asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will make inquiries as to the present condition as to health and sanity of Amir Chand, of Peshawar, undergoing three years' imprisonment?

I am not aware of any reason for anxiety about the welfare of this prisoner, and I am unwilling to put the public to the expense of a telegram of inquiry concerning any particular prisoner, unless the hon. and gallant Member has any information which leads him to suppose that Amir Chand's health and sanity are in jeopardy, in which case my Noble Friend will look into the matter.

Perhaps the Noble Lord will write?

I will do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the resuscitation of the penal settlement in the Andamans, he will now publish the Report of the Indian Prisons Committee which condemned that establishment?

As I have already informed the hon. and gallant Member privately, the Report of the Indian Gaols Committee was presented to Parliament in May, 1921, Command Paper 1303.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Governor-General has used his powers, and, if so, what powers, to pass the proposal to double the salt duty which has been twice rejected by the Indian Assembly?

the Indian Finance Bill, containing a Clause raising the rate of salt duty from Rs. 1·4 to Rs. 2·8 per maund, which was rejected by the Legislative Assembly, passed by the Council of State, and again rejected by the Legislative Assembly, has been certified by the Governor-General to be essential for the interests of British India, and accordingly, under Section 67 B of the Government of India Act, becomes an Act of the Indian Legislature. The Governor-General has issued a full statement of his reasons for adopting this course.

Will the action taken by the Viceroy be open to debate in this House before the legislation takes effect?

No, Sir. Under the provision in question, the Act becomes operative at once, and is now in operation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what was the mail time for letters to and from London to Bombay pre-War, in 1914, and this year; what is the cause of the present longer period, and what times are fixed in the Indian mail contracts; and whether, in view of the importance of a quicker service to Eastern commerce, anything will be done to re-establish the quicker mail times between London and India which existed in pre-War times?

My hon. Friend the Postmaster-General has been asked to reply. The contract time for the mails from London to Bombay in 1914 was 13½ days; the present time of transit is 14½ days. The mails are now sent overland through France and are embarked at Marseilles, while formerly they were sent by Brindisi; and the extra time taken is mainly due to the longer sea journey. The importance of a fast mail service to India and the Far East is fully realised, and the question of an acceleration of the present service is engaging my attention.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there are any British diplomatic or consular representatives in Eastern Galicia; if so, in which towns or districts they are stationed; whether any reports on the political and economic situation in the province have been received; and whether they will be published?

His Majesty's Vice-Consul at Lemberg is the only British representative in East Galicia. Recent reports received from him and from His Majesty's Minister at Warsaw indicate that there are signs of an improvement of relations between the Polish and Ruthenian elements of the local population. No useful purpose would be served by publishing these reports.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make about negotiations with a view to concluding a Treaty with Turkey?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House any information on the progress or otherwise of the negotiations for peace with Turkey?

The Allied Note replying to the Turkish counter proposals was handed to the Turkish authorities by the Allied High Commissioners at Constantinople on 31st March and was published in the English Press on 2nd April. The reply of the Turkish Government has only been received to-day, and there has not yet been time to consider it.

When will the Conference reassemble, and who will be the British representatives?

I cannot answer either of these questions at the present moment.

asked the Prime Minister what duties the Reparation Commission is now performing; and whether the Committee of Guarantees is still in existence and the Government is represented on that Committee?

There has been no change in the duties of the Reparation Commission, which remain as laid down in the Peace Treaties. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the affirmative.

Can my right hon. Friend answer the question on the Paper? The question is as to what duties the Reparation Commission is now performing. I know the duties as laid down in the Treaty; my question is, what are they no w doing?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the answer I have given. It is perfectly obvious that anyone who hag to perform duties finds them at times harder than at others.

When will the right hoi. Gentleman he in a position to state exactly what the Reparation Commission is doing now?

Does the British representative continue to participate in this Commission, with the decisions of which he always disagrees?

As far as I know.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is the representative of this country on the Committee of Guarantees?

Mr. Leith-Ross, late of the Treasury.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman seen him, and does he not know what duties he is performing?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider the application of the Safeguarding of Industries Act to selected specialised sections of agriculture?

The application of the Safeguarding of Industries Act to certain sections of agriculture is not possible, since articles of food and drink are specifically excluded from the scope of the Act.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantities of eggs imported, not in shell, during the years 1920, 1921, and 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 eggs are imported, unshelled, in tins from China and elsewhere; how these eggs are preserved; and for what purposes they are used in Great Britain?

