asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the index figure of the cost of living in India on 1st April, 1923, compared with the pre-War cost of living?

Index figures for the whole of India are not prepared. The Labour Office in Bombay, however, publishes each month an index figure for the City of Bombay. In March, 1923, this was given as 154, against a basic figure of 100 in July, 1914.

also asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of trade unions registered in India on 1st January and 1st April, 1923, respectively, and the total number of those unions on those dates?

It is not possible to give the information asked for, as no legislation exists at present in India requiring trade unions to register. For some time past the Government of India have had under consideration a measure relating to the registration and protection of trade unions and the views of the local Governments on the Bill are being considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that certain junior members of the Indian Civil Service appointed under the reconstruction scheme in the years 1919 and 1920 to the United Provinces, have been given seniority from a particular year, while they have only received the time-scale pay of the year after that from which their seniority counts; and whether, seeing that some of these officers represented their case nearly two years ago, and have recently been informed that final orders are not likely to be issued for some time, as the matter is still under the consideration of the Government of India, and will eventually have to be submitted to the Secretary of State for India, he will ascertain from the Government of India the reason for the delay in disposing of the representation?

Orders with regard to the dates on which increments of pay fall due in the case of members of the Indian Civil Service appointed under the Reconstruction Scheme were sent to the Government of India in October last. I am not aware of any difficulty having arisen in applying those orders in the case of any individual members of the Service, but I will ask my Noble Friend to communicate to the Government of India a copy of the hon. Member's question and this reply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of European gazetted police officers in Bengal, the United Provinces, and the Punjab, respectively, who have retired in accordance with the special terms offered to them, and the proportion which the number of officers who have so retired bears to the total force of European gazetted officers in each province?

The number of European officers of the Indian Police Service in Bengal, the United Provinces, and the Punjab (the figure for which last includes the North-West Frontier Province), whose applications to retire prematurely have been sanctioned is 17, 14, and 21 respectively. The proportion which these numbers bear to the total number of European officers in the police cadres of those provinces is approximately 17, 13 and 23 respectively. Some of these vacancies have been filled in the normal course and a large number of applications for the remainder have been received from ex-officers and others from which a selection will shortly be made.

Can my Noble Friend say what number of applications have been made?

Approximately 600 applications from qualified applicants have been received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, whether the Cantonment Magistrates Department will be included in the terms of reference to the Royal Commission now being appointed to consider the conditions of service of the various Civil Services in India?

It will be for the Royal Commission to determine whether the case of these particular Indian Army Officers in civil employment falls within the terms of reference, by which, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, the inquiry is to be in respect of the Superior Civil Services in India.

asked the Under-Secertary of State for India, whether the Government of India has decided that it is necessary to lay before both Houses of Parliament the Act of the Governor-General of India certifying the increase of the salt duty, refused by the legislative a sembly; and how soon the Act will be laid upon the Table?

No decision by the Government of India is involved. In pursuance of the Government of India Act my Noble Friend is taking steps to lay on the Table of both Houses the Indian Finance Act, 1923, which I would remind the hon. Member is already in operation in accordance with Section 67b Sub-section (2) Government of India Act. The Paper is expected to be ready for distribution shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Report of the Forest Administration in the Central Provinces for the past year regarding the burning of 531,221 acres of forest, the increase of offences, and the organised looting of certain forests which is reported to be directly due to instigation by non-co-operation leaders; and whether he can state when the necessary steps will be taken by the Governor of the Central Province to put a stop to these activities on the part of non-co-operation leaders?

Yes, Sir. But the Report is for the year that ended 31st March, 1922, and not, as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, for the past year. And if he had read on further, for one sentence, he would have discovered that "strong action against offenders, together with sympathetic treatment of any real grievances which existed, and the return of more favourable seasons, resulted in a general improvement of conditions by the close of the year."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the sale of the Iraq railways, and when it is proposed to ask Parliament to ratify the proposed treaty with King Feisal?

The question of the railways is still under discussion with the Iraq Government. I am not in a position to make any further statement at present. With regard to the treaty with King Feisul, I have nothing to add to previous statements on the subject.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether the approval of the League of Nations Council is necessary to this treaty, and, if so, what steps will be taken to secure it?

I think the fact that it is proposed that the relations between the mandatory Power and the Arab State are to be regulated by treaty has been communicated to the League of Nations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a Report of the recent debate in the Ceylon Legislative Council on the subject of constitutional reforms; whether the proposals for a revised constitution have proved generally acceptable in that colony; and whether he can make any statement as to the intentions of the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the matter.

The Governor has informed the Secretary of State by telegram that he has recently sent by mail a Report of the proceedings in the legislative council on the subject. Pending the receipt of that Report, I am unable to make any statement.

Will that Report be laid on the Table when it arrives?

I am contemplating, before finally deciding, laying Papers showing the various representations by different parties in connection with the Ceylon constitutional reforms which have been received.

Will there be an opportunity of discussing these suggestions before a final decision is taken?

