asked the Minister of Supply if a decision has yet been made regarding the future of the Swallow aircraft.

asked the Minister of Supply what inquiries have been received from home or abroad as to the military potentialities of the variable geometry aircraft.

I have made an agreement with the United States authorities and with Vickers for a joint research programme designed to prove the potentialities and practicability of the Swallow concept of variable geometry. A series of tests and engineering studies will be undertaken, partly at Vickers, partly at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, and partly in American Government research facilities. The programme will make use of the considerable work already done by the Americans in this field. The Government will be contributing part of the cost of the work undertaken at Vickers. Until the results of this programme are known, it is impossible to say whether the development of an operational aircraft could be justified, though there is a lively military interest in the possibilities of variable geometry. I am satisfied that the agreement with the United States adequately safeguards this country's military and commercial rights and interests.

That seems to be a most encouraging reply. Can the Minister say precisely what our cost will be towards this project, and secondly, whether any talks have taken place about the building of the aircraft, whether it will be done in America or in this country?

In answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, any work undertaken within Government establishments would be entirely covered by finance from Her Majesty's Government. For the rest, the Government propose to contribute half of the expenditure incurred by Vickers. The construction of an aircraft is at the moment a hypothetical question, but the intention is to look at the matter after completion of the research study. However, if there were a decision to go ahead with the construction of an aircraft, I am satisfied that the construction would be undertaken in this country.

The Minister has referred to the American interest in this project. Will he undertake that our European allies will also be kept aware of the military potentialities of this aircraft, because we have recently lost to the United States certain military orders which many of us believe should not have been lost?

Certainly, Sir.

Does the safeguarding of this country's rights, to which my right hon. Friend has referred, mean that we shall not be in the position of having to pay royalties on the American development of what was originally a British invention? If this is so, my right hon. Friend is to be congratulated on a very satisfactory achievement.

The boot is really on the other foot. If the Americans wish to make use of some of the knowledge acquired in this country, clearly royalties will be payable to the commercial firm in this country.

asked the Minister of Supply what offers he has invited from Russia for the purchase of the 1 million pairs of surplus boots.

None, directly; but the Ministry of Supply is in consultation with the Board of Trade regarding the countries which are most likely to provide a market for the boots. They will be advertised accordingly.

Is there no initiative in the Ministry of Supply? Is the Department not aware that the Prime Minister is in Moscow at this time and is pushing a natty line in gentlemen's hats? Would it not be a good idea if he could push these boots as well? Would they not be useful to the Russians in raising their consumer standards, and might they not also provide a market in the future for Russia to buy boots here? Will not the right hon. Gentleman do more about it, or will these boots go green in store and rot?

At the moment, the Russians appear to be interested more in hats than in boots. I am also aware that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is the arbiter in many matters besides hats. I understand, however, that people in Russia and the satellite countries wear leather jackboots in summer and padded felt boots in winter. The Chinese wear canvas in summer and padded felt boots of the jackboot type in winter. We have not, therefore, approached these countries. If they are interested in purchasing the boots for their civilian markets, they will have an opportunity to tender.

What initiative has the Minister taken to get rid of these boots? Soon we can envisage that he will himself be getting the boot on this matter.

I have already made inquiries, both of the home trade and in many other directions, as to the best course we can take in disposing of these boots. One of the considerations to be taken into account was that we did not want to upset the home trade. Therefore, we are proceeding on the lines indicated.

asked the Minister of Supply what further expenditure is contemplated on the research now being conducted into infra-red detection of ballistic missiles.

The extent of future expenditure will depend on the results achieved in the research now being conducted.

Can the Minister tell us something about the research that is being conducted? In view of the fact that this infra-red detection system may prove to give sufficient warning to us to erect a defence against ballistic missiles, this is a very important matter and the House should be aware at least of whether this research will be successful.

This is certainly very important. The research now being undertaken in this country is research into basic techniques. Without indulging in hyperbole, I should be justified in saying that the results achieved in this country compare extremely well with those achieved elsewhere. It would be premature, however, to say that the results have reached a point at which one could embark upon a firm development project.

In view of my right hon. Friend's welcome answer to Questions Nos. 2 and 9 and also to this Question, may we now take it that there has been a considerable restoration of what I have always regarded as disastrous cuts in defence research and development expenditure, which was cut in 1957?

