asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the present position with regard to the dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay; and whether agreement has now been reached respecting the League of Nations' plan for a peaceful settlement by arbitration?

The League Commission which, as I informed my hon. Friend on 6th July, is to visit the Chaco, has now been completed and it is hoped that it will sail early in August. The United Kingdom member of the Commission is Brigadier A. B. Robertson. Pending the arrival of this Commission in the Chaco, it is, as I have already explained, provided in the League report accepted by the Bolivian and Paraguayan representatives that negotiations should proceed in Geneva for the purpose of determining the questions on which there should be arbitration.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the names of the other members?

I cannot.

Have Paraguay and Bolivia paid their contributions to the League of Nations for last year?

The bon. Member should put that question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the China Committee of the League of Nations has recently met in Paris and has appointed a supervising technical officer, who is to proceed forthwith to China; what is the nationality of the person appointed; has the Secretary of State knowledge of any further appointments likely to be made by this committee; and are the proceedings of the committee published in a form available to Members of this House?

Yes, Sir. At a meeting in Paris on 18th July of the special committee set up by the Council of the League to examine the action to be taken on a request recently received from the Chinese Government for technical assistance in reconstruction work in China, Dr. Rajchman, Director of the Health Section of the League Secretariat, was appointed, for a period of one year, as technical agent of the League attached to the Chinese Government. Dr. Rajchman is of Polish nationality. I have no knowledge of any further appointments likely to be made by the committee. As regards the last part of the question, I do not anticipate that the minutes of the committee will be published, as this is not the usual practice in the case of such technical committees.

In view of the fact that the setting up of this Committee will involve expense, I would ask whether China has paid its contribution to the League of Nations?

I believe the Chinese Government is paying up the arrears under a special arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state to what extent payments are due from the Shanghai-Nanking Railway for interest and for amortisation, respectively; and whether he will request the Chinese Government to carry out its obligation under Article 15 of the original loan agreement to devise other means of paying the bondholders if the railway's revenues were at any time insufficient?

The arrears of interest and amortisation on the Shanghai-Nanking Railway Loan as on the 1st June, 1933, are as follows: interest, £208,800; amortisation, £464,000. His Majesty's Minister has reminded the Chinese Government of their obligations under the loan agreement, and has urged that, failing payment from railway revenues, immediate and constructive measures should be taken to arrange for payment from other sources.

Is it not a fact that since January, 1930, the Chinese Government have exercised a large measure of control over this railway, and that, as a consequence, the inefficiency and mismanagement have been so great that the interests of British bondholders have been greatly prejudiced?

That may be so, but the question on the Paper is as to what action we should take to induce the Chinese Government to meet the liability to the bondholders.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state how much the Tientsin-Pukow Railway is in arrears to British creditors for interest and for amortisation, respectively, and when and in respect of what period the last coupon was paid; and whether he has any further information as to payments by the Tientsin-Pukow Railway Company into a monthly fund for the satisfaction of creditors?

I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate a statement of the arrears on the Tientsin Pukow Railway Loan of 1908 and supplementary loans of 1910 in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I have, however, no information as to what proportion of these loans is at present held by British subjects. The last payment made was in respect of the balance of coupon No. 33 of the German issue of the 1908 loan (due 1st October, 1924), amounting to 225,125; payment was made on the 13th January, 1933. As regards the last part of the question, representations have been addressed by His Majesty's Minister to the Chinese Government drawing their attention to the imperative necessity for the resumption by the railway administration of payments into the special reserve account which have been discontinued since February last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a Report from His Majesty's Minister in China on the effect of the Chinese Government's order that all foreign companies must be registered in the Chinese registry?

Yes, Sir. A report has been received from His Majesty's Minister in China on the subject and this is now under consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the chief objection of the commercial community in China is not to mere registration, but to the fact that the regulations are most onerous, and that they include even the right of the Chinese Government to call for and retain the books of a firm?

We are very much aware of the importance of this subject, and that is why we are considering this report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position regarding the Japanese invasion of China?

The Japanese and Manchurian forces have, I understand, already for the most part retired beyond the Great Wall in accordance with the terms of the armistice recently arranged. I am further informed that arrangements were recently made whereby part of Li Chi-chun's forces are to be included in the Chinese police force which is due to take over the neutral zone in accordance with these terms and that the remainder are to be disbanded. As regards the railway, it is reported that a certain number of passenger trains are now running between Tientsin and Tongshan and between Tongshan. and Shanhiakuan pending the completion of negotiations for the resumption of through traffic.

