asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken to raise the standard required for entrance to university colleges in India so as to restrict the number of university students to those whose abilities and equipment fitted them to profit by the courses of study laid down, to put a stop to the present system of cheap degrees and easy standards, and to put Indian university standards on the same level as British university standards?

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member in reply to a similar question on 10th March, full information is contained in a Report which is shortly to be presented to Parliament.

Is it not the case that students have to come to an English university, in order to get a proper degree, and why should they not be able to get a proper degree in India?

I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the Report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the rejection of the Vote for Ministers' salaries, which is one of the transferred services, by the Bengal Council; whether he intends to allow this service to be restored to the reserved side and thus enable the Governor to restore the grant; and whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the legislature in the United Provinces, who have prevented all development and improvement schemes for the benefit of the people in the provinces from being carried out?

As regards Bengal, I am aware that the Vote for Ministers' salaries has been rejected, but I think that the hon. and gallant Member will agree, on reflection, that the solution he suggests is not feasible under the constitution. It is understood that, if necessity arises, the Governor will administer the transferred subjects and be responsible for them. I have no confirmation of any such situation as is suggested in the third part of the question as having occurred in the United Provinces.

In view of the rejection by the Bengal Council of the grant for the British Empire Exhibition, will the Governor have power to restore it?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Am I to understand that the Governor, in taking over these transferred services, will have money available in order to carry them on? I understand there is no money.

Is the Governor going to take over these transferred services?

I understand so.

Do I understand the Under-Secretary to assent to my proposition that the Governor has no money for carrying on these transferred services?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, as the result of the Swarajist campaign in Bengal, the whole of the province has, by the vote of the Council, been deprived of police, law courts, and gaols; and whether he is aware of the manifesto of Roy, issued from Berlin and addressed to the congress, advocating the destruction of the councils from within; and what steps the Government propose to take to defeat this policy?

I am aware that Budget grants under a number of heads, including jails and administration of justice, have been rejected by narrow majorities by the Bengal Council, and that the grant for police has been reduced, but I have no reason to suppose that the effect has been, or will be, that supposed by the hon. and gallant Member. As regards the second part of the question, the manifesto referred to is dated December, 1922, and was published at that time. It was not noticed by the congress that met in that month. My Noble Friend understands that the Government of India are taking all steps that they consider necessary to deal with Roy's independent propaganda.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Governor of Bengal, who seems to be primarily concerned, has restored these Votes that the Council has refused to vote? If so, how does he propose to carry on the services mentioned in the question.

I must ask the Noble Lord to give me notice of that question.

I will put it down for next Monday. Will the hon. Gentleman endeavour to get the information by then, as it is of great importance?

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has decided to allow the King of Nabha, who recently abdicated as the result of pressure put upon him by the Government of India, to state his case in this country?

If the hon. Member's question refers to the ex-Maharajah of Nabha, the answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to proceed with the placing of the East Indian and Great Indian Peninsula Railways under State management in view of the position in the Legislative Assembly, and the danger to the safety of passengers and the maintenance of the service that will arise should the present management be weakened under their control?

My Noble Friend does not consider that there is any reason to modify the decision to place the East Indian and Great Indian Peninsula Railways under State management.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the manager of the Egyptian railways has resigned because the Minister there had taken all the power out of his hands, and is the same thing to occur in India?

The hon. and gallant Member had better put that question on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that great and increasing anxiety exists among British officers of the Indian Army regarding the future of their service and their future prospects therein; and whether he can give them any assurance that no changes will be made in the establishment or administration of the Indian Army adversely affecting their careers therein, or that if such changes are made adequate compensation will be given them for any resulting loss of employment or opportunity for advancement or pension?

I do not think that present conditions give occasion for any such anxiety as the hon. Member refers to, and I cannot give assurances with regard to a contingency which in any case is remote. Officers affected by the recent reductions in the Indian Army received liberal treatment, and if similar measures are found necessary in the future I imagine that they will be carried out by the Government in a similar spirit.

Do I understand the hon. Gentleman to say that there is practically no case for anxiety for British officers? That is an extraordinary statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the dissatisfaction in Ireland at the undue delay in setting up the Boundary Commission provided for in Article 12 of the Irish Treaty, signed on 5th December, 1921; and if he is yet able to fix a date for a resumption of the conference?

Yes, Sir. I am well aware of the feeling existing on this matter, and, as my hon. Friend is aware, am dealing with it.