I understand that dried and frozen eggs without shells and containing no preservative are imported into this country, and, in addition, liquid egg yolk preserved with boric acid. Dried eggs are sold to the public, but frozen and liquid eggs are mostly used in the confectionery trade.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that they are hens' eggs?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that eggs can be produced in this country if the Minister of Agriculture will only take steps

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will approach the general managers of the four railway groups with a view to seeking their co-operation in the securing of some preferential railway rates for home agricultural produce?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely (Lieut.-Colonel N. Coates) on the 19th March. The Committee referred to in that answer will consider the possibility of a reduction in the rates on agricultural produce, but under existing legislation no railway company may make any difference in the charges for home and foreign merchandise in respect of the same or similar services.

Can the right hon. Gentleman remember, in communicating with the Committee, that it is not only agricultural produce that wants lower railway rates, but coal?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to a report appearing in the "Times" of Saturday, 7h April, relating to the importation of Canadian cattle, in which it was stated that "the prices averaged £32 per head or fits. per cwt. live weight and that a large majority of the buyers were butchers who purchased the animals for immediate slaughter "; and if, in accordance with his reply to a question previously put by rue, that only cattle for feeding purposes would he licensed by his inspectors away from the port of entry, he will have inquiry made as to the accuracy of the "Times" report?

I have seen the paragraph referred to, and as regards the Manchester consignment, the Ministry's inspector reports that only 40 animals were purchased by butchers, and on his instructions a licence was refused and they were slaughtered in the landing place. The remainder were purchased by graziers, chiefly from Norfolk and Leicester. At Glasgow 129 of the total consignment of 221 animals were licensed out, mostly to private premises for feeding, very few going to markets for sale as stores. The remaining 92 were classed as "fat" by the Ministry's inspectors and slaughtered in the landing place.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. Black, the Deputy Minister of Immigration for the Dominion of Canada, has con- cluded negotiations with the Oversea Settlement Committee, and, if so, the nature of the agreement reached?

The negotiations with the Deputy Minister of Immigation for Canada are still in progress, and I regret that in these circumstances I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman in a position to inform the House whether there is a chance of settlement before the return of Mr. Black to Canada?

I hope so. I cannot say definitely.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the 20 years' experience of the Salvation Army with their colonisation and migration system under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Lamb, he will consider the advisability of taking full advantage of and, if possible, extending their extensive overseas organisation, particularly in regard to the settlement overseas of widows with large families by grants in aid or by other financial assistance?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the negotiations in connection with the Salvation Army migration authorities have reached a conclusion; and, if so, whether he will indicate the nature of the arrangements so made?

I am fully aware of the valuable assistance which migration has for many years received from the Salvation Army under the direction of Commissioner Lamb. The Oversea Settlement Committee have been in close touch with him in regard to schemes for co-operation with the Salvation Army under the Empire Settlement Act, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to indicate the nature of the arrangements which it is hoped to conclude.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, if he will give an assurance that in the arrangements which have been or are to be made for providing finance required for the British Empire Exhibition pending receipts from charges for exhibiting space, admission, etc., no suggestion of an increased Government guarantee in excess of £100,000 has been or will be made without reference to the Reuse of Commons?

I know of no suggestion that the amount of the Government's liability should be increased, but, in any event, as I have already informed the hon. Member, there can be no question of increasing the liability without reference to the House.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the approximate cost of the recent. British trade exhibitions held at the White City, London, and at Birmingham; if he can give any report as to the value of the orders received by exhibitors at both places; and if very mercy foreign and export orders were received?

The total cost of the British Industries Fair, recently organised by the Department of Overseas Trade at the White City, was approximately £36,000. This amount has been fully covered by the revenue obtained from letting of space to exhibitors, advertisements in catalogues, etc. The Birmingham section of the fair is not organised by my Department, and no expenditure out of public funds is involved. It is difficult to form any estimate of the amount of orders received, as exhibitors are not invited to make returns of such orders, and also because business initiated at the fair frequently does not mature until some months later. I understand, however, that the business done this year was satisfactory, and that ex port orders showed a considerable increase over those for the preceding fair.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, when the net amount of the deficits of the Chartered Company is established, these deficits are to be defrayed, not by a cash payment, but out of future sales of the unalienated land; whether in Rhodesia unalienated land has been technically taken to mean land hitherto occupied only by natives; and whether, in order to facilitate the sale of these lands, His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of recommending that the native occupants be given the first right of purchase by a system of payment by instalments?

