asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether steps have been taken to alter the law in India which enables employers to withhold six weeks' wages from employés; and can he state how many deaths have been registered through starvation during the recent lock-out in Bombay?

The payment of wages in India is not regulated by law. In the Bombay mills it is customary to pay wages in the middle of the month following that in which they are earned, but, owing to the present disturbances, there was some delay in the payment of January wages. The amounts due have now, I understand, been disbursed. The Bombay Government, who have organised relief measures, report that they have not heard of any deaths from starvation among the mill hands or their dependants.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the wages were actually held back, because the men refused to work at the 1914 wages, and will he not say that the Government have a grave responsibility while these things are actually taking place?

Is it not a fact that the President of the millowners at Bombay is by name Saklatvala?

What has that got to do with the question?

In reply to the first supplementary question, it is not the fact that the employés were asked to work at the 1914 wages. I should say, however, that it is very regrettable that the wages should have been held back in the way they were.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that Bombay workers have been locked out because they refuse to accept wages on the 1914 basis; and that employers have withheld six weeks' wages with the result that deaths have been registered through starvation; and will he assure the House that his Department has taken all available steps to bring the responsible employers to justice and to prevent any recurrence of these actions?

The cause of the dispute was the decision of the millowners that the results of 1923 did not justify the payment of a bonus. This question was referred by the Government of Bombay to a Committee composed of the Chief Justice of Bombay and two independent gentlemen which reported unanimously in favour of the millowners. No proposal was made to reduce wages which, as explained in a reply given to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury). on the 17th March, are substantially higher than those paid in 1914. As regards the second part of the question. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to-day to his previous question.

Is it not the case that these questions give a totally wrong impression of the state of affairs in Bombay?

Is it the case that any deaths have occurred through starvation?

I replied to that in the first answer—no.

Will the Under-Secretary consider the advisability of the appointment of a representative committee to go into the whole question of industrial relationships in India, and with a view of considering the relationships at the present time?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the complete rejection of the whole of the Finance Bill by the Indian Legislative Assembly, the Governor-General in Council will now take steps for the complete restoration of the rejected grants?

The Governor-General in Council has restored the demands under the heads Customs, Taxes on Income, Opium and Salt, but has accepted other reductions made by the Legislative Assembly, namely, Rs.25 lakhs under Railways and Rs.100 under Forests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement as to the position of affairs arising out of the recent defeat of the Government of India in the Legislative Assembly over the Finance Bill, and of the intention of the Viceroy to certify the legislation required to carry on the Administration?

The Legislative Assembly having refused on the 17th instant by a majority vote to take the Finance Bill into consideration, motion for leave to introduce the Bill as recommended by the Governor-General, in accordance with the provisions of Section 67B of the Government of India Act, was made in the Assembly on the 18th instant. The rate for the Salt Tax proposed in the recommended Bill was Rs.1¼d. per maund, the rate in force before the enhancement last year. The Assembly refused leave to introduce the Bill, which is now to be considered by the Council of State, where, I understand, the discussion is fixed for to-day.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Gurdwara Committee are proposing to send two more jathas of 500 Akalis each to Nabha; and, in view of the political and provocative nature of these processions, can he see his way to prevent the starting, of these processions which are bound to cause further disturbances?

I have been informed officially that another jatha of 1,000 is being sent, and that the question of possible measures to prevent further jathas has been under the consideration of the Governments in India. I think it is important also to lay stress on the fact that the arrival of the second large jatha at Nabha did not cause a disturbance. It was disposed of peaceably.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that each of these jathas follows a different route, and that the object of the jathas is to inflame the countryside along these routes?

Is it not a fact that when the hon. Gentleman describes these jathas as having been disposed of peaceably, he really means they have been peaceably passed into police cells?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of branch offices opened by the Imperial Bank of India since the agreement with the Government of India came into force; and who determines the location of the branches?

Sixty-five, according to information that has reached me recently. The agreement with the Imperial Bank provides that of the one hundred branches to be opened within five years from the date of the agreement, the Government of India should be entitled to determine the location of one in every four, taking the same so far as feasible in the order of their opening.

Who determines the balance?