Is it not a mistake to say "dissatisfaction in Ireland." Is it not dissatisfaction in the Free State? Why do these mistakes occur?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there are extensive areas off the south and south-west coasts of Ireland, outside the territorial waters, from which British trawlers are excluded but which foreign trawlers may enter; and whether he will make representations to the Free State Government that British trawlers should receive treatment at least equal to that given to the trawlers of Foreign countries?

Prior to the establishment of the Irish Free State trawling was prohibited by by-law, made under Statute, in certain areas off the Irish coasts. It was, of course, not found possible to enforce any such prohibition against foreign trawlers outside the three-mile limit. The construction of Article 73 of the Irish Free State Constitution, in so far as it affects the extra-territorial application of the by-laws in question, is at present under consideration between the two Governments, but I understand that, pending a final decision on the important constitutional question involved, prosecutions against British fishermen for infraction of the by-laws outside the three-mile limit are not being proceeded with.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Irish Free State to secure that British trawlers, in any case, have the same facilities as German trawlers?

Could there be any greater evidence of the Free State's consideration in the matter than that, pending the settlement, they have decided not to institute proceedings?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to the disorders which occurred at Jaffa between the Jews and the Arabs at the time of the Esther festival?

I am informed by the High Commissioner for Palestine that on 20th March, which was a Jewish carnival day, two Jews were shot and wounded in the Manshia quarter of Jaffa. Police investigation was proceeding, when three Arabs were fired at and wounded. One Jew and one Arab died of injuries. There has been no spreading of disorder, little local excitement, and the situation has been normal throughout. Public opinion is unanimous on both sides in expressing condemnation of the crimes. Several arrests have been made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a dumping duty has now been imposed on steel products exported from the United Kingdom, under Section 4 of the Australian Industries Preservation Act?

Yes, Sir. Full particulars were given in the "Board of Trade Journal" of the 20th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what language British-Indian traders in Tanganyika territory will be required to keep their books under the amended Trade Ordinances?

Traders of all nationalities may keep their ordinary accounts in any language they please, but for the purposes of the Trades Licensing Ordinance they are required to submit evidence in a form intelligible to the licensing authority sufficient to show the amount of their profits. The accounts necessary for this purpose will have to be, as from the 1st of April, 1926 (but not before), rendered in English, French or Swahili, but this requirement will not apply to the smaller traders whose profits do not exceed £150.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that a differentiation of that sort, to the prejudice of British-Indian subjects, is in accordance with the mandate under which we administer the territory?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what subsidies are being paid to foreign potentates other than Ibn Saud; whether any subsidies are being paid to any members of the Shereefian family; if so, to whom and to what extent; and when they will be discontinued?

None, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the second part of the question?

It is to the second part of the question that the answer is directed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the amount of revenue from hut and poll tax estimated for Kenya for 1924–25 and the amount estimated to be spent during the same period on education, medical services, and other purposes specially directed to the welfare of the native population of the Colony?

The estimated revenue from native hut and poll tax for 1924 is £508,850. In the case of many departments of the Kenya Government, it is not possible to say what proportion of the total expenditure should be regarded as specially directed to the welfare of the native population, but about £90,000 of the Medical Department Vote and £30,000 of the Education Department Vote may be debited to native welfare work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position with regard to the contemplated new Immigration Regulations in Kenya; and if there is a Bill on the matter actually before the Legislative Assembly of that Colony?

I answered fully on the 18th of February a question put to me on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for East Woolwich (Mr. Snell). I can only add that the draft of the new Bill will be referred to me before it is introduced into the new Legislative Council now in process of election, and that I hope to receive the draft about the middle of April.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Sir W. Acworth has resigned from the Departmental Committee on railway extension in East Africa, and why; whether he will add to the Committee at least two more unofficial members having technical knowledge of railway construction and railway management; and whether the Report of the Committee will be laid before Parliament?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the reasons why Sir William Acworth has resigned from the Committee appointed to report on the question of railway development in Nyasaland; and who has been nominated to replace him?

Sir William Acworth has resigned his seat on the Committee for reasons personal to himself. I will consider whether any addition of unofficial members is required. I should perhaps explain that this Committee is mainly of an inter-Departmental character, appointed to advise me on certain points which it was not easy to settle by correspondence. I doubt whether their Report will be of a nature suitable for presentation to Parliament, and I can give no undertaking in the matter.

In view of the great importance, not only to Nyasaland, but to the whole of East Africa, of this question of the railways, will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that somebody will be put on, in place of Sir William Acworth, who has had railway experience?

