asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there is any evidence in his possession indicating that serious hardship has been caused by the operation of the Salt Tax, or that it has led to agitation on the part of any large section of the population?

All taxation, I suppose, involves hardship in some degree. But my right hon. Friend knows that in the case of the Indian Salt Tax it is difficult to distinguish between economic and political considerations.

Has the hon. Gentleman any evidence that serious hardship was caused by this tax; and can he say whether the agitation came from any large body of opinion?

Before the hon. Member answers that question, may I ask whether he is aware of the fact that the Legislative Assembly rejected this tax the day before yesterday?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this was an agitation confined only to politicians?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any decision has been arrived at relative to the grant of the Indian General Service Medal to the 2nd battalion of the Dorset Regiment and to other troops who took part in the Malabar operations?

His Majesty the King has approved the grant of the Indian General Service Medal with clasp, Malabar, 1921–22, to the military forces who took part in the Malabar operations

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what steps the Government of India proposes to take in the Central Provinces where the Central Provinces Council have totally rejected the Budget Vote; and what steps do they propose to take in view of the Legislative Assembly's refusal at Delhi to sanction the Customs establishment, the Income Tax grant, the salt grant, and the opium grant?

As regards part one of the question, the Governor of the Central Provinces has taken action, under Section 72D of the Government of India Act, to restore all the Budget expenditure that, in his opinion, falls within his powers under that Section. As the Governor has been advised that he has no power to restore the salaries of Ministers, both Ministers have resigned. The Governor will now assume charge of their portfolios under the Transferred Subjects (Temporary Administration) Rules. As regards part two, I am afraid I cannot attempt to anticipate any decision which may have to be taken when all the demands for grants have been dealt with in the Assembly. The hon. and gallant Member will no doubt recognise that the natural place for the announcement of the decision will be the Legislative Assembly itself.

May the House take it that the Government will support strongly the Viceroy in any measures which he may take?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any information about a consignment of machine guns, rifles, and ammunition for the Amir of Afghanistan that has been held up in Bombay; what country has been furnishing these arms; whether this conflicts with any condition agreed to by members of the League of Nations; and under what authority and for what reasons have these consignments been detained?

A consignment of munitions, purchased by the Afghan Government from a French firm, has been detained at Bombay since October last, His Majesty's Government having decided, in accordance with the terms of Article VI of the Anglo-Afghan Treaty and letter No. 1 thereto attached, to withhold for the present permission for transit. A completely satisfactory settlement of the questions that gave cause for this decision has, unfortunately, not yet been attained, but it is hoped that it may be possible to release the arms at an early date. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Government of India has reduced the grants made to the Kalimpong Homes and other educational institutions for Anglo-Indians in India; and what are the reasons for these reductions?

My Noble Friend the Secretary of State has received no official information on the subject, but he is making inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that large numbers of Anglo-Indians have been dismissed from employment on Indian railways during the last 18 months; if so, what are the reasons for this action; whether he is aware that many Anglo-Indian ex-railway servants are now unemployed in Calcutta; what steps are being taken to relieve that unemployment; whether any application has been made to the Government of India for grants of land for settlement of Anglo-Indians; and what is the policy of that Government in the matter?

I understand that, owing to the need for retrenchment on the Indian railways, reductions of staff have been made, involving, no doubt, the discharge of Anglo-Indians as well as of others. I also learn from the Press that an influential committee of European business men and officials has issued an appeal for funds for relieving distress among Anglo-Indians in Calcutta. An Anglo-Indian colonisation scheme to the Andamans has also recently been initiated as a private enterprise. The Chief Commissioner has done all in his power to encourage it.

May we take it that these Anglo-Indians are not being dismissed in order to make places for pure Indians, in view of the fact that the Anglo-Indians are born and bred in the country?

