asked the Under Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that on the 25th February, 1924, Mr. P. S. R. Anjaneyulu, for the Navayuga publishing house, wrote to the Director-General of Telegraphs and Posts complaining of the delay in the delivery of foreign mails addressed to that firm and also complaining of the censorship thus imposed, which the firm states has inflicted monetary loss upon them; that the papers thus delayed, censored, or undelivered include the following, amongst many others: the "Crusader," the "Unity," the "Nation," the "Daily Herald," the "Saturday Herald," the "Manchester Guardian Weekly," the "Living Age," the "Freeman," the "New Russia," the "Outlook," the "New Majority," and the "Islamic Review"; and if he will take steps to put an end to either the examination or censorship of newspapers in India?

My Noble Friend has written to make inquiries regarding the alleged examination of the mails of the person named, and will let my hon. Friend have the reply as soon as it is received.

Is it a fact, as stated, that these papers are not allowed to go through?

I have said there is no censorship.

Will the hon. Gentleman suggest to these publishing houses that if they import really respectable papers, such as the "Morning Post"—

Will the hon. Gentleman see to it that the discretion of the Government of India in prohibiting the entry of papers into India is not put a stop to in any way?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that duty at the rate of 15 per cent. is levied upon cakes and puddings consigned from England to members of His Majesty's forces stationed in India, and a duty of 75 per cent. is levied upon cigarettes; that the imposition of these taxes constitutes a great hardship; and whether something can be done to secure some relief from these duties?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The ordinary duties are levied on goods consigned to members of His Majesty's Forces stationed in India, and the Government of India see no reason to change this practice.

Could not the hon. Gentleman again refer the matter to the Government of India to see whether this small concession to our forces, who very often serve under hard conditions on the frontier, could not be made?

The question has been referred to them several times.

How is it a hardship to the people in India unless the consumer pays the tax?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received the reply from the Government of India as to the treatment of Lieutenant Clendinning?

The reply has been received from the Government of India, and is being communicated to the War Office.

asked the Under-Secretary for State for India if he will give the House any further information regarding the outbreak of plague in the Punjab?

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the reply, which is somewhat long, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Are the conditions better or worse?

They are rather better.

Following is the reply:

The Government of India have reported that 11 districts out of the 29 in the Punjab are infected, and that the mortality from the 1st January to the end of March is estimated at 38,000, including 25,000 deaths in March. Figures for the first two weeks of April have not yet been received, but in the week ending 19th April there were 12,393 deaths. The epidemic is less severe than in 1902, 1904, 1905, 1907 and 1915, but has assumed alarming proportions. The measures taken are chiefly directed towards inoculation and disinfection. Funds have been provided for additional staff in each infected district and for the adequate supply of plague vaccine. A vigorous inoculation campaign has been undertaken and resulted in 30,000 inoculations weekly for a considerable period. The total number of inoculations to the 19th April was over 236,000, which is a greater number than in any previous year since 1903. Conditions will favour a decline of the epidemic in the present month. A decline had set in in the Southern Punjab by the middle of April.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that political prisoners in the Benares Gaol, United Provinces, are asked to work a mill for extracting mustard oil, and that they are blind folded while yoked to these mills; whether any protest against such treat- ment was made in India; and what orders have been passed, if any, on such protests?

I have no information as to the particular case referred to, but the whole question of the treatment of prisoners included in what is known as the Special Division was very fully considered last year by the Governments in India and the Secretary of State in the light of the Indian Gaols Committee Report, and if the prisoners in question came under the above category, they are no doubt being treated in accordance with the principles laid down.

Will my hon. Friend make inquiries as to whether the facts are as stated in the question?

Yes. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that the recent changes in the Legislative Rules of the Government of India were under contemplation and were being discussed with the India Office for the last two years, he will say whether any attempt was made to consult the wishes of the Indian Legislative Assembly during that period regarding the changes proposed; whether the Standing Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament was consulted about the contemplated changes; whether the decision was taken as a result of the changed personnel of the Indian Legislative Assembly; and whether he will consider the desirability of getting the views of the Indian Legislature before any further changes in the Rules are made?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the negative. As regards the fourth part, the Indian Legislature is expressly debarred by Statute from power to alter these Rules, but the desirability of consulting that body before changes are made in these and other Statutory Rules is always considered when the proposed change could suitably be made the subject of such consultation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the financial connection between the Government of India and the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, he is in a position to give any information as to the victimisation of union men at the Matunga workshops?

