asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the average number of engine hours for a Bristol Hercules engine as fitted to the Viking aircraft before requiring an overhaul.

In the case of Vikings operated by British European Airways Corporation, 425 hours.

Could my hon. Friend say why engines fitted to Dakota aircraft are able to run for a very much longer period before requiring an overhaul?

That is a totally different type of engine. The period between overhauls varies with the type of engine.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will expedite a decision upon the extent of the land he wishes to take over at Elmdon Airport, since this information is urgently required by the Birmingham Corporation.

The Birmingham Corporation has already been informed of the area of land which my noble Friend proposes to acquire at Elmdon Airport.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the concern felt by many people in Scotland at the impending redundancy of certain leading executives in Scottish aviation; and whether he will inform the House upon what basis decisions with regard to redundancy have been made.

I am aware that British European Airways Corporation have been examining their organisation with a view to effecting all possible economies in administration. It is, however, entirely a matter of management to decide what posts can be abolished and which staff should be retained.

Is the Minister aware that many people in Scotland are, unfortunately, associating this impending redundancy of very distinguished ex-airmen with the recent statement of a Scottish Socialist M.P., who said that people with Tory convictions employed in nationalised industries would find themselves redundant if they were not helpful? Is that the real reason?

I am not aware of the statement referred to. A reorganisation is in process arising from criticisms by the hon. and gallant Gentleman and his hon. Friends that the Corporations are over-weighted in regard to administrative and executive staff. Now that there is pruning, there still seems to be some objection.

With what safeguards?

Does the hon. Gentleman think that these Corporations are sufficiently well provided wits real experts and that at this stage they can dispense with these experts?

Yes, Sir. They are well staffed.

Would it not be wiser for the Ministry to retain all the pilots on the staff and find them some other job within the organisation, allowing them so many flying hours, rather than dispense with men for whom we may be looking very shortly?

The Question refers not to operational staff but to administrative staff.

Does the redundancy apply only to Tory brats?

Whilst appreciating the necessity to reduce staff, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to bear in mind that some of these gentlemen concerned have a life-long experience in operating aircraft, and will he impress upon the Corporation not to lose the wealth of talent which they may lose if they get rid of these men?

I am certain that all the points to which the hon. and gallant Member has referred are borne in mind by those responsible for administration.

With reference to the quotation from the speech by the Scottish Socialist M.P., would my hon. Friend agree that any person in a nationalised Corporation who is not helpful, irrespective of political affiliations, should be declared redundant?

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the fact that the word "helpful" was used in an entirely different connection?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when it is intended to publish the Report of the Air Accidents Investigation Committee recently set up to inquire into the procedure to be followed when accidents occur to civil aircraft.

It is not intended to publish this Report.

In view of the fact that, in British South American Airways Corporation aircraft, over 70 people were killed in a period of five months, does not my hon. Friend consider it a matter of vital public concern that the reports on these accidents should be published?

No, Sir. The responsibility for the decision must always rest with the Minister, and he has to take the best advice possible before coming to his decision. The Minister should take that responsibility and, when his decision is made, it is announced to the House and is a subject for discussion.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the refusal of the Inspector of Air Accidents, under instructions from the Department, to allow the cross-examination of Government witnesses cause great uneasiness, and can he say anything about that?

The hon. Gentleman is mistaken. The Inspector of Accidents is under no instructions from anyone.

Still, he refuses.

Could my hon. Friend say whether this Committee made any recommendations and whether we are to know what they were?

No, Sir. These recommendations are for the information of my noble Friend. They are made in a private capacity, and the Minister respects advice given to him in confidence, and takes full responsibility for the decisions which he makes arising from it.

If there is a statutory obligation in regard to accidents occurring on the railways and at sea, why should not the same thing apply to the air?

There is a statutory obligation in regard to the air, but the difference is that the railways are longer established, with over 100 years of operation, and air transport is new. Therefore, there is a little more limelight in the newspapers on unfortunate incidents which happen from time to time.

In view of the tact that reports on air accidents have already been published, and I am referring to the one in Northampton, particularly, and that nothing has been done about the statement that drink was one of the causes of the accident, is that not a further reason why my hon. Friend should reconsider this matter?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will make a further statement with regard to the different rates charged for air passage between Mexico City and London by various companies.

British South American Airways Corporation does not operate through to Mexico City. Owing to the low rates charged for the long internal haul in the U.S.A., the return fares of airlines operating between Mexico City and London via New York are £40 cheaper than the Corporation's return fare between Mexico City and London via Havana, the sector Mexico City—Havana being operated by Pan American Airways and other local operators.

In view of my statement on Thursday last that there was a great difference in the fares charged from Mexico City to London, which I myself paid—and I paid £35 extra—would the Parliamentary Secretary now withdraw the charge he made that I was making a false declaration?