As a matter of fact, more Indians than Anglo-Indians have been dismissed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state the wages paid to adult men and women workers in the Bombay cotton mills during the 12 months preceding August, 1914, and the year ending 31st December, 1923, and the wages proposed to be paid to the same class of workers during the current year; and will he state the difference in the cost of living and the depreciation in value of the rupee as between the year ending August, 1914, and the present time?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Figures answering exactly to the periods referred to in my hon. Friend's question are not available. The director of the Bombay Labour Office conducted an inquiry into the comparative pre-War and post-War earnings of the mill workers which showed that, in Bombay (City and Island), the monthly earnings per head of men were, in round figures, 35 rupees in May, 1921, as against 18 rupees in May, 1914 (percentage increase of 90 per cent.), and of women 17 rupees as against 10 rupees in May, 1924 (increase of 73 per cent.): these figures exclude overtime pay, annual bonus, remuneration in the form of food or clothing below market price and cheap housing, where this obtains. As regards the difference in the cost of living (which is, of course, an indication of the change in the purchasing power of the rupee), the Bombay Labour Office reports the average percentage increase in the cost of living of the working classes in Bombay over July, 1914, to be 58 per cent. in January, 1924. The percentage increase is subject to seasonal variations; the figure for July, 1923, was 53 per cent.

asked the Under Secretary of State for India whether the lock-out of Bombay cotton operatives is ended; if not, what steps the authorities are taking to bring about a settlement; what number of these operatives have left Bombay and how many have died of starvation; and is the Government or municipality doing anything to relieve distress caused by the lock-out?

The mills were reopened on 18th February, but the strikers did not resume work. I understand that on the initiative of the Government of Bombay a special committee of inquiry into the dispute was set up. I have DO official information as to the number of operatives leaving Bombay and none as to any deaths from starvation. My noble Friend has telegraphed to the Government of India for further information as to the course of the dispute, and is also inquiring as to the measures taken to relieve the distress caused by the strike. Steps to pay the wages due for January are in progress.

asked the Under Secretary of State for India who are the owners of the Bombay cotton mills from which the workers have been locked out; how much British capital, if any, is invested in those mills, and are any persons of British origin shareholders, directors, or managers of those mills; and whether trade unions are recognised as legal organisations by the Government of India?

I have not the material for a reply to the first two parts of the question. As already stated, the mills were reopened on 18th February. As regards the last part of the question, the Government of India have accepted the principle of freedom of association and are contemplating legislation for the recognition and protection of trade unions.

Will the hon. Gentleman get the information for which I asked in the early part of the question?

Yes.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that 80 per cent. of the mills affected are owned by natives and that the other 20 per cent. are managed by natives?

We have not that information.

Is it a fact that the brother of the late hon. Member for North Battersea, Mr. Saklatvala, is largely interested?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the committee appointed by the Government of India to confer with him on questions concerning Indians in Colonies and Protectorates will meet; and what are the exact terms of reference of this committee?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The committee will meet in London about the beginning of next month. The terms of reference so far issued are to make representations to the Secretary of State for the Colonies on all questions affecting Indians domiciled in Kenya arising out of the decisions embodied in the White Paper (Cmd. 1922) and on certain pending questions affecting Indians in Fiji. I should like to take this opportunity of stating that my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Hope Simpson) has agreed to act as chairman of the committee.

How is it that the terms of reference to the committee have been narrowed to Kenya and Fiji, when the whole object of the committee was to examine how Indians were treated throughout the Colonial Empire?

Will this committee take into consideration the question of the resumption of Indian emigration to the Colonies for the purposes of labour?

And particularly British Guiana?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Danish steamer "Sierra Leone" entered the harbour of Port Louis, Mauritius, on the 19th February, 1923, in contravention of quarantine regulations; and what action was taken by the Colonial Government?

I have no information, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the average amount of wages paid per week to the Chinese coolies working on Nauru Island; and whether the wages are paid partly in cash and partly in kind?

The hon. Member will see from the agreements in the Library that the Chinese employés on Nauru are provided with free food on a specified scale, free quarters and medical attendance, and that coolies and boatmen also receive clothing. I am informed that the cash wages of coolies and boatmen, apart from overtime, are from 32s. to 75s. a month, averaging last September 42s. 5d., in addition to bonus from 4s. to 20s. a month in certain cases. Mechanics' cash wages are from 70s. to 200s. a month, averaging last September 120s. 6d. Overtime rates are as stated in the agreements.

