asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to Senor Suner's pronouncement, on 2nd July, that the Falange were taking up arms, together with their German comrades, to reanimate the profound friendship between both countries; and what action he is taking in the matter?

Yes, Sir; I have seen a summary of an interview given by the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs to a German newspaper on 2nd July recording his views on the outbreak of war between Germany and the Soviet Union. This interview does not represent any development or change in Senor Suner's known views. I have no further statement to make on the subject at present.

Is this not the right time to take a strong line? By doing so, should we not be likely to get greater respect than we do?

Does it not seem foolish —to put it no higher—that in the face of these official announcements by Senor Suner we should continue to send British goods to Spain?

I have no further statement to make on the subject at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Spanish Government took over the Cape Spartel lighthouse installation; under what control this has hitherto been; and what action His Majesty's Government propose to take in the matter?

The Spanish Government assumed control of the Cape Spartel lighthouse at 11 a.m. on 5th July. Hitherto the lighthouse has been administered by an International Commission established under the terms of the Cape Spartel Convention signed on 31st May, 1865. His Majesty's Government have recorded a protest with the Spanish Government and reserved all their rights in connection with the Spanish Government's action. The members of the International Commission, including a British member, have also registered a collective protest and fully reserved the rights of the Commission and of the Governments represented on it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have received any information from our representative at Tangier that the decision of the Spanish Government to cease using the Spartel broadcasting station was due to pressure from Germany?

I am not aware of the existence of any broadcasting station at Spartel, but if the hon. Member is referring to the Cape Spartel lighthouse, I would refer him to the reply which I have just given to my hon. Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore).

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that that is not a full reply? It does not deal with the point I raised with regard to the pressure brought by the German Government on the Spanish Government and the ease with which they accept the decisions of the German Government.

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that I cannot answer for the Spanish Government whether pressure is brought on them by the German Government. I can only speak for myself; I cannot speak for other Governments.

Are we keeping a close eye on the Spanish Government and their manoeuvres?

I hope my answer showed clearly that that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish the treaties of alliance existing between this country and Czechoslovakia, Poland, Norway, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Greece, Jugoslavia, Free France and Abyssinia?

The only treaty of alliance with any of the countries mentioned is the Anglo-Polish agreement regarding mutual assistance signed in London on 25th August, 1939, and published as Cmd. Paper 6101. It will, however, be recalled that in the resolution unanimously adopted at the Inter-Allied meeting in London on 12th June, the Governments represented were described as being engaged together in the fight against aggression, and they agreed to continue the struggle against German or Italian oppression until victory was won, and mutually to assist each other in this struggle to the utmost of their respective capacities. No formal treaties are, indeed, necessary to express the close ties of friendship which bind the Allied peoples, and which are finding expression in deeds rather than in words.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Ministry of Information stated last week that we only played the National Anthem of countries with whom we had treaties of alliance? Would he be good enough to look into the matter further and try to give accurate information to the Ministry of Information or to receive the same himself?

:I do not think I have any need to look into the matter further. The position is quite clear; we do not need a formal treaty in order to be the Ally of any nation.

After the Prime Minister's statement yesterday, I am not sure that this Question is now necessary, and I will leave it to the discretion of the Minster as to whether he gives an answer.

I intended to refer the hon. Gentleman to the Prime Minister's statement, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that anti-Nazi Sudeten Germans are apprehensive that a policy of revenge will be carried out against all Germans in Czechoslovakia on the fall of the Nazi régime; and whether, in order to unite the ranks of all anti-Nazis in Europe, he will, by broadcast or any other appropriate method, let it be known that the Allies are determined to punish the Nazis but not all Germans indiscriminately?

I am aware of these apprehensions which are no doubt due to the behaviour of the occupying authorities and in particular of certain local leaders. As regards the second part of the Question, I would remind the hon. Member of the passage in my speech at the Mansion House on 29th May in which I referred to the part that Germany must play in any future system of free co-operation in Europe.

While recognising the value of the Foreign Secretary's speech the other day, to which he refers, is it not a fact that Austria and Czechoslovakia are the weak link in the chain of the new order and that nothing should be done to discourage anti-Nazis in these two countries?

