asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will state what steps he proposes to take about the Royal Commission on Indian Services now that the Assembly at Delhi has refused to pass the Vote for their expenses; and whether he proposes to charge it now to this country?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Legislative Assembly of India has refused to vote £20,000 for the expenses of a Royal Commission proposed to be set up by the Secretary of State to consider the grievances of the India Service; can he say whether this proposed Commission was suggested by the Viceroy or has it been imposed upon India by the India Office; whether the Viceroy, in spite of the rejection of the amount in question by the Legislative Assembly, has, by the exercise of his powers, restored the amount to the Budget, and will the House of Commons have an opportunity of discussing this matter before the Viceroy's action becomes operative?

The Government of India, acting under the powers conferred upon them by Subsection (7) of Section 67A of the Government of India Act, have restored the provision for the expenses of the Royal Commission. The restoration of the Vote in question was not the personal action of the Viceroy, but was decided upon by the Governor-General in Council in exercise of powers expressly conferred by the Government of India Act and has already become operative. The last part. of the question of the hon. Member for Poplar does not therefore arise. As regards the second part of his question, I would refer him to the debates in the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly on the 25th and 26th January, and which show that the Government of India agree as to the necessity for the inquiry.

Did the proposal to appoint a Royal Commission originate with the Secretary of State?

I did not think that we are asked to say whether or not the decision of the Viceroy in Council was taken as a result of representations made to him by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State and the Governor in Council are in complete agreement over the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the report that. Dr. M'Govern has been interned in Lhasa; whether this gentleman proceeded to Lhasa without the knowledge and permission of the Indian Government; and whether his internment is due to representations from the Government of India or to the action of the Dalai Lama and his council?

Dr. M'Govern proceeded to Lhasa against the wishes of the Tibetan Government, without the knowledge of permission of the Government of India, and in contravention of the frontier regulations. I have seen a newspaper report to the effect that he is ill and is practically a prisoner in his House at Lhasa, but I have no reason to suppose that he is in any sense "interned" or that any obstacle will be placed in the way of his return to India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if the Secretary of State has now come to a decision in his consideration of the question of giving come immediate interim relief to the European Government. servants in the various Indian Civil Services to help them in their financial difficulties, owing to the rise in the cost of living and the fall in exchange, pending the Report of the Royal Commission now about to be appointed to consider the financial conditions of service?

I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the replies which. I gave to the questions put. to me by the hon. and gallant Member on the 26th February. and by the hon. Member for Sevenoaks on the 19th March.

Will the Noble Lord be able to tell us anything when we meet again after Easter?

Is the Noble Lord aware of the serious embarrassments which civil servants in India are suffering in the meantime?

My hon. Friend knows that I have answered that question on previous occasions. In answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Melton (Sir C. Fate), I do not know whether I shall be in a position to make an announcement when we meet. after Easter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in fixing the rates of pay for Indian services in 1919, the Government were guided by the rate of exchange current at that time; and, if so, in view of the depreciation in the value of the rupee, will he consider raising these rates accordingly?

The rise which had taken place in the exchange value of the rupee was one of the factors taken into consideration in fixing the revised scales of pay in 1919, but this must not be taken to imply that it was expected that the exceptionally high rates of exchange then prevailing would be maintained. The matter is one which will no doubt be fully considered by the Royal Commission.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Devadas Gandhi, who was released from gaol in the United Provinces by the Common Order on 29th January, has been busy in Calcutta since his release organising a hartal to celebrate the incarceration of his father; and whether it is proposed to take, any action to deal with this man, in view of his seditious activities since his release?

I have no information as to this person's doings in Calcutta. If they are seditious, I have no doubt that the local authorities, whose duty it is, will take such action as is necessary. I would point out that there was no common general release of prisoners in the United Provinces. Certain prisoners only were released.

Why was this particular man released?

Because he came within the class of persons who were released at the time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can yet say how many political prisoners, similar in status to those recently released in the United Provinces of Agra and of Oudh, are at present in prison in each of the other eight major provinces?

As I have explained on a previous occasion to the hon. and gallant Member, I am unable to accept the term "political prisoners" as a correct one. I have no information as to the number of prisoners for offences of a political character of the status in question, but I have made inquiry by cable of the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether Doris Hawker, an English girl, aged seven years, is still with her Eurasian foster-parents or has she been removed to the European quarter of Madras; and if it is the intention of the Madras authorities to return the child to England?

The Government of Madras report that Doris Hawker is no longer in the charge of the family to whom she was originally sent and that arrangements are being made to place her in a home in the Nilgiri Hills pending further inquiry in this country. The inquiry is now proceeding.

Is the child now with English guardians?

