asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether in view of the announcement of the new terms and conditions of the diplomatic and consular services, he will now set up the committee referred to in the White Paper to consider the admission of women to this service in order that the scheme may be completed at the end of the war?

I see no reason to alter the decision expressed in the relevant paragraph 33 of the White Paper. The question should be reviewed in the light of conditions after, not during, the war.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that it would be in the best interests of the new foreign service to recruit at the outset from the widest possible field, and surely this cannot be achieved by leaving out of account rather more than half the population?

I am a little surprised at my hon. Friend's question, because I had the privilege of meeting a large and representative and very agreeable assembly of women's organisations in this country, and I thought that the arrangement to which we then came, which is set out in the White Paper, was satisfactory to them.

If we are planning the post-war world in every other service now, why should we not plan it in the diplomatic service as well?

I thought that my hon. Friend was among the satisfied.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether any preliminary consideration has taken place respecting Italian colonies in Africa; and whether the question will be associated with the position and status of all colonial areas in relationship to the United Nations in the post-war world?

The future of the Italian colonies in Africa is one of many post-war problems to which preliminary examination is being given. In considering this particular question, due regard will be paid to the post-war policy of the United Nations in relation to colonial areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make representations to the Spanish Government in favour of an amnesty for Senor Don Pablo Casals, or extradition to a country where his safety and liberty will be assured?

I have no information about Senor Casals' whereabouts, but I am making inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what requests he has had from shipping companies to operate air services from this country after the war; and whether any such request has been granted?

Three shipping companies have recently asked for authority to operate air services from this country after the war; and a fourth has asked for an assurance that shipping companies will be allowed to participate in post-war air transport developments. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative, for the reasons given by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport on 3rd February in reply to the hon. Baronet who sits for the Kirkdale Division of Liverpool (Sir R. Rankin).

Can the right hon. Gentleman again tell the House what those reasons are?

If my hon. Friend will be good enough to refer to the answer which I have mentioned, he will see them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider instituting a voluntary or paid work scheme at Athlit Camp, in Palestine, so that persons detained there can be employed on the restoration of the neighbouring castle of Athlit or on some other suitable work?

I will consider my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, and I am in consultation with the High Commissioner for Palestine in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now make a statement regarding the nature and scope of the work of the joint Anglo-American Commission in the Caribbean Sea; whether any agreement was arrived at between the British and American chairmen of the Commission at their recent discussions in London as to the immediate work to be put in hand; and who will be responsible for the execution of decisions taken?

The Anglo-American Caribbean Commission is intended to facilitate co-operation between the United States Government and His Majesty's Government in matters affecting progress and development in the Caribbean area. The main objects of the recent discussions in London were to make arrangements to secure the most harmonious co-operation between the American and British Sections of the Commission and to establish appropriate administrative machinery for carrying out its work. It will be for the Commission to determine their immediate programme of work in the light of these discussions. I would emphasise that the Commission is an advisory body and that the responsibility for carrying out its recommendations rests with the Governments concerned, including, of course, those of the British Colonies in the area.

May I understand, therefore, in reference to the decisions that will be arrived at by the Anglo-American Commission and the recommendations they make, that the carrying-out of those decisions and the financing of them rests with the Colonial Governments?

Yes, Sir.

Do I take it that this Commission will be a permanent Commission operating after the war?

I could not answer for the exact form, but I certainly hope that something of this character will continue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when was a joint Whitley Council established in Trinidad and what is its constitution?

I am making inquiries with reference to this matter, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction in the West Indies at the slowness with which the powers of the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, 1940, are being administered; and whether he will take steps to end delays due to lack of whole-hearted co-operation between the Stockdale Commission and the local Colonial Government and those due to his Department?

I am not aware of any widespread dissatisfaction being expressed in the West Indies in this matter. Nor is there any lack of whole-hearted co-operation between Sir Frank Stockdale and the local Governments. While there have been some delays in certain cases, the hon. Member will realise that war conditions make it impossible to proceed as rapidly as would be desirable. I am certainly anxious to expedite the procedure under the Act as far as possible, and I discussed this question with the Comptroller during his recent visit. In the light of this discussion I am considering what further steps can be taken.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that in the West Indian Press great dissatisfaction has been expressed at the slowness with which the development Act has been carried out, and can he say who is responsible? It is a question which is constantly being raised.

I think it would be well worth while for the hon. Gentleman to suggest to his correspondents that the person chiefly responsible is Hitler, because it is the war conditions that make it impossible to proceed as fast as we should like.

Are we going to put upon Hitler all the responsibility that should attach to the Colonial Secretary?

No, Sir; I am perfectly prepared to bear the responsibility that should rightly attach to me, but the hon. Gentleman must not put the blame for everything always on to the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Commissioner of Lands in Kenya has assured the Legislative Council of the Government's intention of doing everything possible to strengthen white settlement; that the Government has indicated its willingness to provide additional money required for the settlement programme; and whether he is satisfied that these plans include adequate provision for native needs and development?