I have no knowledge of any such victimisation. If my hon. Friend can refer to a particular case, my Noble Friend will be prepared to have an inquiry made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received any complaints as to the standard of education provided in the military schools in India; whether he is aware that a large number of parents prefer to send their children to outside schools; and whether he will have inquiries made into this matter?

I am not aware of dissatisfaction on this matter, but if the hon. Member will supply me with any more specific information, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Indian servants of the Government of India are debarred from bringing their grievances to the notice of non-official members, whether of the Central or Provincial Legislatures, apart from such things as may be covered by the Official Secrets Act; and whether the Government of the United Provinces have taken any steps on the Resolution regarding this matter, which was passed by the United Provinces Council on 27th February last?

The Secretary of State for India is not aware of any rule prohibiting any servant of the Government of India from bringing his grievances to the notice of non-official members of the Central or Provincial Legislatures, provided that in so doing he does not infringe Rule 17 of the Government Servants' Conduct Rules which prohibit communication to nonofficial persons without authority of documents or information which have come into his possession in the course of his official duties. With regard to the second part of the question I have no information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Lalitpur municipality, in Northern India, has recently refused to give any concessions to an American on the ground that the United States of America has refused to naturalise a Hindu who had gone there; whether the Secretary of State has any information about the reasons given by the United States for discriminating against Indians; whether any steps have been taken to get this discriminating treatment rectified; and whether any representations have been received from the Government of India about this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The refusal of the United States Government to naturalise Indians is due to a ruling of the Supreme Court that Indians are ineligible for United States citizenship. Representations have been made by His Majesty's Government, to the Government of the United States with a view to alleviating hardships resulting from this ruling. The Government of India and the Secretary of State have been in correspondence on this subject, and the Government of India have expressed their appreciation of the action taken by His Majesty's Government.

Can the hon. Gentleman see his way to get these facts published in India, where there is much bitterness in regard to these American exclusions?

I will see what can be done.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the undertakings with regard to the liquor traffic in the mandated territories, as laid down in Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, are being applied to His Majesty's tropical Colonies in Africa, or whether they are only being curried out in the mandated territories?

Article 22 of the Covenant deals only with mandated territories, but the Regulations dealing with the importation of spirits into the British Colonies and Protectorates in Tropical Africa are the same as those in force in the mandated territories, all being subject to the provisions of the Liquor Traffic Convention of St. Germain.

Are we to understand that in no way is the treatment of the tropical Dependencies in this matter any less stringent than in the case of the mandated territories?

The Regulations dealing with them are precisely the same.

Seeing that the Covenant of the League of Nations lays down prohibition in mandated territories, how is it that the policy is not carried out in the other territories which, according to the Colonial Secretary, are under the same Regulations?

If the right hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper, I will deal with it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the trouble to read Article 22 of the Covenant, which is explicit on the subject?

Is it not a fact that Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations lays down that there shall only be prohibition of the abuses of the liquor traffic and not prohibition of the liquor traffic itself?

That is not the point raised in the question.

On the personal question, may I explain at the end of questions?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps the Government propose to take to put Article 12 of the Irish Treaty into operation?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the necessary steps to be taken by the Government to give effect to the letter and spirit of Article 12 of the agreement for a Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland; and when it is proposed to take such steps?

The Irish Free State Government having requested His Majesty's Government to constitute the Boundary Commission and having appointed Mr. John McNeill as their Commissioner, His Majesty's Government have requested the Governor of Northern Ireland to make a similar appointment. Steps are being taken to appoint a qualified person as Chairman.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge of any informal negotiations between the Government of Northern Ireland and the Government of the Free State in order to settle this very difficult question? Is there any hope that negotiations are going on?

Has any reply, so far, been forthcoming from the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland?

I have nothing to add to what I have already said.

Have His Majesty's Government taken any steps to define the limits of inquiry in the arbitration proposed?

Do the Government adhere to what has been laid down by the three previous Governments, that under no circumstances territory can be taken from Ulster without Ulster's consent?

His Majesty's Government have announced that they will give effect to Article 12 of the Treaty. I have nothing to add to that.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree to the interpretation of this Clause in the Treaty, as set forth by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George), when the Treaty was going through the House of Commons?

