been received by my Noble Friend on the matters mentioned in the first part of the Question. As regards the latter part, His Majesty's Government are keeping in touch with the United States Government on all questions of mutual interest in the Far East.

Does that include naval and similar matters regarding mutual defence in the Far East?

I think the hon. Member can be assured that all these important considerations are in mind.

Will the Government consider making a loan to China similar to that made by the United States? Would not such a loan have an admirable effect in both China and the United States?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on the conversations which have taken place between His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington, the Australian Minister at Washington and Mr. Cordell Hull on the question of security in the Pacific?

No, Sir, not at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the progress of the efforts by the Government of the United States of America to improve the relations between the United States of America, Great Britain and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

My Noble Friend is not prepared to make a statement on the subject of the relations between the United States and Soviet Governments. But, as has often been stated in this House, His Majesty's Government are glad to welcome any developments likely to maintain and improve their own relations with the U.S.S.R.

Will His Majesty's Government use the present opportunity to do something to meet the Russian objections to their original proposals?

We are always looking for means to get round difficulties.

Is there a possibility of the representatives of this country and of America and of the Soviet Republic meeting together?

I should like notice of that Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that excessive charges are being made to pilots and other officers of the Royal Air Force who have to seek accommodation near their place of duty; that frequent complaints have been made recently by such officers and their wives whose resources are being strained, and who are thus subjected to unwarranted inconvenience and hardship; and whether, in conjunction with the Minister of Health, he will seek to impose penalties on such persons as are thus hampering our national effort?

I have received no complaints of the kind referred to. Officers themselves are either accommodated in quarters on their station or in requisitioned accommodation or are provided with billets. Married quarters are not provided at public expense in wartime, and any question of excessive charges for married accommodation secured by private arrangement raises a point of general policy in regard to accommodation in public demand. If my hon. Friend has knowledge of any instances of excessive charges, I shall be glad to bring these to the notice of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

Has my hon. and gallant Friend followed the correspondence which has appeared in the Press recently, in which categorical state- ments have been made by officers, or at any rate officers' wives, about the prohibitive charges for billets near encampments of the Royal Air Force, and will he not protect those officers and their families from exhorbitant charges?

Indeed I have read the correspondence in the Press. Married quarters are not provided at the public expense, and while I fully agree that excessive charges in an area where there is a great demand for accommodation and a limited supply should be put down, that is a general question which is within the province of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, and if I can find any cases, I am only too glad to bring them to his attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether, as the cost of living has risen by 12 points since 1st May, he will cause suitable inquiries to be made with a view to increasing the billeting allowance for airmen; and, in particular, whether he will consider a sliding scale varying with the cost of living;

(2) whether, as billeting allowances which may be reasonable in the case of a private house are unprofitable in the case of a boarding-house, he will pay a wage to the landlady in order to enable her to earn a living?

I have received no general representations for an increase of billeting allowances, which, in all the circumstances, are considered to be adequate for the different classes of billetors. The rates were raised to their present level some six months ago, and are kept under constant review.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind that there has been a very steep rise in the price of certain essential foodstuffs and that, at the present time, landladies are nevertheless expected to give the same amount of food for the price?

I will certainly bear in mind the point made by my hon. Friend. We are keeping this matter under constant review.

Would not the hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that the reason why he has not received repre- sentations is that these women are not well organised?

asked the Secretary of State for Air, whether, in view of the fact that when boarding-houses have been requisitioned for the use of airmen, other visitors cannot be taken in, he will pay a retaining fee when beds are unoccupied?

The billeting regulations already provide for payments to be made in respect of accommodation temporarily unoccupied. Perhaps my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the type of case he has in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production the number of people engaged under him as liaison officers?

There are several kinds of liaison officer in this Department, and if my hon. Friend will let me know the category he has in mind, I shall, subject to the public interest, be glad to furnish the information he requires.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will publish the names and addresses of the known survivors of His Majesty's Ship "Glorious," His Majesty's ship "Acastra," and His Majesty's ship "Ardente," so that those whose friends and relatives were lost in that disaster or are missing may be able to communicate with them?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 12th November, to which I have nothing to add.

Will the hon. Gentleman given an undertaking that, if relatives of people who are killed or maimed apply to the Admiralty for the name of a survivor, that name will be given, so that they can communicate?

