asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received an application for the imposing of a duty, under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, upon imported French silks; and, if so, whether he can state his decision with regard to the application?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A primâ facie case for reference to a Committee was not made out by the applicants, but they have since furnished certain further information which is being considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state what reasons there were for appointing a Committee to investigate the dumping of cotton gloves into Great Britain as a result of depreciated currency, seeing that the imports of cotton gloves in the year 1913 was 2½ million dozen pairs at an average value of 6s. 8d. per dozen pairs, whilst in 1921 the number of imports was only 570,000 dozens and the average value 20s. per dozen pairs?

I am sending the hon. Member a table, from which it will be seen that the figures quoted in the question do not fully represent the facts. The Board satisfied themselves before referring the matter to a Committee that a primâ facie case had been established under Section 2, (1) ( b ), of the Act.

Following is the Table:

The following statement shows the quantity, declared value, and average

Prior to 1920 the heading "Cotton gloves" included all kinds of gloves manufactured wholly or mainly of cotton, irrespective of the method of manufacture.

The particulars for 1921 were, however, compiled on a somewhat different basis, and unavoidably include a quantity of fabric gloves woven from textile materials other than cotton or silk. The quantity so included is believed to be relatively small.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the quantity and value of the cotton thread exported from this country to Germany in 1921; how much of it came back to this country in the form of fabric

value of cotton gloves of all kinds registered as imported into the United Kingdom during the years 1913 and 1921, so far as the particulars are available:

gloves; and how much of it remained in Germany or was exported to other countries, according to the best estimate that is available for the, past year?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures giving the information asked for in the first part of the question. As to the second and third parts, however, I regret that I can give no estimate.

Would it not be of immense advantage if some estimate and decision could be given as to whether these fabric gloves are to be taxed?

I doubt whether the-precise figure could be got, but I will see.

Following is the promised information:

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, before appointing a Committee to consider the imposing of a duty of 33⅓ per cent, under the Safeguarding of Industries Act on safety pins and hooks and eyes, he was aware that, owing to a recent change in fashion, elastic had superseded the use of these articles; if he was not so aware, will he say why representative women's organisations were not consulted; and whether he can say why no women have been appointed to sit on the Board of Trade Committee, seeing that many of the commodities are of the utmost importance to women?

Safety pins are not included in the reference to the Committee, which covers hooks and eyes, and snap fasteners. The possible effect of the change of fashion referred to on the trade in these articles was not overlooked, and consequently it was not-considered necessary to consult any outside organisation on the subject. With regard to the last part of the question, Committees are, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, selected from a permanent panel, consisting mainly of persons of commercial or industrial experience, and have to determine only whether the definite conditions laid down in the Act are fulfilled, any other considerations being irrelevant to this inquiry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the appointment of a Committee to consider the imposition of a duty on elastic, more especially as all the prettiest girls still use safety pins, hooks and eyes?

Has the pledge that the consumers would be predominant on these Committees been fulfilled?

I am not aware of such a pledge.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that ladies who buy for these West End stores have considerable business experience?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the sitting of the Committee appointed by him under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to con- sider the imposing of a duty of 33⅓ per cent, upon hooks and eyes, wire nails, etc., has been postponed from the 4th till the 15th of May?

I am informed that both the applicant associations concerned stated their inability to complete their proofs of evidence, by the inclusion of the latest possible information as to the position of the trades concerned, by the date originally fixed, and the Committee accordingly postponed their meeting until the earliest alternative date convenient to the members.

Does my right hon. Friend fix the date when he has got the assurance from both sides that they are ready?

The Committee fix their own date, and it was because applicants had not got their case ready that they were given a little longer time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications he has received under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, Part II, for the imposing of a duty on imported goods; whether he can say how many he has refused; and when the other applications will be dealt with?

Approximately 100 trades or branches of trades have communicated with the Board, but the majority of these communications have not progressed beyond the stage of inquiry with a view to formulating complaints. Twenty-one complaints have been rejected or withdrawn. I am unable to inform the hon. Member when the other applications will be dealt with, but he may be assured that no avoidable delay will take place after the requisite information has been received to enable the Board of Trade to consider them.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the disturbance to trade while these inquiries are pending?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state his reasons for refusing to furnish Members with copies of the Reports of the Committees which have reported in favour of imposing duties under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and whether, considering that some of these Reports have been several months in his possession and no action taken, it is to be understood that Part II of the Act is not to be put; into operation?