The procedure mentioned in the first part of the question is that which is contemplated in the draft Letters Patent providing for the establishment of responsible government in Southern Rhodesia; but the arrangement is contested by the British South Africa Company, who have presented a Petition of Right on the subject. There is nothing to prevent natives from purchasing land, which is generally paid for in instalments, but I do not think that the procedure suggested in the last part of the question would facilitate the object in view.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that his predecessor, speaking on the Colonial Office Vote in 1919, stated that the Commission under Lord Cave would determine what were the proper administrative deficits of the British South Africa Company, and then announced that His Majesty's Government would accept the findings of this Commission as a correct and final interpretation in terms of money of the Privy Council judgment and whether the company concerned has had its attention drawn to the nature of this undertaking announced to Parliament upon the appointment of the Commission under the present Lord Chancellor?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the statement of my right hon. Friend was made after the correspondence as to the acceptance of the decisions of the Commission, which is printed on pages 6 and 7 of Cind. 1,129.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the settlers of Rhodesia informed Lord Cave's Commission through Sir Charles Coghlan, that they wished it made perfectly plain to the Commission that in no circumstances would the Rhodesian people accept any liability for the debts of the British South African Company; and whether the reason for insisting upon the point was one of the principal factors in leading Lord Cave's Commission to recommend an expert valuation of land alienated by the company to itself?

I am aware of the statement by Sir Charles Coghlan referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I can only refer the hon. Member to what is said on the subject in the Report of the Commission.

asked the Attorney-General if he can state what official is responsible for convening the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council for the performance of its judicial functions and what official is responsible for convening the House of Lords when that House is sitting as the final Court of Appeal; and whether he will introduce legislation limiting the exercise of judicial functions by members of the House of Lords and of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council to members who are under 70 years of age?

The composition of the House of Lords when sitting judicially and of the Judicial Committee is determined on any particular occasion by arrangement amongst the Lords and others who are qualified to sit on these tribunals. The answer to the second part of the question is, certainly not. The effect of the hon. Member's suggestion would be to deprive both tribunals of the assistance of judges of the greatest learning, skill, and experience, whose services to the State are of the greatest value, and without whose help—which in many eases is rendered without payment —the tribunals could not exercise their functions.

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman ever appeared as a prisoner before one of these excellent, over-age judges?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the possibility of making the housing subsidy of £6 a year available for utility societies and other approved bodies in areas where the local authority decides not to avail itself of the Government offer?

I have already considered the difficulty to which the hon. Member refers and hope to meet it in the proposals in the Housing Bill.

asked the Prime Minister when the text of the Rent Restrictions (Amendment) Bill and the Housing, etc., Bill will be available to Members; and when the respective Second Readings of these Measures will be taken?

asked the Prime Minister when the Housing and Rent Restriction Bills will be circulated; and whether he can fix the date of their Second Reading?

As regards the Housing Bill, it is proposed to introduce the Bill as early as possible, and it is hoped that it will be in the hands of Members not later than the 16th April. The Second Reading of the Bill will be taken on Tuesday, the 24th April.

Having regard to the great urgency of this matter, and the fact that a large portion of the building season has already gone by, is it not possible to take the Housing Bill before the 24th?

It is not possible.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the Government will see that the proper authorities complete the South Loch Erisort road, which has been left unfinished for a distance of two-and-a-half miles, and which passes through a school area, where the majority of the children have found it impossible this winter to attend school owing to the dangerous condition of the existing footpath?

My No ole Friend understands that the local road authority cannot afford to construct the extension of the road to Garyvard, and he is unable to offer a grant out of any public moneys for the expenditure of which he is responsible. Representations have been made that occasionally the condition of the footpath is such that children at Garyvard cannot attend the school at Kershader. Inquiries are being made on this point. The footpath appears to be one of the public ways which the Parish Council have statutory power to repair.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the piers surveyed in the lochs district of the Lewis at Crossbost and Cromore could now be proceeded with, as the inadequacy of facilities throws a great hardship on the inhabitants where the approach by sea is the only means of getting to their homes?