Inasmuch as I must admit that I was a little harsh on my hon. Friend, I do withdraw; but his statements really were a little inaccurate, in that B.S.A.A. do not operate from Mexico City. However, I was wrong, and I withdraw it.

Thank you.

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he has any statement to make on the air liner disaster at London Airport last night.

My noble Friend and I are profoundly shocked at the disaster which happened to this aircraft last night. The House will desire me to express its deep sympathy with the relatives of those who lost their lives. Members of the staff of the Chief Inspector of Accidents were on the scene soon after the occurrence, and a preliminary investigation has already begun. The fullest inquiry will be made into the causes and circumstances of the accident.

Can the Minister say why this plane came into London Airport when so many other planes were diverted; or is it a matter for inquiry later?

In a case such as this the decision where a pilot will land rests with the pilot. It is the responsibility of those in control of the aerodrome to inform the pilot of the conditions at the aerodrome.

Is it true that the pilot of the Sabena aircraft radioed to London Airport as he was crossing the coast, or soon after he had done so, that they would have to make a crash landing; or is the report on the B.B.C. this morning true, that only when they got to the airport was it found necessary to use Radar and other landing devices? Which was true?

I do not wish to prejudice any statements which are made at the inquiry, and I am certain my hon. Friend will appreciate that anything I say does not in any way prejudice the facts which will be established. My information is that the information was available to the airport that an accident was likely to happen, and all arrangements had been made. The manager of Sabena was, in fact, in the control tower at the time the aircraft arrived.

Is it not most unfortunate that we should be discussing a matter which is sub judice?

In foggy weather is the fog dispersal equipment F.I.D.O. still in use at aerodromes near London?

Not at London Airport; but it is at Blackbushe and Manston.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements are now being made for the widow of Dr. Chatterton-Hill, a British subject, who died of starvation in the British sector of Berlin on 12th January, 1947.

Mrs. Chatterton-Hill was brought to this country by air on the 19th February, 1947. She has since been accommodated at a hostel in Renfrewshire administered by the Department of Health for Scotland. I am now considering the question of an ex gratia payment to her.

As I first brought this case to the attention of my right hon. Friend a year ago, and as no satisfactory solution has yet been found, can he say whether, as this lady's husband, who was a British subject, was left to die through the incompetence of British officials in Berlin, he really thinks it satisfactory to let the thing drift on in this way, and not make the widow a generous provision?

I acknowledge that the treatment was not what it ought to have been. On the other hand, the House must understand that this man did work for the Germans.

That is all very well. It is most unfair, because has not my right hon. Friend already decided that this man was not guilty of treason, and was, therefore, exonerated? He cannot have it both ways. If the man was exonerated, the widow should be properly looked after. She is not being looked after; she is being neglected. May I have an answer? If I cannot get an answer I wish to inform my right hon. Friend that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment, and circulate the report in full to hon. Members of this House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who is now responsible for the Yugoslavs detained in Munster Lager; and why it was necessary to change the commandant of this camp.

Owing to the reductions in the British Army of the Rhine, responsibility for guarding the Yugoslavs in Munster Lager has been assumed by the Control Commission. The commandant of Munster Lager camp is unchanged, but an officer of the Penal Branch of the Control Commission is now responsible for the Yugoslav compound.

My right hon. Friend does not tell me why. These people, who have been very badly treated, in my opinion, were perfectly satisfied with the arrangement they had, although it was penal. Can he say why it was necessary to change the commandant?

Because the Control Commission decided it was necessary.

Why did the Control Com-mission decide that?

I do not think I am called upon to tell the hon. Gentleman—who seems to take up these questions of Germany—everything which has to be decided within the Department on the transfer of commandants.

This has nothing to do with Germany; this is a question of whether we shall, or shall not, send certain people in our power to certain death in Yugoslavia. Why has it been necessary to change the commandant?

That is not in the Question at all; it is not raised there. If I have to manage these affairs, and the commandant has to be removed, I do not think I am called upon to give every reason for such a change.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these camps are visited periodically by a Yugoslav mission owing allegiance to Tito, and that the opportunity is taken on every such visit to distribute anti-British propaganda amongst the Yugoslavs who will not go back to Yugoslavia? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of that, and that it has nothing to do with the commandant leaving?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the hon. and gallant Gentleman opposite is quite wrong?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the purpose, status, and terms of reference of the Special Refugee Commission set up by the Foreign Office to examine the Yugoslav refugee problem in Germany and Austria; whether I.R.O. is satisfied with its relationship with this Commission, and how the terms of reference of the Commission have been altered by the Yugoslav Government's repudiation of the Bled Agreement.

The Special Refugee Commission was set up in order to provide His Majesty's Government with information regarding refugees in areas under their control, to assist the British zonal authorities in the screening of such refugees, and to take part in the interrogation of suspected quislings. I have no reason to believe that the International Refugee Organisation are other than satisfied with their relationship with the Commission.

