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Commons Chamber

Volume 236: debated on Wednesday 12 March 1930

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House Of Commons

Wednesday, 12th March, 1930.

The House met at a Quarter before Three of the Clock, Mr. SPEAKER in the Chair.

Private Business

Ministry of Health Provisional Order (Bradford Extension) Bill.

Lords Amendments considered, and agreed to.

Dundee Corporation (General Powers) Order Confirmation Bill.

Read a Second time; and ordered to be considered To-morrow.

Oral Answers To Questions

Foreign Office (Passport Department)

1.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the number of persons employed in the passport department of the Foreign Office in July, 1914, and July, 1929, respectively?

In July, 1914, three persons were employed in the Passport Office in London and none in Liverpool. In July, 1929, the corresponding figures were 236 and 37 respectively. The staff employed varies from time to time in proportion to the volume of work, and these numbers represent the staff at its highest figure during the busy season.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any complaints lately of delay at the Passport Office in London?

No, I have had no complaints. If my hon. Friend has any and will send them to me, I will have investigation made.

Can the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to reduce the staff and do away with the necessity for passports?

That is a matter I shall have to look into. The figures I have given are the figures as they were left by my predecessors.

North American States (Loans)

2.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the date and nature of the last communication from His Majesty's Government to the United States on the subject of the loans raised by individual States in North America previous to the date of union and in respect of which they defaulted?

There is no record that these claims have ever formed the subject of correspondence between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States of America.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think there is any possibility of ever raising the question of these debts?

"Ever" is such a long time that I am afraid I can give no other than the reply I have given.

American Tourists (Visa Fees)

3.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the effect upon the number of tourists from the United States of America entering the 13 European countries consequent upon their decision to abolish visas or visa fees in the case of United States of America citizens entering those countries?

The only information at present available is that in regard to Germany, which shows that after the abolition of the visa fee for United States citizens in September, 1925, the number of American visitors to Germany increased considerably. I should observe that this increase coincided with a similar, though smaller, increase in the number of United States visitors to this country and to Europe generally.

Russia

Religious Situation

4.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the religious persecution in Russia, he will consider inviting the co-operation of all the Powers which are represented at Moscow in making a simultaneous protest to the Soviet Government and in effecting a simultaneous withdrawal of their missions in the event of the persecutions continuing?

No, Sir. I am not at present prepared to take any initiative on the lines suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.

If the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to do this, will he consider what action the Government are prepared to take in the matter?

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consider similar action to that suggested by the hon. Member opposite in regard to the persecution of Socialists in Italy and elsewhere?

The interjections of hon. Members prevented the right hon. Gentleman answering my question. Will he reply now?

6.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representations have been made to him or any accredited representative of His Majesty's Government by or on behalf of the Soviet Government of Russia with regard to the question of the use of intercessory prayers for those alleged to be subjected to religious persecution in Russia?

9.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the English church in Moscow is now available for church use as and when required?

I informed the House on 24th February, in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Chelmsford (Colonel Howard-Bury), that the church in question was closed and was not being used for any purpose. I am asking His Majesty's Ambassador whether he has anything further to report on this matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in a letter to the "Times" yesterday, the Anglican Bishop for Central Europe stated that with the permission of the Soviet Government the Anglican chaplain is holding services at Moscow and Leningrad and will continue to do so?

10.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Minister at the Vatican has received any representations from the cardinal secretary of state regarding the religious persecutions in Russia; and, if so, what is their nature?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second does not, therefore, arise.

If the cardinal secretary of state has not made any representations to our Minister, will the right hon. Gentleman-instruct the Minister to inquire of the cardinal secretary of state what action the Vatican thinks might usefully be taken in regard to religious persecution?

Was the right hon. Gentleman asked by anyone to take similar action during similar and equally violent persecutions in Moscow?

Propaganda

5.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent declaration of the Soviet official Press that the Communist programme for England is not completed and that it is intended on 30th March to begin a hunger march on London on an all-England scale; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

11.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the publication in "Izvestia," the official organ of the Soviet Government, of statements that in London recently thousands fought with the police, who charged with naked sabres and retired from the fight; that the programme for England is not completed and that further disorders are now to be organised; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

My attention has been called to the article in question, but I do not consider that Press statements of this nature, however untrue and offensive, necessarily call for an official denial or other action by His Majesty's Government.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is not a party question at all? It is an attack by the Soviet official Press on the Labour Government of which the right hon. Gentleman is a Member?