The Question refers to expenditure on infra-red research. To the best of my knowledge, there has been no change in the expenditure in that research since 1957, certainly not a change in the sense of contraction.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is now able to make a statement about the progress made to streamline the aircraft industry; and to what extent it is still his intention gradually to reduce the manpower figure by 100,000.

Good progress towards rationalisation of the industry is being made. As I informed the hon. Member on 2nd February, the reduction in the labour force stems from a falling off in the demand for the products of the industry and my policy of encouraging diversification and re-grouping into larger and stronger units is aimed at minimising this decline.

How can the Minister reconcile that statement with the fact that he proposed this integration policy prior to the acceptance by the Service Ministers of the Lightning aircraft, the supersonic manned fighter, and the T.S.R.2, the supersonic manned bomber, which means that he must farm out orders to areas where unemployment has been growing and that there is now no definite Government plan for the aircraft industry? The right hon. Gentleman is wavering from one side to the other according to the way in which the Service chiefs are wavering in the battle behind the scenes on these issues?

I am not sure that I follow the hon. Gentleman. The Lightning was started long before I came to the Mnistry of Supply. Concerning the latest aircraft, the T.S.R.2, I would have thought that this was the genesis of what I hope and believe will be fuller co-operation between the two firms, Vickers and English Electric.

asked the Minister of Supply if, in the light of recent military orders, he will give his estimate as to what will be the further contraction of the aircraft industry; and if he will state the anticipated level of employment which this industry will provide over the next few years.

I took into account the prospect of these orders when I gave the House on 22nd May last year my broad estimate of the future level of employment in the aircraft industry, and I have no reason to amend that estimate now.

I much appreciate the reply given by the Minister, which answers the question my hon. Friend was trying to put, but is the Minister now saying that there is nothing further he can do and that redundancy is going according to plan?

No, Sir. Redundancy is never planned; it is the outcome of a contraction of orders. The answer to the contraction of orders is to endeavour to build the industry on the civil side, and that work is proceeding.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will state the civilian requirements which he expects will be met by the aircraft type ordered for Transport Command as a long-range freighter; and by what date it was estimated the civilian version would be available.

The Britannic has been designed to meet both military and civil requirements and the military and civil versions will be closely similar. Being designed to carry bulky and heavy loads over medium and long distances, the aircraft should prove exceptionally economical in operation, and therefore of interest to civil operators. The civil version of the Britannic will be available at about the same time as the military version.

Without in any way wishing to criticise this aircraft, which, no doubt, will be a fine machine and which we all hope will have a ready sale in the civilian market, may I ask whether the Minister does not agree that, operational requirements being met, the military orders should be used for advancing the technique and development of civil aircraft? Is he satisfied that as the result of the placing of this military order the aircraft industry in general will be more competitive in the civilian market?

I remember the hon. Member enjoining me some six months ago to do something to keep in being the design team of Short Brothers and Harland in Northern Ireland. I trust that he is not now running away from his own precept.

Who advised my right hon. Friend that this turbo-propeller driven aircraft will sell in the open market seven or eight years hence? Is he not of opinion that this aircraft should be pure jet if we are to compete with the Americans in the years to come?

There are protagonists of both the pure jet and the turbo-prop. The fact remains that for the critical distances in the carrying of freight, the turbo-prop shows a lower operating cost. In addition, one of the other advantages of this aircraft, if we are to break into the freighter market, is also its lower capital cost.

Will the Minister now answer my question: does he really think that in four or five years' time the industry, including the firm concerned and its design team, will be more or will be less competitive as a result of producing this prop-jet aircraft?

The freighter market is growing. The use of freighters in the United States is increasing by some 20 per cent. a year and it is desirable that this country should do its utmost to enter this new market. It can do so only by having such an aircraft at the earliest possible moment. This was the most ready aircraft.

asked the Minister of Supply how many Britannic 3 aircraft have been ordered; and what is the estimated cost, including spares.

Negotiations are still proceeding and in these circumstances I cannot give particulars.

Would the Minister not agree that a substantial sum of money is involved? Since he is talking about the advantages of this aircraft in four or five years' time, does he appreciate that it will have to compete with aircraft like the Boeing 707, a freighter version of which will be available by that time? Again, will the Minister say whether he considers that the sum of money that will be involved by this order will place our industry in a position to compete with the American jet machines at that date?

If the hon. Member wishes to compare this aircraft with the Boeing 707, he will find that the ability of this aircraft to carry equipment is much greater. Its loadability, to use a horrible word, is much easier, and that is an important factor in its competitive power.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is satisfied that full consideration was given to the merits of the Bloodhound and the Thunderbird before the United States Hawk was ordered by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries.

