asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has information that the municipal committee has determined to remove the statue of the first Lord Lawrence from the Mall at Lahore and to replace it by another statue without an inscription and with a different pose, the cost to be borne by the State and the municipality, respectively, in the ratio of three to one; if so, can he state the terms on which the Committee accepted the statue; the grounds on which it has now determined to remove it; and what it proposes to do with the statue when removed?

As it is impossible to reply adequately to this question without unduly trespassing on the time of the House, I hope that my hon. Friend will, despite its importance, allow me to circulate a reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

According to the information which I have, the municipality passed a resolution on the 19th May in the following terms:

"That the present statue be removed and in its place another statue of Lord Lawrence of a different kind, without the inscription and the position, which are considered objectionable, be put up as early as possible; the cost to be shared by the Government and the Municipality in the ratio of two and one, respectively."

It is important to observe that the resolution is only a recommendation to the Government, and that it cannot take effect of its own vigour. The statue was presented to the municipality by the sculptor, Sir E. Boehm, in 1887. It was set up on land which is the property of the Government, but has been placed in charge of the municipality, like many other plots of land within municipal limits. The Local Government are advised that the municipality hold the statue in trust, on the implied understanding that it is suitably installed and maintained. But the municipality con-

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if any steps have yet been taken to carry out the recommendation of the Inchcape Retrenchment Committee for expediting the conclusion of a final settlement of the basis of payment of depot and other charges in England in connection with the British troops in India; and whether, in view of the economies which are being effected in military expenditure in India, an early decision on this question may be looked for?

The question is under consideration. Important issues are involved, and I regret that I am unable to say when a decision is likely to be reached.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can give any information regarding the revolutionary movement in the Punjab by certain Baba-Akali Sikhs; what is their programme; how many murders and outrages have been committed by them; and what progress has been made in restoring confidence in the districts affected?

The best information that I have is a communiqué published by the Punjab Government on the 24th April, and an extract from an official report dated a few days later. I will circulate copies of these in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The arrests of large numbers of persons suspected, including two believed to have taken an active part in the murders, are said to have created a good effect. Of the latest crimes I have no information to add to what has already appeared in the Press, but a large extra force of police is on the spot endeavouring to track down the murderers.

Is it the case that the programme of this society is to murder all officers and kill every foreigner?

I have seen a statement to that effect, but I prefer, until these men have been tracked down and brought to trial, not to make any statement on the subject, as what they have done will form the basis of judicial proceedings.

Following is the information promised:

"COMMUNIQUE PUBLISHED BY THE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ON THE 24TH APRIL.

The following communique has been issued by the Punjab Government: Within the last two or three months a series of cold-blooded murders have been committed in the Jullundur and Hoshiarpur districts by a gang of revolutionaries styling themselves the "Babbar Akali Jatha." The victims have in all cases been persons known to be well disposed and loyal to the Government. The following is a list of these murders:

On the 10th February, S. Bishen Singh, a retired deputy-collector, Canal Department, and zaildar of Kapurthala State, was shot dead on his way to his village from Chiheru railway station on the borders of Jullundur district and Kapurthala State.

On the night of the 10th March at the village of Nougal Shaman, near Jullundur City, 10 or 12 persons committed a dacoity at the house of Buta Singh, lambardar. Buta Singh and his grandson were killed, the former being shot with a revolver. The wife and second grandson were wounded. A considerable amount of jewellery was taken by the dacoits.

On the 19th March Labh Singh, ex-mistri of the Police Training School, Phillaur, was shot dead about sunset near the village of Dadial in the Hoshiarpur district when returning from a wrestling match.

On the early morning of the 17th March Hazara Singh, brother of the headman of the village Basbalpur, in Hoshiarpur district, was shot dead. The deceased and his relatives had been boycotted because they had given shelter to a patrol from a neighbouring punitive police post.

On the 17th April a retired subedar named Gainda Singh was shot dead at his village, Gurial, in Jullundur district. The late officer had been active in assisting the police.

Information in the hands of the Government is to the effect that all these murders were committed by men dressed as Akalis, and it is significant that during the period in which these crimes were committed a cyclostyled leaflet entitled, "Babbar Akali Doaba Akhbar" made its appearance from time to time in the districts in question. One issue of this leaflet definitely advocated the use of violence as opposed to the nonviolent doctrines of the Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. It incited soldiers to murder their officers and called on the people generally to "kill the foreigners and establish a free Government." Another issue of this leaflet claimed credit for certain of the murders described above and contained threats that indicated that further murders would be committed. Certain persons suspected of complicity in these crimes are already under arrest, but some of the actual criminals are still at large. Special measures are being taken for the apprehension of the murderers, and a large force of extra police has been sent to the two districts concerned. The Government is determined to spare no effort or expense in hunting down this band of ruffians, and information leading to the arrest of any of them will be handsomely rewarded."

"LETTER OF THE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT (EXTRACT).