The Bank itself.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make any further statement with respect to the adherence of the Government to the provisions of the India Act of 1919, postponing for 10 years any alteration of the constitution thereby established?

As I have already informed the House, His Majesty's Government adhere to the provisions of the Act of 1919, but I am doubtful whether those provisions will sustain the interpretation which the right hon. Gentleman seems to place upon them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Joint Committee of Lords and Commons—

Speak up; we cannot hear a word you are saying.

On a point of Order. I must ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether I am not entitled to some sort of courtesy?

The hon. Member must not interrupt discourteously.

I have as good a right to ask them to speak up, as they have to ask us.

The hon. Member must not interrupt in a discourteous manner.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that the Joint Committee, upon whose Report this House accepted the Bill of 1919, said with reference to this very Clause 41, that

"In their opinion the Statutory Committee—"

On a point of Order. Is it in order to read anything during Questions?

The right hon. Gentleman is reading a quotation from a Report of a Committee of this House.

"In their opinion the Statutory Committee should not be appointed until the expiration of 10 years, and that no change of substance in the constitution, whether in the franchise or in the list of reserved subjects, or otherwise, should be made in the interval"—

and whether the hon. Gentleman has had that in view in making his answer?

That is so, but I would like to remind the right hon. Gentleman that one Parliament cannot bind its successors, and, if any fundamental change is made, of course, it would be made by Parliament.

Do I understand by "one Parliament cannot bind its successors" that the Government has under consideration an alteration of what the last Parliament has done?

No.

Then why say it?

Will the hon. Gentleman say clearly what he means by a reconsideration? Has the opinion of the Government altered in any way from the answer he gave in this House on the 10th March?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information as to the ambushing of a picket from the 3/9th Jats near Chagmalai, resulting in the death of one British officer and two Indian soldiers and in the wounding of six Indian soldiers; and whether he is satisfied that the troops in this district are adequate to meet the demands upon them and to prevent isolated and unsupported detachments from being cut off?

No further details than those contained in the Press are available. Attempts of this nature are frequently being made by the unruly elements amongst the tribesmen of Waziristan. The fact that they are so rarely successful affords ample evidence of the adequacy of our troops in this district, and of their efficiency in dealing with the situation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the great anxiety that is felt by the relatives of officers and men who are serving, and can he assure the House that the troops are adequate, and that isolated detachments will not be exposed to undue risks?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Royal Army Temperance Association has been closed down in India; if so, what has become of its assets or, if this has not yet happened, is there such a project under consideration?

I am informed that the Governing Council of the Royal Army Temperance Association in India have decided to terminate at the end of the present financial year the existence of the association, the usefulness of which has been much restricted by recent changes, and to hand over the balance of its funds to the Commander-in-Chief for the benefit of Soldiers' Furlough Homes in India.

Having regard to the important change announced, could the hon. Gentleman lay any Papers, and can he say what intention the Government have to provide for the question of temperance in the Army in India?

I understand that this action has been taken as a result of the Report of Lord Esher's Committee, and that provisions have been made in that respect in other ways by the Young Men's Christian Association.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the amount of opium shipped from India to Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements, respectively, in 1923; and what steps are being taken to prevent the smuggling of opium into China?

The only opium shipped from India to these two Colonies is that indented for by their respective Governments, which for 1923 amounted for Hong Kong to 240 and for the Straits Settlements to 2,100 chests of 140 lbs. each. Moreover, all of it was covered by certificates from the Governments of the importing countries, in the form prescribed by the League of Nations to the effect that the opium was required for legitimate purposes and its importation approved. Opium so consigned to the Governments of these Colonies cannot be smuggled into China before it has reached the Colonies.

What are the legitimate purposes embodied in the answer of the hon. Gentleman?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly against the advice of the Government, recommending the wholesale release of all political prisoners in India; and whether he can state what is the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to these cases?

I understand the hon. and gallant Member to refer to the resolution reported in the Press as having been carried on Thursday last for the repeal of Bengal Regulation III of 1818, and other special laws. My Noble Friend has received no representation from the Government of India on the subject of the resolution, and has no reason to doubt that they will suitably deal with it in the exercise of their discretion.

