asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to encourage aircrew entrants of a sufficiently high quality for appointment to commission.

The policy of the Air Council is to commission all pilots and navigators who show themselves to be of the standard required for commissioned rank. All possible steps are being taken by publicity, liaison with schools and other means, to improve the quality of the entry.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied with the number and calibre of the present applicants?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what advance training types of aircraft are being used for the training of suitably qualified aircrew in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; and what steps are being taken to make operational types of aircraft available to this Reserve.

No advanced training aircraft are provided for the R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve. To provide such aircraft for the R.A.F.V.R., as now organised, would involve considerable expenditure and could, at present, only be done at the expense of the Regular Service. A number of members of the R.A.F.V.R. are, however, carrying out their annual training at stations in operational commands, where they are given experience on operational aircraft.

In view of the deplorable state of our air defences, will the Minister consider making such aircraft available to the R.A.F.V.R. for training purposes?

I should like to refute any suggestion that the state of the air defences of this country is deplorable. I think that the hon. and gallant Member will agree, on reflection, that that is rather an undesirable statement to make in present circumstances. As regards the question of improving the quality and type of aircraft for those who are training in the R.A.F.V.R., I agree that as soon as circumstances permit we ought to introduce more modern types.

Is it the lack of money or interference with other training which is the vital reason why the right hon. and learned Gentleman cannot take this step now?

In a sense, it is a combination of the two. Taking the position as it is today, what we have concentrated upon is providing the Regular training schools with the latest types of training aircraft—namely, the Balliol. That has just begun to come off the production lines. I think it is common sense that for the moment we should concentrate upon using the available supplies of Balliols for the Regular training schools. I do not think that if we had more money available any more of these aircraft would be coming off the production lines than at the present time. As with other types, production usually starts with a trickle and grows as time goes on.

It is not a question of money?

No, Sir.

What percentage of reservists carry out their training on service fighters?

I do not wish to mislead the House as regards numbers, and all I can say is that there are only three Commands at the moment which can take these R.A.F.V.R. officers. Those are the three operational Commands other than Fighter Command, and they are able to take, in any one fortnightly period, 12 pilots, 41 navigators and 38 signallers.

As the Minister refutes "deplorable," what word would he use to describe the state of our air defences?

I am not prepared to discuss that at the present time.

In view of the fact that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is not satisfied with the calibre and number of air crew entrants would he not consider that to be deplorable?

No, but I think it is unsatisfactory.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the remarks made yesterday by Air Chief Marshall Sir Guy Garrod, who described our defences as seriously deficient?

We are all entitled to our opinion, and that is the opinion of the gentleman who made the statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will bring into full operational use further radar stations and give particular attention to those providing low coverage.

The radar defences of the United Kingdom are being modernised and extended. Additional stations, including those designed for low cover are included in the programme.

In the event of hostilities breaking out, is the right hon. and learned Gentleman able to assure the House that fully trained radar personnel are available to man all the stations with up-to-date equipment?

Yes, Sir, if we include those who have had war experience, but I could not say that we have got 100 per cent. in the fighter control units as the percentage at the moment is 25 per cent.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind the great importance of radar warning from the point of view of Civil Defence?

Yes, Sir. I certainly will.

What steps are being taken to train the Reserve forces in up-to-date equipment?

Those who are volunteer members of the fighter control units that are in existence throughout the country are already receiving the requisite training.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman take steps to check "Z" reserves so far as radar operators are concerned, to see whether we are in a position to man our air defences on a 24-hour basis at the shortest notice?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we have already done that. We are in a position today to call up all those who have had previous war experience in control and reporting units.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to provide adequate training for ex-war-time experienced radar mechanics and operators.

All necessary steps have been taken to provide such training if circumstances require. Training facilities are already available for exwar-time experienced radar mechanics and operators in the fighter control units and Radar Reporting Units of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and also in the R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve. I welcome this opportunity of emphasising again the urgent need in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force for men and women who had war experience in control and reporting units.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how much training is going on now?

I cannot say, off-hand, the number of days on which these volunteers are required to attend, but I think it is 30 a year. I am advised that they are quite adequate to turn them into well-trained operators.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the war groups operating these stations numbered 17,000, and can he say what proportion of these have been written to? Will he check up on the register because I, for one, have not been written to, and, therefore, it is not right for him to say that all have been written to?

I did not say they had been written to. I said we were in a position to call them up when circumstances required, and if the hon. Gentleman will make inquiries he will find that his name and address are in the appropriate place.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the new structure for Royal Air Force tradesmen has been completed; and if he will make a statement.