The simultaneous arrest of some 50 persons suspected of complicity in the crimes is said to have created a good impression in the two districts affected. The arrests include at least two men believed to have taken an active part in the murders. The arrests were effected by strong bodies of police, assisted in one locality by a company of Indian infantry. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, as the result of a hint from Government, have now issued a statement repudiating the doctrine of violence as preached in the 'Babbar Akali' leaflets."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to proceed further with the Indian Services Commission, in view of the attitude towards the Commission adopted by the Indian Assembly; and, if so, can he give the name of the Chairman of the Commission?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, as I announced on 15th May in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Bilston, Lord Lee of Fareham, G.B.E., K.C.B., has consented to allow his name to be submitted for the Chairmanship, and I hope soon to be in a poistion to announce the names of the members.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the grave distress caused by the closing down owing to lack of orders in locomotive works in Springburn, the Indian Government could anticipate its requirements for railway locomotives?

During the present year orders for 87 locomotives at a cost of £394,000 for the State Railways have been placed and the High Commissioner is now placing orders for 10 more locomotives at a cost of about £50,000. The High Commissioner has no authority to anticipate requirements, and the hon. Member will understand that in placing orders the Government of India are necessarily bound by their railway programme and by ways and means. I will, however, suggest to my Noble Friend that a copy of the hon. Member's question should be sent to the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that no Indian Native States border on the sea coast with facilities to manufacture salt, or to directly import it from abroad, the Viceroy of India has, while enforcing higher duty on salt in British India, taken proper measures to give due and legitimate relief from the rise in the price of salt for consumers in the Indian native states over whom the Viceroy's Council does not exercise a fiscal control?

Under the Indian Sea Customs Act no drawback is allowable in the case of salt which is re-exported after payment of import duty.

Is it a fact that revenues are raised from subjects of native states and spent entirely on subjects in British territory?

That is an Act which has been an Act for a very long time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if the Viceroy has raised the tax on salt that is manufactured in India or imported by land, or has he imposed a similar tax on salt imported into India by sea and shipped from Liverpool or other European ports?

Under the Indian Finance Act, 1923, and the Indian Tariff Act, the increase in the duty on the various classes of salt referred to by the hon. Member is identical.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if the decision of the Appeal Court against 172 death sentences in the Chauri Chaurá case is given; and, if so, will he tell the House what the final verdict is?

I can give the particulars of the High Court's decision, and of the orders passed by the Governor of the United Provinces in Council after considering the recommendations for clemency made in the High Court's appellate judgment. The High Court dealt with 170 persons sentenced to death. In 19 cases the death sentences were confirmed, and in 110 cases they were commuted to transportation for life. There were 38 acquittals and three persons were convicted of rioting only. Of the 110 whose sentences have been commuted to transportation for life the High Court recommended for the consideration of the Governor in Council reductions to eight years in 19 cases, to five years in 57 cases, to three years in 20 cases, and in 14 cases made no recommendation. The High Court's recommendations have been accepted throughout, and orders reducing the sentences accordingly have been issued.

asked the Under Secretary of State for India whether the men responsible for the Kohat and Khyber murders are now in Afghan territory; and whether the Amir has been approached with a view to their extradition and trial before British courts in India?

The answer to the first part of the question is, according to my latest information, in the affirmative. The Afghan Government have informed the British Minister that orders have been issued for their immediate arrest, and His Majesty's Government are entitled to expect that these orders will be promptly carried into effect. Further arrangements await discussion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the circumstances under which the master of the s.s. "Kioto" was arrested by the local police of Karachi and subsequently discharged by the Court, who expressed surprise at the extreme action of the police, and that a delay of 12 hours was caused to the ship; whether he will order an inquiry into the action of the police in this case as to who issued the warrant and on what grounds the master was arrested; and whether he will take steps to see that action of this kind is not taken in future?

Yes, Sir. The case has been brought to the notice of my Noble Friend the Secretary of State by the Imperial Merchant Service Guild, and the Government of Bombay are being requested to furnish a full report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that by a recent decision of the United States Supreme Court British-Indians are now debarred from becoming American citizens, and thus lose in some States any right to own or lease land, and that this decision refers to Indians already naturalised as well as to those desiring to become naturalised; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to make representations on the subject?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any complaints have reached the India Office as to the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court that no Indian can become an American citizen; and whether he is aware that the rights of Indians owning and leasing land in several States of America are seriously endangered by the decision?

My Noble Friend is aware of the decision referred to and understands that in some States British Indians will no longer have the right to acquire ownership or leases of land. No complaints have been received directly by the India Office, but the matter has been brought to notice by His Majesty's representatives in the United States of America through the Foreign Office. As regards the last parts of the question of the hon. and gallant Member for New- castle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood), the precise effect of the ruling, particularly in regard to Indians who may have already acquired rights in land, is still under consideration.

Do the United States debar any other race or nation from citizenship in this way?

I should have to have notice of that question. It should properly be addressed to the Foreign Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) whether any representative of the Government of India is attached to the Government of Afghanistan; who represents the Government there; what staff he is allowed; what powers he possesses as representative of the India Government;

(2) whether the Government of India is at present represented in Persia; who is their representative; will he state briefly what powers he possesses; and whether he has authority to conclude treaties and trade agreements?