I have not treated the matter as a party question, but I do not see that the points raised by the question call for action.

Is it not an obvious breach of the Protocol signed the other day by the right hon. Gentleman?

How can Conservative Members complain legitimately against Soviet intervention in the internal affairs of this country when they are asking us to take the same action?

The right hon. Gentleman cannot be responsible for Members of the Conservative party.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a much more serious matter than other matters which have been brought to his attention? It is not only a direct infringement of the Protocol, but a threat of future action as well.

I have already answered the points that have been put in this supplementary question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman still refer to the Russian Government as his Russian friends?

Has any other Department of the Government received representation from the Soviet Government?

China

Inland Navigation Rights

7.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any negotiations are now in progress with regard to the abolition of foreign inland navigation rights in China; and, if so, has he any estimate as to what would be the effect on British trade if this proposal were accepted by the British Government?

British Newspapers (Seizure)

12.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that on 12th and 13th February the local committee of the Kuomintang at Tientsin seized in the post copies of the British daily newspaper published at Tientsin, which had protested against a statement in the local Kuomintang newspaper to the effect that Foreign missionaries engaged in the traffic in drugs and arms; whether he is aware that the mayor of Tientsin, who is chairman of the local Kuomintang committee, professes his inability to control the committee's actions; and whether he will make representations to the Chinese Government with a view to assuring freedom of expression of opinion to the British colony in China?

As I informed the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Wardlaw-Milne) on the 3rd instant, I have instructed His Majesty's Minister to make representations regarding this incident to the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs, but I have not yet received any further report.

Are those proceedings consistent with the declaration of the Chinese Government that British interests in that country will not suffer if extraterritorial rights are relinquished?

If the Foreign Secretary cannot throw any light on this question, will you, Sir, let us have some light?

Codification Of Law (International Conference)

8.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any appointment has yet been made of a woman technical delegate on the British delegation to the International Conference for the Codification of Law which opens at The Hague on the 13th March; and whether he is able to make any statement regarding the attitude of His Majesty's Government on the question of the nationality rights of women married to aliens to be discussed at this conference?

Miss Ivy Williams, D.C.L., LL.D. has been appointed to accompany the Delegation of the United Kingdom as a technical delegate in connection with nationality. With regard to the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are in favour of the principle that a British woman who marries an alien should not lose her nationality without her consent, and the instructions to the Delegation of the United Kingdom have been framed accordingly.

In view of that statement, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to support the Bill introduced unanimously a few days ago, bringing this position into effect?

Royal Navy

Cruisers

13.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the names of the cruisers now in reserve commission?

The following cruisers are now in reserve:

Capetown.Dartmouth.
Cambrian.Calliope.
Constance.Carysfort.
Cleopatra.Caradoc.
Birmingham.Brisbane.
Lowestoft.Adelaide.
The two last named belong to the Royal Australian Navy. I may add that, since my reply of the 5th February (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 1880) to the hon. and gallant Member, "Caradoc," which was then in full commission, has been relieved by "Dauntless," which was at that time paid off for repairs. The number of cruisers in reserve has thus been increased from 11 to 12 and as explained in my reply of the 12th February (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 395), there are now only six cruisers instead of seven paid off for repairs.

Shipbuilding Plant (Maintenance)

15.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any arrangements have been made for the maintenance of the special plant required in Government and private yards for naval construction?

Necessity has not arisen for any special arrangements to be made by the Admiralty for the maintenance of shipbuilding plant either in Government or private yards.

Am I to understand from that reply that the Government contemplate a shipbuilding programme at an early date?

I can add nothing to the answer which I have given on the specific programme. We have maintained in the dockyards a stable position of labour, and we have announced in the Estimates now before the House our general position with regard to construction.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to ensure the maintenance of plant in private dockyards?

There have never been any special steps taken to maintain plant in private shipyards. There have been steps taken to maintain plant for Armaments and the like, but that does not apply to private yards.

Building Programmes (Reduction)

16.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the total tonnage of warship construction which has been cancelled since 1st January, 1928, by each of the five Powers engaged in the Naval Conference?

The figure for the British Empire is approximately 66,000 tons, cancelled by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. No tonnage has been cancelled by the other Powers.

