asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any representations from the Roman Catholic Church in regard to the question of religious liberty in Russia?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet urged upon the Soviet Ambassador the rights of British claimants upon the Soviet Government and pressed for a recognition and settlement of the debts due to them?

Yes, Sir; and the object of the negotiations now proceeding is to agree upon a suitable machinery for the consideration of these claims.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement on the matter before we adjourn for Easter?

My right hon. Friend replied a few days ago to a question on that subject. My right hon. Friend is hopeful that he may be able to make a statement when the present stage of the negotiations has been completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider taking any steps to assist those British creditors who, as a result of the Soviet confiscation and repudiation of their property, have no means of subsistence pending the settlement of their claims?

As the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, His Majesty's Government have no funds available for assisting the particular British claimants to whom he refers. But they will naturally bear hard cases in mind in the course of negotiations with the Soviet Government.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these creditors are extremely poor and suffering, that they are without any means, and will he bear that fact in mind in any negotiations?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that it is 11 years since the Soviet decrees of repudiation and confiscation of property belonging to British subjects were enforced, whether the Foreign Office have taken any steps to keep the claims of British citizens now lodged with the Foreign Office up to date?

Claims against Russia, including those formerly lodged with the Foreign Claims Branch of the Foreign Office, are registered with the Russian Claims Department of the Board of Trade. The register of the Department has remained open for any revision of claims by the claimants that may be required.

In view of the settlement of some of these claims in the near future, has anything been done to keep these claims up-to-date?

So far as the Department is concerned, the register has been kept, and nothing more can be done.

Is it not a fact that none of the claims have been verified or examined by the Department?

I cannot say that without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the question of circulating full details of the claims made against the Russian Government by or through his Department in respect of outstanding debts and other matters?

No, Sir. There are some 50,000 claims by 35,000 British claimants registered at the Board of Trade, and this alone would render the course suggested by my hon. Friend impracticable.

Can the hon. Gentleman agree, if not to give the details, to give the total amount of the claims?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a question.

Has the hon. Member put in a claim with regard to the plate that disappeared from the Embassy? Surely this is one of the claims to be put forward.

Answer!

That question has been dealt with by my right hon. Friend on several occasions, and I have nothing to add to what he has said.

Is any claim being made for the £9,900 paid by the Foreign Office to a Russian subject instead of £100? Is there anything doing that way?

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the estimated cost of the work on the British Embassy at Moscow and to whom it has been entrusted; how much of the estimate represents wages and how much is in respect of material and other items; whether the wages of the men employed for the purpose will be paid direct, and, if not, by whom; if he will say what classes of workers will be employed; and what wages they will receive expressed in terms of English currency?

Negotiations for the lease of the new Embassy at Moscow are still in progress, and although the necessary adaptations have been estimated roughly at £10,000, detailed plans for the work and method of execution have still to be settled. It is not possible, therefore, to give specific answers to the remaining points in the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the prices that are paid for labour in this country, and will he be able to let us know later the wages paid in Moscow; if I put down a question on these lines, can he give me any idea when I can get the information?

I cannot give any idea because I have not any idea myself, but as soon as possible I will give the hon. and gallant Baronet the information.

Is there a strong room for valuables?

I think that there is quite as good a one as there is in Grosvenor Square.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he could get it for nothing, as he is dealing with his particular friends?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now anything further to report as to the efforts of His Majesty's representative in Ecuador to defend the interests of British holders of securities upon which the government of Ecuador has defaulted on its obligation?

No, Sir. The Agent of the British bondholders left Ecuador on the 9th of March for this country in order to discuss the situation with the Council of Foreign Bondholders, and pending his arrival there is nothing further to report.

When he does arrive, will the Foreign Office do anything or give the same sort of answer as before?

When he does arrive, if he desires to call at the Foreign Office, we shall be delighted to see him.

But, apart from that, is it not about time that the Foreign Office took the initiative in at least one matter of foreign affairs?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position at Yuanchow, Kiangsi; whether he has official Confirmation that the Rev. and Mrs. R. W. Porteous, British missionaries, have been captured by Communist bandits; and what is the latest information he has concerning them?

The town of Yuanchow, in Kiangsi, has been captured by brigands. The reported capture of the two British missionaries named in the question has been officially confirmed by His Majesty's Minister to China, and urgent representations are being made by him to the central and local Chinese authorities.

Is there any ground for believing that these particular bandits are Communist bandits?

Are they not all bandits?