I am making inquiries by telegram, but the telegram from the Government of Madras states that she has been placed in this home, and I have no doubt that the arrangements are wholly satisfactory.

Are there any other cases of little girls like this having been sent out to India in the same way or is this the only case?

This is the only case that has been brought to my notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received information that the Legislative Assembly in India has rejected a proposal to double the Salt Tax; if it is proposed that the Viceroy shall certify this proposal in order that the tax shall he imposed: and will he say whether this House will have an opportunity of discussing this matter before any action that may be taken by the Viceroy becomes operative?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Viceroy- of India. has decided to certify the Finance Bill with the Clauses imposing an increased salt duty which were rejected by the Legislative Assembly?

I would ask for the indulgence of the House in giving a somewhat detailed answer to this important subject.

On the 20th instant the Legislative Assembly rejected the Clause in the Finance Bill proposing that the salt tax should be increased from Rupee 1 Annas 4 to Rupee 2 Annas 8 per maund of 82 lbs. The Bill was considered by the Council of State on the 23rd instant, with a recommendation from the Governor-General under Section 67 13 of the Government of India Act that the Clause enhancing the salt duty should be reinserted. This was carried by 28 votes to 10. A similar recommendation is today before the Legislative Assembly, who thus have the opportunity of reconsidering their vote of the 20th. In the event of their passing the Bill in the form recommended no question of certification will arise. In the event of the Assembly not accepting the Bill as passed in the Council of State, the question of certification by the Governor-General may arise. Ordinarily a Bill certified under the procedure laid down by Statute does not have effect until it has received His Majesty's assent, and may not. be presented for His Majesty's assent until copies have been laid before each House of Parliament for not less than eight days on which that House has sat. But provision exists under which in special cases the Governor-General may direct that a Bill dealt with under certificate procedure shall come into operation forthwith. The decision on this point is vested in the Governor-General and, seeing that the Bill is actually to-day under consideration of the Legislative Assembly, I am not prepared to anticipate the decision that the Governor-General may feel called upon to take in the event of the Assembly rejecting the Clause enhancing the salt duty.

What increase in price will this amount to per lb of salt?

That is a matter which will require consideration. I cannot say offhand, but I do not believe that it. will be a large amount.

In case the Government of India adopt the very exceptional procedure of certifying the increase without the Act coming before this House prior to its becoming law, should we have at some time or other an opportunity of discussing the action of the Governor-General?

That is a hypothetical Question.

The Question is on the Paper. The Noble Lord referred particularly to this special action which might be taken. Will the House be consulted or not?

I can give no such promise. For one thing, the decision for or against certification may be taken to-day. It is clearly impossible to hold up the Finance Bill, in whatever -form it passes the Assembly, pending a discussion in this House.

Does the Noble Lord think that the proposed action of the Viceroy in certifying legislation without. any reference to this House, and in defiance of the Legislative Assembly, will tend to pacify the people of India?

That. is a matter for debate.

Is there any reason for describing as an exceptional course a procedure which is sanctioned by the Reform Act of India and is provided for in the rules drawn up by the Committee on Indian affairs?

This particular course is provided for under the rules and in the Government of India Act which has come into operation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the maximum ordinary pension of a European officer after 30 years' service in the Indian police was fixed at £500 in 1862, and that pension is now £525, an increase of five per cent.; and whether, as the cost of living in England is now 100 per cent. greater than in 1862, and was, on 1st January, 1923, 78 per cent. above that of July, 1914, any steps will be taken to remedy this hardship?

Under the Rules of 1863, to which my hon. and gallant Friend presumably refers, the maximum ordinary pension was fixed at Rs.5,000, this rupee pension, if drawn in England, being converted into sterling at the rate of exchange annually fixed for the adjustment of transactions between the British and Indian Exchequers. The maximum is now Rs.6,000, exchanged at a fixed minimum rate of 1s. 9d., which is at the moment higher than the market rate. The Royal Commission which is to investigate the terms of employment of the superior civil services in India will no doubt consider the adequacy of their pensions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the penal station in the Andaman Islands is now being used as a convict station, although it was closed down by his predecessor as a result of the Prisons Report on the conditions prevailing there?

The decision to abandon the Andamans as a penal settlement was arrived at with the approval of the late Secretary of State, but it was found impracticable to give complete effect to this decision until alternative accommodation had been constructed in India to accommodate not only those convicts who were to be repatriated from the Andamans, but those who were to be transported to them. It was therefore decided also, with the approval of the late Secretary of State, temporarily to reopen transportation to the settlement, except for certain classes of prisoners. The matter was explained fully in the Council of State on the 17th January of last year. I send the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the statement then made on the subject by the Government of India, if he requires it.

