asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of Egyptian yarns over 40s.-counts exported from Lancashire to Germany in the year 1921; the value of fabric gloves exported from Germany to this country in 1921; and the value of the total of the exports of fabric gloves from Germany to all countries in 1921?

Separate particulars of exports of cotton yarns spun from Egyptian cotton are not available. In the year 1921 the value of gloves of woven fabric other than silk imported into the United Kingdom registered as consigned from Germany was£110,576. Fabric gloves are not separately recorded in the German official trade returns relating to 1921 so far published, and I am, consequently, not in a position to state the value of the exports of such gloves from Germany during that year.

Is it not a fact that the total exports of cotton of that nature represents a value of over£12,000,000?

I have no information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Committee which dealt with the scheduling of glove fabric and fabric gloves under the Safeguarding of Industries Act has yet submitted its Report to the Board; if so, will the Government make an official statement immediately as to whether the industry is, or is not, to be safeguarded against dumping; whether it is realised that, as a result of this delay, foreign exporters have pressed large supplies of fabric gloves on the British market since December; that the number of employés engaged in this country is now less than one-third of the total of two or three years ago; and that manufacturers are at a loss to know what to do in the circumstances?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The position as regards imports of fabric gloves and as regards employment in the industry in this country is generally as stated in the question. As regards the second part of the question, I cannot at present add anything to the statement I made in the House on the 12th April.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the safeguarding of this industry and so prevent further unemployment?

When does the right hon. Gentleman propose to make a statement with regard to this particular industry; and is he aware that on 20th March last he promised that a statement should be made before Easter.

I hope that I shall be able to make a statement before long.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us clearly and explicitly the reason for the delay?

Is it not a fact that the Committee reported, over three months ago? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is great unemployment in this trade, and in these circumstances will the Government come to a quick decision?

How many of the unemployed in the fabric gloves trade are in receipt of unemployment doles?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the numbers of persons unemployed of those normally engaged in the fine-cotton spinning industry in Bolton, and the number at present unemployed of those who three years ago were engaged in making fabric gloves in this country?

I have been asked to reply. I regret the available statistics do not enable me to give the information desired by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether cheap lenses imported for use with pocket lamps are held by his Department to be liable to key industry duty; and, if so, on what grounds, seeing that they are not optically worked and do not bear any commercial comparison with the superior type of ground lenses which are produced by skilled workers in this country and which would in no case be purchased for use in the connection indicated?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. Cheap lenses of the type ordinarily used in pocket lamps are not made of optical glass and are not worked; and accordingly they are not dutiable under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act. Lenses of better quality are also sometimes used in pocket lamps, and these, when worked, are subject to duty.

Could the right hon. Gentleman not give instructions to His Majesty's officers of Customs to prevent the annoying delays that are now taking place?

I am not aware of any annoying delays, but I will look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of any price-fixing arrangements being in force amongst the manufacturers comprising the association which is seeking protection against importations of wire nails from Germany; and, if so, whether these have been taken into account by him in referring the complaint to a Committee under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I have no information as to any agreements of the kind suggested by the hon. Member. In any event, I do not think their existence would be a reason for refusing to refer to a Committee of Inquiry under the Safeguarding of Industries Act a complaint in accordance with the provisions of that Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of wire nails were imported into this country during the six months ended 31st March; what proportion of the total amount came from Germany; and can he give the figures showing the quantity and value imported during the year 1913?

The answer can most conveniently be given in the form of a table which, with the permission of the House, I will have printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the table promised:

The following statement shows the quantity and value of wire nails registered during the under-mentioned periods as imported into the United Kingdom, distinguishing the imports from Germany: —— Quantity. Value. ( a ) Imports of Wire Nails (including Staples). Tons. £ Six months ended March, 1922: Imported from All Countries 22,186 417,412 Imported from Germany 5,402 86,007 ( b ) Imports of Wire Nails. Tons. £ Year 1913: Imported from All Countries 50,248 504,191 Imported from Germany 19,959 196,711

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that, since the Safeguarding of Industries Act Committee held its public inquiry regarding imported aluminium and enamelled hollow-ware, market conditions have so far changed that the British articles are on the average now cheaper than the German and are commanding a much readier sale; and whether he will make a special endeavour to obtain information on this point before deciding what action he will take on the Report presented to him by the Committee in question?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; if, however, the hon. Member can furnish me with any specific information of the kind indicated I shall be prepared to consider it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the industries to which the committees appointed under the Safeguarding of Industries Act have recommended that Part II of the Act should be applied; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I hope to be in a position to make a full statement on this subject at an early date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not make a definite statement to-day, and, if not, may I repeat my question next Thursday?