That rathedepends whether the Opposition seek an opportunity on the Colonial Office Estimates.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Free State Government in imposing a duty of 5d. per foot upon negative cinematograph film and 1d. per foot on positive film entering or leaving the Free State, even although this film may have already paid a duty on entering English ports; whether he is aware that this duty will adversely affect the British cinematograph industry and whether any representation has been made to the Free State Government on the subject?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no information regarding the second part. In reply to the third part this is not a matter in which, as at present advised, His Majesty's Government would think it proper to make representations to the Free State Government.

Is it not possible to make friendly representations in this matter as you would do to any other country, as it affects certain British trade?

I think it is a little difficult, in view of the financial circumstances in which the Free State Government find themselves, if, at the moment when we have given them fiscal autonomy and they put up a Customs tariff, we should immediately begin to criticise them.

Is not when the Customs tariff is first put on the time to make those representations?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the British Government has agreed with the Irish Free State Government to have a branch of the Compensation Commission set up in England to deal with claims for compensation in respect of injuries to persons or property sustained since the 11th July, 1921, made by persons whose lives would be in danger if the cases were to be heard in the Irish Free State; and, if not, how is it proposed that these cases should be dealt with?

In reply to the first part of the question, the Compensation (Ireland) Commission has no power to deal with any claims for compensation in respect of injuries sustained since 11th July, 1921. In reply to the second part, as regards injuries to property, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Clause 12 of the Damage to Property (Compensation) Bill, which provides in certain cases for the taking of evidence on commission elsewhere than in the Free State. As regards injuries to the members of the forces of the Crown, Mr. Howell Thomas and Mr. Dowdall, who are members of the Commission, have already, as a matter of convenience, heard a number of cases in this country: in the case of other persons I understand that the Committee established by the Free State will make such arrangements as may appear to them to be necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that the Damage to Property (Compensation) Bill, which has been before the Senate and Dail of the Irish Free State, seeks to enact that all decrees for compensation for injuiries to property during the pre-truce period are irrecoveable and prevents any legal proceedings being brought in respect of such injuries; and whether the Government intends to take any steps to preserve for the claimant the right conferred on him by an Act of the Imperial Parliament or, in the alternative, to themselves pay the compensation, as was done by a former Government when loyalist Americans were expelled to Canada at the termination of the war of independence;

(2) whether he is aware that the Damage to Property (Compensation) Bill has now passed both Houses of the Irish Free State legislature; and whether, in accordance with the terms of the Irish Free State constitution, the Bill will be withheld for the Royal Assent having regard to its provisions?

This Bill is still before the Irish Parliament as the Senate has yet to consider certain amendments made by the Dail to the Senate's amendment. I can only therefore refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to him and to the hon. Member for Kensington South on the 23rd instant. I may add, however, that the Secretary of State for the Colonies and several of his colleagues in the Cabinet now hope to be able to receive the deputation to which I referred in that reply on Thursday next.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can secure a safe conduct for the parents of any of the three British officers who were murdered at Macroom, County Cork, in April last, who desire to proceed to the scene of the murders with view to the recovery of their sons' bodies; and whether he has any information as to whether anyone has yet been brought to justice for the murder of these three officers and their chauffeur?

I am making inquiry as to whether the bodies of these men can new be recovered and as to whether it is now possible for any of their parents, if they so desire, to go to Macroom. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received information as to the amount spent upon education per head of the population in Northern Rhodesia?

No direct expenditure is incurred by the British South Africa Company upon native education in Northern Rhodesia, but 10 per cent. of the tax collection in the portion of the territory formerly known as Barotseland—North Western Rhodesia—is set aside annually and after payment of a subsidy to the paramount chief, the balance of the sum so set aside is applied for the direct benefit of the natives on purposes which include the maintenance of a school in Barotseland for education or industrial training. The expenditure for this purpose for the year 1920–21 was £5,586. The total native population of Northern Rhodesia is roughly estimated at a little under a million. The total revenue of Northern Rhodesia for the year 1920–21 amounted to £235,304, and the total expenditure to £331,884, so that there was a deficit on the year's working of £96,580.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any progress has been made in the negotiations between the military authorities and the civil authorities at Hong Kong in regard to the exchange of military property in the centre of the town for suitable sites outside the town, so that the present land under military occupation may become available for the erection of houses, whereby the present pressure and overcrowding may be alleviated?

Negotiations are proceeding with the War Department as to the valuation of their present properties and the provision by the Colonial Government of suitable alternative sites for the military establishments. Progress has been made and it is hoped that the transfer may be effected satisfactorily with the least possible delay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is intended to accede to the almost unanimous desire of the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary Force fund to have this fund wound up; and, if not, will he say why?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to a question on this subject on the 19th February last by the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Mr. Moles).

I remember that answer, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great impoverishment of the members of this force, owing to their peculiar and unfortunate position, and will he not do something to enable them to get back some of the money that they have paid in to relieve them in their present necessitous circumstances?

I will do what I can to look into that question, but the R.I.C. have only recently come under the Home Office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very important Vice-Regal Commission, in which all interests were represented, recommended, at the end of 1919, that this Royal Irish Constabulary Fund should be immediately wound up, and will he take that into consideration?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any representations have been made to him with reference to the further development of the Fiji Islands; if so, what action he has taken in consequence of such representations; and whether, in view of the expressed intention of His Majesty's Government to further develop the resources of the British Empire as a whole, he will take steps to see what possibilities exist there?