As I have already informed my hon. Friend on the 4th May, it is proposed to present these Reports to Parliament. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

When does the right hon. Gentlemen propose to present these Reports. Is he aware that there is one Report, at least, that has been in his possession three months; and is ho further aware that these are not Reports of private Departmental Committees, but of statutory bodies, and will he not take steps to publish them at once?

Is there any truth in the report in the Coalition Press that the Government intend to withdraw the Act?

That does not arise out of the original question.

May I have an answer to my question?

I am aware of most of the statements made by my hon. Friend, but I am not in a position yet to publish the Reports.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a request from some of the trades not to publish the information, as it might be detrimental to those trades?

I am not aware of that fact.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a financial appeal which has been issued on behalf of the London hospitals alleging, among other reasons, for their poverty the high cost of drugs; and whether drugs used for hospitals are subject to the duties imposed by the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I am aware of the appeal to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. A certain number of medicinal chemicals used in hospitals are subject to duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, and in this connection I would refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Western Isles on the 31st October last.

Is not part of the poverty of the hospitals caused by the duties imposed on drugs?

I do not think so.

Is it not a fact that part of the £500,000 granted by the Government has been swallowed up by the extra price of scientific equipment, drugs, and other articles?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that toy viewscopes are being detained at the ports with a view to levying a duty of 33⅓ per cent, on the ground that the lenses are liable to key industries duty; and, in view of his statement that lenses not optically worked are not liable for duty, whether he can arrange with the Board of Customs that clear instructions should be given to their collectors at the different ports so as to prevent these delays and accumulated charges for rents, breaking in, breaking out, and other examination charges?

The devices to which the question presumably relates are fitted with optically worked magnifier lenses which are dutiable, and therefore my previous statement as to lenses not optically worked does not apply to them. The Board of Customs are fully aware of the facts, and consequently I am not prepared to suggest that they should modify their present practice.

Is it true that these viewscopes are being detained until the Prime Minister brings in his new world?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he has appointed a Committee to consider the imposing of an additional 33⅓ per cent. upon optical and scientific instruments imported from Germany, seeing that these articles are already subjected to a duty of 33⅓ per cent, under the key section of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, and some, such as magnetos and magneto parts, are subject to a still further 33⅓ under the McKenna import duties in addition to 26 per cent. Reparations Act Duty; and whether, seeing that all these duties have to be collected individually, he is prepared to consider the advisability of prohibiting the import of these articles altogether rather than continue the present system?

The reason for the appointment of the Committee was that it appeared to the Board of Trade that a primâ facie case was made out that the conditions prescribed in Section 2 (1) ( b ) of the Act were fulfilled in regard to optical and scientific instruments. Magnetos and magneto parts are not included in the reference to the Committee, and the hon. Member is also under a misapprehension as to the relations between key industry duty and other Customs duties, as he will see from Section 1 (2) of the Act. The Reparations levy is not a Customs duty. Further, it is not the case that the duties referred to are collected separately, and the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Annual Report of the Medical Research Committee of the Privy Council, signed by the present Earl of Balfour, it is stated that their work has been greatly hampered by the increased price of scientific instruments?

Is it a fact that in some instances these articles are liable to a duty of 66⅔ per cent.?

It is conceivable, in my opinion.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can explain why the collector of Customs at Globe Wharf has held up a consignment of egg-timers on the grounds that they are dutiable as scientific instruments; and if he is prepared to issue a definite list of articles that are liable to duties and tariffs, and thus remove the uncertainty which prevails as to the powers of the Custom officers to detain goods at the port of arrival?

The consignment of egg-timers in question has been detained by the Cus- toms Department on the ground that the glass portion of the article is liable to Key Industry Duty as lamp-blown ware, and not on the ground that the article is a scientific instrument, as stated in the question. As regards the latter portion of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Schedule to the Safeguarding of Industries Act, and to the lists of articles liable to Key Industry Duty issued by the Board of Trade under Sub-section (5) of Section 1 of the Act.

