asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what powers, since the repeal of the Press Act, are now possessed by the Government of India to put a stop to the allegations against the police, designed, as stated in the Indian Press, to stir up religious feeling and to inflame the passions of the multitude?

As I stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 14th December, if the attacks amount to offences under the law, the law can be applied and is applied by means of prosecutions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what were the grounds of the refusal of improved conditions of service to the officers of the Indian police who presented their case on 4th February, 1922; and what was the total cost to the State of the refund to the Indian Civil Service of part of their contributions to pension sanctioned by the Secretary of State in September of the same year?

I am aware that a deputation of police officers waited on the Viceroy on the date named, but I have not received any report of the proceedings, which, I understand, were private. I am unable, therefore, to answer the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the capital cost of the measure referred to was estimated at about £270,000, the actual payments being spread over a considerable number of years.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the attention of the Secretary of State has been called to the speech of the Viceroy on the 8th January regarding what he termed the unfortunate resolutions passed by the Indian National Congress at Gaya, and assuring the members of the associated chambers of commence of India that the Government would use all its resources to combat and quell the forces of disorder if they became manifest; and whether steps will now be taken to combat and quell these forces of disorder before they become more manifest than they are at present rather than after?

Nothing that I could say in this House could give my hon. and gallant Friend a more definite assurance than is contained in the Viceroy's speech. Both my Noble Friend the Secretary of State and I rather deprecate my hon. and gallant Friend's repeated suggestions in his questions that the Governments and their officers in India are not doing their duty.

Is it not more advisable to take steps to quell these disturbances before they arise?

I do not think it would be very easy to quell a disturbance before it has arisen. In regard to what I believe to be the principal point of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, I would suggest to him that the great improvement in the conditions in India to-day compared with a year ago make it less necessary for my hon. and gallant Friend to interest himself to the extent that he does in the details of the administration. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]

Absolutely disgraceful!

I said, "in the details of administration." I do not suggest that my hon. and gallant Friend has not a perfect right to ask a question on the principle. I specifically said, "the details of administration."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the attention of the Secretary of State has been drawn to the Memorial of 24th January, 1923, submitted by the Council of the Bombay Presidency Association of European Government Servants, published in the "Times" of 21st February, 1923; and, considering that the proposed Royal Commission to be appointed to inquire into the position, prospects, and grievances of the Indian Civil Services may not be able to report for some considerable time, will the Secretary of State take into consideration the question of the grant of some interim immediate relief owing to the difficulties these civil servants are placed in owing to the rise in the cost of living and the fall in exchange?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am not prepared to make any statement until the Royal Commission has been formally constituted, and has had an opportunity of considering the materials that will be laid before it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether a Memorial addressed by the European Government servants in the Bombay Presidency to the Secretary of State has been received, setting forth the extreme financial straits in which these officials now find themselves; and, in view of much praise and many promises they have received, will he state if anything has yet been done to alleviate the distress which these Government servants, after many years of devoted service to the Empire, are suffering?

I would refer to the answer I have just given to the question on the same subject by the hon. and gallant Baronet the Member for Melton. Substantial improvements in pay and other conditions of service were effected in 1919–1920, and, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, a Royal Commission is about to be appointed, which will inquire into the financial conditions of Service among other matters.

Is the Noble Lord aware that these European officers out there are in a state of great distress, and anxious that some quicker tribunal than a Royal Commission should be appointed, as they are practically starving under present conditions? Will the Noble Lord try to see that something is done immediately to relieve the distress?

If when the Royal Commission does sit, will they take very great care to see that the Civil Service do not confiscate to themselves all the benefits that are likely to be conferred to the disadvantage of the British officers?

The points raised by both hon. Members will be taken into consideration. With regard to the specific point raised by the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Gwynne) I think that he and the House will realise that this Commission having been appointed, among other purposes, expressly to inquire into the grievances of civil servants, it will be inopportune to take any action until the Commission has reported. I hope the Report of the Commission will be available earlier than the hon. Member thinks.

Cannot some interim help be given to these unfortunate people?

I will convey both suggestions to my Noble Friend the Secretary of State.

Will it not be necessary for the Commission to go out to India in the cold season, and will not that postpone the whole inquiry?

It is quite true that the Commission will probably not now be able to go out until next cold weather; but I must not be taken as admitting that the seriousness of the situation is as great as it has been put by my hon. Friend. I will convey the suggestions made from various quarters to the Secretary of State.

Is the Noble Lord not aware, as it is a matter of common knowledge, that many of the civil servants are seriously embarrassed, and is not that likely to injure the Government of India administration?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Sir Henry Wheeler, the Governor of Bihar and Orissa, has refused to release the political prisoners confined in the gaols of that province, while Sir William Marris, the Governor of the United Provinces, has taken a different course of action; and whether he can say what is the justification for such a divergence of policy in two adjoining provinces?

