asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, whether he will give an assurance that the accounts of B.O.A.C., B.E.A., and B.S.A.A., will be as rigorously audited as those of any ordinary company, in accordance with the Companies Act, by independent auditors.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, when the accounts of B.O.A.C., B.E.A., and B.S.A.A., will be published; and whether these accounts will be in the form laid down by the Companies Act, as amended, or at least in accordance with best modern practice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when it is proposed to publish the annual accounts of the three air line corporations.

The accounts and annual reports of British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways Corporation for the year ending 31st March, 1947, have been received from the corporations and have been sent to the Stationery Office for printing. The accounts of British South American Airways Corporation are expected within the next few days. They will all be laid before Parliament as soon as they can be printed. As to the second part of Question No. 2, the answer is "Yes, Sir."

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, if he will consider appointing an independent committee to investigate the conditions under which British Air Transport concerns are permitted to ply for hire and reward, with a view to ensuring that aircraft leaving this country, either under charter or on regular passenger air routes, do not reduce fuel margin's below an adequate minimum, with a view to avoiding a repetition of the Sky Queen incident in mid-Atlantic.

No, Sir. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the aircraft to verify that the fuel carried is sufficient. The regulations are already under review with a view to making them more definite.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that British air transport concerns may please themselves almost entirely with regard to the ratio of petrol they carry as between fuel-load and pay-load, and does he not think that, in the interests of public safety, something should be done to establish a principle by which operators in this country and others would operate?

I could not accept the statement made by my hon. Friend. The responsibility for sufficiency of fuel lies with the captain of the aircraft.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the crew of this aircraft had the necessary certificates of competence, and whether those certificates were checked at the English point of departure?

There is an investigation now going on in America with regard to this, and I should prefer to wait for the report of that inquiry before I reply to my hon. Friend.

Does my hon. Friend think that it is an adequate safety precaution to leave the matter entirely in the hands of the pilot?

International discussions will take place at I.C.A.O. in September, 1948, as to whether we can secure a definition of "sufficiency" under two headings, one of which is in visual flying and the other in instrument flying conditions.

Does not the Minister agree that if the responsibility is not left in the hands of the captain of the aircraft, there is the probability that there will not be the degree of safety that exists today? Must not the pilot have the same responsibility as the captain of a ship?

That is among the representations which have been made to us.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the average time taken, from the time of arrival on an aircraft carrying 30 passengers to the time of departure of the passengers from the airport, to pass through the customs and other port formalities at Heathrow; and what steps are being taken to improve the efficiency of the procedure so as to bring up the standard to that which at one time obtained at Croydon Airport and measure up more favourably with the rapid facilities now provided at many European airports.

The average time taken at London Airport is 26 minutes, which compares favourably with that at European airports. This time for clearance should be further reduced as soon as an additional building can be constructed and brought into use.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that, sometimes, up to an hour's delay is occasioned through passengers going through Customs and other formalities at airports, and does he not consider that it is wise to speed up the process immediately, if that is at all possible?

Where there is delay, such as has been indicated by my hon. Friend, it is due to passengers being detained for further questioning and inquiry by the Customs, health or currency authorities. I am certain that it is not his desire that Customs, health or immigration officials should be slack in their duties.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the answer which he has given to the supplementary question is not, in fact, substantiated by the recent experience of many hon. Members, who have suffered delay; and could he arrange for those people responsible for the efficient administration at Northolt to go over to Heathrow and show them how to do their job?

I think the latter part of that question is unworthy of my hon. Friend. In fact, the manner in which duties are carried out at both stations is to the best ability of the officials concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the cost of the maintenance depot at Montreal; whether these costs are borne in dollars, and how long it is expected that they will continue.

The answer to the first part of the Question is £125,000 per quarter; to the second part, Canadian dollars; to the third part, autumn, 1948.

Would the Minister say why this enormous sum of dollars has been wasted every quarter, in view of the fact that aircraft have to travel from New York to Montreal, a return distance of 500 miles, without any pay-load at all; and, in view of the fact that 2,000 bombers were serviced in this country during the war, why could not steps be taken for those facilities to be utilised for this purpose before this time?

There was no appropriate place at that time in this country and there still is no available place at the present time; one, however, is being made available, in conjunction with the relevant authorities.

Does the Minister realise that the self-same aircraft were serviced at Prestwick during the war?

No, Sir. All they were given was normal flight maintenance, not servicing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many Airspeed Ambassador airliners have been ordered for British European Airways; and whether they are additional to or in replacement of Vickers Vikings.