The new trade structure for the R.A.F. has now been completed, and I hope to make an announcement next week.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when the Departmental committees considering the condition of pay and service in the Royal Air Force are expected to complete their inquiries; and when he hopes to be able to make a statement.

The comprehensive examination of life in the Services in all its aspects, referred to by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence on 16th March, is being pressed forward as quickly as possible, but I am unable to say when it will be completed.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the whole of the future of the Air Force and the new recruits to that Service depends on the reports from these committees? Does he not think that the situation is sufficiently serious for him to use his good offices to have their reports speeded up?

I welcome anything which helps recruiting.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman give any estimate of when this survey will be completed?

I would not like to commit myself, but, as I say in my answer, I do not think it will be very long.

Will it be a matter of weeks, months, or years?

As I say I would not like to commit myself, but I hope it will be a matter of weeks.

Does the Minister realise that a great many officers in the Force are at the present moment in serious financial difficulties, and that their experience is one of the causes of the lack of recruitment at the moment? Unless and until the Government do something about pay and allowances we shall not get the recruitment which is absolutely necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when he intends to reintroduce in his Department the system of notifying the Press and the public of impending courts martial; and by what method.

Instructions were given to all commands on 15th July for notice of forthcoming Air Force courts martial to be posted at or near headquarters of the group at which they arc convened.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to form an air transport reserve from the men and equipment of the private charter operators.

Proposals for the formation of R.A.F.V.R. transport squadrons associated with civil charter firms are under examination, and I hope to make an announcement when final details have been settled.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what plans he has for obtaining United States equipment in the event of it becoming necessary to strengthen Transport Command.

It would be possible to strengthen Transport Command without recourse to United States equipment.

Is it not the fact that many of the aircraft employed by this Command, which is lamentably low in strength, are, in fact, American, and will need American replacement?

No, Sir. Transport Command is equipped with British modern machines, such as Hastings and Valettas.

Could we have an assurance that no D.C.3s are flying in Transport Command, because we have the impression that these aircraft are being used in numbers?

There may be at the most one squadron.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what repair organisation there is to deal with grounded aircraft such as the Vampire so that they can be returned to useful service and so keep up the fighter strength.

Royal Air Force servicing organisation backed by repair facilities provided by the aircraft industry is immediately available to remedy any defects that arise in any type of R.A.F. aircraft. I want to make it clear that the R.A.F. Vampires have not been grounded.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if that element in the pay of officers in the Royal Air Force which is intended to provide for the purchase of such articles as shoes and battle-dress is intended to cover also the Purchase Tax on such articles.

Officers are required to maintain their uniform themselves, paying the ordinary prices, including Purchase Tax. Though rates of pay take account of this obligation, it is not represented by an identifiable Purchase Tax element. R.A.F. officers are allowed Income Tax rebate on £25 a year up to the rank of flight lieutenant and on £30 above that rank for uniform maintenance.

Is there any reason why these uniforms should not be utility. and, therefore, free of Purchase Tax?

Perhaps that suggestion will be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what prices are paid respectively by airmen and officers for gym shorts from Royal Air Force stores, the reference number of which is 22b/888, showing how much of the price charged to officers is constituted by the price to officers as given in Air Publication 1086, departmental expenses, and purchase tax, respectively.

The price paid by an officer for this item is 10s. 6d., which includes 8d. for Departmental expenses and 2s. 8d. for Purchase Tax. The price paid by an airman is 1s. 9d.

Is not this a typical example of an undesirable discrepancy between the prices paid by officers and by airmen for articles issued from the same source and used alike by them? Is not this a case of Purchase Tax being paid on Departmental expenses?

The problem has not originated in the last year of two. It goes back to the policy which decided that officers should pay for their uniforms out of their pay, whereas other ranks should have their uniforms provided free. The price that is paid for this or any other similar article of attire is the same in both cases. The difference between the allowance given to the other ranks, which I think is 2s. a week, and the amount of the contract price, is paid for by the Air Ministry, and, in the case of the other Departments, by the Admiralty and the War Office. I would remind the noble Lord that the price paid by the officer is less than is paid for the same article by the civilian.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made with a new flying-boat to replace the Sunderland; and when it is expected to make its first flight.

This is a long-term development and it would not be in the public interest to give this information.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Sunderland is 15 years' old, and that it is about time we had a new flying-boat coming along?

Yes, Sir, and one is in process of being developed.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to increase the strength of Coastal Command, in view of the increasing difficulty of detecting and destroying enemy submarines.