I have seen a Press report of the decision of the Government of Bihar, and of the reasons for that decision. I have not yet received the full statement of the reasons for the action taken in the United Provinces. In the exercise of their discretion in this matter local governments have evidently been guided mainly by their view of local conditions, but, as stated in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Melton on 15th February, the question of the exercise of this discretion on a general scale is being discussed by the authorities in India.

Is it not considered proper that these Governors, in exercising discretion, should consult the Government of India before they come to decisions on these matters?

In regard to the very important question of my right hon. Friend, that is a matter which, as I pointed out in this and in previous answers, is now under discussion between the Government of India and the Provincial Governments. I would point out that, by law, discretion is actually vested in the local Governor.

Does the Noble Lord not think that action such as this is liable to give rise in India to a widespread demand for the release of Ghandi?

I prefer to answer that question when the result of the discussion to which I have referred is known.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the prisoners recently released by the Governor of the United Provinces had been sentenced for taking part in a revolutionary movement common to many provinces; and, in view of the fact that a common policy in regard to offenders is desirable, did the Governor of the United Provinces consult the Government of India and the Secretary of State before taking action which will likely lead to demands for similar action in other provinces?

As regards some, at least, of the prisoners, the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer already given on this subject.

Is the Noble Lord aware that he gave no answer the other day? He said he had not yet received any information. Will he say whether Ghandi's son is one of the persons released?

I will make inquiries in regard to the last part of the question as to Ghandi's son. In the answer referred to, I explained what was the constitutional position with regard to the discretion that is vested in the Governor, and I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Melton (Sir C. Yate) that discussions were going on on the question of the principle involved at the time between the Government of India and the local Governments.

Would it not have been better, if discussions are going on, for the Governor of the United Provinces to have waited until the discussions had taken place?

I explained that the Governor took action without previously conferring with the Government of India, in accordance with the discretion that is vested in him by law. I said that the consequences resulting from his action were the subject of discussion between the Government of India and the local Governments.

Are we to understand that it will then be within the province of the Governor to release Ghandi, should he think it is a good thing to do?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to the fact that under present Army instructions in India all cavalry officers are required to provide themselves with suitable chargers at their own expense; and, in view of the fact that officers serving in India have also to pay for their quarters, mess buildings, servants, stabling, etc., which are free in this country, and that, owing to the increased cost of living, cavalry officers serving in India are now worse off financially than they are at home, will he inquire into the matter and see what can be done to remedy this?

The cavalry officer in India has benefited from concessions introduced after the War to relieve officers of expense in connection with chargers, namely, an allowance in respect of the wages of grooms, free forage, and concessional rates for purchase of horses. I would observe generally that Indian rates of pay are designed to cover many expenses that under British Regulations are met by specific allowances or free provision. I do not think that any extension of the recent charger concessions is practicable.

Is the Noble Lord aware that, owing to the exchange, cavalry officers in India are really in a worse position than they are in this country? Will the Noble Lord have the matter inquired into?

Yes. I shall be pleased to ask that further inquiry be made into the matter. It is difficult to get an exact comparison between the conditions of pay of the British officer in India and in this country owing to the varying and different conditions in the two countries.

Is it not a fact that the recommendations of the Esher Committee have not been carried out?

I think the spirit, at any rate, of those recommendations has been carried out.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can hold out any hope of a revision of the rules made under the Government of India Act in connection with the residential qualification of candidates in Bombay and certain other provinces before the elections are held next December?

I cannot give any undertaking, but the point is being specially considered by the Government of India and the local governments concerned. Their recommendations when received will be fully considered by my Noble Friend before a decision is taken, as it will be before the next elections.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the verdict in the case of 172 men sentenced to death for action arising out of, and during, a riot at Chauri Chaura; whether, having regard to the fact that in evidence it was stated these men were carrying out the political policy of non-co-operation, and were provoked into resistance by violence through the conduct of local authorities and the talukdars, he will suggest to His Excellency the Viceroy of India the appointment of a committee of inquiry into the cause of the riot, composed of three representatives appointed by the Indian trade unions, three from the National Congress, and three from the Central Government, and that the enactment of the death sentences remain in abeyance until the committee's Report is presented?

It is true that the brutal massacre of 22 Indian policemen by a mob at Chauri Chaura was the direct outcome of the non-co-operation movement. It had no agrarian aspect. The death sentences passed by the Sessions Court must be reviewed by the High Court, after which it is open to the Executive Government to consider the mitigation of individual sentences. My Noble Friend will most certainly not suggest to the Viceroy that the functions of the Courts and the Executive should in any way be superseded by the appointment of a special committee with partisan elements.

Have the India Office in London and their advisers considered the effect of sentencing 172 men to death for the murder of these 22 policemen, and, if that be so, is not the suggestion made in the question a way out of the difficulty which will assuage the wrath of the whole of India in regard to these sentences?