I have not yet received a report of the debate in the Legislative Council to which the hon. Member refers, but I understand that the Kenya Government have recently given an assurance that there has been no change in policy since the recommendations of the Settlement Committee of 1938 were accepted by the then Secretary of State before the war. This policy involved the provision of the necessary finance by the raising of a loan. The scheme is concerned only with the closer settlement of the Highlands.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that until now all references to further settlement in this area has been in regard to white settlement and not African settlement, and while one is quite important, is not the other just as important?

Yes, Sir; but I do not gather from the reports I have seen that this was an enunciation of a new war policy, but merely a reaffirmation of a particular policy declared before the war.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman find out from the authorities exactly what are their plans regarding native settlement?

Yes, Sir.

Is Kenya willing to receive any Jewish refugees?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of further investigation and the support of manufacturers' and traders' associations, he will give fresh consideration to the value of utilising the experience of clearing houses in organising effective and economic operation and co-ordination of road transport vehicles, particularly as regards the best use of the longer distance vehicles, of which the majority now in use belong to the smaller operators?

Some time ago I met, on behalf of my Noble Friend, a deputation from the Conference of Road Transport Clearing Houses. Later my Noble Friend himself received the leaders of certain associations and traders. In the light of these representations, my hon. Friend has given the most careful consideration to the question of using clearing houses in the organisation of his road haulage scheme. He has come to the conclusion that, in general, he can operate the road haulage scheme most effectively and economically by using to the full the organisation of the controlled road haulage firms themselves and that he would not be justified in arranging for the general employment of intermediaries between the road haulage organisation and the Government Departments or other consignors of traffic. There may, of course, be cases where it is still to the advantage of a merchant or trader that a clearing house should act as his transport department and my Noble Friend would make no objection to such an arrangement, but it would have to be understood that the clearing house looked to the merchant or trader for its remuneration and that it would not be possible for the Government to allow commissions to the clearing house on the rates which its road haulage organisation will charge for the transport of goods.

Has my hon. Friend given due consideration to the communication which he has received from the London Chamber of Commerce pointing out the extraordinary value of these clearing houses, particularly as they assist the small operators, of whom some 10,000 have now indicated their desire that these clearing houses should be continued? May I also ask whether, before a decision is taken, the hon. Gentleman would be willing to receive a further deputation?

We have considered all the representations, and my Noble Friend has given most careful consideration to the whole subject. I can hold out no hope of any change of policy, but if my hon. and gallant Friend thinks that a deputation will serve a useful purpose, I shall be very glad to receive it.

Will not the hon. Gentleman admit that the closest collaboration is necessary, for the success of this or any other scheme, with those concerned in these industries?

Every step that we can take to secure closer collaboration is required.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread support for the appeal contained in the Question of my hon. and gallant Friend?

Yes, Sir, I know what the support is, but we have to look at the technical merits of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether adequate transport arrangements have now been completed for war workers in the industrial town of which he has been informed?

The factory management have not yet reached a decision on the proposal made to them, but they are meeting a representative of the bus company on Friday, and I hope that an agreed settlement will then be made.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that these discussions have been going on for months as to whether the bus company or the factory management shall pay for extra buses, and that meanwhile workers are going home late at night and that production is suffering? Will he not make a decision himself in the matter?

This is a very complicated question, and delay is inevitable, because many different authorities have to be consulted. If my hon. Friend desires, I will show him the time-table of what has happened, and I think he will see that the delay cannot be laid to the charge of my Department or of the Regional Transport Commissioner.

Owing to the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice to the hon. Gentleman that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that a watcher-in-charge, coastguard service, who was, when going on duty on 10th December last, fired on and wounded by a sentry and who is still unfit for duty, received no pay to the end of January and now has been placed on half pay; what is the cause of this delay and treatment and will he prevent it in future?

I regret that, partly owing to difficulty in obtaining a statement from the injured man, there was delay in dealing with this case, and I am indebted to my hon. and gallant Friend for bringing it to my attention. My Ministry at first assumed that the disabled coastguard would be considered as having suffered a war injury, and that, in consequence, the Ministry of Pensions would grant the appropriate compensation. In order that he should not be left any longer unprovided for, we decided on 27th January that, pending a definite decision as to his rights, he should receive sick pay as from the date of the accident. We subsequently found that the coastguard could not be regarded as having suffered a war injury. My Ministry thereupon decided to pay him at the full workmen's compensation rate as from 11th December. I am consulting my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, in the hope that we may clarify the position of coastguards and may ensure that in future there shall be no undue delay in dealing with such questions as this.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he does not agree that this is rather an unmerciful way in which to treat a man of that kind?

