asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consult the Governments of the U.S.A. and China as to the desirability of setting up, at the earliest opportunity, an expert commission to study problems connected with the rehabilitation of post-war Chinese agriculture and industry, both from the scientific and economic aspects.

I do not think it is for His Majesty's Government to suggest the establishment of a commission to study the post-war problems of the Chinese Government, though we are always happy where possible to supply such expert advice as may be asked for.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it may be desirable to explore the possibility of a market for this country in China?

If the hon. Gentleman looks at the Question he will see that it deals with a different matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he possesses as to the formation of a new Yugoslav Government; whether an agreement has been reached between Dr. Subasitch as representative of King Peter and Marshal Tito as the head of the liberation forces in Yugoslavia; and whether Marshal Tito's Liberation Committee is to be directly represented in the new Yugoslav Government.

Yes, Sir. The formation of the, new Yugoslav Government was announced in the Press on 8th July. The terms of the agreement between Dr. Subasic and Marshal Tito were broadcast by the Free Yugoslavia wireless station on 10th July, and I understand that they will shortly be published by the Yugoslav Government.

With regard to the last part of this Question, two members of the Partisan Movement, Dr. Marusic, the Minister of Communications, and Professor Vuko-savlejvic, the Minister of Agriculture and Supply, have come direct to this country from Yugoslavia to join Dr. Subasic's Government.

Will this new Government function in London or elsewhere?

What we desire and hope ultimately to see, is a union of all Yugoslavs under one Government.

Can the Foreign Secretary tell us whether Mr. Totalovic, head of the Yugoslav T.U.C., is coming to London?

I cannot say without notice. I think he is in Bari. He is out of Yugoslavia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give an assurance that no final decision as to the armistice terms to be imposed on the Nazi armies or as to the future political or territorial arrangements in Europe will be made without the prior approval of Parliament.

I can assure the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government will follow the normal constitutional practice in these matters.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that assurance, may I ask whether it is his intention that this Debate should take place before the Recess?

I am afraid the hon. Gentleman is not aware of the normal constitutional practice in these matters. Armistice terms are the responsibility of His Majesty's Ministers.

As it was made clear in yesterday's Debate that the armistice terms will last probably for a considerable time, while more permanent peace terms are being considered, is it not proper that, on this occasion, the House should be informed beforehand and invited to approve whatever conditions are agreed upon?

No, Sir, certainly not. That is entirely the responsibility of the Government and the armistice terms, which concern military matters, could not be published in advance to the enemy.

Was it not made clear yesterday that the House supported unconditional surrender?

rose——

We cannot debate this matter now.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the arrangement with the German Government for the exchange of civilian prisoners covers British subjects detained in France and those deported to Germany from the Channel Islands.

Yes, Sir. The agreement, details of which I gave the House last Wednesday, provides for the exchange, with certain individual exceptions, of all British civilians who are detained in Germany or German-occupied territories.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a formal agreement has now been reached between Great Britain, the U.S.A. and General de Gaulle for the recognition of the French Committee of Liberation as the provisional Government and civil authority for liberated France.

There is for the moment nothing that I can add to my statement of 12th July.

Was the question of a provisional Government discussed at Washington; and do the present arrangements mean that the idea of a provisional Government has been shelved, in favour of the term "civil authority?"

This arrangement deals with the actual facts of administration, which is a most important matter. We hope it will be now settled as the result of the work done in Washington.

Will the French Committee of Liberation be consulted, or will it serve on the committee for discussing the question of armistice terms?

That is quite a different matter. We are now dealing with the administration of France.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has respecting the strike in Denmark against certain enactments of the Nazi authorities; to what extent the strike was successful; and what was the approximate loss of life.

My information confirms the reports which have appeared in the Press about the recent strikes in Copenhagen. My hon. Friend will not, I think, wish me to repeat these Press reports in detail. The salient points as they have reached us are as follows:

The strikes were a spontaneous expression of Danish indignation with certain oppressive measures of the Germans, notably the curfew imposed in the Copenhagen area on the 26th June and the activities of the Schalburg Corps, a body of Danish traitors used by the Germans to dragoon the Danish population. The Germans took immediate and severe measures to put down the strikes. At this point the Danish Council of Freedom stepped in and declared that there would be no return to work until the Germans had fulfilled certain demands. The strikes were maintained until the Germans had given way on all points. There can therefore be no doubt that the strikes were an overwhelming success. We have therefore seen the heartening spectacle of the civilian population of an enemy-occupied city enforcing their demands on the German military authorities. According to Danish Press sources, 96 Danes lost their lives in this operation.

Is there any means by which we can express our congratulations and appreciation to the Danish people for this successful strike?