Who represents the interests of the labourer in settling the question of rations?

I explained to the House last week that this is a question for which Australia is responsible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman differentiate between the statement he has just made and the rates of pay for Rand miners in 1904?

I will differentiate if my hon. Friend will tell me what the difference is.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us of what the free grant of clothing consists?

No, but I can make inquiries. This is a matter for which the Australian Government are responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if Mr. Rutenburg has yet received the promised money in order to carry out the conditions of his concession?

Under the terms of the original agreement, dated the 21st September, 1921, the Palestine Government undertook to grant a concession to a company to be formed by Mr. Rutenburg, provided that the company was formed within two years with a capital of £1,000,000, of which not less than £200,000 should be paid up. The late Government satisfied themselves last year that this condition had been fulfilled.

Has this company had all the money subscribed or only £200,000?

I have already said that the late Government satisfied themselves that all the conditions had been complied with.

What about this Government?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the new regulations that have been issued by the American Government with regard to the landing of all second-class alien passengers at Ellis Island instead of at the piers as heretofore, and with regard to the examination of first-class passengers only before 7.30 in the evening; and whether friendly representations are being made to the Government of the United States of America on these matters?

I have received a report from His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington. The information is rather long for inclusion in the answer to a Parliamentary question, but, as the matter is one of public interest, I have given instructions to issue a notice to the Press. No representations appear to be called for on the part of His Majesty's Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is no greater hardship involved now to British passengers going to America than there was recently?

Is it not the fact that the liners reach the piers in New York in ample time for examination before 7.30, and that, therefore, the first part of the question does not hold good, and that second-class passengers have not to go through Ellis Island?

My conclusion is that no representations appear to be called for on the part of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to re-open the American Consulate at Newcastle-on Tyne; and if these measures have been successful in removing the deadlock?

I have not received the replies to enable me to make any further statement in regard to this matter.

What progress has been made with these negotiations? I beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the Adjournment at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information to give the House on the question of the appointment of British consular officers in the principal cities, ports, and commercial centres of Russia and Siberia?

I am awaiting a reply from the Soviet Union Government on this question, and until it arrives I am not in a position to add to the information which was given to the hon. and gallant Member in answer to his question on the 13th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British subjects in Russia are afforded rights and privileges fully equal to those enjoyed by Russian subjects in this country?

At present they are not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action it is proposed to take with regard to the communication from the Pope appealing to him to use his influence with the Soviet Government to obtain the release of Mgr. Cieplak, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Petrograd, and 12 other church dignitaries who are in prison in Russia?

asked the Prime Minister what action he has taken with reference to the request from the Pope to transmit an appeal to the Russian Soviet Government to release the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Petrograd, as well as other bishops and priests who have been incarcerated in unknown prisons in Russia?

Although it is not a matter in which His Majesty's Government can intervene officially, any suitable opportunity that may occur of making friendly and unofficial representations to the Soviet Government on the subject will be taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that several of these unfortunate men are very ill, and can scarcely survive for any long time in present conditions?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are some Englishmen imprisoned in America and that no representations have been made in their cases?

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the large number of other Christian people imprisoned in Russia, and is it not desirable that the House should have some information on this point?

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the gesture of the hon. Member for South Kensington?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are Irishmen imprisoned in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has already sent to the British residency at Cairo, to be transmitted to the Sudan Government, a question suggesting that all cotton grown in the Gezereh district should in the first place be offered to British buyers; if so, whether this suggestion has yet been transmitted from Cairo to the Sudan; and, if not, will he at once cable to Cairo withdrawing the suggestion, in view of the danger to Lancashire involved in setting up a precedent which might be followed by other cotton-producing countries?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, and the last part, therefore, does not arise. In making the inquiries, in consequence of the recent Debate in this House, His Majesty's Government had in mind nothing more than the importance of ensuring that every aspect of this cotton-growing scheme had been thoroughly considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps the British Government proposes to take in ex-territorial districts in China under British control to support the request of the Chinese Government that the international labour conventions should be applied in territories under non-Chinese sovereignty?