I certainly would not say that Czechoslovakia was a weak link. I do not think that is at all a correct interpretation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with our propaganda in countries in Europe? Is it being based on the speech which he made at the Mansion House?

Yes, Sir, I understand that that speech is being widely used.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the pronouncement, made by the Prime Minister of Iceland, that British troops are to leave Iceland when the Americans arrive?

I have nothing to add to the message sent by President Roosevelt to the Prime Minister of Iceland to the effect that he was prepared to send United States troops to Iceland to supplement and eventually replace the British Forces there.

Did not the Prime Minister state the other day that British Forces would remain in Iceland? Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to clear up the doubt that appears to exist as to whether British troops will stay in Iceland or not?

I think the position is really clear. It is a question of time. The position is governed by President Roosevelt's speech.

:Did not the right hon. Gentleman see the statement made the other day by a very important American Senator, to the effect that it was desirable that British troops should leave for fear of aggression?

Does not my right hon. Friend think that Herr Hitler would be very glad to have a full answer to the supplementary question put by the hon. Gentleman the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander)?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Mechanised Transport Corps who, up to the present, have been providing both motor cars and drivers free for the use of the Polish, Czechoslovak, Free French and Dutch Legations, are now to be re placed by Government motor cars with paid Auxiliary Territorial Service drivers, which are much required for other purposes?

I am not aware of any arrangements to provide foreign Embassies or Legations in this country with Government motor cars or drivers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Mechanised Transport Corps have been providing them, and they now understand that they will not be required to do this any longer?

I think the answer I have given will inform my hon. Friend of the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will say, so far as is not inconsistent with national interests, what is the reason for the frequent long delay between acceptance and call up for Royal Air Force service of young persons, 20 to 30 years of age, for whom there has been a national news paper and poster appeal for a long time as an immediate need?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to volunteers for aircrew duties, and I would, therefore, refer him to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Eye (Mr. Granville) on 11th June. In view of the urgent need for aircrews, it is essential at all times to have a reserve of volunteers sufficient to ensure that all training vacancies are filled immediately they occur and that the maximum use is made of all the training facilities available. The amount of training capacity and the number of pupils under instruction are constantly being increased.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give the name of the senior officer appointed by him to the Ministry of Information to exercise responsibility for passing Air Ministry news for publication, under the arrangement of 3rd July?

The title of the Royal Air Force officer in question is Air Adviser to the Ministry of Information. I do not consider it desirable to publish the names of officers engaged upon particular duties.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this Air Adviser gives his whole time to the work of publicity and censorship, or has he other duties as well?

He gives his whole time to his duties with the Ministry of Information. I have consulted the Minister of Information on this matter, and he is in complete agreement with me about the appointment of this particular officer.

asked the Minister of Information why the name of the gunner on a ship belonging to the local electricity authority of a South Coast town who brought down a German aircraft into the sea should be suppressed, as information such as this increases the morale of the public, and affords satisfaction to the gunner and his parents and to the inhabitants of the town?

There is no reason why the name of a gunner concerned in such an incident should be suppressed, provided that the story in which he figures is not itself held up for security reasons. In the present case the whole story of the attack was stopped for the time being in order to prevent the enemy getting any accurate report as to its results. The story and the name are now released.

Why cannot news about incidents of this sort be released at once instead of having to wait for months? Is it not better to publish good news of this sort rather than to broadcast news of coming events which do not materialise?

Will the Minister consider adopting the course followed by our Russian Allies in publishing the names of officers and men who have undertaken acts of gallantry and referring to those specific acts as often as possible, so as to encourage the morale of the troops?

The name of this man has been published. As I have already explained, the general rule is not to publish information which can be of value to the enemy as long as it can be of value.

How could it have been of value to the enemy when the pilot of the Messerschmitt was under the sea? Would it not have been all to our advantage to publish it?

asked the Minister of Information whether compulsory powers under the Emergency Powers Act have been used to requisition buildings required for the accommodation of the foreign broadcasting services of the British Broadcasting Corporation?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Information what progress has been made in securing the additional buildings which it was announced, on 25th March, 1941, would be required for the accommodation of the foreign broadcasting services of the British Broadcasting Corporation?

