asked the President of the Board of Trade whether representations have been made to his Department with reference to excessive harbour dues; whether such charges are imposed without consultation with the Board of Trade; and, if so, whether, having regard to the heavy burdens on shipping and commercial interests arising from this cause, he will take action in the matter?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Representations have been received from various shipping and trading organisations in respect of applications made by dock and harbour authorities under the provisions of the Harbours, Docks and Piers (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1920 to 1922. These representations have been, or will be, referred to the Rates Advisory Committee for consideration in conjunction with the applications to which they relate.

Is there any immediate prospect of a reduction of charges as a result of the representations that have been made?

I shall have to wait until the Committee has reported before answering that question.

Is there any prospect of the Committee reporting shortly?

There will be no undue delay.

Is it not a fact that only legislation passed this year has enabled these excessive charges to be made?

The lion, and gallant Member could not have listened to my answer, which referred to the Act of 1920–22.

Is it not the fact that the excessive dues are attributable to the extraordinary wages claimed by dock workers? [HON. MEMBERS: "NO, no!"]

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give figures as to the tonnage of beet sugar imported into this country during the year 1921, and the tonnage of beet sugar manufactured in this country during the year 1021?

During the year 1921 the imports of unrefined beetroot sugar into the United Kingdom from all sources amounted to 13,685 tons. In the case of refined sugar the trade returns of the United Kingdom do not distinguish between sugar manufactured from beetroot and that manufactured from sugar cane or other materials. The quantity of beet sugar produced in the United Kingdom during the year 1921 was 6,363 tons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the exports of textile fabrics from the towns of Dewsbury and Batley for the 11 months of each of the years 1913, 1919, and 1922?

I regret that I am unable to give the information desired, as exporters are not required to include in their declarations to the Customs particulars as to the places in this country at which goods for export have been manufactured.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction in the ports of the United Kingdom among seafarers at the working of the present system of manning merchant ships, and especially as regards the working of the P.O. 5 form; if he is aware that in many cases where a sailor has found a berth in a ship he is prevented by the officials of the Sailors and Firemen's Union from obtaining this form, without which he cannot go aboard under the Regulations; that this system puts great power in the hands of these officials which is liable to abuse; and whether he will receive a deputation on the subject?

The Board of Trade have received from time to time complaints very much on the lines indicated in the question, and it appeared that the trouble is due to a dispute between different unions representing seamen. In this dispute, so long as the law is complied with, the Board of Trade have no power to interfere, and in these circumstances I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by a deputation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these cases have nothing to do with any disputes between unions, and arise because these men have been out of work or sick for a long time, and cannot pay the exorbitant charges that are asked before they receive these forms?

I have looked into this matter, and am clear that there is no legal question arising to which I am entitled or ought to reply.

Is it not the case that representations have been made to the right hon. Gentleman's Department and to his predecessor, which go to prove that many of the men so victimised have been men who saw service during the War, who suffered from submarine warfare—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]

The hon. Member is rather monopolising Question Time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much has been paid or become payable during the three months ended 30th November to the British Dyestuffs Corporation by way of commission or other allowances in respect to their appointment as Government agents for the disposal of dyes received from Germany as reparation: and what was the value credited to Germany for the dyes disposed of by the corporation during that time?

The commission for the three months in question is, approximately, £4.600, and the proceeds of the sales of reparation dyestuffs during that period were, approximately, £66,000. The sterling value credited to Germany for the dyestuffs received during the period, which are, of course, by no means identical with the dyestuffs sold in this country in the same period, was, according to the Reparation Commission, about £107,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of firms which have enrolled on the Department's special register for the purpose of receiving information from abroad; and whether he can state what measures are taken to let firms in this country know of this must useful section of his Department?

The number of firms at present enrolled on the special register of the Department of Overseas Trade is 2.7G6. The Department is in touch with a much larger number of firms than this figure represents, but it will facilitate the prompt distribution of commercial information in the right quarters if every firm desiring to receive such information will enrol on the register. Particulars in regard to the special register service of information are published from time to time in the "Board of Trade Journal," and other suitable opportunities are taken to bring it to the notice of British firms in correspondence and in interviews.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the problem of restarting trade between this country and foreign nations, the Government are alive to the fact that it is desirable to obtain the best possible men as commercial secretaries to the various British Embassies and Legations; and whether he can assure the House that the Government have no intention of Eibolishing the post of commercial secretary to the British Legation at Lisbon?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I regret that it is necessary, in order to reduce the total expenditure on the Commercial Diplomatic Service, to abolish the post of commercial secretary at Lisbon, but I am securing the appointment at Lisbon of a Consul, who has had experience of a commercial secretary's work, and who will, I hope, be able to a very considerable extent to perform, in addition to his Consular duties, the functions hitherto carried out by the commercial secretary.

