asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will associate itself with the Algiers Committee in agreeing to demand death penalties on all known German officers guilty of shooting, wholesale, men of the Maquis who have fallen, or may fall, into their hands.

His Majesty's Government fully share the determination of the French authorities that all practicable steps shall be taken to compel the enemy to accord fair treatment to members of the French Forces of the Interior who fall into his hands. They take a grave view of this matter and are giving it their urgent consideration in consultation with the United States Government and French authorities.

Will my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that the men of the Maquis are really not in any way francs tireurs but form part of the regular army defending their country?

I think my answer covers my hon. and gallant Friend's question, and I would not like to go further until I have had an opportunity of consulting our Ally.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who is the British representative now in North Africa; and whether he acts as liaison officer with the Algiers Committee.

My right hon. Friend the Member for St. George's (Mr. Duff Cooper) was appointed last January as Representative of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom with the French Committee of National Liberation, with the personal rank of Ambassador. He continues to reside at Algiers in that capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information regarding the progress of the negotiations with the Provisional Government of France for the civil administration of liberated French territory.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on our future relationship with General de Gaulle.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement concerning Allied relationship with General de Gaulle and the French Committee of National Liberation.

Discussions have been proceeding here between officials of His Majesty's Government and the French Committee of National Liberation on the administration of civil affairs in liberated areas in France, and on currency and other questions. The results of these discussions are being examined by His Majesty's Government and the French Committee and have been communicated to the United States Government and it is hoped that they will be found to form a basis for common agreement.

Is this agreement working well in Cherbourg, because there are disquieting stories, particularly in regard to the taking over of effective control at Cherbourg? Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance on that?

That is a different question. On the question of the actual working arrangements in France, all the reports I have are that they are very good and that the collaboration we have had from the local French people is excellent.

I understand that these negotiations have taken place between ourselves and the French without the Americans. Is it necessary for America to be a party to any agreement we come to, or can we come to an agreement ourselves?

As I have said, we have communicated the results of our work to the United States Government, but I should not like to put it in the way my hon. Friend has done. Our object is to secure agreement between the three Governments in this matter. I very much hope that the hard work which has been put in here will very much facilitate that.

When will my right hon. Friend be in a position to make a further statement on the subject?

I cannot say for certain, but I should hope shortly.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's statement that agreement has been reached between the French Committee and ourselves?

No, what has been done is, that the experts, the officials here, have drawn up these documents. These have been submitted to the French Committee and His Majesty's Government. We are respectively studying them. We have also communicated them to the United States Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the continued assistance given by the Franco Government to Germany at Pamplona, in testing explosives and pilotless planes, in the use of Spanish shipyards for war production, in the organisation of nitrogen factories by German engineers, the training in Spain of Luftwaffe personnel and the continued export to Germany of iron ore, tin and zinc; and can he make a statement on these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that Spanish territory under the control of General Franco has been used for the testing of flying bombs by German research scientists; what representations have been made to General Franco on this matter; and wile further action is to be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the broadcasts by the Moscow radio on 24th June stated that the testing of the flying bombs was carried out at Pamplona with the aid of the Spanish Government; if he has received any official communication from the Soviet Government to this effect; and whether any protest has been made to that Government.

I had already inquired into recent Press and radio reports regarding alleged assistance to enemy scientific research at Pamplona and I am satisfied that these reports are without foundation. The Spanish Ambassador has just informed me, on the instructions of his Government, that they are absolutely untrue. I have received no official communication from the Soviet Government on this matter. There is no information available to His Majesty's Government suggesting that Spanish shipyards have been working for German war production. I understand that two nitrate factories are being constructed in Spain for which machinery is to be delivered from Germany. German engineers are reported to be engaged in installation work at one of these factories, neither of which have yet been completed and the production of which will be to meet Spanish requirements. I am satisfied that no training of Luftwaffe personnel is taking place in Spain. Iron ore and some zinc has been exported to Germany from Spain but I have no information of any exports of tin. Exports of zinc this year show a very marked decrease on the 1943 figure. It is, of course, the constant policy of His Majesty's Government to ensure that exports of essential raw materials from neutral countries to Germany should be reduced as far as possible.