May I ask whether, as a result of the activities of this Commission, any Yugoslav nationals are in fact being forcibly repatriated?

We have not forcibly repatriated anyone.

Will any of them be forcibly repatriated?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if there are now any workshops in the Ruhr making armaments, or capable of making them.

There are no workshops in the Ruhr making armaments of any kind. With regard to the second part of the Question, it is technically possible, of course, to manufacture certain types of armaments in ordinary engineering workshops, but it is one of the first purposes of the Occupation to prevent the manufacture of armaments by the Germans. All jigs and special tools for the manufacture of armaments have, therefore, been destroyed, and the destruction of machines specially designed for the manufacture of armaments is virtually complete also.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that his answer flatly contradicts the propaganda of Mr. Wallace in. America, whose propaganda resembles the tales of Baron Munchausen?

I must impress upon hon. Members that I am not responsible for what people may say in any part of the world. Really, I have not time to read all they do say.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further action has been taken in the British zone of Germany and of Austria to deal with the problem of unmarried women nationals of those countries who have had children by British fathers; what attempt has been made to secure records of the application or needs of these women; and what proposals by German and Austrian authorities respectively have been considered in relationship to this matter.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to his Question of 2nd February, 1948. The legal position is being considered. The normal procedure for the registration of births in both Germany and Austria enables the mother of a child to record whom she claims the father to be. The Austrian authorities have been informed that we are hoping that the problem of unmarred mothers who have children by foreign fathers will be dealt with by the United Nations Economic and Social Organisation, since this is a matter of interest to a number of countries. In the absence of a central German authority, no representations have been received in respect of German women.

While that reply gives a certain amount of encouragement, can we take the initiative and indicate to the United Nations that we are prepared to act along lines which are highly desirable?

The whole question pf nationality laws and of the transference of children is very complicated, and I cannot give an answer to a generalised question such as my hon. Friend has asked.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what documents relating to Sir Oswald Mosley's relations with the Nazis were captured by the Allied Forces; and if he will publish them;

So far, no documents relating to Sir Oswald Mosley's relations with the Nazis have been found among the captured German Foreign Ministry documents, which are those that concern my Department. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

In view of the terms of my right hon. Friend's answer, which seemed to indicate that further research is still being made, and in view of the likelihood of this gentleman quite soon exercising to the full the political liberties that he has, could my right hon. Friend pursue the inquiries further?

As I announced to the House the other week, we are going through all the documents in an ordered manner.

If, in pursuing these inquiries, the Minister finds such documents, would he consider publishing them along with all documents in relation to the Hitler-Soviet pact?

I said in the House the other week that I did not want to depart from the arrangements that had been made, and that was to take every set of documents in order, one at a time—to be done by thorough investigation—and then publish all of them. I think that is the proper thing to do.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans he has made for developing a trunk route airport in Cyprus.

The provision of a trunk route airport in Cyprus is not at present contemplated.

Will the hon. Gentleman go into the matter further? Does he realise that at the moment British operators are having to spend currency, where if we had a trunk airport in Cyprus we could earn dollars, or other currencies; and would he either go there, or ask his right hon. Friend to go there, to see the island and to investigate?

So far as the island is concerned, the Government is not in the position to spend the large sum of money which would he required. If is a question of international airports, the question should be put down to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision now exist in Cyprus for the entering into and implementing of collective agreements between workers and employers.

There is no special law in Cyprus governing collective agreements between workers and employers, nor is there any law preventing or limiting them. Such agreements are in practice freely entered into and honoured, and are governed by the ordinary law of contracts.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the ordinary activities of trade unions are nearly eliminated in Cyprus, so that the making of bargains is very difficult? What is being done to resolve those difficulties, so that the island can live in peace and happiness?

There is a certain amount of legislation with regard to minimum wages, but I have not heard of any particular difficulties arising out of the absence of other legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he proposes to appoint an expert to devise a Customs Union for the West Indies without waiting for a decision on the proposals for federation.

This proposal was put forward by the Conference on the Closer Association of the British Caribbean Colonies held in September last. Should it be endorsed by the Legislatures concerned, my right hon. Friend proposes to act upon it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision exists for the defence of poor persons in the administration of justice in the West Indies Colonies.

I am asking the Governors of the Colonies concerned to furnish the information asked for and I will write to my hon. and learned Friend as soon as I receive their replies.

Would the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, if there is no such machinery in operation at the present moment, he will take steps to set up such machinery at an early date?

I will wait until I have received their reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there is a shortage of cassava for making starch, and whether he is taking any steps to stimulate its production in East or West Africa.