Are not the forces of General Li Chi-chun allies or auxiliaries of the Japanese, and not Chinese forces at all?

Will the Foreign Office see to it that the same circumstances do not eventuate in that quarter as arose in the Principality of Korea?

The hon. Member will see from the answer that the position is improving to the extent that the terms of the armistice are being carried out.

What part is the League of Nations playing in all this business?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the organisation of the Nazi troops in Germany as 'a military force; and whether His Majesty's Government is taking any action in the matter?

As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State,for Foreign Affairs, informed the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) on 8th May, the question of potential military effectives is under consideration by the Disarmament Conference, which has yet to reach a conclusion in the matter.

Would the hon. Gentleman inform the House whether inquiries have been made as to the extent to which these troops have now been organised as a permanent military arm of Germany since May?

That is not the question on the Paper. This subject is before the Disarmament Conference, and we as members of that Conference have it before us there.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has any information regarding the ordering of police aeroplanes by the German Government; and whether they 'are taking any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir; the German Air Minister expressed to the British Air Attached in Berlin on the 15th July his desire to purchase 25 to 50 British aircraft for police purposes. His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Berlin informed the German Government yesterday in reply to this communication that His Majesty's Government could not countenance the sale of British aircraft to the German Government for purposes forbidden by the Paris Air Agreement.

Were there any direct approaches to manufacturers of aircraft in this country, as stated in the Press?

That is another question.

Will other countries follow suit? Will America. or Italy sell Germany these aeroplanes?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how much Scottish shale oil has been purchased for the Admiralty in the last three years; and if it is intended to increase the purchases of shale oil for the Navy, in view of the Government's declared policy of encouraging the production of oil in this country from coal and shale?

The following are the approximate totals of the various grades of Scottish shale oils purchased by the Admiralty during the financial years shown:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the value of the naval contracts placed on the Tyne, on the Clyde, and at Barrow under the 1931-32 and 1932-33 programmes?

The estimated values of the contracts for naval shipbuilding placed on the Tyne, Clyde and at Barrow under the 1931 and 1932 programmes are approximately:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the number of reservists embarked during the cruise of the vice-admiral commanding the reserve fleet in his flagship His Majesty's Ship "Effingham"; why these reservists were not embarked in home fleet ships which have been visiting in the same localities as in previous years; and whether he can now give the cost of this cruise?

The number of reservists embarked in "Effingham" during her cruise will be approximately 27 officers and 624 men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. The superior accommodation available in the flagship of the vice-admiral commanding the re- serve fleet enables ratings of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve to be embarked in larger batches, accompanied by their own officers, than would be possible if ships of the home fleet were utilised, and this is most desirable. The cost of this cruise is estimated at £1,250.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the landing grounds to be provided in the Malay Government Territory for the Imperial Airways route extension to Singapore will be available to other British private and commercial aircraft on the same terms as those granted to aircraft of Imperial Airways, Limited?

I see no reason to doubt that the aerodromes and landing grounds used by Imperial Airways in Malaya will be open for use on the same terms by other British private and commercial aircraft. I will, however, communicate with the High Commissioner on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether any applications for facilities and assistance for the operation of aircraft to and from Jamaica have yet been received from British or from American concerns; and what reply has been given to any such applications;

(2) what support the Government of Jamaica are giving to the operation of the Kingston seaplane base by Caribbean Airways, Limited?

Two American companies have applied for facilities to operate aircraft to and from Jamaica. The first application was made early in 1928, but advantage was not taken of the permission then granted for the operation of an air service. The second application was received in 1930 from Pan-American Airways. Permission was granted for the operation of an air service to Jamaica in connection with the through service between North and South America. The service started in December, 1930, and is still being operated. Two British companies have also applied for permission to operate air services to and from Jamaica, and for financial assistance towards the operation of such services. The first application was received from Atlantic Airways, Limited, in 1929, and included proposals for the operation of air services in other parts of the West Indies. The proposal to operate an air service to Jamaica was not, however, pursued by the company.