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to make a statement on this question within the next month?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us a definite date?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the National Farmers' Union to the effect that Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act should be amended so as to bring agricultural produce within its scope or, in the alternative, that the Act shall be repealed as a preliminary to the consideration, de novo, of the best means of promoting the internal trade of the country, bearing in mind the essential value of agriculture to the community, so as to increase industrial stability and thus mitigate the asperities of depression of trade; and is he prepared to receive a deputation on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am in communication with the Minister of Agriculture, to whom a similar request has been addressed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last paragraph as to whether he is prepared to receive a deputation on the subject?

I think my answer covers that point. I am communicating with the Minister of Agriculture on that subject.

May I repeat the question this day week?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can state approximately the cost incurred in connection with the administration and defence of the Safeguarding of Industries Act up to 31st March, including overtime allowances and the engaging of experts, counsel, shorthand writers, etc.?

The work is mainly done as part of the normal functions of the Departments concerned, and it is impossible to give a separate figure of the cost. The identifiable expense does not exceed about£2,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to recent statements in the Press regarding the activities of the American and other meat firms that control the supply of meat from the Argentine to Smithfield Market; whether, in view of the importance to the public, he will cause an inquiry to be held, open to the public, to investigate the doings of the big American meat firms in this country, and also the position of the meat markets in London; and whether he will consider the advisability of following the example of the self-governing Dominions and other countries, and taking such action as the Committee of Inquiry may recommend?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 10th April to a similar question by the hon. Member for Central Southwark. In view of the Report in 1920 of the Sub-Committee appointed by the Standing Committee on Trusts, I do not consider that it is necessary to incur the expense of another investigation at the present moment. The third part of the question, consequently, does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the Government policy is that all Customs tariffs should be published in clear terms, as set forth in the London memorandum of the experts; whether in this event it is their intention to modify the German Reparations (Recovery) Act, under which the amount of duty payable cannot be determined without an examination of the value of the German constituents of an imported article;

(2) whether the policy of the Government was set forth in the London memorandum of the experts to the effect that within 12 months after substantial progress has been made in the restoration of a country's exchanges any special restrictions imposed on imports from that country on the ground of depreciated exchange should be removed; and whether, in this event, an amendment to the Safeguarding of Industries Act will be introduced?

The hon. and gallant Member has correctly quoted the draft resolutions embodied in Articles 40 and 43 of the Report of the Economic and Financial Experts. The adoption of the latter Article would not necessitate the modification of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act. The effect of Order No. 11 made under that Act is that no examination of the German constituents of an imported article is required, as suggested in the question. Nor would the adoption of the first Article involve the amendment of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, Section 9 of which already provides for the revocation of Orders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Hungarian Government in 1881, 1895, and 1914, and the City of Budapest in 1910 and 1914, borrowed in London from British subjects large sums of money and that the Hungarian Government and the authorities of the City of Budapest have defaulted on those obligations since the year 1914; whether he has succeeded in arriving at an arrangement in the interests of British creditors with the defaulting parties; and, if so, will he say what the terms of the proposed arrangement are?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what terms of agreement, if any, the British Government has made, or proposes to make, with the Hungarian Government for the purpose of securing the discharge to British subjects of Hungarian pre-War debts and obligations, both State and municipal?

No specific agreement is required in so far as the claims referred to come within Article 231 of the Treaty of Trianon. A Convention has been concluded which permits British creditors to negotiate, subject to the consent of the Hungarian and British Clearing Offices, private agreements with their Hungarian debtors for the direct settlement of the debts owing to them. It is understood that the British holders of City of Budapest Municipal Loan have deputed the Council of Foreign Bondholders to negotiate on their behalf a settlement of this kind with the Hungarian authorities concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to publish the Report made in January last by the committee of lawyers who were appointed in August last by the Supreme Council to report on the trial of German War criminals at Leipzig; whether he can state what reason, if any, exists why these War criminals should not forthwith be tried in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles; and whether, in view of the unsatisfactory character of the Leipzig trials and the long delays which have taken place, the trial of these War criminals in accordance with the Treaty may be shortly expected?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The matter is still under discussion between the Allied Governments concerned. The points raised by the second and third parts have not yet been decided by the Supreme Council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Report on the Leipzig trials has already been unofficially published, in part, at any rate, in Paris? Is there any reason why it should not be published in full after this lapse of time?

I am not aware of that, but will make inquiry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any assurance, in view of the long period that has elapsed since the Treaty of Versailles was passed, that the German War prisoners will be brought to trial?

I can add nothing to the statements I have already made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider giving a day to the discussion of the Motion on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for the Central Division of Kingston-upon-Hull on the subject of German reparation payments, especially in view of the fact that no discussion of this matter has been permitted at Genoa—[ That, in the opinion of this House, the Reparation Clauses of the Treaty of Versailles have proved to be unworkable in practice and injurious to the trade and commerce of this country; and that these clauses should be revised forthwith ]?

No, Sir. I am afraid I see no prospect of granting a day for this discussion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the Genoa Conference goes on and we are blocked from discussing this question, very disastrous events may occur in Europe without this House having an opportunity of expressing its opinion?

