asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Italian military aeroplanes have been permitted during the past six months to fly over the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan; and whether permission has in any case been refused?

In the period between 30th January and 26th July applications were made for 15 Italian military aircraft to fly over the Sudan: of these flights four were cancelled and one has not yet taken place; in no case was permission refused.

Would it be correct to assume that, in the unfortunate event of hostilities breaking out, the position would be revised?

I should prefer to deal with that question when it arises.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Italian military aeroplanes have been permitted during the past six months to fly over British Somaliland; and whether permission has in any case been refused?

The answer to the first part of the question is 26. The answer to the second part is in the negative.