I am not very clear as to the intention of these questions. His Majesty is represented by Ministers in Teheran and Kabul, who deal with questions concerning India equally with those concerning other parts of the Empire. Any further questions as to the position or functions of the Ministers should be addressed to the Foreign Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Crown agents refused to accept from executors a dividend request for Natal stock drawn up in the form commonly used by the great banks and great trading concerns; why the agents insisted on the request for the transmission of dividends being presented in the special form prescribed by them; will he allow their requirements in respect of dividend requests to be overhauled so as to bring the methods of the Crown agents into line with modern requirements in order to save expense to executors of deceased estates; and, if not, will he consider the advisabilty of transferring to the Bank of England the keeping of the books of inscription and the making of dividend payments of stocks now handled by the Crown agents?

I understand that the form of dividend request which the Crown agents were asked to accept in the case in question differed from the wording of the usual Crown agents form and in particular contained no request that warrants should be forwarded at the stockholder's risk. It was understood from the company's representative, who handed in the form, that there would be no difficulty in substituting the other form. The form used by the Crown agents includes a request that warrants should be sent at the stockholder's risk and that the signature of the payee should be taken as a full and sufficient discharge and importance is attached to these requirements, which are also insisted upon by various banks. My Noble Friend feels unable to require the Crown agents to adopt the suggestion in the last part of the question.

Why do the Crown agents adopt this inconvenient and antiquated form, which is quite inconsonant with the practice of the Bank of England?

I am informed most of the joint stock banks adopt a similar form. It is very necessary that Crown agents should have this discharge certificate as part of the dividend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this request was made by mistake on a form issued by the London and Westminster Bank?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the refusal to redress the grievances as put forward by the paramount chief of the Swazi nation is causing unrest amongst the natives of Swaziland, diminishing belief in the impartiality of British justice in relation to natives, and thereby affecting other native tribes in South Africa; and will he consider the advisability of appointing a small commission to make inquiry on the spot?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. The paramount chief has received a full reply to his petition, and I am satisfied that there is no ground for a further inquiry into the matters raised.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received information upon the number of persons convicted annually in Hong Kong for engaging in the traffic in girls?

Not yet. I will send the information to the hon. Member as soon as it is received.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the ex-Colonial Secretary (Mr. Winston Churchill) promised me that his Department would abolish this pernicious system of trafficking in girls in 12 months; and will he take stringent measures to deal with the offenders?

I know it has been engaging the attention of the Government of Hong Kong, and reports and statistics have been called for, but it takes many weeks to get a despatch out and back. The expense of telegraphing a request is prohibitive.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Reports have yet been received from the Governments of the Federated Malay States and the Straits Settlements upon the existence of a mui tsai system in these dependencies; and, if not, will he inquire the reason for the delay?

Preliminary reports have been received, but the Governor and High Commissioner has not yet forwarded the full report for which I have asked with his recommendations. He is in communication with the Government of Hong Kong regarding the steps which are being taken in that Colony, and will no doubt profit by the experience which is being gained by that Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the suggestion published in the Rhodesian Press that the administration surplus of revenue over expenditure, subsequent to the issue of the Report of the Judicial Committee, will be retained by the Chartered Company for the benefit of its shareholders; and whether His Majesty's Government will take steps, as suggested by Sir Charles Coghlan, so that these surpluses will be secured and retained by the new Government of Rhodesia?

The Secretary of State has just received a telegram from the High Commissioner for South Africa communicating a message from the Elected Members of the Legislative Council of Southern Rhodesia which refers to this matter. He would wish to have an opportunity of carefully considering this telegram before making any statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that over two years have elapsed since Earl Buxton's Commission recommended that the only satisfactory method of dealing with the claims of the British South Africa Company to the commercial ownership of the lands of Northern Rhodesia was that of submitting those claims for consideration to the judicial committee of the Privy Council; that the prolonged delay in dealing with the claims is disturbing to the tranquillity of the natives and the settlers; and whether he will see that a case is submitted to the judicial committee of the Privy Council without further delay?

Earl Buxton's Committee recommended that the claims of the British South Africa Company to the lands in Northern Rhodesia should be decided by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, in so far as they were open to doubt. The arrangements so far made for a reference to the Judicial Committee were explained in an answer given by me to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme on the 27th February. His Majesty's Government have, however, been considering whether it would not be possible to arrive at some settlement of the company's claims in respect of Northern Rhodesia without recourse to lengthy and expensive litigation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now prepared to publish, for the information of the House, the last despatch of the Governor of Ceylon on the proposed reforms and other connected papers?

Further papers relating to the Ceylon Constitution, including a despatch from the Governor reporting the recent debate in the Legislative Council, are in preparation and will be published in due course.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has been taken in connection with the proposed construction of a new railway in the Gold Coast; and, if it has been decided to construct such a railway, whether he can state through which province of the Colony it will run and what route it will follow?

The Secretary of State has given his approval of the construction of a new railway in the Central Province of the Gold Coast Colony. The new railway will start from Huni-Valley Station on the existing Sekondi-Kumasi Railway, and will run thence to Kade in the north-eastern portion of the Central Province, a distance of approximately 100 miles. The railway will be built departmentally by the Colonial Government, the estimated cost of construction being £1,134,000. Much of the necessary survey work has already been carried out, and it is hoped that it will be possible to start construction at an early date.