No such request has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the arrangements for the commutation of the Boxer Indemnity, provision will be made for scholarships for Chinese students tenable at approved colleges in China as well as at Hong Kong University; and whether, in order that the best use may be made of any scholarships tenable in Great Britain, the latter will be confined as a general rule to postgraduate students?

These and similar questions will have to be considered by the Committee which will be appointed to advise on the utilisation of the indemnity funds. This can be done only after the necessary legislation has been passed.

When will that legislation be introduced?

There are several rather important things that have to be straightened out before we produce that legislation. It is now in hand, but it is impossible for me to say when it will be ready.

It will not be for some time?

The matter is in hand.

asked the Prime Minister what action the Government proposes to take with reference to British investors in China?

I regret that I do not understand the point or purpose of this question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the speech made last Monday by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour?

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can yet state when an opportunity will be given for a discussion of the Treaty of Lausanne?

I regret that I cannot at present, owing to the pressure of financial business, add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Stafford on the 3rd instant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a state of grave anxiety exists in regard to this matter among our friends in Turkey?

That is present to my mind, and I am hurrying the matter as quickly as we can. It has been introduced into the other House.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will reconsider his decision to include in the Blue Book dealing with German reparation only the documents since August, 1922; and, following the precedent set in the French Yellow Book containing negotiations with regard to security for France, will he publish, subject to the consent of the Allied Governments, all documents relating to negotiations on reparation since January, 1919?

The complete publication of all documents regarding the negotiations on reparations since January, 1919, would involve negotiations with all the other Powers concerned of such difficulty and length that I do not feel there is sufficient cause to justify me in undertaking it, even apart from the very considerable expense that would be involved. The more important decisions taken by the Allies have already from time to time been laid as Parliamentary Papers; and the official correspondence between the Reparation Commission and the German Government is periodically published by the Reparation Commission itself and is thus available to the public.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that recently, by administrative Order and without any intimation to Parliament or the public, power has been given to Lord Blanesburgh's Committee to release property of the value of about £4,000,000 belonging to ex-enemy nationals, which by the Peace Treaties and the Orders made thereunder was available for the payment of British creditors for debts due to them from ex-enemy nationals and their Governments, and for compensation due to British creditors for loss of property taken from them during the War; whether since the effect of this release is to relieve ex-enemy Governments, to the extent of the property so released, from the obligations undertaken by them under the Peace Treaties to compensate their own nationals for property taken to pay British creditors, he will say what steps he proposes to take in order to make good to British creditors the losses incurred by them owing to the release of the property of ex-enemy nationals?

As the answer is of considerable length, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not the cast-that there is a serious loss to British nationals, amounting to a sum of practically £4,000,000, and will he see what can be done in the matter?

I think it is true to say that this matter was referred by the former President of the Board of Trade to Lord Blanesburgh's Committee. The recommendations of the Committee do not necessarily mean that there is the loss referred to in the hon. Member's question.

Does not the hon. Gentleman understand that there is not sufficient money to satisfy British creditors, and that, unless the British Government pay for the German Government, those creditors will not be paid?

Following is the answer:

Power to release ex-enemy property is vested, by the Treaty of Peace Acts, and Orders in Council made thereunder, in the Custodian of Enemy Property acting under the general direction of the Board of Trade, and it is not necessary for the Board to obtain Parliamentary sanction for carrying out their statutory functions. Lord Blanesburgh's Committee's powers are confined to making recommendations to the Board of Trade for the release of property, and it is pointed out in the Committee's report that recommendations for release to the maximum extent would not diminish the dividend payable on claims, other than those in respect of debts and proceeds of liquidation of property, by more than from 2s. to 2s. 6d. in the £. The effect of the release of such property is to relieve the ex-enemy Governments to the extent of the property so released from the obligation to compensate their own nationals, but the amount to be provided by the ex-enemy Governments consequent on such releases will be pro tanto increased.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the present position with regard to the mixed Commission for the settlement of the boundary of Iraq; and what is the position with regard to Iraq entering the League of Nations?