My Noble Friend regrets that in the present financial circumstances it is not practicable to offer any grant towards the construction of these two piers.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he has been able to make arrangements for planting flowers on the eastern boundary of Hyde Park, adjoining Park Lane, so that the grass beds there may be beautified and additional pleasure afforded to all classes who use the park?

The proprietors of the "Evening News" have very generously offered to provide 80,000 bulbs for planting in the area in question. This public-spirited gift, which I have grate- fully accepted, will, I am sure, be keenly appreciated by visitors to Hyde Park, as will also the fact that the bulbs are to be obtained from British firms.

In relation to this "Evening News" gift, will the right hon. Gentleman not charge the paper for the advertisement that he is giving them?

I think the hon. Member is himself giving a free advertisement. The only advertisement the "Evening News" will get for their gift will be this acknowledgment, which is the least we can do in the House of Commons.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men are now undergoing training in Government instructional factories; how many are still waiting to begin their training; and how many are waiting for improverships to be found for them?

The number of men in training in Government Instructional Factories on 27th March, 1923, was about 8,600. In addition, about 7,850 men were in training in other centres and in employers' workshops. The number of men awaiting training at the same date was about 6,300 in Great Britain and 4,200 in Ireland. The number awaiting improverships was about 3,600. With regard to improverships, I may add that the recent commencement of improvement. in trade has been accompanied by an increase in the number of improvership vacancies filled.

There are men that have been waiting for more than a year. Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is a likelihood that they will not have to wait much longer?

I know that the waiting, that is inevitable in the matter of improverships, has been a very serious one, and I have latterly been giving all attention possible to it. I am glad to say that the canvassers who have been employed within the limits of bad trade have been successful in securing vacancies.

asked the Minister of Labour how many firms and local authorities, respectively, are on the King's Roll; what number of disabled ex-service men are thus employed can he say how many disabled ex-service men are unemployed and seeking employment; and will he state whether, and to what degree, the King's Roll is functioning better?

This matter has been under the consideration of the recently constituted King's Roll National Council. Renewals of the original undertakings have been sought from firms on the Roll; and out of approximately 30,000 employers (of whom 1,226 are local authorities), originally on the Roll, 20,817 (including 797 local authorities) have renewed their undertaking, and probably about another 3,500 will renew in due course. In addition, new enrolments at the rate of 60 to 70 per week are being received. The present number of disabled ex-service men employed by employers on the Roll is estimated at nearly 300,000. I have every reason to hope that as the local King's Roll committees develop their activities the rate of new enrolments will increase. The number of disabled men registered at the Employment Exchanges on the 26th March is estimated to be not more than 50,000, but, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, Local King's Roll committees are examining the register of disabled ex-service men in the various localities in order to arrive at complete figures.

Is there any prospect of these local committees being set up in the counties?

They have been set up, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, in the boroughs, and I believe it is hoped to extend them after working in the boroughs has become satisfactorily established.

Has any recent list been published of the firms which are on the King's Roll, and is the right hon. Gentleman not conscious of the fact that the publication of this list is a very great encouragement to those who are doing good, and a very great warning to those who are not?

I appreciate what my hon. Friend says, but the King's Roll National Council are giving close attention to that very proposal, and in due course further action will be taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman yet in a position to state what local authorities are not, so far, on the King's Roll?

Is it not the fact that certain local authorities find considerable difficulty in differentiating as to who is doing useful work on behalf of the services, particularly in towns with a large population, engaged, say, in manufacturing?

There is a difficulty. I have been asked this question a good many times, and there are, as I have already said, genuine difficulties about it. But the matter is now being considered by the King's Roll National Council, and I shall take into consideration, when they arrive at a decision, what advice they may offer me in the matter.

Is there any more difficulty in the case of local authorities than in the case of private firms?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the full composition of the Committee he proposes to set up to deal with the working of the recommendations of the Lytton Report and the terms of reference?

I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on the 27th March to the hon. and gallant Member for Newbury (Brigadier-General Brown).

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman when he is going to set up this Committee?

As soon as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the inquiry which is to be undertaken by this Committee is a very large inquiry, and that it is most urgent that it should be undertaken at once?