The prospects of further development of the Fiji Islands are constantly under the consideration of the Colonial Government and of the Secretary of State, and I doubt whether more could be done by public effort than at present to ascertain what possibilities exist, though I shall be very glad to receive any suggestions.

Is it not a fact that the Colony, at the present moment, is asking for a large general purposes loan, and will the hon. Gentleman consider that proposal?

I will gladly look into that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any representations have been made to him with reference to the further development of the Ascension Islands; if so, what action he has taken in consequence of such representations; and whether, in view of the expressed intention of His Majesty's Government to further develop the resources of the British Empire as a whole, he will take steps to see what possibilities exist there?

In view of the limited area and the physical configuration of Ascension I fear that the expenditure of funds in the development of the island would not add materially to the resources of the Empire. The question of granting a concession to take turtle on the island has been under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any representations have been made to him with reference to the further development of the Seychelles; if so, what action he has taken in consequence of such representations; and whether, in view of the expressed intention of His Majesty's Government to further develop the resources of the British Empire as a whole, he will take steps to see what possibilities exist there?

No special representations have been received by the Secretary of State as to the development of Seychelles. The resources of the Colony have, however, been recently investigated with the assistance of His Majesty's Government by an agricultural expert to whose recommendations effect will be given as the financial position may permit.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any representations have been made to him with reference to the further development of the Island of Dominica; if so, what action he has taken in consequence of such representations; and whether, in view of the expressed intention of His Majesty's Government to further develop the resources of the British Empire as a whole, he will take steps to see what possibilities exist there?

Representations have been made in connection with the recommendation on this subject contained in my predecessor's Report on the West Indies and have been explored, but unfortunately without much success. The possibility of new industries has also been considered by the Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies, and will be investigated by the new Administrator when he reaches the island. I am glad, however, to be able to say that the sweet lime and citric acid trade, on which the Presidency mainly depends for its prosperity, has recently improved and that prospects are in consequence distinctly more hopeful than at the date when my right hon. Friend wrote his Report.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of sending the hon. and gallant Member on a deputation to report on the possibility of development of that island?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the amount of preferential tariff given by the Dominion of Australia on British-manufactured goods imported into that Dominion; whether any special legislation has been passed in Australia dealing with the low prices on foreign imports owing to depreciated exchanges; and can he made a statement as to whether the same benefits British goods?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department (1) whether the Dominion of New Zealand gives any preference on import duties on British-manufactured goods imported into that Dominion; if any other facilities are given to British manufacturers for trading in New Zealand;

(2) what preference is given by the Dominion of Canada on import duties on British goods sent into that Dominion; if any other special facilities are given to British manufacturers; and whether any preference is given by Canada to imports from the United States and, if so, to what extent?

As it is impossible to answer these questions except at great length, I will send the hon. Member a statement giving the information for which he asks.

Will the statement be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Is the tariff now imposed by Australia on British goods prejudicial to the trade of this country?

The statement is not ready yet, but I hope to have it ready in time for issue in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total outlay contemplated by the Governments of the Dominions, India, and the Colonies on participation in the British Empire Exhibition?

It is not yet possible for me to give figures with any degree of accuracy, since the extent of the expenditure of each unit depends upon circumstances. So far as my information goes, the Dominions expect to spend a total of some £600,000, and the Colonies and Protectorates at least £250,000, but the exact amounts are quite uncertain. In some cases private subscriptions are being raised to supplement Government grants. I have no information as regards India.

Is not practically every part of the British Empire now participating in this great exhibiton?

I think that there are only a few small portions of the Empire, such as Ascension, which are nut going to participate.

Has the hon. Gentleman read this morning what happened on Saturday in the exhibition ground?

That has nothing to do with me.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, seeing the great advertising value of a high tower built at Wembley in connection with the British Empire Exhibition, his Department will look sympathetically on such a proposal?

On such information as I have been able to obtain at present, I cannot but feel that there are serious objections to the erection of a structure of the kind at Wembley, and I have instructed the representative of my Department on the Management Committee of the British Empire Exhibition to put my views before the committee.

Has the hon. Gentleman not arrived at the conclusion that an executive committee which is incapable of managing a football match is also incompetent to build a Tower of Babel?

Would not the advertising value of such a tower overcome other objections such as were made to the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Secretary of State for the Colonies has under consideration any proposals for ameliorating the conditions of medical service in the Windward Islands; whether he is aware that the conditions referred to have been the subject of memorials from the Grenada Medical Service since 1919; and when it is proposed to give a final decision as to the points at issue?

The answers to the first two parts of my hon. Friend's question are in the affirmative. A decision will be arrived at in the matter at an early date, but I am sorry to say that the financial position of the Windward Islands is such as to restrict the possibilities of improvement in the conditions of the medical service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies which colonies, and how many individual medical appointments, are affected by the discontinuance of recruitment in this country in the case of certain medical posts at low salaries; how these appointments are now filled by the several colonies; and what are the medical qualifications and nationality of the successful candidates for such posts?