Is the hon. Gentleman a ware of the consternation caused amongst traders in Portugal by the withdrawal of this distinguished public servant, who has been most useful in regard to trade between this country and Portugal?

I have received a deputation of traders in regard to this matter, and have explained to them the financial exigencies of the country which compel me to dispense with his services.

Would not the money have been better spent in connection with the continuation of trade with the continent in this way than in casting millions into Austria?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the great number of coloured seamen in Hull and other ports, and of the great number of unemployed British white seamen; whether he is also aware of the many cases of unfortunate social results from the presence of these men in a white community; and whether, both in the interests of the native-born seamen and of public morals, some steps can be taken to induce these coloured men to return to their native lands?

I am aware of the presence of a number of coloured seamen in Hull and other ports, and of the unemployment which exists among British white seamen. I am not aware that there has been much recent trouble owing to the presence of these coloured seamen, many of whom are British subjects. During the years immediately following the Armistice special measures were taken to induce coloured seamen who had no prospect of obtaining employment in this country to return to their native lands, but these measures, which were only partially successful and were expensive, had to be discontinued. I may add that the Home Office have taken special steps to prevent the entry of coloured seamen who are not British subjects.

With respect to the second part of the question, has the Board of Trade communicated with social workers and ministers of religion and others who might give a good deal of evidence on this matter? Will the right hon. Gentleman do something to prevent shipowners signing on those black crews on ships to be discharged in British ports, arid then leaving the men stranded here?

There have been constant communications by the Home Office and by my Department with the bodies referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, and it is exactly to meet the condition of affairs referred to in the second part of the supplementary question that the Home Office has made the Regulations to which I have referred.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the wages cost of producing a ton of coke, a ton of ordinary iron, and a ton of finished steel, respectively, for the years 1913 and 1921?

I regret that I am unable to furnish figures showing the proportion of total wages to output in the case of the products named in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar information has been given on previous occasions and for a number of years?

No, Sir. I am not. I am always anxious to give information and never withhold it if it is possible to give it, but when this question came before me, I asked if it was possible for my Department to procure it, and was informed that it was not. If I can do better, I will let the hon. Member know.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reason why he is unable to state the cost per ton of production of crude petroleum in Great Britain, Trinidad, Egypt, and Mexico for the year 1921?

Such figures are not published by the operating companies, who are alone in a position to make the necessary calculations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, with regard to the banking accounts of the miners' welfare committees, inquiries were addressed only to certain large banks in this country; and if he will take steps to secure, in regard to any further inquiries to banks concerning the keeping of Government banking accounts, that the inquiry should be addressed to the whole of the bankers of this country and not merely to members of the banking trust?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Hillsborough (Mr. A. V. Alexander) on 29th November.

Did I not give the President of the Board of Trade notice that I wished him to answer the question, as he is the Cabinet Minister in charge of this Department?

The Secretary for Mines deals with all detailed mining questions, and it has been the practice in this House—and a very convenient one, I think—for him to answer these questions.

My point is to secure that in future the President of the Board of Trade shall sec that all banking interests are consulted, and not merely sections.

This question relates to a purely detailed question where a particular banking account inside the Mines Department is kept, and I think the proper person to deal with that is the Secretary in charge of that particular Department.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the closing down of the Tynewydd Colliery, belonging to the Powell Duffryn Coal Company, thus throwing hundreds of men out of work; whether the rateable value upon which the company will pay rates will be reduced because the mine is closed; and by how much will the rateable value be reduced in this case?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is informed that the colliery referred to has been closed pending the installation of improved machinery, and that, in consequence of the cessation of output, the rateable value of the pit will be temporarily reduced. Information is not, however, available as to the amount of this reduction.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman find out what the amount of the reduction is, seeing that by reason of this reduction unemployment is created?

I have already answered that question.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman find out the information?

I have already said that it is not available.

Why is it not available, seeing that the rates paid by this colliery and every other colliery in South Wales are upon a tonnage basis, and that the rate paid per ton has been fixed by the board of guardians years ago. so that it is simply a sum in arithmetic?

It is a sum in arithmetic based upon a future estimate, and that is rather difficult.

asked the Secretary of Mines whether the safety lamp is for the purpose of permitting men to work amongst gas, or whether it is simply to protect the men against the unexpected presence of gas?