I do not think that I can give that undertaking. Survivors have already been communicated with and exhaustively questioned, and any information about missing men that they have been able to supply has been passed on to the relatives of the missing men. To do what the hon. Gentleman asks would impose a very painful task upon the survivors and would have the effect only of disappointing the relatives.

Does the hon. Gentleman not realise that relatives of missing people want to be able to do what I suggest?

I am sure that if we allowed them to do it, no useful purpose would be achieved.

Are not two out of three of the ships wrongly described in the Question, and may we not, at least, have their names properly spelt?

Yes, Sir, that is a fact.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give the House respecting present political and economic conditions in Jamaica?

As in this country, wartime restrictions on trade have affected all classes in the island. Until very recently there has been no difficulty in marketing the Colony's principal products. The decision just taken by His Majesty's Government to suspend the importation of bananas for a period of two months particularly affects Jamaica, but, as I am explaining in a reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle) to-day, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, measures have already been taken to safeguard the position of growers, and the position generally is under examination. As regards political conditions in the island, there is nothing at present to report.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that all necessary and possible measures are being taken to cope with the undoubted distress in the island at the present time?

Yes, Sir, I am satisfied of that.

In view of the fact that a sum of money now becomes available for banana growing, may I ask whether any of it is likely to be distributed among the workers concerned with the plantations?

I understand that the major portion of the banana growers in Jamaica are of the small peasant class and that the amount of money which the Government are paying for bananas will go almost entirely to that class.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that two women teachers were dismissed from a Trinidad training college because they had addressed a trade union meeting; and whether, as the college receives a grant-in-aid from the Government, he will make inquiries with a view to their reinstatement?

This matter has already been brought to the notice of my Noble Friend, and he is now awaiting the result of inquiries on the subject which he has made of the Governor of Trinidad. When these are received I shall communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the difficulty of trade union meetings in Trinidad owing to the number of persons permitted to congregate in the open air being limited to 20; whether, in view of the difficulty of meeting in halls he will consider advising a modification of the present restrictions; and whether he is aware of protests by trade unions against the present restrictions?

Outdoor meetings have not been limited to gatherings of not more than 20 persons, but permission must first be obtained for more than 20 persons to hold meetings in public places. No complaints in this connection have been received from the larger trade unions, but one of the smaller trade unions has protested against the present restrictions. I understand that in no case has any application for a trade union meeting been refused, nor is it the intention in any way to use this control to obstruct trade union development.

Am I to take it from the answer of my hon. Friend that the protest from this alleged minor trade union is without foundation?

Yes, Sir; according to the information received from the Governor, it is.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the municipal elections in Mauritius have again been postponed; and, if so, for what reason?

The municipal council of Port Louis, which is the only municipality in Mauritius, has passed a resolution in favour of postponing the municipal election for a further year. It is doubtful, however, whether the election can lawfully be postponed again, and the Governor has decided that it should proceed. It will be held, I understand, on 9th December.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement regarding the recent regulations for recruiting a native labour unit in Kenya?

Yes, Sir. In response to a request from the military authorities in East Africa, the Secretary of State approved last August the formation of an East Africa Military Labour Service unit. The force will be employed on the construction of military roads and camps, and other duties with the troops such as cooking. It will be under the control of the general officer commanding, East Africa, and its members will receive Army scales of remuneration, rations and clothes, at the rate prescribed by law for the East Africa Military Labour Service, and also medical attention. Provision can be made by regulations under the Kenya Military Units Ordinance for the payment of pensions and gratuities to members of the Military Labour Service unit. I understand that the creation of the labour service has been favourably received by the Africans and that applications for enrolment far exceed the number of men required.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to give an assurance, in view of the tremendous number of deaths and diseases in the last campaign of the last war, that the most ample steps will be taken to safeguard health conditions and to prevent disease, and that adequate arrangements will be made in respect of separation allowances and for dependants in the event of death?

I have, by correspondence, assured my hon. Friend that every precaution is taken on the lines he suggests, and if he will read very carefully the letter which I sent him a few days ago, he will see that those assurances are given.

In the case of polygamous African labourers, how many wives will receive separation allowance?

I must have notice of that Question.

Do I gather from my hon. Friend's answer whether any of these troops are to be used as carriers?