Will the Noble Lord read the report of the Prison Commission on the Andaman Islands, and can we now have that report published for the information of Members?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that I read very carefully every word of it in the train the other day. As to the publishing of the report, I will consult my Noble Friend the Secretary of State to find out whether that course is feasible.

Are not the Andaman Islands about the most convenient place possible for internment?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what decision has been arrived at as a result of the reference to the Government of India regarding the question of applying the increased pen- sion rates in the case of officers of the Bengal Pilot Service who retired before the 1st December, 1919; and whether there is any reason why these officers of the Bengal Pilot Service should riot be placed on the same footing as the officers of other Indian services to whom the date of 23rd July, 1913, is applicable?

The Government of India recommended that no concession should be granted, mainly on the ground that the earnings of the pilots before the War had been on a liberal scale, and that the Public Service Commission had held that the service was adequately remunerated as regards both pay and pension. The Secretary of State in Council has accepted the recommendation of the Government of India.

Can the Noble Lord not put these pilots on the same footing as other civil servants?

I have looked carefully into the question, and I do not think the pilots are on the same footing. Their earnings before the War were higher than those of other services, and it is difficult to get a fair comparison.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the great services rendered in the past to importing houses by the Indian Trade Commissioners' Office in London, His Majesty's Government will make representations to the Indian Legislature urging its reestablishment?

The matter is one within the discretion of the Government of India, to whom I am forwarding a copy of my hon. Friend's question.

I hope the Noble Lord realises the importance of the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has come to a decision to appoint two additional trade commissioners in India at Bombay and Calcutta; and, if so, if he will state the names of the gentlemen selected and the approximate date on which they will take up their duties?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's ques- tion is in the affirmative. I hope very shortly to be able to announce the names of the gentlemen selected and the date on which they will take up their duties.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is satisfied that existing legislation gives him adequate powers to provide for the proper working and living conditions of all ponies used in mines; whether his present system of inspection is adequate to secure humane treatment in all cases; and, if not, will he seek further powers S.) as to fully protect these animals?

I have no reason to think that existing legislation gives me inadequate powers as regards the care and treatment of pit ponies. Close check on the observance of the statutory requirements is exercised by the Mines Inspectorate, and they are reported to be generally well observed. But it is, of course, impossible by any system of inspection to prevent occasional instances of cruelty to or neglect of animals, and it would be very helpful if specific instances of inhumane treatment were promptly notified to the inspectors.

Will the Secretary for Mines tell us whether there is any register of the number of shifts worked by the ponies in the mines; and is the number of inspectors now employed anything like adequate to inspect, the registers, even where such registers are kept?

The number of inspectors arises on a later question. I think that a register is kept, but I will inquire.

Is it not a fact that the number of prosecutions in connection with pit ponies has gone down in the last few years, and that such cases are now practically non-existent?

Is it possible for -the Government to allow inspectors of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to visit the mines, in view of the inadequate number of official Government inspectors?

If the inspectors are adequate, as they ought to be, it is not necessary for any other body to take part in the inspection. With regard to the other question, since I have been in office I have instituted a number of prosecutions, and I do not think that the number has gone down.

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that the mines inspectors consider that it is no part of their duty to inspect pit ponies, and that there are only eight inspectors for the whole of the United Kingdom?

It is entirely incorrect to say that it is not part of their duty to inspect the ponies. It is a thing that we are constantly urging upon them. There are eight inspectors whose special duty it is to inspect pit ponies.

In regard to the inadequacy of the inspection, could the House be told how many times a year, on the average, the inspectors visit any particular mine?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that in many collieries ponies work very long hours; and will he introduce legislation to amend the Coal Mines Act, so as to stipulate the maximum number of hours that a pony shall work underground out of the 24 hours?

L: A special inquiry in regard to the working hours of pit ponies was made by the Inspector of Mines in 1921, and showed that the reduction in the hours of the men which was brought about by the Coal Mines Act, 1919, resulted almost universally in a corresponding reduction in the working hours of the pit ponies, and that generally these hours were short. I am not aware that these conditions have changed, but I will certainly make further inquiry, and it will help me if hon. Members opposite who have any definite information will send it to me.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many inspectors there are whose duty it is to examine into the care and treatment of horses and other animals used in mires, and the approximate number of mines under their supervision?

This forms part of the duty of all but one or two inspectors of mines, of whom there are 86. Of these, eight are specially qualified inspectors of horses in mines, who devote their whole time to horse inspection. The number of mines at which horses were employed in 1922 was 1,695.

If is is a fact that there are only eight inspectors whose duty it is to look after the care of pit ponies, is the Secretary for Mines aware that it is absolutely impossible for that number to inspect the pits and look after the ponies as they ought to do?