The Treaty of Lausanne provided that the Turco-Iraq frontier was to be laid down in friendly arrangement between Turkey and Great Britain within nine months, and, failing agreement within this period, the matter was to be referred to the Council of the League. The nine months period commenced on the 5th October, on the completion of the Allied evacuation of Constantinople. A meeting of British and Turkish delegates to discuss the matter will, it is hoped, take place at an early date at Constantinople. The answer to the second part of the question is that when the Treaty with King Feisal, of the 10th October, 1922, has been ratified, His Majesty's Government will be bound, under Article 6 of that instrument, to use their good offices to secure the admission of Iraq to membership of the League of Nations as soon as possible.

What is the cause of the delay in the ratification of this Treaty? Is it on our part or what are we waiting for?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can yet give any decision as to the date on which our troops will leave Iraq?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member's similar question on the 10th instant.

If I put this question down next week or next month—[HON. MEMBERS: "Or next year!"]—will I get an answer?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the amount of money spent up to date upon the palace of the High Commissioner of Iraq; and does he anticipate any further expenditure before Iraq is evacuated?

I have already replied to a question put to me by the hon. Member in similar terms on the 27th February. I have nothing to add.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman propose to recommend any further payments on this palace?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the failure of France up to now to ratify the Root resolutions which were agreed to by her representatives at Washington creates alarm in shipping circles of all nations as indicating a return to the doctrines of what was known as the Jeune Ecole in the last century in favour of sink-at-sight; and whether he will make representations in order to relieve anxieties?

It is much to be hoped that the French Government will see their way to ratify the Treaty of Washington, which embodies the Root resolutions, but the matter is not one on which I feel able to make the kind of representations suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a new appointment is to be made to the post of British Minister at Budapest; and, if so, what are the reasons for the change?

No arrangements have been made for a new appointment at Budapest.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Consular officers were maintained by His Majesty's Government in 1914 in the area now comprised in Jugoslavia; how many are now in the same area; and from what places, if any, have they been withdrawn?

Six consular officers were maintained by His Majesty's Government in 1914 in the area mentioned, and seven are now maintained there. It has been found possible to dispense with the Vice-Consulate which existed at Monastir in 1914

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the circumstances under which the Montenegrins are alleged to have allied themselves with the Serb-Croat-Slovene state; whether he is aware that the Montenegrins allege that this alliance or fusion was effected under duress; and whether he will ascertain the accuracy of the fact with a view to the reference of the question to the League of Nations for inquiry and arbitration?

I have repeatedly referred hon. Members interested in this question to Cmd. Paper 1124 of 1921. His Majesty's Government despatched a special mission of inquiry to be present in Montenegro during the elections, and they satisfied themselves at the time that these elections were not carried out under duress.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have arrived at any decision upon the question of the Singapore naval base?

Perhaps the Noble Lord will await the statement of the Government's policy regarding this question which will be made in the course of the Debate on the Navy Estimates to-morrow.

Will that statement embrace a full disclosure of the communications made by the Dominions of Australia and New Zealand?

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether the arrange- ments made last year for the control, manning, and training of the Air Forces associated with the Navy is working satisfactorily; and whether naval requirements are being fully complied with?

The arrangements have not been put into operation owing to a disagreement as to the interpretation of, and means of giving effect to, the decisions The Government have taken steps by which the matters in dispute may be adjudicated when the decisions in question must be put into operation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire why the Director of Naval Construction is not represented on the Board of Aeronautical Services?

That is a totally different question.

Which is the source of the disagreement? Is it the Admiralty or is it the Air Force?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government is willing to leave a decision as to the building of the five cruisers to a free vote of the House?

The Government must make it clear that it is responsible for this proposal and wishes to have it approved. I, therefore, regret that I cannot accept the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman submit to the House the original proposals to lay down eight cruisers?

Nine!