It is not our duty to interpret Clause 12, but to give effect to it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied with the progress made by the tribunal set up in June, 1920, under the Treaty of Trianon to deal with Hungarian debts due to British claimants; whether he will have inquiry made as to the delays caused by the action of the Hungarian representative; and whether he is aware that the absence of a Hungarian courier has been made the excuse for the delay of six weeks in the despatch of documents to Budapest?

I have been asked to reply. The Anglo-Hungarian Mixed Arbitral Tribunal was formally constituted in August, 1921, shortly after the ratification of the Treaty of Trianon, and not, as stated by the hon. Member, in June, 1920. No cases were ready for hearing till July, 1923, when the tribunal met and disposed of all cases then ready. This tribunal has made such satisfactory progress with the work entrusted to it, that at the end of its last sitting (23rd January, 1924) it had disposed of all the cases that were ripe for trial. At the present moment only six cases are ready for hearing. I am not aware of any instances of delay of the kind referred to in the question, but if the hon. Member will kindly furnish particulars of the case cited in the last part of the question, I will have inquiries made.

Who is the controlling authority to see that the provisions of the Treaty are carried out in regard to the tribunal?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is willing to grant a return, to the latest convenient date, showing, separately, the total payments made by Germany on account of reparation, restitution, armies of occupation, clearing house operations, commissions of control, and any other special payments, including those under Articles 58, 124 and 125 of the treaty?

I have been asked to reply. I agree that a return in this form would be valuable, but His Majesty's Government is not in possession of the full information required to compile it. I am, however, taking steps to inquire whether the Reparation Commission, which, though not directly concerned with the payments under certain of the heads named has close relations with all the Allied Governments, could see its way to undertake the preparation and publication of a statement on these lines.

If information is not available in regard to all nations concerned, will the Financial Secretary give an answer so far as it affects this country?

It is a little difficult to say offhand, but if the House will await the steps we are going to take, I think very full information will be forthcoming.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give attention to Article 297?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in possession of further information with regard to the proposed action of the Norwegian Government to compel all trawlers calling at Trömsoe to pay pilotage dues; what action he has been able to take in the matter; and if he is aware that foreign trawlers calling at British ports or passing through British waters do not suffer a similar compulsion?

His Majesty's Minister at Christiania is discussing this matter with the Norwegian Government and I would prefer to make no statement until I have received his report, which is expected shortly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let me know when the report has been received?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who are the British representatives on the League of Nations extra sub-committee of the Temporary Mixed Commission for Disarmament now meeting at Prague; and what are the instructions of His Majesty's Government to its delegates on the question of the private manufacture and traffic in arms and munitions of war?

There is no representative of this country on the sub-committee referred to. No question of instructions would in any case arise since the members of the Temporary Mixed Commission and consequently of its sub-committee do not represent their respective Governments, but act in a purely individual capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if there has been any, and, if so, what, change in the method by which the Foreign Office is recruited; and from what date the change, if any, dates?

Since July, 1907—with the exception of the War period when no examinations were held, and the period 1919 to 1922 when special arrangements were made under the Reconstruction Regulations for admission, after passing a qualifying examination and appearing before a Board of Selection, of candidates with war service—the examination for the Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service has been held concurrently with the examination for the administrative class of the home Civil Service, Indian Civil Service, Eastern cadetships and the Colonial Services. It is identical with that examination except in so far as a high standard of qualification in certain modern languages is required from candidates for the Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service. Candidates for the Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service are required to appear, previously, before a Board of Selection whose function it is to decide which candidates possess suitable qualifications. In 1919 the property qualification formerly required of candidates for the Diplomatic Service was abolished, in accordance with the recommendations of the Report of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service of 1914.

Will the Prime Minister say what he meant when he stated during the Recess that some change had been made since the accession to office of his Government in the recruitment for the Foreign Office?

The hon. and gallant Member has misread my speech I said that changes had been made to which we had previously taken exception, and those changes are embodied in the answer I have given.

Is it not a fact that the administration of the British Foreign Office is the admiration and envy of every foreign nation?

Has the property qualification for candidates been abolished, and, if so, is the salary now paid adequate?

That question is answered in the last paragraph of my reply. It has been revoked, and salaries have been adjusted accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any authentic information from our Consul-General in Kashgar or from other sources with regard to the revolt in Turkestan led by General Sytcheff; and what steps he proposes to take, in view of the allegations in the Russian Press stating that the revolt in Afghanistan has been inspired by the English?