No, Sir. Great care has been taken to impress the Africans that the East African Labour Service unit will be on very different lines from the Carrier Corps in the last war, regarding which there was very much discontent.

Do we understand that recruiting for this service is to be by the voluntary system?

I said that the creation of this service has been favourably received and that applications for enrolment far exceed the number of men required. That is the position to-day.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the importance of training and using all our man-power, what actual steps have yet been taken in any Colony to commence manufacture by assembly of capital and engineering instructors and acquisition of land?

It has not been possible to promote any substantial developments of manufacturing industry for war purposes in the Colonial Dependencies, mainly because of the non-availability of plant for such factories, the supply of which is not within the control of Colonial administrations. The whole matter has, however, been under review at the Delhi Conference, the report of which is now awaited. Small developments are already taking place in individual Dependencies. Facilities for technical instruction already exist in the principal centres. No difficulty need be expected in securing the land necessary for such works as my right hon. Friend refers to in the Question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what has become of the 1,771 illegal Jewish immigrants who recently arrived at Haifa; and why they were not admitted like the other non-Jewish refugees from Rumania?

The persons in question, who all came from enemy or enemy-occupied territory, were intercepted in an attempt to enter Palestine against what is well known to be the law of the country. His Majesty's Government, while not lacking in sympathy for refugees from territories under German control, can only regard the revival of attempts at illegal immigration at the present juncture as likely to affect the local situation most adversely and to prove a serious menace to British interests in the Middle East. They accordingly decided that these persons, and any further parties who may succeed in reaching Palestine with a view to illegal entry, should be sent to a British Colony for detention for the duration of the war.

As the right hon. Member will be aware, the steamship "Patria," on which the first contingent of illegal immigrants had already been embarked, sank in Haifa Harbour on 25th November as the re sult of an explosion. The causes of this disaster are still under investigation but it has been decided by His Majesty's Government, as an exceptional act of mercy, after taking all circumstances into consideration and in particular the harassing experience undergone by survivors, not to proceed with the proposal to send these particular persons overseas. They will accordingly be allowed to stay in Palestine subject to existing regulations, and their number will be deducted from the next immigration quota.

The position remains unchanged as regards all other illegal immigrants who have arrived recently off the coast of Palestine or may arrive hereafter. They will be sent overseas as soon as the necessary shipping arrangements can be made. The case of these illegal immigrants is entirely different from that of other refugees admitted into Palestine on a purely temporary basis after careful investigation of their bona fides.

May I ask when this deplorable occurrence took place and why the public were not informed of it? Secondly, I would like to ask the Minister of Shipping how it came about that one of our ships so badly needed at the present time was sacrificed in this way. Thirdly—

The right hon. Member must confine himself to one question.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can, without disclosing details likely to be of use to the enemy, state what use is being made of the industrial resources of Palestine to provide munitions and supplies for our war effort?

The potentialities of Palestine as a supplier of certain war materials, both for this country and for the use of military forces on the spot, have not been overlooked. The High Commissioner has appointed an Industrial Production Advisory Board, and delegates from Palestine have participated in the recent Eastern Group Conference at Delhi. As my Noble Friend infers, however, it would not be in the public interest to give details of actual supplies.

When the hon. Gentleman refers to potentialities, are we to infer that there has been no actual development? If so, can he say why, in view of the desperate need of supplies of the Empire at the present time, 14 months have elapsed before this matter has been developed?

It is not suggested that no developments have taken place. My Noble Friend will see in a reply which I gave on 16th October that some development has taken place.

But is it true that that development has not been helped in any way by the Government?

asked the Minister of Transport, whether he is aware that gross profiteering is still taking place over the removal of furniture belonging to the homeless or evacuated; and whether he will take steps to control price and the use of removal lorries, and take other necessary steps to deal with the problem?

No, Sir, I have no evidence to the effect indicated in the Question. As I have already stated in this House, I am investigating all cases of alleged profiteering brought to my notice and have so far found only a few cases of overcharge. In these I have secured adjustments, either by refund or by reduction in estimates. The situation will continue to be watched ad the possibility of controlling removal charges borne in mind.

Will there be a possibility of regulating the prices to be charged per mile according to space required in a van?