As the hon. Gentleman is aware, I have put on this Committee some additional members who are gentlemen of great railway experience, and whose names would carry confidence in this country. As Sir William Acworth has resigned, I will certainly consider whether additional members should be put on, but I desire the House to understand that although Sir William Acworth has resigned, there are other people with great railway experience on the Committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names of these people, as the House has not been informed?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question down?

I should like to take this opportunity of appealing to all hon. Members, as a general rule, not to put down questions for Monday later than Thursday evening.

Questions for Monday handed in or Friday only reach the Foreign Office on Saturday morning, and the replies have to reach me that evening. This involves not only a considerable disturbance of the routine work—often of an urgent nature—of the staff concerned, but also the regular loss of the statutory half-holiday on Saturday afternoon for a good many individuals.

Of course, cases of urgent public interest may and do arise at the end of a week, in which it is desirable that information should be given to the House on Monday, but as a general rule, and when possible, I would appeal to all hon. Members to hand in their questions for Monday not later than Thursday night.

In reference to the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman, do not the considerations which he has urged apply with even more weight to questions addressed to the India Office, as messages have often to be telegraphed to India and replies received before questions put in this House can be answered. And, before asking the House to agree to the proposal which he has made, would the right hon. Gentleman not consider the re-arrangement generally of the questions asked on Monday? Why apply this new arrangement to one Office, and not to another Office having to do with external affairs?

I have had no representations on this matter from the India Office. I have been moved to make this request only by my own experience in the Foreign Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the annual expenditure of the Passport Office; and what is the total sum received in passport fees?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will issue a comparative statement showing the cost of administering the passport offices, together with the revenues received from fees; and whether he will consider the advisability of negotiating a further relaxation of the passport regulations or, alternatively, reduce the fees charged to the level of cost?

The total coat of the Passport Office establishment in the last completed financial year 1922–23 was £74,639. The total amount received in respect of passport fees was £112,689. These figures show that the receipts were in excess of the cost, but it must be remembered that the amount received in fees is liable to considerable fluctuation from year to year. It is not intended that the Passport Office should be treated as a revenue-producing Department, but I do not consider that it would be safe, until further experience has been gained, to reduce the fee chargeable on the issue of a passport, especially as it is now in contemplation to extend the period of validity of a passport from two years to five years, which will automatically reduce the amounts collected in every 12 months.

Has the right hon. Gentleman included visas as well as passports? He has referred only to passports.

I believe so. I have answered the question which was addressed to me.

In the case of visas which are issued, as occurs sometimes, under the Foreign Office, is there a statement that they cannot accept any responsibility for the personal safety of the person applying for the visa?

The hon. and gallant Member should put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the five-year British passport is to be introduced; and whether he will give an assurance that British nationals are not to be charged a higher fee for the extended period covered by the proposed new passport?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on 26th March. The passport valid for five years will be issued at the present fee of 7s. 6d. But whereas it may be renewed at present for four further periods of two years, making 10 in all, at a fee of 2s. for each renewal, the five year passport will be renewable for a further period not exceeding five years at a fee of 1s. for each year. The total cost of a passport for 10 years will therefore be 12s. 6d., as against the present charge of 15s. 6d.

Can this very welcome change be put into force before the summer holidays?

That is a question to which I have replied before. Certain inquiries have to be made. It is not only we who issue passports but foreign countries also, and it is far better to do this with a complete understanding between all the parties concerned. The matter is being carried on.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he is aware that official receipts, signed by and now in the possession of British officers who were prisoners-of-war in Turkey during the late War, show upon their faces that remittances of money made to these officers from England, through the Red Cross Society at Geneva and the Red Crescent at Constantinople, were in fact continuously paid to their recipients at Constantinople at less than one-quarter of their true exchange value in Turkish money; whether he can say who were the officials responsible for these heavy losses to British prisoners-of-war; what happened to the remaining three-quarters of all the sums in question; and whether, on the production of the necessary documents in any particular case of this kind, he will be prepared to make representations on the subject to the officials and societies concerned?

I have had no information on this matter and am therefore unable to comment upon the incidence of responsibility for any alleged losses or the disposal of undue profits. Upon being furnished with full particulars, I will consider whether representations may be possible or desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information with regard to the proclamation of a Republic in Greece; and whether the new Government has been recognised de jure by His Majesty's Government?