In reply to the first part of the question, His Majesty's Government have no official information regarding the details of this revolt. In reply to the second part of the question, I take this opportunity of stating that the allegations stated to be made by the Russian Press to which the hon. and gallant Member refers are entirely fantastic and devoid of all foundation. His Majesty's Government do not propose to take any further action in the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to bring forward any further proposals for legislation relating to evictions or rent restrictions?

The Government have not, since a majority of the House declined to allow their proposals to go to a Committee, decided to bring in any further proposals for legislation relating to eviction or rent restriction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Bill has been under consideration for a considerable time in Committee upstairs, and that the hon. Member has adopted one of the most unscrupulous forms of opposition?

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the private Member's Bill, the Distressed Tenants Bill, and can he say whether the Government have come to any decision in regard to it?

We have not up to the present moment come to any decision in regard to that Bill.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce legislation dealing with old age pensions?

As soon as the details of this Bill have been finally settled it will be introduced at the first opportunity.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any approximate date when this long-delayed Measure will be brought forward?

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make any concession retrospective in regard to old age pensions?

Perhaps the House will wait for the introduction of the Bill before we give any details.

asked the Prime Minister the approximate amount of wool imported to Great Britain from Australia in the last six months; and how-does this compare with the six months of the previous period?

I have been asked to reply. The quantity of raw wool registered as imported into the United Kingdom, consigned from Australia, during the six months ended March, 1924, was 1,096,493 centals of 100 pounds. During the six months ended March, 1923, the quantity so imported was 2,143,496 centals.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the delay in the export of wool from Australia to this country has been caused by the monetary situation between London and Melbourne?

I cannot say without notice; but the difference in the figures I have given is really due to the fact that last June we received the last consignment of the stocks held up to be disposed of by the Wool Realisation Committee.

Has the hon. Gentleman looked into the question of the monetary situation between here and Melbourne?

I have not, but I should be very glad to do so.

Is it not a fact that it was held up through the shortage in the exchange between the two countries, and should not the President of the Board of Trade or the Parliamentary Secretary look into the matter?

I will certainly look into it, and into any point which the hon. Member brings to my notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet Committee upon the shipbuilding programme for the Royal Navy has as yet completed its labours; and whether any statement can yet be made upon it?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Does the right hon Gentleman expect to be able to make a statement on Thursday, or at an early date?

I hope the Noble Lord does not minimise the great importance of this matter, and the necessity of a very thorough investigation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this question will be discussed on the Navy Votes on Thursday?

No.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the resolution agreed to by this House, without a Division, on 1st April last on the subject of the present system or taxation of mechanically-propelled vehicles, he will undertake that the Government, without waiting for the long-delayed Report of the Departmental Committee of the Ministry of Transport, shall, at the earliest opportunity, introduce a Bill in accordance with the terms of that recommendation, so that the new-system may come into operation on the 1st of January, 1925?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am not in a position to express any opinion on the subject until I receive, and have had an opportunity of considering, the Report of the Departmental Committee, which, as I have already stated, I expect in June.

As the hon. Gentleman is aware that it is the general wish of this House that there should be this change in the basis of taxation from horse power to petrol will he not take steps to carry out the wishes of this House, as otherwise nothing can be done until January, 1926?

I do not think that it would be right to do anything until I get the Report and see what is said.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a glut of motor cars in the United States, that the output cannot be absorbed in that country, and that arrangements are in course of preparation for dumping the surplus stock in this country as soon as the McKenna Duties expire; and whether he proposes taking any steps, and, if so, what, to prevent the resultant closing down of the motor works in this country and the consequent unemployment?

I am informed that there is no evidence that there is a glut of motor cars in the United States of America, and that although the entire output is not normally absorbed in that country, by far the greater portion is so absorbed, and there are no indications of any preparations for the dumping of surplus stocks in the United Kingdom.

Has the hon Gentleman not read the newspapers at all lately?

Perhaps a suitable reply to the hon. Gentleman is to recall that in 1923 the United States produced 4,000,000 vehicles, of which 96 per cent. were absorbed locally and only 4 per cent. were sent to the rest of the world.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries by telegram?

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the Goodrich Tyre Company are setting up works in this country, which does not indicate any dumping?