I have looked into that matter. There are many difficulties, among them that of getting furniture out of damaged houses in the blackout.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make arrangements to secure that persons desiring to visit members of their family who are evacuated may do so at the cheap rates provided for travelling and returning by any train?

I recognise that the conditions under which visits may now be made to evacuees at reduced fares involve certain difficulties and anomalies, which I am now looking into. I hope to make a statement on the position at a very early date.

May I put a question to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman next week?

Certainly, Sir.

Will there be issued to intending travellers at Christmas time any warning of the danger not only of their being disappointed at not seeing their relatives, but of not arriving at their destinations at all, in view of the great congestion which may arise on the railways accompanied by fog or snow or enemy action?

The hon. Member knows very well that I am trying to discourage as much as possible all transport by rail at Christmas. Perhaps this exchange of courtesies between the hon. Member and myself might be given publicity.

While the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is attempting to discourage excessive traffic at Christmas time, is he aware that the Postmaster-General is boasting about normal facilities provided that postage is done earlier? Could not there be given by wireless a warning that if persons are admitted in large numbers to railway stations, there is a considerable danger they will not be able to find places in the trains?

The first part of that Question is, of course, the concern of the Postmaster-General. I would say, however, that parcels do not object to overcrowding so much as do persons. The other point is, of course, quite understood. If there will not be extra trains, the encouragement to travel at Christmas will not exist.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will at once have an investigation made into the transport services available for workpeople in the North Staffordshire area, and the City of Stoke-on-Trent in particular, and take into consultation the city council, the North Staffordshire Trades Council and the Chamber of Commerce, and see that immediate action is taken to improve the services?

Following representations from the Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the Regional Transport Commissioner has investigated the passenger transport position. The organisations mentioned in my hon. Friend's Question will be consulted about the measures proposed in order to improve the local services.

I cannot state in public why attention should be given to this matter, but if I send a statement to the Minister, will he give early attention to it?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the travelling facilities for workpeople in industrial areas and, if not, what steps are being taken to improve the services, as many people have to stand from 10 to 30 minutes, often in rain, which does not tend to maintain production or preserve the health of those concerned; and will he give instructions that the services should be so organised that workpeople's services will cater for all within a reasonable time?

I am always prepared to investigate any specific complaint of inadequacy of travelling facilities for workpeople in industrial areas, and if my hon. Friend has in mind any particular service and will give me particulars, I will make inquiries. He will, however, realise that it is quite impossible in present circumstances to ensure that in no case will passengers have to wait for transport.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the confusion and bewilderment existing among passengers on the railways owing to trains running behind scheduled times; and whether he will get in communication with railway officials to draw their attention to it and arrange for them to use loud-speakers on all stations to let passengers know what is happening and to try to give an approximate time when they may expect their train and the platform from which it will start or arrive?

Loudspeakers are installed at many stations where it is considered that useful assistance can be given to passengers by this means, and are used for the purpose suggested by my hon. Friend. I do not think that there is need for installation of loud-speakers at all stations.

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman allow one of his officials to take a journey some evening and go through the same experience as I did last week? I could not find any indications, and numbers of soldiers were in a similar plight. Those are matters which require attention.

I wish the hon. Member would give me the name of the station so that the matter could be investigated. A number of these cases have been brought to my notice, and we are getting on with the problem; I think we have already made some improvement.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that one of the real difficulties is that of lighting? It is almost impossible to find one's way about a big station.

That is a new one on me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the shortage of coal in Bristol due to inadequate railway facilities; and what steps is he taking to remedy this position?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a shortage of coal in Bristol is attributed to an inadequate supply of railway wagons at the collieries; and what steps he is taking to meet the increasing requirements of this industrial city and seaport?

I have received representations from Bristol, and the position is under investigation. Meanwhile, in collaboration with my hon. Friend, the Secretary for Mines, I have offered to meet a deputation.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that since Spring, owing to transport difficulties, it has been impossible to build up adequate reserves and that, as there is now insufficient coal coming to Bristol to meet current consumption, these small reserves will be rapidly depleted, and will he treat this question as a matter of great urgency and danger?

I am aware of what my hon. Friend has said, but there are other places also in great danger of a shortage of fuel. Bristol is much nearer to supplies of coal than many other places.

In order to avoid congestion on the railways, will my right hon. and gallant Friend investigate the possibilities of transport by water, in view of the shortness of the distance across the Bristol Channel?