None, Sir. The question is still under discussion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will state what reason was given by Trans-Canada Airlines in deciding to withdraw their flight dispatch section from Prestwick Airport as from 1st November.

The reason given was the introduction of the new service to London airport via Shannon.

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is claimed that this service has been transferred to Shannon Airport because of the delay in introducing a meteorological service at Prestwick?

My hon. Friend's information is not up to date, because on 14th October, the Trans-Canadian Airways issued a Press statement denying that assertion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many passengers were carried on the Weston-super-Mare—Cardiff Air Ferry Service during the periods October to March in 1937–1938, 1938–1939, and 1946–1947, respectively.

The numbers of passengers carried on this service during the periods in question were 2,669, 4,129 and 4,875, respectively.

In view of the figures which the Parliamentary Secretary has given, does not he recognise that they are proof of a demand by those in industry and commerce on both sides of the Bristol Channel for the maintenance of this service, and will he reconsider the decision to withdraw the service?

The capacity used was only 50 per cent. of that available, and, therefore, in those circumstances, it was not an economic operation. As soon as circumstances permit, a reintroduction of the service will be considered.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider allowing a charter company to tender for that service and to run smaller and more economical aircraft?

That is another question; the only Question asked was how many passengers were carried, and that was answered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is prepared to put all Government requirements in the matter of using aircraft for travel on Government account to tenders open to charter companies outside the Corporation as well as to the Corporation.

This suggestion is already under consideration.

Is the Minister aware that, in connection with the recent flight of the Minister, about which there has been criticism, charter companies were not given the chance of quoting, and that, on their own statement, they could have done it much cheaper?

In regard to the latter part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question, I very much doubt the assertion; in so far as the first part is concerned, the Corporations themselves are always given the first opportunity of accepting the charter. If they cannot do it themselves, they try to put it out to other charter firms.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that charter company services are really being given a fair chance, as the information which I have received is to the opposite effect?

The answer is, "Yes, Sir."

In view of what the Minister has just said, that the Corporations are given the first chance, does that mean that price does not enter into it, or is consideration given to the price quoted?

In air transport, as in all other businesses, there are general rules, practices and prices which apply.

If charter companies are to get the same chance as the scheduled services, will my hon. Friend see that the conditions of maintenance and service staffs conform to those in the Corporations?

Private enterprise is never as safe as State enterprise.

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether, in the event of a Corporation being unable or unwilling to run a scheduled service, the Corporations are empowered to sub-contract to charter companies the running of similar services on their behalf.

Yes, Sir.

If, as I understood, the answer to this Question was "Yes, Sir," will the hon. Gentleman publish in the annual report a list of those services which the companies are unable to perform, but which they are prepared to tender to private charter companies to operate?

Speaking from memory—and I hope the hon. Gentleman will not hold me to it too much—the accounts of the Corporations do show the charters undertaken by private companies on behalf of the Corporations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many of the staff and what categories have been dismissed by British European Airways Corporation since 1st September, 1947.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the reply I gave him when he asked a similar question on 12th February last, and when I said that I regard detailed information about staff matters as falling within the field of management.

I would point out to the Minister that the situation has changed. A great number of these men are being dismissed, and is it not about time that this House was given the details? I have in my hand a letter from a member of the permanent staff of the B.E.A.C. who was given a week's notice without any explanation, and who received a week's pay and no thanks for his service. Is that the way to treat the Corporation?

These men have been wise enough to organise themselves inside a trade union, and that trade union is a far more appropriate body to 00k after their conditions than this House.

Does the Minister feel that these dismissed employees are as certain of the safety of public employment as he is?

Yes, Sir. I only wish all employees in all industries received the same consideration as those engaged in State enterprise.

On a point of Order. May I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether that last remark but one of the Minister's was entirely, in order?

I really wondered how far the Question was going, because it only asked what members of the staff and what categories had been dismissed. It was no wider than that.

The reply of the Parliamentary Secretary seemed to me to be rather insulting to the House.

On a point of Order. Surely, Mr. Speaker, it is within the province of hon. Members to ask supplementary questions which arise out of the answer, as well as out of the original Question?

I advise the hon. Member to read page 336 of the Rules about Questions.

Further to that point of Order. This is the third time that we have had legislation by reference. May we not say that we are entitled to guidance from the living voice of the Chair, and not from the dead hand of Erskine May poking out at us in the Library?