The hon. Member is giving information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the grave apprehension which the proposed repeal of the McKenna Duties is causing to those in the industries affected, he can see his way to agree to give a day in the immediate future for a discussion on this subject?

Perhaps the hon. Member will await the statement which the Lord Privy Seal will make after Questions to-day.

In view of the widespread fear of unemployment throughout the country, will the hon. Gentleman agree to receive a deputation of working men from the industries affected?

I cannot at the moment make any statement about deputations or anything else, because my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal, in a minute or two, will make a statement on the general question, and I think it will be better to dispose of that first. Then I will take that point into consideration.

Will the hon. Gentleman immediately make that suggestion to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the amounts outstanding in respect of Income Tax, Super-tax, and Excess Profits Duty on the 31st March; and what were the similar figures for 31st March, 1923?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply (of which I am sending him a copy) given by my right hon. Friend on the 15th April to a question by the hon. Member for Bradford South (Mr. H. H. Spencer). The corresponding arrear of Excess Profits Duty (and Munitions Levy) at 31st March, 1923, was £210,000,000.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the growing concern amongst all sections of the community at the increasing practice of organising meetings for political propaganda on Sundays; and whether His Majesty's Government proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have received no representations which would tend to confirm the statement in the first part of the hon. Member's question: the second part, therefore, does not arise.

May we have an assurance from the Prime Minister that he has no intention of imposing upon the English people the dreadful Scottish Sunday?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Sunday meetings throw extra work upon the newspaper workers?

Are we to take it that the Prime Minister's statement as to the Scottish Sabbath to the Free Church Council was purely academic?

asked the Prime Minister if the Government propose to consult the leaders of the other two parties before any agreement is concluded with the Russian delegation?

The usual procedure in making such agreements will be followed.

asked the Prime Minister whether, now that the House has met after the Easter Recess, he can make a definite statement as to when he proposes to take the Second Reading of the County Courts Bill?

The Government hope to be able to take the Second Reading of this Bill one day next week.

Will the Government give facilities for the passage of this Bill this Session?

it is a Government Bill.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to introduce the Bill amending the Pensions Increase Act, 1920?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Lord Privy Heal on Thursday last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Penny).

asked the Prime Minister if any further steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government with a view to the recognition of the Government of Mexico?

Sir T. B. Hohler has been appointed to proceed on a special mission to Mexico to investigate and report on the general political situation in that country.

When will Sir T. B. Hohler resume his post?

Sir T. B. Hohler at the moment has gone to Mexico on a special mission to report on special circumstances.

Will he resume his post when he returns from Mexico?

I will just wait and see.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there has been introduced into the Gold Coast Colony, under the sole authority of the Executive Council and without any reference to the Legislative Council, an ordinance requiring (under severe pains and penalties for default) all European employers to obtain a licence to employ, and all domestic servants a licence to engage with, Europeans; that this ordinance requires photographs of each employé to be affixed to the licence, coupled with the thumb and finger prints of both hands; that, after having paid the licence fee, the applicant is further required to forward at his own expense two copies to the criminal investigation department; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

The hon. Member no doubt refers to certain rules which have recently been passed by the Governor-in-Council of the Gold Coast under the powers conferred by the Regulation of Employment Ordinance of the Legislature of the Colony. I may explain that the consent of the Legislative Council for such action is not necessary in cases where the Governor-in-Council is empowered under an Ordinance to issue rules and regulations. The provisions of the Rules are undoubtedly of a stringent character, and I propose to ask the Governor to explain the special circumstances which are considered to render them necessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that these rules will not be put into force until he has had an explanation?

Obviously my object in asking for the special reasons is to satisfy myself before the rules are sanctioned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much of the land of Northern Rhodesia has been alienated to white and Indian immigrants, respectively; whether these alienations have been under freehold or leasehold title; and whether leases are subject to periodic review and adjustment?

I have not at present sufficient information to enable me to answer this question, but I will obtain a report on the subject from the Governor of Northern Rhodesia?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the observations of the Governor of Kenya Colony have been received upon the Report of the Kenya Land Tenure Commission; and whether His Majesty's Government is now able to adopt the recommendations of this Commission?