On 24th March, on behalf of the Government, a Motion was submitted to the Assembly whereby the Dynasty was declared to be at an end and Greece constituted a Republic on condition of subsequent ratification by plebiscite. Upon this Motion the Government received a vote of confidence. As, however, the plebiscite has not yet been held, the question of recognition of a new regime has not yet arisen.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is no question of hesitancy about recognising this Government because a Republic has been proclaimed?

There is no question of hesitancy, but hon. Members, looking into the constitutional position dealing with the conditions in which a re-recognition is necessary, will be aware that it is very complicated, and that any reply that is not very carefully considered might be very misleading.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any protest has yet been addressed to the United States Government by His Majesty's Government in regard to the recent declaration of the Inter-State Commerce Commission that preferential rates will be given to American goods shipped in American bottoms; and whether His Majesty's Government intends to take any action with a view to the modification of this decision or to counter its unfavourable effect upon British shipping?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The answer to the second part is that the whole matter is receiving careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the amount of money claimed by the United States from Germany in respect of losses through the sinking of the "Lusitania"?

My latest information is that these claims amounted in November to 22,600,000 dollars.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the Saar is unable at present to maintain a local gendarmerie of sufficient strength to relieve the French garrison, inquiry has been made whether the German Government would be prepared to contribute towards the cost?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affaire what is the cost of the French Army of Occupation of the Saar; whether the cost of a local gendarmerie of sufficient strength to relieve the French garrison would be greater or less; and in either case by how much?

His Majesty's Government have no information regarding the cost to the French Government of the French troops in the Saar. I am, therefore, unable to reply to the latter part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by whom the cost of the French Army of Occupation of the Saar is defrayed?

I am much obliged to the hon. Member for putting this question, as I made a mistake in my statement last week on the subject. The French troops in the Saar are paid by the French Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to give any indication as to the date when Mexico will resume payment upon its Government bonds; and whether any and what steps are being taken to safeguard the interests of British bondholders?

I am afraid I have no information as to the date when Mexico will resume payments upon its Government bonds; in reply to the second; part of the question, the interests of the British bondholders are being borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he will state what proportion of the £5,000,000 Turkish gold which has been ceded by Turkey under the terms of the Treaty of Lausanne will be available for distribution to British claimants under that Treaty; and whether it is expected that the sum available under the Treaty will be sufficient to meet the total amount of British claims;

(2) whether, when the Treaty of Lausanne is under consideration for ratification, he will give full details as to the amount of British claims which come under the Treaty and the arrangements for the assessment of such claims and for the payment of such claims; and whether, if the moneys available under the Treaty are insufficient, he will be prepared to state what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to supplement these moneys in order that claimants may be paid in full the amount of their claims as they may be hereafter assessed?

As the answer is a long one, with the hon. Member's permission, I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Under the terms of the Convention between the British Empire, France, Italy and Japan relative to the Assessment and Reparation of Damage suffered in Turkey by nationals of the Contracting Powers, dated the 23rd November, 1923 (Command Paper 2028), the reparation funds, which include the sum of gold referred to, are to be distributed by an Inter-Allied Commission to the claimants (without distinction of nationality as between subjects of the Contracting Powers) in proportion to the damage suffered by them as assessed by this Inter-Allied Commission. Until the claims with which the Commission is to deal have been put forward and assessed, it is not possible to give particulars as to the amount of British claims nor as to the proportion of the reparation fund which will be paid to British claimants, nor to state whether the sum available will be sufficient to enable claimants to be paid in full. In respect of many of these claims, repayable advances have been or will shortly be made out of the fund of £5,000,000 provided by the British Treasury, which is being dis- tributed in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action; His Majesty's Government do not propose to ask Parliament to vote money for increasing the payments which claimants will receive from the Inter-Allied Commission under the Convention of 23rd November, 1923.

asked the Prime Minister what the Belgium Ruhr receipts are for last year?

As I informed the hon. Member for Windsor (Mr. A. A. Somerville) on the 19th March, the Belgian Government have not made any report to the Reparation Commission on the financial results of their operations in the Ruhr.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Pure Beer Bill in this Session of Parliament?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the strong feeling in barley districts that, if more barley and less science were used in brewing, it might help a depressed industry?

asked the Prime Minister whether, if any form of agreement with the Soviet Government is reached at the forthcoming meetings between the British and Russian delegations, it will be submitted to the House of Commons before any binding engagement is entered into?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for the Drake Division of Plymouth during the Debate on the 12th February, and which I have since repeated in this House twice to precisely the same question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement as to his intentions with reference to the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

If the hon. Member will repeat his question next week my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will be prepared to make a statement as to the policy of the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have now considered the question of reducing or abolishing the fees charged to cadets at the training colleges for officers for the Royal Navy, His Majesty's Army, and the Royal Air Force, and what is the policy of the Government on this question?