Will there be an Imperial grant towards the cost of this very excellent line?

No; the Colony has sufficient reserves and balances to provide for it.

Does the hon. Member's reply mean that the Colony will construct this railway direct, without the intermediary of the Crown Agents?

No; the Crown Agents no doubt will provide material and things of that kind. The real construction in the Colony will be carried out by the local Director of Public Works.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now give the exact composition of the Advisory Council which, in view of the failure of the election in Palestine, is to administer the country; and whether an opportunity will be afforded the House at an early date to discuss the whole position in Palestine?

Details as to the composition of the Advisory Council have already been published. It includes 12 unofficial members, of whom eight will be Mahommedans, two Christians, and two Jews. As its name implies, the functions of the Council will be advisory and not administrative. Palestine will continue to be administered, as in the past, by the High Commissioner, acting under the instructions of His Majesty's Government. It will be possible to discuss the policy of His Majesty's Government in Palestine on the Colonial Office Vote.

Does not the result of the elections show the complete failure of the Government policy in Palestine so far, and shall we have an opportunity of discussing the matter on the Colonial Office Vote?

That is a matter for arrangement. I do not agree with my hon. and gallant Friend. Palestine is more peaceful and is going ahead better in the last few months than at any previous time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any and, if so, how many natives in Kenya Colony possess secure individual title to their lands; whether the reserve areas occupied communally by the tribe have been delimited and security of title given to the natives; and whether he will consider placing the whole of the lands occupied by the natives in the hands of a suitable trustee?

It would appear that in some cases native custom recognises individual occupation of plots of land inside the Reserves. With that reservation it may be said that no native in the Colony of Kenya possesses a secure individual title to land. The Reserves have not yet been completely delimited and gazetted. The Governor's attention has been drawn to the importance of making all possible progress with this work. The establishment of a native land trust has been recommended by a local Commission, and the Secretary of State is awaiting the comments of the Governor on the Commission's Report.

Will the Report be laid before the House?

If the results of the discussions between my Noble Friend and the Governor are concluded by the time the Colonial Office Vote is taken, I will endeavour to make reference to it in introducing the Vote.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Land Tenure Commission of Kenya Colony has recommended that a native land trust should be created, and that such Commission should have wide powers, including the power to alienate native reserve lands to non-natives, without reference to the Secretary of State; whether, during the visit of the Governor of the Colony to this country, it is proposed to discuss this matter with him; and whether the Secretary of State will be prepared to insist upon a provision in any trust deed which will preclude the alienation of native reserve lands without the prior sanction of the Secretary of State?

The Governor of Kenya is now engaged in preparing a Report for the Secretary of State on the recommendations of the Land Tenure Commission, and the point raised in the question will be very carefully considered when the Governor's Report is received. My Noble Friend will not have failed to notice that the alienation suggested is by way of lease and that it is only contemplated for purposes directly benefiting the natives.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the scales of pay recommended by the Jamaica Re-grading Commission have been applied to the Kingston Penitentiary staff?

The views of the Legislative Council in regard to the recommendations of the Re-grading Commission have not yet been reported to the Secretary of State.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the position of the Crown solicitors in Ireland who were dismissed by the Free State Government on 5th January, 1923; and will he take steps to have a fair amount of compensation awarded to those officials who, in many cases, have served their country for 20 or 30 years, and who have in most cases been only awarded as compensation an amount barely equal to their salary and emoluments for the year 1922?

In accordance with Article 10 of the Treaty, the claims of Crown solicitors for compensation have been considered by the Committee established by the Government of the Free State under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Wylie, and I have no reason to suppose that the compensation awarded by that Committee is less than would have been awarded by the Civil Service Committee contemplated under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men have given the best years of their service to the Crown, and does he consider that one year's salary is sufficient compensation; and will he make strong representations to Free State Government to give them adequate and just compensation?

I am not aware that it is limited to one year's salary. I agree that it is a difficult case, and I will bear the hon. Member's question in mind and look into the matter again.

Have the Government considered whether the compensation awarded to these men is in their judgment sufficient, and, if not, will they insist upon the carrying out of the terms of the Agreement?

The view of the Government is that the terms of Article 10 are carried out. The Article lays down that the terms of the compensation shall be not less than those under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, and the terms of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, probably are no better than these terms.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to make the carrying of a passport obligatory on travellers to and from the Irish Free State?

As regards travellers between Great Britain and the Irish Free State, the answer is in the negative.

How will it be possible to exclude undesirable aliens who land in the Free State from landing in this country?

I have not the slightest idea.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will inquire of the Rumanian Government whether the terms of the Rumanian Government 4 per cent. 1908 loan included the obligation to maintain a sinking fund; whether that sinking fund has been suspended; if so, whether it will be immediately restored; and, otherwise, will he protest to the Rumanian Government against the default by that Government on its sinking fund obligations to British holders of the Rumanian Government 4 per cent. 1908 loan?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 7th ult. to the hon. Member for Sunderland, to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that there has been an increase in the personnel of the Embassy at Madrid from seven to 20 persons; and what is the nature of the work that necessitates so large an increase?