We have no information as to the precise brand of brigand.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the present position of the negotiations concerning extra-territoriality in China; and what is now the position of British subjects in China in relation thereto?

The negotiations on this subject are still proceeding. As stated in answer to the hon. Member for Willesden East (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on the 5th of February, British subjects remain in full enjoyment of their treaty rights until such time as the treaties now in force may have been modified by mutual consent.

May I take it that the Foreign Secretary is having special regard to the present disturbed conditions in China, before he makes any arrangement in the matter?

We have great confidence in our own representative on the spot, and he will no doubt keep us advised on all aspects of the matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, although that may be the case, no one has any confidence in the Government?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the reason why the question of the right of search and capture of private property at sea is not to be raised during the Naval Conference?

It was mutually agreed during the informal discussions of last year between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States that the question of rights and immunities at sea should not form part of the agenda of the London Naval Conference.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, though this may have been agreed between ourselves and one of the other participants, at least one Government has formally raised this matter in a published document?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in addition to the limitation of tonnage in aircraft carriers by the Naval Conference, any limitation of naval aircraft is contemplated; and whether the number of naval aircraft possessed by the Powers concerned will be taken into consideration in settling their relative strengths?

Limitation of tonnage in aircraft carriers automatically limits the number of carrier-borne aircraft that can be employed. No limitation of shore-based aircraft is contemplated at the present Conference, but the number of naval aircraft possessed by the Powers concerned is borne in mind by the Admiralty.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the preponderance of some countries in aircraft that can fly off from catapults, and will that fact be borne in mind at the Conference?

All those matters are receiving the attention of the Admiralty.

asked the Prime Minister whether any extensions of existing commitments for Great Britain, either in the Mediterranean or elsewhere, have now been contemplated or discussed in connection with the present Naval Conference?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which the Prime Minister returned yesterday to questions on this subject by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) and the hon. Members for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs) and Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha), to which he has nothing to add.

Would it be convenient for my right hon. Friend to say whether this answer covers the proposals for a consultative Pact?

The Prime Minister said in the answer which I have just given that he has nothing at all to add to what he said yesterday.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the newspaper reports in the "Times" to-day of what is to be done are correct, and, if so, why this House is not informed, instead of the newspaper Press?

Would the Government consider the laying of papers so that the House may be informed exactly what is or has been proposed?

I am not aware of the existence of any papers on the subject, but, of course, that is a question which would have to be decided by the Prime Minister.

asked the Prime Minister whether any amendment or interpretation of Article XVI of the Covenant is at present under consideration by any of the delegations at the Five-Power Naval Conference; and, if so, whether he will refuse to consent to any modification of that article, which is calculated to increase the British Empire's present commitments or responsibilities?

The interpretation of Article XVI of the Covenant is under consideration, but no proposal for its amendment has been made. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member of the statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday that His Majesty's Government have no intention of entering into any commitments which go beyond the obligations resulting from the Covenant of the League of Nations and the Treaty of Locarno.

Does that reply refer to the Covenant as it is or to the Covenant as it may become when it has been modified?

The first part of the reply that I have just given says that there is no proposal under consideration for the amendment of the Covenant. Therefore, my right hon. and gallant Friend's question does not arise.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain exactly what he means by the last answer? Has there not been a committee sitting at Geneva, on which Lord Cecil has been representing the British Government, for the purpose of considering the amendment of the Covenant? Does his answer refer to the Covenant as it stands or to the Covenant as it would be amended if the recommendations of that committee were accepted?

No. I gather that these questions refer only to any conversations that may be going on in London at the present time, and, of course, that does not in any way prejudice discussions that may be going on in the League of Nations for the amendment of the Covenant.

Are we to understand that at present discussions are proceeding as to the interpretation of Article XVI apart from the work being done by Lord Cecil?

Yes. The answer was that the interpretation of the Covenant is under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there cannot be any interpretation which is not a commitment?

I am sorry to press my right hon. Friend on this matter, but is he in a position to say that no question of limitations by other Powers will depend on the interpretation which we put on Article XVI?

Really, I think the House will realise that I am not in a position to give an answer of that kind. I am not a party to the conversations which are going on now among the delegates to the Naval Conference, and therefore I am not in a position to give an answer.

Is my right hon. Friend aware, that while I have no desire to press him—

Further questions had better be put on the Paper.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Co-operative Wholesale Society have tendered for the supply of jam to the Navy; and whether such tender has been accepted?