What do the Government mean by that? Can we not have some idea of what is the Government policy?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if His Majesty's present Government is satisfied that the Rutenburg concessionnaires have provided enough money to satisfy the terms of the concession; and, if not, will he recommend that the concession should be cancelled?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The second part does not, therefore, arise.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that £200,000 has been raised already, and what prospect is there of raising the balance?

As I informed the hon. Gentleman last week, the late Government were satisfied that the Rutenburg concessionaires met the requirements, and I have not thought it necessary to challenge their wisdom.

That means that the first part of my question is answered in the affirmative. Does it also mean that the present Government is also satisfied?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the official appointed to the position of secretary for Chinese affairs in Hong Kong is informed, prior to his appointment, that his duties will include the examination of girls as to their suitability to enter brothels, and then to pass them into the various classes of brothels in the Colony; whether this practice is peculiar to the Colony of Hong Kong; and, if not, in how many other British dependencies is it the practice to require British officials to issue passes for girls to become inmates of brothels?

I have no doubt that the official in question knew before his appointment of these duties, which, as I have already stated, are in this regard purely protective. It has been found necessary to give similar protection in the Malay Peninsula, but there is no other part of the Empire containing a large number of Chinese women requiring protection of this nature.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to accept the view that it is a violation of British standards to expect British civil servants, not merely to take the oversight—as in this case—of 3,000 prostitutes, but of continually passing into these brothels young girls, and not merely passing them in, but of telling them the street and the house they are to go to, and—as I understand this document—the very floor they are to occupy; will he give the House a promise to look into the matter?

The hon. Gentleman knows that there is no more distasteful subject than this for any Member of any Government to deal with; he is also perhaps aware that I am meeting a deputation on this subject to-morrow. You cannot deal with a distasteful subject of this kind by question and answer. The Government are alive to the difficulties and dangers of the subject; we have to deal with it in a common-sense way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is prepared to take steps to refuse recognition to the existence of brothels in Hong Kong and other parts of the British Crown Colonies as a step towards abolishing the international traffic in women and children?

I am not convinced that the suggested Measure would have the desired effect. The Governor of Hong Kong reported last June that there have been very few cases there of international traffic in girls for immoral purposes and that very careful precautions taken by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs and the police tend to check abuses of this description.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present liability of Nyasaland for interest and sinking fund charges in connection with the guarantees given to the Trans Zambesi Railway Company?

The amount provided in the Nyasaland Estimates to meet the payments in question in the year 1923–24 was £13,023. The estimated amount for 1924–25 is £14,738.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now state what steps have been taken to reopen the American Consulate at Newcastle-on-Tyne; and if these measures have been successful in removing the deadlock?

This matter continues to advance, and steps are being taken which it is hoped will lead to a satisfactory settlement very shortly now.

In consequence of the unsatisfactory answer to this question, and the answers to similar questions during the last 18 months, I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the question on the adjournment, on the first night when the Eleven o'Clock Rule is not suspended.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is doing anything to protect the British trademark rights in China?

Everything possible will be done to protect the British interests affected, with the representatives of which His Majesty's Government are in close consultation.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a request from the Chinese Government to hold a preliminary conference to discuss matters relating to the increase of 2 per cent. in the Customs duties authorised in virtue of the Washington Treaty; and what is she policy of the British Government in respect of such request?

The request of the Chinese Government has only just been received by His Majesty's Government, and is now being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the wording of the questions recently transmitted to the Sudan Government in regard to possible restrictions upon the marketing of cotton grown in the Gezereh district?

I would refer the hon. Member to the speech of my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs during the Debate on the Trade Facilities Bill, on the 27th February, which contains all the information.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the inquiries made of the Sudan Government through the British residency at Cairo include a suggestion for fixing a maximum price for cotton by which the Sudanese cultivators might be deprived of the right of realising from their labour the full benefits of the highest prices obtainable; and whether, even if that suggestion were agreed to by the Sudan Government, it would form part of the policy of the British Government?

The inquiries made of the Sudan Government did include the possibility of fixing maximum prices, in order to prevent cornering to the detriment of the British user and of the Sudan cultivator alike, but until the observations of the Sudan Government on these inquiries have been received, I cannot add anything to my reply to the hon. Member on the 17th instant.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, as to whether even if the Sudan Government agreed to the fixing of a maximum price it would form part of the policy of the British Government?