In addition to the staff of seven mentioned by the hon. Member there was, in 1914, a Commercial Attaché with his headquarters in London. The total staff of the Embassy, including five persons in the Commercial Secretariat, is now 13. It will be seen that the increase is due to the appointment of a Commercial Secretary with the necessary staff.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the amount of financial assistance accorded by Great Britain to the anti-slavery bureau in Brussels during the last 10 years; and whether His Majesty's Government limits its co-operation with the bureau to providing financial assistance?

The financial assistance accorded by His Majesty's Government to the Slave Trade Bureau in Brussels during the last 10 years amounts to 1,230·95 francs. The Slave Trade Bureau ceased to function on the outbreak of war in 1914 and the "Convention revising the general Act of Berlin, 26th February, 1885, and the general Act and Declaration of Brussels, 2nd July, 1890," signed at Saint Germain en Laye, 10th September, 1919, makes no provision for its re-constitution. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has information to the effect that the Governing Commission of the Saar has decided to introduce the French franc as sole legal tender in the Saar territory at an early date?

Reports to this effect have appeared in the French Press, but His Majesty's Government have received no official information on the point from the League of Nations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information to the effect that the Governing Commission of the Saar Valley maintains an office in Paris; and, if so, what are the purposes for which this office is maintained and who pays for the cost of its upkeep?

Inquiries are being made through the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, and if the hon. and gallant Member will repeat his question in a week's time, I hope to be in a position to furnish the desired information.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has information of a fresh reparation offer from the German Government; and whether he is contemplating any steps towards ending the present reparation difficulties, including the French action in the Ruhr?

No fresh German reparation offer has yet been received. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to my reply on 30th May to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Loughborough.

Are we to understand that the Government are not considering any policy for ending the present state of affairs?

The Government always have a policy and are always considering it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that nobody except the Government knows what that policy is?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is mistaken.

Could the hon. Gentleman say what that policy is?

I do not think that I could state the Government policy in answer to a question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are actually being taken to deal with the question of the disposal of moneys collected by the French customs posts on British merchandise entering the occupied areas of the Ruhr; whether any note or notes have been addressed by His Majesty's Government to the French Government or verbal conversations held; and, if so, what has been the result of these notes or conversations?

This question is being held over pending a general resettlement of the Reparation accounts.

Are we to understand that we are not taking any steps in this matter, and is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have been putting questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this very important matter for some months without getting any satisfactory answer?

I am aware of the hon. Member's industry. I do not think he is entitled to infer from my reply that nothing has been done. All I said was-that the question was being held over, as far as negotiations with the French Government were concerned, pending a settlement of the Reparations account.

Meanwhile, what is being done with the money that is being taken from these English merchants?

The answer to that Question was given on the 17th April by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Do the Government concede that the French costs of the occupation of the Ruhr have a. prior claim?

I cannot say whether the Government concede that or not. It is not for me to say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the result of the conversations between M. Krassin and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Is it not a fact that the full text of the Note has been published in the newspapers in London?

Even if that be the case, it does not absolve us from an honourable undertaking entered into in the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information to the effect that the Council of People's Commissaries is about to sign a decree relating to the Regulations for foreigners resident in Russia which will necessitate all British subjects visiting Russia procuring residence permits, which are to be issued for periods of three weeks only at a cost of Rbls. 12,000,000 (twelve million roubles); whether he is aware that details must be supplied giving the exact addresses of all persons who will be visited by them while in Russia as well as their status and political opinion; whether he is aware that exceptions from these Regulations are only to be made for German nationals; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The British Agent at Moscow reports that new Regulations are to come into force as from 15th June under which foreigners will, after one month's residence in Russia, have to obtain from the People's Commissary of the Interior an extension of permission to remain in the country. The particulars to be required by the Commissary and the fees to be charged for permits are not yet known, but the new Regulations will apply equally to foreigners of all nationalities.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this sum represents less than a shilling in sterling?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, or appears to know, a good deal more about it than I do.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether at the recent interview between M. Krassin and the Foreign Office representations were made as to £180,000,000,the property of 300,000 British subjects, which has been confiscated; and was the Soviet representative informed that unless a scheme of restitution or recognition of the property confiscated was come to the trading agreement would be annulled?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for South Hackney on 30th May.

Does not the answer mean that nothing is being done as regards compensation?

What it means is that this question is not to be mixed up with the narrower question now under discussion.

When is the question going to be taken up? When is it going to be discussed?

I am not in a position to inform my hon. and gallant Friend on that point.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in this country that, by reason of this Trade Agreement, the sale of British goods which have been stolen in Russia is legalised?

I am quite aware of that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the reply of the British Government to the Russian Note was communicated to one journal in preference to all others and before it was communicated to Parliament; and whether he has any statement to make upon it?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the statement issued by the Foreign Office which appeared in the Press on 1st June, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in August, 1922, Arcos, Limited, sent four vessels from London to the Kara Sea, carrying a cargo of about 9,000 tons, consisting of agricultural machinery, and implements, tools, saws, binder twine, and medicaments, and that the return cargo, the greater part of which was brought to England, consisted of 5,500 tons of Siberian raw material (leather, horsehair, wool, flax, hemp, asbestos, furs, etc.); whether he is aware that Arcos, Limited, are unable to go ahead with the preparations to send a still larger cargo this year owing to the uncertain position created by the threatened breach of Anglo-Russian relations; and whether, under the circumstances, His Majesty's Government will without delay give an adequate guarantee to Arcos, Limited, which would enable the firm to proceed with the arrangements for this year?