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the population of Bristol has increased by 20,000 or 30,000?

All populations on the Great Western Railway have, I know, increased.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to work the internal waterways to full capacity as a means of transport; and for what reason was the Kennet and Avon Canal, which carried a considerable volume of traffic from 1914 to 1918, thrown out of commission?

On the general point of canal transport, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 26th November to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Broxtowe Division (Mr. Cocks). The history of the Kennet and Avon Canal cannot be told within the compass of a Parliamentary answer, and I am sending my hon. Friend a note on the subject.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend be good enough to give us figures which show the importance of the traffic carried by that canal, certainly as far as Devizes, during the last war; and will he also tell us what useful national purpose is served by keeping a large body of men to maintain the canal, which has been deliberately rendered derelict by officers of his own or some other Department?

I think my hon. Friend will see most of the figures in the note I have sent to him. I cannot help telling him, in the words once addressed to an hon. Member for Birmingham many years ago, that most of the canal schemes put up to us do not hold water.

asked the Minister of Transport how many fatal accidents on the roads were recorded for the last month for which information is available; and in how many of those accidents were members of His Majesty's Forces involved?

The number of persons reported to have died during the month of October as a result of road accidents in Great Britain was 1,012. The information asked for in the second part of the Question is not available.

Is the Minister aware that there is a feeling among the public that there is great negligence on the part of drivers of motor vehicles, who are great contributors to the number of accidents, and can he make any statement by representation through the Department to see that greater care is exercised?

I am aware that that feeling exists—I rather feel it myself—but I have no evidence to prove it. On the other hand, I will try to get separate figures as between civilians and the Army.

If the Minister is successful in getting these figures from the War Office, will he let me have them, because I have tried to get them from the War Office and they have not got them.

Oh no, they have not tried to get them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that long delays and inconvenience are caused to travellers by road returning in the evening from Gloucester to the Forest of Dean through insufficient service; that a considerable number of industrial workers as well as shoppers and general passengers use this route; and whether he will take steps to see that this service is improved?

No recent complaints of deficiency in the road transport services between Gloucester and the Forest of Dean have reached me. I have, however, asked the Regional Transport Commissioner to investigate the position, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the priority categories established by the Ministry of Supply as regards production are recognised by him for transport purposes; and, if so, what system is adopted for securing priority to traffic included in these categories?

The priority categories for production do not necessarily coincide with the categories to which priority of transit is accorded, since different considerations apply. The goods to be accorded general priority of transit are determined by the Transport Priority Committee of the Production Council, on which are representatives of the Government Departments concerned in the transport of goods.

asked the Minister of Transport how many motor omnibuses have been withdrawn from Scotland for service in London; and what steps he proposes to take to supplement the numbers of motor omnibuses where they are urgently required in industrial areas in Scotland?

Seventy-six motor omnibuses were transferred from Scotland for service in London, the transfer being on the under- standing that essential services in Scotland would not be unduly depleted.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend personally see that where there is an acute shortage of motor transport in industrial areas owing to shortage of petrol, additional supplies of fuel will be made available, so as to permit of greater use of the motor vehicles already there?

I do not think my hon. and learned Friend can bring an example of the shortage of transport caused by shortage of petrol supplies. That would be very difficult for him to do. At present we are putting every form of motor vehicle on the road which it is possible to run, and my hon. Friend the Secretary for Petroleum is always prepared to give fuel for them.

May I give particulars of a case to my right hon. and gallant Friend?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of recent experience, he will consider issuing an order that the windows of tramcars and omnibuses in London and elsewhere shall be treated with certain adhesive material or replaced by cellulose fabric as a protection against flying glass?

I recently circulated to the associations which represent public passenger transport operators suggestions for reducing the risk of injury by flying glass, and I expressed the hope that operators in vulnerable areas would adopt one or other of the methods of treatment suggested. I am making inquiries now to see how far these suggestions have been given effect.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the use of these forms of protection is desired by passengers, conductors and drivers in order to add to their safety, and is it his suggestion that the safety devices are to be fitted at the expense of the operators or owners of the vehicles?

I consider the fitting of these devices extremely desirable. The only question is regarding the areas to start with. On the second point, that of the charge, I will look into it.