I made the statement because I thought the House would like to have an opportunity of hearing what happened.

May I ask if this was a general strike?

It may well be called a national strike.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the House will be grateful to him for his definition of what constitutes a successful strike?

I am sure that we can count on similar national unity to that which the Danes have shown.

Does it not prove the power of the workers when they are organised?

We cannot pursue this matter further.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the three officers, about 50 non-commissioned officers and 40 sailors involved in the Greek naval incident at Chatham in April last are to be transferred to concentration camps in the Middle East; and whether they will be allowed to join the Resistance Movement in Greece as soon as it is practicable instead.

I cannot accept the assertions made in my hon. Friend's Question. I assume that he refers to the transport of a party of Greek sailors from Chatham to the Eastern Mediterranean, which has been arranged at the request of the Greek Naval Authorities. This party comprises, in addition to reliefs and sick personnel, a number of men who on grounds of discipline the Greek Commander-in-Chief considers should not remain at Chatham. The men are being transferred from Chatham Barracks to the Greek Naval Headquarters in the Middle East, where their cases will be examined. As the men concerned are still members of the Greek Navy, the second part of my hon. Friend's Question does not arise.

In view of the fact that about 87 per cent. of the Greek Forces in the Middle East are interned by our Forces surely it is time that something was done to set up a Greek Government under which they can really fight their enemies?

Any question with regard to the Greek Government should be put to the Foreign Office. I would only point out that we might do a great deal of good by helping the Greeks to join in support of the Government set up by a very representative conference of all parties.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why no Members of Parliament have been appointed to serve on the Colonial Labour Advisory Committee, seeing that it is desirable that Members of Parliament should be brought into closer contact with the consideration of problems concerned with the social and economic condition of our colonial fellow citizens.

The non-official members of the Colonial Labour Advisory Committee were appointed after consultation with the British Employers' Confederation and the Trades Union Congress. The Committee is therefore composed on the tripartite principle which is the basis of the International Labour Organisation. I see no present need to depart from that principle, particularly since the Committee has the power to co-opt members whenever it needs the advice of persons with special knowledge on a particular subject.

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that it is very desirable, particularly in connection with a Committee of this kind dealing with wide labour conditions, that Members of Parliament should be associated with the work of this Committee, and why is it that no Member of this House has been appointed?

These Committees consist of experts on the particular subject. In trying to get experts in this subject I asked the advice of the T.U.C. who, I thought hon. Members opposite agreed had some experience of labour matters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state what action the Government proposes to take on the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Constitution of British Guiana.

The Franchise Commission has now reported and its report has been debated in the British Guiana Legislative Council, though I have not yet received any information as to the outcome of that debate. The recommendations are now receiving the Governor's consideration and I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

Will that report be available for Members in the Library?

I hope to put copies of the report and recommendations together in the Library.

Do the recommendations include women's suffrage in British Guiana?

Perhaps the hon. Lady will put that Question down.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state what action the Government proposes to take on the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Constitution of Trinidad.

I hope to be in a position to make a statement about the report of the Trinidad Franchise Committee very shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he will have a national survey made of all inland waterways, with a view to steps being taken to bring them to the highest state of efficiency, and the abandonment of canals where the cost of restoration or the economic conditions do not warrant their continued use.

As my answer is rather long I will, with your consent, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House, make it at the end of Questions.

Later—

The Government are closely examining the future organisation and development of the canals and other inland waterways of the country. The Government desire that means shall be found for making the maximum economic use of inland waterways, and that they shall have their proper place in the general system of inland transport. To this end, they have taken the opportunity afforded by their war-time control to draw upon the knowledge and experience available in the industry, and have consulted representatives of the canal undertakings and of canal carriers about the technical and other problems which must be considered in shaping future policy. Where necessary, they have also consulted, and will continue to consult, the planning authorities who are concerned.

The Government are at present giving special attention to certain engineering projects for the improvement of waterways from the seaports to the Midlands. My Noble Friend is confident that everyone concerned will recognise the, importance of co-operating in these inquiries, and will give him the fullest help. He would be very happy to receive any views on the future of inland water transport which traders and manufacturers may care to lay before him. I must, however, make it clear that the inquiries to which I have referred do not prejudge the Government's decisions on transport policy in general, and that they do not imply any commitment of the Government's financial expenditure.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what steps have been taken, or are to be taken, in order to bring about the complete co-ordination of all transport on a basis of the highest state of efficiency; and the utilisation after the war of the vehicles, ships, landing craft, etc., manufactured for war purposes.