I am not anticipating any such disaster.

asked the Lord Privy Seal on what date the provisional terms offered by the Reparation Commission to the German Government lapse if not accepted; whether in such an event the London agreement becomes operative; and whether under that agreement the British Government is committed to any joint military measure with France for enforcing the London payments?

The answer to the first part of the question is "the 31st May"; to the second "yes." and to the third "no."

Are we to understand that the sub-paragraph ( b ) of the London Ultimatum, which threatens the occupation of the Ruhr by British troops, has now lapsed?

No, Sir. The hon. and gallant Member will, I hope, understand from my answer exactly what I have said. He asked whether under the agreement the British Government is committed to any joint military measure in France for enforcing the London payments?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we informed the German Government that, failing compliance, we should occupy the Ruhr? Has that threat lapsed or not?

I prefer to confine myself to the answer I have given. The hon. and gallant Member can easily put questions which are very embarrassing to the Government and which it is not easy to answer without injury to the public interest.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under what Treaty Bulgaria was promised an exit to the Ægean Sea?

I have been asked to answer- An undertaking was given in Article 48 of the Treaty of Neuilly to the effect that the Powers would ensure to Bulgaria economic outlet to the Ægean Sea. Effect was given to this undertaking by the subsequent Treaty signed between Greece and the principal Allied Powers on 10th August, 1920. This latter Treaty, which is generally called the "Thracian Treaty," is still unratified.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total cost to date, approximately, of the Allied troops and commissions in Upper Silesia; what is the approximate monthly cost of these troops and commissions; who is bearing

The following statement shows the Total Value of Articles wholly or mainly manufactured imported into the United Kingdom from ( a ) abroad, registered during the months of January, February and March of the years 1914, 1920, 1921 and 1922, distinguishing the proportion of such Articles imported from Germany.

IMPORTED OF ARTICLES WHOLLY OR MAINLY MANUFACTURED. Month. 1914. 1920. 1921. 1922. Imported from all countries:— Thsnd.£ Thsnd.£ Thsnd.£ Thsnd.£ January … 15,685 31,529 30,467 17,710 February … 16,300 33,042 23,394 16,576 March … 18,011 38,156 24,931 20,309 Total … 49,996 102,727 78,792 54,595 Total imported from Germany ( b ) … 14,471 ( c ) 2,854 7,194 5,092

( a ) Imports from abroad of Articles Wholly or Mainly Manufactured cannot be divided, for the periods specified, into the classes "Of Foreign Origin," and "Of Empire Origin," respectively.

( b ) Particulars for individual months are not available in the case of imports from Germany.

( c ) Approximate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give a Return of the quantities of dyestuffs admitted by the Licensing Committee appointed under the Dyestuffs Act of the

the cost of these troops; and when is it expected that they will be withdrawn?

Without consulting the French and Italian Governments my hon. Friend is not in a position to answer the first two parts of the question. As to the last two parts, he can add nothing to the reply which he gave to the lion. Member for East Fife on 20th March.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the total value of imports of foreign manufactured goods for the months of January, February and March of 1914, 1920, 1921 and 1922; and what proportion of the imports came from Germany?

The answer can be given most conveniently in the form of a table, which, with the permission of the House, I will have printed in the OFFICIAL EEPORT.

Following is the table:

quantities which have been refused admission, and of the particular exporting countries in each case?

I will have a statement printed in the OFFICIAL BEPORT.

The following is the statement:

Particulars of applications for licences which were granted or refused during the year 1921, and the months of January and February, 1922.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any increases have recently been made in the price of German dyes for qualities not produced in this country; whether for German dyes of qualities which can be efficiently produced in this country the prices are being reduced; and whether he has any information that certain leading textile dye users in this country recently visited Germany and recommended German dye makers to artificially reduce the price in this country of German dyes which compete with similar British dyes?

I understand that the German dyestuff manufacturers have recently raised their prices generally, but that when dyestuffs equivalent to their products are put on the market by British manufacturers it is their practice to reduce their prices in an attempt to undercut the British producers. As regards the last part of the question I have no doubt that some British consumers have sought to obtain specially low quotations from Germany.

Is it not the fact that where licences are granted for dyes they are given to Swiss dyes, which are of higher price than those of other countries?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government still holds $3,000,000 6 per cent, first mortgage 15-year gold bonds in the British America Nickel Corporation; whether the corpora- tion has paid all interest and principal due in respect of such bonds; whether the Government is now represented on the board of the corporation; and, if so, what is the name of such representative?

Under the scheme of re-organisation of the corporation which became effective early in 1921, His Majesty's Government have exchanged the $3,000,000 first mortgage bonds for a similar amount of A. income bonds. No interest or repayment in respect of the capital of these bonds has been paid by the corporation. The Government representatives on the Board of the British America Nickel Corporation are Sir Robert Borden and Sir Eric Hambro.