A despatch has been received dealing with some of the points covered by the Report, but other despatches are still on the way. Until I have received and considered them, I regret that I can make no statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state whether the investigation into the position of the Masai tribes in Kenya Colony, promised by the Secretary of State for the Colonies on 9th July last, has yet been carried out; whether the whole of the fine of 10,000 head of cattle has been imposed; if not, how many cattle have been taken by the Government; if so, how these cattle have been disposed of by the Kenya Government; and what are the total proceeds received from the sale of the cattle constituting this fine?

The investigation has been delayed through ths absence on leave of the officer in charge of the Masai Reserve and the ill-health of an unofficial member with long and close experience of the tribe. I regret the delay and I have given instructions for the inquiry to be speeded up. The fine levied amounted to 9,915 head of cattle, sheep and donkeys, of which 4,047 were returned to the Masai. The stock on hand were sold for £4,326, and, after allowing for compensation and other expenditure in connection with the disturbances, a balance of £2,509 remained, which will be partly deposited in the Native Trust Fund and partly spent on works of benefit to the Masai.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received a copy of the Bill which it is proposed to pass in Singapore governing the control of the maisons tolérées in that dependency; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to take any action with regard to this Bill?

Yes, I have recently received a copy of the draft Bill, but am not yet in a position to say what action it is proposed to take with regard to it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the output of phosphate at Nauru and Ocean Island in the period of 3½ years since these deposits came under Government control on the 1st July, 1920, to the 31st December, 1923; and to what countries, and in what quantities, was this output distributed?

1,253,280 tons, distributed to United Kingdom 32,300 tons; to Australia 794,570 tons; to New Zealand 126,800 tons; and to other countries 299,610 tons. The corresponding percentages are 3, 63, 10, and 24, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how long it is since the last shipment of Nauru or Ocean Island phosphate was made to the United Kingdom; and for what reason has so small a proportion of the output been shipped to the United Kingdom?

The last shipment to the United Kingdom was made on 11th November, 1921. The main factor in determining the amount shipped has presumably been the price.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reduction has there been in the f.o.b. price of Nauru/Ocean Island phosphate since the last shipment was made to the United Kingdom; what approximate reduction has there been in the present c.i.f. price compared with the last c.i.f. price paid; and how does the present approximate c.i.f. price of Nauru/Ocean Island phosphate in the United Kingdom compare with its pre-War c.i.f. price?

I am informed that the present f.o.b. price of Nauru/Ocean Island phosphate is about 15s. a ton below that at which the last cargo was shipped to the United Kingdom. The present approximate c.i.f. price in the United Kingdom is about 42s. below that of the last shipment. The present approximate c.i.f. price in the United Kingdom is about 3s. above the pre-War price.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman give us only the approximate price instead of the actual price?

Because these are approximate figures.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that on 2nd April the Prime Minister of Canada stated to the Canadian House of Commons that Canada had not been invited to send representatives to the Lausanne Conference; that in the same statement Mr. Mackenzie King contrasted the procedure adopted at the Lausanne Conference with that previously adopted at the Paris and Washington Conferences; and that the Canadian Government informed the British Government in a despatch, dated 31st December, 1922, that in view of this difference of procedure Canada could not be expected to append her signature to any instruments negotiated at Lausanne; and whether, in view of Mr. King's further statement that Canada would make no objection to the publication of the correspondence, he will under- take to lay it upon the Table of this House?

I have read the statement made by the Prime Minister of Canada, in the Canadian House of Commons on 2nd April. I understand that, on 24th April, he stated in answer to a question that he thought that he would be in a position later on to make a further statement. As regards the publication of papers, I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on 9th April.

In view of the difficulty which there is in reconciling statements in this House and those in the Canadian House of Commons, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that in the interests of the British public and of the British Government papers should be laid?

As I have explained to the hon. and gallant Gentleman, this Government have no objection to laying the papers but, as he is aware, by agreement made at the Imperial Conference, the authority of all the Dominions must be obtained. The authority in this case having been refused the Government have no alternative.

Does that apply to correspondence solely between the Canadian Government and this Government, the Canadian Government having stated that they are willing to publish papers?

No one knows better than the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the Resolution I have referred to enables any one Dominion to object.

In view of the fact that this is a correspondence solely between Great Britain and Canada, can there be any objection to publication, seeing that the Dominion Government are anxious for publication?

As a matter of fact, it is not correspondence solely between Canada and this country. The whole correspondence is with a number of Dominions, and not with Canada alone.