The hon. Member may think Erskine May is a dead hand; I think it is a very sure guide.

In view oft the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give an undertaking that no factory will be demolished in Germany until suitable alternative factory and domestic accommodation is available to those likely to be displaced by the demolition.

The only factories liable to demolition are those which were engaged on the production of war material, for which purpose clearly no alternative accommodation should be provided. The conditions under which such factories are to be demolished require further examination on a quadripartite basis. Pending such examination, the British Military Governor has, for humanitarian reasons, suspended the demolition of surface buildings other than military constructions.

May I take it from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that the requirements which are asked on this Question are being met at the present time?

I do not want the hon. Gentleman to read into my answer more than I have said.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the high prices charged by N.A.A.F.I. to married families in Germany; how far he exercises control over these prices; and whether he proposes to make any cash allowance to assist married families who are compelled to deal with this institution.

I am aware that there have been complaints from married families that some prices are high compared with prices in England, but I do not propose to deal with this matter by means of a cash allowance. The control of N.A.A.F.I. prices are a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for War.

In view of the complaint which the right hon. Gentleman has received, will he urge upon his right hon. Friend the necessity for using the utmost control over the operations of N.A.A.F.I.?

I am constantly in touch with my right hon. Friend on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why it has been found necessary to import 50,000 tons of potatoes from Poland for the U.K./U.S. zone of Germany; and whether any charge for this transaction will fall upon the British taxpayer.

The food situation in Germany makes it necessary to seek imports of foodstuffs which, like potatoes, are cheap in relation to their nutritional value. The United States authorities made the purchase, and no charge will fall on the British taxpayer.

Does the reply of the right hon. Gentleman mean that the enormous surplus of potatoes which used to be grown in the Eastern provinces of Germany have now been reduced into a deficit thanks to the so-called Socialist agricultural policy?

I do not understand the hon. Gentleman's Question; perhaps he does.

May I put it in another way? Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that thanks to land reform—the so-called Socialist agricultural policy—the very large surplus of potatoes which used to be grown in the Eastern provinces of Germany, and which, presumably, should be available for feeding the United States—United Kingdom zone has now been reduced into a deficit, and that we have to look elsewhere?

I think the hon. Gentleman well knows that the food of Eastern Germany has not been made available to Western Germany, and that has been the trouble.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give an assurance that the need to occupy Germany for at least five years still exists; and whether he will enter into agreements with selected members of the Control Commission staff on that basis.

As far as can be foreseen at present, the answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes." As regards the second part, a proportion of the present staff of the Control Commission have agreements covering employment for approximately five years. The question of offering agreements for longer periods is under consideration.

While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask if he could give any indication of the proportion of the staff who have contracts for five years or more?

I could not give that information now, and I could not state the proportion of the staff who will get longer contracts because the whole question of the Control Commission is in a state of flux, and I have to get the staff down to a level which can be maintained ultimately.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) how many machines and processes are still to be removed from German factories for the purpose of Multilateral Deliveries; on what date the actual deliveries will be completed, and how many of the factories so concerned are not included amongst the 682 factories recently listed for dismantling as being surplus to requirements;

(2) how many factories in the British Zone of Germany have already been affected by the removal of machines and processes for Multilateral Deliveries; and how many such machines and processes were therein involved.

The Multilateral Deliveries scheme did not involve processes but only individual items of machinery. Two thousand and sixty-six items have so far been removed; 1,894 further items have been requisitioned from the Germans and offered to the Inter-Allied Reparations Agency for allocation. It is not possible to say when removals will be completed. I am obtaining the information on the number of factories affected by these removals, and will communicate with my hon. Friend later.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this means that a large number of key machines have been removed from a large number of factories, and that when he makes an examination he will probably find that a far greater number of factories are being paralysed than the 682 enumerated?

Nothing like the number of factories have been paralysed in Germany by this operation that were paralysed by Hitler in his war.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that two wrongs do not make a right, and is he also aware that he has not the slightest chance of re-establishing the standard of living in Europe or in this country until he gets German economy going again?

I quite appreciate that point, but, as I said in the Debate the other day, I am not going to ignore the claims of Allied countries who had their machinery either taken or destroyed, and I intend to give first priority to those people who suffered under Hitler.

I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has assured himself that, when the present shortage of fuel and raw materials has been overcome, there will be sufficient production capacity in the British Zone of Germany to provide all the cleansing materials that the Germans will need when the Henckel soap powder factory in Dusseldorf has been dismantled.