The second application was submitted in 1930 by Caribbean Airways, Limited, a British company registered in Jamaica. This company proposed to build an air base, and to operate air services from Jamaica to Cuba, Haiti and the Bahamas in return for financial assistance amounting in all to about £100,000. The company has established an air base in Jamaica. Their application for financial assistance towards its development and the operation of the proposed air services was sympathetically considered both by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and by the Government of Jamaica, but even though the total assistance asked for was subsequently reduced it has not been found possible to grant the assistance desired. In these circumstances the company are, I understand; unable to continue to operate the air base. Negotiations are now in progress between the local Government and Pan-American Airways for the lease of the air base to that company. If such a lease is granted, one of its conditions will be that the air base shall be available for use, upon payment of appropriate charges, by other aircraft without distinction of nationality.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, owing to the small gain in time which can be obtained thereby, the Palestine Government has recently transferred its air mail contract from the British service to the Dutch service; and whether, as this small gain is likely to disappear very shortly as a result of fresh developments and in view of the fact that the British Government is now making a large loan to Palestine, he will take steps to persuade the Palestine Government to reverse its decision?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Palestine Government has recently transferred their contract for air mails from the British services to the Dutch; and whether, in view of the fact that the ground organisation in Palestine is entirely provided by the former, he will take steps to persuade the Palestine Government to alter its decision in this respect?

I am making inquiries of the High Commissioner. Subject to his confirmation I understand that there is no exclusive air mail contract. I understand that the Dutch mail leaves on Tuesdays and the British on Fridays; and that the Government use for urgent correspondence whichever is available nearest to the date when despatch is required. As regards the latter part of the question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Wellingborough (Wing-Commander James), if he will refer to the statement which I made on the 14th of July in the Debate on the Colonial Office Vote, he will find that there is no question of the British Government making a loan to Palestine.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will state the sum of money received during the past financial year for landing and housing fees for private aircraft; and if, in view of their contributing in petrol taxes without making use of the highways, he will now grant remission of these fees?

An exact figure is not available, but the fees in respect of private aircraft at publicly-owned aerodromes amounted in 1932 to approximately £1,500. These fees represent payment towards the cost of facilities provided from public funds, and I regret that I can see no case for their remission on account of the petrol tax, which is quite a separate matter.

Would it not De an economy, in view of the heavy cost of collection and the small amount of money received, if the right hon. Gentleman were to agree to this remission?

Perhaps my hon. Friend would put that question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the application made by the Glasgow Corporation transport department for sanction to proceed with the scheme of the local underground railway known as the subway; and when authority to proceed with the scheme will be given so that the railway can be modernised and employment given to unemployed workers?

The Corporation submitted the plans of this scheme for my approval in May last, and I have indicated to them the nature of the conditions on which I am advised such approval could properly be given with due regard for public safety. My officers have given, and will continue to give, the Corporation all the assistance within their power with a view to expediting the matter.

Has the Glasgow Corporation intimated acceptance of the conditions imposed?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will arrange for the distribution of Circular No. 383 (Roads) to members of town and county councils?

For the reasons given in the reply to my bon. Friend's similar question on the I9th July, I do not consider that the expense of the suggested further distribution would be justified.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that members of county councils are made aware as to the provisions in that circular, Sections 16 and 21, with regard to tenders and supplies of material?

The officers of local authorities have this information, which can easily be obtained by members of county councils and other local bodies if they so desire.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that those provisions will be carried out if members of county councils do not happen to be supplied with the information?

I am quite satisfied.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any further information regarding the Queens-ferry ferry charges?

I understand that the railway company have not yet reached a decision in this matter. In the meantime my hon. Friend received representations dated the 20th July, from the Edinburgh Corporation, the county councils of Fife and West Lothian and other local authorities under Section 4 of the London and North Eastern Railway Order Confirmation Act, 1925, which empowers him in certain circumstances, and after holding an inquiry, to revise all or any of the charges authorised for the use of Queensferry ferry. This representation is now under his consideration.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman not agree that the obvious solution to this problem is a road bridge across the Forth?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the number of persons killed and injured by motor vehicles in London during The first six months of this year compared with the same period of 1932; and will he state what action, if any, he proposes to take with regard to this growing menace?

Yes, Sir, and everyone will, I am sure, deplore the increase in the number of accidents which is disclosed. The problem has many aspects but I, think it is clear that any reduction in the number of accidents must be dependent, in the main, on the exercise of greater care and a higher sense of responsibility on the part of all road users. So far as the police are concerned, the enforcement of the law and other work in connection with road accidents already absorbs a. large amount of their time and energies; and I can assure my hon. Friend that they will continue to do all in their power to contribute to the safety of road users.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that persons are being killed in street accidents in London at the rate of nearly four a day, and injured at the rate of 170 a day, and does he not think it would help if he increased the maximum penalty for reckless and dangerous driving?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these accidents might be reduced by introducing penalties for jay-walking pedestrians—[HON. MEMBERS: "No!" I—who ignore the police and other traffic signals?