Will my right hon. Friend communicate with the Minister of National Security with regard to the use of Hessian canvas, into which he is inquiring in pursuance of a Question which I put to him yesterday?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that the Government will not barter the sovereignty of any British territory in return for war supplies from foreign countries?

Yes, Sir.

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in this connection the British people conceive themselves as fighting for the unity of the British Empire and for the liberty under the British flag of every part of it, and that therefore these suggestions, which emanate from foreign and possibly enemy sources, are very sinister in flavour?

That is a reason for not giving it further publicity.

asked the Lord President of the Council what progress is being made with the investigation into the problem of silicosis among anthracite and other coalminers; and when the report of the investigation will be issued?

The final stage of this extensive investigation has made good progress, notwithstanding some slight delay due to present conditions. The preparation of a first report, including a full account of the medical aspects of the work, is well advanced, and it is hoped to complete the draft of this report next month. Publication will follow as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that, in an important town in Northern Ireland, hundreds normally engaged in the hosiery industry are unemployed because the required yarn cannot be obtained by the factories, while, in the country around, farmers have large quantities of wool deteriorating through lack of a market for it; and whether he will make inquiries and see that this wool is made available to relieve unemployment and for national needs?

Under present conditions it is necessary to ration the available supplies of woollen yarn among all users, and an equitable allocation is made to firms in the hosiery trade. If the factories referred to have difficulty in obtaining their ration, I shall be pleased to make inquiries on receiving particulars. All wool in the hands of Northern Ireland farmers is being taken over by the Ministry of Supply as rapidly as possible.

Can my right hon. Friend say how many days per week the present ration keeps the hosiery factories going?

Will my right hon. Friend take over the wool from Northern Ireland as quickly as possible? It is deteriorating rapidly.

That is what I said. It is being taken over as quickly as possible.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the difficulty of obtaining travel permits to visit their families by men from Northern Ireland engaged in Britain on work of national importance, he will consider the urgency of having additional war factories established, at the earliest possible moment in Northern Ireland where these men can be employed as well as many others at present unemployed?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers to previous Questions on this subject. The question of setting up a munitions factory in Northern Ireland is again receiving close consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend promise that this will be proceeded with at the earliest possible moment? We have been waiting for a year and have received only promise after promise.

The decision which was taken on a previous occasion on the matter is now being reconsidered from a different angle.

asked the Minister of Supply the number of people engaged under him as liaison officers?

It is a normal part of Departmental duties to maintain liaison with other Departments. If my hon. Friend will let me know what kind of liaison work he has in mind, I shall endeavour to give him the information he desires.

Has my right hon. Friend any objection to giving the total number of men engaged under him as liaison officers, or would it be too great a shock? Is he aware that both within and outside his Department there is a feeling that far too many people are employed who have far too little to do?

I have tried to make myself as fully acquainted as possible with the feeling within the Department. I am not conscious of any feeling outside or inside that there are too many liaison officers. Liaison officers for the most part have other duties to perform, but they must keep the channel of communication with other Departments going.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there exist in West Wales a number of unused tinplate works and unused factories which could be rapidly, and at little cost, converted into workshops for war production; and whether he will cause a survey to be made of these establishments?

Unused tinplate and other works in West Wales have been considered already for use on war production. Some are being held as alternative places of production in case damage is sustained elsewhere, but many of these tinplate works have been long disused, and would require much expenditure and extensive alterations before being in a condition for production for other purposes than tin-plate works. An investigation into the question of the best means of using the accommodation which they afford is now being conducted by a committee of the area board for Wales, as part of a general survey, and I should be glad of any detailed information or suggestions.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider taking steps to distribute the timber stocks in the country in small quantities throughout the provinces to obviate possible loss in air raids, and see that transport is provided for this purpose?

As the hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. J. Morgan) was informed on 8th October, steps have already been taken to reduce the stocks of timber in vulnerable areas by removal of existing stocks and by diversion of fresh supplies, but it is essential to keep certain amounts of timber in these areas ready for urgent current work. Dispersal of stocks of timber is proceeding as rapidly as possible.

asked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been called to the action of his Department in taking over a large property in May, 1940, and removing all plant and machinery therefrom without any agreement being concluded or payment made to date; and whether he will expedite completion of this purchase?