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his undertaking to place upon the establishment without examination competent ex-service men employed in a temporary capacity in the Civil Service, he is prepared to dissolve the Southborough Committee and give immediate effect to such undertaking or, alternatively, to vary the terms of reference to the Southborough Committee so that they may report solely on the best method of carrying such undertaking into effect?

The admission of competent temporary ex-service men to the permanent establishment has been proceeding on the lines recommended by the Lytton Committee and the question what, if any, modification is necessary has been referred to the Southborough Committee, whose report on the matter is awaited. As regards the terms of reference to the Southborough Committee, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 10th March to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne.

Why is there any necessity to refer the modification of the practice to the Southborough Committee, when the Prime Minister and those who sit alongside of him have agreed that these men should be promoted on account of their efficiency, without examination?

I have made inquiry and I do not think that there was an undertaking on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend. In point of fact, it is quite impossible now to take this out of the consideration of the Southborough Committee.

Does this include officers, and is there a limit of age?

I require notice of that question.

Is the Southborough Committee actually sitting at the present time?

There has been some difficulty owing to illness, but the Committee will sit this afternoon.

Will that be the first sitting during the present Session of Parliament?

I understand so.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea when we are likely to get a report from the Southborough Committee?

No, I cannot; but I have no doubt that the Committee will do everything in its power to present an early report.

Can the hon. Gentleman make some announcement which will alleviate the uncertainty which many men who have been employed for several years are at present living under, and can they have some assurance as to their future?

I have made many announcements. Our difficulty is that the work has come to an end in many Departments, and there is no longer anything more for the men to do. We are doing everything we can to find other employment for them.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the closing of the Civil Service to new and young entrants until the ex-service civil servants threatened with discharge are absorbed, in view of their experience gained since entry and of their having passed an examination?

Any discharges of ex-service temporary clerks now taking place or imminent are due to reduction of work and not to the recruitment from outside the service of corresponding grades, which has been almost entirely suspended for a number of years. I am not aware that any of the men concerned have passed an examination.

Will the hon. Gentleman give a guarantee to the House that no ex-service man will be dismissed until the Southborough Committee has reported?

It is impossible to give a guarantee of that kind. I can only repeat that we will do our best to get an early report from the Committee and to find work for men who are displaced.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that while the Southborough Committee is now sitting these men are still under sentence of dismissal, which means a sentence of going on to the dole, and could not these men be retained as an ordinary employer would retain them, until the Southborough Committee has reported?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the injury done by trawlers to the inshore fishing grounds, His Majesty's Government are prepared to take the necessary steps to consult all the Powers interested for the purpose of extending the present three-mile limit a further ten miles for fishery purposes?

His Majesty's Government, as at present advised, do not see their way to consider an extension of the general limit of territorial waters for fisheries or any other purpose beyond a distance of three miles from low-water mark, but I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland in the Debate on this subject on the 11th instant.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the present Government, by early legislation, to reproduce the position in regard to the right to trial by jury in civil cases in the High Court and County Court as it was before the War?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 20th February last to the hon. Member for Bodmin. When the Bill comes on for discussion in this House, it will be possible to ascertain the general sense of the House upon the proposals contained in it with reference to trial by jury in civil cases.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the present uncertainty with regard to the extension of the Safeguarding of Industries Act is detrimental to industry and the continued employment of many workers; and whether he can now state the policy of the Government towards this Act?

asked the Prime Minister if he can now make any statement with regard to the policy on the Safegarding of Industries Act?

I shall answer these questions together. The matter is still under consideration, and I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any definite statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give a decision on this matter soon?

In due course

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider extending to Members of this House the privilege enjoyed by all members of the Commonwealth Government of Australia and the members of each State Government, and the members of the Governments of New Zealand, Africa, and Canada, who are allowed first-class free railway travelling over the whole of the Dominions at all times during the period of their Parliamentary service?