The operation of all the means of transport is at present fully co-ordinated by my Noble Friend. Peacetime conditions differ from those of war, and arrangements which are advantageous during a war may not necessarily be advantageous in time of peace. Nevertheless, the experience acquired since 1939 will be of great value in dealing with peace-time problems, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that it will not be forgotten. It will, of course, remain the Government's aim to secure the highest efficiency in every form of transport and to make such use as may be appropriate of equipment manufactured for the war.

In order to maintain this co-ordination and the high state of efficiency, which have been built up as a result of our war needs, will my hon. Friend's Department also bear in mind that this can only be maintained on the basis of social ownership?

asked the Minister of Information if, arising out of the United Nations Monetary Conference at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, which is considering how much each country shall subscribe to the £2,000,000,000 fund, he will arrange, through the B.B.C. Listener Research Department, a questionnaire which would enable him to gauge public opinion on these matters.

No, Sir; no questionnaire on such a subject would yield results of any value. The purpose of the B.B.C. Listener Research Department is to study the reaction of the public to the B.B.C.'s programmes.

Is it not a pity to make such a mystery out of this Conference? Might we not know who nominated the delegates, in view of the vast importance of the subject to the majority of the people of this country? Why should there be this mystery?

If my hon. Friend would speak to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, he would solve the mystery which is worrying him.

Is my right hon. Friend inviting me to go and see the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department is contemplating the provision of facilities in Scotland, such as the erection of chalets and similar accommodation, to encourage tourist traffic in Scotland after the war.

Housing needs must have prior claim on the limited resources in building labour and materials which will be available immediately after the war, but the question of suitable accommodation for tourists—whether by new provision or by the use of existing hostels and camps—will be fully and sympathetically considered. The Scottish Council on Industry is appointing a Committee to review all the tourist and holiday resources and facilities in Scotland, with a view to the development of the tourist industry.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement on Government policy in regard to the provision of emergency houses.

Yes, Sir. The Government have reviewed the potential building capacity of the country, and have come to the conclusion that it will not be possible, for some years, to build enough permanent houses to meet the urgent demands for separate homes. We shall therefore need, in addition, emergency factory-made houses. The Government have approved the model of such a house, prepared by my Noble Friend the Minister of Works, and are planning for large-scale production as soon as the necessary industrial capacity can be released from the war effort. The emergency houses will be purchased by the Government, and will be made available to local authorities to supplement their ordinary housing programmes. There will be full opportunity for discussion on the Bill which will be necessary to enable the Government to incur the expenditure involved.

In the meantime, my right hon. Friends the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland are opening discussions with local authorities on the preliminary arrangements to be made.

Which Minister is actually responsible to this House for emergency houses in the after-war period?

The production of the houses is in the hands of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, but the general provision of housing is a matter for the local authorities, who come under the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Are urgent steps being taken to let the local authorities and the people in every part of the country see these houses, so that Members may be guided by their opinions?

Yes, Sir. A question has been answered about that, and it has been made clear.

In view of the fact that certain details of this steel house are very unsatisfactory, even with the new prototype, can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the House will have an opportunity of discussing the new type of house before quantity production is undertaken?

If the hon. Member had listened to my reply, he would know that I said there would be full opportunity for discussion.

What will be the name of this house (a) if it is popular and (b) if it is unpopular?

Have the Government settled that there shall be only one type and size for this emergency house?

I understand not; but perhaps the hon. Lady will put questions of detail to the Minister concerned.

Would it not obviate disappointment if this building were called by its proper name, a bungalow, and not a house?

May we have an assurance that factory-produced houses, if they reach certain standards, will not be only temporary, and that it will be possible for private individuals to submit plans for permanent houses of a factory-produced type?

asked the Prime Minister the names of the persons who will comprise the Royal Commission on Equal Pay; and the terms of reference of the Commission.

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement before the House rises for the Recess.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to appoint a committee to examine, with the appropriate Government representatives, the anomalies which still exist in Service pay and allowances, this committee to be similar in constitution to the one which was set up to study Service pay and allowances.

No, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some very grave anomalies still exist, especially that whereby the allowance for the child of a Service man who loses his life is reduced from 12s. 6d. to 11s., which is causing great distress to the widows concerned? Can arrangements be made for a deputation of hon. Members interested to be received to discuss these matters?

I will refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 11th July, from which he will see that provision was made for the discussion of anomalies.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is the children's allowances that we want dealt with, because they are very unsatisfactory at present?

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

asked the Minister of Production if he has now received the Report of the Textile Mission to the U.S.A.; and if he proposes to make it available to Members of Parliament.

I have now received the Report, which is being given careful consideration. The question of making the Report available to Members and to the public is being considered, in consultation with the other Ministers concerned.

asked the Minister of Production whether he is satisfied that the production of steel in this country is adequate; and by what means is the production of steel regulated.