I can add nothing as yet to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on Monday last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to say anything next week if I put down a question?

asked the Prime Minister if he can hold out any hope that a County Court Reform Bill will be introduced, with prospects of becoming law, this Session; if he is aware of the hardships suffered owing to the continued delay of this Bill; and is he prepared to allow increases to be granted to County Court officials pending the passing of the Bill?

I quite realise the urgency of this Bill, and the Government hope to obtain a Second Reading immediately after the House meets on its reassembly after the Easter Recess.

asked the Prime Minister whether he would favourably consider the introduction of legislation embodying the principle not of compulsory arbitration, but of compulsory investigation before a strike or lock-out begins, with a view to imposing delay on the parties to the dispute when a stoppage of work appears imminent?

This matter is too important and raises too great issues to be dealt with by means of answers to questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the limited terms of reference to the Committee dealing with the pensions of ex-ranker officers may exclude evidence being presented concerning the treatment of analogous cases in the Navy and special conditions in the Army during the War, and that such cases and conditions were dealt with in the War Office minute on the question which was circulated to the House; and whether, in view of the pledge given in the Debate, he will enlarge the terms of reference so as to include consideration of such evidence?

I cannot agree with some of the statements in this question. When the Committee has reported and there are consequences that have to be faced, the Departments and the House of Commons will have to face them. A prolonged and complicated inquiry will defeat the purposes which Parliament has in mind. Perhaps I may take this opportunity of announcing the constitution of the Committee, which will be as follows:

I do not think I made any statement in my question. I am only asking questions. Could the right hon. Gentleman answer my question, whether there are within the terms of reference the specific things dealt with in the War Office minute?

The reference that has been drafted is a reference which covers the responsibility of the House of Commons. It means that the inquiry can be rapidly finished and the report rapidly presented. If there are consequences of that, by way of extension or anything like that, then it is to be assumed that the principle has been settled.

May I ask whether the terms of reference have regard to the general conditions of service during the War in the Army only? Does that exclude the examination of the analogous cases in the Royal Marines, and does it exclude the analogous cases of the Army temporary commissioned officers, who were given commissions after 1918?

If we get a report settling the principle involved regarding the men whose cases are referred to the Committee, then, if there are analogous cases in the Navy and elsewhere, they undoubtedly must be dealt with; but if they are made the subject of investigation at the same time it means that all sorts of complex considerations must be taken into account and that will only delay the report.

There is no suggestion in these questions that the right hon. Gentleman should consider analogous cases in the Marines or elsewhere; the question is whether the right hon. Gentleman will so enlarge the terms of reference as to include in the examination of these men's cases everything that was submitted in the War Office minute, which, if I may say so without offence, the right hon. Gentleman promised to do in the terms of reference?

The expression "analogous cases" is not mine; it is an expression from the right hon. Member's own question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to receive representations from some of us who have strong views as to the restrictive character of these terms of reference?

The whole point is this: That these terms of reference raise quite clearly a principle. If that principle is settled with reference to those terms of reference, then consequences have to follow, and it is far more businesslike to settle the principle in relation to a well-defined set of cases than to expand the inquiry in such a way that the report will be very much delayed.

Before the right hon. Gentleman finally settles the terms of reference will he receive representations from those who hold a strong view that the terms are too restricted?

Has the right hon. Gentleman not already agreed to the principle of this?

As a matter of fact I have delayed just over a week in attempting to get agreed terms of reference.

By whom?

Not by myself. I handed over my first draft of the terms to the ordinary channels, and I waited and waited and waited, whilst questions were being put to me, and the best agreement that could be come to, I understood, had been put back into my hands. I reported the terms of reference to the House, and upon those terms of reference I invited the three gentlemen whose names I have given to serve on the Committee. I consider the thing, for the time being at any rate, finished.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received any information of the transfer of the State railways in Germany to an independent commercial body?

I understand that the German Government issued a decree on 12th February constituting under the name of the "Deutsche Reichsbahm" an independent commercial enterprise to administer and exploit the railways, which, however, remain the property of the German State. The decree lays down that the new enterprise shall be controlled by the State pending the entry into force of a law which it is proposed to introduce on the subject.