Is it not a fact that the Board of Trade are still receiving large quantities of nickel from this company?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in many countries almost entirely dependent on imports for their milk supplies the importation of machine-skimmed milk is forbidden, and that in several important British Colonies, including the South African Union, a prohibitive tariff on skimmed condensed milk exists; and whether, in the advantage of British trade, similar restrictions can be applied in this country to the importation of machine-skimmed milk, particularly as we are not dependent upon imports for our milk supplies, and that the continuation of the imports of low-grade condensed milk is seriously affecting the condensed milk industry in England, which had developed so considerably during the War?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and, to the second part, that I am not prepared to introduce legislation for the purpose indicated.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the desirability of promoting legislation to fix a standard of content for dried and tinned milk in order that the interests of the consumer may be protected; and, in that case, what decision I has he arrived at?

I have been asked to reply to this question. My predecessor appointed a Committee to consider the question of fixing standards for condensed milk, and draft Regulations were prepared to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee. It appeared, however, that there was no general agreement as to the standards to be fixed, and I therefore decided not to proceed with the Regulations. I am not aware of any sufficient reason for fixing a standard for dried milk, as there cannot be any misapprehension as to the degree of condensation of this product, and any adulteration can be dealt with under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what quantities of machine-skimmed condensed milk were imported into this country during January, February, and March, 1922, and how that quantity compares with the corresponding months of 1921 and 1920; and whether he is aware that the continued importation of manufactures of low-grade condensed milk is inflicting much hardship upon the condensed milk industry of England, where little or no low-grade quality condensed milk is produced?

The quantity of condensed (sweetened) separated or skimmed milk imported into the United Kingdom in the first three months of 1922 was 278,230 cwts., as compared with 157,112 cwts. in 1921 and 82,901 cwts. in 1920. The proportion of this which was machine-skimmed cannot be stated. I am aware that complaints have been made of the extent to which this grade of milk competes with the condensed milk industry in this country.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the only opportunity of discussing the grants to British universities, the position of women students and teachers at Cambridge University as settled by the recent decision, and the important recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge will be upon the Treasury Vote and not on the Vote for the Board of Education; and whether, seeing that this is not a satisfactory method, in view of the far-reaching character of the issues raised, he will be prepared to grant a separate day for the Parliamentary discussion of these problems?

The Universities and Colleges Vote covers England and Scotland, and the expenditure is accounted for by the Treasury and not by the Board of Education. Arrangements can be made for a discussion of this Vote on one of the days allotted to Supply if a request is made in the usual manner.

Will the Government be prepared to support a Bill to place women at Cambridge on the same equality?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that full particulars of the Russo-German agreement were published in the "Izvestia" in Moscow on 5th April; whether Mr. Hodgson, British Agent in Moscow, brought this to the notice of His Majesty's Government; and whether, before the Genoa Conference, he was informed by the Foreign Office or any other sources about this agreement?

The article in the "Izvestia" to which presumably the hon. Member refers makes no reference to any clauses of so far-reaching an importance as those contained in the Treaty of Rapallo, and consists of a message sent by a Soviet press agency in Hanover to which Mr. Hodgson had, I consider, no grounds for attributing any special importance. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, before and subsequent to the opening of the Genoa Conference, despatches were received from the British Ambassador at Berlin dealing with the negotiations between the German and Russian Governments which led up to the Treaty recently concluded between those two countries; and, if so, will he state whether such despatches will be laid upon the Table or can be issued in the form of a White Paper or otherwise for the information of Members?

Negotiations have been proceeding intermittently between the German and Russian Governments since the beginning of the year, and reports to that effect were received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin, but it was not known that any agreement resembling that which was recently concluded was impending. It is not intended to lay any despatches from His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin on the subject of the Genoa Conference at present.

Was the Prime Minister in full possession of these facts before he made his statement in this House before he went to Genoa?

There is no information in the possession of His Majesty's Government to modify in any way the statement made by the Prime Minister at Genoa. The information received was so small in importance that it was not circulated.

Did not the Foreign Office think it their duty to tell the Prime Minister that negotiations were and had been taking place between these two Governments before he went to Genoa, where he was going to meet their representatives?

I cannot say without notice exactly what information might have been conveyed to the Prime Minister, but there was no information in the possession of His Majesty's Government—and this is the statement which is of importance, and it is of great importance, because, apparently, the suggestion is that the Prime Minister made a statement not borne out by the facts—there is no information in the possession of His Majesty's Government to conflict in any way with the declaration which the Prime Minister made at Genoa the other day. His Majesty's Government were taken completely by surprise by the character of this agreement, and had no previous notice of it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole Russo-German Agreement was arranged within four days at Genoa, and that the Prime Minister in this House could not possibly be aware of it? [HON. MEMBERS: "HOW do you know?"] Because I was there.