Arrangements are being made that it shall be undertaken at, once. It was impossible to do so during the Easter holiday.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can inform the House whether any arrangements have now been concluded for employing a number of British unemployed on work in connection with the undertakings in France of the Imperial War Graves Commission?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the then Financial Secretary to the War Office on 6th March last. Since then the matter has been under careful consideration, but it is not free from difficulty. I am keeping in close touch with the vice-chairman of the Imperial War Graves Commission.

In view of the very natural sentiment in this country, can we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that as many British as possible are employed on this work?

That has been the endeavour all through.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that he has undertaken to lay upon the Table of the House the licences to be issued to the wireless companies for the conduct of wireless services, he will also lay upon the Table the licences which have been issued to the various cable companies?

Licences to land telegraph cables in this country are granted by the Board of Trade and the Post Office in conjunction; but those granted to the principal cable companies are now due for renewal. When the new licences have been issued, copies will, if desired, be laid upon the Table.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether the total expenses of the Post Office wireless station at Cairo are estimated at £49,000 per annum, whilst the total revenue for nine months, ended 31st June last, amounted to only £4,700; what proportion of this revenue was for commercial traffic; whether in the item of £49,000 for expenses anything is included for salaries and allowances of the engineering staff, for the overhead charges of the General Post Office, for delivery of telegrams, maintenance of land lines, etc.; if not, will he give an estimate of the amount of these charges so as to enable the House to know the true annual loss on the running of the Cairo station;

The estimates of £49,000 and £36,000 per annum quoted by the hon. Member represent; the total expenses proper to the Cairo and Leafield stations respectively, including salaries and allowances of the engineering staff at the stations and adequate provision for overhead charges in each case. In calculating the revenue proper to the stations, suitable deductions have been made for the use of the land lines and for the collection and delivery of telegrams. Of the revenue for the nine months May to January (not June) last, about 75 per cent. in the case of the Cairo station, and about 70 per cent. in the case of the Lea-field station, was derived from commercial traffic; but, as already stated, if the official traffic transmitted by these stations had not been sent by this route, it would have had to go by other routes at equal or greater cost; and its value is, therefore, properly credited to the stations. The Leafield station was opened for traffic about 18 months ago. The revenue is increasing, and is now nearly sufficient to meet the expenses. The revenue of the Cairo station, which was opened less than a year ago, is also increasing, but, pending the provision of facilities for wireless communication beyond Egypt, it can hardly be expected that the revenue will balance the expenditure.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the recent advances in the price of coal for home consumption; whether his Department has made any inquiry into the reasons for the advance, and if there is any justification for the prices which home consumers now have to pay; and whether, in the interest of home industries using large quantities of coal, anything can be done by his Department to prevent prices advancing as they have done this year?

Yes, Sir. The advance in prices is attributable to the increased demand at home and abroad. With regard to the rest of the question, I have no power to limit prices, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 14th March last to the hon. Member for the Royton Division (Sir W. Sugden).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Central Importing Agency was a department of the private firm of Fairclough, Dodd, and Jones; and, if so, whether he can state why it was allowed to trade virtually as a department of the Board of Trade?

The Central Importing Agency was art organisation set up by Messrs. Fairclough, Dodd, and Jones to conduct the business of agents of the Board of Trade for the distribution of German reparation dyes. I am not aware that the Agency claimed to be a department of the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Dyestuffs Advisory Committee have refused to give a definite reply to the application of Mr. Thomas H. Daniels, of Belfast, to import a quantity of oxydiamine brown G, although informed that this dyestuff was unobtainable from British manufacturers; that, although informed that Mr. Daniels' customer had tried the products of British firms and found them unsuitable, the Committee directed Mr. Daniels to apply to the British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, for a substitute; whether he is aware that the Dyestuffs Advisory Committee demanded a sample of this dyestuff, while refusing to allow Mr. Daniels to import a quantity from which a sample might have been supplied; and whether he will take steps to see that isolated firms, such as that of Mr. Daniels, in Belfast, are afforded as good facilities for carrying on their business as others?

I am informed that the Dyestuffs Advisory Committee have indicated alternative British sources for the supply of a dyestuff equivalent to that which the applicant wishes to import, and, as they have not received any evidence from a consumer that such equivalent is unsuitable, they have declined to grant a licence. As regards the last part of the question, I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that all applicants for licences are given equal consideration.