Full information has been given to our Allies in N.A.T.O. on the Bloodhound and Thunderbird guided missile systems.

Is the Minister aware that there is criticism, not only in this country but also from our European allies, that the American Government give far greater backing to American aircraft salesmanship than do our Government, and will he acknowledge that it is really the duty of his Ministry to do everything it can to bring employment to our aircraft industry?

Certainly, Sir, I acknowledge that. I also acknowledge that from a technical point of view these two weapons are not inferior to the Hawk weapon. Indeed, again without being boastful, I think they offer considerable advantages over the Hawk. It is not for me to speculate on the reasons why other Governments may opt for the American weapon, but it must be recalled that the Americans offer considerable capital sums and our resources do not permit us to offer capital sums to quite the same extent.

asked the Minister of Supply in what way the new versions of the surface-to-air weapons Thunder-bird and Bloodhound, announced in Command Paper No. 662, will be more advanced than the existing models.

The new versions will offer advantages in range, height and speed and they will be able to deal with enemy aircraft that come in at low levels.

Are we to understand that the existing versions are not satisfactory and that they could not intercept anything that is likely to come against them at the present time?

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman is to accept that as time goes on one can develop more advanced versions, as with every other kind of weapon.

asked the Minister of Supply if it has yet been decided whether the short-range nuclear weapons to which Command Paper No. 662 refers are to be rocket propelled: and whether they will use liquid or solid fuel.

Yes, Sir. Rocket propulsion by solid fuel will be used.

Cannot the Minister assure us that we are in no way duplicating American research and development, which has happened already, and is he sure that in this case we are not, as opposed to the previous Question I put to him, following behind something that has been done better elsewhere?

No, Sir. In this case I can give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that the weapon in question is com- plementary to the American weapons and does not in any way duplicate anything done by the Americans.

asked the Minister of Supply to what extent the new self-propelled guns for the Army will be air-transportable.

The self-propelled medium gun will not be air-transportable. The design of the proposed self-propelled gun will enable it to be carried by air both strategically and tactically.

I thought we were supposed to be aiming for an Army that is mobile in respect of all its equipment, and if we have not any aircraft to take 'any equipment at the moment, and will not have for some time to come, what kind of procedure is it that designs a gun which cannot be taken by air and must be taken by ship?

The answer is that the medium gun is designed to reinforce the hitting power of the Centurion tank, which cannot be carried in any aircraft.

How long will it take by sea to get it where the hitting power is desired?

I do not think there is any tank at present in existence which can be carried in an aircraft.

asked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made with the development of the anti-tank guided weapon which was announced two years ago as being able to drive the tank from the battlefield.

Considerable progress has been made in resolving the complex problems involved in this project.

That is not a very satisfactory reply. We were told that this programme was launched two years ago. Can we have any idea when we are likely to have such a gun?

It is true that the project was mentioned two years ago, but in the realm of new guided missiles two years is a very short time. I would be wrong to endeavour to conceal from the hon. Gentleman that this project is a most complicated and difficult one.

But is it not extraordinary that at the same time as we are producing a light tank we are producing a weapon that can destroy it?

Again, with the greatest respect to the hon. Gentleman, I think he has misinterpreted the words of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air a couple of years ago. This weapon is designed to displace the heavy tank in its defensive rôle of killing other tanks. It has not displaced the tank in its offensive rôle.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is now developing aerial jeeps for use by the Army.

We are developing various light communications aircraft and helicopters. We have nothing exactly like the American so-called aerial jeep.

Are there any consultations going on with the Americans? Is it not possible that with good co-operation they could provide such jeeps for Commando units?

Yes, Sir, there is cooperation, but as far as I am aware no requirement for such a vehicle has yet been expressed by any of the Services.

asked the Minister of Supply if it has yet been decided whether the propelled bomb whose progress is reported in the Defence White Paper, Command Paper No. 662, will have a built-in guidance system.

The development of propelled stand-off bombs for use with V-bombers is being carried out in industry with assistance from my Department's Research and Development Establishments. These bombs will have built-in guidance systems.

Will it be possible to launch them from any point from the aircraft's base to the maximum range, and will they be able to zigzag to avoid interception?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will state the approximate amount spent by his Department on research into noise abatement in the aircraft industry in 1958; and what further expenditure is contemplated for 1959.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will state the approximate estimated annual amount his Department is spending in research on noise abatement in the aircraft industry; and to what extent he contemplates increasing this expenditure.