I am not aware of that, and I should be surprised if it were true that the whole Agreement was arranged within four days.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if the Russian Government claim the right to forbid fishing within 12 miles of the Russian coast; and if some of His Majesty's ships have been sent to protect British interests along the Murmansk and other coasts, and if the ships so sent are sufficiently strong to deal with any recalcitrant Russian vessel or vessels?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on the 22nd March. As regards the second part of the question, H.M.S. "Harebell" is at present on service in Murmansk waters, and is considered capable of carrying out the duties for which she was sent—namely, the protection of British fishing vessels and interests.

Has not this ship been sent to these waters to maintain international law? Is she strong enough to resist attempts on the part of the Soviet?

I am advised that she is capable of carrying out the duties for which she has been sent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that she is quite a slow sloop, steaming only 15 knots? Cannot a faster and stronger vessel be sent?

Have not the Russian Soviet Government two torpedo boat destroyers in these waters, both stronger than the British ship?

I cannot say. That is a question which should be addressed to the Admiralty.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been drawn to a statement in the Press that a sum of£500,000 has just been assigned by the executive of the Third International, at Moscow, for the purpose of intensifying Communist propaganda in Great Britain and France; what steps the Government propose to take to prevent foreign moneys being introduced into this country for the purpose of promoting revolutionary propaganda directed towards the subversion of the constitution; and whether this serious announcement will be taken into account by the Prime Minister at Genoa?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the resolution of the executive of the Third International at Moscow to allot a sum of 5,000,000 gold roubles for the purchase of foreign exchange in order to intensify Bolshevist propaganda in Great Britain and France; whether this action by the Third International conflicts with the Russian trade agreement; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the spending by famine-stricken Russia of so large a sum in this country on subversive propaganda?

I have seen a statement to this effect in the Press, but we have no official confirmation of it from our representative at Moscow. I shall communicate the report to the Prime Minister. If proof is obtained at any time that any money is being supplied or used here for illegal purposes action will at once be taken by the proper authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the late Secretary of State for India informed this House that a large part of the trouble in India was due to propaganda of this description?

I am not aware that my right hon. Friend made that statement. If my hon. and gallant Friend wishes to put a question on the subject I shall be glad if he will give me notice and also supply me with the reference.

I will send a copy of the right hon. Gentleman's speech.

Is there any legislation at the present moment under which cases like this can be proceeded against?

There is great difficulty in answering questions so vaguely phrased as "cases like that." There is legislation for dealing with illegal operations. If the operations are not illegal there is no legislation for dealing with them.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the illness of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and his consequent inability to attend the Genoa Conference, any steps have been taken to till his place at that Conference by someone versed in foreign affairs; and whether the Foreign Office is officially represented there; and, if so, by whom?

asked the Lord Privy Seal who is the representative of the Foreign Office at the International Conference at Genoa?

While I regret that, for the reason mentioned, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has so far not been able to attend the Conference, I cannot, accept the implication contained in the first part of Question No. 37, if only because the British Delegation includes the Prime Minister. The British Delegation also includes the Legal Adviser of the Foreign Office and three other expert members of that Department.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that if foreign affairs wore left to the Foreign Office we should not have got into the tangle which we are now in?

Is the Lord Chancellor a member of the British Delegation?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in spite of certain distorted reports in the Press, the general feeling of the country is one of intense pride and gratification at—[ Interruption. ]

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the fact that the questions of boundaries and reparations were expressly excluded from the discussions at the Genoa Conference, a day can be given for a Debate upon the further proposal at Genoa to call a meeting of the signatories to the Versailles Treaty for the purpose of discussing these vital issues at Genoa?

I do not think that my hon. and gallant Friend has quite correctly interpreted the purpose of the proposed meeting of the signatories of the Treaty of Versailles; but in any case I cannot allocate a day for such a discussion at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the Prime Minister that the majority of the opinion in this House and in the country is still in favour of a strong pact with France and insisting upon Germany carrying out her obligations?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation during the present Session to give effect to the recommendations of Lord Cave's Committee on Trade Boards?

I have been asked to reply. The matter has not yet been considered by His Majesty's Government. I should be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would put his question down again a little later.

I will put the question down again next; week.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been called to a letter, B/H548, recently published in the Press, which was sent on the 3rd July, 1919, by the Central Control Board for Liquor Traffic, Carlisle district, to a Carlisle club, at the time the Government removed the restrictions on the quantity of beer to be brewed, threatening certain coercive action in the event of the club placing its orders for beer elsewhere; if he will state by whose orders this communication was sent; whether its contents were at any time brought before the Central Liquor Control Board; and, if so, what action was taken thereon?

I have been asked to answer this question. I understand that the letter was written by the Central Control Board's late general manager for the Carlisle district in the exercise of his discretion. He reported the letter and other circumstances of the case to the Board, who, I understand, did not consider that the case called for any further special action on their part.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it discreditable that a representative of the Government should take up such an attitude as is indicated in the letter referred to in this question?