May I ask what purpose egg-timers are supposed to serve in war?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the revenue realised in the past financial year from the Customs duties on motor cars and parts thereof, watches and clocks, musical instruments, and cinema firms?

I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the Debate this afternoon, will the hon. Gentleman let us have the aggregate amount realised by these duties?

The net amounts of revenue derived from the articles in question for the year ended 31st March, 1922, were as follow:—

£ Motor cars, motor cycles, and parts and accessories thereof 763,914 Clocks, watches, and parts thereof 450,001 Musical instruments and parts and accessories thereof 229,836 Cinematograph films 254,305

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a Report has been prepared on the recent Departmental inquiry ordered by him into the high price of beer sold to the public; and whether he will lay this Report upon the Table together with a summary of the evidence taken?

I would refer to the answers given to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle East on 10th and 26th April.

In view of the neglect of the Government to take anything off beer, is it not very important to make certain that no undue profits are being made on beer, and will he reconsider his decision and let us have the result of this inquiry?

I am certain on the point.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether masters of merchant ships are still permitted to take on board stocks of tobacco duty free; whether there is any means of ensuring that members of the crew also get the benefit of the reduced prices in purchasing tobacco on board; if he is aware that there are cases of 2s. 6d. being paid for 50 cigarettes, 14s. for a pound of soft tobacco, and 7s. 6d. a pound for hard tobacco, which prices are greater than those charged ashore; and whether steps can be taken to prevent the continuance of this injustice?

Masters of ships of 40 tons burden and upwards departing from the United Kingdom to parts beyond the seas are allowed to take on board stocks of tobacco, duty free, sufficient for the use of crew and passengers during the voyage. I have no information as to the prices charged on board, and I do not think there is any power to regulate prices, but I will look into the matter and see whether anything can be done.

Is it possible for the Board of Trade to fix a schedule of prices for these goods which are going to be retailed to sailors, and not to allow masters to charge excessive prices?

I am aware of the points which the hon. and gallant Gentleman raises, but I am not certain whether I have the powers. I will look into the matter, and see if anything can be done.

Why is tobacco free of duty at Gibraltar?

That is a question of which notice should be given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is part of the duties of any Department of the Board to collect information regarding trusts and combines; whether he has any information as to any development towards combination which have taken place since the expiration of the Profiteering Act; and, if so, whether he will publish a return on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, I am not aware of any special developments towards combination since the expiration of the Profiteering Act, and the answer to the last part is consequently in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of glass bottles imported from Holland and Germany during the years 1921 and 1913, respectively?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures which will give the information.

The figures supplied are as follow: IMPORTS OF GLASS BOTTLES INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM. Consigned from Germany— Quantity Declared Value. Gross. £ 1913 936,917 422,367 1921 330,348 389,116 Netherlands— 1913 125,086 64,713 1921 280,898 439,126

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total number of firms who are now registered under the Registration of Firms Act; what were the total fees paid during last year under this Act, and what were the ex- penses of the office and staff in carrying out the registration; if there was a loss on the same; and if it is proposed to increase the fees for registration?

The total number of business names registered in England and Wales in accordance with the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916, which were effective on the 4th May is 152,335. The fees received during the financial year ending 31st March, 1922, amounted to £5,502 15s. 6d. The expenses during that period amounted to £8,906 11s. 7d. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all the new ships which have had to be surrendered by Germany to this country have yet been handed over; can he state the total number of new vessels and the total tonnage which has been surrendered; and to which British shipping companies such ships have been sold?

Twenty-five vessels of 255,000 tons gross, which were under construction when the Peace Treaty came in force, were allotted to this country, and all except one vessel of 18,000 tons gross have been delivered. I am sending the hon. Member a list of firms which purchased the vessels.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the information, which I have asked for on more than one occasion, as to the prices paid for these ships by the respective firms?

And the tonnage as well?

I am not aware that the hon. Gentleman has asked for that information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there are 10,000 soldiers of the Wrangel Army in Bulgaria who were lodged there at the expense of the chief Allied Powers and are allowed to retain their military formations; whether the British Government bears any part, and to what extent, of the cost of their maintenance; and, if so, for what purpose are they being maintained?