The question whether a medical appointment in the West Indies should be filled from this country is frequently decided only when a vacancy occurs, and accordingly it is not possible to state definitely how many individual appointments are affected, but the number is probably between a dozen and a score. The appointments concerned are some of those in the Windward, Leeward, Bahamas, Turks, Caicos and Cayman Islands. Most of them are filled by local West Indian candidates of British nationality possessing qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom or Canada. It appears that there are only two medical men in the islands in question whose qualifications are foreign.

Is it the case that the reason these posts are filled by persons holding American degrees is because the conditions of service were not such as to attract those with British qualifications?

I believe that those two doctors with American degrees were British West Indians.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Secretary of State for the Colonies is still, in the words of the Wood Report, always hampered in recruitment for colonial medical appointments carrying rights of private practice by the absence of sufficient data as to the value of such practice; if so, what steps have been taken by his Department to give effect to the suggestions of his predecessor in office for removing this defect; and with what result?

My hon. and gallant Friend will, no doubt, appreciate that the value of a private practice must vary in accordance with the individual capacity of its holder, and accordingly such information as the Colonial Governments are able to supply can only be of limited utility as a guide to the value of the appointment. The passage in the Report dealing with this point was referred to the Colonial Governments concerned for their observations, and no specific reply has yet been received. I may say, however, that there has been no difficulty in the case of any appointment to these Colonies since the date of the Report.

Is it a fact that, despite these uncertainties, a definite idea of the enormous advantages of private practice is given to those applying for appointments?

I believe that all that is done is to tell candidates in round figures what the private practice brought in to the previous occupant of the post.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information about the Chester concession in Turkey; and whether the concession affects British interests in Turkey in any way?

A despatch containing what purports to be the text of the Chester Concession was received at the Foreign Office this morning, but there has not yet been time to examine it.

I will put this question on Wednesday.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, seeing that the personnel of the British embassies and legations abroad has increased since 1913 by 70 per cent., he will say what additional functions and duties are performed at these embassies and legations which were not performed in 1913;

(2) whether the addition of two British legations accounts for the increase of 70 per cent. in the personnel of the diplomatic service since 1913; if not, how is the increase accounted for;

(3) whether the personnel of the diplomatic service abroad are paid in sterling or in the currency of the country to which they are accredited; and, if the former, whether the rates of exchange counterbalance any increase in the cost of living?

As the answer is somewhat long, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not a fact that more than one of our representatives spend a considerable portion of their private means in keeping up the prestige of the British Empire?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now inform the House the amount of the expenses of the Allies' occupation of the Memel territory; and the reason there was for the occupation continuing till 1923 at an expense which falls upon the inhabitants?

The expenses of the occupation of the Memel territory have been defrayed by the French Government, but I have no information to show the total amount recoverable by that Government on this account. It was not possible to discontinue the occupation of Memel until the definite settlement of the future status of the territory.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether citizens of Poland, Ozecho-Slovakia, Yugo - Slavia, and Rumania, who were formerly subjects of the German or Austria-Hungarian Empires, are regarded, for the purpose of peace treaties, as citizens of friendly States; and whether any distinction is drawn between those who were formerly German subjects and those who were Austro-Hungarian subjects?

The answer to the first part of the question is generally in the affirmative, but there are certain exceptions with regard to which I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Articles 76 and 77 of the Treaty of St. Germain, Article 62 of the Treaty of Trianon, and Article 91 of the Treaty of Versailles. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if His Majesty's Government has received any proposals from the German Government for settlement of the reparations question?

The last proposal of this nature received by His Majesty's Government was that which was considered and rejected by the conference of Prime Ministers held in London in December last. The text of the proposal is contained in Command Paper 1812, paragraphs 57–60.

asked the Prime Minister if the financial proposals made by him at Paris in January, whereby the payments to be made by the Allies and Germany to Great Britain are not sufficient by 100,000,000 to meet the British payments to America, are cancelled?

We retain an entirely free hand as regards the future on all questions of reparations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Rumanian Government is about to ask the British public to subscribe to a loan; that the Rumanian Government has not honoured its obligations to British holders of the Rumanian Government 1898 4 per cent. bonds, in that the Rumanian Government is paying interest to British subjects in depreciated francs, and not in gold lei, in accordance with the undertaking printed on the coupons of the 1898 bonds, and is not maintaining the sinking fund on this loan; will he request the Rumanian Minister to state whether the Rumanian Government will honour its obligations to British holders of the 1898 4 per cent. bonds; and will he, for the protection of British investors, see that the Rumanian Government's reply appears before any new Rumanian loan is issued in London?

The loan referred to has been issued. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I have already stated in reply to a previous question by the hon. Member for Exeter on 12th March last that negotiations between the Rumanian Government and His Majesty's Government have resulted in the appointment of a special Rumanian Commission to investigate the claims of British holders. In reply to the last part, as the Rumanian loan referred to has already been issued, I cannot give the assurance suggested by the hon. Member, nor would it appear to have been necessary in any case, since subscribers to the loan are no doubt fully informed of all circumstances affecting the credit of the Rumanian Government.