No, Sir; and if my hon. and gallant Friend knew the whole of the circumstances, I do not think he would think so.

Are the circumstances as laid down in the letter referred to in the question; and, if so, does the right hon. Gentleman agree with action of that character? Is any action going to be taken in connection with the officer who indited or sent this letter, or is responsible for it?

The letter was written in 1919, and he has ceased for a long time to be in office.

Is it the fact that in this letter the statement was made that he had sent to this club 1,000 per cent, more spirits than he was entitled to under the Restriction Act?

Yes, Sir; I have read the letter.

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the total coal production for the first three months of this year; how the figures compare with the same months of 1921; can he state what were the total coal exports from this country for the same period; and how they compare with the exports for the like period in 1921?

During the first three months of this year the total output of saleable coal in the United Kingdom was 61,000,000 tons, or about 7,000,000 tons more than in the corresponding months of 1921. The total quantity exported was 13,250,000 tons, or 7,750,000 tons more than in the corresponding period of 1921.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can state how many of the 26,470 ex-service men who were sent to the universities for study at the expense of the State have been successful in obtaining employment; and what courses of study have proved most efficacious in enabling these students to obtain employment?

I am not at present in a position to answer the first part of the question. Steps have, however, been taken to obtain information as regards students who have completed their courses. As regards the latter part of the question, the careers towards which these students' courses have been directed are so diverse in character, and employment in different trades and professions is so potently affected by the temporary fluctuations of industry and commerce, that no reliable comparison can at this stage be instituted between one course of study and another as to their relative efficacy in enabling students to obtain settled employment.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to answer the first part of the question?

I hope soon to be in a position to do so. I have already received information with respect to some 700 students, and the results have been very satisfactory.

Is it certain that any of these courses of study have proved efficacious in enabling these students to obtain employment?

Yes, Sir, absolutely.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say approximately how many of these men have been successful in obtaining employment—whether they are many more than 700 or not?

Yes, Sir. I have merely received replies from 12 colleges or institutions, and those replies only affect 700 students. The replies in respect of those 700 are entirely satisfactory.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the names of ex-officers who have been, and are, receiving university education at the expense of the taxpayers, are anywhere, and, if so, where, available in order that the taxpayers may be enabled to judge whether they are persons to whom this form of public assistance should properly be given; and will he give the names of the Board of Selection which exercises this patronage on behalf of the taxpayer?

The names of students to whom awards have been made under the scheme for the higher education of ex-service students are not published, nor do I think that it is desirable that they should be published. About 40 per cent, of these students had been commissioned officers and about 60 per cent, had served in the ranks. Great care has been taken that awards should only be made to men who would derive adequate benefit from them, and whose circumstances are such as to warrant assistance from the State. Every applicant was required to make a statutory declaration as to his financial position. All awards have been made upon the recommendation of the head of the college or institution which the student desired to enter, and a further recommendation from a specially appointed local committee at each university centre, composed of university representatives. All proposed awards have been submitted to me personally before being made.

How is the taxpayer to inform himself as to the distribution of this patronage, if my right hon. Friend denies the information as to the names of those selected?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the names of all persons who are in receipt of pensions from the Indian Civil Service will be published so that the taxpayers can see whether they are entitled to them?

I shall be glad confidentially to tell the hon. Baronet the names, in order that he may satisfy himself personally that due care has been taken. I have personally gone through the qualifications of every one of these students, and have satisfied myself that they are fit recipients of this grant; but I shall be very glad to show the hon. Baronet the names.

Would the hon. Baronet have any money to pay his taxes if these men had not fought for him?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether a teacher who is already qualified for a pension under the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, in that he is 60 years of age and has already completed 30 years of pensionable service, will still be eligible for all the benefits under that Act, even though he continues teaching and does not make application for a pension until after the introduction into Parliament, and passage by it, of any new Act which may have the effect of modifying the character of the benefits for which teachers are now eligible?

I am afraid that I cannot anticipate the terms of any legislation which Parliament may pass on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the urgent need for the provision of facilities for secondary education in the industrial district of Bedlingtonshire, Northumberland, and of the unanimous resolution passed by the county council in favour of the establishment of the school; whether the Board of Education has refused to sanction the purchase of the site; and whether, having regard to the fact that it can now be purchased on advantageous terms, he will reconsider that decision even if it is necessary, under existing financial circumstances, to defer approval of the erection of the buildings?

In view of the somewhat altered circumstances, I am prepared to sanction the acquisition of the site, provided that the Board are satisfied as to the purchase money, it being part of the understanding that building is postponed.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the difference between his estimate of£75,450,000 for cost to rates and taxes of education for 1922–23 and the estimate of the Geddes Report of£103,000,000 for the same year, the addition to his figures of£13,000,000 for Scotland, leaving a difference of£15,000,000 for which no explanation has so far been offered; and whether he has any statement to make?

