asked the Prime Minister what official information he has as to the extent that Germany is bombing the civilian population and unfortified cities of Poland?

The information at present in my Noble Friend's possession is not conclusive. It tends to show that bombing by German aircraft has been generally against objectives serving military purpose and not indiscriminately against the civilian population as such, although many casualties among the civilian population have occurred.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the Press statements that the Germans have been using mustard gas in their attacks on Warsaw?

My Noble Friend has received no official reports to that effect, but we have read in the Press that these gas bombs have been used.

Is it true that small towns well behind the lines were completely burnt to the ground by incendiary bombs?

I have read that also.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when we shall be in a position to get any definite information from the Minister, instead of what we have read in the Press a couple of days before?

I appreciate the hon. Lady's anxiety for the latest information, but it is my duty to give to the House official information that has been confirmed. I would pay tribute to the telegrams which the Press receive, which are in many cases very quick and in most cases, no doubt, present an accurate picture of what has happened on the scene of operations.

In view of the very great importance of accurate and full information, can the Foreign Office make arrangements to get confirmation of these reports?

I can assure the hon. Member that in the special circumstances of the moment special precautions have been taken to see that our information is immediate, accurate and reliable.