As I have pointed out, this case is at present sub judice. The sentences must be reviewed, and meantime it would be most improper for me to make any comment on the sentences that have already been passed.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that instances have occurred whereby colliery managers employed by firms have had their salaries advanced and sanctioned by his Department from £340 to £800, whilst the output from those collieries have dropped from 148,000 tons in 1914 to 60,000 tons in 1921; and, seeing that one person is thus being rewarded for decreased output and another person punished for increased output at the very time when his Department is asking for coal to be sent up, will he inquire into this matter and meet this person to discuss it?

I am aware that during control, the sanction of the Controller of Coal Mines was necessary to increases of the salaries of colliery employés and that he sanctioned increases if they were recommended by employers and justified by circumstances. I have no knowledge of the specific instances to which the hon. Member refers, but control ended on the 31st March, 1921, and since then my Department have had no powers whatever in such matters. In these circumstances, the last part of the question, so far as I understand it, does not appear to arise.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiry into the years which I have given, in Northumberland, Durham, Lancashire and Yorkshire?

I do not see any particular year in the question.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that a small colliery owner-manager in Rhondda Valley, South Wales, after very largely increasing his output of coal in response to urgent appeals from the Department, and under a written promise, as contained in a letter from his Department, dated 14th January, 1920, that such increase would be fairly considered when his accounts were presented, having got the coal from him and from the most remunerative part of his royalty, and when discussing his accounts afterwards, that letter has been repudiated by his Department, the effect being that this colliery owner-manager considers that he has been dishonourably treated; that this same person has not received one penny increase of salary from the first day of control to 31st March, 1919; and that in effect the same remark applies up to the end of control, viz., 31st March, 1921; and, seeing that he is the only one of 17 coal retailers in his district whose retail profits have been curtailed drastically by his Department, the others not having had their retail profits interfered with by his Department in any way, will he inquire into this?

I have inquired into this matter, and, if I have rightly identified the owner-manager to whom the hon. Member refers, I am satisfied that the suggestion of unfair treatment is quite without foundation. He has received his full legal rights under the provisions of the Coal Mines (Emergency) Acts, and the treatment of his retail business was on the lines agreed by him, and in accordance with principles generally applied, except that it was found possible to mate a special concession in his favour. I fear that my obligation of secrecy under the Coal Mines (Emergency) Act precludes me from going into further detail.

Could not the hon. and gallant Gentleman or a representative of the Department again meet this person and hold an inquiry?

I shall be quite prepared to go further into the whole thing, but I do not think that there is much use, as it has been gone into already very carefully and very fully.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received a Report from the Miners' Safety Lamp Committee; and, if so, whether it is his intention to publish the findings of the Committee?

Six memoranda presented by this Committee have been published by the Stationery Office, and also the Minutes of Evidence. A further Report from the Committee is expected shortly, and, when received, will be published without delay.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the investigations carried out by the Institute of Industrial Psychology as to the effect on coal production of increasing the lighting power of the miners' electric lamp; whether he is aware that the tests showed that an increase of nearly 15 per cent. in the output and a decrease of 22 per cent. in the amount of dirt sent away were obtained by increased illumination; and whether his Department has made any investigations into the matter?

Yes, Sir, the results of these experiments are being closely studied, but the results to which the hon. Member refers, though valuable, were obtained under experimental conditions with an electric lamp weighing about 30 lbs., and the experimenters do not suggest that it would be practicable for miners generally to use such a heavy lamp. There is no difference of opinion, however, but that better light would tend to improve production, and I have hopes that it will eventually be possible to produce an electric lamp of reasonable weight with far greater intensity of light than is now available. The Miners' Lamps Committee, who have been at work for the past two or three years, have already evolved two new types of electric lamp and published other valuable suggestions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that hostilities have broken out between Poland and Lithuania, and that both sides have appealed to the League of Nations, His Majesty's Government have taken the necessary steps to bring about prompt intervention by the League?

His Majesty's Government have urged moderation on both sides, and it is hoped that further hostilities will now be avoided. It is for the League itself to decide what action to take in response to the appeal addressed to it.

Is it not necessary for some Power to take the initiative in putting the machinery of the League into motion?

That is not a question which arises out of this question. The fact is that the Lithuanian Government have already declined. In these circumstances, there is not much use in seeking to set the machinery of the League in motion.

Is it proposed to call a meeting of the Council of the League on the matter, or has Poland applied for a meeting?

No, because, as I have already indicated, there is now a hope that the difficulties are at an end.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British military attaché in Poland has been arrested by the Lithuanians; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government will take prompt steps to secure his release and fix responsibility upon those responsible?

The British military attaché in Poland was recently arrested by the Lithuanians, but has already been released. His Majesty's Government have demanded a full explanation of, and apology for, this incident from the Lithuanian Government.

Is it not a fact that General Carton de Wiart, accompanied by two Polish officers, went on to Lithuanian soil?

I do not think that it is all admitted.

Is there any reason why this very gallant officer should not go on to Lithuanian soil?

With two Polish officers!

He might even go to Newcastle-under-Lyme.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what is the total of the Russian Government debt to this country, and the sum total of all claims registered with the Russian Claims Department against the Russian Government, and the sum total of any other claims for which His Majesty's Government, acting on their own behalf or on behalf of British nationals, regards the Russian Government as responsible; and whether the claims registered with the Russian Claims Department are open to the inspection of Members of this House?