Does it not show the utter futility of making gestures to other Powers who take not the slightest notice?

21.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what the reductions in the 1928–29 and the 1929–30 naval shipbuilding programmes mean in terms of reductions in naval personnel?

These reductions will have no effect on Vote A of 1930, and it is not possible to forecast accurately what the effect will be on the Vote in subsequent years.

China Station

19.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what naval strength is at present maintained in Chinese waters; and how this compares with a year ago?

As the answer is in tabular form, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me in a sentence whether there has been much, if any, reduction?

There has been no reduction of a permanent character. There may be a smaller number of certain auxiliary ships at the moment simply because they are passing through a process of change.

Following is the statement:

The following is a comparison of the naval units on the China station on 1st February, 1929, and 1st; February, 1930:

1st February, 1929.1st February, 1930.
Cruisers65
Aircraft carriers11
Flotilla leaders11
Destroyers88
Submarine depot ships1—
Submarines6—
Sloops44
Despatch vessels11
Submarine tenders11
Gunboats1818
Vessels commissioned for special service3—
5039

There has been no change in policy during the period, and the differences in numbers on the two dates mentioned are due to administrative reasons. The submarine depot ship and submarines are being replaced.

Royal Dockyards (New Work)

20.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will give the particulars of the work which has not previously been assigned to the Royal dockyards, but which is now being done by them?

In addition to the work mentioned in my reply of the 13th November, 1929 (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 2015–18) to the hon. Member, the construction of the hulls of two destroyers has been allocated to His Majesty's dockyard, Portsmouth. This class of work has hitherto been assigned to contractors. In addition, the fishery survey vessel about to be ordered at Chatham is also new work.

Dockyards (Alternative Work)

22.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the idea of obtaining alternative work, outside what has hitherto been the scope, has now been abandoned in respect of His Majesty's dockyards?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on the 4th November last (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 619).

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether this idea has been abandoned, and if it is contemplated giving any work in connection with shipbuilding and ship repairing to the dockyards?

It has certainly not been abandoned. It is a matter which is always under discussion by representatives of labour and the Admiralty, and I have frequently pointed out that there has been no need at present, in order to maintain the stable condition of the dockyards, to undertake much work of that kind, and, as has been seen this afternoon, there is anxiety with regard to other dockyards.

His Majesty's Ship "Conquest"

23.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the date upon which His Majesty's Ship "Conquest" was placed upon the disposal list, and the date upon which the decision was taken to so dispose of her?

His Majesty's Ship "Conquest" was removed from the effective list early in 1929. The decision to place her on the disposal list was made in 1928.

Piracy, Chinese Waters (Guards)

25.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, with regard to the proposal no longer to supply anti-piracy guards for service in British merchant ships in Chinese waters open to piratical attack, he will state the reason for this proposal?

After long and careful consideration of all the relevant factors the late Government in March, 1929, decided to withdraw as from the 1st April, 1930, the guards provided by His Majesty's Forces as there were other more appropriate measures open to the shipping companies for exercising effective control over the passengers by whom the piracies are committed. The date for giving effect to this decision is at present being further considered in the light of proposals which have been made by the shipping companies concerned.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the China Coast Association of British Officers have protested against the withdrawal of these guards, and will he reconsider this matter?

I have already indicated that that point is under consideration, but I would add that the notice which was given by the late Government as far back as March, 1929, did give a pretty adequate opportunity for these companies to make other arrangements.

Does not the retention of a number of cruisers help to stop the piracy in these waters and therefore makes it all the more advisable that there should be these guards?

I think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman had better make himself more acquainted with the conditions.

What are the adequate measures that the right hon. Gentleman thinks are considered possible for the merchant shipping companies to take?

It is impossible to go into details like that this afternoon. They have been discussed at great length by the shipping companies, who are fully in touch with the Government on the matter.

Drafting Regulations

26.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that three Portsmouth chief writers, fifth, twelth, and sixteenth, respectively, in order on the roster for sea service, have been drafted to His Majesty's ships "Dauntless," "Effingham," and "Resource" for foreign service; that this variation of the drafting regulations virtually creates foreign and home sea-service; and if it is intended to apply this principle to all ratings and to amend the drafting regulations accordingly?

The statement in the first part of the question is approximately correct. There has been no variation of the drafting regulations, whereby all ratings receive their fair share of each description of service and from which chief writers are not exempt.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me where the statement is incorrect?