The main purpose of the safety lamp is to provide light with security from the risk of ignition of gas by the lamp. The Coal Mines Act prohibits the employment of workers in any place where 2½ per cent, or more of firedamp is present; in the general body of the air.

The last answer was that there was gas present. How can the hon. and gallant Member now say the lamp has that function and that alone?

As the hon. Member knows, that is the very difficult question which has been referred to the Miners' Safety Lamp Committee, and I am expecting a Report.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will procure the report book from 8th July to 20th July from the Plean Colliery, and place the same in the House for inspection?

The Chief Inspector of Mines has held a public inquiry, at which these records were in evidence, into the causes of the explosion which occurred at this mine on 13th July, and I think that hon. Members would prefer to await his Report, rather than to examine a small part of the evidence for themselves. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that representatives of the persons employed at the mine have a statutory right of access to the report books of the mine.

Is it not a fact that His Majesty's inspector visited the mine the day before the explosion, and signed for gas being present in the place where these men were killed?

I cannot say.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can state the amount of money that went into the Treasury from the coal mines of Great Britain each year from 1915 to 1920, inclusive?

For the period up to the year 191–18 I beg to refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Chamberlain) to the hon. Member for Ogmore on the 1st December, 1919, of which I am sending him a copy. These statistics were available mainly as a result of a special inquiry made for the Coal Industry Commission. To bring them up to date would involve a further special Return, which I am unable to authorise in view of the expense involved.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in the recent explosion at Siddick Colliery, a violation of Section 29 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, was committed?

I have directed that a public inquiry into the causes and circumstances of this explosion be held by the Chief Inspector of Mines concurrently with the adjourned inquest, beginning to-day. Until the result of this inquiry is known I am not in a position to reply to the question.

When the question was put another way, the hon. Gentleman answered that gas was present at that time. Why does he say that and now put it off? Does he know anything about mines or gas?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that there are a large number of miners unemployed in the county of Durham; and whether he will inquire of the Durham coal-owners belonging to the collieries where these men were employed if it is possible to re-open their pits or parts of the pits which are closed so that the miners can be again employed, seeing that the coal-owners average profit, as revealed by the last two monthly ascertainments, was Is. 10½d. per ton for the month of October and 2s. 0½d. per ton for the month of September?

I am aware that certain coal mines in Durham which employed before the War about 2½ per cent, of the total number of colliery workers in the county are not at present working. I have no doubt that they would not remain closed if it were possible to work them profitably, and it is impossible for me to bring any pressure to bear upon the owners in the matter. The hon. Member will understand that the realisation of a certain average profit for the district does not necessarily mean that any given pit can work at that profit or indeed at any profit at all.

I was not suggesting that the hon. Gentleman should bring pressure on the coalowners. I was asking him to see the coalowners, because their argument now is that parts of the mine are not profitable and therefore they arc unemployed

The hon. Member cannot argue at Question Time.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, when one or more of His Majesty's inspectors of mines, or when one or more of their sub-inspectors, visit any coal mine for inspection of the mine, he will cause a copy of their report or reports upon the condition of the mine to be posted up in a prominent position near the mouth of the mine so that the report or reports can be read the same day by the miners working in the mine?

This matter was very fully argued by a deputation from the Miners Federation which met the then Secretary of State for Home Affairs in February, 1914. The conclusion at which the Home Secretary arrived was that the suggested arrangement would be detrimental to the work carried out by the inspectors to secure the proper protection of the workers. I am of the same opinion.

This was last brought to the notice of the Department in 1914. Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that there has been since then very general dissatisfaction amongst the miners that this method is not adopted, seeing that it is now enforced by colliery examiners and working inspectors?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that hundreds of mine workers are being paid starvation wages and that their wives and children are unprovided with sufficient food or clothing; and what action, if any, does he propose taking to end the foregoing state of affairs?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a Committee to inquire into the workings of the coal industry, the high charges for what is brought in under the title of other costs, the system of sale and distribution, etc., with a view to improving the position in this industry generally and making it possible to maintain those engaged in it to live n decency and comfort?

As regards the general position of the industry, I have recently received a deputation from the Miners ederation—a report of the proceedings of which was published—and I understand that there will be an opportunity for discussing the subject on Wednesday. A Committee is already inquiring into certain aspects of the system of distribution.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now prepared, in view of the powerful influence which certain trusts are believed to have upon the prices of certain agricultural products and on the general ground that the Government ought to have powers of investigation and regulation in such matters, to introduce the permanent legislation on trusts which was promised in the last Parliament?