I do not agree that that is so.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether adequate facilities exist. to test the numerous mechanical inventions constantly being brought to his notice, and whose inventors claim that the adoption of such appliances would tend to materially reduce the number of accidents in mines, and particularly those relating to the prevention of pit-cage accidents due to broken winding-ropes?

The only satisfactory way of testing such inventions, if on examination they appear to meet a real need in a practical way, is to put them into regular use at mines, and this is constantly being done by owners and managers. As regards cage-arresting devices, however, the Technical Appliances Committee, who have considered all the numerous devices which have been brought to my notice, advise me that nearly all of them display such an ignorance of the dynamics of the problem as to be quite useless. The Committee record that they see no reason to depart from the finding of the Royal Commission on Mines in 1909, which was to the effect that it is much better to rely on good material and careful periodical examination than to employ safeguards which can only be considered of doubtful value.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are numbers of these inventors who claim to have these mechanical inventions, and that they are complaining continually that when they apply to the Secretary for Mines they have simply the notification acknowledging receipt of their letters, but that they get no chance of testing their inventions? I am continually being approached by people with complaints of this description.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of providing facilities whereby demonstrations can be given to his technical advisers of life-saving appliances, and will he in future guarantee that the House shall from time to time have the benefit of these demonstrations?

I cannot guarantee that the House will have practical demonstrations, because that would be impossible; but I can say that all these inventions arc very carefully gone into by the best scientific people whom we can get to go into them. It is a very dangerous thing for a Department to sanction the use of any particular invention without being sure that it is absolutely reliable.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that every passenger lift working in London or any other city has an appliance fixed underneath the cage; and could not similar appliances be affixed to pit cages?

We cannot debate the matter now.

asked the Secretary foo Mines how many colliery companies in Great Britain have established pit-head baths under Section 77 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1911; how many colliery companies have established pit-head baths voluntarily; and in how many cases are pit-head baths to be erected under the miners' welfare scheme?

There are 11 installations of pit-head baths for workmen, and all of them, I believe, have been established voluntarily. Grants in respect of four installations have been made from the Miners' Welfare Fund. I cannot say what further applications for grants for this purpose will be made to the Miners' Welfare Committee.

In view of that answer indicating the possibilities of Section 77, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of revising the Coal Mines Regulation Act so as to make pit-head baths possible wherever people express a willingness and desire for them?

I am quite prepared to discuss the question if the hon. Member will communicate with me about it.

Are these baths made full use of where they are established?

asked the Secretary for Mines what number of expert timbermen are now employed in Durham County and at what particular collieries; what reports have been received in his Department showing accidents to be caused through carelessness on the part of the hewers in Durham County; and what is the number of decisions in Coroners' Courts indicating neglect on the part of the workmen where fatal accidents have occurred in Durham County?

I am sorry that I cannot at such short notice give any statistical information on these points. I will see what figures I can obtain in respect of the first two parts of the question, but I have no reason to suppose that more accidents are caused through carelessness on the part of the hewers in Durham than elsewhere. As regards the third part, statistics might, I think, he misleading. Lack of care on the part of the victim of an accident is not necessarily recorded in the finding at the inquest.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the reprint of an article from, the "Iron and Coal Trades Review," sent. out by the secretary of the National Coalowners' Association, giving statements to the effect that 82 fatal accidents were reported during the past four weeks, and also giving instances where fatal accidents were said to have happened through negligence on the part of the person killed or some workman concerned; whether he can state if any of the divisional inspectors reported any such eases; and whether his Department made any communication to the National Coal-owners' Association on this matter?

Reports on fatal accidents are made each week by the Divisional Inspectors, and information contained in them which may assist the "Safety First" movement is communicated to the technical press, without, of course, disclosing names of persons, collieries or places. Information thus communicated furnished the material of the article referred to in the "Iron and Coal Trades Review." I have had no communication with the Mining Association about it, but I am glad to learn that they are taking steps to give the widest possible publicity to information which may conduce to the greater safety of those employed in mines.

Will the Secretary of Mines consider the advisability of making compulsory the use of a projecting crown, coming out from the ordinary crown over to where the men are working?

In view of the fact that the information was given for the purposes of this article in the "Iron and Coal Trades Review," may we be informed if any information was given as to negligence on the part of the owners to carry out the rules, of which there are instances from time to time All the instances given here are instances of so-called negligence on the part of the workers.