I am glad to say that additional accommodation in the building to which I referred on 25th March has now been obtained. In order to afford further relief to this building, and to provide room for expansion, we are taking over substantial accommodation in a Government building in the same neighbourhood. The separate large building to which I referred on 25th March has unfortunately been damaged by enemy action on two occasions since that date, but repairs and the provision of the necessary equipment are proceeding as quickly as possible. Another building under construction in a different part of London has been taken over, and its completion is being expedited as much as possible. It will provide a valuable extension of studio and office accommodation, also sleeping and other accommodation for the staff.

asked the Minister of Information what is the policy of His Majesty's Government concerning the release from military service of expert personnel required for the foreign broadcasting services of the British Broadcasting Corporation?

The policy of His Majesty's Government in this matter is to ensure that the services of every individual may be directed to the channels where they can make the greatest contribution to the national war effort. Many cases must, therefore, be decided upon their merits, and if my hon. Friend is aware of any in which this policy is not being carried out, I shall be grateful if he will give me particulars.

I am much obliged to my right hon. Friend, and I will give him the particulars.

asked the Minister of Information whether it is proposed immediately to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Sir Maurice Peterson; from whom applications are being invited and what salary is being offered; by whom will the appointment be made; whether there is to be any board of selection; and whether regard will be had to the names on the Central Register of the Ministry of Labour?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, applications are not invited for appointments of this nature. The salary attached to the post is £1,500 a year for a temporary and £1,700 a year for an established officer. The appointment will be made by the Minister of Information.

Will my right hon. Friend give an answer to the last part of the Question, as to whether regard will be had to the names on the Central Register of the Ministry of Labour?

It is improbable that the name of the official who takes this post, which was recently occupied by an Ambassador, will be found on the Central Register at the present time.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that at Tangier the British and other inhabitants live in an atmosphere of Nazi propaganda; and what steps is he taking to counteract this atmosphere?

All possible steps are being taken to counteract the effect of enemy propaganda in Tangier.

Will my right hon. Friend consider having propaganda broadcasts made to Tangier?

That is being taken into consideration.

Will the Minister advise the Spaniards who control Tangier to advise their German friends to clear out?

asked the Minister of Information what action is being taken to see that Magyar opinion is mobilised against Horthy's Government?

Magyar opinion is being kept informed of British views both on the German exploitation of Hungary and on the British war effort through broadcasts in Hungarian twice a day. These are going out on five transmitters covering short and medium wave bands. No doubt is being left in the minds of the Hungarians as to the responsibility of their Government for the part which their country is being made to play in support of German interests.

Will a special effort be made to appeal to the peasantry in Hungary, as the Hungarian Government have taken land away from the peasantry in areas, such as Transylvania, which have come back to Hungary; and is not this a very important propaganda point?

This matter is not being lost sight of.

May we take it that a distinction is being made and sustained between the Hungarian Government and the Hungarian people?

Certainly, as far as possible.

Will the Minister look into this matter again and satisfy himself that in fact the Hungarian people are being told of the way in which their Government are exploiting them for the benefit of Nazi Germany?

I will look into the matter again, and if the hon. Member has any new facts that he would like to bring to my notice, I should be glad to have them.

asked the Minister of Information what percentage of the persons employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation at the station which has been referred to in correspondence with the Minister, who were under 41 years of age, were aged less than 30; and what efforts have been made to replace those under 41 years of age with people over that age?

I am informed by the B.B.C. that, of the adult male staff under 41 at the centre in question, 37 per cent. are between the ages of 18 and 30. This figure is made up of 16 per cent, who are above the age of reservation appropriate to their occupation, 14 per cent, who are either medically unfit and have been discharged from service or are awaiting calling-up, and 7 per cent, who are key staff in respect of whom the Corporation have applied for deferment, either limited or indefinite. Wherever possible, the Corporation has replaced men under 30 by men over that age or by men unfit for, or discharged from, the Forces, or by women. It is continuing to recruit such persons through such sources as the Central Register and public advertisement.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the position at this centre, to which I have referred in correspondence with him, considering the vast number of young men who are employed there?

I think the reply I have given shows that the proportion of young men who are fit for military service and are being employed there is very small, and these men are being employed on duties which are of the very first importance from the point of view of our war effort.

Would it not be a good thing to replace the official of the B.B.C. who was responsible; for passing the filthy postcript to the news on Tuesday night?