As I have already stated in answer to previous questions, the Government are not in a position to make any pronouncement as to legislation in respect of trusts, but the report of the Committee now being set up by the Ministry of Agriculture will, of course, be taken into very careful consideration when received, so far as it may have a bearing on this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet appointed a Committee to inquire into the charges made by London gas companies for the present supply of gas by the method of the therm; can he state the names of the members of the Committee and what is its reference; and, in view of the general complaint from gas consumers, if they are in any way represented on the Committee, and by whom?

Yes, Sir, and I stated the names of the members of the Committee on the 30th November, in reply to the hon. Member for the Yatdley Division of Birmingham (Mr. Jephcott). The terms of reference are "to inquire and report as to the method of charging for gas on a thermal basis." All the members may, I think, be considered as representing the interests of gas consumers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider appointing a member of the London County Council on this Committee, as representing the consumers?

No, Sir; the Committee is already appointed and is anxious to start its work. There is on the Committee Mr. Arthur Balfour, who is well known. He comes from the city of Sheffield, which, I think, is the only city that has its gas consumers organised in one single union.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there are several gas companies supplying London, and that varying charges are made by the different companies; also that there is a great deal of feeling in London against charging by the therm. We should consider it a very friendly act if a member of the London County Council were placed on the Committee.

If I did that, I might be asked to appoint representatives of every single authority, great and small. I have tried to appoint a Committee which I think very strong but small and really representative of the consumer. I hope the London County Council will give evidence before the Committee.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered that large seams of coal differ in their therm value, and could not therefore some investigation be made into the class of coal used for making gas?

No doubt the Committee will consider that, if it be relevant to the discussion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether steamship companies who bring lascar crews to British home ports are under any liability to provide housing accommodation and food to either discharged or waiting crews of Eastern origin; if so, can he briefly state what the Regulations are in the matter, and if such housing is subject to any inspection by his Department; and how many officials are employed for this purpose?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have recently had an opportunity of inspecting personally the accommodation available for Lascar seamen at the London Docks and have come to the conclusion that there is room for considerable improvement in certain cases. My Noble Friend the Secretary of State for India and I are now discussing the matter, and I have taken up with the Board of Trade the question of action in connection with it. I shall be glad to inform the hon. Member in due course of any decision which may be arrived at.

Will the Department at the same time inquire into the housing accommodation provided for white sea- men in various ports of this country? Cannot steps be taken to prevent crews being shipped on vessels to be paid off at British ports so that they shall not be discharged in this country?

The whole question requires careful consideration, and it will receive it at the hands of the Secretary of State and myself.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department have any control over the rates of wages that are paid to Lascar crews on British boats using Home ports; whether, if contracts made in the East are not kept in this country by the steamship owners, the Lascar sailor has any appeal to his Department, or what is the man's remedy; and can he make any general statement on the subject?

The answer is rather long, and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much revenue has been collected out o£ the taxes imposed by the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and by how much the expenditure of the Customs, including the expenses for experts and referees, has gone up since the passing of this Act?

The revenue collected in Great Britain and Ireland under Parts I and II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act up to and including the 8th December inclusive was £445,324. As regards the last part of the question, the expenditure of the Customs has, in fact, decreased since the passing of the Act.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any figure for the cost which has be en thrown on industry in reference to these inquiries and other matters connected with the Act?

I shall be very glad to consider any figures that may be put before me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantities of domestic glassware imported during the first six months of 1922 from Germany and Belgium, respectively?

The quantities of domestic and fancy glassware (including cooking utensils, table glassware, and ornamental glassware) imported into the United Kingdom, and registered during the first six months of the year 1922 as consigned from Germany and from Belgium, were 41,045 and 86,682 cwts., respectively.

Does not that show that the danger to the industry in this country is from Belgium, and can the right hon. Gentleman say why Belgium was not included in the duties imposed in the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

Yes, because in the case of Belgium there was no proof that there was a bounty. I think that if any question were asked of those interested in the industry, they would say that half a loaf was better than no bread.

How is it going to help the industry here1?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether be has received a complaint, under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, in regard to imports of ramie yarn; and, if so, whether he proposes to refer the complaint to a Committee of Inquiry?

It has been the consistent practice of the Board of Trade not to publish information regarding any particular complaint received by the Board unless it is referred to a Committee. I am sure it will be readily appreciated that it is desirable to adhere to this practice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Reparation Claims Department sent a postcard to Mr. James Hutton, of 56, Melbourne Street, Liverpool, on the 10th September, 1920, stating that his claims in regard to being torpedoed would have attention, but that this seaman has not since heard anything further during the last 27 months; and will he have inquiries made into the matter?