So far as I am aware, none of the Allied Powers is contributing towards the upkeep of the remnants of General Wrangel's army in Bulgaria. The remainder of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Rumanian Government has complained to the Allies that there is still a large quantity of war material in Bulgaria; whether the Bulgarian Government has duly surrendered it to the International Commission of Control; whether the Commission of Control received instructions not to destroy it but keep it intact in Bulgaria; whether information can be given as to who issued those instructions; why they were issued; and whether instructions will now be issued for the destruction of this war equipment?

I have no information of any such representation by the Rumanian Government. So far as I am aware, all traceable war material in Bulgaria has been surrendered to the Commission of Control. I have no information of any instructions for such material to be kept intact in Bulgaria; in fact, the information in my possession shows that it is being, or has been, disposed of otherwise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all the stocks held by the late Ministry of Food have now been disposed of; if all the accounts of this Department have been completely paid off and the same wound up; if not, will he state what staff is at present being employed on the winding up of the Food Ministry; and when it is hoped to finally complete the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. The staff of the Food Department, including the Wheat Commission, numbered 362 on the 1st May, and is being progressively reduced month by month. It is hoped that the Ministry of Food accounts will be completed by 30th September, except as regards outstanding claims, for which it is proposed to retain a Food Claims Advisory Committee with a skeleton staff. The accounts of the Wheat Commission cannot be complete until some months later.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, under the agreement entered into between the Government of this country and the Provisional Government of the South of Ireland, the rates of import duty on foreign and ex-enemy goods are to remain identical for the two countries; and, if not, will he say what provision is being made to provide for the re-export from Southern Ireland to Great Britain or Northern Ireland of any of such dutiable goods?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Article 2 (i) of the Provisional Government (Transfer of Functions) Order, 1922, which provides that nothing therein shall affect the enactments passed or to be passed relating to the imposition, assessment or collection of taxes except that the administration of such enactments shall be transferred to the Provisional Government. The second part of the question does not arise.

Is there a representative of British Customs in every Southern Irish port to see that these duties are collected?

I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Order to which I have referred, setting out clearly, in technical language that I do not venture to alter, the exact facts of the case.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to statements which have appeared in the Press to the effect that the Irish Free State Constitution, which has for some time been in the hands of the Provisional Government, has now been adopted by them; whether the said Constitution has been submitted to and approved by the British Government; and when it is intended to submit it to the British Parliament for discussion and approval?

My attention has been called to the statements referred to in the first part of the question, but I have no information as to whether or not they are true. The reply to the second part is in the negative. I am not yet in a position to reply to the third part.

Are we to understand that the British Government have not received the Constitution or been consuited on its terms?

Yes, Sir; my hon. Friend will make no mistake in always understanding what I say.

I am amazed, but I wish to ask for information. How is it that the British Government have not been informed as to this Constitution, which has been completed?

That is the same question for the third time.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, to assist persons who have claims awarded in respect of property against the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State, he will advise the Treasury that the amount of such claims, up to one-half, should on application be immediately advanced at bank rate, or other reasonable percentage, pending the final financial settlement between the two countries?

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the statement in regard to the Compensation Commission which my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House proposes to make at the end of questions.

Will the House be allowed to discuss that?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to give the House the names of the Commissioners appointed to examine into the awards under the Criminal and Malicious Injuries (Ireland) Act?

I will answer this question together with Question 85, addressed to the Chief Secretary. I am glad to be able to inform the House that the composition of this Commission has now been settled in agreement with the Irish Provisional Government. Lord Shaw of Dunfermline has been good enough to undertake the responsible and onerous duties of Chairman. The House will agree that it is most fortunate that the services of a Chairman of such high judicial eminence and experience have been secured. With him will be associated Mr. James C. Dowdall, the nominee of the Irish Provisional Government, who is a member of the Incorporated Chamber of Commerce and Shipping, was formerly a member of the Cork Harbour Board, and who served on the Commission of Inquiry into the Industrial Resources of Ireland. The third member will be Mr. C. J. Howell Thomas, Deputy Chief Valuer to the Board of Inland Revenue. I will lay the terms of reference as a Command Paper.