Re-equipment of Coastal Command squadrons with Shackletons and Hastings is beginning this year. We are planning a substantial expansion of the command, but it would not be in the public interest for me to give details.

is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is great concern in the country at the exceedingly small number of operational flying boats in the Royal Air Force? Will he treat this with the utmost priority with his colleagues and get something moving very quickly?

We are already doing that.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman's difficulty in answering this and the previous Question, indicate how essential it is that the Government should accede to the demand of the Opposition for a Debate in secret Session on defence.

That has nothing to do with this Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will take steps to provide refresher training for pilots, navigators and radio operators who for various reasons are out of practice and whose services would be required in a national emergency.

Refresher training facilities for pilots, navigators and signallers are available at Reserve Flying Schools for all who are prepared to join the R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve. I hope that as many war-time aircrew as possible will avail themselves of this training.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there are some ex-aircrew who are too old to join the Reserve? Will he give facilities for ex-aircrew people like myself to keep in training in case the need for our services should, unfortunately, arise?

I should be very glad to have the services of the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent Mustang fighter aircraft have been used in Korea by our Forces; and what have been the results.

The R.A.F. has no Mustangs. I understand, however, that the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Air Force are operating these aircraft in Korea with excellent results, but I am unable to give precise details.

Could my right hon. and learned Friend tell us if it is possible for the pilot of a Mustang fighter to recognise ground troops? Is he aware that the American troops are complaining that they have been shot by their own aircraft, and will he investigate this matter?

That is not a question for me, but for the United States Government. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that if he could address his inquiry to the troops of North Korea they would say that the pilots were only too well able to recognise them.

Could the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) be persuaded to act as observer?

Is the Minister aware that this country as a whole entirely supports what is now being done by the Royal Air Force, in so far as they are capable of being used in Korea?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of present circumstances, he will take steps to strengthen the radar defence of Singapore.

The statement quoted by the hon. and gallant Member for North Wembley (Wing-Commander Bullus) last week, that the radar defence of Singapore is non-existent, is completely without foundation. Radar cover for Singapore is already in existence. We are also sending further radar equipment from this country in the near future in accordance with plans formulated some time ago. I am advised by the Commander-in-Chief that the statement that there had been angry talk in R.A.F. circles about the state of the defences of Singapore is also completely without foundation.

While I welcome the right hon. Gentleman's statement, may I ask what arrangements are being made to man these radar stations? Is he calling upon local men in Malaya as volunteers, to ensure sufficient personnel to man the new stations?

They will be supplemented by local people, but otherwise manned by Regular members of the Royal Air Force.

I am always in favour of Secretary of State for Air what concrete and detailed methods he has for identifying military and non-military aircraft of Allied nations.

The identification of aircraft of Allied nations is undertaken by the air traffic control organisation and by electronic methods. It would not be in the public interest to give details.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether we have teleprinter networks and movement liaison sectors going which will enable these signals to be put through quickly, because with the high speeds and vast numbers of aircraft since the war, the need for speed is paramount?

If the hon. Gentleman wishes really to press that question he had better put it down.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will make a statement on the future need of the small aerodromes.

I anticipate that small aerodromes will continue to be required for charter flights, flying clubs and private fliers. It is not intended to acquire such aerodromes for the State, and local interests will continue to be responsible for their upkeep.

In cases where aerodromes will never meet modern needs, would the Minister be prepared to consult municipalities so that the aerodromes might no longer be used for their present purpose, and if that is in the national interest, be used for better purposes, like housing?

If the aerodromes are municipally owned and the need for such aerodromes is not apparent, it would be within the power of the municipality to give up the operation of that airport.

In cases where these places are municipally owned, they depend upon the Ministry for expert advice. Would the Ministry advise the municipality whether or not such aerodromes will he required in the future?

Certainly; we shall be pleased to give advice on any problem of this character with which municipality is confronted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he intends to make Manchester, Blackpool and Liverpool, the air ports for the north of England; and, if so, can he make a statement for the guidance of the people and industry so that they may plan for some time ahead.

So far as can be foreseen, these three aerodromes will continue to be operated for internal scheduled services, Liverpool also continuing to be used for services to the Irish Republic and Manchester for services to Europe. I cannot at present say whether other aerodromes in the north of England will be needed for scheduled operations.

In regard to Manchester Airport, is it the intention of the Department to leave it under the control of the local authority?

We are at present in discussion with the Manchester Corporation on that point.

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be desirable to have a yard-stick whereby municipal and Government efficiency could be measured one against the other?