The amount owed by the Russian Government to the British Government is about £656,000,000. I am unable to give the sterling total of the claims registered with the Russian Claims Department, as many of them are expressed in roubles. These claims have always been treated as confidential and are not open to inspection. I know of no other British claims for which the Russian Government are held responsible.

Is it not possible for this House to know the total value of the private claims against the Russian Government?

If the hon. Member can tell me the value of the rouble, perhaps I can answer the question.

Have these claims not been registered for the past three or four years?

All the claims are registered, and are awaiting payment by the Russian Government.

Have the claims submitted to the British Government been submitted in terms of roubles or of English pounds?

In terms of pounds.

Then why not answer the question as to the value?

Because I think that a great many of these claims are private claims, and a great many of the private claims are in roubles.

Is not the whole point that one of the facts which are delaying the resumption of normal relations between Russia and our Government is these private claims, and cannot we have accurate and definite information now about the nature of these claims?

If the hon. Member desires further information, I should be glad if he will put down a question.

What is the number of private claims compared with the total population of the British Isles?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps, if any, have been taken to secure the release of British fishermen arrested by the Soviet Government; and what is the present state of affairs?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Hull (South-West) on the 19th of February. No reply has yet been received from His Majesty's representative at Moscow to the latest instructions sent to him on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the conditions on which His Majesty's Government have declared their willingness to grant de jure recognition to the Russian Government are liable to differing interpretations, that the World Conferences held at Genoa and the Hague failed to bring about a settlement between Russia and the non-Russian Powers, that the preamble of the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement signed on 16th March, 1921, contemplated a formal general peace treaty between the Governments of Great Britain and Russia, and that the lack of normal diplomatic relations is a hindrance to the development of Anglo-Russian trade, His Majesty's Government is prepared to invite the Russian Government to send plenipotentiaries to meet representatives of the British Government in conference in London with a view to negotiating a full settlement of all the questions at present outstanding between the two Governments?

The points mentioned by the hon. Member have all been fully considered by His Majesty's Government, who are, nevertheless, not disposed to depart from the decision referred to in the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on the 27th November last.

Is it not laid down in the preamble to the Anglo-Russian Agreement that cessation of the propaganda against the British Empire should take place as a condition precedent to any formal conclusion of peace?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the treatment of Mrs. Frederick Thompson, of 68, Queen's Gate, South Kensington, by the immigration officials of New York; whether he is aware that Mrs. Thompson, a, first-class passenger on the "Olympic," who was going with several friends to pay a private visit in America, was separated from her friends and taken off in a barge to Ellis Island with 236 steerage aliens, notwithstanding the protests of her fellow-passengers and the officers of the "Olympic"; whether representations have been made to the Government of the United States on the matter; and with what result?

His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington was instructed to bring the incident to the attention of the United States Government, but before Sir Auckland Geddes could act on these instructions he received a letter from the Surgeon-General of the United States Public Health Service expressing regret at the occurrence and stating that a special investigation had been ordered. The United States authorities have been asked to communicate the result of this investigation at the earliest possible moment.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not an isolated case, and will he consider the particulars of further cases if I send them to him?

The whole question of the conditions at Ellis Island has been under consideration for some time and representations are being made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in the Bill he introduced the week before last relating to the housing of the working classes and the acquisition of small dwellings, he proposes to insert a provision to enable local authorities to make advances to builders during the course of erection of approved dwellings for persons who desire to own and live in them?

Yes, Sir.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the extent of the present housing accommodation at the women's hostel at Eltham; whether, in the event of the site being given up, any binding undertaking has been given that houses will be forthwith erected thereon; and whether he has any information as to the number and nature of the houses that are to be built?

The hostel was originally constructed for, approximately, 1,476 girls, and at the present moment only 120 are in residence. The answer to the second part is in the negative. As regards the third, I understand that the erection of permanent houses is contemplated in the immediate future, but the hon. Member can no doubt obtain full information on this point from the owner of the land.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be wiser of his Department to retain this accommodation for some 1,400 people in a district where the housing shortage is already very considerable, sooner than wait upon such an uncertainty as the right hon. Gentleman has indicated?

No, Sir. In the interest of the taxpayer, we think it right to economise the money, which we should have to pay if we retained this land after the Defence of the Realm Act Regulations came to an end. In the second place, this is an extremely valuable site, and so long as we remained on it there was no prospect of houses being erected.

May I suggest that sometimes the interests of housing might be the interests of the taxpayer?

asked the Prime Minister what classes of houses the Government proposes to decontrol in June, 1924; whether the decontrol of these houses will take effect unconditionally or will be dependent on whether the shortage of such houses has come to an end?

It is the proposal of the Government that all control shall cease in June, 1925. As regards the higher rated houses it is proposed that, these shall be decontrolled in 1924, but the Bill will contain a Clause that this shall only take place in the absence of a Resolution to the contrary in either House of Parliament.