While thanking the right hon. gentleman for his very excellent reply, which was reassuring, may I ask whether he will be so good as to look a little further into the details of this information, as it comes from Russian sources, which are usually quite reliable?

I did go to some pains to look into this matter. I telegraphed to Madrid myself, and I am absolutely satisfied that our sources of information are absolutely reliable on this Pamplona story.

In view of the delicacy of the present international situation, will my right hon. Friend take such steps as lie in his power to prevent these stupid and mischievous attempts to sow dissension between ourselves and Spain?

I certainly think it is desirable that all of us should be careful in what we say, and that we should not make statements that we cannot substantiate.

Does the right hon. Gentleman seriously suggest that the Germans are developing a nitrate factory in Spain for purely benevolent purposes?

My right hon. Friend has misunderstood the position. I did not say that the Germans were developing a nitrate factory. I said that they were delivering the machinery for it. Of course, there is trade between Germany and Spain. Germany and Spain, no doubt, have a trade arrangement, as we and Spain have a trade arrangement. We try to cut down their trade as far as possible. I think it is very likely that the development of these nitrate factories is due to the fact that it is very difficult for Spain to get nitrates from abroad.

As this story apparently originated in Moscow, and was recorded on the Moscow radio, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend has considered approaching the Soviet Government to ask whether they have any evidence in support of this allegation? Has he considered doing that, if he has not already done so?

No, Sir. I have not done that. I have not approached the Soviet Government. I am absolutely convinced that we know more about this matter than do the Soviet Government.

If in fact, as appears to be the case, the story did originate in Moscow, would it not be desirable to ascertain from authoritative sources there, whether there is any evidence in support of the allegation? Would not that be desirable?

The Soviet Government have made no comments to us on the matter. I have made my statement. Of course, I shall be quite ready to consider any observations they have to make.

Not only from the point of view of information but on a point of courtesy, would it not be desirable, since this declaration came from Moscow, to ask the Russian Government where they got the information?

I do not think that any point of courtesy arises. This statement was put out from the Moscow radio. I have been asked by the House, as the House is entitled to ask, what our information is, and I have given our information.

While appreciating that the right hon. Gentleman has said that he will gladly consider any representations that the Soviet authorities may make, may I ask whether he will not take the initiative in asking the Soviet authorities if they can find any evidence that would justify the story?

No, Sir. I do not really see that this arises. The House of Commons, as it is entitled to do, often asks Ministers for information about statements made abroad. Ministers give that information. I have done it. If anybody has anything else to say, or any other evidence, I shall be very glad to see it.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman consider this suggestion? He was asked to get information about a story which comes from an Ally of some importance, and the only person he does not ask is that Ally, who may know something about it. Will the right hon. Gentleman also remember, since he is very firm about his knowledge of Spain, that he once told us that there were no Italian troops in Spain——

I am perfectly ready to put my record on the Spanish question side by side with that of the hon. and learned Gentleman, at any time and in any place. I am equally ready to put my 1940 record side by side with his. As regards the statement I have made, I have not the least doubt, in view of the very friendly relations which exist between the Soviet Government and ourselves, that if that Government attached any importance to the statement from their radio, they would gladly have told us.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now satisfied with regard to German agents in Tangier.

Since the reply which I gave on 7th June to the hon. Member for Eye (Mr. Granville), certain further German agents have been removed from Tangier and Spanish Morocco. The cases of other agents are still under discussion with the Spanish Government. His Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid, who has recently renewed his representations on this subject, has been instructed to make it clear to the Spanish Government that His Majesty's Government expect this question to be finally disposed of without further delay in accordance with the agreement of 1st May.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why Aircraftman Leo Abse was posted to this country immediately after he had taken office in the Forces Parliament at Cairo at a time when he still had 18 months unexpired of the normal period of service in the Middle East; why he was kept under open arrest for 14 days awaiting his departure from Egypt, without any charge, pretext or explanation; and why the protest of the educational officer of his unit that his posting was detrimental to the educational work of his unit, which Abse was assisting, was ignored.

An Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief has full discretion to post an airman at any time if he considers such a posting to be in the interests of the Service, and Aircraftman Abse was posted by the A.O.C.-in-C., Middle East, in the exercise of this discretion. I am informed that he was not at any time placed under open arrest. It is understood that this airman had for three weeks prior to his posting been taking an educational class at his Unit, and his posting was no doubt a matter of regret to the Education Officer whom he was assisting. It was not, however, considered that this provided a good reason for varying the decision.

Would the right hon. Gentleman, firstly, say why the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief exercised this discretion? No doubt he had the power but I asked why he exercised it. Would he also explain, if this aircraftman was not kept under open arrest, why he was expressly informed by the officer in charge of the camp where he was kept waiting, that he was not to leave the camp because he was under open arrest?

When the Army authorities decided to close the Forces Parliament—of which the House has been informed at Question Time—a public protest was organised against the decision, in which this airman figured prominently. The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief considered whether disciplinary action was called for. He decided, rightly, in my opinion, to take the view that this was really a case of misplaced zeal and not to take disciplinary action. He did however think it was in the interests of the Service that this man should be posted away from the Command.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, does his original answer mean, in regard to the powers vested in the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, that if an airman desires to be posted back to this country, all he has to do is to join the Forces Parliament in Cairo?

An airman who tried to take advantage of the very experienced Commander-in-Chief in the Middle East in that way, would find he had made a big mistake.

Is this not a unique case of a man serving in the Middle East, complaining that he has been sent back to this country?

It is, in my experience.

Was it not the case that the only protest organised by anybody was when an officer came round without notice and closed the Forces Parliament and the persons there voted, then and there, against such a decision by 600 to 1? If that is enough to post a good aircraftman back to England why is there anyone left in the Middle East?

I think the Air Officer Commanding weighed all these considerations before he decided on the action he took. I forgot to reply to a further question which the hon. and learned Gentleman asked me about the question of arrest. I did make particular inquiries into this question of arrest, and the Group Commander, the Station Commander, the Port and Transport Camp Commander and the Provost Marshal, all deny that Aircraftman Abse was ever under arrest, and no instructions were issued for his arrest.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and the very grave issue involved, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if the concession of 21 clothing coupons per year made to officers for the purchase of civilian clothing will be made available to other ranks.

It is misleading to compare the position of officers and other ranks with regard to the issue of clothing coupons. Officers have to buy their own uniforms, underclothes and clothing 'or sport and recreation. For this they are allowed 88 coupons a year, 21 of which can be spent on clothes for sport and recreation. Other ranks have a free issue of uniform and underwear and in general get clothes for sport or recreation either as an issue or through Service institutes. I regret that the stocks of material available make it impossible to alter this arrangement which is the same in the Navy and Army.

Is the Minister aware that the phrase I have used about the 21 coupons for civilian clothing is the phrase he used in reply to me last week? Is it not a fact that sports clothing consists of a jacket and trousers, which can be worn outside? Does he realise that many men of other ranks who joined in 1939, have discovered when they get leave that, because of their training their own clothes cannot——

Really, I once said I was in favour of short questions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the matter? If the concession can be given to officers, why cannot the men have it?

If the hon. Member will look at the answer I have given, he will see that the circumstances are different.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that these 21 coupons for officers are used for no other purpose than that for which they are issued?

I have not looked into that point, because I have not been asked that question before.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why his Ministry allow only £5 towards the cost of a deceased airman's funeral when he is buried by his relatives, whereas the Army and the Ministry of Pensions allow £7 10s.; and will he rectify this anomaly.

No, Sir, there is no such anomaly. The practice of the Army and the Royal Air Force in this matter is the same. The maximum grant payable by the Ministry of Pensions, where an ex-member of the Forces dies of an injury or disease which is attributable to war service, is £10. This sum is not comparable with the £5 referred to by the hon. Member, which is a fixed grant additional to the provision of a coffin and free conveyance of the body to the home address.

If I can prove to my right hon. Friend that the rates are not the same for the Army and for the Air Force, will he rectify the anomaly?

I shall be very glad to see my hon. and gallant Friend's information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Government of Kenya are conscripting Africans in the towns and reserves and sending them to conscript labour camps on 12 months' tickets; whether, in regard to their employment, penal sanctions operate; to what extent they are hired-out at 1s. a day; and whether such men are sent to work on all kinds of production at all stages.