I think this man has suffered hardship, which I regret.

Why was the man regarded as not suffering a war injury?

Because the accident took place in circumstances similar to those in which a number of civilians have been injured, and it was decided that the civilians were not injured as a result of actual or imagined enemy attack.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is now in a position to state what reduction in passengers carried has taken place in the London transport area arising from the withdrawal of cheap fares and other facilities; and whether, in the case of any services that show no reduction since the withdrawal, he will consider the re-establishment of the former fares, particularly from and to Greater London areas?

I have received very-few returns of railway traffic in the London area since I answered a similar Question by my hon. Friend on 16th December; I am, however, asking for further information and will communicate with him again. I have not yet had any evidence that there is any railway service in the London area on which there has been no reduction of passenger traffic since the cheap day tickets were abolished. But even if this had happened on some services, it might be due to the diversion from road to rail caused by the abolition of Green Line Coaches and by the other measures which we have taken to restrict the use of omnibuses. In general, I think it is fair to say that the abolition of cheap day tickets has secured the reduction in non-essential travel for which we hoped, and for that and other reasons, I cannot encourage my hon. Friend to expect that his proposal will be accepted.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why, if he finds on inquiry that the withdrawal of certain services or facilities has not led to a reduction in the number of passengers who travelled, those facilities should not be restored?

There are many other factors involved, especially diversion from road to rail. If my hon. Friend examined the question, I think he would see that it is extremely difficult to give differential treatment to one service, other services not receiving the same treatment.

Why should that be so, seeing that the whole traffic is co-ordinated under one authority?

My hon. Friend wishes that there should be differential treatment of any service on which it has been proved that there had not been a reduction of traffic. I think we could not do that.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the elimination of German and Vichy films from the cinema screens in North Africa has created a shortage; and whether he will ensure that running time now available will be used by British films showing Britain's contribution to the efforts now being made in that country by the United Nations?

In agreement with the American authorities a number of feature films, shorts and newsreels of the kind indicated by the hon. Member have already been despatched to North Africa, and we are doing our best to ensure a regular supply for the future.

When will the Fascist propaganda in North Africa be stopped?

I do not think that matter arises from this Question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered a number of communications from wireless licence holders expressing their intention to withhold part of their fee; what reason has been given for this action; and what action he proposes to take?

I understand that the persons in question base their intention on dissatisfaction with an aspect of the B.B.C. programme policy. Licences will not be issued unless they pay the whole of the fee.

Is the Postmaster-General not aware that licences have been issued, notwithstanding their action, and will he take into consideration the fact that there is a very big feeling that the B.B.C. are prejudiced in favour of sensationalism in their programmes?

I have no doubt, if licences have been issued, that the proper sum has been paid by somebody, somehow.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether his Department is willing to take over any ancient monument, certified as worthy of preservation by its inspectors, whose owners so desire; and, if not, what are the necessary conditions?

My hon. Friend will realise that during the war there is difficulty in undertaking fresh responsibilities for ancient monuments, since labour and materials could not be diverted for works of preservation. But any important offer would, of course, be gladly received and sympathetically considered.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will consult with the Law Society with a view to raising the present income limit below which applicants to the Courts of Justice are able to take advantage of the Poor Persons Procedure?

The present system of affording legal aid to the poorer sections of the community is under constant review, and will require further consideration and possibly amendment after, and possibly before, the termination of the war. The system depends for its efficient working on the cordial support of the solicitors' profession, and owing to the heavy demands on that profession made by the claims of national service, it is at present subject to great strain. It would not, therefore, be practicable at present to raise the income limit.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the present income limit, which, in fact, is £4 a week, combined with the high cost of living, effectively prevents most working people at the moment from instituting, for example, divorce proceedings, which normally cost about £50? Is it not wholly wrong that laws passed by Parliament should not be available to the whole community?

I appreciate the difficulties of the question, but my hon. Friend will know that under a scheme recently introduced for aid of this kind to persons in the Armed Forces considerable relief has been given to the ordinary administration of the Poor Persons Procedure, the solicitors' profession is now being carried on with little more than one-third of those who were in it before the war, and to put an extra burden on them at this time would really cause the machine to break down.

Would the right, hon. and learned Gentleman, in considering any revision such as has been indicated, remind the War Office that a man above the rank of sergeant is deserving of legal aid equally as much as a man below that rank?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) how many tons of coal, and coke were exported to Eire in the years 1940, 1941 and 1942;

It would not be in the public interest to publish the figures for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks.

In view of that answer, could the hon. Gentleman say whether the present policy of continuing the export of coal to neutral countries when production is falling off is justifiable?

I think the hon. and gallant Member can take it that consideration is being given to that as well as other things.

asked the Prime Minister whether, on his recent visit to Cyprus, he was informed of the unrest due to a deterioration in the standard of living in the island; and whether, as a result, any proposals are being made to improve the standard of living?