Will the Government, on the appointment of this Commission, go into the question with the Rumanian Government, with the view of getting them to honour their obligations to the earlier British subscribers to the loan?

I cannot say without notice exactly how the matter stands at present. If my hon. Friend will put down a question, I will answer it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay upon the Table the despatch which has been sent to the Russian Soviet Government with regard to the series of outrages which have been perpetrated on British citizens in Russia aid on the high seas, for which no redress has been obtained?

The proposed communication to the Soviet Government, to which I referred on Wednesday last, is not yet in their hands. It will be laid upon the Table in due course.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this matter is of extreme urgency and does not brook delay, and will a time limit be put for the reply of the Soviet Government?

I fully realise the importance of the matter, but I cannot say anything about a time limit.

Has this despatch been already drawn up and sent to Russia?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman had listened to my reply he would have heard that it is not yet in their hands.

When will the despatch be laid on the Table?

I cannot say at present.

Is this country officially represented at the seat of the Russian Government?

I have several times lately answered questions as to the exact status of the Mission in Moscow, and I would refer the hon. Member to those answers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the terms of the Note to the Russian Government; whether the Note has as yet been sent, and if any time limit is attached thereto; whether it is proposed to compensate the owners and the ship's company of the "James Johnson"; whether steps have been taken for the safe and immediate return of the officers and men to their homes; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take steps to seize Soviet property and revenue within the British Empire until full compensation has been paid?

I regret that I am not in a position to state the terms of the Note, which is at the present moment under the final consideration of His Majesty's Government. As soon as possible a full claim for compensation will be presented to the Soviet Government. His Majesty's Government are hardly in a position to assume liability for this claim independently of their liability for the other numerous outstanding claims against the Soviet Government. I am in communication with the Admiralty as to the possibility of repatriating the master and crew as soon as it is known that they have been released. The answer to the last part is in the negative.

I understand that there is no definite information as to the position of the officers and men of this ship: and can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there will not be undue delay in presenting this demand to the Soviet Government?

What about the American Government?

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the first supplementary question as to whether he has any definite information as to the position of the officers and men of this ship—working men?

I have information, but I am not quite certain that it is definite.

Has this Note not yet been sent?

No.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the fact that a dispute between the Russian and Norwegian Governments respecting the width of territorial waters off the coast of Northern Russia was recently settled amicably by negotiations, inquiries have been made as to the willingness of the Russian Government to negotiate with His Majesty's Government on the dispute: and whether, for their part, His Majesty's Government are equally prepared to enter into negotiations with the Russian Government?

The Norwegian Government, equally with His Majesty's Government, have disputed the claim of the Russian Government to a 12-mile limit of territorial waters, and the dispute is, so far as I am aware, not yet settled. On the publication of the Russian decree of May, 1921, making this claim, His Majesty's Government informed the Soviet Government of their inability to concur in any extension of territorial limits beyond three nautical miles. While not admitting that the principle of a three-mile limit can be called in question, they have nevertheless expressed their readiness to discuss with the Soviet Government a special convention for the protection of seal fisheries in these waters. In September, 1921, the Soviet Government accepted this offer, but it has not up to the present transmitted the draft convention requested by His Majesty's Government as a first step in the negotiations.

Has the British Government asked the Soviet Government whether it is willing to refer this question to the Permanent Court of International Justice?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any international law in force limiting territorial waters to a three-mile limit; whether he is aware that other nations have reserved more than a three-mile limit in relating to fishing rights; that the Tsarist Government of Russia reserved a 12-mile zone off the coast of Northern Russia for fishing rights; that on the 22nd March, 1911, the then British Foreign Minister had a conversation with Count Benckendorff on the subject; that on that occasion the Russian Government suggested that the matter be discussed at the Hague Conference, and that Sir Edward Grey informed Sir George Buchanan that Great Britain was ready to discuss the question at an international conference; and whether, seeing that the present Russian Government adopted the policy previously followed in this respect by the Tsarist Government in a decree dated the 24th May, 1921, and notified the Powers to that effect, he will state what action His Majesty's Government propose to take in the matter?

The doctrine of territorial waters is not laid down in any international instrument, but the jurisdiction of nations over their coastal waters has been accepted by usage and is now a recognised rule of international law; His Majesty's Government have always maintained that by international law and practice the general limit of territorial jurisdiction is three miles, but from time to time claims to extend the three-mile limit have been advanced by different States. Such claims, which amount to annexation of the high seas, could only be made effective by international agreement. The Imperial Russian Government put forward a claim in 1909 to extend to 12 miles the limit of Russian territorial waters. His Majesty's Government refused to admit this claim, but consented to refer the question for discussion to The Hague Conference. The Imperial Russian Government immediately on receipt of representations from His Majesty's Government released a British vessel which had been seized outside the three-mile limit, and refrained from attempting to enforce their claim pending its discussion at an international conference. In this respect the present Russian Government, so far from adopting the policy followed by the Imperial Russian Government, has insisted on enforcing a decree made in May, 1921, which has no international sanction, and, in spite of repeated representations of His Majesty's Government in connection with the seizure of British vessels, has refused to give any satisfaction whatever.