Is it not true that contributory negligence on the part of pedestrians is to a very great extent the cause of these accidents?

No.

In view of the two supplementary questions, is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to introduce legislation refusing to pedestrians the right to walk in the street at all?

All I can say is that I trust the common sense both of motor users and pedestrians will lead to a fewer number of accidents.

asked the Home Secretary the number of convictions under Sections 11 and 12 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, in London during the first six months of 1932 and 1933, respectively?

The number of persons convicted during the first six months of 1932 was 163 under Section 11 and 1,254 under Section 12. The corresponding figures for 1933 were 229 under Section 11 and 1,103 under Section 12.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that there is at the present time. with exchange and duty, a restriction of 80 per cent. on British traps exported to Australia; and whether he is taking any steps to obtain a reduction in this level?

I am aware that the duty in the Commonwealth of Australia on United Kingdom rabbit traps is at a high level, but it has also to be remembered that, since the Ottawa Conference, the alternative specific duty of 10s. per dozen on such traps, and also the primage duty of 10 per cent. ad valorem, have been removed. The present duty of 45 per cent. ad valorem on United Kingdom rabbit traps (which is 20 per cent. ad valorem less than the corresponding ad valorem duty on foreign rabbit traps) was recommended by the Commonwealth Tariff Board in December, 1932.

But is my right hon. Friend aware that in spite of that, the 45 per cent. duty is still prohibitive, and that this situation is causing widespread unemployment in Wednesfield, the centre of the trap industry in this country; and will he continue to use his best endeavours to get a reduction?

I am not unmindful of the importance of rabbit traps, but I have equally in mind the Debate to-morrow, and I hope to give my hon. Friend all the information that I have on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the dissatisfaction existing among British manufacturers over the recent increases in the Australian duties against certain British manufactured goods, and in view of the fact that these increases are in direct opposition to the spirit of the Ottawa Agreements, he will allow the House an opportunity to discuss this matter before the summer Adjournment?

I would remind my hon. Friend that, as announced in the House on the 20th July, matters relating to the Dominions will be discussed to-morrow in connection with the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give same assurance that the short time available to-morrow will not be monopolised by ex-Cabinet Ministers?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state when it is proposed to introduce the Rubber Industry Bill into this House?

In recent weeks a number of rubber manufacturers who were formerly in favour of the proposals in this Bill have changed their views, and the main principle of the Bill does not now command such support in the industry as would justify the Government in proceeding with it. I understand, however, that efforts are being made to continue the work of the Research Association of British Rubber Manufacturers by means of voluntary subscriptions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the number of tons of scrap-iron imported into Germany from all countries during the first four months of 1933, as compared with the amount imported during the same period in 1932?

The total quantity of scrap and old iron, other than hammer slag, rolling mill waste, grindings and foundry scrap, imported for consumption into Germany during the first four months of 1933 amounted to 176,732 tons, compared with 16,216 tons during the corresponding period of 1932.

Will the hon. Member ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to inquire into the significance of that increase?

The matter is not being overlooked at all. The whole of the importations are being considered and a good deal of information is already available.

My supplementary question was whether the hon. Member would ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make inquiries into this extraordinary increase that has taken place, and whether it has any bearing on the obligations of Germany under the Treaty of Versailles?

As the hon. Gentleman says that he has some information, cannot he give us the reason for this increase?

Is not scrap merely used as an alternative to pig-iron, and is not the amount of the importations solely dependent on the relative prices?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps are being taken to bring to the notice of British firms the advantages of exhibiting at the forthcoming Levant Fair?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the Levant Fair to be held next year at Tel-Aviv in Palestine. The Department of Overseas Trade, in conjunction with the Federation of British Industries, has for some time been in touch with the organising authorities of the fair as to the best means of promoting British participation and negotiations are in progress between the federation and the fair authorities. The Department will be prepared to give the federation such assistance as may be possible when those negotiations have been, as I hope they will be, satisfactorily concluded. In the meanwhile, the Department is periodically giving publicity in the Board of Trade Journal to the holding of the fair.

Does this answer imply that financial assistance will be given to this project?

I shall have to have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education if he will give the figures for each of the last five years of the persons who have sat for the Board of Education's examination in drawing and the subjects that come under this head, and the number who have been successful?

As the answer includes a number of figures it is proposed, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the progress in recent years has been more successful?