We have asked for information, and until we get it, we cannot possibly consider the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps the Government have taken to obtain information as to the negotiation of Franco German industrial agreements and to ensure that British industries shall not be prejudiced by or excluded from such arrangements?

His Majesty's Government have no reason to believe that any agreements of importance between the German industrials and the French and Belgian authorities have been withheld from them. The texts are subjected to the most careful examination from the point of view of their possible effect on British industries, and should British interests appear to be prejudiced His Majesty's Government would, of course, consider what steps they could properly take for their protection.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the continuance of the industrial agreements between French and Belgian and German firms in occupied territory?

On the assumption that the hon. Member refers to the agreements between German firms and the French and Belgium authorities in the Ruhr and Rhineland, I would refer him to the answer which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs gave to the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Lloyd) on the 12th March.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any understanding has been come to with Russia on the subject of her joining the-League of Nations?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the Prime Minister allow me to tell him—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] Is he aware that these ruffians have no intention of joining the League of Nations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in carrying out his undertakings to make representations to the Russian Soviet Government on behalf of Monsignor Cieplak and other Roman Catholic clergy now imprisoned in Russia on account of their faith, he will also make similar representations on behalf of the bishops and clergy of the Orthodox Church who are imprisoned and exiled; and whether he will include in such representations a request that the committee of the appeal for the London clergy now being organised in this country by the Bishop of Birmingham may be given facilities for conveying relief and money to those bishops and priests in Russia who are suffering persecution?

The answer I gave on the 17th covers the new point raised in this question. I would warn the House of the great delicacy of this matter, as, obviously, if Governments begin pursuing this policy of interference, it is capable of the widest and most intolerable extension. In reply to the second part of the question, should the Bishop of Birmingham's Committee ask me to approach the Soviet Government for special facilities, I will do so, but the granting or withholding of such facilities is entirely within the competence of that Government.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information of what is reported in the paper to-day, that Mon-signor Cieplak has been released?

I have only seen it in the paper: I hope it is true.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the attitude of the Soviet Government towards the Christian religion is improving?

I have on several occasions attempted to put questions connected with the administration of affairs in the Colonies and other parts of the Empire over which this House has no control. On one occasion I wanted to put a question in reference to prisoners in America, and I was not allowed to do so. May I ask, Sir, whether it is within the rules of the House to put down questions connected with the administrative affairs of a friendly country and in connection with a Government which is recognised by our Government?

I disallow all questions which deal with the internal administration of other countries.

With great respect, Mr. Speaker, may I suggest that this question most definitely deals with the internal administration of Russia?

This question relates to something which the Prime Minister has said, and to an appeal now being organised by the Bishop of Birmingham.

In the last Parliament I wanted to put two questions—one in reference to British prisoners in South Africa, and the other with reference to prisoners in America—and I was told that such questions could not be allowed. How is it that hon. Members are allowed to ask questions about foreigners in a friendly country, and not about our own people?

I do not think this question carries that implication.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Mission from Russia to discuss outstanding questions with His Majesty's Government is expected to arrive in London; and whether he can state who will be the head of the Mission?

I understand that the Soviet delegation is expected to arrive in London in the first days of April. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if progress has been made with the arrangements for the Conference with the Soviet Government with respect to the many problems awaiting settlement between Russia and this country; and, if so, whether he can make any statement on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but the latter part cannot be dealt with in reply to a question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the grant by Italy of a loan to Poland and the projected grant of a similar loan to Rumania; and whether, in view of the financial strength of Italy revealed by these operations, His Majesty's Government intend to enter into negotiations with the Italian Government with a view to securing the funding or repayment of the debt owed by Italy to Great Britain?

I have seen reports of a loan by Italian banks to Poland, but have no information as to a loan to Rumania. As regards the question of the Allied debts, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 12th February.

Is the country going for all time without repayment of its debts?

The hon. Gentleman will agree with me that it is impossible to deal with a question of this kind until you have the report of the experts' on reparations—until it has been considered by the Reparation Commission, and decisions reached.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is able to give a date for the introduction of a five-year passport for British nationals?