Does not the latter part of the reply suggest the advisability of making an agreement with Russia?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the Regulations relating to transit goods for the occupied areas of Germany; what evidence is required, for example, for goods in transit for Austria; and whether there is any differentiation in the treatment of British, French and Belgian traders?

I have been asked to reply. Goods consigned from a country other than Germany by way of the occupied territories to a country other than Germany enjoy the usual transit facilities, i.e., they are exempt from duty both on entry into and departure from the occupied territory, if the transit Regulations are complied with. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Regulations relating to international transit, which were issued by the Customs Managing Committee of the High Commission on the 22nd February last. So far as I am aware, the answer to the last part of the queston is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British representatives on the Central Commission on Rhine Navigation have taken any and, if so, what steps to remove the obstructions placed in the way of free traffic on the Rhine in contravention of the Mannheim Convention of 17th October, 1868, and therefore of Article 354 of the Treaty of Versailles which incorporates the said Convention?

The answer is in the negative, as the French and Belgian Governments have given assurances of their intention to observe the Convention of Mannheim.

Does the statement that they intend to observe it imply that hitherto they have not observed it?

That is exactly the point which has been very much discussed. I am not at all certain whether it has been observed or not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what ground visas have just been refused to some German ladies who had been invited to come to England from the Ruhr to give first-hand information as to the conditions at present subsisting there and in the Rhineland?

I have been asked to reply. I think the hon. Member is referring to a case in which I decided, after consideration, that it was not desirable, at this particular juncture, that the plan to bring these ladies to this country to address meetings on the subject of the Ruhr and the Rhineland should be carried out.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he can now state the position with regard to recognition of the Mexican Government;

(2) whether he can give the House any information as to the position of the Mexican Government in regard to the resumption of dividend payments on the external and internal loans, in view of the fact that British investors are very largely interested?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 14th March to questions put by the hon. Members for Central Wandsworth and East Fulham on similar subjects. No further negotiations have since then been initiated with a view to the recognition of the Mexican Government. I have no official information as to whether or not dividend payments on the Mexican external and internal loans have actually been resumed.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to a speech by Admiral Sims, of the United States Navy, delivered at Los Angeles City Club on 3rd April, to the effect that there is no authentic record of an atrocity ever having been perpetrated by the commander and crew of a German submarine; that the Press stories of atrocities were nothing but propaganda; that the British and American naval records are filled with reports showing that German U-boat commanders aided in the rescue of crews and passengers of ships they sank; and that if they could not tow the ships to safety they would always, by means of the radio, notify other ships of the position of the crippled vessel; and if he is in a position to make any statement as to British naval records in this regard?

I have been asked to reply. I have seen Press statements regarding the speech referred to. Full information with regard to atrocities committed by-German submarine commanders was, in accordance with Article 228 of the Peace Treaty, given to the Allied Sub-Commission in August, 1919, and I cannot accept the assertion that there was nothing but propaganda in the accounts of these atrocities. On the other hand, many German submarine officers behaved with as much humanity as was possible, subject to their general orders to sink merchant vessels indiscriminately and without warning.

Is it not a fact that one German submarine commander was tried by the German Court?

Yes.

Did not the German Admiralty issue the infamous order that enemy merchantmen were to be sunk "without trace"?

That is a well-known fact.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a full report of some of the most hideous atrocities committed by German submarines was published in the official account of the Leipzig trials?

Would it not be as well to wait until the full report of the speech of this American admiral is received here?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the spawning grounds in the Moray Firth are among the largest and most important round our coast; that they are being destroyed by trawlers, of whom the principal offenders are foreign trawlers, who are allowed to trawl up to the three-mile limit by virtue of the North Sea Convention, 1882; that distress and the consequent process of depopulation is spreading among the fishing communities along the Moray Firth; and whether he will approach the other signatories to the North Sea Convention, with a view to arranging for the mutual protection of spawning grounds outwith the limits of territorial waters?

I have been asked to answer this question. The important part which the Moray Firth plays in regard to certain kinds of fish is realised. The amount of trawling which is at present going on in the Moray Firth and the consequent injury to the grounds are not, I think, considerable. During the year ended 21st April, 1923, the average number of foreign trawlers observed in the Firth has been only about two per month. In the circumstances such trawling can scarcely be regarded as having any material influence upon decline of population among the fishing communities concerned. The question of the measures to be taken with a view to conservation of stocks of fish in the North Sea is being considered from the scientific standpoint by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that even two trawlers seen trawling in the Moray Firth are offensive to the local fishermen? Is the Noble Lord the Secretary far Scotland to give a Committee for going into the whole question?

Is it not a fact that a great deal of trawling is done at night?

The question on the Paper has reference to the injury done to the fish stocks in the North Sea; it is not a question of whether or not it was offensive to the fishermen. Undoubtedly not every case of trawling is observed, but the number of cases alleged by the fishermen is not very much higher than the number actually observed by the boats engaged in the detection of these criminals.

Are we claiming to prevent this fishing outside the three miles?