Is not the Noble Lord aware that this importer has given evidence to the Dyestuffs Board that he cannot get the quality he requires from a British firm, and ought not this man to be treated as knowing something about his own business?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that he is misinformed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he proposes to reconsider the Report of the Pearson Committee set up in February, 1919, which advised the Government to continue the use of such part of the Gretna factory as might he necessary for the manufacture of explosives and develop the rest of the buildings and plant for other industries?

No, Sir; the greater part of the explosives plant has already been sold, and I see no reason to question the decision taken in the matter.

Is the hon. Gentle-ma a riot aware that a Commission was set up to report, and that the Government have acted defiance of that Report, without giving any explanation of the course that they took?

The decision was come to by the late Government.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House to-night.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury received, on the 26th April, 1922, an appeal from Mr. Arthur Rose, of Sturminster Newton, Dorset, against the decision of the Dorset County Council refusing to grant him any compensation on the termination of his appointment as school attendance officer for the Rural District of Sturminster Newton; whether the Treasury have yet given their decision on Mr. Rose's appeal; and, if not, what is the reason for the delay in adjudicating on this ease?

This appeal was received, and has been the subject of considerable correspondence. The Treasury decision has now been notified to Mr. Rose.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the sum collected, under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, on goods imported into this country from occupied Germany since the French advance into German territory; the sum recovered on goods imported into this country from unoccupied Germany in the same period and the sums collected during the same period in 1922?

The information asked for by the hon. Member is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that export prices fixed by the German Government for goods shipped to this country are higher than the prices fixed for similar goods exported to France, Holland and Belgium by a percentage more or less equivalent to the 26 per cent. duty imposed here by the German Reparation (Recovery) Act; and if he will make representations to the German Government which will have the effect of placing this country on the same footing as that of other countries?

I have been asked to reply. His Majesty's Government are not in possession of definite information as to the principles on which minimum export prices are fixed by the German Trade Control Offices. The price lists are not published, and, although it is alleged that the prices depend partly on the rate of exchange with the country of destination of the goods, I am not aware that they are fixed with reference to the 26 per cent. Reparation levy in the case of this country. His Majesty's Government are already in communication with the German Government on the subject of the policy of fixing differential export prices.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to make any statement on the situation in the Ruhr; and whether His Majesty's Government have decided upon any steps to bring about a settlement of the differences between France and Germany?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to make any change in their policy in view of the recent events in the occupied territory and the Ruhr?

I have nothing to acid to the statements already made in the House on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether any statement has been received from the French Government either as to the aim or the duration of the French occupation of the Ruhr; and, if not, whether the Government has addressed any question to the French Government on the subject?

Statements were made by M. Poincaré at the Conferences held in London and Paris. the Minutes of which have been published. Further, an official communiqué was issued by the French and Belgian Governments on 12th March last.

Has no statement been made as to the objects of the French policy since the statement at the Paris Conference?

Nothing except the statement on the 12th March.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the purpose of M. Loucheur's visit?

I have another question about that.

Is it not a fact that the French Prime Minister has recently addressed a message to the Belgians in which he has stated that the evacuation of the Ruhr will not take place until reparations have been settled in full?

I think not. I have not. seen such a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether officers of his Department are members of the executive committee of the National Federation of Women's Institutes?

Yes, Sir. Two of the three members of the executive committee, whom I am entitled to appoint, are officers of the Ministry.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to recommend to the Anderson Committee of Inquiry the earliest possible consideration of the grievances entailed by the present starting pay of the Lytton entrants; whether he can now give further information as to the intended procedure of the Anderson Committee of Inquiry; and if he will state on what grounds the three gentlemen selected to inquire were so selected?

In the answer which I gave on the 29th March it was explained that the Committee was to inquire into the present standard of remuneration and other conditions of employment of the various classes of State servants employed in the four direct services of the Crown. That is to say, the Committee will direct its attention to general questions. The Government are prepared to suggest to the Committee that they should give specific consideration as early as possible to the case of the Lytton entrants. As regards the last part of the question, the three members of the Committee were specially selected as being, in the opinion of the Government, eminently qualified to give authoritative and impartial advice upon the matters referred to them.

In view of the fact that the Government are prepared to give a specific instruction about the initial entry will the Chancellor of the Exchequer go farther and ask the Committee to submit an interim report on the subject immediately it is finished, instead of waiting for the full report?