If those services are of first importance in the war effort, on what grade of importance is fighting?

asked the Minister of Information what recent instructions or guidance he has received from the Foreign Office as to the line to be adopted in propaganda broadcasts to enemy countries; and whether such instructions may be placed in the Library or otherwise made available for the information of Members?

Co-operation between Government Departments would obviously become impossible if all inter-Departmental communications were to be made public. The answer to the second part of the Question is therefore in the negative.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the Lord President of the Council indicated in the Debate on propaganda recently that the Foreign Office would in future indicate the target at which the Ministry of Information had to aim, and ought not the House to be informed what that target is?

No, Sir; I do not agree with the hon. and gallant Member. The Foreign Office and the Ministry have consultations on this matter. The foreign policy with regard to the different countries is directed by the Foreign Office, and they give indications from time to time of the line which should be taken with regard to foreign policy, but those indications could not possibly be published.

asked the Minister of Information whether translations of broadcast propaganda to enemy and other countries and of leaflet or other propaganda matter used in the same countries can be placed in the Library or otherwise made available for the information of Members?

No, Sir.

Would it not be possible for the Minister to place a selection from these propaganda broadcasts in the Library, so that Members might have an opportunity of reading them? What objection could there be to that?

The propaganda broadcasts made by the B.B.C. can be listened to and taken down by anybody, and no doubt the B.B.C. would be prepared to furnish the hon. and gallant Member with copies of any particular one in which he was interested. With regard to other propaganda, such as leaflets, that is not a matter which would be suitable for public discussion.

Is not the Minister aware that he would be able to avoid a good many Questions of the sort which he has been answering with regard to propaganda to particular countries, if there could be placed in the Library a selection of all propaganda material, which obviously it is impossible for hon. Members to have translated in all cases? It would be very convenient if such a selection could be made available.

I should be quite ready to consider the possibility of having a short selection each week of translations from these foreign languages.

As we can listen to the propaganda which goes out from the B.B.C., why should we not be able to see the propaganda which goes out in leaflets?

Is there any reason why the Minister should not place in the Library at least a list of the people who give these overseas broadcasts either in English or in foreign languages?

asked the Minister of Information who is the official of his Ministry now in charge of propaganda to enemy countries; and what are his qualifications for the position?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Answer I have just given in reply to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall).

Is not the best propaganda the broadcasts by Mr. Sefton Delmer?

asked the Minister of Information whether he will make representations to the British Broadcasting Corporation with a view to the discontinuance of the playing of the Allied National Anthems on Sunday evenings on the grounds that the playing of these anthems has now largely served its purpose?

In view of the increase in the number of National Anthems which renders it impossible to do full justice to any of them within the time allotted, I have suggested to the B.B.C. that that period shall, in future, be devoted to the national music of one of the nations whose people are now fighting on our side. A different nation would be selected each week, and perhaps in some cases it may prove possible to combine two or three.

Have the Government suddenly become embarrassed by the suggestion that another National Anthem should be played on Sunday evenings? May I further ask the Minister whether he will consider playing the "Internationale" alone, as covering the whole of the countries concerned?

There has been no sudden decision taken in regard to this matter. The House may remember that in reply to a Supplementary Question put by the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) some three or four weeks ago I suggested that this might prove the right solution, when the hon. Member was pressing for the inclusion of the National Anthem of another country. I said then that I thought the anthems were becoming too many in number, and this decision has been reached as a result of further consideration.

Do I understand that among the various anthems which are played each Sunday the Russian National Anthem will have its place?

My hon. Friend did not understand my reply. Instead of that programme, which will be discontinued, we are going to devote the whole period to the national songs of one particular country. We are no longer going to play the National Anthems.

Will Russia be included in that programme?

Certainly, Russia will have her share.

Is the Minister aware that this is a proletarian class war and that this song calls the workers to revolt against the ruling classes?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now able to issue a light-weight air letter-card for use in correspondence with British prisoners of war?