That is the point. This fishing is outside the three miles limit, and the hon. and gallant Gentleman, who has served in the Navy, will recognise that it is very difficult to enforce prohibition against vessels trawling outside the three miles. We are engaged in a dispute with the Government of Russia on this very point.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment to-morrow night.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why the German trawlers possess the right to fish the Moray Firth when our own are excluded; and whether the Government will consider bringing in a Measure to prevent the Germans underselling our own fishermen in our own markets by reason of the variations in the exchange?

It was decided by His Majesty's Government in 1907, as a result of representations by the Norwegian Government, that the bye-law which prohibits trawling in the Moray Firth should not be enforced against foreigners employed on foreign vessels. Following upon this decision, the Trawling in Prohibited Areas Prevention Act, 1909, was passed in order to prevent the landing in this country of any fish caught by foreign trawlers in the Moray Firth or similar areas. Only three German trawlers have been observed in the Moray Firth since the 1st January last. With reference to the second part of the question, so long as fish taken by German vessels is sold, as at present, by auction at the port of landing, in competition with fish landed by British fishing vessels, it does not appear to me that any question of underselling can arise.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the actual total expenditure by way of grants on housing schemes under the 1919 Housing Acts for the three financial years, 1920–21, 1921–22, and 1922–23?

The total expenditure by way of grants on housing schemes in Scotland under the Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919, and the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, was in 1920–21, £135,140; in 1921–22, £658,247; and in 1922–23, £837,114.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he has any information regarding the property at Craigneuk, Motherwell, known as McConnell's Buildings; whether he is aware that in one portion thereof, partitioned off, a stable, an ex-service man, his wife and five children are at present residing; and whether he will take steps to provide better housing accommodation in this district?

I am informed that the property in question was constructed in October, 1920, by the conversion of a stableman's bothy, and the inclusion of a portion of a building previously used as a bottling store. The Dean of Guild Court reserved to the town council as the local authority under the Housing Acts the right to close the property at any time. As regards the second part of the question, I have no information. With regard to the last part of the question, the local authority have already completed 334 houses under the State-assisted scheme, and 316 are under construction, the total deficit on which will fall upon the State. Further proposals of the Government for increasing the provision of houses are contained in the Measure which is now before the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, at the recent meeting of the Council of the League of Nations, the British representative protested against or made any comments upon the decree of the Governing Commission of the Saar District imposing severe penalties on any person who should criticise the actions of the said Governing Commission; and what answer was given by M. Rault, the French representative on the Commission?

I cannot undertake to give the House details of a discussion in the Council of the League of Nations. I must ask the hon. Member to await the issue of whatever statement the Council may decide to publish.

Did the British representatives abstain from voting on the point?

I cannot say without notice.

May I ask the British representative, whom we are glad to see back again with the House, whether a statement on the work of the Council will be made at an early date?

I cannot say in what form a statement will be made. It is obviously a matter for the Leader of the House. I advise hon. Members to follow the advice of the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and await the full report.

When will the report be issued?

I cannot say. I have not been in communication with the Council.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a seizure of British ships was made by the United States last year outside the three-mile limit; and whether the protest made by the British Government on that occasion to the United States Government can be published?

A British vessel was seized and is still detained by the United States authorities on the ground that her small boats had entered the three-mile limit for an illegal purpose although the vessel herself had remained outside. His Majesty's Government have questioned the right of the United States Government to make this seizure and diplomatic correspondence on the subject is proceeding. No useful purpose would be served by laying this correspondence before Parliament at the present stage.

Is there to be any time limit in this case?

Is this the only case in which British vessels have been seized?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has now received any information regarding the request made by Dr. Wellington Koo, the Chinese Foreign Minister, to the diplomatic body to release about £320,000 of Customs surplus for the purpose of covering the arrears of salary and expenses of the Chinese diplomatic missions abroad; and what has been the answer returned to it?

No further information has been received since the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 23rd instant. His Majesty's Minister at Peking has evidently not thought it necessary to report by telegram, and a despatch on the subject could not reach London till the latter part of May. There is no reason to doubt the accuracy of the report which appeared in the Press.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any portion of the annual Parliamentary grant for overseas settlement can be allocated towards the expenses of training camps in which town-bred workers, for whom employment is not available, could receive practical instruction in agriculture as a preliminary to successful overseas employment?

I invite my hon. and gallant Friend's attention to the replies given on the 19th April by my hon. Friend the Minister of Health and myself to the two questions asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Barnstaple. My hon. and gallant Friend will see from the answer which I gave on that occasion that the contribution of His Majesty's Government to any scheme under the Empire Settlement Act may not exceed half the expenses of the scheme. Subject to this condition, "training" is specifically mentioned in the Act as one of the forms of assistance to which His Majesty's Government may contribute.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what total quantity of sugar was imported into the United Kingdom in the year 1913; and what proportions came from foreign countries and from within the British Empire, respectively?

The total quantity of refined and unrefined sugar imported into the United Kingdom in the year 1913 was 39,385,190 cwts., of which 37,944,801 cwts. were consigned from foreign countries and 1,440,389 cwts from countries within the British Empire.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether steps are being taken to ensure that the communications with Wembley exhibition grounds and stadium will be of a nature to dispel any apprehension as to their inaccessibility?