The estimate of£75,450,000 is the assumed total of the net expenditure of local education authorities in England and Wales, which will be met partly from rates and partly from taxes. The composition of this total and the assumptions on which it is based are explained on page 8 of the Memorandum on the Board of Education Estimates, 1922–23. The estimate of£103,000,000 is apparently an estimate, based on provisional forecasts, of the total educational expenditure from taxes and rates, whether included in the accounts of local education authorities or not.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say, for the information of the public, what is to be the total expenditure up to the 31st March, 1923? That was what the House expected on the Education Estimate, and did not, I think, get.

I think I could give the hon. Baronet the amount now, but I hesitate to commit myself to the precise figure without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, having regard to the need to accelerate the repair of school furniture and as a means to provide employment in the furnishing trades, be will agree that such work should rank for grant?

In view of the limits placed upon the amount of expenditure in the current financial year which can be recognised by the Board for grant, I regret that I cannot at present give any undertaking as to the recognition of abnormal and accelerated expenditure such as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether lie is aware that the new form on which the local education authorities require to submit their education accounts was not issued until the 16th December, 1921, and was not received until the 23rd December; whether he is aware of the great difficulty in preparing the form; and will he consider the postponement of tins form for the present year?

I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the answer which I am giving to-day to the hon. and gallant Member for the Moss Side Division of Manchester (Lieut.-Colonel Hurst).

asked the. Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Foreign Office is refusing passports to Turkey to Members of Parliament when other people not in Parliament and not in Government service are being permitted freely to visit that country.

A passport to proceed to Turkey has been refused to no Member of Parliament except the hon. and gallant Member himself. The reason of this refusal, as has been more than once explained to him, was that, in the view of His Majesty's Government, his appearance in Turkey would be misinterpreted by our Allies, as well as by the Greeks and the Turks, and would consequently be prejudicial to the present negotiations for peace.

Is there any precedent for refusing the hon. and distinguished Member of this House a passport to a foreign country simply because he happens to disapprove of the policy of the Government?

I am afraid I am not in a position to answer. The representative of the Foreign Office is ill.

I beg to give notice that I will put a question to the Leader of the House on Wednesday.

On a point of Order. Is it not a reflection on this House for a passport visa to be refused to one of its most distinguished Members?

On that same point of Order. Has your attention been called to the fact that another hon. and gallant Gentleman had a passport to Genoa and to Germany during the recent Recess and yet it is denied to my hon. and gallant Friend?

It is not part of my duty to examine the credentials of Members applying for passports.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been directed to statements in the Press in the past few days to the effect that a section of the Greek army in Asia Minor have declared that they will not retire from Turkish territory, but will establish an independent Greek territory therein; and whether he will state what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take in view of this grave state of affairs?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give the House any information regarding a reported revolt in the Greek Army against the evacuation of Smyrna and Ionia, and an intention on the part of a portion of such army to defy the Powers and remain in Smyrna?

Various reports have been received during the last two months regarding this movement, which, however, has been disavowed by the Greek Government, and the importance of which seems to have been somewhat exaggerated. Its object appears to have been to prevent the Greek population of Ionia from being handed back to the Turks without adequate guarantees for their safety. Such guarantees, however, will in fact be provided if the Allied proposals are accepted. On 31st March, His Majesty's Minister at Athens and the British representative at Smyrna were instructed to make it clear to the Greek Government and to the Greek authorities in Asia Minor that His Majesty's Government disapproved most strongly of the movement, which, if allowed to develop, could only produce disastrous results. Severe warnings have also been conveyed unofficially to the leaders of the Greek community in Constantinople. Should the movement appear likely to continue or develop after the Allied proposals have been accepted by both the Greeks and the Turks His Majesty's Government will consider what measures may be required to deal with it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now consulted the various Governments concerned regarding the advisability of sending out special British and French representatives to the Smyrna district during the period of negotiations prior to the conclusion of an armistice or peace between Greece and Turkey; and, if so, what replies he has received?

There are already British officers attached to the Greek forces and there are Allied consular officers at Smyrna. Until the Allied proposals are accepted by the two belligerents, it is not desirable to send Allied officers into the Kemalist area nor opportune to initiate the safeguards devised by the Allied Military Committee under Marshal Foch.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any Reports of further fatal disturbances in Asia Minor; whether he has any information as to the attitude of the belligerent forces and to the formation of unauthorised and uncontrolled armed bands; and what means of arriving at a true appreciation of the situation and of events in that area he possesses?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Reports about the attitude of the belligerents are varied, but it appears that each side is ready to go on fighting. It has been reported that the Greek civil population round Smyrna has been armed, but this has not been confirmed by investigation. Nevertheless, brigandage is indigenous, and it may be remembered that the whole Kemalist force has developed out of irregular bands. With reference to the last part of the question, information is received from His Majesty's High Commissioner and the British military authorities at Constantinople, from the British liaison officers with the Greek army, from His Majesty's Consular officers in Smyrna and Syria, and from the British authorities on the borders of Iraq.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent burning of Turkish villages by Greek regular and irregular soldiery?