Mr. Button's claim will be dealt with in the first Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action. As soon as the Government receives this Report, steps will be taken to award compensation in accordance with the Royal Commission's recommendation. If it is suggested that Mr. Hutton should be treated specially on the ground that he is suffering exceptional hardship or urgent need, I am prepared to have inquiries made with a view to seeing whether any advance can properly be made to him.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many thousands of others there are who have been waiting an equally long time?

That does not arise on this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will order an inquiry into the case of those men permanently disabled by the rigour of their captivity in the desert, where for 21 weeks the Turks and Arabs detained them in a practically starving condition after they had got ashore from the wreck of their vessel, the London and North-Western Railway Company's steamer "Tara," of Holyhead, commandeered by the Government as a patrol boat; and is he aware that some of the men died in tins desert and on the way home after rescue as the result of starvation, and that the remainder, with a few exceptions, are physical wrecks, incapable of returning to full work for the rest of their lives, but ineligible for pensions in the ordinary way, notwithstanding their War service?

The cases of the men who lost their lives or were disabled as a result of their experiences after the s.s. "Tara" was sunk have been dealt with under the War Risks Compensation Scheme for the Mercantile Marine. Pensions are being paid in the case of a number of men who lost their lives, and disablement allowances are being paid in other cases. If the hon. and gallant Member has any particular case in mind in which death or disablement is regarded as due to the man's experiences after the "Tara" was sunk, and in which no compensation has been paid, I will have inquiries made into the case if he will send me full particulars.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that I am asking about the living, and not the dead?

My answer applies to both the living and the dead. If the hon. and gallant Member has any case which could properly have been dealt with under this scheme and has not been dealt with, I hope he will send it to me, and I will look into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the payments on account of awards for compensation which are to be made in the course of the next few months owing to the success of the Public Trustee in liquidating German property in this country are payments on account of civilian War damages; if he will say what amount is expected to be available for division: and what percentage of the claims admitted this represents?

I have been asked to reply. The payments which it is hoped to make shortly on account of claims for compensation are in respect of claims arising out of the treatment of British property in Germany under exceptional War measures. It has not yet been decided what dividend can be paid and it will of course be necessary to take into account the claims which have been lodged, but have not yet been assessed, as well as those which have been assessed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information to the effect that Germany is, or has been, sending British coal to France as reparation payment; and, if so, whether he can give the approximate tonnage so delivered?

No, Sir, I am informed by the Reparation Commission that no British coal has been delivered by Germany to France as reparation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will furnish a Return showing the number of ex-enemy ships sold by Lord Inchcape on behalf of the Reparation Committee, the tonnage of each ship so sold, the buyer, the price and the name before and after the sale, the total sum received in respect of such vessels and the amount, if any, unpaid by purchasers, the expenditure involved in selling the ships, and the uses to which the balance has been applied?

There is no objection to giving detailed information about the sales of the ex-emeny ships, showing the price and the name of the buyer in each case. I will consider in what form the information can be given and communicate with the hon. Member.

Is there any reason why the whole of the information asked for cannot be furnished"

A good deal of detail is asked for here, and I should like to go into it.

Sir Harry Brittain.

May I ask— Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL: Mr. Speaker, may I ask whether the hon. Member (Mr. Shinwell) is in order in speaking after you have called a subsequent question?

I think the hon. Member might be allowed to put this supplementary question.

May I ask whether the details to which the right hon. Gentleman refers will be furnished if they are asked for?

That is precisely the question which I have answered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received information which will enable him to say what are to be the proportionate allocations of the national debt of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire among the States which formerly constituted that Empire?

I understand that certain proposals have been laid before the Reparation Commission, but that no decision has been arrived at.

Will my hon. Friend endeavour to obtain information, because the Board of Trade is unable to collect British claims until they get it?

I will do what I can.

asked the Prime Minister what arrangements the Government propose to make so as to secure the speedy trial of the remaining Germans who were scheduled by the Committee on Breaches of the Laws of War as having been guilty of cruelty to British prisoners of War?

I regret that I can make no statement on this subject at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in any discussion as to reparations at the forthcoming meeting in London between himself and the French, Belgian, and Italian Prime Minsters, he will see that the attention of the Conference is drawn to the vast internal resources of Germany, contribution;? from which would not affect employment in this country, such as timber, wood-pulp, nitrates, sugar, etc., as well as Germany's large transfer of wealth to foreign countries, estimated by Mr. Reginald McKenna at not less than £200,000,000 sterling?