Yes, Sir. A light-weight letter card, specially designed for use in writing to British prisoners of war, will be on sale from Monday next, 21st July, at a cost of 3d., including postage. The letter-card has been so printed that it will help correspondents to use the correct addresses. It is also closed by folding and not sealing, thus facilitating censorship. These factors should expedite handling here and abroad. Under the existing arrangements for air mail services with the German authorities, these air letter cards will be carried to Germany all the way by air. Further, I am glad to be able to announce that by virtue of a recent agreement with the Italian authorities, air mail letters and air letter cards will be carried by the Italian air service from Lisbon to Rome. Thus they will now travel by air all the way from this country to Italy. The free service by sea to Lisbon and the normal air mail service will still be available.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these arrangements will be extremely gratefully received? May I ask whether there is any chance of a small fixed proportion in each case going free of any postal charge in future?

No, Sir, I cannot hold out any hope that the air mail service will be free, but free services on surface routes will, of course, be continued.

What is the proportion of Italian prisoners in our hands and British prisoners in Italian hands?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the name of the senior officer appointed by him to the Ministry of Information to exercise responsibility for passing Admiralty news for publication, under the arrangement of 3rd July?

The official designation of the officer to whom my hon. Friend refers is "Naval Adviser to the Ministry of Information." I do not consider it desirable to give the names of individual officers charged with particular responsibilities.

Can the Minister say, without disclosing the name of this officer, on what date he took up his duties with the Ministry of Information?

Not without notice.

(By Private Notice) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the recent change of status of the A.T.S. and W.A.A.F., it is the intention of the Admiralty to authorise any comparable change in the status of the W.R.N.S.

No, Sir. The Board of Admiralty are satisfied that the present status, organisation and system of discipline of the W.R.N.S. are such as to enable that Service fully to meet the obligations laid upon its members. At the same time, I should not like the House to infer from this that the tie between the W.R.N.S. and the Navy is any less close than that between the A.T.S. and Army, or that between the W.A.A.F. and Air Force; or that the W.R.N.S. make a less significant contribution to the war effort of the Royal Navy than the other two women's auxiliary services make to the war effort of the Fighting Services to which they are affiliated. Such an inference would be entirely at variance with the facts. The W.R.N.S. have rendered and are rendering invaluable services by carrying out a variety of duties which would otherwise have to be performed by officers and ratings of the Navy, and I should like to take this opportunity of paying a tribute to the wonderful spirit and fine sense of discipline shown by all ranks in their ever increasing numbers. They are proud to be associated with the Royal Navy, and the Navy is equally ready to acknowledge its obligation to them.

Is it not possible for these young ladies to receive a uniform and a hat which would be more becoming to them and set off their beauty to greater advantage?

I have views about millinery myself, but I must say that the position in regard to the recruitment of the "Wrens" does not seem to indicate that they are not attracted by the uniform.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what date he expects to publish the figures of shipping losses for the month of June?

This return was made public yesterday.

In view of the announcement that these returns are not to be published in future, will the Financial Secretary say whether arrangements will be made so that Members of this House may receive the information confidentially month by month?

I do not think that point is being considered, but I will look into it.

Have the Government decided to stop publishing shipping losses?

Yes, Sir, at regular intervals.

Will the information be imparted confidentially to Members of this House?

I do not wish to go beyond the statement attached to the figures published yesterday.

When did the Government make this decision, because this is the first time that I have been made aware of the fact?

The decision was announced yesterday.

Do we not publish far too much?

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies why the medical secretary of a British organisation has been invited to accept a position temporarily of medical superintendent of the leper colony in Trinidad, especially in view of the fact that adequately qualified and experienced medical men suitable for this appointment were available from the ranks of local medical officers; what are the terms, tenure, salary, etc., of this temporary post; and whether the conditions in this leper colony have been improved in recent months to the satisfaction of the nuns who nurse and care for the diseased inmates?

The Government of Trinidad have been fortunate to secure the services for a period of 18 months of Dr. Edwin Muir, Secretary of the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association, no local candidate of comparable qualifications being available. In addition to his work in Trinidad, it is hoped that Dr. Muir may be able to conduct a survey of leprosy work in neighbouring Colonies, as he has done in East and West Africa, and that he will be able to train a successor against his departure. His emoluments are at the rate of £700 a year, with £150 a year travelling allowance, and free passages. No report has as yet been received regarding the leper colony in Trinidad since Dr. Muir's arrival, but my Noble Friend has every confidence that nothing but good can come not only to Trinidad but to neighbouring Colonies from the temporary appointment of this very eminent scientist.