With reference to my hon. and gallant Friend's question 85 on the Paper, His Majesty's Government would not feel justified, at a moment when the Commission for dealing with such claims has been appointed, in taking any action which might anticipate the decisions of that Commission. The Commission, it may be mentioned, will have full power to make interim recommendations to suit cases of emergency.

Will the claimants before this Court have the advantage of putting forward their claims, as suggested by the Strickland Report?

May I ask whether a similar Commission will be set up to deal with the claims made in Ulster?

I think that question was answered last week.

No it was not, and I must ask for an answer.

Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down on the Paper.

Will the House have any opportunity of discussing the terms of reference, if it desires?

I do not think I can find any special time; for such a discussion. It is really time that we made some progress with the Budget and other Government business.

Has the Provisional Government been approached with a view to giving security and protection to the persons and lives of witnesses giving evidence before the Commission.

That question had better be put on the Paper.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Secretary of State fox the Colonies whether any British officers have recently been kidnapped in Southern Ireland; whether they have yet been released; and what action the British Government has taken in the matter?

On 27th April three officers and a military driver, all in mufti, were on their way to Bantry in a motor car. At Macroom they were kidnapped and have not been heard of since. They were not on duty, and it is presumed that they stopped in Macroom owing to a breakdown. The local I.R.A. who do not acknowledge, the authority of the Provisional Government, has since denied all knowledge of this matter. The Provisional Government are doing what they can to assist in tracing them, as is also the Roman Catholic Bishop.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what report he has received as to the situation in Ulster, and whether he has received a report from the Northern Government as to what they are doing to prevent the murder of Catholics?

That does not arise.

In view of the fact that these officers were kidnapped, will he answer the latter part of the question as to the action of the British Government who are responsible for the protec- tion of the lives and property of British citizens, and will he state what the British Government are doing in this matter?

I did my best to answer that question. The Provisional Government are responsible for law and order in the South of Ireland, and they are doing the best they can under the circumstances. The Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese is also doing his best to endeavour to trace those who are responsible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Provisional Government are quite unable to release these men, and under these circumstances is the British Government not going to do something to get back these British officers?

On a point of Order. Am I not entitled to an answer to my question, as the right hon. Gentleman has dealt with the other questions. I wish to ask whether the Chief Secretary has also been in communication with the Northern part—

If the hon. Gentleman wished to ask that question, he should have submitted it to me. I have had no notice of the question.

When the question of law and order in Ireland is raised generally, am I not entitled also to ask what is being done in other parts of Ireland?

If the hon. Member will follow the same course as other hon. Members have done, I will give him the same consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is estimated to be the total expenditure on education from taxes, rates, and any other source whatsoever, distinguishing private from public sources, in the year ending 31st March, 1923?

I have no means of answering this question. Particulars of the estimated ex- penditure from public funds, so far as it falls within the purview of the Board of Education, are given in Command Paper 1,638.

Will it not be possible for my right hon. Friend, as Minister of Education, to depart somewhat from precedent and give the total cost of education, to the rates and taxes, at any rate.

To the rates and taxes, certainly. All that information was given in Command Paper 1,638. I cannot give the figure for public schools and private institutions, of which I have no return.

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that he was unable to explain the discrepancy between the total figure, to which he refers me, and the £103,000,000 of the Geddes Report?

I am able to explain that discrepancy, if the hon. Baronet will put a question on the Paper. He asked me in Debate for a figure which contains the Scottish Estimates. We were not discussing Scottish Estimates at the time, and I was therefore unable to give the hon. Baronet the information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why the hon. Baronet is always putting these embarrassing questions about the cost of education?

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether he has received any report from his inspectors with reference to the accommodation at Brasshouse Lane School, Smethwick; whether the report, if received, is unfavourable; and whether any steps are being taken to deal with the matter;

(2) whether he is aware of the shortage of elementary school accommodation at the Brasshouse Lane School, Smethwick; and what he proposes to do in the matter?