The answer to the question is in the negative.

Is my hon. Friend prepared to substitute co-operative sauce in the Navy in place of the present H.P.?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will take steps to allow men serving in the Navy to absent themselves from compulsory religious services or to accept alternative duties if they profess to hold no religious convictions?

This is already provided for by the King's Regulations.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Government to continue grants to naval units of cadet corps?

This matter is under consideration.

When this matter is considered will my hon. Friend bear in mind that a great many of these naval cadets go into the merchant service and the fishing fleets for sea training?

All those matters will be taken into consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to hold a naval welfare conference in the coming months; and, if so, whether he will state the subjects which it is permitted to form the subject of discussion at such a conference?

The Naval Welfare Conferences are now in progress and I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Admiralty Fleet Order which will provide all the information required.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether any reports have been received recently as to the conditions of labour at Singapore; and what are the wage rates operating for general labour, the hours worked in a normal week, and the provisions made for dealing with employés injured at work?

Reports are received by the Admiralty from time to time as occasion arises regarding questions affecting the conditions of labour at Singapore. The wages paid by the Admiralty to locally-entered labour are as follow:

For labourers: From 70 to 85 cents a day.

For mechanics: From $1.25 to $3.00 a day.

Free quarters are also provided.

The normal working week of the establishment is 48 hours. The Workmen's Compensation Act does not apply to His Majesty's Naval Establishments abroad; but hurt pay and compensation for injuries are payable at Singapore in the same way as at other Naval Establishments abroad.

Does my hon. Friend feel quite satisfied with the conditions operating there; and, further, does he not consider that the time has arrived for investigation into what is taking place at Singapore?

I know that my hon. Friend is very interested in conditions of labour at Singapore, and I shall be quite prepared to meet him at any time to go into all these questions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can now state what steps are being taken to ensure that hired employés of long service in His Majesty's dockyards shall have pensions on retirement; and if he can give the nature of the scheme?

The Superannuation Acts, which apply to civil servants generally, provide for the award of gratuities in accordance with their service to hired employés discharged for age, infirmity or on reduction, but there is no provision in these Acts for the award of pensions to hired employés, neither is any such pension scheme under consideration by the Admiralty.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the question is based on phraseology recently approved by the First Lord, and cannot my hon. Friend say whether or not it is the intention of the Government to improve the scheme so that all employés of long service may get pensions?

I can add nothing to the reply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any recent reports of inter-tribal raiding on the Transjordan-Nejd frontier; and can he give particulars?

Recent reports indicate that there has been some recrudescence of raiding in the area mentioned in the question; but the reports are conflicting in character, and I am not in a position to give particulars. The question is under discussion with the Hejaz and Nejd Government.

Can my hon. Friend say when the last report was received?

We have received a number of reports, but I could not give the exact date.

Was the question of these particular raids discussed at the conference between King Feisal and Ibn Saud?

I require notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give to the House as to the introduction into the Ceylon legislature of the Bill referred to by the governor of Ceylon, as in contemplation, for limiting the evils attending the transfer for payment of children as domestic servants by a section of the population in the island?

The Governor of Ceylon reported quite recently that a draft Bill had been prepared dealing with the question of the protection of children, but that it had been found to be unsuitable in some respects and was being revised in the light of suggestions made by the Ceylon Child Protection Society. I hope that the introduction of the Bill in the Legislative Council will not be long delayed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any communications have been received from the Moslem community in Cyprus in relation to the memorial presented to the Government by the recent delegation from Cyprus?

Yes, Sir. In September last a memorial was received from the Turkish members of the Legislative Council on behalf of the Moslem Community protesting against the terms of the memorial presented to the Secretary of State by the recent delegation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies who are the members of the licensing board in Nassau; and the present number of licences for saloons and barges, respectively, in Bimini as compared with the respective number 10 years ago?

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

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what is the connection between "saloons" and "barges"?

No, Sir. I would require notice of that question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that licences have been granted both for saloons and barges, and that the suggestion has been made that these barges have been used for the illegal importation of liquor into the territory of a friendly State?

Of course, I am aware of what the hon. Member has in mind, but I can assure him that both the local Government and His Majesty's Government are doing all that they can in the direction of preventing it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now give any information as to the publication of the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the recent outbreaks in Palestine and as to the publication of the evidence given before such Committee?

As the hon. and gallant Member is now aware, the evidence which is very voluminous will be published in due course, omitting that taken in camera; but I am not in a position to give any date.