No, Sir. In fact I was gratified by the enthusiasm of all classes and both races and religions for the common cause.

Was the right hon. Gentleman not informed that although wages of Government employees have gone up by 100 per cent., the cost of living has gone up 150 per cent., and, in view of the very gallant record of the island, will he not take some steps to see that some improvement is made to meet the conditions?

It was pointed out to me on all sides that the island had never had such a time in its whole history with this powerful garrison spending its money there. Millions of pounds are being spent. Indeed, I cautioned the islanders not to cast away their money too improvidently but to keep it for rainy days which might lie ahead.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that this is the fifth war for which Germany has been responsible in less than a century, the Government has a plan to prevent her starting a sixth war?

This is certainly a fitting subject for thought, and will acquire more precise importance when the present unpleasantness has been ended satisfactorily.

Has not Germany by her shameful record forfeited her right to nationhood? That being so, have the Government considered the policy of "No more Germany, no more war"?

I think that these are very large topics to embark upon at Question Time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the seventh and eighth wars?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that co-operation between the three Service Ministries is satisfactory?

The co-operation between the three Service Ministries has already reached a high level. It is constantly improving under the pressure of events, the efforts of the Government, and the guidance of the House.

Is it a fact that following a recent demonstration the Secretary of State for War was made to appear in front of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Air, and accused of making propaganda for the Army against the Air Force?

I know of no such machinations.

Are we to understand, in respect of this somewhat unfortunate demonstration which took place, that all was afterwards complete harmony, between the War Office and the Air Ministry?

May I ask my right hon. Friend with great respect to bear in mind that an interchange of Ministers sometimes has the effect of reducing prejudice and too rigid loyalties?

I am always being criticised because Ministers in Parliamentary offices interchange too often.

On this subject of interchange of Ministers, would my right hon. Friend accept the guidance of the House?

On any occasion when it accords with my own opinion.

asked the Minister of Production what steps are being taken to establish war industries in areas where there is a substantial supply of immobile labour and no work available in the area?

By co-operation between the Departments concerned, new war production is directed away from congested areas to areas with available labour, but in determining the location of any particular undertaking, other factors besides labour supply have to be taken into account. At the present stage of the war, however, opportunities for establishing additional production in areas with available labour are more likely to be found by the transfer of existing production units from congested areas, and, as I have explained on previous occasions, my colleagues and I are co-operating in making arrangements for this purpose wherever it is practicable to do so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate any single case in which this is happening?

The changes in programme which have been instituted are of very short date. I think these transfers will now become a matter of urgent action.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that unless industries are transferred to areas where there is immobile labour a great deal of labour available for the war effort will not be utilised at all.

I think it is a very important point. We must use our efforts to bring the work to the immobile labour.

asked the Minister of Production whether his attention has been called to a decision recently made in the courts that the playing by loud-speaker of the British Broadcasting Corporation's programme "Music While you Work" in a factory is a public performance, involving the management in infringement of copyright; and whether he will, without waiting for the confirmation or otherwise of this decision, and without prejudice to any rights of any parties, ensure that "Music While you Work" is heard in every factory where it contributes towards better production?

I am advised that the result of this decision is that factory managements who wish to broadcast "Music While you Work" programmes must secure the permission of the owners of the copyright in the items concerned. I understand, however, that appropriate arrangements for this purpose can be made without difficulty. In reply to the second part of the Question, I have great sympathy with my hon. Friend's point of view, but regard must be given to the fact that radio equipment is directed first to the needs of the Fighting Services.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some 5,000 factories are using this music, and that it aids production very materially. Is it wise to ask each of these 5,000 factories to make separate arrangements, with a multiplicity of copyright transactions? Could he not, by some general direction, either indicate to these factories that they may pay on Government account or, better still, have some general clearance for them, so that they need not be inhibited from using this means of increasing production?

I am advised that on application to the Performing Right Society some such global arrangement can toe made without difficulty.

Is it intended that 5,000 factories shall each apply to the Performing Right Society, or, will my right hon. Friend act as their agent and do it for all of them?

If there is any way in which I can help I shall be glad to do so.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Performing Right Society are receiving from the B.B.C. a licence fee, that they are also drawing a similar fee from the artists who sing these songs, and that they are now to receive a similar fee from the factories? Is it not time that this was stopped?

These matters are quite outside the Question, and I must have notice of them.

Could the Performing Right Society be informed that the B.B.C. will cease to perform this music if they insist on these blackmailing fees?

asked the Minister of Production what complaints he has received regarding shortage of steel in the shipyards; and what is the reason?

There have been no serious complaints of any shortage of steel for shipbuilding during the last few months. One or two isolated instances have occurred in which repair work has been held up by delays in the delivery of plates. The interference with new construction has been negligible.