Yes, Sir

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether further consideration has been given to the possibility of securing financial and other assistance for the German mothers of illegitimate children whose fathers are British Service men.

Yes, Sir. But there has been no change in the position as explained to my hon. Friend in reply to his earlier Questions on this subject, except that there has been an increase in the weight of parcels which may be sent to Germany.

As there is some encouragement regarding the similar position concerning American fathers of illegitimate children in Britain, should we not set an example by taking further action to meet the increasing needs of large numbers of German mothers?

I really think we have done very well in this matter, and I do not think we are behind any other country in this respect.

Would my right hon. Friend discuss with the Secretary of State for War the desirability of making available to German mothers the addresses of British Service men in this country who are alleged to be the fathers of the children, in order that the responsibility can be settled by due process of law?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what date has been fixed for the termination of denazification in the British zone of Germany.

Removal of persons from employment on denazification grounds will be terminated by 1st January, 1948. No date has yet been fixed for terminating the processes of categorization and periodical review, or the screening of new applicants for restricted forms of employment after 31st December, 1947.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the distress being caused to many pensioned officers of the Malayan Government by the delay in granting an increase in pensions to meet the rising cost of living; and when he expects to make a statement on the subject.

The Government of the Malayan Union has recently notified its decision to bring its pensions increase scheme into line with the amendments made to the 1944 Act by the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1947. The necessary claim forms have teen issued by the Crown Agents for the Colonies. Payments of arrears and of the current increase have, in some cases, already been made, and in all other cases will be made as promptly as possible. It will be appreciated that with the large numbers of pensioners of Colonial Governments who may be concerned some delay will be inevitable before all claims can be dealt with.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if Members of this House will have an opportunity of seeing what that scheme is?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the outbreak of lawlessness on the Malaya-Siam border and also in certain parts of Johore; and if he can give any indication when the situation is likely to be under control.

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate a statement with the OFFICIAL REPORT. It shows that the authorities in the Malayan Union have achieved considerable success towards keeping the situation under control.

In view of the alarming and deteriorating situation in Malaya, cannot the hon. Gentleman make some statement now to give an indication of the position in that country?

The situation is not deteriorating. It is improving. As the hon. Member will see, the police have been operating in considerable numbers and have had quite a substantial success.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the concern felt in Malaya regarding the changes which have been made in the use of the banishment ordinance and the effect which they have had in securing convictions against persons guilty of robbery and murder; and if he will make a statement on the subject.

There have been no such changes. I am satisfied that the banishment enactments in force in Malaya are being as effectively used to combat robbery and murder as in the past.

Have any instructions been sent to the Governor which would affect in any way the manner in which those enactments are, in fact, enforced?

No such instructions whatsoever have been sent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to establish a unified civil service in Kenya, recruited and paid according to merit without distinction between different races.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Mr. Charles Smith) on 5th November.

Can my hon. Friend make out any case at all for treating members of the same service differently in respect of pay and conditions of work on the score of colour bar?

When my hon. Friend looks up the reply he will see that the Commission is now sitting on this matter. I prefer to say nothing with reference to it until the Commissioners have reported.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many Africans have been settled on new land in Kenya since the end of the war; and at what cost to the Kenya Government;

(2) what Government assistance has been given to the 669 European settlers who have taken up land in Kenya since the war; whether the land they are occupying was previously unoccupied or in European occupation; and whether he will give an assurance that no further Government assistance will be given to new claimants.

I regret that in the time available it has not been possible to secure all the information required from the Government of Kenya. I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I receive it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that much of the land that has been handed back to the Africans during the last few years is land in a state of erosion, and will he ensure that when in future land is handed back conditions will be laid down to ensure that it is properly cultivated?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what restrictions on immigration are at present operating in Kenya; into what category of permitted immigrants new settlers taking up land for residential purposes fall; and whether the land taken up for such purposes through the European Settlement Board is confined to land unsuitable for farming.

Restrictions under the Immigration Ordinance are confined to certain classes, such as persons certified as insane, without visible means of support, or likely to become a public charge. The Governor is also empowered to refuse entry permits to persons not intending to take up employment in an approved occupation. The land taken up by new settlers for residential purposes, while not necessarily unsuitable for farming, is usually in residential or urban areas where farming is not normally practised.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is continuing to recruit for the Palestine Police on the terms and conditions set out in the booklet, "Palestine Police as a Career."