Will the evidence be published in ample time before any discussion takes place in this House; and have steps been taken to ensure that all the material placed before the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations will also be available for the British public?

It is very difficult for me to give a positive reply to that question. As the hon. Member is aware, the amount of evidence is very large, and it will require careful indexing, which always takes a lot of time. I can hardly say that it will be published before any discussion in the House, but that is a matter which probably might be mentioned to-morrow.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the increase in the letter postage rates from Palestine to Great Britain is still in force or not, and what are the present rates on internal letters in Palestine; what additional revenue the Palestine authorities estimated would accrue in a year by the increase, and what they did actually receive in this period; and whether, if the increase is still in existence, it is proposed to remove it and, if so, when?

As from 1st April, 1930, the Palestine Government reverted to the postal rates in force for letters to Great Britain and Northern Ireland prior to March, 1929. When the temporary increase came into force it was estimated that the additional revenue would be at the rate of £2,000 annually. The actual receipts were a little over £1,500, in addition to the revenue obtained from letters sent by members of the British garrison, of which I have no particulars. The rates at present in force for inland letters are:

Five mils for first 20 grammes.

Three mils for each additional 20 grammes or part thereof.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can make any statement as to the present position in Jerusalem?

My Noble Friend has received no report indicating that the position at Jerusalem calls for special comment at the present moment.

Has the hon. Gentleman received a report recently as to whether the special restrictions and regulations which were put in force as a result of the troubles there last year are still in force?

We have received no report of that kind. As far as I am aware they are still in force.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the nature of the replies to the communication from the Government announcing their policy in respect of the West Indian sugar industry; and whether any further communications have been made by the Government in response to these replies?

A telegram has just been received from the Governor of the Leeward Islands conveying the text of a resolution from the Antigua Agricultural Society and unofficial members of the Executive Council. The resolution states that the society and unofficial members heartily support the summarised recommendations of the West Indian Sugar Commissioners as being a solution of the sugar problem if given immediate effect, and urges that to prevent distress and destruction of the sugar industry, expenditure by His Majesty's Government in giving effect to the Commissioners' recommendations is reasonable. No reply has yet been returned.

Is it not a fact that all the islands have now rejected the proposals put forward by the Government with regard to the sugar industry; and do the Government propose to adhere to their original intention of doing absolutely nothing for the industry?

I am sorry that I have nothing to add to the statement which I made a few days ago.

Do the replies of the hon. Gentleman really mean that the policy of the Government is to destroy the sugar industry of the West Indies?

No, Sir.

Is that the only reply which has been received?

That is the only reply so far received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any of the improved seedling varieties of sugar cane raised in the West Indies and now in cultivation have been produced in Government establishments?

The majority of the seedling varieties of sugar-cane under commercial cultivation in the West Indian Colonies have been raised by Government Departments of Agriculture, notably those of Barbados and British Guiana. A very large number of seedling varieties, similarly raised by Government establishments, are also under experimental test both on Government experiment stations and on trial plots on estates. A number of seedling varieties of sugar-canes have also been raised upon sugar estates independent of Government institutions, especially in British Guiana, and a small number of such seedlings have possessed commercial possibilities and are being grown on small areas in some sugar-growing Colonies. There have also been introductions by Departments of Agriculture from other cane-growing countries of canes which have been reported upon favourably. A small number of Java seedlings so introduced recently are now under experimental trial in Barbados, Antigua, Trinidad and Jamaica.

Would the hon. Member tell us the name of the best variety, and who originally raised it?

One of the best varieties is Barbados B.H. 10–12, which was produced by the Barbados Department of Agriculture, and the standard variety in British Guiana is D. 625.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us the parents of that particular variety? I would like to know whether on one side there is not rather a weakness.

I think I have given as much information as the hon. Member can assimilate this afternoon.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received any information from the Governor of the Gambia Colony as to the different treatment awarded by the Government during the recent industrial dispute, to the shipowners' Association and the Bathurst Trade Union, as regards permission to use school premises for meetings?

There has not been time yet for a reply to be received, as the next mail after the hon. Member's previous question left England on 21st March, and has only just reached Bathurst.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the statement by the Governor of Kenya Colony to the Kikuyu chiefs, in which he strongly supported the prohibition of certain dances and songs among the Kikuyu; and whether this prohibition has the approval of His Majesty's Government?