Will it be possible for Members of this House to have the Bill in their hands this week?

I made inquiries about that this morning. I do not think that the Bill can be circulated before the end of next week.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the refusal of the Unemployed Grants Committee to make grants to local authorities in connection with the employment of unemployed labour on housing schemes, and of the refusal of the Ministry of Health to authorise the erection of any more State-assisted houses under the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1919, he will state what the Government are prepared to do to facilitate the erection of houses during the months which must elapse before building operations can commence under their new proposals which have yet to be passed into law?

The point raised by the hon. Member has been considered in connection with the Housing Bill.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that while the Government are considering it, no houses are being built, and cannot some definite pronouncement be made, so that local authorities may know where they stand in this matter?

The hon. Member cannot expect me to accept the statement that no houses are being built. Beyond that, I hope to be able to make a statement as soon as possible in regard to the matter, and the hon. Member will see the Housing Bill when it is in print.

Arising out of that indefinite reply, I beg to give notice that at the end of Questions I will ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on a matter of definite public importance.

At the end of Questions—!

I desire to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the refusal of the Government to make a definite pronouncement as to the position of local authorities with regard to the erection of more houses pending the enactment of the new Housing Bill, and the withholding of grants for this purpose from any other source, whereby all progress in State-assisted housebuilding is suspended, and large numbers of building operatives are kept out of employment.

The hon. Member's Motion wishes to anticipate the notice already given by the Government for the introduction of their Housing Bill. He is, therefore, precluded by the Rules of the House from putting forward this Motion.

May I put it to you that it is in the discretion of the Chair to decide whether the introduction of a Bill is not intended to be a block. I respectfully desire to remind you that the whole question of blocking was before the House some years ago. At that time the placing of a notice on the Paper was an absolute block. It was generally regarded as unfair to have a block on the Paper if there was any chance of having a discussion in reasonable time in the public interest. The question I now put to you is this: In view of the circumstances of the present Bill, in that notice was given on the first day of this Session that this Bill would be introduced, that it has been presented, that we have no security that it will be in the hands of the Members for at least another fortnight, while at the present time important issues are being decided elsewhere, on un-authorised statements of Government policy founded on this Bill, the notice of Motion is relevant? Furthermore, local authorities are being held up in a very serious way not only in respect to housing but in respect to unemployment. The local authorities were not inclined to take exception to the Government policy when it was announced that the Bill would be introduced, and—[ lnterruption ]—I am entitled to make my question as clear as I can—the local authorities were given the impression that this Bill would be proceeded with with all expedition, because, obviously, the grants had come to an end. In view of the fact that an alternative policy for bridging the transitional period has been offered to the Government and that has been turned down, I put it to you that an exceptional case has arisen and that this block ought not to be allowed to operate.

On a point of Order. Is it not a fact that a Bill still blocks a Motion unless, in your opinion, Mr. Speaker, there is no reasonable chance of the Bill being discussed?

May I also submit that my right hon. Friend is scarcely right in that interpretation in the change of order, or practice, of the House? Is is not really a matter for the Chair to consider whether on the whole, the convenience of the House will best be met by allowing a discussion to take place now rather than postponing it?

I am very much obliged to the three hon. Members for their assistance in this matter. I had in my mind, of course, the new Standing Order made a short time ago. The notice of a Bill is not in every case a block to discussion. It is put upon the occupant of the Chair to decide whether he considers there would be an opportunity within a reasonable period for discussion. In respect to the particular matter brought forward by the hon. Member, I cannot, at this stage of the Session, take the view that the Government gave notice of the introduction of the Housing Bill on the first day of the Session without any intention of proceeding with it.

With all respect, may I suggest that the passing of the Bill does not affect the question which I wish to raise, namely, the transitional period between to-day, when nothing further can be done, and the time when the Bill will become operative?

The hon. Member in his notice does not allege that there has been any departure in policy on the part of the Government from that which was announced last year as to the number of houses to be built under the old scheme. What he complains about is the delay in producing their new scheme, and the consequent gap, as I understand it, in the building operations. That is not a matter which can be brought up upon a Motion of this kind. Had there been a departure from the policy already announced to the House, the hon. Gentleman would have had some grounds for his Motion.

I was lately with a deputation from the local authorities to the Ministry of Health, and the Department said they had no more houses to give out. That was the answer we got—that the whole of the houses had been allocated. Will I be in order, Mr. Speaker, in giving notice to call attention to the matter on the Adjournment tomorrow night?

Notice has been given to raise more or less the same subject for to-morrow night, and I shall be pleased to look in the hon. Gentleman's direction on that occasion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, how many local authorities have adopted the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act of 1899?

My right hon. Friend has no information as to the number of local authorities who have adopted the Act, but 56 local authorities have obtained sanction to borrow money for the purpose of making advances under the Act.

Can the hon. Gentleman inquire as to how many local authorities have adopted the Act?