I have no reason to doubt the substantial correctness of the statements in the first part of the question, but I am not aware of any impediments in the way of Messrs. Arcos proceeding with any legitimate business arrangements in which they may be engaged.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information to the effect that M. Venizelos authorised the supply of coal to the German warships "Goeben" and "Breslau" in 1914; and whether he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?

I am much obliged to the hon. Member for giving me this opportunity to throw light upon an incident which has of late been misinterpreted in certain quarters. There is no reason to doubt that coal was supplied to the "Goeben" and "Breslau" by the order of M. Venizelos, but I ought to state that at the beginning of hostilities with Germany and, therefore, before giving this order, M. Venizelos went out of his way to consult His Majesty's Government as to the course which he should adopt in such circumstances. After full consideration, His Majesty's Government suggested to him that he should follow the principle of International Law and afford belligerent ships enough coal to take them to their nearest home port. British warships were similarly treated and supplied with coal by the Greeks, who were at that time neutral.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Report has yet been received from the Representative of the Financial Committee of the League of Nations sent to Greece in connection with the proposed loan for the resettlement of the refugees; and what steps, in view of the desirability of resettling the refugees before next winter, His Majesty's Government is taking to expedite and facilitate the proposed loan?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, so far as His Majesty's Government are aware. The question of the loan is entirely in the hands of the League of Nations. Should the League approach His Majesty's Government, they will be prepared to afford such assistance, short of an actual financial contribution, as may lie in their power.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any proposal has been made for changing our representation at Washington; and, if so, who has been invited to succeed Sir Auckland Geddes?

The hon. Member doubtless refers to the reports which have recently appeared in the Press. These reports are entirely unfounded.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the very large number of professional and highly-trained ex-service officers and men at present unemployed, amongst whom are some men who served His Majesty as admirals and colonels; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made in all departments of the State as to the possibility of finding employment for some of these men by discharging men at present temporarily or permanently employed who, in addition to salary, are in receipt of pensions exceeding £250 a year?

Preference is, wherever possible, given to ex-service men and ex-officers for all permanent as well as temporary posts in the Civil Service. In the case of permanent employment, it is not considered desirable to exclude from the established Civil Service persons otherwise suitable and competent on the ground that they have been rewarded by the State for past service. As regards temporary employment, it is the practice, subject always to considerations of efficiency, to give preference in present circumstances to persons not in possession of private means. In computing private means, account is taken of retired pay or civil pension, but not of disability pension. I do not consider that the interests of efficiency would be promoted by action on the lines described in the second part of the hon. Member's question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lord Haig has stated that he knows admirals and colonels who are unable to obtain employment, while the Government have in their employment 30 or 40 gentlemen drawing pensions of £1,000 a year, and could not some of these admirals and colonels get the jobs now held by these men?

Is not the one consideration to be kept in mind in selecting people for positions in the public service the benefit of the State, by obtaining the most efficient service for the State, and that the service of the State is not to be regarded merely as a means of relieving those in want?

What my right hon. Friend says is quite true. The first thing which has to be done in the Civil Service is to get the best possible men who will do the best possible work. That is the overriding consideration.

The only consideration?

No, but the overriding consideration is to get the best men, so that we may get the best work. In reply to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury), I am aware of the speech which was made by Lord Haig, and I regret it deeply, but it is impossible to take out of the public service men who are doing good work in order to replace them by other men, however deserving.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire from Lord Haig about these gentlemen to see if some of them could not displace some of the men who have got very big pensions?

I am prepared, without pledging myself in anyway, to write to Lord Haig and ask him to give me particulars. At the same time it is only fair that I should consider the whole question in reference to the position of proposed candidates.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Ministry has agreed to an abatement of 25 per cent. in the rents payable at Michaelmas. 1922, by ex-service men of land acquired by the Bedfordshire County Council from the executors of the late J. N. Hall; and if he will consider the possibility of giving the same consideration to the ex-service tenants of the Sandy Parish Council who hired part of the same land from the county council on the distinct understanding that it should be let in plots to ex-service men?

I am aware that the rents charged to ex-service tenants of small-holdings on the land referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question have recently been reduced. The land referred to in the second part of the question is, however, leased for a period of 14 years from Michaelmas, 1921, to the parish council for the purpose of providing allotments. The principle underlying the Acts regarding the provision of allot ments by a parish council is that the undertaking should be on a self-supporting basis, and I regret that I cannot agree that the Ministry should accept responsibility for any loss which might be incurred by the Bedfordshire County Council by reason of a reduction of rent granted to the Sandy Parish Council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the land referred to in the second part of the question is part of the same estate? Consequently there are holdings side by side, one portion of them with the rents reduced and the other portion with no reduction, although the condition was enforced that the land was to be let to ex-service men.

The reason for that is that part was let for allotments and part for small-holdings. The part used for allotments was let on lease to the parish council.