Was not this appointment decided upon as being best, both in the interests of the Colony and in the interests of the campaign against leprosy throughout the British Empire?

While not questioning the wisdom of the appointment referred to, may I ask whether inquiries were made in Trinidad to find out whether some suitably qualified person was available for this position? Will the Minister bear hi mind how much the local population are disturbed when such appointments are made, unless there is clear evidence that no local ability is available?

Having regard to the very special nature of the appointment and the special character of the person appointed, would it not be better to appoint him under the Welfare Fund, rather than through this particular institution which is really local and for which there are admirable candidates in the Colony?

My Noble Friend considers that we are fortunate; in securing the services of such an eminent person. While it is true there are persons qualified in Trinidad, the fact remains that no one is so well qualified as Dr. Muir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a visit of inspection paid to the venereal disease clinic in Kingston, Jamaica, has revealed that, amongst the patients found awaiting appropriate treatment, were two young girls, seven years of age; that these children were diseased not by hereditary infection, but by direct contact; how many such cases exist in Jamaica; and what steps have been taken or are being taken to ascertain the perpetrators of such crimes with a view to punishment?

I have no knowledge of the two particular cases mentioned, but, although no definite figures are available, the medical officer in charge of the Kingston Clinic estimates that 25 per cent, of the children attending the clinic with this disease are infected by direct contact. As regards the last part of the Question, the Governor reports that cases are from time to time reported to the police who press the charge, but that such cases are very difficult to establish. In many instances where a child is infected, the parents are very 10th to give information to the police, owing to the fact that they do not desire any publicity, and feel it may reflect on the child's future. As regards cases admitted to the clinic, but not reported directly to the police, no action is taken. It is very difficult to obtain histories, and in many cases, parents or guardians are reluctant to give information. It is considered to be undesirable to press questions, lest the children fail to return for treatment, as has happened on previous occasions.

In view of the undesirable state of things in this Colony with regard to this particular disease, would it not be advisable for the Governor to consider introducing a public health campaign for the education of the public, from the point of view of providing both adequate treatment and necessary facilities for such treatment?

From the reply which I gave to a Question last week it will be seen that my Noble Friend is very much concerned about the situation and is taking the matter up with the Governor.

Is it not a fact that it is unnecessary to go so far as Kingston, Jamaica, to find cases such as those mentioned in this Question, and would it not be better to revise the penal code at present prescribed in this country?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (i) whether he is aware that, in May, 1940, the Governor of Jamaica interned all British subjects who were German born and continues to refuse any investigation as to whether the detention is necessary or justified; and, in view of the fact that the Governor upon his return from this country to the Colony was going to review all these cases personally, can he now state whether those against whom nothing is known are now released;

(2) the number of British subjects of alien or enemy origin, respectively, interned by the Governor of Jamaica since the war: and what number of these have been released following their objection to the advisory committee?

On the information available in the Colonial Office, the number of British subjects of alien or enemy origin who have been detained by the Governor of Jamaica since the war is 12; none of these persons has yet been released, but a report from the Governor of Jamaica on his review of these cases has been received, and my noble Friend is communicating further with the Governor on the subject.

When are we likely to have this information, in view of the long time that these people have been interned?

I could not say, but we are in telegraphic communication with the Governor on the matter.

Will importance be attached to the question, because of the continued detention of quite a number of people long resident in the Colony who are of very good character and social value in their work there?

Is it not very undesirable and against the national interest that the actions of our Colonial Governors, very often on the most flimsy pretext, are being called into account?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many aliens are interned in Jamaica; how many of them have been released or authorised for release; how many times has the committee appointed to advise the Governor on this matter sat; and how many cases has it considered and reported on?

I have asked the Governor to furnish the information required, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of his reply.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the fact that Mr. W. A. Domingo, who had borne an excellent reputation and rendered valuable public service, has been under detention in Jamaica for a month, he can now state the result of the appeal to the Governor's advisory committee against his arrest?

The Governor of Jamaica has reported that Mr. Domingo has given notice of his intention to make an objection to the advisory committee as provided in the Regulations, and it now remains for that committee to fix a date for the hearing of Mr. Domingo's case.