(3) if he can state the number of children between the age of five and ten in the Brasshouse Lane district of Smethwick who have not yet been admitted to school; whether he is aware that, of the children admitted since April, 1920, 91 were from five and a half to six years old, 26 were from six to six and a half, 16 from six and a half to seven, nine were between seven and seven and a half, and three were between seven and a half and eight years old at the time of their admission; and whether, in view of the inadequate educational facilities in this locality, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The question of the sufficiency of public elementary school accommodation in the district referred to has been before the Board for some time. Plans for the provision of additional accommodation are now under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of statements in circulation in this district that there are children of thirteen years of age who have never received one day's elementary education, and does he consider that we are at all likely to raise an A1 nation if that is the position with regard to education?

I am not aware of the facts stated.

asked the Prime Minister whether the effect of the Government's decision that the cost of school feeding this year in excess of £300,000 must be borne by boards of guardians, instead of by local education authorities as in the past, will be that children so fed cannot get meals unless their parents receive poor law relief; and, under these circumstances, will the Government reconsider the matter and allow the same arrangements for school feeding to continue as in the past and make a grant from the Exchequer to relieve the Education Vote of the sum required in excess of £300,000?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given him by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on the 3rd of this month, and to the answer given to the hon. Member for Abertillery by myself on the 1st of this month. The Government have given the matter full consideration, but do not feel able to adopt the course suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the children are to be fed it means the transfer of the charge from the Exchequer to the rates, which are already overburdened? Will the Government reconsider the matter if they are desirous that the children should be fed?

That is really an argument on the question.

Would the receipt of such a meal by the child disqualify, electorally, the father under the Poor Law?

No.

There seems to be agreement on that point.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is proposed to refer any of the recommendations of the Geddes Committee respecting education to any Departmental or other Committee; and, if so, in view of the fact that local education authorities have to bear a large proportion of the expenditure, whether representatives of such authorities will be appointed to serve on such Committee or Committees?

As a result of the recommendations of the Committee on National Expenditure, it is proposed to set up two Committees to inquire into the percentage grants system, which, of course, closely concerns educational expenditure, and into the question of teachers' superannuation, respectively. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 14th March last to the hon. Member for West Houghton. The composition of both these Committees is still under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to statements that the rights in the oil-producing areas of Russia are being conceded on terms by the Russian Communist Government to powerful groups connected with the oil industry; and will he say what steps the Government of this country is taking to safeguard the rights of British-owned oil undertakings that were operating in Russia prior to their seizure by the Communist Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The position of British-owned oil companies in Russia is not being overlooked.

Is it true that the representatives of the Standard Oil interests have left Genoa?

I do not know.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether his policy is to support, or otherwise, the efforts of Britishers to regain oil concessions?

That does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a sum of money, and, if so, how much, has been paid to Mr. Gibson and Mrs. Froom for services in Petrograd in 1918, 1919, and 1920; what was the nature of these services; how was the amount arrived at; and at what rate of exchange?

In recognition of their distinguished services in assisting British subjects in Petrograd between 1918 and 1920, ex gratia grants of £2,000 and £1,000 have been made to Mr. Gibson and Mrs. Froom, respectively.

Will the Noble Lord answer the second and third parts of my question, as to the nature of the services and how the amount was arrived at?

I have already explained that they were services to British subjects in Petrograd in those years.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the German Government has appointed as its diplomatic representative in Russia a person who till recently was manager of Messrs. Krupps' armament factory at Essen; and whether he has information to the effect that the Soviet Government have granted Messrs. Krupps certain concessions in Russia, including sites and the control of a large armament factory near Moscow?

I have no knowledge of the appointment referred to in the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question. A concession in the South of Russia has been granted to Messrs. Krupps by the Soviet Government, but I am not aware of its nature.

Will the Noble Lord make inquiries at the earliest possible date, and find out what the nature of it is, considering the importance of the question?

I will make representations to the Secretary of State.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have any information as to the reported Treaty between Germany and the Ukraine Soviet Republic, under which Treaty a German syndicate was to have the monopoly of the exploitation of the industrial and mineral resources of the Ukraine?

The answer is in the negative.

Can the Noble Lord say how it is that no information has been received here, in view of the fact that this Treaty has been reported in the French Press last week?

No information has been received here.

In view of the fact that these reports have been made to all the Press of the World, does the Noble Lord not see the importance of inquiring whether Messrs. Krupps have started operations?