The Government of Palestine is continuing to recruit constables for the British Section of the Palestine Police Force on the terms and conditions set out in this booklet, the title of which has however, been changed to "The Palestine Police Force." It is made clear to candidates when called for interview that, in view of the uncertainty of the future of Palestine, there is now no prospect of a career in the force.

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that this booklet states that men can be taken on a three-years' contract? Can he give an assurance that in present circumstances they will, in fact, be able to serve those three years?

I have a copy of the booklet here, and I have not noticed that particular part to which the hon. Member refers. They are not, in fact, taken on, so far as I am aware, for any particular term. Certainly I could give no such assurance.

Will the hon. Gentleman look at the top of page 8?

In view of the fact that the Government's announced policy of withdrawing from Palestine, laying down the mandate and all responsibility for it, is universally popular in this country, in Palestine, and abroad, is it not a pity that they should continue to put out documents which can only cast doubt on the sincerity of their intentions?

The position is that the High Commissioner has to maintain law and order in Palestine for the period in which we are there, and he has considered it essential that recruitment should proceed for the time being. Hon. Members must realise that members of this force are retiring, that they become sick, and so on; and it is impossible for him to carry on the Force unless he can recruit for it.

Could the hon. Gentleman say how long a period of training these recruits require, and, therefore, at what date a man recruited now would become an effective member of the Palestine Police Force?

The normal period after which a man enters into normal duties is, I understand, three months.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether he does not think it the appropriate time to issue some instruction to ensure that people who have served in the Palestine Police Force will have their pensions safeguarded in the future?

That is another question.

In view of the importance of this subject and the inadequacy of the reply, I should like to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to improve transport facilities between the islands of the Western Pacific.

A ship was bought in 1946 to provide overseas communication for the British Solomon Islands pending the resumption of normal commercial shipping. Two naval craft have been acquired and the building of another craft is being negotiated to augment the present fleet of small ships used for local inter-island traffic there. As regards the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, two army craft have been bought to facilitate copra trading, and the possibility of acquiring a ship combining cargo and passenger carrying in a regular round-the-Islands schedule is now being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to increase the production of the Solomon Islands Protectorate of alternative crops to copra, in particular rice and groundnuts; and what are the results to date of technical surveys financed through the Colonal Development and Welfare Fund.

The growing of food crops, including maize and tapioca, for local consumption is a first priority, and as the result of an official survey made this year, the Government has decided to launch a three-year demonstration scheme to grow groundnuts for export on a thousand acre farm in Guadalcanal, with rice and other crops included in a three year rotation. Peasant production of these crops is also being encouraged. Cocoa and bananas are alternative crops, but on agricultural and other grounds their introduction is not thought possible at present. Of the two technical surveys so far financed from C.D. and W. moneys, one was abandoned because of the war and the other, which is a survey of forest resources, is now in the report stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to collect adequate vital statistics in the New Hebrides; and whether information on the decline in the native population, particularly in Malekula, is sufficient to throw light on the causes and possible remedies of the decline.

Owing to the size of the various districts of the Condominium, lack of transport and shortage of staff, it has only been possible to undertake the collection of vital statistics to some extent in the south and centre of the New Hebrides group. The 1910 figures of population are not considered reliable, but the probable decline in the native population of Malekula is attributable to severe mortality during recent years from epidemics of influenza and whooping cough. In the more settled areas the population is estimated to have increased during recent years.

asked the Minister of Defence whether, in the light of the existing international situation, he will issue a White Paper giving the present position of the Armed Forces of the Crown under, among other headings, numbers of trained men, length of service, recruits, and the number of ships in commission, of aeroplanes in categories, and of regiments of the British Army.

No, Sir. Considerable information regarding the manpower strength of the Forces is already reported to the House at intervals. The recruiting figures are also notified every quarter. The extent to which further information about the Forces of the kind mentioned by the hon. Member can be published is at present under consideration in connection with the preparation of Service Estimates, and I cannot at the moment say to what extent this may be possible or expedient.

While I appreciate the difficulty, in the public interest, in publishing these figures, can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that our Forces are adequate to resist aggression, whether it comes from east or west of the "Iron Curtain"?

I think I had better have longer notice of that one.

asked the Minister of Defence how many men of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force respectively, are at present serving in Burma; including a separate figure for men in Gurkha Regiments.

The total is 8,753. I will, with permission, circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. AS the hon. Member is aware, it is not the practice to reveal the strengths of the Forces in relation to areas. I see no reason for withholding the figures in this particular case, but I must ask hon. Members not to regard it as a precedent.

asked the Minister of Defence whether, bearing in mind recent figures for voluntary recruitment and the future target strengths for the three Services, he is satisfied that the present scheme for National Service is that best calculated economically to provide balanced and well prepared Armed Forces.