When the right hon. Gentleman refers to the German State, does he mean the Prussian State, or the Bavarian State, or the old State?

I mean the German Reich.

Is it not a fact that these railways were supposed to be reparations, which we were to get from the Germans, and is it not remarkable that they are being handed over to private enterprise?

No; this does not affect that at all.

What is the attitude of the Prime Minister and his Government towards this transfer of a State-controlled, enterprise to private enterprise?

The right hon. Gentleman cannot answer for German policy.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government, both through the Rhineland Commission and the British Embassy, will use its influence to prevent a breakdown in the standard of life of the workers in Germany by the working of increased hours and will point out, as the declared policy of the Government, that it does not desire to obtain reparations at the expense of the sweating of the workers?

The question of the hours of labour in Germany is an internal German affair, in which His Majesty's Government has no locus standi to interfere. Any representations from the Labour Department of the League of Nations would receive the sympathetic attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister if the German Government is floating a gold discount bank in Berlin; and, if so, is it independent of the Reichsbank, and will it issue currency?

I have not seen the final text of the law authorising this bank, but I understand that it is proposed to found a private discount bank entirely independent of the Government but under the control of the Reichsbank. The bank will be authorised to issue currency.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state, approximately, the date or dates on which the Scottish Estimates will be set down for consideration?

This is a matter entirely for arrangement through the usual channels. The Government do not decide when these Votes are set down.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state the terms of reference of the Royal Commission which is about to be appointed to examine into the question of the National Insurance Acts?

The terms of reference have not yet been finally settled, but my right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to announce them without undue delay.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to introduce legislation dealing with old age pensions?

Legislation will be introduced as soon as possible.

Can the hon. Gentleman give me some more precise and definite date? Most of his replies are in the vein of that which has just been given.

The hon. Member knows the congestion of the programme at the present time, and I am sorry that I cannot name a definite date, but we hope it will be a very early date.

Will it be immediately after Easter, as with the case of another Bill?

Is it not a fact that the congestion of business is due to the obstruction in Standing Committee A?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that many- Scottish Members are compelled by the exigencies of the railway service to break their journeys north; and whether he will, in placing the grant for railway passes before the House, make it (plain that the Government's intention is to issue passes free from any restrictions?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the proposal to equalise the position of all Members of Parliament by providing them with free travelling passes between Westminster and their constituencies, in addition to their present salaries, he will consider, as an alternative proposal, the provision of such travelling passes by an all-round equal reduction of the present salaries by such an amount as is necessary to provide the fund for the payment of the same?

I am waiting for an indication of opinion from the House on this matter.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not observe that the question seeks for an indication of the view of the Government on this matter?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it very improper that this House should vote itself a rise in salaries when everybody else has had to retrench?

As I indicated when I gave the information the other day about costs, if any approach was made to the Government we would consider it. I understand that this is in hand.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the suggestion of additional facilities being given to Members of this House, he will make inquiries as to, and inform this House of, the various facilities and privileges afforded to members of the legislative Chambers in the other self-governing units of the British Empire?

Considerable delay might be involved in obtaining this information from official sources. I understand, however, that certan information on the subject obtained unofficially is in the possession of the Empire Parliamentary Association and is available to Members in the office of that Association.

Is it not the fact that the Members of this House have fewer facilities and personal advantages than the Members of any other Chamber in the English-speaking world; and is not this a claim which we should take pride in sustaining?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government propose to set up machinery whereby appeals may be made against the awards of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action?

The answer is in the negative. The Commiesion's awards must be treated as final.

Are we to understand that these people have no means whatever of appealing or of putting their case before the Department or some tribunal?

As the hon. Member knows, this duty is entrusted to a Royal Commission which went into all the facts. I do not see that there could be any appeal from the very careful judgment which the Commission has given.

Is it not the fact that it is not the Royal Commission which has to take the responsibility, but His Majesty's Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will ascertain if any political organisations have been allotted space at the British Empire Exhibition; and, if so, whether he will represent to the board of the exhibition the undesirability of this enterprise being exploited for any form of political propaganda, with a view to the exhibition being kept free from any element of political controversy?

I am informed that the only known instances of organisations which may be regarded as having a political or quasi-political atmosphere, and have been allotted space at the British Empire Exhibition, are the International Women's Suffrage Alliance, the League of Nations' Union, and the N. W. Free Trade Union. It is understood that these bodies are not there for the purposes of political propaganda, and the Board inform me that it is not their intention to allow the exhibition to be used for the purposes of such propaganda.