I will convey the hon. and gallant Member's views to the Secretary of State.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will circulate the Treaty recently signed between the Italian Government and the Porte, together with the correspondence connected with it, as soon as the terms have been communicated to His Majesty's Government?

We have not yet received the text of the Agreement, and it cannot be published without the assent of the Italian Government.

In the event of the Italian Government giving its consent, will my right hon. Friend then publish it?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question later on, when there has been time to see and consider the Agreement.

asked the Prime Minister if he can make a statement with regard to the recommendation in the Geddes Report that a fee of 10s. should be charged on the filing of returns by friendly societies, which have been filed free of charge up to the present time; if he is aware of the anxiety which this proposal is causing among all branches of such societies, and that they are incurring great expense and trouble in preparing to oppose such a charge; and if their anxiety can be removed by an early statement of the intentions of the Government?

I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given on the 1st May to the hon. Member for Frome.

Cannot some decision be come to on this very simple matter?

The consideration referred to by the hon. Member is certainly being borne in mind, and the matter is occupying attention.

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to receive a deputation on the question?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a conference is now proceeding, or about to proceed, on the subject? Is there not a conference already in progress?

What is the real object of this proposal?

With regard to the question as to a deputation, and the question put by the hon. Member for Frome (Mr. Hurd), I think the matter is receiving the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and he has had communications on the subject.

Was not the Geddes Report presented before last Christmas?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the fact that Allied Powers are concluding separate treaties with Turkey providing for concessions calculated to prejudice British trade, steps can be taken to accelerate the evacuation of Asia Minor by the Greeks and the completion of the peace negotiations with the Turks?

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to the agreement recently concluded between the Italian Government and the Government of Constantinople. This agreement was made exclusively with the Government of Constantinople and not as alleged in some quarters with the Angora Government. Its contents which I outlined on Wednesday last are not likely to prejudice British trade. The signature of the agreement will not prevent the continued intimate co-operation of the two Allies in endeavouring to bring about an early settlement in the East; nor will it impair the cordiality of their relations. The question of the evacuation of Asia Minor does not therefore arise in this connection, but it may be added that evacuation is one of the Allied peace proposals and that the Angora, Constantinople and Athens Governments have hitherto failed to signify acceptance of these proposals.

If these concessions are given to the French and Italian Governments, will any steps be taken to safeguard British interests in the areas conceded?

I do not think there is any reason to anticipate serious injury to our interests by the agreement which was made the other day between the Italian and Constantinople Governments. That agreement, as I said on Wednesday, was an undertaking by the present Turkish Government to view favourably, applications by Italians, for concessions in a district of Asia Minor. I should prefer not to answer further questions about it until we actually have the terms of the agreement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Greek Government owes the Ottoman Railway from Smyrna to Aidin £40,000 for current services rendered during the Greek occupation of Ionia; and, if so, whether diplomatic representations will be made, in view of the fact that efforts have been, are being, and probably will be, made to raise a Greek loan in London?

The outstanding debt due to the Smyrna-Aidin Railway Company by the Greek Government for services rendered has been stated to amount to about £45,000. His Majesty's Minister at Athens was instructed on the 27th March to make urgent representations to the Greek Government for the early payment to the company of the amounts due and for the immediate despatch of instructions to the Greek authorities at Smyrna for the prompt settlement of all debts to the company as soon as they were incurred. His Majesty's Minister has again been requested to press for an early settlement and to report the steps which the Greek Government are taking with a view to satisfying the company.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, on 26th April, 1917, or at any other date, a pledge was given by or on behalf of the then Government that the cattle embargo should be removed?

The statements made by Lord Ernie when Minister of Agriculture will be found in Command Paper 8566 of 1917. Lord Ernie gave his explanation of these statements and of his subsequent action in a speech in another place on the 25th March, 1920. I think if the hon. and gallant Member will be good enough to refer to these documents they will give him the information he wants.

Does the statement made by the Minister of Agriculture on Saturday represent the Government view on the question?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that what was said to the Canadian Government was a pledge that, after the War, the embargo would be removed?

The statement was made by Lord Ernie, and the conditions under which he made it, and those, upon the supposed realisation of which, he was acting, have been explained by him in a speech in another place, and also, I think, in a letter to "The Times." I do not think it would be convenient for me to make observations on the subject at Question time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question—whether the statement made by the Minister of Agriculture on Saturday represents the view of the Government.