My Department is spending about £75,000 per year on research contracts specifically for work on noise abatement, and work is planned to continue at about this level. In addition, much work is being done by Research Establishments of the Ministry of Supply and in industry as part of the aircraft and aero-engine programme, the cost of which cannot readily be segregated.

In view of the importance of abating noise from aircraft engines, can the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that finance does not limit this research?

As I explained in answer to a supplementary question on 26th January, money is not the limiting factor, and considerably more than the £75,000 per annum, to which I have just referred, is being devoted to this work. Our knowledge of the fundamental causes of jet noise is still incomplete, and the ultimate answer to the problem probably lies in fundamental research into new types of engines.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind, as I am sure he does, that, with the development of high-powered jet-propelled aircraft, life for many people who live near the airports —some before their advent—can only be described as sheer hell by day and night, and that this is a matter to which very high priority should be given?

I appreciate that and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I myself have followed up this work. I can assure him that if there is any hopeful sign of real progress, the question of money will not be allowed to stand in the way.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the 1956 wheat crop samplings tested in the United States of America had a strontium 90 content on or just over the limit for strontium 90 established by the Atomic Energy Commission, that the 1958 samplings averaged 50 per cent. above that limit, and that samples of Minnesota wheat contained six times as much, he will, after giving due notice prohibit the import from the United States of America of cereal and related products not reliably tested and warranted free from strontium 90.

I have seen Press reports about this, but have no other details at present. Further information about these samplings is being sought from the United States in order to assess any possible risk from importing the cereal products concerned.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman know that this information came from a commission of scientists appointed by the Governor of Minnesota, that it is, therefore, of an official character, and that great concern was expressed by the commission at the indications that the strontium 90 content was steadily rising?

No, Sir. My understanding is that the Medical Research Council does not know of any figures published by the United States Atomic Energy Commission or any other body for the maximum permissible levels of daily intake of strontium in food. Maybe there is some misapprehension between us which we could clear up.

Last Monday a Question was asked about the contamination by radioactivity of imported food, and the House was told that no examination of any kind was made at the ports, although we have an extensive examination of home-produced food. Can the Minister tell us why this is?

My recollection is that this matter was dealt with last Monday, as the right hon. Lady suggests, and I think that then the position in regard to monitoring was spelt out to the House.

The Minister must not run away from things in this way. I asked him why no examination was made at the ports. He then tells the House that the position was spelt out to me. The position was spelt out to me— to use the curious language which the right hon. and learned Gentleman uses— about what is done with home-produced food, but the Parliamentary Secretary specifically said—I have the OFFICIAL REPORT with me—that no examination was made at the ports. I want the the Minister to tell me why.

My recollection is that it was then explained that it was not considered that an appreciable risk arose in regard to imported food and that that was the answer then given to the Question. With regard to the results of monitoring, there is a Question later on the Order Paper today to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

asked the Minister of Health what report he has received from the Acting Principal School Medical Officer to the Special Services Board of Oxfordshire Education Committee on the smoking habits of children aged between 11 and 19 years; and whether, in view of the fact that where children know about the connection between smoking and health there is less smoking by them, he will take steps to give publicity, especially in schools, to the dangers to health caused by smoking.

I have not received a report but have seen references to it in the Press. Local health authorities have already been asked to publicise the risks attached to smoking as part of their health education arrangements and in cooperation with local education authorities they are paying particular attention to school children.

Will the Minister get in touch with the President of the Board of Trade and the Chancellor of the Exchequer and see whether something really effective cannot be done to discourage smoking by young people? Is he totally unaware of the violent feelings of the medical profession, educationists, parents and public opinion in general? What is the point of thousands of pounds being spent in cancer research when more money is being spent in this country at the present time through advertising in trying to persuade young people to smoke?

The hon. Gentleman will perhaps recall that in August I sent a further circular to the local health authorities asking for their reports on the measures taken by them to date and inviting suggestions from them. I have now received those reports and I am studying them and am considering, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education, whether any further measures are now called for.

Why does not the Minister adopt the same measure as he adopts in the field of public health? He would be supported by non-smokers and smokers—in fact, everybody except the tobacco trade—in this effort to stop young children acquiring the smoking habit. The right hon. and learned Gentleman knows the methods that we adopt in public health when we want to bring to the notice of the people the necessity to acquire good habits. Why does he refuse to use them in respect of smoking?