What control have the Government over the allocation of space?

None whatever.

asked the Prime Minister whether, for the reorganisation of industry, he intends to establish a Department having men with a knowledge of the practical requirements to guide present and help establishing new industries; and what steps he intends to take to compel owners of industries using antiquated methods to bring their methods of production up to date?

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that there are existing Departments already organised with a view to assisting commerce and industry in various ways to the fullest extent practicable, and I do not think that any extension of these activities on the lines suggested is likely to be advantageous.

Where are these Departments? I tried four, and discovered that there was nobody in any of them.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will consider the introduction, at an early date, of legislation to amend the Food and Drugs Act, so as to prevent large quatities of Dutch cheese made from partially-skimmed milk being sold retail as Cheshire cheese, without the fact being disclosed that a part of the food value has been removed?

I am not satisfied (hat fresh legislation is required. There have been several convictions under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act against retailers who have sold as Cheshire, cheese made from partially-skimmed milk, and my Department is in communication with a number of local authorities with a view to stricter enforcement of the existing law.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is great dissatisfaction among the Cheshire farmers on this point and great feeling is being caused; and will he treat the matter as urgent?

I am advised as to that, and special inquiries are being made.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of smallholders in the administrative county of Warwick, the average size of each holding, and the number of applicants for holdings who are unable to secure land?

The number of smallholders in Warwickshire provided with land under the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts, 1908–19, and still in o cupation is 372, the average size of the holdings being 16 acres. 255 ex-service men who applied before the 1st December, 1920, and therefore receive preference over civilians under the land settlement scheme, and 108 civilians have been approved and are awaiting land. The county council reports, however, that it is almost certain that a considerable-number of these applicants do not now require land.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that a firm of English agricultural produce merchants purchased a consignment of immune seed potatoes in March last from a firm of Scottish merchants, with a certificate from the Scottish Board of Agriculture that they were true to type, and sold them to a number of farmers; that when the crop was raised in September last the potatoes were found to be badly infected with wart disease and were, in fact, as to 40 per cent. Northern Star, a non-immune variety; that the Ministry of Agriculture were immediately informed of the above facts, but up to the present has taken no action; and what steps he proposes to take to protect English farmers from false certificates, and to make good to this particular firm the heavy loss they have sustained?

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

Following is the reply:

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is substantially in the affirmative. I am informed that the Board of Agriculture for Scotland are satisfied as to the purity of the crop which they certified, and the result stated in the second part of the question was presumably due to the use of other seed. With regard to the third part, as soon as the alleged offence was brought to the notice of the Ministry, inquiries were at once instituted, and a Report sent to the Scottish Board, the Department responsible, who had insufficient time, however, to prepare for a prosecution within the statutory limit of six months from the date of the transaction. As regards the last part of the question, it is clearly impossible to secure that no misuse is made of certificates issued in respect of an article such as potatoes. The question of any loss that may have been incurred is a matter, if necessary, for civil proceedings by the parties concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will issue an Order requiring that non-infected imported cattle shall on arrival at a farm be isolated as far as possible on land in the centre of the holding upon which they are brought, and that, in the event of the occupier having an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease amongst such cattle within 14 days of arrival at the farm, the occupier shall receive only one-half the value of such cattle as may be slaughtered?

The Ministry has attempted to secure the isolation of newly imported stores on the farms to which they were brought, but on most farms the accommodation rendered this impossible. I regret, therefore, that I cannot adopt the suggestion as to isolation, or that contained in the second part which I am advised would require legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the continuous outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and the loss inflicted on the agricultural community and the country at large, he will issue an Order that no live stock be permitted to leave any farm or traverse any public road for a period of three weeks, it being provided that cattle, sheep, and pigs may be slaughtered on the farm for conveyance as carcases to local markets or shops, unless at the date of the. Order any farm is in a prohibited area, in which case the ordinary Regulations will remain in force, and providing that this Order shall in no way affect the importation of live cattle to be slaughtered at the ports of arrival, and that in the case of the issue of such an Order, during the standstill of three weeks, every market and every railway wagon or other conveyance shall be completely disinfected in such a manner as shall be ordered by him?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the Noble Lord the Member for Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck) on the 24th instant, to which I have nothing to add.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman, if he does find it necessary to issue some standstill Order, will take steps to give ample notice to all the interests concerned?