The camps are intended as reception depots, and Africans conscripted under the regulations would not perform their period of service at the camp. They would normally be there for a fortnight. There is provision for the men to be employed during their stay on essential work in the vicinity of the camp, and I am asking the Acting-Governor for a report on the extent to which this arrangement is in force, and the conditions attached to such employment.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend see that definite limitations are put on the type of work for which these conscripts can be employed?

Yes, they can be employed only on essential work, for which I have given permission.

asked the Secretary of State far War whether his attention has been drawn to a recent case in Kenya in which 52 Indians of the artisan class, serving with the local military authorities, are reported to have been sentenced to five years' penal servitude for mutiny by a public court-martial; and whether he is in a position to say what were the circumstances that resulted in the imposition of a sentence of this severity.

I am making inquiries into this case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the period of operation of the powers taken in February under the Defence (Limitation of Labour) Regulations of the war-time Emergency Acts, and concerned with the reorganisation and distribution of labour supply in Kenya; what provision is made for appeals of Africans against decisions of the director of man-power or his subordinates, or what check exists on the use of these powers; what provision is made for compensation to Africans for termination of any contract between employer and employee as a result of an order; and whether an African may now only leave his reserve with the permission of the district officer.

These Defence Regulations will remain in operation as long as the man-power situation requires. The Director of Man-power, whose decision is final, can order an African to leave his employment and report to a specified authority, where he would be given the option of entering approved employment or returning to his reserve. In these circumstances, no question of compensation arises. These regulations introduce no new restriction in regard to an African leaving his reserve, but the effect of the regulations is that, if he does so, he must enter approved employment.

Are these regulations intended only for the war period? Is there any condition that they must terminate at the end of the war, or when it is judged that the war has come to an end? In regard to the work that these men are asked to do, do penal sanctions operate for misbehaviour?

In reply to the first part of the question, the regulations are certainly intended to last only for the duration of the war. In reply to the second part, my impression is that this labour is different from the ordinary conscripted labour. The penalty is to be sent back to the reserves.

Are there any safeguards regarding workmen's compensation for individuals conscripted under these laws, if they receive injuries arising out of the work that they are doing under these regulations?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that Question down. When I was in Kenya I had discussions with officials about it. At that time, it was done under a voluntary pool.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is aware that the corridors in long-distance travelling trains have passengers who are unable to get seats yet first-class compartments are seating three only on each side; and will he take steps to make it known that under such circumstances they should seat four passengers on each side.

About twelve months ago the railway staff were told that, where the construction of first-class compartments allow it to be done, arm rests must be raised, if extra seats are required. In all such compartments notices have been put up informing passengers that there are four seats a side. I hope that my hon. Friend's Question and my reply will help to make this more widely known.

Is the Minister aware that I have not seen any of the notices yet, and that I had the experience two weeks ago of being the fourth in a first-class compartment, and that this was not very well received? And does he not think it would be better if he told passengers in first-class compartments to realise that they have a duty?

I will look into the question raised by my hon. Friend. I have very often seen the notices.

Does the Minister realise that in view of the fact that first-class passengers very frequently overflow into third-class compartments and that third-class passengers overflow into first-class, it would be better to abolish first-class compartments altogether and not take money from people without giving a guarantee of a seat?

I have very often answered Questions of that kind in this House.

May I ask the Minister why German prisoners of war are given the luxurious travelling conditions described in the Question?

I do not know that first class compartments are reserved for German prisoners of war. Of course, compartments are reserved for prisoners of war.

Is the Minister aware that compartments are still being reserved for important people on trains going North, and is he also aware that I waited an hour for the 5.30 train last week and could then only get standing room, not in a compartment, but in the corridor?

When the Minister said that German prisoners of war have seats reserved for them, do they ever have to stand in corridors?

It has always been the practice to reserve compartments for prisoners of war, who must be kept apart.

Could the Minister not take up the matter of abolishing the buttress in first-class compartments, which sticks in the middle of one's back, and so make room for four or five seats?