The right hon. Lady will appreciate that I have received the reports for which I asked from the local health authorities, and I think she would feel it appropriate that I should now study them to see what further action is called for. A great deal of our attention has been directed to young people and children. The report which is the subject of the Question shows that where children knew about the connection there was less smoking. It also shows—I think this is of some interest—that where both parents smoke the risk of the child smoking is about three times as great.

In view of the Minister's reply, and to give him a chance of telling us what conclusions he reaches and us a chance of pressing him to take action, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment if I am fortunate enough to be able to do so.

asked the Minister of Health what representations he has received from dentists' organisations regarding misleading toothpaste advertisements; and what reply he has sent.

While he is aware that the British Dental Association is worried about it my right hon. and learned Friend has not received formal representations from dentists' organisations on this subject.

In anticipation of formal representations which I have no doubt will be reaching the Minister shortly, will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. and learned Friend to look at the leading article in the current issue of the British Dental Journal and tell us why it is that misleading and dangerous advertising regarding Gleem and Colgate's Dental Cream was withdrawn, according to The Times, only last week although the attention of the right hon. and learned Gentleman was drawn to these dangers in a debate on advertising which I initiated on 21st November? How does the hon. Gentleman explain this extraordinary delay?

I think it is relevant to observe, following what the hon. Gentleman has said, that the Independent Television Authority, acting on the advice of the Advertising Advisory Committee, has decided that a number of toothpaste advertisements which are considered to be misleading should be withdrawn or modified. This follows objections from the British Dental Association through its representatives on that Committee.

asked the Minister of Health what estimate he has made of the success of voluntary action, following official advice on the matter, in persuading customers not to bring dogs into premises in which food is sold; and whether he will make a statement.

While a voluntary scheme can perhaps never be completely effective, I think that the success achieved has been as great as would have followed any direct prohibition.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that food traders in Tottenham feel strongly that there should be some prohibitive regulation on this point and that the borough council has felt unable to introduce a byelaw because of the Minister's desire to rely on voluntary action? If he does not feel able to introduce a regulation, will he approve the introduction of byelaws by local authorities where this is felt to be necessary?

I am a little doubtful just how far regulations would be effective in a case like this. Many members of the public would object to the restriction, the public health inspector could not always be there to look out for offences, and the shopkeeper could hardly be expected always to give information against his customers.

asked the Minister of Health on what date one of his predecessors received a deputation, introduced by the hon. Member for Tyne-mouth, from the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives, and another professional organisation; and when the recommendations, which he accepted, are to be introduced in new superannuation regulations.

On 8th December, 1955. I am not proposing to introduce amending National Health Service Superannuation Regulations until such changes as are necessitated by the introduction of a graduated National Insurance Pension scheme can be included. The Regulations, when introduced, will cover the proposal communicated to the Royal College of Nursing on 3rd October, 1956.

Though one realises that one has to wait for the new superannuation regulations, does not my right hon. and learned Friend agree it is very hard that these people whose position will be improved, although they are few in number, should have to wait from 1955 to 1959 without having a little amelioration of their condition, to which the Minister agreed? Is it fair to deal with small people in this rather hard way?

What the then Minister undertook to do was to include this provision when he put before Parliament proposals for general amending regulations. With regard to the general amending regulations, I think we can expect that the need will now arise before long in the context of the proposals before Parliament for a graduated National Insurance pensions scheme.

asked the Minister of Health if he has read the extract from the medical Press submitted to him by the hon. Member for Carlisle, concerning the emigration of established doctors; and what conclusions he has reached.

Yes, Sir, with interest. But I already knew that there has always been some emigration of doctors, the volume varying from year to year.

While I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his reply, is he aware that one depends not only on things one sees in the medical Press about medical emigration, but on personal experience of acquaintances and friends as well? I have here a letter from a doctor in Australia, which I should be obliged if I could send my right hon. and learned Friend, in which the writer expresses his pleasure at being able to regain skills which he had practised in this country. Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware, in particular, that it is this loss of skill which worries many doctors in general practice, and will he keep the position very closely under observation?

I will certainly read the interesting communication which my hon. Friend says he will be good enough to send me, but in order that we may have in mind a general picture of the position, my hon. Friend will, I know, be glad to hear that in 1957, the last year for which I have complete figures, the proportion of emigrants who were doctors and dentists was the lowest recorded except for 1953.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the total value of building projects proposed by local authorities and sanctioned by him under the terms of the circular on capital investment issued by the Minister of Housing and Local Government on 17th November; and how much of this total is in connection with projects on Tyneside.