The hon. Member will receive a copy of the answer this afternoon, and, if he will await the figures, he will find that it is a little more favourable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education if he will give the figures for each of the last five years of the number of entrants for the Board of Education elementary school-teacher's certificate examination, and the number of successful candidates?

I have been asked to reply. The Board of Education's certificate examination for teachers in elementary schools was discontinued in 1926. The final examination for students in training colleges was held by the Board for the last time in 1929. Since that date it has been conducted by joint examining boards consisting of representatives of training colleges, universities and other bodies. The number of entrants for these examinations and of successful candidates during each of the last five years will be found in Table 92 of the Board's Annual Report and Statistics [Cmd. 4364.]

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, while the lowliest of followers in Sialkot are supplied with pure piped water, officers are dependent on open wells in their gardens which, apart from being insanitary, are the chief breeding places of mosquitoes; what steps are to be taken to ensure that all officers' houses are mosquito proof; and whether the Government of India are taking any steps to remedy the present state of affairs?

I have been asked to reply. Inquiries are being made, and my right hon. Friend will let my hon. Friend know the result.

If the allegations contained in the question are found to be correct, will the matter be put right?

I can tell my hon. Friend that the authorities in India have power, where British officers rent quarters, to insist on the landlord providing them with pipe water. How far these powers are being enforced I cannot say, but no doubt my right hon. Friend will let the hon. Gentleman know.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to state whether any steps have been taken by any of the local governments to carry out the administrative measures recommended over four years ago by the Age of Consent Committee as essential for the effective administration of legislation in restraint of child marriage; and whether, in view of the fact that the Sarda Child Marriage Restraint Act has now been nominally in force for three years and three months and is widely disregarded, he will take steps to secure from the Government of India a Report upon the question of what steps should be taken to secure the enforcement and, if necessary, the strengthening by amendment of the Act?

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the information for which he has asked regarding the administrative steps taken by local governments to give effect to the recommendations of the Age of Consent Committee. The whole question is under the consideration of the Government of India.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the eleventh time spread over three years and three months on which I have put this question, and that the reply has invariably been that inquiries will be made in India? Will he represent to the Secretary of State the desirability of speeding up the reply, and will he also ask the Secretary of State whether he considers, in view of the fact that the Sarda Act was passed into law with the full consent and cordial sympathy of the Government, that the delay is likely to produce respect for law and order in India?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Department of Health have taken any action with regard to the housing and sanitary conditions in the mining village of Standburn, near Falkirk, where a large number of families are living in insanitary conditions and will he state why the Stirlingshire County Council has not taken action to enforce improvements in accordance with the reports prepared by the sanitary inspector some years ago?

On 8th June representatives of the County Council of Stirling discussed the Housing situation at Standburn with officials of the Department of Health in Edinburgh. It was then decided that the county council should confer with the owners of the houses, Messrs. James Nimmo and Company. A meeting was held between county council representatives and Mr. James Nimmo on 6th July when Mr. Nimmo undertook to go into the question with his fellow directors. I understand that the county council has not yet been informed as to the result.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the prison officers' representative board will be given an opportunity of making suggestions before any final decision is reached with regard to the stabilisation of the pay of the Civil Service?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can say to what extent the Scottish coalfields are likely to benefit by the preference on motor spirit made from coal, which was recently announced by the Government; and whether the claims of Rosyth, now deprived of the normal use of the dockyard, will receive special consideration in this connection?

It is not possible to estimate the extent to which any particular coalfield will benefit. The possibility of using Rosyth is a matter for the commercial interests which may contemplate developments to enable them to take advantage of the Government guarantee.

Would my hon. Friend impress on those interested in this matter the unique facilities which exist at Rosyth for commercial development?

They will be aware of that, but no doubt the hon. Member's question and the answer will help to remind them of it.

Is not Campbell-town much nearer to the business centres?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of live fat cattle imported into the United Kingdom from Canada during the years ending 30th June, 1932, and 30th June, 1933, respectively?

I have been asked to reply. The numbers were 18,806 and 16,115, respectively.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the market price per live cwt. for fat cattle at the most convenient date, and the price on the same date in 1932?

The average price per live cwt. of first quality fat cattle for the week ended 19th July at markets for which the Ministry obtains reports was 39s. 6d. as compared with 46s. 6d. for the corresponding week in 1932.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication when the Government will take action to restore the prices to something like the 1932 level?

That question does not arise out of the answer.