Yes, Sir. In both East and West Africa the production of cassava has always been encouraged as a reserve against famine. Normally only surplus stocks are available for export. Five thousand tons are now being shipped from East Africa and it is hoped to export further quantities later this year. Exports from West Africa were discontinued during the war in favour of other crops, but the possibility of reviving the trade is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to a case at Thomsons Falls, Kenya, in which two Indians were found guilty of beating an African employee to death; why such treatment of this and other African labourers in the employment of these Indians which had persisted for some time was not detected by local authorities; and whether arrangements will be made for labour camps of road contractors to be subjected to regular inspection.

I am communicating with the Governor on the subject, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as I receive his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the High Commissioner and Government of Palestine have agreed to assist in the formation of an International Police Force to undertake the guardianship of Jerusalem and the reserved area of the Holy Places when sanctioned by the United Nations Organisation.

The United Nations Commission has been informed that no obstacle will be placed in the way of any members of the British section of the Palestine Police Force volunteering, on termination of their present engagements, for service with such a force.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether there has been any proposal by the United Nations for the formation of this force?

I should want notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received any reply from the Palestine Government in answer to his representations regarding the destruction or surrender of a copy of a document exhibited at the trial of Captain R. A. Farran.

Yes, Sir. The Palestine Government have agreed to destroy the copy of the document in their possession.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Palestine Government have stated that they will not destroy this document until 1st April, and does he consider this delay is an attempt to continue their policy of bureaucratic inertia?

I was not aware of that decision. I understand that if the document has not already been destroyed, it very shortly will be destroyed, but I am bound to point out that Captain Farran's solicitors wrote a letter of a kind I have never seen written before by solicitors, and if they want prompt attention to requests they should convey their desire in a courteous and proper form.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that I, also, have seen that letter and the previous letters, and the behaviour of the Palestine Government in this respect in my opinion not only deserves that letter, but a letter of that kind is the only type calculated to get a move on?

As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, I was a practising solicitor for many years and I have never seen such a document, and as a solicitor I was ashamed to read a letter of that kind from a firm.

This looks like becoming, a legal argument.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many members of the Palestine Police were, at the latest convenient date, deserters or absent without leave; and how many vehicles belonging to the Palestine Police were at the same date missing as a result of theft.

Numbers missing who have been posted as deserted or absent without leave are as follow:

Will my hon. Friend say what action he or the Palestine Government are taking to deal with this matter and, secondly, whether he knows how the British deserters are earning their livelihood, and whether any of them are now in the employ of the Arab agencies?

I can add nothing further about deserters, or those posted as absent without leave, without notice.

Do not these numbers show that the number of deserters in the Palestine Police Force is remarkably small?

Could my hon. Friend say whether any deserters are members of the so-called British League, Palestine branch, which circulated many Members of Parliament this morning with a highly seditious and offensive document?

I can give no further information about those posted as deserters, or as absent without leave, other than I have already given.

Can the hon. Gentleman say by whom these vehicles were stolen?

I am not in possession of that information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the forthcoming termination of the mandate for Palestine, what are his intentions in respect of the 290 persons deported from Palestine in October, 1944, and at present in a detention camp at Gilgil, Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jews and Arabs, shown separately, have been deported from Palestine for terrorist activities and are still held outside Palestine; in what countries under his administration these people are held; and what decision has been taken regarding the future of these people after His Majesty's Government cease to be responsible for law and order in Palestine.

The only detainees from Palestine now held outside that country are the 291 Jews in Gilgil camp, Kenya. It is the intention to transfer these detainees from Kenya to Palestine. Arrangements to this end are now under consideration.

asked the Minister of Defence whether the United Kingdom contingents of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan which is about to be withdrawn was part of the minimum Force required for defence as well as military administration or whether S.C.A.P. considered it as surplus, and what nation will replace our Forces with their own.

The British Commonwealth Occupation Force was constituted as a contribution of the countries of the British Commonwealth to the occupation forces of Japan, and was charged with the military duties of control of the area allotted to it by Supreme Commander, Allied Forces in the Pacific. These duties were primarily the demilitarisation of Japanese installations and the maintenance of law and order. Demilitarisation tasks have been virtually completed without opposition, and the success of the military administration of Japan has been such as to enable the United States Government and Supreme Commander, Allied Forces in the Pacific, who are responsible for military government, to agree to a considerable reduction in the strength of the United Kingdom contingent of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force without replacement.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider, as this decision was made as far back as the autumn of last year, and in view of the very serious statement made today by the Foreign Secretary on the position in Korea, that it may not be necessary to maintain these Forces?

No, I think that with regard to the general position of the Occupation Forces in Japan our decision is quite justified.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement about the progress of the British Commonwealth Conference on Scientific Defence.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the information on this subject given in paragraph 50 of the Statement Relating to Defence, 1948 (Cmd. 7327), and to my statement in the House on 1st March.