So far local authorities have proposed, and I have undertaken to recommend for loan sanction, building projects to the value of £2·6 million. The figure for Tyneside is £32,150.

Will the right hon. Gentleman recognise that, in view of the amount of unemployment in the building trades and so on, this sum is deplorably small? Can he do anything to encourage hospital authorities further to speed up any projects they may have—for example, the development of mental health work, welfare services, and so on?

I have no doubt that local authorities will take this interchange as a reminder of the possibilities in this regard. So far as I am aware, I have not failed to accept any scheme falling within the scope of my right hon. Friend's circular. Although it is not too late to submit them, further schemes should be submitted very quickly if they are to get within the terms of the circular.

asked the Minister of Heatlh (1) what annual reports are made to him of the number of complaints of alleged brutal or violent treatment of patients in mental hospitals; how many of those complaints were investigated and with what result; and how many male or female nurses were dismissed or otherwise punished for those offences;

No such annual reports are made; but mental hospitals are required to notify the Board of Control of the dismissal, or resignation to escape dismissal, of any member of the nursing staff who has been, or is about to be, dismissed on the ground of misconduct in connection with a patient. During 1958 the Board were notified of two such cases.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman himself satisfied with this procedure, or has he any reason to suppose that the reports as given do not indicate the exact circumstances and frequency of these alleged complaints? Has he made any special investigations from time to time to see whether in fact instances which have taken place have not been properly recorded?

I am satisfied that the procedure works as I have described. Complaints of ill-treatment may be an aspect of the patient's mental condition and therefore without an objective basis, but all of them must be and are fully investigated and I attach the highest importance to that principle.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, in a recent television broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation, an ex-patient of a mental hospital made charges of violent and brutal treatment of patients, which he had witnessed; if he will request the Corporation to supply him with the script of the broadcast, with a view to taking such further steps as may be necessary in consultation with the British Broadcasting Corporation and the hospital board concerned in order to maintain public confidence in the mental health services.

I have asked for and received the script from the B.B.C, and I am in touch with the Director-General about certain questions arising on this programme. In order that full inquiries may be made, I have asked to be given full particulars of the incidents referred to in the programme in question. Further action must, of course, await their receipt.

Was the Minister's attention drawn to this particular television item at the time it was given? If so, why was action not taken immediately? Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman appreciate that the impression left with many people was that the allegations, of an ex parte and uncorroborated nature, were nevertheless characteristic of treatment in mental hospitals? Although that is not so, does he not feel that this is a very serious matter and that such items should not be given unless corroborated, or unless it is made perfectly clear that they are seriously open to doubt?

Action was taken immediately. The only action open to me as Minister, as the hon. Member will appreciate, was to ask for the script and then, in the light of that, to have further inquiries made into the parts of the broadcast to which objection could be taken. I am not sure what else the hon. Member has in mind by "at once". It was not open to me in any event to prevent the programme, as he will understand.

Is the Minister aware that it is not unusual for ex-mental patients to make allegations of this kind against nurses who work in mental homes where they are often among the finest in the nursing profession, being called upon to do uncongenial work and at all times to restrain their tempers? In view of that, will he make strong representations to the B.B.C. that under no circumstances should it sensationalise this tragic illness, mental illness, because on such occasions patients in mental hospitals all over the country watch the incident and it is neither in their interests nor in those of the nurses that the B.B.C. should make cheap propaganda on television in this way?

The Corporation is already in possession of my views on this matter and, in particular, as to how unfortunate it would be if a programme of this sort deterred someone from seeking mental treatment when he would otherwise have done so. I should say in fairness to the British Broadcasting Corporation that hitherto it has done a lot to help to foster a balanced public view of the importance of mental disorder. I wholly agree with what the right hon. Lady has said about nurses and others working in our mental hospitals. They work under very difficult conditions, and I am sure that the whole House would join in a tribute to their work.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman further agree that one cannot have a balanced view unless all sides are shown and that the B.B.C. has done its best to give a very fair picture, and that an attempt to put a gag on certain matters which occur, if only occasionally, would be highly undesirable?