I have not read my right hon. Friend's speech.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport if he is aware that considerable hardship is being experienced by blind ex-service men who are engaged in businesses which necessitate their travelling by train from their home to their work and back, owing, by reason of their disability, to their having to pay for a ticket for their attendant as well as for themselves; and if he will consider the question of making an arrangement with the railway companies by which a rebate will be granted on the tickets of a blind man and his attendant going on a journey connected with the blind man's endeavour to obtain a livelihood?

I am aware that guides do sometimes accompany blind men travelling on the railway, and will bring the question of fares before the companies for consideration and advise the hon. and gallant Member of the result. He is no doubt aware that the Minister has now no power of giving directions to the companies as to their charges.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware of the difficulty and discomfort of travelling on omnibus and underground routes at certain hours of the day; and what steps are being taken to ensure that the public, many of whom are working in Government offices and whose work obliges them to travel at fixed hours in the morning and evening, should be provided with adequate facilities?

As regards services on the underground railways, I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Stratford on the 10th April, of which I am sending him a copy, and to add that the arrangement between the Trade Facilities Committee and the underground companies has for its object the improvement of travelling facilities in the London area. As to omnibus services, I am informed that an average of 282 additional vehicles are in service now compared with a year ago, which represents an increase of 11.5 per cent, (apart from the greater number of seats in the new vehicles), whereas the number of passengers carried shows an increase of only 4.2 per cent.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether, before the grant of £5,000,000 was made, any specific guarantors were obtained with regard to such facilities, other than the extension of the City and South London Railway?

There is no grant under the Trade Facilities Act, but a guarantee of further capital to enable the extensions and improvements to be made, which will have the desired result.

But are those extensions simply on one railway alone, and not on the general railways, and, in view of the fact that this loan has not been completed, will the hon. Gentleman see that complete guarantees are given for all the traffic in London?

I do not think that arises out of the question on the paper.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the excessive railway rates to which home-grown timber is now subject; and whether, in view of the fact that the high rates for round timber make it practically impossible for merchants to make purchases of home-grown timber at a distance from their mills, he will make such representation to the railway companies, or take such other appropriate action, as will ensure a substantial reduction of these rates?

The hon. and learned Member is aware that the percentage increases in rates were applied on the recommendation of the Rates Advisory Committee, and that the Minister has now no direct jurisdiction over railway rates. It is within the discretion of the railway companies to reduce their charges as they deem expedient, and, under Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, it is also open to any trader or representative body of traders to apply to the Rates Tribunal to reduce the charges. I am sending a copy of the hon. and learned Member's request to the railway companies for their consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the fair wages clause is incorporated in contracts for work on new roads towards which public money is granted; and whether any firm receiving a contract would be called upon to observe the recognised wages and other conditions of labour?

The inclusion of the fair wages clause in contracts is made a condition of all ordinary grants from the Road Fund. In the case of the unemployment arterial road works in the metropolitan area, for which the Roads Department is directly responsible, contractors are required to pay recognised wages and to observe the approved conditions with regard to labour.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that councils are giving out contracts, and that men are receiving only 7½d. per hour on some of those contracts?

I am not aware of that. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case he desires to have inquired into, I will be glad to look into it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the health of Zaghloul Pasha is suffering on account of the climate of the Seychelles; that a medical report to this effect has been submitted to His Majesty King Fouad; and that there is great popular anxiety on this matter in Egypt; whether His Majesty's Government have considered the results of the possible death of Zaghloul Pasha in exile; and what steps they propose to take in the matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. I understand that a number of petitions for submission to King Fouad are being organised by the opponents of the present Government. As regards the last two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement of the Leader of the House on the 14th March.

Has the Noble Lord now received further information on this matter?

No, but realising the interest taken by the hon. and gallant Gentleman and other hon. Gentlemen opposite in the subject, I have, as temporarily representing the Foreign Office, consulted the Foreign Office on the subject, and they are doing all they can to expedite inquiries, but I have no reason to suppose that the hon. Members' apprehensions as to Zaghloul Pasha's health are well founded.