Would the Parliamentary Secretary take notice of the fact that the County Palatine forms only part of the north of England, and give attention to the county of York adjoining, and particularly to aerodromes in Leeds and Bradford?

Discussions are already taking place with some municipalities in Yorkshire. I should certainly hope that the air network will be extended over that part of the country in the future.

Could I have an answer to my question?

I am always in favour of having the yard-stick as a measure.

Is it not the case that the discussions to which the Parliamentary Secretary refers have been going on for a considerable number of years? Will he consider doing something to get a definite decision on the matter?

The hon. Gentleman should put a Question down on that point.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will take steps to approve helicopter or small plane feeder services from the large centres to the airports of Manchester, Blackpool and Liverpool.

My noble Friend will continue to consider any recommendations made to him by the Air Transport Advisory Council on applications received from private companies to operate scheduled feeder services to these and other aerodromes as associates of British European Airways.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is some uneasiness in industry about this matter and that speed in delivery and in consultation will be most potent matters in the future, and give rise to the need for feeder services? Could he give an undertaking that early consideration will be given to the need for organising feeder services?

The main services for which the corporation are responsible are already operating. If there are private companies who wish to apply for an associate agreement to operate feeder services we shall be pleased to consider those applications.

Is it not the intention of the Ministry to set up feeder services on their own, or to encourage private enterprise to organise them to large municipal aerodromes like that at Ringway?

In the future, not necessarily this year or next, it is hoped that a combination of corporation services and feeder services, operated by private enterprise under associate agreements, will cover the country.

Will the Minister arrange feeder services from the principal services in Scotland to Prestwick, as they are very seriously needed?

Scotland does not come into this Question. We are dealing with Manchester, Blackpool and Liverpool.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that the United Kingdom delegate at the recent International Civil Aviation Organisation conference in Montreal advocated the internationalisation of air transport; and what consultations were held with the Dominion Governments before taking this action.

The policy of international ownership and operation advocated by the United Kingdom delegate at Montreal has been consistently supported by the United Kingdom since the first meeting of the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organisation in 1946. This policy has been discussed with members of the Commonwealth, who are well aware of our views.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, if I may borrow his expression, some of the Dominions have "seen the light" since these consultations took place and have changed their Governments? Did he discuss this with both Australia and New Zealand before going to I.C.A.O. and recommending this action?

The question which arises is whether they have seen the right light.

Are the Dominion Governments still in accord with the British Government's point of view in the matter?

No, Sir. We now have different views, which have been expressed at the international conference.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what was the total cost of developing and purchasing the Solent flying boats, including the cost of development of the flying boat bases along the routes to South Africa, and the cost of the Southampton base.

It would be contrary to established practice to disclose the contract prices of these flying boats. The development expenditure of the bases, including Southampton, which was directly attributable to Solent operations, is about £250,000.

Would my hon. Friend agree that the whole policy of B.O.A.C. in the past with regard to its aircraft has been hesitant, muddled and unnecessarily costly, and is he satisfied that the same line of policy is not being pursued at the present time?

I agree that their operations have been costly, and that is because they have had to be carried out with the aircraft available. At the time the Solent services were started, the Solent was the only aircraft available for those services.

Why is it against the public interest to tell the House the cost of developing and purchasing the Solent flying boats? After all, they are civil machines and not war machines.

It is quite true that the Solent is a civil machine. This is a civil commercial contract as between a buyer and a seller. It is a commercial transaction between the Corporation and the manufacturer and it is not, therefore, of advantage to publish the price.

Is the hon. Gentleman correct in saying that it is between the Corporation and the manufacturer? Are not these aircraft the property of the Ministry of Supply? Will he look into the matter and make a statement to the House at a later date?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman cares to put down another Question, I shall be glad to answer it.

As the British taxpayer is being called upon to subsidise the cost of these machines, should not the House be informed of their cost?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what support is being given to the experimental helicopter service between Cardiff, Wrexham and Liverpool; and what prospects there are of extending such service to other important centres in North and South Wales.

I am informed that for the first month the passenger load factor on this service averaged about 45 per cent. The present service is running at a substantial loss, which is at present justified by the experience being gained from the operation of a scheduled service, but there can be no question of substantially extending helicopter services until a more economic type can be brought into operation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what are the prospects of better civil flying services to Cornwall.

Apart from the present Land's End-Scilly Islands service, British European Airway's plans for the immediate future include no services touching Cornwall. I should add that application for an associate agreement on the route Manchester—Newquay has been provisionally approved.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is only one service to Plymouth one way each day? Can he do something to see that this service is improved?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received to the inquiries addressed by him to the Soviet Government concerning the whereabouts and fate of His Majesty's Minister in Seoul and the Bishop of Korea.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is yet in a position to say what has happened to Captain Holt, the British Minister in Seoul, South Korea, since the capital was over-run by the Communists.