Yes, Sir; and, on representations already made to me, I have instructed that the representatives of the Ministry of Supply should, for their part, do all they can to expedite a satisfactory conclusion of the negotiations.

While appreciating what my right hon. Friend has said, might I ask whether the owners of the property can look forward to completion within a day or two?

I cannot say that it will be within a day or two; because, obviously, the completion depends as much upon the owners as upon the Ministry of Supply.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the factory was taken over in May?

I do, but I also realise that since the factory was taken over the owners have changed their minds about the terms upon which the occupancy was decided upon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in accordance with the promise made by the then Minister of Food on 25th January, 1940, he will see that Northern Ireland, as a part of the United Kingdom, continues to receive the same percentage of imported feeding-stuffs as Great Britain?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in the public interest, it is intended to control the prices of fish?

My Noble Friend has the question of controlling the prices of fish under active consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.

Is the Minister aware that, in the North of England at least, the wholesale merchants, the retail dealers and the general public are strongly in favour of this course?

I am aware of that, and the matter is under consideration now; but this is not an easy commodity to control without considerable investigation.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that any controlled price which tends to reduce the remuneration of the man who catches the fish, at immense risk, or of the owner of the boats, whose fleet has been greatly reduced by requisitioning, may still further reduce the supply of fish? Will he not consider whether control of prices accompanied by a subsidy would not be a better method of assisting the market?

I will consider that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will take steps to ensure that adequate quantities of rationed foods, and of other comestibles are made available for restaurants at certain ports where naval ratings and other ranks from time to time call in such numbers as to exhaust quickly the normal supplies in the restaurants?

Arrangements are already in force whereby registered catering establishments can obtain supplementary permits at the local food offices for additional supplies of rationed foods to meet abnormal requirements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what are the names of the brokers who attempted to corner the market in onions by offering Mr. Arthur Dutton, of Covent Garden, £70 a ton, and also the names of the brokers who, on the Liverpool Exchange, attempted to corner the market in tinned tomatoes?

In reply to the first part of his Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given in this House on 6th November to a Question by the hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. J. Morgan). With regard to the second part of the Question, I am informed that there is no exchange in Liverpool for dealings in canned tomatoes, and consequently no attempts can have been made to corner supplies on that exchange. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend will give me any information he may have on the subject, I will arrange for an inquiry to be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what grounds there are for the allegations recently made by the North Midland Food Price Investigation Committee that an attempt is being made to corner the market in turkeys and other Christmas fare; and what are the names of the brokers concerned?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has yet considered the representations of the North Midland Food Investigation Committee on the shortage of turkeys and poultry, which are not controlled in price; and whether, in order to prevent unwarranted price rises, he will take steps to purchase by bulk these articles of foodstuffs, to regulate the distribution thereof, and to control prices?

My Noble Friend has considered the representations of the North Midland Food Investigation Committee on the subject of turkeys and poultry, but he is not aware that the committee have suggested that any attempt is being made to corner the market by any particular brokers. Turkeys and poultry are not commodities in general consumption and in my Noble Friend's view the necessity for price control is on a different footing from that of staple foodstuffs used in every household. He has, however, issued particulars of the retail prices of the various grades of turkeys which he regards as reasonable at the peak of the Christmas trade, and he has suggested that control should be effected by consumers refraining from paying higher prices.

Is not the Minister aware that the Secretary of the North Midlands Food Price Investigation Committee, in a report issued only a short time ago, anticipated the exploitation of the public in connection with the price of turkeys, and said that he considered it possible that these prices would rise to prohibitive figures?

It is overloading the machine to control generally the prices of what are not staple foodstuffs. It is entirely in the hands of the consumer not to pay the price asked, and that is the best way of keeping prices down.

Does my hon. and gallant Friend not know that the Food Controller himself has said that in view of the rise in poultry prices he is considering control? Would it not be better to do so now, in view of the fact that prices are soaring and that the commodity is going off the market altogether? Is not the consumer quite powerless?

It is in the hands of the consumer. This kind of thing happened before the war, and was defeated by the consumer not paying the price asked.

Has the Minister's attention been called to the statement of the Controller that he was considering this; and does he not consider that a large number of poor families which club together for a turkey should be protected by the Ministry?

It is within the power of the Ministry, if prices soar beyond the figures suggested, to put an end to the rise.

When is my hon. and gallant Friend going to do so?