Yes, Sir; but, as stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 26th March, further information is expected from the Governor of Kenya. From a preliminary telegraphic report it is understood that the prohibition relates to seditious songs and dances of an indecent nature. My Noble Friend naturally supports the local authorities in any proper steps they may take in the interests of public decency and order consistently with the preservation of legitimate freedom of speech and freedom of association.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a certain amount of apprehension exists among the settlers in regard to any interference with these customs; and will he take that fact into consideration?

I am sorry, but I did not hear the question of the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that many political songs in this country might be considered both seditious and indecent by the other side?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether, and, if so, in what manner, the Colony of Southern Rhodesia will be represented this year at the Colonial Office Conference, the Imperial Conference, or the Imperial Economic Conference; (2) whether, and, if so, in what manner, the Protectorates of Bechuanaland, Basutoland, and Swaziland will be represented this year at the Colonial Office Conference, the Imperial Conference, or the Imperial Economic Conference?

All the points which the hon. Member raises are under consideration, but I am not able to make any statement at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to the House to consider the agenda proposed by the Government for discussion at the forthcoming Imperial Conference?

Until consultation with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions regarding the agenda for the Imperial Conference is further advanced, it would be premature to make any statement, but the Prime Minister hopes that he may be able to give the House information as to the agenda later on.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the subject to which I referred last week and which he described as a stunt will be considered?

I have nothing to add to what I said in regard to the stunt last week.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if it is intended to provide facilities for Members of Parliament to view some of the important films under the control of the Empire Marketing Board?

In pursuance of the promise which I gave in reply to a question by the hon. Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) on 20th March, arrangements have now been made for a short private display of Empire Marketing Board films to Members of Parliament in the New Gallery Cinema at 11 a.m. on Thursday, 10th April. Tickets of admission have already been sent to Members of the House.

Are these films classified for quota under the Cinematograph Films Act?

I require notice of that question.

Will this performance be over before the vote on the suspension of the Eleven o'Clock Rule?

The performance only lasts about an hour.

Are any fees received by the Colonial Office or the Empire Marketing Board?

I must ask the hon. Member to put down that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to extend the operations of the Empire Marketing Board so as to cover the popularisation of British products in the Dominions and Colonies?

The extension suggested would lie outside the purposes for which the Empire Marketing Fund was provided.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will publish a White Paper showing what his Department is doing, has done, or proposes to do to put into operation on its own initiative the recommendations contained in the Report of Lord D'Abernon's mission to South America; and will he issue the White Paper in two parts, one dealing with the Department's action upon recommendations as to the Argentine trade and the other as to Brazilian trade?

I am meeting Lord D'Abernon and members of his mission to-morrow, in order to discuss the recommendations of his Report, in so far as they affect my Department. I do not at present propose to issue a White Paper, as suggested by the hon. Member.

Will the hon. Gentleman, therefore, make a full statement as to what he has done to give effect to the recommendations of the Report after he has seen Lord D'Abernon, and when his Vote comes up before the House?

I shall certainly be prepared to do that if it is the desire of the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs who are the members of the Imperial Economic Committee; on how many occasions has the Committee met since March, 1929; what subjects have been under its consideration; and what action has been taken in respect of its recommendations since that date?

As the answer is a long one and contains a list of names and many particulars, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an indication to the House now as to whether this Committee has met at all, and, if so, how often it has met and what useful purpose it serves?

The hon. Member will see from the reply that there have been 49 meetings of the Committee and sub-committees since 1st April, 1929,

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether there is any arrangement between the bands of the Royal Air Force and the Performing Right Society for permission to play copyright music either during their ordinary duties or at social engagements; and will he give particulars?

Yes, Sir; I am informed that both the Royal Air Force Central Band and the Royal Air Force College Band have an arrangement of this nature with the Performing Right Society, but the matter is one between the bands and the Society, and the Air Ministry is not officially concerned.

Cannot my hon. Friend find out what are the fees that have to be paid to the Society?

I have already said that the Air Ministry are not officially concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if any further attempts on the world speed record are to be made with the Super-marine S 6 or Gloster-Napier seaplanes; and, if not, for what purpose it is intended to use these aircraft?

The answer to the first part of the question is that no further attempts on the world speed record are at present contemplated, and to the second, that the high speech aircraft are being used for research purposes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his decision as to the loan of high-speed aircraft for the Schneider trophy applies to the machines already in existence and used on the occasion of the last contest in September, 1929, or whether it means merely that the Air Ministry is not prepared to pay for the construction of further high-speed aircraft with a view to their subsequent loan?