I have nothing further to add to the statement made on 17th July in reply to the Question asked by the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling).

Can the Minister say what steps are being taken to secure the return of His Majesty's Minister to civilisation?

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary said two days ago, we are considering how that can be done. It will be appreciated that in the existing circumstances it is not a simple problem.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if he has any news as to how Captain Holt and the Bishop are being treated?

No, Sir. I do not think we have anything in addition to what has already been said in the House.

In the course of his inquiry, has the hon. Gentleman gleaned any information of the whereabouts of Commissioner Lord of the Salvation Army, who elected voluntarily to remain behind in Seoul?

Apart from Mr. Holt, we do not know the whereabouts of anybody mentioned by name, but we know that a number of other members of the British Colony are with Mr. Holt.

Will the hon. Gentleman make the strongest possible representations to the Soviet Government to secure the return of His Majesty's Minister?

That is the channel through which we received our information, and we are considering whether we can do anything further.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the fact that British elements are included in the United Nations Forces under General MacArthur's command, he will make representations to the Governments of South Korea and North Korea to end the atrocities to prisoners and civilians.

I understand that both Governments have now, in response to Mr. Trygve Lie's appeal, announced their intention to apply the principles of the Geneva Prisoners-of-War Convention.

Is the Minister aware that "The Times" of 14th July reports the horrible spectacle of the mass execution of prisoners? Can he now assure us that these executions are not to continue on our side?

I have absolutely no evidence that they have taken place on our side. There is no official confirmation of the various stories appearing in the Press and, therefore, I do not think I should comment upon them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a further statement regarding the discussions on Korea at present in progress between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government.

As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs assured the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Eden) on 17th July, we will endeavour to make a statement as soon as possible. I can only repeat, therefore, that we are most willing to make such a statement at the earliest practicable moment; but that moment has not yet arrived.

In order that there may be no misapprehension on this point, will the Minister make it perfectly clear that it is no longer the policy of His Majesty's Government to endeavour to secure the admission of a Chinese Communist representative to the Security Council, however much pressure may be brought to bear on him by Moscow, by Pekin, or by the benches behind him?

I do not think that arises out of the Question.

Could the Government give us any indication of when they think they can make this correspondence public? I am quite sure they do not want to hold it up longer than they possibly can help. Would it be some day this week?

It might be, but I do not think I can give an undertaking to that effect at the moment.

Could the Government give us any indication of when they think they can make this correspondence public? I am quite sure they do not want to hold it up longer than they possibly can help. Would it be some day this week?

It might be, but I do not think I can give an undertaking to that effect at the moment.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that to hold up this correspondence too long does give rise to rumours which, personally, I am sure are unjustified? The sooner everything is known by everybody the better all round.

I think we are conscious of that, and of the general desire on the matter.

Has the Minister noticed that the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman) might have been dictated by the Kremlin?

Did the answer of the hon. Gentleman, which I heard imperfectly, imply that there is to be some consideration of the withdrawal of the recognition of China by His Majesty's Government?

No, Sir, it did not imply anything of the kind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, now that the Egyptian Government have issued a statement concerning their attitude to events in Korea, he will make a further statement as to whether he proposes to discontinue the supply of arms to that country.

The statement made by the Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs on 11th July was disappointing in a number of respects. In particular, it confirms that the Egyptians still feel unable to associate themselves with the second resolution of the Security Council calling on members of the United Nations to render assistance to Southern Korea, from which they abstained.

The statement makes it clear, however, that the Egyptian Government, by voting in favour of the first resolution, join in condemnation of North Korean aggression. In these circumstances His Majesty's Government do not at the moment contemplate any change in their policy regarding the supply of arms to Egypt. The matter remains, however, under constant review.

Has the theory always been that we supply arms to the Egyptions to enable them to play their part in collective defence against aggression? Now that they have made it clear that they do not wish to play any part in collective defence under the United Nations, what possible justification can there be for our continuing the supply of arms?

I think it is right to say that it has been made clear by the Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs that the attitude of his Government related to this particular resolution, and should not be necessarily applied to any wider or different conflicts.

But is not the position that we are still supplying arms, that Egypt still does not adhere to this joint resolution, and that she still stops our tankers going through the Suez Canal, which really seems that she is getting away with too much?

I think that the facts of the right hon. Gentleman are, unfortunately. correct.