asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Kiel Canal has been dredged since coming under British occupation; and whether it is intended to let it silt up.

The Kiel Canal is being maintained in operating condition in so far as the weather permits and has accordingly been dredged since coming under British occupation. There is no intention of allowing it to silt up.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any proposals have been received from any of the States bordering the Baltic as to the future of the Kiel Canal.

The only State bordering on the Baltic which, since the war, has made proposals concerning the future of the Kiel Canal is Denmark. The Danish Government in their recent memorandum submitted to the Deputies of the Foreign Ministers emphasised the interest of Denmark in freedom of navigation through the Kiel Canal. They suggested that it would be expedient to have the administration and the use of the Canal superintended and controlled by an international body.

Can my hon. Friend say if the Government are opposed to any proposals to put the Kiel Canal under some kind of international commission?

Our own policy on the matter of the Kiel Canal is another question.