Written Answers
Congested Districts Board, Ireland
asked the Chief Secretary whether the officials of the Congested Districts Board in Ireland will, under the proposed scheme for the change of administration in that country, be pensioned or receive offers of transference to other parts within the Empire?
I would refer the hon. Member to Clause 10 of the Articles of Agreement by which the position of these officials is determined.
House Of Lords (Reform)
asked the Prime Minister whether he can give a pledge that the Measure for the reform of the Second Chamber will not include the restoration of the Lords' veto?
I must decline to anticipate the explanation of the Bill which will be given upon its introduction.
Russia
Trade Agreement
asked the Prime Minister whether the Trade Agreement with Russia can be cancelled by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs without consultation with the Government and the House of Commons; and, if so, whether he will take steps to avoid this condition of insecurity which would prevent business firms entering into trade agreements with Russia, and is therefore a contributory cause of unemployment in this country?
The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs naturally acts in consultation with his colleagues, who are collectively responsible as a Government to Parliament.
Diplomatic Relations
asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to consider the recognition of the Soviet Government of Russia as the de jure Government of that country, together with the establishment of complete diplomatic relations with it; and whether he will regard the fact that the Soviet Government has successfully resisted attack upon it during the past three years as evidence that it is the only de jure Government of Russia?
Owing to the great pressure of other business the consideration of this question is not yet complete, and I am not at present prepared to make a statement upon it.
Air Engines (Silencers)
asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the invention of a new silencer for air engines; and whether there is any likelihood of its general adoption?
I do not know whether the hon. Member is referring to any particular type of silencer. I may say that various types have, from time to time, been brought to the notice of the Air Ministry, and that, of these, the more promising ones are subjected to tests, including full-scale tests on actual aeroplanes, and that these tests are still pro- ceeding at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough.
Ceylon
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the promised legislation in connection with the debts of coolies and kanganis in Ceylon has been yet passed into law; and, if not, why not?
I have not yet been informed of the introduction of legislation on this subject. I understand that the Governor has been considering the matter in association with the interests affected.