My statement on Air Estimates was intended to apply to the proposal that the Air Ministry should undertake the construction and loan of new machines, expenditure on which is not considered justifiable in present circumstances. When the current programme of experimental high-speed flying is completed, however, my Noble Friend will be prepared to consider sympathetically any proposals which may be put forward for lending the machines which are already in existence, provided the cost of any necessary modifications to them is borne by private enterprise, in accordance with the declared policy of His Majesty's Government.

May I ask whether the insurance would have to be borne by any private firm?

I should imagine that would be the case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will consider the possibility of arranging for flying instruction to be given to civilians who are proposing to enter the Royal Air Force through the medium of light aeroplane clubs instead of the existing schools, seeing that this would result in substantial economies in addition to assisting the extension of these clubs?

My Noble Friend is anxious to make the fullest use of the light aeroplane clubs, and they do already serve a very useful purpose in training possible candidates for entry into the Reserve of Air Force Officers and the Auxiliary Air Force. The standard of knowledge demanded of regular officers of the Royal Air Force is, however, much higher than that which the clubs could reasonably be expected to attain. In order to train up to that standard, which includes much more than the mere ability to fly, the clubs would need to provide themselves with aircraft of varying types and other equipment on the same scale as the flying training schools of the Royal Air Force, and would require a staff of specialised instructors in tactics, armament, and the other technical subjects studied in the Service.

Would it not be practicable to train the pilots up to a certain point, and then pass them on for further work?

I think my answer indicates that the light aeroplane clubs serve a useful purpose in training men for entry into the Reserve.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire light aeroplane clubs have both been approved for subsidy from 1st April?

Applications for approval from the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire light aeroplane clubs for subsidy have been received and are under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if the £10 grant for each licensed pilot will be given annually to the Approved Light Aeroplane Club or only once on the pilot obtaining a licence?

A £10 grant will be paid to the club in respect of every pilot's licence issued or renewed for a member, subject to the conditions laid down in the agreement with the club being satisfied; consequently, subject to those conditions, if a pilot renews his licence each year, the grant is annual.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to place the Scottish Department of the Office of Works under the control of the Secretary of State for Scotland?

Before any such change as that suggested in my hon. Friend's question is considered, it would appear to be desirable to await the result of any inquiry into Scottish Administration which may be held on the lines of the statement which the Prime Minister made during the Debate on the Address in July last. His observations on the subject of such an inquiry will be found in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 10th July, 1929, columns 931–934.

asked the Prime Minister if he will afford facilities for the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act (1924) Amendment Bill this Session?

I am afraid that the pressure of public business is such that the answer must be in the negative.

Are we to understand that the Government oppose this Bill?

Oh, no. The hon. and gallant Member must not do anything of the sort. The answer simply says that it is a question of want of time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Bill is not opposed on this side of the House, and that therefore, unless the Government side oppose it, it would not take five minutes to go through?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any information why the last Government did not interfere with the 1924 Act themselves?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the complaints as to the condition of those parts of the main roads in Devon and Cornwall which form part of the bridges over the railways; and if he proposes to take any action in relation thereto?

Complaints of this nature have, from time to time, been brought to my notice. In cases where a road over a railway bridge is maintainable by a railway company it is open to the highway authority or the company to apply to me for an Order under the Bridges Act, 1929, transferring the liability for maintenance of the road to the highway authority, and I have under consideration at the present time an application for such an Order by the Great Western Railway Company in respect of seven bridges in the County of Cornwall.

Can the hon. Member state how soon he will be able to give a decision on the application before him?

No, I am afraid I could not say that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the advisability of encouraging loop lines in tramways in order that passengers may be embarked and disembarked near the pavement, thus avoiding traffic congestion and lessening public danger?

I am advised that any general construction of loop lines on tramways to enable passengers to be taken up or set down near the pavement would be likely to have the effect of increasing traffic congestion and to be a source of danger to other users of the road.

Is my hon. Friend aware of any area where these loop lines are in operation?

No, not on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

Has it not been a fundamental policy of those responsible for tramway accommodation to see that there is always at least the usual 9 feet 6 inches for the purpose of avoiding any accidents?

I would not say that it has been the universal policy, but certainly it is thought desirable.

asked the Minister of Transport how many miles of roads were classified Class I and Class II, respectively, for the first time in 1929, distinguishing between those roads which were previously unclassified and those whose classification was altered from Class II to Class I, or vice versa?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.