The only way in which there is a slight inaccuracy is that the hon. Member gives the positions as "fifth, twelfth, and sixteenth," and my information is that they are the "tenth, twelfth and sixteenth."

Chatham Dockyard

29.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any and what arrangements have been made to stabilise employment at Chatham Dockyard at its present strength for the next 12 months; and whether any further discharges of workmen are contemplated in the near future?

So far as can be foreseen at the present time, the arrangements already made and likely to be made for work at Chatham Dockyard will have the effect of stabilising employment within narrow limits during 1930. In regard to the latter part of the question, no immediate discharges are contemplated at Chatham, apart from casuals and any adjustments that may be necessary to meet special conditions.

30.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of placing the order for the construction of the contemplated new hospital ship with the Royal Naval Dockyard at Chatham?

No new hospital ship for the Navy is included in the present programme of new construction; but the existing hospital ship "Maine" is now undergoing large repair at Chatham Dockyard.

31.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of placing with the Royal Naval Dockyard at Chatham the order for the manufacturing of the machinery required for the proposed survey ship for the Board of Fisheries; and whether, in the event of the plant at Chatham Dockyard not being suitable for the purpose, he will consider the desirability of laying down suitable plant?

This matter has been given full consideration and it has been decided to obtain the machinery of this vessel by contract; the boilers will be constructed in the dockyard.

Portsmouth Dockyard (Employés)

32.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of men employed in His Majesty's Dockyard, Portsmouth, under all votes, in January, 1930?

Unemployment (Displaced Workers)

14.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any arrangements have been made for suitable employment in appropriate work of the skilled men and others in shipyards, armament works, and elsewhere, who will be discharged owing to the reduced naval construction?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 5th February (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 1892–3) to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood).

Was that reply that the unemployment insurance benefit was left over?

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to ensure that employment is found for these people?

It is not the duty of the Admiralty, as such, to provide employment in private yards and similar works, but the Admiralty has secured that the volume of employment in Government dockyards shall be maintained at the stable position.

Am I to understand that the Government have taken no steps to assist unemployment in private yards caused by their own action?

Certainly not. I would refer the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to the answer which I mentioned just now.

Am I not right in saying that it is a fact that a very large bulk of the building programme for new ships to be constructed has been provided for the Royal Dockyards and none for the private dockyards?

The largest measure of the construction which is to be laid down is in the dockyards, but no one knows better than the hon. and gallant Gentleman that even in this case the bulk of the expenditure involved in the building of these ships, apart from the hulls, is put out to contract.

Transjordan (British Forces)

33.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what amount is now paid by this country under Article 11 of the treaty between Great Britain and the Amir of Transjordan; and when it is expected that the excess cost of the British forces will be borne by the revenues of Transjordan?

The amount for the current financial year is £49,000, made up as follows:

  • £34,000 Transjordan Frontier Force grant-in-aid;
  • £15,000 capital cost of Works in Transjordan.
This is exclusive of the excess cost of the additional British forces now stationed in Palestine and Transjordan as a result of the recent disturbances. I am unable to say when the revenues of Transjordan will be able to meet these charges.

Can the hon. Member say whether the amounts are lower than the previous cost?

34.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what forces are now maintained in Transjordan by Great Britain; and what local forces now exist in that country?

The British military forces in Transjordan at present consist of

  • One Squadron of the Royal Air Force; and
  • One Section of Armoured Cars.
There is also the local Transjordan Frontier Force, of which Great Britain bears one-sixth of the cost. I should explain, however, that the forces in Transjordan and Palestine form one Command and are liable to be moved, as necessity arises, from the one country to the other. There is a local police force in Transjordan, the cost of which is borne by Transjordan revenues.

Can the hon. Member state the proportion of the troops?

Of the total troops in Transjordan and Palestine there are two squadrons of aircraft, four sections of armoured cars, two battalions of British infantry, and the rest are transjordan frontier forces.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how far the Air Force and other forces stationed in Transjordan are required in consequence of the local situation and how far for the British air route between Irak and India?

I understand that the disposition of the forces in Transjordan and Palestine is primarily for the defence of Palestine and the necessities for which the force is there.