I will consider that. I am desirous of getting a report on the matter as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to recent disturbances in connection with the Fishing Industry at Aberdeen, in which the trawl owners in collusion with the skippers and first hands have refused to continue to work the fishing vessels as a protest against the landing of German catches at that port, thus causing unemployment and distress to many hundred of fishermen and firemen who are wage earners and not profit sharers; that these men, though there is no strike or lock-out, and they have no dispute either with their employers or their officers, have been refused donation benefit by his Department; and will he, under the circumstances, give instructions which will remove an undeserved injustice to a large number of industrious and law-abiding workers?

I am aware of the disturbances to which the hon. Member refers. Claims to unemployment benefit by the men affected were disallowed by the Insurance Officer on the ground that the disqualification under the Trade Dispute Clause applied in their case. This decision has been upheld by the local Court of Referees, and the association to which the men belong has appealed against the decision to the Umpire, whose decision will be final and conclusive. I have no power to give any direction to the Umpire, who is an independent officer appointed by the Crown, but I am making arrangements to have the inquiry expedited with a view to obtaining an early decision.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea when the decision will be made?

As speedily as possible. It usually does not take more than a few days.

asked the Under-Secretary for Health (Scotland) what is the latest information with regard to the fishing strike at Aberdeen, and what steps the Government propose to take?

That is the same question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is not aware that the whole cause of the difficulty is the landing of fish from foreign trawlers and that the German trawler is entitled now to trawl in the Moray Firth while the British or Scottish trawler is not allowed to trawl, and that this is not only unjust, but peculiarly offensive to the fishermen, who did so much for the country in the War?

I apologise for my absence. I did not realise that questions were going through so fast.

You ought to have been here all the time.

My most recent information is that the Town Council of Aberdeen have appointed a special committee who are conferring with the interests concerned in order to consider the possibility of reaching a settlement. The Department concerned are in touch with the situation, but no request for their intervention has been made by the trawl owners, the fishermen, or the buyers as far as I am aware. The police are taking necessary steps to preserve order.

Is it necessary for the Government to wait? Is not the situation sufficiently serious for them to take action?

The town council has been considering the matter and has arranged to defer taking action till to-day, Monday. It seemed to be inadvisable to complicate unnecessarily the situation by Government interference where action was proceeding by those principally concerned.

Will the Government consider bringing in a Bill to prohibit German boats from bringing fish into any port?

That question should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

May I address the question to the Leader of the House?

The hon. Member should give notice of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether it is the fact that the reply made to the Note addressed to the Soviet Government in regard to the persecution of the Christians was of such a nature that its acceptance was refused; and whether he has any statement to make as to the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the Soviet Government?

The matter referred to in the question has raised very serious considerations which are engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government. It is not possible to make any further statement for the moment.

Is it a fact that the Note addressed to His Majesty's Government was of such a nature that His Majesty's representative refused to accept it?

It is true that he refused to transmit it to the home Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps the Government are taking over the illegal arrest of the steam trawler "James Johnson" on the 31st March last by the Russians off the Murman coast; and whether the captain of H.M.S. "Godetia" has received instructions to demand personally and insist on the return of the trawler and crew immediately; and whether the Admiralty propose to send reinforcements to the Murman coast for the purpose of effectually securing redress from the Russian Government for this and previous arrests?

Upon receipt of news of the arrest, the British Agent at Moscow was at once instructed by telegraph to make immediate inquiries, and his report is being awaited. The reply to the second and third parts of the question is in the negative.

Is this not a matter which concerns the Admiralty? Is the Government aware that this arrest took place on the day of the "Godetia" arriving, and that the whole circumstances were an insult to the British flag, and is the British Navy going to take this sort of thing lying down?

As I informed my hon. Friend, immediate inquiries have been made, and a report is being awaited. It is better to know what has happened before we take further steps.

Assuming the facts are as stated, there is no question about the facts in this case. The Russians are setting up a 12 miles territorial limit which we do not recognise. This question has already arisen on several previous occasions of illegal arrest. Are the Government not going to do anything except what they have done in the past, namely, to make official representations which amount to nothing? Will not the Government now take definite steps? Can I have a reply from the First Lord of the Admiralty?

Can the Under-Secretary say how long he intends to wait before he takes action?

Until we know what has happened.

Can I have an answer from the First Lord of the Admiralty?

The hon. and gallant Member has received an answer.

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the question of the illegal arrest by the Russians on the 31st March last of the steam trawler "James Johnson," and the inadequate measures being taken by the Government in respect thereto.