I am not yet in a position to give a definite date. The consent of the Governments of the Dominions and India has, however, now been obtained and the several foreign Governments are being communicated with.

If the replies are in the affirmative from the Dominions, why cannot the right hon. Gentleman put the Order into operation?

The replies are in the affirmative, but I cannot possibly put the Order into operation until I have communicated with the foreign Governments informing them of my intention.

Are we not entitled to have foreign passports for British Nationals at any time we like?

It is a matter of courtesy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can yet make any announcement as to the appointment of a British consul in Montenegro; and whether, if no decision has been reached, he can expedite one?

The appointment has been decided on and the necessary arrangements are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that the removal from German territory of German prisoners, condemned by the Allied courts-martial in German occupied territory, involves a serious additional punishment, especially in the case of prisoners ignorant of the language of the country to which they are sent; and whether, in view of this and to remove the widespread bitterness ensuing, the friendly offices of His Majesty's Government will be used to secure the return of all such prisoners to occupied German territory?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a number of political prisoners condemned by Allied courts-martial in German occupied territory are now confined in the French prison of Loos-les-Lille along with ordinary offenders against the French Civil Code, and that the majority of these prisoners are quite ignorant of the French language; and whether, seeing that imprisonment under such conditions involves a material increase in the severity of the punishment, he will make any representations which are open to him?

While I have no specific information as to the imprisonment of German political prisoners at Loos-les-Lille, I am aware that a number of such prisoners have been removed from German occupied territory. I have already pointed out in answering a previous question that there is no provision under the Treaty of Versailles which would warrant His Majesty's Government in making official representations to the French Government on the subject. The hon. Member may, however, rest assured that His Majesty's Government is not overlooking these matters.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce immediate legislation in the form of a Miners Minimum Wage Bill in order to settle the present dispute in the coal-mining industry?

No, Sir. The policy of the Government is to use every effort to promote an industrial settlement. I am glad to say that, owing to the intervention of my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines, negotiations have been resumed, and a further meeting between the two sides has been arranged for Tuesday.

Are we to understand that the Prime Minister does not intend to introduce a Miners' Minimum Wage Bill?

I answered the question, and if my hon. Friend will look at the wording of the question, he will see it relates to the bringing in of a Bill, in order to settle the present dispute. I hope the present dispute will be settled by industrial methods.

In regard to the Miners' Minimum Wage Bill, will the Prime Minister tell us whether he intends to bring in that Bill or not?

My hon. Friend knows that I cannot possibly answer hypothetical questions in this House. The form of this question is, if no industrial settlement is possible, will legislation be introduced? I think we must wait until the circumstances arrive.

Can the Prime Minister tell us whether he or any Member of the Government has in fact given a conditional pledge to any party in the dispute that this Bill will be introduced?

We have given a conditional pledge.

Will he tell the House what is that pledge?

To whom has the Prime Minister given a conditional pledge?

:I understand that we have given a conditional pledge to this House.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that only one dock at Singapore will take a 9,500-ton cruiser of the "Hawkins" class, apart altogether from the necessary accommodaion for battleships, battle cruisers, and aircraft carriers; and how long it will take to complete the scheme to enable the dockyard to deal with capital ships, modern cruisers, and aircraft carriers of the modern type?

I have been asked to reply. The King's Dock at Singapore owned by the Singapore Harbour Board is the only dock that would take a cruiser of the "Hawkins" class. This dock will also take any existing unbulged capital ship, the smaller aircraft carriers and the projected 10,000-ton cruisers. In this connection I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the late First Lord's reply of the 25th July to the Noble Lord the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon). As regards the second part of the question, it would take nine years from the date orders were given to commence work before the naval base which it was proposed to construct in the Old Strait could deal with capital ships and aircraft carriers of the modern type.

Is it not a fact that coaling has proceeded at Singapore, and can still proceed there in spite of the abandonment of the scheme sanctioned by the late Government?

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that oil fuel is now being largely used?

Is it not a fact that Singapore is the second largest coaling station at the moment for Britain in the world?

It is true, as suggested, that our ships are able to re-fuel at Singapore.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary mean that it will take nine years to complete the base, assuming that the work be carried on as rapidly as possible?