Palestine

Commission's Report

35.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in a position to state when the Report of the Com- mission to inquire into the outbreak in Palestine will be published; and whether its publication will be followed by any statement by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain, as the mandatory Power, regarding the causes of the outbreak and the means to be taken to avoid them in future?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Report has not yet been presented. When it is in their hands His Majesty's Government will consider what procedure can most appropriately be adopted in regard to it.

Having regard to the fact that nothing that the Report can say or will not say will affect the ultimate responsibility of His Majesty's Government for the cause of the outbreak, why is the hon. Member not in a position to say when the statement will be made?

I think the Noble Lord is a little unreasonable. We do not know what the Report will say or suggest. It may say that nothing is necessary to be done. It is obvious that we must wait until the Report is in our hands before we can make a statement on it.

How can the hon. Member say that no statement will be necessary, when all the Powers represented at Geneva and also this House are anxious to know what are the views of His Majesty's Government?

I did not say that no statement would be necessary. I said that we must await the receipt of the Report before we know whether or not it is necessary to issue a statement.

Is it necessary for the Government to wait for the Report in connection with the late disturbances? Is it not desirable that the Government should at once consider the appointment of a much larger Commission to go into the whole question of the government of the country?

Jewish Immigrants

42.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the numbers of British and American Jews that emigrated to Palestine since 1920; and the corresponding figures for emigration from Russia, Poland. Rumania, Germany, Hungary, and Austria to Palestine?

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate a statement giving the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the figures:

I am unable to give the figures in the precise form asked for in the question, but the following table shows the proportion in which the various countries of origin contributed towards the total number of 14,922 immigrants (14,683 of them being Jews) who entered Palestine during the period 1st September, 1920 to 31st December, 1921.

Percentage of total immigrants.
per cent.
Poland33
Russia15
Rumania5
Smaller East European States11
Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Dominions3½
Central Asia10
Other Countries22½

As regards the period subsequent to 1921, the figures in respect of the years 1922–1929, so far as they are available, are as follows:

Country of origin.Number of Jewish immigrants.
Great Britain and Dominions974
United States of America2,217
Russia16,796
Poland38,850
Rumania5,555
Germany2,324
Hungary276
Austria1,095

Northern Rhodesia (Administrative Capital)

36.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has been reached in regard to the locality in which the future administrative capital of Northern Rhodesia will be placed?

Can the hon. Member say how much longer it will be before an announcement is made, seeing that eight months have elapsed since it was announced that the locality of the capital was to be changed? Is he aware that considerable injury is being caused to business interests in Northern Rhodesia by the entirely unnecessary delay of the Secretary of State in coming to a decision?

I think the Noble Lord will be aware that the position is this: at the request of the Governor experts were sent from this country—town planning, engineering, and public health experts—to survey possible sites for the new capital. Those experts have not yet reported. We expect their reports soon, and they will be sent to the Governor, and we shall have them, with his recommendation, when they are available. I do not see that any complaint can be made against His Majesty's Government because of the fact that these experts have not yet reported.

Kenya

Native Lands Trust Bill

37.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position with regard to amendments proposed by the Colonial Office to the Native Lands Trust Bill in Kenya Colony; and when it is intended that these proposals shall become law?

I have nothing to add at present to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Sir R. Hamilton) on the 26th February.

Can the hon. Member say when he is likely to be in a position to make a further statement?

My Noble Friend is in communication with the Governor on this subject, and I expect it will be possible to make an announcement shortly?

May we take it that the Government's view of these Amendments will not be changed owing to the action of the Legislative Assembly in Kenya?

I would suggest that my right hon. and gallant Friend should wait a little longer, and we can find that out.

Budget

38.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now make a statement with regard to the reduction in the budget of Kenya Colony in respect of education, medical and public works votes, and the increase in expenditure on the defence force?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 26th of February to a question by the right hon. Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore), of which I am sending him a copy.

Has a full report been received from Kenya, and are the Government in agreement with the proposed changes or not?

We have received full information from Kenya. I have stated, in reply to former questions, that the Governor has been informed that in the opinion of my Noble Friend the proposed increase in the amount for the defence force should be deferred.

Land Sale

44.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any information regarding the public auction at Nairobi, on 31st March next, of 54 farms of Crown land, comprising a total of over 158,000 acres in the Kenya highlands, on leases of 999 years; and whether His Majesty's Government will order the suspension of this sale until a decision, as recommended by the Report of the Commission on Closer Union in Central and Eastern Africa, has been taken on the principles which should govern such sales to non- natives, and also the questions governing the putting into force of the Native Land Trust Ordinance have been settled?