I think that my hon. Friend can be quite sure all such considerations will be borne in mind, not only by His Majesty's Government, but by (he other Governments concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the proceeds of the sales and of other dealings in Crown foreshores are paid into public funds;. and, if so, whether, seeing that Returns of such dealings would be of interest to, at least, the public of all the coastal districts of the country, he will take steps to have a statement of dealings in foreshores published and placed on sale and the local authorities of every coastal district informed that this has been done and where the statement can be purchased?

The proceeds arising from the dealings with Crown foreshores under the management of the Board of Trade are paid into public funds, and it has been the practice to publish particulars of these dealings as a House of Commons Paper every five years, the last Return, relating to the years 1912–16, being published in 1919. A further return for the years 1917–21 was prepared, but, as the sales receipts for the return of 1919 amounted to less than £l, whereas the cost of printing the Return for 1917–21 is estimated at £90, the Board, in consultation with the Treasury, decided that, looking to the urgent need for economy in public expenditure, the continued publication of the Return is not justified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that English merchants holding stocks of Russian produce in Russia prior to the War found, on the outbreak of war, that they were prevented from carrying on their normal trade, and in consequence received cash advances from banks in this country on the security of the goods stored in Russia, and that these goods have since been seized by the Russian Government and, in consequence of the interpretation placed upon the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement, many of these merchants arc practically faced with ruin; and whether he will make a statement on the subject?

I am aware that serious hardship has been caused in many cases by the action of the Russian Government in confiscating property without paying compensation; and, as I stated in a previous answer, His Majesty's Government will not fail to take all practicable steps to secure an equitable settlement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Russian Government have repudiated, on the grounds of vis major, the claim for compensation which was put forward on behalf of the owners of the steam trawler "Magneta" and of the dependants of those members of the crew who perished when the vessel, while under illegal arrest, was wrecked off the coast of Murmansk, His Majesty's Government will accept the responsibility for the said compensation pending the determination of this question, when a final and comprehensive treaty of peace is concluded with Russia?

I regret that it is not possible for His Majesty's Government to accept any responsibility in this connection.

In view of the fact that it will probably be a very long time before we get this final treaty with Russia, and in view of the great need of these people, are there not any funds out of which the Government could make interim compensation?

I am not aware of any.

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire and see whether, in the meantime, some payment of compensation could not be made on account, until something is obtained from Russia?

I think that question was fully answered to the hon. and gallant Member in the last Parliament.

If the Government cannot get funds to meet this case, where did they get funds to bring Prince Andrew away from Greece?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the illegal imposts made by certain unauthorised bodies on British river traders in China; and whether His Majesty's Government will make representations to the Chinese Government to secure the removal of this abuse?

I am afraid I cannot answer this question without more exact information regarding the cases to which the hon. Member is referring.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if His Majesty's Government has any information as to the existence of a military convention between France and Poland; if he can state what is now the position as to the registration of treaties and conventions between States members of the League of Nations with the Secretariat of the League; and whether provision for such registration is concerned merely with political instruments and not with military instruments?

An agreement containing a military Clause was published in the French "Temps" on 22nd February, 1921. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to Article 18 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, in which it is laid down that every treaty or international engagement shall be registered with the Secretariat of the League.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can see his way to inquire of the French Government their present attitude with regard to the Channel tunnel; and, if favourable, will he inquire further as to how far they would be prepared to go to assist in its construction?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by the Prime Minister on the 4th instant. As His Majesty's Government are not at present prepared to consider the question, there is obviously no Advantage in adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister how long the question of the construction of the Channel tunnel has been under consideration; why it is that the Government are not prepared to consider this scheme at present, in view- of the prevailing conditions of unemployment and of the direct employment that approval of this scheme would give to railway, steel, and general workers in particular; whether any application has ever been made to the Government for any direct or indirect assistance from Government sources; whether he is aware that the whole cost of all the works would be borne by the Chemin de Fer du Nord and the South Eastern Fail way; and, in all the circumstances, whether the Government can now come to a decision upon this matter or at least advance adequate reasons for any further delay in view of the condition?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to my Noble Friend on the 4th December.

Are we to understand that the. matter is still under consideration or that it has been definitely turned down?

I am not quite sure, but I believe that it was definitely turned down by the last Government. If it is really the case and can be shown to me that private individuals are ready to start with their own money, I will promise to have it reconsidered.

If requested to do so, will the right hon. Gentleman consent to receive a deputation on the matter?

No, I think it unnecessary to do BO. The condition which I have laid down is a reasonable one. If reasonable guarantees are given that the money is available, I would have it reconsidered.