Yes, that is so.

If this dock is used for the Navy, what is our Mercantile Marine going to to?

The answer is that they both use it now.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the gravity of the issue in regard to time required for the completion of the Singapore project in the event of the Government being unsuccessful in those negotiations to which they have referred, whether he can state an approximate time by which the House can know whether the negotiations have or have not been successful?

The question does not show an appreciation of the nature of the problem. It is not a matter of time, but of circumstance.

Is it not the case that the longer it is before this dock is commenced, the longer it will be before it is finished, and has not the Parliamentary Secretary just said that it would take nine years to complete it?

The point is that, if the circumstances do not change, the loss of time is not a loss at all. Singapore becomes necessary when the conditions make it necessary.

asked the Prime Minister what are the main items, with their cost, contained in the £10,500,000 Estimate for new docks at Singapore; and whether provision for aeroplane and military defence is included in the Estimate?

I have been asked to reply, and, as the answer is somewhat long and contains many figures, I will, with the right hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The main items, with their cost, contained in the £10,500,000 Estimate for the new naval base at Singapore, are at follows:

asked the Prime Minister whether any estimate has been prepared of the extent and cost of fortifications, the garrison and its annual cost, to defend Singapore against attack in the event of war in the East?

No, Sir. The revised scale of land armament, if the new docks were proceeded with, has not been laid down.

Has the question been considered of the amount of fortification that will be requisite to defend this new dock if it be created?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee to inquire into the working of the Safeguarding of Industries Act and the desirability of the extension of Part II of the Act?

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?

The points mentioned by the hon. Members are being taken into consideration, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement if we put down a question a week hence?

Will the. Prime Minister, with respect to this question, consider the question of repealing the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

Does the right hon. Gentleman's nod in the affirmative mean that he intends to? [ Interruption .]

Perhaps hon. Members will look at the Clock, and then at the Order Paper.

I was looking at the Prime Minister.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state the personnel of the Committee which is to inquire into the claim of the ex-Army ranker officers?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to announce the names of the Committee and the terms of reference upon the question of the ex-ranker officers?

asked the Prime Minister if he can communicate to the House the names of those who will form the tribunal to consider the claims of the pensioned ex-ranker officers; and if he can state the terms of reference?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state the composition of, and terms of reference to, the Committee to consider the case of ex-ranker officers?

I regret there has been some delay in agreeing upon the terms of reference, and until these have been settled no one can be approached to serve on the Committee. I might be able to make an announcement on Wednesday.

May I ask what is the difficulty in settling the terms of reference in this very simple matter, which has already been considered for more than a week?

I do not know; that is what I am wondering. The terms of reference left me days ago.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman hoped last Tuesday to be able to make an early announcement, has he made any inquiries as to the reason of the delay?

The reason for the delay is the difficulty in agreeing upon the exact wording of the terms of reference.

Who is responsible for the delay?

asked the Prime Minister if the Government proposes to give facilities for the discussion of the Dock and Waterside Labour (Decasualisa-tion) Bill?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 27th February in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherhithe (Mr. B. Smith), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the consideration of the Rent Restrictions Bill has accelerated the issuing of notices by landlords for possession of houses in England; and, if so, will the Government include England in the legislation promised in relation to Scotland in cases of eviction?

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce legislation relating to rent restrictions, evictions and kindred matters?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that applications to the Courts for the eviction of tenants from their homes are rapidly increasing; that the Courts are congested with applications of this character; and that the evicted tenants cannot find alternative accommodation, with the result that overcrowding of a serious nature is taking place; and whether the Government will undertake to introduce a short Bill on an early date to deal with this urgent matter and, in the meantime, make some statement which might check or prevent the evictions now being threatened?

The alarming increase in applications for eviction orders and notices to quit has nothing whatever to do, I am informed, with the Rent Restrictions Bill, but is in consequence of recent legislative changes, the prolongation of bad trade, and the great shortage in houses. The Ministry of Health and the Scottish Office have been striving to meet the matter without legislation, which at the present moment presents unusual difficulties. A draft Bill is now, however, under consideration, and will be printed without delay.