My Noble Friend has telegraphed to the Governor of Kenya for information regarding the auction of farms advertised for the 31st March, but he has not yet had a reply. In the circumstances I am not yet in a position to answer my hon. Friend's inquiry, and I would ask him to repeat the question a week hence.

Kikuyu

50.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to a statement by the Governor of Kenya Colony that his Government was taking steps against those Kikuyu who were giving their allegiance to such associations as the Central Kikuyu Association and that it was strengthening the Native Authority Ordinance so as to stop the collection of money by natives without permission; and whether His Majesty's Government will urge upon the Governor of Kenya the desirability of refraining from such repression of political activity?

My Noble Friend has seen in the Press a report of a statement made by the Governor of Kenya to a gathering of natives at Kyambu. As regards the first part of the question, the Press report seems to indicate that the Government of Kenya only contemplate action against those who commit an offence by wrongfully refusing obedience to the lawful commands of the constituted native authorities. My Noble Friend is not aware of any intention to introduce legislation of the kind suggested in the question, upon which it may be assumed that the Governor would first communicate with the Secretary of State.

West Indies (Sugar Industry)

39.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the purport of the representations he has received from the House of Assembly and legislative council of Barbados concerning the condition of the sugar industry in the British West Indies; and what steps does he propose to take in the matter?

I would invite reference to the reply returned on the 5th March to the hon. Member for Newcastle, North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle), to which I am not at present in a position to add anything.

May I ask whether the hon. Member recalls the fact that that answer did not give the purport of the representations, and, in the second place, did not tell us what steps it is proposed to take in the matter. Seeing the desperate condition to which the West Indies are now reduced, may I ask whether it is not possible to do something in the way of increasing the preference?

There are a number of other questions on this matter, to which I am to reply later. May I say that these representations from Barbadoes said, in the first place, that the attention of the late Government was called to the condition of affairs in the West Indian Colonies, in January of last year, and it was suggested to them that an increase should be made in the preference. The late Government did nothing. In July of last year representations were made to the present Government. They have appointed a Commission to go carefully into the matter. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"] I am glad that hon. Members approve of that. The Commission has reported, and its report is now being considered. I can assure hon. Members that the interests of the West Indian Colonies, like those of the rest of the Empire, are safe with the present Government.

Will the hon. Member tell us when the Government will come to a decision?

51.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Report of the West Indies Sugar Commission will be published?

52.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, owing to the fact that the expenses of the Olivier Sugar Commission have been borne by the West Indian Governments, he will accede to their request that its Report should be at once published?

53.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the condition of the staple industry of the British West Indian Colonies and the fact that those Colonies are paying the cost of the Olivier Commission of Inquiry, he will yield to the desire of the Colonies that the facts disclosed in that respect should be no longer withheld from the public?

My Noble Friend is aware of the gravity of the situation and the natural anxiety of all concerned to know the outcome of the Government's consideration of the very difficult problems which it involves, but he is not yet in a position to authorise me to add anything to what he (has already stated in another place on this subject.

I do not think I have ever stated that the Report should not be published. What I have said is that the Report is at present being considered and in due course will be published.

May I ask whether the hon. Member has noticed that the tragic seriousness of the position is emphasised in a letter in the "Times" this morning? May I also ask whether it is not the fact that the sole reason why the Report is not published is because it offends the fiscal gods before whom the Chancellor of the Exchequer would sacrifice the interests of the West Indies?

Is not the fact that the expenses of this Commission are being borne by the West Indies Government a good reason why this Report should at once be published, although it may be inconvenient to Ministers in this country?

I do not think the Report is not being published because it is inconvenient to Ministers. As I have said, this is an important Report and requires a good deal of consideration. I would point out that, while it is quite rightly described as an urgent matter, it is not a new one. In January of last year the late Government were unable to make any response.

Will the hon. Member undertake that the Report will be published in ample time for it to be considered by hon. Members of the House before the Budget is opened on 14th April?

I shall be happy to represent what the right hon. Gentleman says to my Noble Friend.

Has not Lord Olivier made it perfectly plain what is in this Report, and that it can be deduced from his speeches that the only objection to publication comes from the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

I am not responsible for the deductions which hon. and right hon. Members opposite draw.