Are we to understand that there are no powers vested in the Board of Agriculture which would enable them to assimilate the procedure in both cases, seeing that when different rents are charged the result must be public dissatisfaction?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the number of persons employed in the office of the Commercial Secretary at Madrid; whether they perform any duties not previously carried out by the Secretary of the Embassy, who acted as Commercial Secretary; and if he can give an estimate of the value of orders secured for British manufacturers as a result of this increase of staff?

The number of persons employed in the office of the Commercial Secretary at Madrid (excluding messengers) is four, in addition to the Commercial Secretary himself. Prior to the creation in 1919 of the present post of Commercial Secretary for Spain, one of the Secretaries to the Embassy received an allowance for dealing specially with commercial business, and there was also a Commercial Attaché for Spain and Portugal, whose headquarters were at the Foreign Office, and who visited Spain and Portugal from time to time. Under the present system, the work of these two posts is entrusted to a single officer, who is responsible both for reporting on commercial matters to the Department of Overseas Trade and for assisting and advising the Ambassador on all questions affecting British trade. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he can state the average percentage of the total emigrants from this country who migrated to other parts of the Empire during the years 1910–14, inclusive, the proportion in 1922, and for the first three months of this year?

Measured by the excess outwards of British subjects in the passenger movement between the United Kingdom and non-European countries (the only measure available for all of the specified periods), the percentages of the total emigrants from the United Kingdom who migrated to other parts of the Empire were as follow:

Is it not the case that, as far as Scotland is concerned, the emigration figures are added to largely by the failure of the Board of Agriculture to settle people on the land?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his Department propose to have an exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition next year; what space has been reserved; what approximate amount it is proposed to spend on it; and the nature of the exhibit of his Department?

It is proposed that there should be a combined display by a number of Government Departments in the British Empire Exhibition, and an exhibit showing the work of the Department of Overseas Trade will be included. The questions of the nature of the exhibits, of the amount of space required and of the expenditure involved are still under discussion, and I am not yet in a position to give the hon. Member information on these heads.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the proposed new Order relating to the eradication of sheep scab has yet been issued; and, if not, when it may be expected?

The proposed Order may be expected to be issued about the end of the present month.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now state when the Bill dealing with the compulsory registration of conciliation committee agreements will be introduced?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make an announcement on this subject.

Is it the intention of the Government to pass the Bill without fail this Session?

I hope so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any action has been taken on the lines of the recomemndation of Lord Desborough's Committee on Freshwater Fisheries; and whether action is proposed in the future?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In particular, the recommendation of the Committee regarding investigations of the effects of pollution on freshwater fish life is being put into effect at the Ministry's research station at Alresford, and generally through the activities of the Ministry's Committee on River Pollution, and the recommendation of the Committee that the existing Salmon and Freshwater Fishery Law shall be consolidated and amended in one Act has been adopted in the Bill now before Parliament, which, among other things, will facilitate the adoption by Boards of Conservators of other recommendations of the Committee. I think the hon. Member will recognise that it would be impossible within the limits of oral answer to particularise further.

Is the Ministry taking account of the statement of Lord Desborough's Committee that a grave waste of national resources was taking place with regard to freshwater fisheries?

I am sure that all relevant recommendations have been taken into account.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the speeding up of Parliamentary work, whereby Members are working under considerable pressure, in which time is of the greatest importance, he can see his way to accelerate the painfully slow and deliberate movements of the service lifts which supply the Committee Rooms and which are used for the convenience of the staff as well as that of hon. Members?

The financial conditions have prevented the possibility of carrying out desirable improvements to these lifts, but my right hon. Friend will reconsider the question in connection with the preparation of the Estimates for 1924–25.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the very great amount of dissatisfaction among all Members of the House with regard to this matter? I mean all Members who serve on Committees.

asked the Under Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that the intention of the Scottish Education Department is to cease granting intermediate certificates in 1924; that education authorities in Scotland object very strongly to the proposed abolition; that the present certificate is highly valued as a national recognition of the attainments of a scholar who has completed a full three years' course of instruction after the age of 12; and will he take steps to ascertain the views of authorities with a view to retaining preferably the intermediate certificate, or a certificate of national significance?

The Department's view as to the future of the intermediate certificate was expressed in Circular 44, which was issued in December, 1921. Since that date the question has been discussed in all its aspects both with representatives of individual education authorities and with a committee of the educational authorities' association. These discussions are still proceeding, and the hon. Member may rest assured that the opinions of the various education authorities are being fully and ably stated.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman tell us whether any education authority in Scotland has, so far, expressed approval of this policy?

I must ask for notice of that question, which does not arise out of the original question.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that in the reorganisation of education, as the result of The Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, education authorities have set up three-year intermediate technical courses; that schemes for the approval of the Scottish Education Department have been submitted with a view to these courses and schools being recognised as intermediate schools; and that so far no official recognition has been granted; and will he favourably consider the request of any authority for the said recognition?

Courses such as those to which the hon. Member refers have been instituted by various education authorities. The Department are fully alive to their value and importance, but to recognise them in the manner suggested would have been difficult, if not impossible, in view of the terms of the Code of 1915, which is still operative. The recently issued draft Code, while not adopting the precise terminology employed in the question, makes ample provision for this promising development.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the 1918 Education (Scotland) Act compels education authorities to submit schemes for primary, intermediate, and secondary education, and that the new Code proposed seeks to override the 1918 Act?