I am afraid that, without sending out a circular to every local authority in the country, it would be impossible to get the information.

It is a very important matter.

Is it not the fact that it is the duty of the Ministry of Health to keep in touch with important Acts that are adopted by local authorities?

It is fully their policy and duty to keep in touch, but this Act does not require local authorities to make these particular returns to the Ministry of Health, and I do not see, as at present advised, any particular advantage in sending the circular all round.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give us some indication as to the total number of houses already erected under this Act? In answer to a question from me last week, we had the information that the total amount is less than three-quarters of a million. Why cannot—

The hon. Member will please put that question down.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he has obtained any estimates as to the probable number of houses that may be expected to be built in the two higher classes, under the Rent Restriction Act, between now and June, 1924?

The Government are of opinion that, if their policy is carried out, the supply of these houses in 1924 should approximate to the demand.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Government scheme will apply to higher priced houses at all?

I have answered the question on the Paper. The opinion of the Ministry of Health is that by 1924 the supply of these houses will be equal to the demand.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the number of persons employed by his Department at home and abroad; what functions such persons perform that were not previously carried out by the Consular Service; and what is the increase in cost in providing commercial intelligence due to the formation of the Department?

The staff of the Department of Overseas Trade at home, exclusive of messengers and charwomen, is 369 persons. The staff abroad consists of 34 commercial diplomatic officers, 11 trade commissioners, and clerical staffs of approximately 120. The Department is also responsible for the Consular Department of the Foreign Office and for the administration of the Consular Service, which comprises 390 salaried officers.

As the remainder of the answer is necessarily very long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In the carrying out of this organisation, both at home and abroad, are the opinions of the commercial community sought?

Yes.

Is it not a fact that all the Chambers of Commerce in Britain have signified that they are very grateful for the work accomplished by this Department, which is very important to us manufacturers?

My Department is in constant touch with the Chambers of Commerce of the country, and we have a very large advisory committee composed of the heads of the banking, mercantile, and manufacturing firms of the country, whose advice is invariably sought.

Following is the remainder of the answer:

The commercial diplomatic officers, who form part of the staffs of the British Embassies and Legations in foreign countries, besides supervising the commercial work of the Consuls, assists the Ambassadors and Ministers in their commercial work and maintain a continuous supply to the Department of reports on the more important commercial and economic questions within their area. Consular officers furnish, either directly or through the commercial diplomatic officers, commercial intelligence of local interest on matters arising in their respective districts. The Trade Commissioners are stationed at various posts within the Empire, where, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, no British consular service is maintained. The headquarters staff of the Department is engaged in directing the work of the overseas officers, in assisting British traders who wish to develop their export trade, and in disseminating commercial information. The functions of the Department also include the organisation of the British Industries Fair and of British participation in international exhibitions. The Department is also charged with the administration of the export credits scheme. As before the formation of the Department the expenditure on commercial intelligence was spread over several Votes, it is not possible to state what increase in cost has resulted from its creation.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the transference of work from the Ministry of Labour at Kew to the Ministry of Pensions; whether this is due to the recent dismissal of ex-service civil servants from Kew; and whether he will implement the promises of the Government and order the reinstatement of the dismissed men?

I have been asked to reply. In connection with the consideration of various aspects of the unemployment question, a mass of statistical information was recently obtained. It was necessary to tabulate these statistics, which related to hundreds of thousands of cases, in a number of ways and in as short a time as possible, and for this purpose the use of particular tabulating machines was essential. These machines are not available in the Ministry of Labour, but they are installed in the Ministry of Pensions, and for this reason the tabulation was done at the latter Ministry. This fact is in no way connected with the recent reductions of staff at Kew.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will consider the abandonment of the project of holding the British Empire Exhibition, with a view to setting some limit to the loss which guarantors are likely to suffer?

The answer is in the negative. As regards the latter part of the question, I have no reason to anticipate ultimate loss to the guarantors. The action suggested by the hon. Member would inevitably involve them in immediate and heavy losses.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when a Report of the findings of the Committee appointed to consider the difference between prices paid to the producer and prices paid by the consumer will be issued?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western on the 19th instant.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, following on a reduction of wages from 24s. for a 48-hour week to 21s. 3d. for a 51-hour week, the agricultural labourers on a farm in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire have gone on strike; and whether he proposes to take any and, if so, what action in the matter?

I am aware of the dispute in question. One of my officers has already made inquiries into the case and I shall be pleased to place his services at the disposal of the parties with a view to assisting them in arriving at a settlement. I have no powers of compulsory intervention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware whether the facts are correct? Is it a fact that 24s. was paid for a 48-hour week?

I believe that to be correct.

Does not such a case indicate the necessity for immediate legislation for the benefit of agriculture?

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment this day week.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the production of sugar at the Kelham sugar factory last year; what was the profit or loss; and how many men were employed?