Do I understand my hon. Friend to say the Government are not prepared to consider the question?

If the Noble Lord will refer to the answer to which I referred, given by the Prime Minister, he will see what ho says.

Is it not a fact that all sections of French opinion have for years declared, not only their readiness, but. their eagerness to have this tunnel established, and are there not—at least I gather so from the papers—private firms both in England and in France who are willing to undertake this job without assistance from the Government of England or of France?

Really, I do not think it is possible for me to make any statement with regard to the state of French public opinion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now in a position to make any definite statement as to the assistance or relief which the State is prepared to give to helping farmers who may find themselves in acute, financial difficulty owing to the absence of capital entailed by the purchase of their holdings?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject, but I hope to receive the Report of the Committee which is considering the matter before the end of this year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the personnel of the Departmental Committee which is inquiring into the methods of selling and distributing agricultural, horticultural, and dairy produce; whether the proceedings will be public; whether evidence will be taken from representative bodies anxious to volunteer it in addition to those who may be officially invited to give evidence; and whether the investigations will be carried on during the holidays, so as to permit of the Report being published and any desirable action being taken thereon before the commencement of the Spring?

The Committee will be constituted as follows:—

• The Marquess of Linlithgow (Chairman).
• The hon. Member for the Louth Division of Lincolnshire.
• The hon. Member for the Frome Division of Somerset.
• Sir Basil Mayhew, K.B.E., a well-known accountant.
• Mr. Ernest N. Debenham, Chairman of Debenhams, Ltd.
• Mr. Rowland R. Robbins, C.B.K., ex-Chairman of the National Farmers' Union.
• Mr. A. W. Ashby, of the Institute of Agricultural Economics, Oxford.
• Mr. R. J. Thompson, Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture;

and a Scottish representative nominated by the Secretary for Scotland.

It will be for the Committee to decide whether their proceedings will be public, but I may say that it is not the usual practice in the case of Departmental Committees. I have no doubt that the Committee will be glad to receive evidence from representative bodies who desire to offer it, and it is the intention t-Hat the Committee should begin their work at once.

Will the Committee carry on their investigations during the holidays?

That is for the Committee to decide.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that a representative of the Labour party is a member of the Committee?

I communicated, through the usual official channels, with the Chairman of the Labour party, and, on his advice, I nominated Mr. A. W. Ashby.

Who is the representative of the consumers on the Committee?

I think they are all consumers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he received a request that a consumers' representative should be appointed, and whether that request has been refused?

I said they are all consumers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will extend the scope of the Departmental Inquiry into the conditions of agriculture so as to include all goods a farmer has to purchase, such as artificial fertilisers and agricultural implements, and to ascertain the cause of the difference, which is out of all proportion to the pre-War difference, in the prices of raw materials and the manufactured article?

It is proposed that the inquiry to which the hon. Member refers should relate to agricultural, horticultural and dairy produce, and I do not think it is desirable to extend its scope to articles such as fertilisers and machinery.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can state the comparative figures of the average rent per acre of arable land in England and Wales in 1871, 1891, and 1921; the total number of agricultural labourers; and the number of labourers employed on the land per 100 acres in the respective years?

As the reply is somewhat lengthy, and includes a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the Terms of Reference of the Committee which is to inquire into the conditions of agriculture?

asked the Prime Minister whether, if he decides to appoint a Committee of Inquiry into the condition of agriculture in this country, he will consider including on the Committee someone with knowledge of the land system and methods of farming in Australia, New Zealand, or Canada?

After consultation with my right hon. Friend the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) as to the form of the inquiry for which he asked in his speech in the Debate on the Address, the Government propose to set up a Tribunal of Investigation, consisting of three well-known economists, with the following reference:

"To inquire into the methods which have been adopted in other countries during the last 50 years to increase the prosperity of agriculture and to secure the fullest possible use of the land for the production of food and the employment of labour at a living wage, and to advise as to the methods by which those results could be achieved in this country."

The terms of reference will, of course, include consideration of the methods adopted in the Dominions as well as in foreign countries.

Will the terms of reference include a full consideration of the question of rent?

I think it obvious that the terms of reference which I have given would include every relevant element for consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the names of the three economists?

No. They have not yet been chosen.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the inclusion of an economist with personal knowledge of agriculture in the Dominions beyond the sea?

Among those who will be considering this there must be several who have given consideration to that subject. Otherwise they would not think themselves competent to deal with the whole question of agriculture.

Why should economists be appointed? Why not men who understand something about land?