It would mean the reconstruction of first-class compartments, and there is not the labour to do that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is aware that the seats reserved on trains for persons travelling on urgent national business are inadequate; and will he make further provision on more evening trains forthwith.

Seats are reserved on some trains on certain routes for persons travelling on urgent national business. So far, the demand for these seats has been well below the number provided. If my hon. Friend desires that the arrangements should be extended to any other train, perhaps he will be good enough to let me have particulars. He will recognise, however, that the arrangements can only be applied to a relatively small number of trains.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is no train leaving London after 1.35 p.m. on which seats can be reserved; and would he further look into the position of the 6.10 to Birmingham from Paddington?

As regards the 6.10 to Birmingham, I will look into that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is aware of the confusion caused in Macclesfield through the railway companies encouraging and accepting advance bookings for the workers' holidays far in excess of the accommodation that was subsequently provided; and, in view of the approach of the Lancashire holidays, will he make the position as to workers travelling perfectly clear.

The public are well aware that many passenger trains have been withdrawn, and they have repeatedly been warned that more would be withdrawn, without notice, during the summer months. My hon. Friend will readily understand that additional trains cannot be provided for holiday travel while the present pressure of war traffic continues, and I am sire he will appreciate the reasons which have made it undesirable to announce the details of changes in advance. I hope this answer will make it clear to all intending passengers that booking in advance implies no guarantee that accommodation will be available on the trains.

How comes it, then, that the railway companies may accept the luggage of passengers and send it away, and, having sold them a ticket, do not provide them with a seat; and, in view of the short distance to the Lancashire coast, can the Minister not put extra coaches on the trains for war workers?

I think the trains are running with the maximum number of coaches. Actually, in the case of Macclesfield, we regret the inconvenience caused, but I believe it is true that only 50 passengers failed to reach their destination.

asked the Minister of Food if he will inform the House of the terms of the proposed contract with the Government of New Zealand for meat and dairy produce.

I am not yet in a position to give any particulars.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say how long it will be before he can answer a question on that subject?

No, Sir, I am afraid I cannot give any date.

While such an announcement will be welcomed by Members in all quarters of the House, can the Minister say whether it is to be on a reciprocal basis or whether an arrangement has been made with these Dominion Governments to take goods from us?

No, Sir, it will be an arrangement by which we shall get certain supplies of meat and dairy products at a certain price.

Will the Minister read carefully the speech made by the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Sloan) yesterday and consider whether a contract cannot be made with Scotland for dairy produce?

asked the Minister of Food whether he will release the extra sugar for jam-making at once in view of the necessity to take advantage of as much of the soft fruit as possible in a scarce year.

The issue will be made during the four weeks commencing 23rd July. This is the earliest date at which supplies can be made available in retail shops.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consider adding to the temporary ration cards issued to bombed-out persons some personal points coupons to facilitate the purchase of sweets, etc.

Yes, Sir. I have arranged for personal points coupons lost or destroyed through enemy action to be replaced from the beginning of the week in which the loss is reported to the Food Office.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that many bombed-out children will be grateful for the rapid action he has taken upon the representation that has been made?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works how many prefabricated houses are to be erected for inspection in the Metropolitan police area; whether one will be erected in the outer North-Eastern area to enable those in Leyton, Walthamstow, Wanstead, Chingford and Ilford to inspect it; and what would be the extra cost of installing an internal basement to be used for air-raid protection and other purposes.

I regret that it would not be possible to make prototype houses available for inspection in the various parts of London. The provision of a basement is not considered either desirable or practicable.

Does that mean that the hon. Gentleman does not anticipate war within 15 or 20 years, when these houses will be obsolete?

It is not intended to go into production until after the war is over, and I understand that we and our Russian friends are living on very good terms.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is no clause in his Ministry's model by-laws which requires the effectual removal of growing vegetable matter from a site before the erection of a building is commenced; and if he will remedy this before post-war building is commenced.

Yes, Sir. There has been no general demand by local authorities for such a provision, but where asked for, a suitable clause has readily been agreed.

Is the hon. Lady aware that you cannot do it in London; and why should people around London be able to do it, and people in London not be allowed to do it?