The Kelham sugar factory did not operate last season, all the beet crop being worked at the Cantley sugar factory; therefore the second part of the question does not arise. As I stated in the reply to my hon. Friend on the 19th instant, the Kelham factory will be re-opened this year, arrangements having been made by the directors of Home-grown Sugar, Ltd., for the provision of the capital required for the alteration and extension of the factory plant and for working the crop.

What extra capital is likely to be required this year?

I could not say without notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who will supply the extra capital for this undertaking?

I could not say without notice.

It will not be the Government, I presume?

I must ask hon. Members not to debate every question. We have reached only Question No. 30, and time is getting on.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the amount of the grant made to the Rural Industries Intelligence Bureau as set up by the Development Commission; what does the director receive in payment for his services; what are the numbers and salaries of the other officials of the Bureau: and what are the exact duties of that body?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed reply, which will, I hope, afford all the information that he requires on the subject.

Following is the reply:

The grant sanctioned to the Rural Industries Intelligence Bureau for the year ending 30th September next is £2,875. There is now no director of the Bureau, the administrative work being in the hands of the secretary and the technical work in the hands of a technical adviser, both of whom are shown in the following list indicating the various officials of the Bureau and their salaries:

Secretary: Mr. J. Wedgwood (£250 per annum).

Technical Assistant: Mr. S. Bewsher (£260 per annum).

Correspondence Clerks: Miss B. M. Hastings (£200 per annum), Miss W. M. Cape (£175 per annum), Miss J. P. Handyside (£156 per annum).

These officers are reinforced by several unpaid voluntary workers. Moreover, Mr. W. T. Barker, has been lent part-time by the Ministry of Labour as technical adviser, more particularly in connection with certain schemes for the training and employment of disabled ex-service men; he is at present paid by the Ministry of Labour.

The object and duties of the Bureau are to advise generally on:

(a) The revival and extension of rural industries and crafts which, with proper organisation and improved methods, can be rendered sound and profitable.

(b) The establishment of new industries and of industries which up to now have not been carried on in this country, always provided that such activities are suitable to rural districts, and that there is reasonable prospect of their being conducted under economic conditions.

(c) Standard of workmanship, price, economical production, the use of waste material, training in various crafts and in such subjects as, for instance, dyeing, leather tooling, polishing, and in the use of the latest mechanical aids, etc.

The Bureau is prepared to give all possible assistance in the directions indicated above to the isolated handicraftsmen and to rural groups of workers direct or through their own associations, and no effort is being spared to obtain information and to give assistance of practical value.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to introduce legislation with the object of empowering farmers to wage a more effective campaign than is at present possible against the invasion of their crops by rabbits from adjoining land?

I do not consider that legislation of this character is sufficiently urgent to justify the introduction of a Government Bill at the present time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any figures showing the amount of unemployment now prevalent among agricultural workers?

No definite figures are available of the amount of unemployment amongst agricultural workers, but from the latest reports made by my officers in various parts of the country it appears that the number of regular agricultural workers unemployed is not abnormal, and that where unemployment exists it is mainly confined to unskilled and casual hands.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether agricultural workers in full work are in some counties in receipt of Poor Law out-door relief; and, if so, can he state the counties, the number of men so receiving relief, the rate of wages earned, and the amount of such relief?

Twenty-eight cases of this kind have been reported to my right hon. Friend. They have all arisen in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. The minimum agricultural rate of wages in these counties is understood to be 25s. per week, and the relief given varies from 2s. to 8s. per week. My right hon. Friend is sending the hon. Member a copy of a letter which he has addressed to the boards of guardians concerned in this connection.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is possible for a man, his wife and family to exist on 25s. per week?

That hardly arises out of the question. It is merely a matter of detail as to the amount that is paid.

( by Private Notice )asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the very serious position of agriculture at the present time, and the very general desire of Members of this House representing agricultural constituencies to debate the question, he will be good enough to give an early day for discussion?

As my right hon. Friend knows, it will take us all our time to get through the necessary business before Easter. If he will put a question to me after Easter, I will give it careful consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very general desire among agriculturists to get to the policy of the Government, and that there is extreme uneasiness as to that policy?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask him whether he is aware that this is just the time of the year when agricultural wages are being fixed for the summer, and it is for that reason that an early Debate should take place?

I am quite aware of all these facts, but that does not reduce the amount of business which, by Statute, we have to get through before Easter. I am afraid that it is impossible to have a Debate before that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the intention of a Government Department to plant coniferous trees on the three sugar-loaf hills at Churt, near Farnham, called the Devil's Jumps, and to continue to burn the surrounding heather; and, if so, what is the reason for obliterating the contours of these hills which, with the stretch of purple heather, when in bloom, have for generations past constituted a well-known natural beauty spot?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It is the intention of the Forestry Commissioners to burn heather and plant coniferous trees on two of the three sugar-loaf hills at Churt, near Farnham, called the Devil's Jumps, with the exception of the top of Stony Jump; the third hill is not in their possession; by planting trees the land will be put to an economic use, employment will be provided in a district where at present there are many unemployed, the outline of the hills will not be obliterated and, it is believed, the beauty of the district will be enhanced when the plantations are established.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the action of the authorities is regarded as an act of vandalism by the whole of the countryside of West Surrey, and will he accept a suggestion as an alternative, namely, that if his Department has determined to plant these trees—