I am satisfied that the quantity of steel produced in this country, together with that imported from the U.S.A., is adequae to meet essential war needs; and that, within the limits imposed by the availability of steel-making materials, inland transport, and other factors, full use is being made of our available capacity.

Is there any justification for the reduction in the production of steel in this country just now? Great alarm is being expressed in. America at the reduction there, yet we are importing steel from America. Can we have some explanation?

A number of questions are involved. There are certain circumstances, which are being dealt with by an ad hoc Committee, and which are caused by changes in programme. The need for relieving the load of inland transport is another factor.

Why is it that in certain parts of the country men have been dismissed from steel works, on account of redundancy, yet we are importing large quantities of steel ingots from the United States?

It is a very complicated question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put the question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will consider the vital industrial needs of those development areas that are steel producers and discriminate in favour of them when allocating any future cut in production.

Yes, Sir. All relevant considerations will be borne in mind in accordance with the policy stated in paragraph 24 of the White Paper on Employment policy.

Having regard to the Government undertaking in paragraph 24 of the White Paper, is it not contradictory that even to-day we find steel works in West Scotland being closed down and workers transferred to other areas, or even to other industries?

No, Sir. I had a Question on this subject before from the hon. Gentleman. Work has not been transferred to other areas. Any cut which has taken place has been very small and uniformly applied, in all of what were the depressed areas, in the light of transport considerations and in view of the operational demands.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's great knowledge of the steel trade and the possibilities of its development, will he look at this matter afresh in order to prevent any of our steel trade being sacrificed in the interests of concerns in other countries?

The steel industry of this country was not sacrificed for anything but operational demands.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman speak about the future?

Are we to regard this as an ominous sign of what will happen in the steel industry when peace comes?

I should very much hope not, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the personnel of the steel industry in Scotland must have been reduced by 13 per cent. in the last six months, many of the workers having been transferred to other industries?

I have not exact figures of personnel. I have exact figures of production, and the reduction of production is trifling.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider permitting Austrian nationals serving in His Majesty's Forces to wear the flash "Austria" on their shoulders, irrespective of the unit in which they may be employed.

I am afraid that my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion would cut across the existing system of badges for units of the British Army, and I am not aware of any exceptional circumstances which would justify a departure from this policy.

Is the Minister aware that the Prime Minister himself declared that Austria would receive priority of consideration at the Peace Conference? Does he not think that this concession to our Austrian friends who are fighting with us would be very encouraging?

I do not think that the question of Austria receiving recognition at the Peace Table depends upon the wearing of a flash.

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the leaders of the three chief United Nations made a special stipulation when discussing the future of Austria, that the Austrians themselves must co-operate? In view of that fact, does he not think it is only just that those Austrians who are definitely trying to co-operate to secure their liberation should be able to show it to the world by some sort of badge?

All I can say is that it is quite inconsistent with the practice of the British Army that individuals should receive flashes apart from their unit badges.

Is the Minister aware that it is the practice in the Royal Navy that such badges are worn by individuals, and that it is optional on their part to wear them or not? Can he not extend a similar concession to the Army?

I do not think the position in the Navy is analogous to that in the Army. Sailors serve in the Royal Navy, whereas soldiers serve in particular units of the Army.

asked the Chanceller of the Exchequer if, owing to the necessity for building up reserves for the post-war development of industry, he will discontinue using the power granted him under Section 21 of the Finance Act, 1922, which permits Surtax being charged on private limited companies on the ground that a reasonable part of the income has not been distributed.

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. I must point out that the provisions of Section 21 of the Finance Act, 1922, are directed to prevent the avoidance of Surtax in the case of controlled private companies, and the statutory powers under the Section are vested in the Special Commissioners of Income Tax. I would remind my hon. Friend that there is a specific provision in the Section that in determining whether a company has or has not distributed a reasonable part of its income the Commissioners shall have regard not only to the current requirements of the company's business but also to such other requirements as may be necessary or advisable for the maintenance and development of that business.

Is the Financial Secretary aware of the difficulty which companies are experiencing in obtaining permits, even for repairs to plant, and, as that money cannot be expended for the purpose for which it is acquired at the present moment, will he give further consideration to his reply?

I understand the point my hon. Friend is making and I shall be very glad to discuss it with him.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how a private company is to know what is a reasonable figure, because there have been cases where an amount has been placed to reserve, which is regarded as a reasonable figure, and then the authorities have come down on top of these firms and made them pay Surtax on all their profits? What is a reasonable figure?

If my hon. Friend will study the relevant Acts, as amended by the Act of 1928, he will see.