Can we have a prompt dealing with the matter?

It is now for the committee to fix the date of the hearing, and Mr. Domingo's case will be heard.

Is it not the case that Mr. Domingo was not a resident in Jamaica at the time of his internment, and if that is so, under what powers did the Governor act?

It is true that for some time he was a resident in America, but he is a Jamaican. Notwithstanding that fact, the Governor felt that he was justified in talking the action he did.

What power had the Governor to order this detention, in the case of a man not resident in the territory?

He deemed that he had power under the Defence Regulations.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies the total yield from the Malayan war tax on incomes and from the export tax on rubber; and the approximate number of Malayan residents earning incomes, respectively, between £576 and £720, £720 and £3,400, and over £3,400?

The estimated total yields from the war tax on incomes in the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States for the current year are respectively $10,000,000 and $4,000,000. The yield from the war taxation on rubber exports in 1941 is estimated to be respectively $519,000 and $3,000,000, but since those estimates were made the rates of duty have been doubled in both territories: No information is at present available regarding the approximate number of persons resident in Malaya with incomes in the categories mentioned in my hon. Friend's Question.

asked the Under secretary of State for the Colonies whether industrial discontent in Sierra Leone among members of the Waterfront Workers Union and the Building Constructional Workers Union respecting rates of pay and the rising cost of living has now been allayed by adjustment satisfactory to the workers concerned?

Pending the arrival of a report from the Acting Governor of Sierra Leone, which may be expected shortly, I am not in a position to add to my reply to the Question asked by the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 18th June.

asked the Under secretary of State for the Colonies whether a woman welfare officer has been appointed in Nigeria to look after the well-being of the families of colliery labourers at Enugu; and whether women officers have been appointed either for labour or welfare work in any other Colonies?

The Answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the Question, there are women officers appointed in several Colonies for welfare work, and in certain Eastern territories for inspection work in connection with the employment of children. I am arranging for a complete review to be made of these activities in all the Colonial Dependencies.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what is the composition of the body set up in the Colonial Office under the chairmanship of Lord Hailey; what are its terms of reference; what outside bodies and groups it will work with or consult; and whether such an organisation will be asked for its recommendations on colonial policy and post-war relations, development and future changes?

The body to which this Question refers is a small committee composed, apart from the Chairman, of senior members of the Colonial Office staff. Its purpose is to prepare a statement of the political, administrative, economic and social questions which are likely to come up for consideration in relation to the Colonies at the end of the war; and to assemble, so far as is practicable, the facts and other material which will be required for the consideration of these questions. The committee will seek the aid of such persons and organisations as may be in a position to supply information of the kind that is required. This committee, as has been stated in another place, is primarily a preliminary fact-finding body; and it will be a matter for consideration at a later date whether it should be invited to submit recommendations on policy, post-war relations, development and future changes.

Will there be any connection between this committee and the research organisation Nuffield College? Also, in the shaping of policy, will there be the fullest consultation with all other types of outside organisations?

That is a matter which will be considered by Lord Hailey and his committee. The committee has only just been set up, and it will take into consideration all the Questions that the hon. Member has put.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the attempts by isolated agitators to stir up disaffection in the British West Indies, whether he can give an assurance that the various Governors possess sufficient powers to deal with such attempts on the same lines if necessary as in this country?

Yes. Sir.

May we take it that Governors of Colonies are not entitled to detain as isolated agitators persons who are genuinely trying to improve the conditions of the people there?

That statement is quite unfair. I do not know of a single case where the Governor of Jamaica or of any Colony has detained any person without considering that he was justified in doing so.

Apart from detention, is it not the policy of Governors generally to prevent anyone making any speeches whatever?

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is able to make a statement on the work of the Cocoa Board, and the position in West Africa in respect of arrangements for storage, processing or distinction of crops, and the price to cocoa producers?