Has not the situation been greatly aggravated since the first period of which the hon. Member spoke by the announcement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer as to the probable action of the Government with regard to the Sugar Duties?

Iraq (Railway Officials)

43.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any negotiations are taking place with the Iraq Government with regard to the claims of the Iraq railway officials?

May I ask whether any agreement is going to be come to during the lifetime of this Commission?

Yes, in my answer I have said that negotiations are at present being actively pursued.

Is my hon. Friend aware that that is similar to the answer he gave me some little time ago. May I ask him whether our representative in Iraq is having kept before him the desirability of bringing these negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion?

Yes, Sir. The High Commissioner is very actively engaged in this matter and is hoping to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. The hon. Member will understand that it is difficult for me in the midst of these negotiations to give a more definite answer than I have given.

Factories Bill

45.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to give facilities this Session for the Factories Bill?

I regret that in the present state of public business I am unable to say when this Bill can be introduced.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Factories Bill is far more important to the people of this country than the Trade Disputes Bill?

London Naval Conference

46.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now make a further statement as to the progress of the Naval Conference?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on Monday last to a question by the hon. Member for East Willesden (Mr. D. G. Somerville) to which I have nothing to add at the present time.

Arising out of the reply given on Monday, will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the Prime Minister the very generally expressed opinion that no agreement is better than a partial one between the oceanic Powers?

May I ask whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer will consider making a statement before the Navy Estimates are discussed, which must be on some date before the 31st of March. Is he aware also that it is perfectly open for any hon. Member of this House, and would be within the Rules of Order, to raise a number of questions which are at present under review by the Conference, and, unless there is a statement by the Prime Minister, there might be unfortunate and embarrassing results.

I will convey to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister what the Noble Lord has said.

49.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any resolutions from bodies representing different sections of public opinion urging a further reduction of cruisers and the total abolition of battleships and submarines?

May I ask whether the action of the Government at the Naval Conference is in any way influenced by such representations?

International Labour Conference

48.

asked the Prime Minister if it is intended to send a woman as a fully accredited delegate to the International Labour Organisation Conference at Geneva this spring?

I cannot yet say what the final arrangements will be but I anticipate that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour will be one of the Delegates.

Straits Settlements And Malay States (Kuo Min Tang)

57.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now make any further statement as to the action of the Governor of the Straits Settlements and the High Commissioner for the Malay States in suppressing the activities of the local Kuo Min Tang; and whether, in view of the importance of the Chinese community in the Colonies, it is proposed to revoke this action?

My hon. and gallant Friend no doubt understands that in Malaya the society has for some years not been accorded recognition. My Noble Friend is communicating with the Governor on the subject, and pending the receipt of a despatch I am unable to reply more fully.

Will my hon. Friend kindly let me know when he is in a position to make a further statement?

Do we understand that the Government are putting pressure on the local Government to refrain them from putting an end to the mischievous actions of this Communist organisation?

Will the hon. Member make himself acquainted with the manner in which this association has been directly supported by the Bolshevist Government?

Gambia (Industkial Dispute)

59.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, during the recent industrial dispute in the Gambia, the Government permitted the use of a school building for a meeting of the shipowners' association while refusing similar facilities to the Bathurst trade union; and whether he will give instructions that such differential treatment be avoided in future?

My Noble Friend has not received any information on the allegation in question, but will inquire, So far as I am aware the school buildings in Bathurst are small and would not be suitable for a mass meeting.

Empire Marketing Board (Cinematograph Officer)

60.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can state the total emoluments of the cinematograph officer on the staff of the Empire Marketing Board; what this officer's present duties are; and whether there is any special term of contract under which he is employed?

The cinema officer employed under the Empire Marketing Board receives an inclusive salary of £1,250 per annum. His duties are to supervise the Board's activities in the field of cinema, including the production of any films which the Board may require for publicity purposes. His terms of employment include a special provision whereby he would receive a small percentage of any net profits of films made under his direction.

Can my hon. Friend say whether this gentleman had any previous experience of the cinematograph industry?

Aviation

Air Services (Irish Free State)

63.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether seeing the need for the establishment of an air service between London and the Irish Free State, he will communicate with the Free State Government and see whether an agreement can be arrived at between the two countries for the establishment of such a service?