Information is given, as far as possible, in an absolutely unbiased form. The particular instances selected in this article seem to have been for the purpose of endeavouring to help the "Safety First" campaign.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the steamship "Badenia," of the London and Cologne Steamship Company, Limited, of London, which sailed from Cologne on the 2nd instant, with all documents in order and carrying a cargo of about. 750 tons of goods destined to the United Kingdom, was stopped by the Franco-Belgian authorities at Ruhrort, Duisburg, and ordered back to Cologne; that the steamship company have made every endeavour to get this boat and the goods she was carrying released; that a cable from the Cologne agents, received on 12th March, stated that there was no hope of getting the boat or the goods away and that the cargo had been discharged; and, if so, will he take steps immediately to secure the release of this steamship and the goods, and at the same time warn the Franco-Belgian authorities not to interfere in this unwarrantable manner with ships carrying British-owned goods?

His Majesty's High Commissioner reported on 15th March that a representative of the London and Cologne Steamship Company has obtained from the Customs authorities at Ruhrort a written statement that the "Badenia" would be allowed to pass with her original cargo. I may add that I have this morning ascertained that the vessel is now unloading in the Thames.

Has the hon. Gentleman made inquiries with regard to the delay in releasing this vessel?

We made many inquiries before we got the release.

Is it not time the Government told the Franco-Belgian authorities to stop meddling with British affairs?

Can we have an assurance that this will be the last instance of interference with our trade?

I am afraid I could not give any such absolute assurance, but I can state that everything possible is being done to avoid a recurrence of such incidents.

Who is going to reimburse the traders concerned for the cost of discharging and reloading this cargo?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give, for any convenient period, the figures showing the volume, inward and outward, of British trade with the occupied territory of Germany and passing through the occupied territory to unoccupied Germany?

I regret that I am unable to furnish the details desired by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the nature and degree of autonomy to be enjoyed by the inhabitants of Eastern Galicia have been left by the Ambassadors' Conference to the discretion of the Polish Government; if so, what guarantees have been given that these will be adequate; and, if not, with whom will it lie to decide whether the measures of autonomy to be proposed by the Polish Government are, in fact, adequate?

I have already explained the position as regards autonomy-and the question of guarantees in my answer given on 21st March to a question by the hon. Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether the scheme of autonomy for Eastern Galicia, which is to be the condition of the Galician settlement., will be submitted to and approved by the Ambassadors' Conference before the settlement becomes final?

The grant of autonomy to Eastern Galicia by the Polish Government is part of the settlement, but that Government will not be required to furnish details of any particular scheme to the Ambassadors Conference.

Are we to understand that the Government have taken no steps to see that this autonomy, which is part of the agreement, is not a matter of mere form?

Yes, they have taken the steps directly embodied in the agreement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the fact that goods consigned from Germany to the United Kingdom arc taxed 26 per cent.ad valorem on importation into this country, such tax being recoverable from the German Government, and that similar goods consigned from Germany to either France or Belgium are not taxed in a like manner, although both countries have the power under the Peace Treaty to levy such a duty, he is prepared to make representations to the Franco-Belgian authorities to waive the 10 per cent. tax they are at present. levying on all goods passing through their Customs barriers in the territories they are occupying?

Before the occupation of the Ruhr, exports from Germany to this country were subject to the German export duty as well as the Reparation levy here. The fact that export duty is now collected by the Franco-Belgian authorities, instead of by the Germans, does not appear to be a reason for exempting the goods from the occupied territory either from the levy or export duty.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the French and Belgians do not tax themselves to this extent; and will he consider repealing this 26 per cent. tax so as to put us on the same footing as the French and Belgians?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the German Government has given notice that it will not reimburse the German reparation recovery duties collected on German imports into Great Britain; and, if so, whether it is intended to continue to collect these duties?

I have seen statements of such an intention as far as concerns goods exported under a licence obtained from the Franco-Belgian authorities in the occupied territories, but I am not aware that an official announcement to this effect has been issued by the German Government.' There is no present intention of discontinuing the collection of the reparation levy, and if the hon. and gallant Member knows of any case in which the British Customs receipt for the levy has been presented and reimbursement refused by the German Government I should be glad if he would send me full particulars.

Can it be that the Department is not aware that the German Government for some time has been refusing to reimburse, and if that be so, who pays the levies? Is it the British trader?

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the importance of the Conference now being held in London to discuss the Turkish counter-proposals for a Near East peace and the grave issues involved in these discussions. His Majesty's Government will reconsider its decision to conduct the deliberations of the Conference in secrecy?

Inasmuch as the Conference in London is one of Allied experts who have assembled in order to discuss in a preliminary and informal way the counter-proposals put forward by the Turks, the very worst step that could be taken in the interests of settlement would be to give premature publicity to their proceedings. This was the unanimous view of the assembled delegates.

Is it not a fact that the French Government has intimated its opinion that the Press should be admitted to the Conference?