We have had lots of Commissions, as my right hon. Friend knows, of men who understand something about the land. The idea, as I understood, was that we were to try to get entirely away from interested people, either from the point of view of money or of property.

Will economists be chosen because of their knowledge of agricultural co-operation?

Any economist who has made a study of agriculture must have studied that aspect of the question.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the fact that the ships must be laid down under the Washington Treaty by 31st December next, and in order to maintain the one-Power standard, he can now state whether the orders for the two new battleships have been given out;

(2) whether he is aware that two of the Powers who signed the Washington Treaty have not as yet ratified it. and show no inclination to do so; that the British Empire alone has scrapped all the ships specified in the Treaty except H.M.S. "Lion"; that at the present moment the British Empire stands third among the Powers of the world at sea in capital ships; that Parliament is pledged to maintain a one-Power standard; whether he can state what steps His Majesty's Government intends to take in view of this situation; and whether an opportunity can be given to discuss the naval situation before the House rises?

It has been decided to lay down the? two ships referred to. As regards Question No. 62, it is not possible to deal with the subject raised by question and answer, and I regret that I cannot arrange for a discussion of it before the House rises.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the financial commitment of this country involved in his reply?

I shall require notice of that question.

Seeing that the right hon. Gentleman cannot give time for discussion before we rise, will the work on the ships actually be begun before we have a discussion?

Yes. As the House knows, this subject was decided both by the House and by the late Government. We have reconsidered it, and think that we have no option but to proceed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a new House, that he has formed a new Government, and is the House not to have an opportunity of discussing the matter?

When the subject is discussed, the hon. Member will find that it was not possible to delay it beyond this year.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before any definite step is taken by the Government to dispose of its holding in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, due care will be exercised to ensure that the shale and oil industry in Scotland, and the interests of those who depend for a livelihood thereon, will be protected?

No definite step of the kind indicated is at present contemplated. All relevant considerations will no doubt be taken into account, should occasion ever arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that so many Members of this House represent only a minority of the electors in their constituencies, he will consider the introduction of such legislative pro posals, by way of proportional representation or otherwise, as will remedy the existing anomalies?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether any figures are available showing what addition to the electorate would result from granting the vote to women at the age of 21 instead of at the age of 30?

I have been asked to reply. Exact information is not available, but it is estimated that the enfranchisement of women at the age of 21 years instead of 30 would—if the other conditions and qualifications for women franchise remained as at present—increase the electorate of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by one million and three-quarters approximately.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will consider the desirability of so arranging business during the coming Session that proposals involving the expenditure of money shall not be discussed after midnight, and that no financial business, not actually commenced before 11 p.m., shall be taken after that hour?

As far as possible, this will be done.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of the House meeting at 10 o'clock in the morning? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]

asked the Prime Minister what action will be taken to ensure the carrying out of the undertaking given on behalf of the Government by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the effect that the Government accepts responsibility for seeing that full justice is done to the claims of Irish civil servants who were in the service of the Crown at the time of the change of Government in Southern Ireland; whether arrangements will be made that will secure that the officers affected, established and unestablished, shall receive pensions or other compensation on retirement on as favourable a basis as would have been the case had they continued to hold their offices under the British Government; whether representatives of the two Governments will confer in order to determine what officers are to be deemed to be covered by the assurances which have been given on the subject, as to the terms on which pensions are to be granted, and as to the allocation of cost as between the British and the Free State Exchequers; and whether legislation will be introduced next year to enable the British Government to carry out its obligations in the matter?

Article 10 of the Treaty and Article 78 of the Irish Free State Constitution provide for the payment of compensation by the Free State on terms not less favourable than those accorded by the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, to Irish civil servants who are discharged by it or who retire in consequence of the change of Government. The Free State Government have already taken steps to carry out these arrangements by appointing a Committee to deal with all claims by the persons affected. The Irish Civil Service have two representatives on the Committee, which is presided over by a distinguished Irish Judge, in whom, I am sure, all parties concerned have the fullest confidence.

In these circumstances I am not prepared to intervene in the matter on the lines suggested, and I see no necessity for the introduction of legislation on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state what steps the Government propose to take that the Chairman of the Boundary Commission referred to in Article 12 of the Irish Treaty will be a person acceptable both to the Irish Free State and to the Government of Northern Ireland?

I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the lion, and gallant Member for Leith Boroughs (Captain W. Benn) on the 7th December.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will grant facilities for the passage of comprehensive legislation for the protection of the unmarried mother and her child on lines similar to the laws that have been in existence in Norway since 1915?

I am not at present in a position to make any state-men!: on this subject.