Do the Government propose legislation to enable them to do this?

It does not require any fresh legislation; it is quite within the power of the Government with existing legislation.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that a guarantee has been given to this House already that the new Code would be placed on the Table of the House and lie there the necessary time for objections to be raised to it? That being so, and if objections are taken, will it be possible to send the Bill before the Scottish Grand Committee, as it is entirely a Scottish question?

Is the action of the hon. and learned Gentleman's Department to be such that when a child is compelled to break the three years' arrangement it will be part of the policy of the Education Department to try to crush instead of help the technical training of the youth of Scotland?

So far from that being the case, it is perfectly competent under the proposed new arrangements to make as full provision as is made under those now existing.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the sums paid to the Local Taxation (Scotland) Account under the provisions of the Agricultural Rates (Congested Districts and Burgh Land Tax Relief) (Scotland) Act, 1896, during the last completed financial year and the various purposes to which such sums were applied?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In the reply will the hon. and gallant Gentleman indicate what amount still falls upon the ratepayers in respect of relief?

The hon. Gentleman will see that in the reply, which is somewhat long and detailed.

Is it proposed to divide the Bill mentioned in the question into two parts, or are we going to have a Scottish Act amended once again by this Government in an English Bill?

Following is the reply prepared:

During the financial year 1922–23, the amount paid into the Local Taxation (Scotland) Account under the Agricultural Rates (Congested Districts and Burgh Land Tax Relief) (Scotland) Act, 1896, was £181,737 5s. 10d.

This amount was applied as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that British colour users now have to pay far higher prices for dyestuffs than those charged to competitors abroad; that the textile industries of this country are being penalised in consequence and are losing business; that British firms are sending goods to Switzerland, Belgium, and Holland to be dyed on account of the much lower prices of dyestuffs ruling there; and if he will introduce legislation to repeal the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act?

I have no reason to suppose that the price of dyestuffs is the main cause of British goods being sent abroad to be dyed; the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, though the British and Cotton Wool Dyers' Association has never applied for a licence to import dyes unless it had a good primâ facie case, in many instances, after much correspondence, extending over three or four weeks, it has been refused licences; that such procedure is not calculated to lead to an improvement of trade nor to a reduction of unemployment in the cotton and woollen manufacturing industries in this country; and if he will now consider the repeal of the Dyestuffs (Importation) Act?

I am aware that the British Cotton and Wool Dyers' Association, Ltd., have made numerous applications for licences to import foreign dye-stuffs, and that these have been granted in the majority of cases. In those cases in which applications have been refused, I have no doubt that the Licensing Committee, which, as the hon. Member is aware, contains a majority of dye users and independent members, have given full weight to all relevant considerations. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is my Noble Friend willing to make some inquiry as to the subject matter of this and the preceding question; is he aware that there is grave dissatisfaction; and, if he is not aware of the implications of these questions, will he take steps to become aware of them?

I think I am fully aware of the implications of the questions, and I am afraid they do not accord with the views of His Majesty's Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that it was not with the approval of the Colour Users' Association that the distribution, of reparation dyestuffs was transferred from the Central Importing Agency to the British Dyestuffs Corporation, and that on many occasions the prices of reparations dyes is more than the prices at which they could be obtained from Germany under licence; and if he will consider the advisability of removing all restrictions upon the free import of foreign dyestuffs?

In answer to the first part of the question, the chairman of the Colour Users' Association has publicly expressed (the last occasion being on the 14th April) the association's appreciation of the manner in which the distribution of Reparation dyestuffs has been handled by the British Dyestuffs Corporation. As regards the second part, an advisory committee on prices has been formed on which two out of the four members are representatives of the Colour Users' Association. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

May I take this opportunity of expressing my regret—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can give the latest information at his disposal showing the average pit-head price of coal and the average selling price f.o.b. for export and the average price retailed to the consumer in the home market?

The average pit-head price of coal disposed of commercially during February was 18s. 10d. per ton. The average value of coal exported in that month was 23s. 2d. per ton. f.o.b., and in April 26s. 1d. These are the latest available figures. The retail price of coal sold to consumers in the home market varies widely with the quality of the coal and the distance between the pithead and the consumer. It is quite impossible to give an average figure.

Is it not the case that the Departmental Committee set up by the hon. and gallant Gentleman's own Department has reported to him, and given him the average prices?

Is it not a fact that if the Secretary for Mines wanted to get the average price, say in Scotland, he could get it by telephoning?

I have given all the information available. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a further question.

Arising out of the reply to the original question, did that Committee point out that selling agencies are controlled by colliery companies and that, apart from the commercial disposal value, these selling agencies get a fixed price per ton —apart entirely from the value of the coal? Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see that this is prevented in future as it was in the past?

That does not arise out of this question. [HON. MEMBERS: "It does."]

Do retailers not locally exhibit and circulate retail prices, and cannot the information be obtained directly from that source?

I will see what information I can give, if the right hon. Gentleman will put down a further question.