I have not heard of that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the fact that the temporary Mixed Armaments Commission of the League of Nations has adopted a Resolution, urging that all States, whether members of the League or not, should be invited to the forthcoming naval conference; and whether the British representative on the Council of the League will be instructed to urge that the invitation to the conference be extended to all States, whether members of the League or not?

asked the Prime Minister what steps have been taken to summon the naval conference, to be held under the auspices of the League of Nations, for the extension of the principles of the Washington Naval Agreement to other Powers non-signatory thereto; whether the British representative will be instructed to urge at the next meeting of the Council that this conference shall be summoned with the least possible delay; and whether the British representative will be instructed to press for invitations being extended to all naval States not members of the League, including Russia, in accordance with the recommendation made by the Assembly at its last session?

I referred in my reply to the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. C. Roberts) on the 21st instant to the decision taken by the League of Nations to summon a naval conference at Geneva shortly after the Pan-American Conference to be held at Santiago on the 25th instant. It would be premature to take any steps for the extension of the principles of the Washington Naval Treaty until that instrument has been ratified by all the original signatories.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give instructions to the British delegates to raise the question of the Ruhr dispute at the next meeting of the Council of the League of Nations?

I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply to the representations of His Majesty's Government to the Greek Government in order to secure payment of the admitted claim of £49,000 sterling due to the Smyrna-Aidin Railway Company has yet been received; and, if so, what is the nature of the reply?

His Majesty's representative at Athens is pressing for the early payment of the claim. On the receipt of the Greek Government's reply the company will be informed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that damage, estimated at not less than £200,000 sterling, was caused to the Smyrna-Aidin Railway by the Greeks during their retreat last autumn; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government will take the present opportunity of taking up this question with Monsieur Venizelos with a view to securing adequate compensation?

It is understood that a certain amount. of damage was caused to the Smyrna-Aidin Railway during the retreat of the Greeks last autumn, and His Majesty's Government will be ready to take up with the Greek Government the question of compensation to the company at the opportune moment, in so far as His Majesty's Government may be satisfied that the Greek Government is responsible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a claim was made on behalf of the Smyrna-Aidin Railway, under Article 287 of the Treaty of Sevres, in respect of the period which has elapsed since 1918, during which the company has not been in full control of its system and has suffered severe material losses; and, if so, what steps it is now proposed to take to compensate the company for this period, in view of the fact that the Treaty of Sevres has not been ratified?

The Treaty of Sevres, as the hon. Member is aware, was never ratified and is to be replaced by a new Treaty now in process of negotiation. The question of compensation to the Smyrna-Aidin Railway Company for the period mentioned, as also that during the War, is receiving consideration in connection with the present negotiations.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on the last occasion I put a question on this subject he referred me to a Blue Book; and will he be kind enough to tell me now what Blue Book and what page?

I am afraid that I should have to refresh my memory before giving the hon. Member the information he desires.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the wide interest attaching to the working of British Consulates abroad, he could arrange for the publication of the periodical reports of the inspectors of Consulates?

I do not think it would he desirable to publish these documents, having regard to the detailed and technical character of these reports, to which great importance is attached as a means of maintaining and improving the efficiency of the Consular Service.

Is there not a great deal of information in these reports which would be of general value?

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if the Overseas Committee over which he now presides will give special consideration to furthering the work of the Salvation Army's migration efforts by allowing such work to come within the scope of the Empire Settlement Act?

Yes. Sir; the Oversea Settlement Committee are at present negotiating schemes under the Act with the Salvation Army.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade. Department how many people of British stock have left the British Isles during the last 50 years for the British Dominions, and how many for places outside the British Empire?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the permission of the hon. and gallant Member, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will consider the establishment of training camps in this country in order to train bodies of urban unemployed in simple agricultural operations and fit them for overseas agricultural life?

The question raised by my hon. Friend is one which has previously received consideration by the Oversea Settlement Committee. I shall be glad to give it my attention. I understand, however, that it is generally held in the Dominions that agricultural training (except in the case of juveniles) can he more effectively given overseas than in this country.

Is the Salvation Army the only organisation which is to be allowed to participate in the scheme?

That matter does no( arise on this question.

Does the scheme provide for training on the other side? Has that been suggested to or considered by the Oversea Committee?

Yes, it is under consideration now.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind the importance of not depleting our rural labour?

asked the Prime Minister if the Department )f Overseas Trade is to take over the work of the Overseas Settlement Committee?

It has been decided that the Parliamentary Secretary for Overseas Trade should become Chairman of the Overseas Settlement Committee and be charged under the Secretary of State for the Colonies with the conduct of oversea settlement business. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies will remain a member of the Committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether or not the Parliamentary Secretary would have power to reduce the Committee if he found the numbers too many?