My Noble Friend is fully in sympathy with the object, as I understand it, which the hon. and gallant Member has in view, but it does not appear that the circumstances are such as would justify any representations at the present time to His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State. The establishment of an air service between London and the Irish Free State would naturally be a matter of private enterprise, and any discussion between the two Governments, to be practical, should have reference to concrete proposals which had been put forward. No such proposals have been received by the Air Ministry.

As it is so very desirable, could the hon. Gentleman not make representations to Imperial Airways with a view to having all these lines to central Europe and other countries?

Is it quite right to say that it is a matter only of private enterprise when we subsidise these air lines?

Is it not a fact that one of the difficulties in the way is that the Irish Free State has not provided any aerodromes?

Airships R 100 And R 101

64.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he can now state when the Airship R 100 is to make her first commercial flight?

No arrangements for commercial flights by R 100 have yet been considered, but it is expected that she will make an experimental flight to Canada towards the end of May.

Will Members of Parliament have an opportunity of taking part in the flight?

Would it not be better to be quite frank with the public and tell them that neither of these airships will be of any value for commercial purposes?

65.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he intends to arrange for a flight for Members of Parliament in the R100 or the R101; and, if so, when?

My Noble Friend hopes that it will be possible to arrange for a flight or flights, but both airships will be in their sheds for a little time to come and it is inadvisable to make any arrangements for the present.

Is the hon. Member aware that there are many Members of this House who are not likely to vote any more money for airships until they have been taken for a successful flight?

Transport

London Traffic (Elephant And Castle)

67.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in the negotiations for the construction of a by-pass road for the Elephant and Castle?

The negotiations in connection with the proposed improvement at the Elephant and Castle are proceeding, but I am unable to make any statement in the matter as the merits of the several schemes which have been prepared are still under examination.

If I put a question on the Paper in a fortnight's time, will my hon. Friend be able to give an answer?

Road Surfaces (Anti-Skidding)

68.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department has recently carried out any experiments with regard to road surfaces, with special reference to anti-skidding materials to be used as a top dressing; and, if so, whether he will tell the House the results of such experiments and upon what roads a practical trial will be extended to them?

Tests are being carried out in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory on the resistance to skidding exerted by various road surfaces and an interim report will be published in due course. It is also intended to make arrangements for the laying down of test sections of various types of surfacing materials. Their location, however, has net yet been determined.

When these surfaces are laid down will the House be informed, so that we can take part in the experiment?

If hon. Members who are interested will communicate with me, I will see what arrangements can be made.

Would the Minister say whether any experiments are being carried out in connection with horse driving, so as to prevent horses from slipping?

Railway Passenger Service, Brentwood

71.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the overcrowding on the 1.3 train from Liverpool Street to Brentwood on Saturdays; and whether he will make representations to the London and North Eastern Railway Company to increase the inadequate service?

My attention has recently been called to this matter. I am in communication with the railway company thereon and will let the hon. Member know the result.

Will the Minister at the same time take into consideration the fact that there are other trains besides the 1.3 going to other stations as well as Brentwood? [Interruption.]

Automatic Traffic Signals

72 and 73.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is aware that satisfactory automatic traffic-control signals are now being manufactured in this country, and have been on show at the recent trade exhibitions at Newcastle-on-Tyne, Cardiff, and the British Industries Fair at Birmingham; and what steps he is taking to secure their adoption by local authorities;

(2) what percentage grant is given to local authorities for the erection of automatic traffic-control signals; and if the grant is dependent on the use of British manufactured signals only?

I am aware that automatic traffic control signals are now being manufactured in this country. Grants of 60 per cent. are made to local authorities for the erection of signals of this nature which conform with the requirements of the Ministry. I caused a circular to be issued to local authorities on 13th September last, setting out these requirements, and British manufacturers are no doubt acquainted with the terms of the circular. While it is not made a condition of the grant, every effort will be made to encourage the use of British apparatus. It is true that the apparatus to be used in Oxford Street is of American manufacture. This experimental installation however presented exceptional difficulties and it was necessary to make use of the services of a firm with a wide experience in the construction of complicated systems of light signals. I have every reason to hope that in the case of future installations the necessary apparatus will be manufactured in this country.

Wylam Bridge, Northumberland (Tolls)

75.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the residents of the larger houses in Wylam, Northumberland, are free of charge when crossing Wylam Bridge, but that a working man is charged each time he crosses this bridge; and if he can take further action to free this bridge from tolls?