Yes, Sir, I am sure that long notice would be necessary.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) if he is aware that, owing to the variations resulting from the valuation of condemned animals in the foot-and-mouth area in Cheshire, the whole market value of cows is based on inflated values; and whether he will consider officially inquiring into the whole system of these valuations in the county so as to reach some fair and agreed-on basis as between different dairy farm owners;

(2) if, in view of the criticisms among various farmers in 'Cheshire, he will revise the prices of animals slaughtered in connection with the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, with the object of bringing up the earlier valuations to an equitable basis of value as compared with all later valuations, seeing that the October average of value of each animal slaughtered was £25 per cow, whereas in January it was £40, and that owing to this increased valuation, which substantially fixes the prices for the district, it is impossible for farmers paid on the earlier valuation to re-stock their farms on adequate lines?

I fully sympathise with the difficulties of Cheshire farmers owing to the abnormal number of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in that county, but regret that, as regards the question of valuations, I can add nothing to the reply given to the hon. Baronet on the 13th instant.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received any information showing that foot-and-mouth disease has been spread owing to lack of proper disinfection of the clothing, etc., of persons employed in tending diseased animals; whether he considers that his Department possesses sufficient powers to enforce such disinfection; and, if not, whether he will apply to this House to grant him the necessary powers?

Very little definite evidence is available which would indicate that the spread of the disease can be prevented by the general use of disinfectants, but, as far as the Ministry can ensure it, all persons coming into contact with diseased stock are disinfected as regards their clothing and boots. The Ministry and the local authorities possess all the necessary powers to deal with the matter, but the damage may sometimes be done before disease is suspected by an owner or his attendants.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Wombwell Valley Farm, Fulbourne, Cambridge, took place; if there has been any extension of the disease; how many animals are affected and of what kind; and to what cause the outbreak is attributed?

Foot-and-mouth disease was reported at Valley Farm, Fulbourne, on the 28th February, and confirmed on the following day. The total stock on the premises was 13 cattle, 37 pigs, and 136 sheep, of which three cattle were affected. Thirteen cattle and two pigs were slaughtered as being either diseased or immediate contacts. On the 25th March, disease was discovered among the sheep, 25 being affected, and 136 sheep and 35 pigs have been slaughtered. The origin of the outbreak has not been definitely ascertained, but it is possible that infection was due to a purchase on the 18th February of cattle which had been in Northampton market a few days earlier.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease there have been during the last week?

There have been 36 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease during the week ending Sunday, the 30th March.

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department taking any further steps, beyond those they have already taken, to deal with this outbreak, which is still raging?

I can mention one. We are in special communication with the railway companies, and we are arranging for very special inspection of railway trucks.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that so long as the Ministry refuses to put into force a stand-still Order, this disease will never be stopped?

The possibility of a stand-still Order is under consideration, but there is very grave opposition.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether an outbreak has been confirmed in Somerset over the week-end?

May I ask whether the same does not apply to Cambridgeshire and the borders of Suffolk?

I am afraid I have no information as to outbreaks in the last few days in those counties.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers of the Ordnance Survey have been conducting operations over farms in which foot-and-mouth disease has broken out?

Yes, Sir; I have inquired into that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that a truck of perishable farm produce despatched from Ormskirk at noon on 11th March, did not arrive in London till 11.35 a.m. on 15th March, when it was condemned by the market inspector; that this is not an isolated case of unwarrantable delay on the part of railway companies in dealing with perishable produce; and will he make representations to the companies with a view to avoiding such incidents in future?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed by the railway company that the delay in this case was entirely due to the disorganised services consequent on a partial strike of carmen and shed staff at the company's London stations. I am further informed that the question of liability is receiving attention, and that the claimant will be communicated with by the railway company in due course.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the reasons which actuated his Department in deciding to stop the experiments in the production of lactose; and whether, having regard to the import ance of the problem and to the reported success of Governments elsewhere, he will reconsider the decision?

This question is being again considered, and I hope it may be possible to continue experiments at the Ministry's lactose factory.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to consult with the Post master-General with a view to obtaining extended telephone facilities in rural areas with reduced charges, so- that the system may become a factor of real service to agricultural communities?

Special facilities are already offered to farmers and others for the co-operative use of party-line telephones in rural districts. I am sending the hon. Member a leaflet on the subject. I understand that the General Post Office is also working in conjuction with the Railway Groups for the improvement of the telephone system at rural railway stations, where this can be effected on an economic basis. I would add that my Department is already in consultation with the General Post Office with regard to the question of rural telephone facilities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not make representations to the Postmaster-General to reduce the minimum number of subscribers from right to six?