He would arrange that, I have no doubt, with my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Oversea Trade Department how much capital has been invested by this country for the last 50 years in the British Dominions; how much in each Dominion: and how much capital for the same period in foreign countries?

I regret that I am not in possession of information which would enable me to give the desired particulars, and I am not aware of any source from which the particulars could be obtained.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before receiving, with the Prime Minister, on Friday last, a deputation from the National Farmers' Union, the National Union of Agricultural Workers, and the agricultural section of the Workers' Union, he ascertained the views of or conferred with the Agricultural Commission now sitting?

The answer is in the negative. As I stated, in reply to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Riley) on the 6th instant, the Tribunal of Inquiry are making every effort to present an early report, but are not yet in a posi- tion to name a date. It would, I think, be obviously undesirable to endeavour to ascertain the views of the tribunal before the members have thoroughly considered the questions which were referred to them.

Having regard to the emphatic statement made by the Prime Minister on the occasion referred to can an inquiry now serve any useful purpose whatsoever?

Oh, I hope so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of long hundreds of eggs imported from China during the years 1913, 1921, and 1922, respectively?

The numbers of great hundreds of eggs imported into the United Kingdom from China were: in 1913, 2,500; in 1921, 468,000; and in 1922, 1,057,000.

Does this include eggs not in shells, as well as eggs in shells?

It is eggs in shells.

What is a "long" hundred, and what is the difference between a "long" hundred and a "short" hundred?

A "long" hundred is 120.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the report that 25,000 Canadian cattle are now en route to England; whether these cattle are being imported as stores or as fat; and whether, in the latter event, they will be liable to slaughter at the port of entry?

The Ministry has no definite information to the effect that 25,000 Canadian cattle are en route to England. An approximate estimate of the number of cattle which may possibly come forward this spring has been put at from 10,000 to 25,000. The majority of these will probably be imported as "stores" under the provisions of the Importation of Animals Act, 1922. Cattle from Canada other than such stores will after 1st April be liable under existing Regulations to slaughter at the port of landing.

Who is going to decide whether they are stores?

Provided that cattle comply with the conditions laid down for stores in the Importation of Animals Act, they need not be slaughtered at the port. Our veterinary officer will inspect all animals on arrival and decide whether or not they can be treated as stores.

Is it not a fact that, under the Act, if an animal is intended for feeding purposes, it comes in as a store, and how will the veterinary officer decide whether it is coming in for feeding purposes or not?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the information has been broadcast that the first cargo of cattle which are coming are fat cattle consigned to a butcher, and will he say whether these animals will be slaughtered at the port of arrival, or whether they will be consigned to any market in the United Kingdom?

I have just stated that it. is for the veterinary officer to decide at the port. I have not heard of the cargo of fat cattle mentioned by the right hon. Gentleman.

As both the question and the answer appear to refer to Canadian cattle en route to England, can the right hon. Gentleman give us the figures of cattle which are en route to Scotland?

further asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any pledge or promise has been made to the Canadian Government on the subject of the importation from Canada into Great Britain of breeding cattle, as distinct from store cattle; and, if so, whether he will acquaint this House with the terms of that pledge or promise and inform the House when it was made?

At the Conference with the Canadian representatives in October last, my predecessor promised to make provision in the proposed Importation of Animals Bill for the entry of breeding cattle from Canada into Great Britain. An agreed statement of the results of the Conference was issued in the Press on the 4th November, 1922, and included an announcement to the effect that the landing of Canadian cattle capable of breeding would require the authority of a general Order which would be made by the Minister of Agriculture and laid in draft before both Houses of Parliament. I would remind the hon. Member that this House assented to the undertaking referred to when it passed Section (2) of the Importation of Animals Act, in December last.

Is it proposed to include Australia and New Zealand in this privilege?

Not under that Act.

What will be the attitude of the Government towards a project for dealing a final blow to agriculture?

asked the Minister of Agriculture under what authority he proposes to issue Orders admitting breeding stock from Canada to this country; and will he defer laying any such Orders in either House of Parliament until after the expected agricultural Debate in this House?

In accordance with Section 2 of the Importation of Animals Act, 1922, I am proposing to lay a draft Order before both Houses of Parliament. Provided the expected agricultural Debate takes place on or about 11th April, the date at present suggested, I am willing to defer laying the Order until after that Debate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of eases in which county agricultural committees have used their powers of dealing with farmers who arc neglecting the use of their.land or are injuring neighbouring farms by permitting weeds in excess?