The attention of His Majesty's Government has repeatedly been called within the last few weeks to the deplorable incident that happened at Karatepe in February last, and an explanation has been given of the circumstances in which it occurred. Save this, no definite accusations against the Greeks of a similar nature have been brought to my notice.

Will that information be passed on to the House?

I will convey that question to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he will state the aggregate amount of expenditure on roads and bridges obtained from local rates and from the direct taxation of motor vehicles during the past year; whether the proportion is officially regarded as fair; and whether he is aware of the strength of agricultural feeling on the disparity of the contribution and the weight of the local burden?

Accurate particulars are not yet available as to the amount spent out of rates upon roads and bridges during the past financial year. The best estimate I can form is that a total sum of approximately£50,000,000 was spent by highway authorities, towards which payments have been made or promised from the Road Fund amounting to about£10,000,000. I am aware of the views held on the subject of this expenditure by certain representa- tives of agricultural interests, but I do not think that they appreciate to the full extent the benefit accruing to local authorities by the introduction of the new motor licence duties.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, whether the proportion is officially regarded as fair?

A very much larger proportion is paid than was ever paid before.

Do not the Government think it is time there should be a complete inquiry into the method of how roads are constructed and the expense of roads? It is a matter of the very first importance and of extreme difficulty.

An inquiry is proceeding regularly as to the construction of roads, and recently committees have been set up in each area of county and county borough surveyors in order to get the best and latest information and to secure economy and stability.

Has that inquiry going on any bearing upon the financial side of the question as between motor traffic and the local authorities?

It is very difficult to separate that from the larger question of local and national finance. The taxation is a special form upon a special class of taxpayers.

Does not that answer show the necessity for an inquiry.

This is becoming a Debate.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware of the discomfort and difficulty of travelling on omnibus and underground routes at certain hours of the day; whether, before His Majesty's Government sanctioned the guarantee of£5,000,000 to this combine under the Trade Facilities Act, 1921, any stipulations were made to ensure that the public, whose work obliges them to travel at fixed hours in the morning and evening, should be provided with adequate facilities?

The guarantee in question was given by the Treasury on the advice of the Advisory Committee in accordance with the terms of the Trade Facilities Act. All relevant considerations were doubtless taken into account by the Committee. The hon. Member may, however, consider that one of the results of the guarantee to be given under the Trade Facilities Act will, I hope, be to increase very materially the accommodation for travellers on one of the most congested of the routes in London, namely, the City and South London Railway.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he has any reply from the railway companies as to whether they intend to grant during the ensuing holiday season any of the pre-War facilities, such as tourist tickets, cheaper day-return tickets, and Friday-till-Tuesday cheap week-end tickets; and, if not, will he urge on the companies that these facilities should be restored to the travelling public in order that seaside and holiday resorts may benefit by trade which such cheap tickets tend to bring to them?

The railway companies have under consideration the question of tourist ticket facilities and fares, and it is anticipated that an announcement will be made shortly; as regards cheaper day-return tickets and week-end tickets, the companies inform me that they do not see) their way at present to make any further concession.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his Department can bring any pressure upon the railway companies in order to compel them to grant cheaper railway fares to the travelling public; and whether he will urge on the railway companies, in view of the reduction of wages and other costs of working, the necessity of at once reducing the percentage of 75 per cent, now charged extra on the pre-War cost of ordinary fares?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 13th March, to which I regret I can add nothing.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a report in the Press of a Japanese offensive against the Far Eastern Republic, 150 miles north of Vladivostok; and whether, seeing that such action is not in conformity with the promise made by the Japanese at the Washington Conference to withdraw their troops, what protest His Majesty's Government intends making against such action?

My hon. Friend has seen reports in the Press that as the results of the invasion of the Japanese zone, a collision has occurred between the troops of the Far Eastern Republic and the Japanese garrison in Eastern Siberia. His Majesty's Government do not propose to take any action in the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the reports of a recrudescence of slavery and the slave trade in Abyssinia; whether any report on this matter has been received or called for from the British Minister at Addis Abeba; and whether ho will communicate with the other two European Powers signatory to the tripartite agreement of 1906 with a view to their making joint representations and taking joint action in Abyssinia to fulfil the Treaty of St. Germain of 1919 binding the signatory Powers to endeavour to secure the suppression of slavery and the slave trade in Africa?

The attention of the Secretary of State has been drawn to these reports, and communications are proceeding with His Majesty's Minister at Addis Abeba on the subject. Further information from the Minister is awaited before a decision is taken upon the course of action which can most usefully be taken.