The hon. Member had better put that on the Paper as a further question.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the head-quarters of the Wafd (Egyptian delegation) at Zaghloul Pasha's house in Cairo were raided by the police on 20th February; that the police were acting under orders from the British military authorities; that this course was taken because of the issue of a manifesto protesting against the attempt of the High Commissioner to obtain the premiership for Adly Pasha; whether there was any protest from the Wafd against the premiership of Nessim Pasha; and, seeing that the members of the Wafd who were opposed to the premiership of Sarwat Pasha are now exiled or imprisoned, whether, in view of the pledge given more than a year ago by the High Commissioner to suspend the exercise of martial law so far as it affected the free exercise of their political rights by all Egyptians, he will state what steps will be taken to prevent such action in the future?

The only information in my possession is that on 20th February the Wafd issued a manifesto which Lord Allenby considered to be of a nature to disturb public order. He therefore issued instructions that Zaghloul Pasha's house should be closed. The attitude of the Wafd to the late Ministry of Nessim Pasha may be inferred from the manifesto issued by it on 15th December, the tone of which was distinctly hostile. The partial suspension of martial law promised by Lord Allenby in his letter to the King on 28th February, 1922, was designed to facilitate the holding of elections, and when these take place the pledge will be fulfilled.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the objections to placing before the League of Nations the subject of the simplification of European travel which would be brought into being by the abolition of the visa; and, since the League would be the ideal body to approach each individual country for the purpose of attempting to remove these restrictions, will he agree to reconsider this question?

At a conference held in Paris in October, 1920, under the auspices of the League of Nations, recommendations were made for the establishment of a uniform practice in regard to the issue of passports, visas, the scale of visa fees, and other matters. As a number of the Powers represented at this conference have not yet adopted these recommendations, it is useless to invite the League to make suggestions for a further immediate total abolition of the visa. Moreover, while it was proper for the League to interest itself in the general question of restoring more normal conditions of travel and communication after the War, the question of the measures which individual Powers find it necessary to adopt for the control of alien immigration within their own territories is a matter of domestic concern. Any negotiations for the remission of such measures are therefore best conducted by direct communication between the Powers concerned as and when occasion arises.

Will the Government approach the other Governments and ask whether it is not possible to put into force the recommendations of the Paris Conference?

Is there no way of doing away with these wretched restrictions?

I think the hon. Member will find the reply in the answer to the previous question.

asked the First Commissioner of Works when the unsightly huts, now situated upon the top of the Admiralty arch and the Admiralty buildings, are going to be removed?

The huts will be demolished as soon as other accommodation can be provided for the occupying staffs. A rearrangement of Admiralty accom- modation is at present under consideration with this object in view.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why the Admiralty staff requires more accommodation now than it did before 1914?

I am not responsible for the size of the Admiralty staff, but only for the housing of that staff?

Will the extra provision which is intended involve extra expense?

No, Sir; not so far as we are concerned.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will at once remove the wooden erection at the entrance to Downing Street, and substitute iron gates worthy of the historical importance of such a street?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, will he inform the House if he has considered the alternative policy of abolishing the barricade and returning to the condition of previous eras of tranquillity?

I regret that there are no funds available which could be devoted to the purpose which the hon. Member suggests. This is a matter which does not concern my Department, but is for the Home Office.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether men are now being employed at Greenwich Park and other royal parks to do regular and usual work at 75 per cent. of the trade union rate of wages; and whether he will have inquiry made as to whether these men are employed felling trees which are a danger to the public and doing painting which it is usual to do for the preservation of fabric and material?

The men in question are engaged on ordinary works which would have been carried out by the park staff had funds been available. It has only been possible to undertake them as unemployment relief works by the employment of men not specially fitted for this class of work. The men are employed on felling trees, but not painting.

asked the First Commissioner of Works when it is proposed to remove the scaffolding surrounding the triumphal arch at Constitution Hill which was erected several months ago?

The scaffolding in question will be entirely removed in the course of the next few days.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. Thomas H. Daniels and Company, of Belfast, were charged 2s. 6d. import licence under the Dyestuffs Act, 1920, on 120 lbs. diamine rose B extra at 14s. 6d. per lb., but 10s. on 240 lbs. of the same dye at the same price; and whether these charges are in accordance with the sliding scale?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the amount and value of British-made morphia which was exported in the years 1920, 1921, and 1922, respectively, and the countries to which these exports were consigned?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The statistics of exports for 1922 are not yet ready, but I will circulate the information for 1920 and 1921, so far as it is available, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information promised:

Statement prepared by His Majesty's Customs and Excise, showing the quantity of morphia and morphia salts registered as exported from the United Kingdom during the year 1920, distinguishing the principal countries of destination.