As I stated in reply to questions on this subject on the 10th March, I propose to give an opportunity to Parliament to discuss this matter. It will then be possible for my hon. Friend to debate such points as are raised by this question.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government will take steps to protect from eviction unemployed tenants who are unable to pay their rents?

asked the Prime Minister if he will find time this Session for a Bill for a reduction of rents to the pre-War standard and the passage of an emergency Measure to protect the homes of unemployed families from the terrors of eviction?

I shall answer these questions together. Such powers would have to be granted by legislation of which, my hon. Friends will agree, there is little prospect. The position is undoubtedly getting serious in some industrial centres, especially where wide combinations of house owners Have been formed. I hope that consultations now in process by the Secretary for Scotland will result in municipal policies that will temporarily meet the case. The question of rents is now occupying the attention of a Committee upstairs.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trouble is by no means confined to Scotland? Could not a one-Clause Bill, giving alternative accommodation as the qualification necessary for eviction, be pushed through this House with the consent of all parties?

Would the Prime Minister make some announcement that would' stop evictions now; not wait until a Bill or anything is passed, but now? The demand of the country is that this is to be stopped now. The right hon. Gentleman is in a position to make that pronouncement.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a quotation made by a Member of the Government from the minutes of a sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence; and whether he will take steps to safeguard the confidential character of these Reports?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I was informed that an explanation and apology was given at once when the matter was brought to the notice of the Minister concerned. As regards the second part of the question, there must be no departure from the established practice, and I regret the incident to which reference is made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state when the Land Purchase Bill for Northern Ireland will be introduced?

It is the intention of the Government to introduce this Bill as soon as possible, but I am not in a position to name a date.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor-General for Scotland are not in the House and perform no political function, he will say what reduction, if any, has been made in the salaries of these Law Officers because of this?

The hon. Member is misinformed. Both gentlemen perform political functions. No such reduction has been made, nor, in my opinion, would it be justified.

What political functions do these gentlemen perform?

Advising His Majesty's Government, which is their main function.

At the opening of Parliament, did the right hon. Gentleman not make a statement that the appointments of these two gentlemen were non-political in character? Therefore, how can they be carrying out political functions?

asked the Prime Minister what provision has been made for the House obtaining legal information when Scottish questions of law arise in the House?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 18th February in reply to a question by the hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Hogge).

May we be told if the Lord Advocate of Scotland and the Solicitor-General for Scotland have a room at the House, where Scottish Members can consult them on legal questions?

I understand there is such a room, and I am perfectly certain if hon. Members try to find it for themselves they will be able to discover it.

Cannot we have an Irish room?

Some of the Scottish Members have been trying for a fortnight to find that room, and they have not found it yet.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the composition of, and terms of reference to, the committee to inquire into the case of Army pensioner ranker officers?

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to set up the committee to inquire into the grievances of the ex-ranker officer at an early date; and whether he can now state the terms of reference to such committee?

I shall answer these questions together. The terms of reference and composition of the committee are under consideration. No time will be lost in dealing with the matter, and I will make an announcement at the earliest possible moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an announcement before the close of this week?

The matter has advanced its first stage already. If I can, I would like to make an announcement to-morrow, but that is not a pledge.

May I repeat the question this day week?

asked the Prime Minister if the question of the reclamation of the submerged area known as the Wash has been considered by the Cabinet?

I have been asked to reply. The whole subject of reclamation, with special reference to the Wash, has been carefully considered within the last few weeks. The Government is advised that the reclamation of the Wash by the single operation of constructing a dam across the mouth as appears to be suggested in certain quarters, is an impracticable proposition. An alternative scheme for reclaiming a large portion of the Wash is probably feasible, but would take very many decades to complete and would depend on the preliminary operation of training into deep water the rivers discharging into the Wash, which of itself would involve an expenditure so great that no engineer has yet been found willing to give even an approximate estimate. I am considering schemes for reclaiming one or two littoral sections of the area.

Is the Minister aware that there are Members in this House who have grown, on land reclaimed from the sea, a greater proportion of barley than is grown in many other parts of Great Britain, and that this question of the Wash is not merely a matter of immediate benefit, but is a matter of permanent benefit to the nation?