The West African Cocoa Control Board began its work in October, 1940, and will not, therefore, have completed a year's marketing of West African cocoa until 30th September next. In the circumstances I should prefer not to make any statement about the proceedings of the Board until it has completed a full year's programme. The Board has carefully considered arrangements for the storage of any cocoa which it may not be able to ship by the end of the season, and sufficient space is available for any balance of this season's crop which may have to be carried over. Arrangements have been made in the Gold Coast for a small quantity of cocoa to be processed and used for household requirements. As regards manufacturing prepared cocoa in West Africa for export, the general cocoa situation and the practical difficulties involved do not justify serious consideration of this possibility at present. My noble Friend is in communication with the Governors of the Gold Coast and Nigeria in regard to the price to be paid to cocoa producers during the season 1941–42.

Will the hon. Gentleman give special consideration to the price now being paid to the producer, in view of the fact that a profit is being made by the Cocoa Board in this country which is virtually subsidising the cost of living here?

I indicated in replying to a previous Question that that is being done.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Trans port whether the terms of the railway agreement have now been settled and agreed; and whether he will cause such terms to be published and made available to the public?

No, Sir. When the terms of the modified agreement have been settled, a statement will "be made to the House.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these negotiations have been going on for nearly two years? Is it not time that an agreement was concluded?

That is not quite accurate. There was one agreement, but in virtue of the Government's decision not to allow an increase of railway fares and freight rates, a modified agreement has now become necessary. Negotiations have not been going on for two years.

There never has been a final agreement. Is it not time that the country knew the terms on which they have taken over the railways?

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take into consideration the urgent necessity, in order to promote the war effort, of co-ordinating road and rail transport under a single national authority?

That, of course, is quite a different matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Trans port whether he has considered the London Passenger Transport Board's application to him for authority to withdraw, as from 1st July last, existing through booking facilities between certain road points on the omnibus, tramcar and trolley-omnibus services of the Board, and a number of underground stations; and whether, seeing that the withdrawal of these facilities is equivalent to an increase in charges to the travelling public, he will refuse permission?

Through season tickets are not affected by these proposals. They apply to ordinary single through bookings, but these are only available at relatively few points. The proposed withdrawal will ease the work of conductors, many of whom are now inexperienced, and will not, I think, cause any real hardship.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a considerable number of passengers use these facilities daily and that the result of withdrawing them will mean increased charges?

I have gone into the matter. The increased revenue likely to be secured from this source over a whole year is only £6,000 out of the takings of some £40,000,000 of the L.P.T.B.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that some hundreds of gallons of water from Loch Katrine in Scotland is brought to London by rail each week for whisky making; and whether he will give priority to more important traffic?

The first part of my hon. Friend's Question is substantially correct. I have been in touch with the firm concerned, and they have readily agreed to suspend this arrangement for the duration of the war.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that great satisfaction will be felt for that answer in many cases where commodities are in short supply owing to lack of transport?

Does the reply mean that we shall get whisky stronger than before?

I understand that that is not the case. London water is to be used instead of loch water.

Will people who want special whisky have to go to Loch Katrine?

We cannot encourage holiday transport for that purpose.

Would it not save transport if they brought the whisky to Scotland instead of taking the water to England?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the shortage of petrol, as well as the necessity for speeding up delivery, distribution and transport of so many important commoditits, he will consider establishing common depots at various points on our main arterial routes at which vehicles of all types, both service and civilian, could call in order to reload, so that the return journey, so often made empty, could be fully utilised?

Even if it were possible to gives effect to it, I am by no means sure that my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion would have the results which he anticipates, but I will be glad to discuss it with him.

asked the Prime Minister whether a decision has yet been reached as to the respective responsibilities of the War Office and Air Ministry for the protection of aerodromes; and whether he is satisfied with the present position in that respect?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will indicate the result of salvage work for each Metropolitan borough and for the large cities outside London, respectively, for the month of May?

As the answer involves a table of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will my hon. Friend include the June figures if they are available?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether in respect to tanks now being supplied to the Army, he has furnished the War Office with such data as will enable them to work out the radius of action within which reasonable reliability may be expected?

Before a new type of tank is approved for operational use, tests are carried out under conditions approximating as closely as possible to service conditions. The War Office are given full reports of these tests, upon which an estimate can be made of the expected useful life of the various parts. An accurate estimate of the reliability of tanks can only be obtained by experience gained during the training period, when the closest liaison is maintained between the Ministry of Supply and the War Office.

Will every effort be made to endeavour to improve the reliability of tanks through the designs department in order that larger areas of effective action will be available?