I cannot accept that Motion under Standing Order No. 10. From the information which the hon. and gallant Member himself has given, this has been a continuing grievance.

No, not this arrest.

Complaint is made in regard to some new action on the part of a foreign Government in reference to this matter.

This arrest has no connection whatever with the other arrests.

If Standing Order No. 10 were to be used in this way, we might be asked to go to war once a week!

The urgency here arises out of the inadequate naval protection given to our fishermen in the White Sea. The Admiralty for some reason withdrew the naval protection, and this arrest occurred during its removal. We protest against this removal, and I submit that there is a case of urgency for the discussion of this question.

I think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has, by his statement, shown that this has been a grievance for some time past.

I submit that representations were made to the Government against the withdrawal of Admiralty protection. These representations were rejected on the ground that the fears expressed were unfounded. Now individual action has been taken by a foreign Government which shows that these fears were well founded, and is it not in accordance with Standing Order No. 10 when some act is done by a foreign Government that the matter becomes urgent and in these circumstances are we not entitled to call attention to it?

When the hon. Member refers to a foreign Government, these things might happen all over the world. This is not a proper matter for discussion under Standing Order No. 10. Another occasion for debate may occur.

Are we to understand that on the occasion of a foreign Government acting to the prejudice of British subjects the failure of our Government to make representations is not a question that arises under Standing Order No. 10?

I will not allow the hon. Member to draw me into an argument on anything further than the actual case. I am of opinion that this case does not come under Standing Order No. 10, and I will not go any further.

Can I have an answer to my question from the Prime Minister concerning the dumping of fish by German boats?

The hon. Member had better put his question on the Paper.

Cannot I have a private notice question to-morrow?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a skilled workman, Albert Haydock, of View Road, Sheffield, was on Thursday, 8th March, charged before the Sheffield Court with refusing to perform a prescribed task set for him by the Ecclesall Board of Guardians, and for neglecting to maintain his wife and family when there was opportunity to work; that the magistrates inflicted a fine of £5 or, in default, a month's imprisonment; that Haydock subsequently surrendered to undergo the sentence of imprisonment; that the work Haydock refused was the subject of negotiation between the trade union and public bodies concerned; that. Haydock refused to work, on a question of principle, as to the conditions which at present apply to the work; that Hay-dock's Poor Law relief was stopped by the guardians, and on representations made by them to the Labour Exchange his unemployment benefit was withdrawn; that under a decision of the Labour Exchange authorities this man's unemployment benefit was afterwards restored, from which it would appear that his refusal to accept the task work was entirely justified; whether he is aware that a large number of other cases are involved in this decision, and further, whether sufficient task work is provided by Poor Law authorities to absorb all unemployed skilled and unskilled workmen in receipt of Poor Law relief, and, if not, under what Regulations or authority invidious selections are made from the ranks of skilled workmen for the purpose of task work at lower rates than trade union wages for unskilled work; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the abrogation of principles for which trade unions have fought for decades, and to remove the injustice in the particular case in question?

The hon. Member appears to be under some misapprehension. It is within the discretion of the guardians to require a task of work to be performed as a condition of the receipt of out-door relief, and the relief paid by them is calculated not as wages for the task performed but in accordance with the needs of the applicant and his dependants. The selection of persons to be required to perform such a task is also within the discretion of the guardians, but in the present case, I am informed, that a short-period task of three days is being required from all able-bodied male persons receiving relief in the area. I do not at present see any grounds for my intervention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the three days is a weekly test; that it is set every week?

Not for the same people.

I have information to that effect. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this particular man surrendered as a test case, and that hundreds of other cases are hanging upon it, and whether he considers that a trade unionist should give away his principles, fought for for decades—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech! "]

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now able to make any statement as to the lock-out in the Dundee jute industry and as to the prospects of an early settlement of the dispute.

I am glad to have this opportunity of making a statement on this matter. As the hon. Member is aware, I have kept in constant touch with the developments in this dispute and the efforts which have been made to effect a settlement. On Thursday last, after discussion with both sides, Sir David Shackleton, on my behalf, arranged a joint conference of the employers' and workers' organisations, when the whole position was examined. At the end of the conference certain proposals were put forward for the consideration of both sides as a basis for the resumption of work. These proposals are under the consideration of the parties.