Yes, Sir.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider the present targets and rates of recruitment in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force such that they will have a surplus of National Service men in future; and does he consider that that surplus will be capable of absorption by the Army?

I think I have already told the House that those points of difficulty are being examined. I do not think we can debate them at Question time. I hope we shall have them properly discussed on the Estimates.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the problem of the future, as far as he is concerned, is likely to be, "What shall we do with the conscript soldier?"

How is the right hon. Gentleman able to give the answer he has given to the original Question, in view of what the Secretary of State for War stated yesterday, namely, that the target for the voluntary recruitment for the Regular Army has not yet been decided upon?

I do not think that cuts across it.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether Field-Marshal Montgomery consulted him before he made his recent speech in Glasgow on this subject?

That does not arise out of this Question.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will estimate the required ratio of Regulars and National Service men in the Armed Forces to ensure adequate training for the Regular Forces and National Service intakes when the 1947 Act comes into operation.

The target strengths for the three Services, and the ratio of Regulars to National Service men in each case, are now being worked out as part of the long-term plan for providing properly balanced Forces, to which I referred during the Debate on the Address on 27th October. I cannot anticipate the decisions on particular aspects of the plan.

asked the Minister of Defence what steps he is taking to keep political bias out of the publications of the Bureau of Current Affairs.

In June last, in agreement with the Service Ministers, I gave instructions that the Education Directorates of the Service Departments should, in planning courses of instruction in current affairs, ensure that all pamphlets and other material purchased centrally are examined with a view to excluding biased or tendentious statements of opinion. I have no reason to suppose that this instruction is not being applied in relation to publications of the Bureau of Current Affairs. As the hon. and gallant Member will be aware, the Bureau is an independent body and not under Government control.

Do the War Office and the Minister of Defence consider tendentious a pamphlet on Scottish Home Rule, with a political bias for it, and would they allow the soldiers to read it?

The hon. Member is merely asking for an expression of opinion and nothing else.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read Map Review No. 24, in which one paragraph, apparently to start an argument, begins with the words, "The Conservatives say"?

I certainly have not read that particular pamphlet. All these pamphlets are examined by the Service authorities to see if they are biased or tendentious. But I dare say that if one reads further on in this pamphlet it will be found that the other side is quite amply stated.

Would my right hon. Friend ensure that the facts in these pamphlets continue to be correctly stated, whether or not they agree with the theories of the Opposition?

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to ensure that these pamphlets confine themselves more to facts than to political opinion; and is he satisfied that these officers are, in fact, sufficiently politically educated to know what is required?

I cannot be responsible for individual officers' political opinions. I really cannot do that. This is a set of pamphlets prepared by an independent body, and each pamphlet is examined by the Service authorities to make sure that it is not biased. I issued those instructions in June last specially, because of the matters which occurred last April which were brought to our attention in the House by hon. Members.

asked the Minister of Defence whether the Manpower Economy Committees in the Services are considering such questions as a unified medical organisation and a common transport pool; when they are expected to make recommendations; and if he will report their recommendations to Parliament.

Each of the Manpower Economy Committees is concentrating on the problems of its particular Service; they are not dealing with inter-Service questions such as those mentioned by my hon. Friend. I have asked for interim reports on their work, and when I receive them I will certainly consider what further information can be made available to the House.

Will the Minister direct these committees to consider these inter-Service questions, which are highly important from the point of view of economy in manpower?

I should not propose to extend the terms of reference of these particular committees. The other point is well under consideration.

asked the Minister of Defence how many deserters from the three Services are still at large who deserted prior to V-J Day; and how many have deserted since then and are still at large.

asked the Minister of Defence the number of men in the three Services who deserted before V-J Day and how many since, confining the information to those men who have not yet been caught up or surrendered.

I regret that this information is not readily available, and could not be obtained without undue labour.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a week or two ago he told me that if I put down a Question he would give me the answer: and will he go into it, because it is an important matter about which we should know, as he indicated that the present rate of desertions was very high?

I said that I would see if the information was available, and, if so, would give it to the hon. and gallant Member. I would have done so with pleasure, but when I came to look into it with the officials I found there were a great number of centres from which quite separate figures would have to be obtained on almost every individual case, and I really cannot see that the labour is worth while