Hear, hear!

May I say that the question has been physically answered since it was put down, but I should like to hear the hon. and gallant Gentleman's reply?

The question establishes the hon. Member's reputation as a prophet.

I understand that the crowd which was present at Wembley on Saturday was estimated at not less than 200,000 persons. The rapidity with which this enormous assemblage was poured into the exhibition area caused, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, a very anxious situation, but it at least leaves no room for doubt as to the ready accessibility of the grounds.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that all the entrances to the ground are quite unsuitable for the reception of a crowd, as are also the entrances to the buildings?

On the point of accessibility, does the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise the number of hours it took some people to get from the centre of London to Wembley on Saturday?

If, in future, it is intended to have a football match like that of Saturday, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider having it transferred to Glasgow in order that it may be properly conducted?

(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the incidents that took place at the Stadium at Wembley on Saturday last on the occasion of the playing of the final for the English Football Cup—

Who won?

I do not care who won. I only know who lost—in which 1,000 persons were more or less seriously injured; and if he is prepared to order a public inquiry into the whole of the circumstances?

I have called for reports on this matter, and if the hon. Member will put his question on the Paper, I shall be in a position to give him an answer.

When shall I put a question down!

The hon. Member might put it down to-day for Wednesday.

Pending the result of the inquiry, will the right hon. Gentleman state what steps he proposes to take to protect Wembley from the hooliganism imported there, and the ineptitude of the amusement authorities at the Exhibition?

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman proposes to substitute that question for the question of which he has given me Private Notice?

As far as the crowd were concerned, may I be allowed to say that they were good-humoured? Had it not been for the conduct of the police and the good humour of the crowd, there would have been murder. Therefore, the hon. Member for Harrow (Mr. Mosley) has no right to talk about "hooliganism."

The hon. Member for Harrow ought not to have made allegations under the guise of a Private Notice question.

May I say—

Does the hon. Member wish to put his question as he sent it to me?

(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the reasons for the defective police arrangements, which resulted in the serious injury of many persons at Wembley Stadium on Saturday last?

I know of no ground for the suggestion that the police arrangements were defective, and I very much resent the suggestion being made. I agree entirely with the hon. Member for Silvertown (Mr. J. Jones) that, had it not been for the good temper of the crowd and the behaviour of the police, a much more serious result might have occurred. In reply to the hon Gentleman's question, as stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Silvertown, I have called for full reports. I am informed that 12 persons were detained at hospital but several were discharged yesterday, and, as far as the police can ascertain, the cases of a serious nature number six or seven.

If the crowd was entirely good-humoured, and the police arrangements were quite perfect—[An HON. MEMBER: "Nobody said that.'"]—will the right hon. Gentleman take some further steps to prevent good-humoured incidents of this nature, which many of the local people resent?

I do not know whether the hon. Member expects me to take steps before I have a report on the matter. That is not my way of proceeding.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the almost universal praise which was expressed at the conduct of the police, especially of the officer who was mounted on a white horse?

Yes, Sir; I am delighted at it, and I hope that praise will be spread abroad.

May I—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!" and "Sit down!"]

If the hon. Member has any further questions, he had better put them down.

Mr. Speaker, on a point of Order. May I—

Does the hon. Gentleman desire to make a personal explanation?

Yes, Sir. May I make it clear that my question was not in any sense a reflection upon the police who were present—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh!"]—but merely a suggestion that there were not sufficient there?

The hon. Member's question asks "the reasons for the defective police arrangements." [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"]

asked the Minister of Agriculture from what date the proposed reduction in the assessments on agricultural land is to take place; whether the basis of the new Exchequer contributions will be the total of the amounts appearing in the valuation lists at such date; whether such basis will be revised from year to year: and whether the basis upon which the Exchequer contributions are payable under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, will be brought up to date, so that the total Exchequer contributions in respect of agricultural land assessments will be calculated and paid upon the basis of the total of the existing assessments?

As the Chancellor of the Exchequer has already announced, it is the intention of the Government that the reduction in the assessment of agricultural land shall take effect as from the beginning of this financial year. The precise basis of the Exchequer grant to be given in respect of the loss so caused in local revenues is at present under consideration, but, as my hon. Friend will see from the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. and learned Member for West Fulham on the 26th April, there is no intention of increasing the grant payable under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the recent Seasalter and Ham Fishery Order confers monopoly rights, over a large area in the estuary of the Thames off the north-east coast of Sheppey, on the Seasalter and Ham Oyster Fishery Company for 60 years, and that a considerable number of independent fishermen will be deprived of their livelihood; and whether, in view of the hardship that will be created, he will reconsider his decision to introduce a confirming Bill?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, this point was thoroughly investigated at a public inquiry recently held at Whitstable, and I am unable to agree that the granting of the Order to the Seasalter and Ham Oyster Fishery Company will prejudice the livelihood of any of the fishermen. The answer to the third part of the question is, therefore, in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in depriving these people of their opportunity of making a living, they are increasing the unemployment difficulty instead of reducing it?