With reference to my question, does the Prime Minister propose to consider other matters at the same time, such as the matter—in regard to which the House is in general agreement—of reversing the decision of the Court of Appeal on the question of rates?

The chief matter that has been before us has been the question of evictions.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider bringing forward, at the same time as this matter is dealt with, other proposals upon which there is general agreement?

Yes, if there is general agreement.

If the Government intend, as suggested, to introduce a Bill shortly to deal with evictions, will they be in a position to make any statement in regard to their views on the Bill which is now before a Grand Committee upstairs?

In view of the great anxiety that is felt by the owners of houses who require the houses for their own occupation, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that there shall be no interference with their existing rights under Orders that have been made to give them possession?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Dartford County Court only last week an Order was made for possession of three separate shops for one man and two single sons?

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the dangers arising from coast erosion and to the fact that the whole of the east coast from Dover to Flamborough Head is gradually being eaten away; that 35 towns and villages in Yorkshire alone have disappeared; and will he carefully consider this question of reclamation before repudiating it, having regard to the prolific crops raised on already reclaimed land?

I have been asked to reply. Coast erosion is going on at certain points on the east coast, but not throughout the entire length referred to by my hon. Friend. The Royal Commission who reported in 1911 found that more land was being regained from the sea by accretion than was being lost by erosion. I am considering the reclamation of certain littoral tracts on the shores of the Wash.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only within the last three days there have been reports not only from Yorkshire, but from the Hythe area of Kent, and especially with regard to the Lowestoft area—in fact, all along the coast?

There has been serious erosion in certain parts, and I am considering every practical proposal for reclamation.

rose —

If we debate every question, we shall not make any progress.

asked the Prime Minister if, in his negotiations with the railway companies, inquiries have been made as to the cost of third-class travelling of Members of Parliament from London to their homes; and whether he can say what saving would result from the grant of third-class instead of first-class tickets?

Yes, I am having the fullest information put before me, and hope to be in a position to make a statement in a day or two.

Seeing that it was the Labour party who put this question forward, will they, with a view to economy, limit themselves to third-class tickets?

You can get a seat outside if you like.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the date upon which the pre-War Pensions Bill will be introduced?

I regret that there seems to be little chance of this Bill being introduced before Easter. A very extensive series of claims has been made in connection with this Bill, all of which must be examined if the Bill is to have any chance of being carried.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us a guarantee that this Bill will be introduced as the first Measure after Easter?

I am afraid I cannot guarantee that it will be the first Measure, but that it will be introduced immediately after Easter I can give a guarantee.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the necessity placed upon cities like Glasgow to purchase land for municipal needs, he will bring in legislation to prevent the values created by the purchase going to adjacent holders of lands?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the land problem as a whole is not escaping the attention of the Government; and the point he raises in his question will not be overlooked in the Government's consideration of the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the Committee he proposes to appoint to inquire into the grievances of ranker officers, he is prepared to include in the reference the case of civil servant pensioners who similarly returned to duty on war service but received no special increase in their original pension in recognition of such war services?

The proposed Committee will not be competent to deal with claims other than those of Army pensioners.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the need of securing the adequate representation on the Council of the League of Nations of all parts of the world, and more especially of the Far East, with its many problems, he will instruct the British representatives to the Assembly of the League to press for the observance of the geographical basis of the election of members of the Council?

The geographical factor is already observed as far as possible, and will certainly be borne in mind by the British delegates at the next Assembly. I do not think any special instructions on the point will be necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the constant industrial unrest, he will consider the issue of a weekly statement showing in all its aspects the loss entailed by current lock-outs or strikes both to individuals and to the community as a whole?

I have been asked to reply. Statistics are published in each issue of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette," showing the number of workpeople involved in strikes and lock-outs, and the aggregate loss of working days at the establishments where the disputes occur; and particulars of the more important disputes are published in detail. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the current issue of the "Gazette," containing information for February. I aim afraid it would be impracticable to compile satisfactory particulars at more frequent intervals, or to make any trustworthy estimate of the total loss to the community resulting from strikes or lockouts.

Could not information be given as to the increased cost of living owing to these strikes?

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to statements in the Press within the last few days, to the effect that the working days lost in Italy during the last 12 months are not more than 4 per cent. of the working days lost in previous—