I am afraid it is not possible to give the information asked for by the hon. Member. The powers delegated to the agricultural committees are exercised without reference to the Ministry, except where it is necessary to spend public money in destroying the weeds. Such cases have been very few, since the service of a notice usually has the desired effect. Apart from ordering the destruction of certain injurious weeds, committees have no control over farmers who neglect their land.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the total number of acres of wheat and oats under cultivation in 1913, and for each year down to and including 1922?

As the reply is in the form of a statistical statement, I propose, with the permission of the hon. Member, to circulate: it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Farmers' Land Purchase Company operates under conditions almost, exactly similar to those laid down in the Report of the Agricultural Credit. Committee; that this company is prepared to make. advances forthwith on the terms of the above Report provided that they receive an assurance from the Ministry that they will be recognised as an approved society subject to their complying with the terms of the Agricultural Credit Bill when introduced; and that a large number of farmers who purchased their farms between 1917 and 1921 are in great need of credit; and will he give an assurance to this company that it will be recognised as an approved society subject to its complying with the Regulations of the Ministry?

The Report of the Agricultural Credit Committee, which has been approved by the Government, expressly contemplated the recognition of the Farmers' Land Purchase Company as an approved society for the purpose of carrying out the Committee's proposals for loans to farmers who purchased their farms during the operation of the Corn Production Acts, provided that the company agreed to a limitation of its dividends. The Report of the Committee has been approved by the Government, who intend to introduce a Bill based on the Committee's recommendations. I have no doubt, therefore, that subject to its complying with the Regulations of the Treasury on the passing of the Bill, the company will be recognised as an approved society.

Will the right hon. Gentleman recognise the company now, subject to their giving an undertaking to comply with the conditions?

I cannot do that until the Bill has been passed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to state the channel through which it is proposed to grant credit facilities to farmers, namely, whether through the existing banks, through co-operative credit societies not at present existing, or otherwise; and whether, in view of the urgency of farmers' needs, he will consider the former as being the most expeditious channel through which to operate?

I would advise my hon. and gallant Friend to await the introduction of the Bill, but I can assure him that the suggestion contained in the latter part of his question will be carefully considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what is the considered recommendation of his Department on the subject?

No, Sir, I could not say that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture under what circumstances two grants of £80 each in respect of the hire of stallions by the Colchester Heavy Horse Society were withheld after a definite promise had been given by the live-stock officer of the Ministry on 31st December, 1921, that such grants would he made; and whether he is aware that, in consequence of the grants not being forthcoming, the Colchester Heavy Horse Society has been placed in a serious financial position and its further activities curtailed?

In accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on National Expenditure, the provision for live-stock improvement was reduced and the grants to Heavy Horse Societies had, therefore, to be withdrawn in 1922. Societies were warned in November, 1921, of this possibility, and the live-stock officer concerned has reported that he gave no undertaking as to the renewal of the grants. I much regret that it was necessary to withdraw these grants and any misunderstanding that may have arisen in this case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that. the live-stock officer of the Ministry was actually present at the society's meeting at which this decision was taken to hire these horses, and that the decision was taken on the promise of the live-stock officer?

No, Sir, I was not aware of that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the reduction in wages of farm labourers proposed by the Farmers' Union, and to the fact that farm labourers in employment have in numerous instances to seek relief from the Poor Law, he will set up a Committee of inquiry, to report

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of arable land were under cultivation in the years 1913, 1920, and 1922; how many acres are under cultivation at present; and how many workers were engaged on the land during the same years and at present?

As the reply is in the form of a statistical statement, I propose, with the permission of the hon. Member, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I do not think that an inquiry of the kind suggested would be of service in the present circumstances. I may say, however, that I have suggested to both sides in the Norfolk dispute that they should agree to accept the decision of an independent arbitrator appointed by the two sides jointly.

In view of that answer, I beg to give notice that, at the close of questions, I shall, Mr. Speaker, ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on matters connected with this question.

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the danger of a disaster to British agriculture through the extension of the present strike, and the failure of the Government to use its influence with the Farmers' Union towards withdrawing the demand for a reduction of wages pending the holding of an official inquiry into the economic necessity for such reduction."

That is not a Motion which I can accept under Standing Order No. 10. There is no obligation on the Government to interfere in an industrial dispute. If I allowed this Motion in one case, it might be allowed in a good many others. I notice that my predecessor, on the 22nd July, 1912, gave a similar ruling in a similar case.

asked the Prime Minister whether this House will have an opportunity of discussing the agenda for the impending Imperial Conference before it is finally determined, so that Members may have an opportunity of putting forward suggestions?

If there is a general desire for such discussion, I shall consider whether it will be possible to find time for it later in the Session.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to state whether a date has been fixed for the Imperial Economic Conference?