There is no question of a gag. I have already said that hitherto the B.B.C. has done its best to present a balanced picture. What is in doubt here, as the hon. and learned Gentleman will appreciate, is whether this programme was a balanced programme, or whether it picked out and concentrated upon features tending to show our mental hospitals in an adverse light without giving an appropriate opportunity for comment on or correction of those statements.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in any peace treaty with Germany, Her Majesty's Government will insist that Germany recognises as invalid the Munich Agreement with all the results therefrom and declares herself as recognising the territory of the former so-called Sudeten region as an integral part of the national territory of Czechoslovakia.

I understand that the view of the Federal German Government is that the question of the frontiers of a reunited Germany should be settled at a peace treaty with an all-German Government, on the basis of the frontiers existing on 31st December, 1937. I should not expect any difficulty about this question when it comes to the negotiation of a peace treaty.

While appreciating that reply, can the Joint Under-Secretary give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will insist that such a clause will be included in any eventual agreement?

I could not agree to the word "insist" in connection with a treaty which we hope will be freely negotiated.

Will the Government do their best to get such an agreement?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to ensure that in any peace treaty with Germany all former Nazi judges, military leaders and others holding State and quasi-State positions in either East or West Germany must be removed from office and, further, that any such Nazi who has been found guilty of any of the various crimes associated with the Nazi movement will not, for at least the next ten years, be allowed to hold any State or semi-State appointment.

Everybody, including the Federal Government, wants to ensure that Nazism will not rise again in a united Germany. But I cannot anticipate discussions about a German peace treaty.

While appreciating that the Federal Government and Her Majesty's Government and everyone else would like this view put into operation, can the hon. Gentleman give some reason why such a clause should not be included in any eventual treaty? If ten years is too long, perhaps we could settle for five. Would not something of that kind be helpful, especially since Her Majesty's Government and the Federal Government agree on the principle involved?

As the hon. Member has pointed out, there are many others besides himself who detest the Nazi movement and perhaps with more reason than the hon. Gentleman—I do not mean that unkindly. That is the feeling of Western German leaders at the moment. I am sure that we can trust them to see that this principle is adopted, but it might not necessarily be wise to put it into a treaty.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that among the categories set out in my hon. Friend's Question there is one category of special significance, namely, former Nazi judges and former Nazi prosecutors in judicial positions, and that there are many of them so employed in West Germany? Since the Foreign Secretary has frequently promised to inquire into this state of affairs, and since there are so many Nazis so employed and we have not yet had a report, is not this an offence to the public conscience all over the world? Is it not rather like putting Hitler in charge of a war crimes tribunal?

Those are very wide allegations. The hon. Gentleman knows quite well that the de-nazification proposals have been taken over by the Federal Government since 1949.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what was the purpose of Her Majesty's Ambassador's action in Washington on 6th February, when he drew the attention of the State Department to allegations in the United States Press that the formulation of plans to meet the contingency of another so-called Berlin blockade was being impeded by British objections to the use of land forces;

Her Majesty's Ambassador's object was to draw attention to speculative Press reports about secret talks which inaccurately represented the British attitude.

Is not the Joint Under-Secretary aware that, according to The Times of 7th February, the Ambassador gave an interview to the American Press in which he specifically said that the Government wanted to have these military discussions as soon as possible to work out a scheme to meet contingencies? Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Government will in no circumstances resort to direct action by land or air to establish communications with Berlin in preference to working with East German officials who replace their Soviet colleagues?

It would be most unwise to speculate about developments on the Berlin question at this moment.

If our military forces and their allies do not concert plans to take action when their rights are infringed, what is the point of having either military forces or allies?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the nature of the danger to world peace which is stated in the British Note to the Soviet Government to be inherent in the initiative of the latter in regard to Berlin.

Her Majesty's Government have in mind the situation which could arise if the Soviet Government, by refusing to carry out their obligations to the Western Powers regarding Berlin, prejudice the fulfilment by the Western Powers of their obligations to the people of West Berlin.

Can the Minister assure us that in the event of Russia resiling from her responsibilities in Eastern Germany we would not endanger peace by refusing to deal with the East German officials?

The hon. Member must remember that, as the Leader of the Opposition said on Thursday, we have not only rights to defend but obligations to fulfil to the people of West Berlin.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the appropriate means which the Government in their reply to the Soviet Note on Berlin reserve the right to uphold in order to maintain their communications with Berlin when Soviet frontier and transport officials are replaced by East German officials.

The means which would be appropriate would depend on the situation at the time.

Well, then, once again, does the hon. Gentleman realise that the means can be by air or by land? Will he assure us that neither of those means would be utilised in order to obviate the necessity of meeting East German officials in the event of Russia resigning her responsibilities in Berlin?