Would it not be possible to reclaim large areas of land all over the country from the useless purposes to which they are now put?

asked the Prime Minister if the Cabinet have considered the question of the Severn barrage scheme in its relation to skilled workers wasting energy; and, if so, will this work be put in hand at once?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given him by the President of the Board of Trade on the 17th February, in which he pointed out that, in view of the nature of the preliminary investigations which are necessary, the scheme, even if found to be practicable, could not be of assistance in reducing unemployment in the near future.

May I repeat to the hon. Gentleman the question which I have already put to the Minister of Agriculture and also ask whether or not, having regard to the permanent value of this work, he is prepared to submit it to his experts for reconsideration?

The question of putting in hand the necessary investigation is now being considered by the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the fact that, under the terms of the Constitution of the Irish Free State, all Englishmen, resident in the Free State for less than seven years at the time of the coming into operation of the Constitution, have been deprived of their right to vote at Parliamentary elections, and that no Englishman or any person coming from the Dominions can now become a citizen of or get a vote in the Irish Free State; and, considering that any citizen of the Irish Free State can acquire the right to vote in Great Britain or in the Dominions by residence there for the statutory period, will he make representations to the Free State authorities with a view to securing immediate legislation to preserve the natural rights of British subjects, whether from Great Britain or the Dominions, to the same rights in the Irish Free State as are accorded to citizens of the Free State in all other parts of the British Empire?

Under Article 3 of the Irish Free State Constitution, citizenship of the Irish Free State (upon which the right to vote depends) is open to all persons domiciled in the Free State on the 6th December, 1922, who were born in Ireland, or either of whose parents was born in Ireland, or who had been ordinarily resident in the area of the Irish Free State for not less than seven years. The Article further provides that the condition governing the future acquisition of citizenship shall be determined by law; and I have no doubt that, in considering the form such legislation should take, the Government of the Irish Free State will give weight to the consideration urged by the hon. and gallant Member. Meanwhile there do not appear to be any grounds upon which His Majesty's Government could make representations to the Government of the Irish Free State upon a matter which is purely domestic to that State.

What is to happen to Englishmen or men from the Dominions who go to Ireland? They have no rights at the present time, and will the right hon. Gentleman see about it?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, this is part of a Treaty which was adopted by this House when the hon. and gallant Member himself was a Member and was present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Treaty is carried out?

Yes, that is my object.

Will the right hon. Gentleman then see that it is done?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date the Government of Tanganyika Territory acquired the s.s. "Lord Milner'; what was the initial cost; how much was spent on refitting her; how much has been spent to date on keeping her in commission; whether he is aware that the s.s. "Lord Milner" has been recently condemned by a board of surveyors as un-seaworthy; and, in case it is proposed to replace her, if he will first consider the more economical alternative of utilising the existing British steamship companies' coastal services for transporting the Governor and other Government officials?

The "Lord Milner" was purchased from the Naval Prize Court in November, 1918, for £10,535, and cost £55,882 to refit, the charges for such work being abnormal at the time. I am not in a position to give the total amount spent on keeping her in commission, but in the year ending 31st May, 1923, the expenditure involved in connection with this vessel was about £12,600 as against receipts of about £3,900. She has been condemned as unseaworthy, and the question of replacing her by a small vessel is under consideration. The transport of the Governor and other officials forms but a small portion of the work required of the vessel, which is mainly employed in inspecting the numerous lighthouses and buoys along 450 miles of coast, which duties can only be performed satisfactorily by a vessel specially devoted to the purpose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us some idea of the tonnage of this ship, in view of the fact that the money spent on her repair is almost enough to refit a light cruiser?

I have not the least idea.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to authorise fresh capital expenditure on the port of Dar-es-Salaam; whether he will furnish the House with a full Report showing the nature of the improvements and the estimated cost before authorising any such expenditure; and whether the work will be carried out by contract after public tender or departmentally?

Schemes for the improvement of the harbour at Dar-es-Salaam have been drawn up, but no decision has yet been arrived at. In the circumstances I am not in a position to give any definite undertaking at this stage.