Those are all hypothetical questions. I am sorry, but I cannot be drawn by them at this moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the present deadlock in the area, if he will propose a recall of the Geneva Conference to discuss ways and means of implementing the provisions of the agreement on Vietnam.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now invite the other co-chairman of the Geneva Conference to discuss steps toward the reunification of Vietnam, in accordance with the Geneva Agreement.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Reading (Mr. Mikardo) on 16th February.

Does that mean that Her Majesty's Government will take action at some time to seek the recall of this Conference, as it is now clear that the provisions of the Geneva Agreement on Vietnam are not being carried out? Are Her Majesty's Government willing, at some time, to request the recall of the Conference to investigate why these provisions are not being carried out?

I do not think that that would be the wish of the parties to the various agreements, and I do not see that any useful service would be performed by doing it now.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in this case it is clear that the American Government and their puppet dictator Ngo dinh Diem are responsible for the failure to reunify Vietnam through free elections? Have the Government nothing in mind in the way of alternative methods of achieving this objective, other than by free elections?

As my right hon. and learned Friend has stated, we rely upon free elections.

Can my hon. Friend indicate why the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Warbey) and his friends are so anxious for free elections in Vietnam and yet disapprove of them in East Germany, where the Communists are in control, because, they say, they would be unrealistic?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as co-chairman of the Geneva Conference, he will request the International Supervisory Commission to make a special investigation into the circumstances leading to the sudden death or serious illness of a large proportion of the 6,000 political prisoners at the Phu Loi Political Retraining Centre in South Vietnam.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he has taken under Article 14 (c) of the Geneva Agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Vietnam concerning the alleged poisoning of 1,000 detainees in Phuloi camp in South Vietnam in December, 1958.

As I informed the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mr. Baird) on 18th February, I understand that the North Vietnamese complaint on this matter is being considered by the International Commission.

In view of the fact that the South Vietnam Government have not denied that something of an extremely serious character is taking place at this concentration camp, will the hon. Member ask the Foreign Secretary to call for a special report in this case and make it available to this House as soon as it is ready, rather than wait for the long period before we get the annual report of the International Commission?

In the first place, my right hon. and learned Friend would have no authority to call for a special report. The matter is now being investigated. Let us leave it at that.

Is it not a fact that Her Majesty's Government have diplomatic representations in South Vietnam? Why is it that the Government are not able to get from these diplomatic representatives definite information about this matter?

The matter is being investigated. I do not know whether the hon. Member has seen a statement by the Director of the Phu Loi Centre in a communiqué issued on 30th January. In that he said that, although there were a few cases of simulated gastric trouble, there were no cases of genuine food poisoning.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, for the purpose of encouraging the exhibition of British films abroad, he will initiate discussions with the Soviet authorities for a British-Soviet film exchange plan, on the lines of the United States-Soviet film agreement announced by the Director of the United States Information Agency on 8th January.

At present the Russians have ample opportunities for the sale, distribution and exhibition of their films in the United Kingdom. An Anglo-Soviet exchange of film weeks under the auspices of the Soviet Relations Committee of the British Council is now being negotiated. Fuller reciprocal arrangements, such as the hon. Gentleman has in mind, could best be made by the British film industry and the appropriate Soviet organisations.

I appreciate the efforts which are being made by the various authorities mentioned in that Reply, but since the American Government have done so, why are Her Majesty's Government unwilling to initiate discussions at a higher level on this matter? This Soviet-American plan was initiated by the Director of the United States Information Agency. Why cannot the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster initiate a similar agreement for the United Kingdom?

I understand that the American Government agreement was first reached with the industries and then ratified at governmental level. That is how the Russians like to do things.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what notification he has received, as co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference, of the decision of the Royal Laotian Government to denounce the Geneva Agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Laos; and what action he has taken to maintain the rights and obligations of all the parties to the Agreement.

I take it that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the declaration made by the Royal Laotian Government on 11th February. As was made clear in a statement by the Laotian Prime Minister on 17th February and subsequently, this was not a denunciation of the Geneva Agreements.

I thank the Joint Under-Secretary for that reply. Do the Government support the American policy of seeking to draw Laos into the S.E.A.T.O. bloc, or will they stand by the Geneva understanding, which was that Laos and Cambodia should constitute a neutral area?

That is a quite different question. In any case, I do not accept the implications in the hon. Member's supplementary question.