Can the right hon. Gentleman undertake to lay papers containing solely the correspondence between the British Government and the Canadian Government?

I will undertake to submit the proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a Report from the Governor of Jamaica regarding the use of his power to declare a matter of paramount importance in connection with a recent vote of the elected members of the Legislative Council of Jamaica on the salary of the managing director of the Government railway; what has been his reply; and whether he will support the Governor in any action he may take to protect the managing director from the attacks that have been made upon him?

I have received a telegram from the Governor on the subject, but I propose to defer consideration of the matter until I am in receipt of a full Report.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this officer is an officer of wide experience, and may we, therefore, take it that no action will be sanctioned which is prejudicial, without a full and comprehensive inquiry?

Is it true, as reported in to-day's papers, that this official has been given leave?

I think it would be better not to express an opinion until I have had a full Report, but equally, in fairness to the official in question, I should say that all the evidence tends to show that he is a most efficient and capable man, and nothing will be done to prejudice his position until a full Report is received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to introduce a Bill, or Bills, dealing with the Treaty with Iraq and the protocols thereto; when the Bill, or Bills, will be introduced; when the Treaty and protocols will be dealt with by the Assembly in Iraq; and whether approval by the Iraq Assembly will be required prior to the introduction of the Bills in Parliament?

The Treaty and connected documents are now under the consideration of the Iraq Constituent Assembly. I can make no statement at present as to what further action will be taken by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the promised Bill to guarantee the principal and interest of the Irish Free State bonds in connection with the completion of land purchase in the Irish Free State will be introduced; and whether the Bill will require a Resolution in Committee of Ways and Means?

His Majesty's Government are not yet in a position to announce a definite date for the introduction of the Irish Free State Land Purchase Loan (Guarantee) Bill. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that it will not be indefinitely postponed, in view of the importance to a considerable number of people, tenants and landlords, of the speeding-up of the machinery for the completion of land settlement?

It is only fair to say that the Government accept the principle of the Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now supply any further information as regards recent frequent piratical attacks on British ships in Chinese waters, and as to the results of the different steps he has taken in this matter; whether the Hong Kong Government have decided that in the case of death or disablement of British officers through these attacks they will pay certain compensation, but, at the same time, that this provision is not intended to relieve the shipping companies of their responsibilities in the matter; whether the British owners of the vessels concerned have been approached on this matter by the Colonial Office; and whether any information can be given as to what provision of a similar kind they intend to make?

I am awaiting a report, which I have no doubt will deal with the question of compensation. Meanwhile escorts have been arranged for vessels sailing in convoys. As a temporary measure, the General Officer Commanding has been authorised to detail British troops as guards on merchant ships The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been able to do anything with regard to increasing the use of wireless in ships employed in those waters, in view of the increased protection that would thus be given?

The difficulty that has arisen is now being considered in its widest aspects.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he if aware that most of the raw cotton from East Africa is now being bought by Japan; and whether the British taxpayer will be asked to provide further large sums of money for the purpose of benefiting trade which is directly in competition with this country?

There are some Japanese buyers of cotton in Uganda, but no direct shipments are made to Japan. Of the cotton which is consigned to India (rather more than half the total crop) some certainly goes on to Japan, but I should like to know on what figures the hon. Member bases his statement that most of the crop goes to Japan. It is not possible in a country in which, by international convention, there is complete freedom of trade to limit the destination of cotton, nor is it desirable to restrict the grower's freedom to sell his cotton to the best advantage. If foreign users of this type of cotton buy from East Africa, there is more of the same type available for Lancashire from other sources.

With reference to the first part of the question, will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce?

No. We have much more official and reliable information than that can possibly be, and the answer Which I have given is based on it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department when the roads and approaches at the British Empire Exhibition will be in a fit state for pedestrian traffic; when the amusements section will be open; and whether he is aware that a large number of telephone boxes are not yet connected with any exchanges?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Lincoln on 1st May. With regard to telephone boxes, I am informed that out of the 61 provided, 51 are complete and 10 are in course of completion.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the question referred to was not asked, because the hon. Member mentioned was not in his place to ask it? Cannot we now have some information as to what is being done? I have been to Wembley, and I can tell him that the situation is getting worse.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the final Report, of the Agricultural Tribunal of Investigation will be published; and what action he proposes to take in respect to the recommendations contained in the interim Reports of the tribunal?

I am informed that the Agricultural Tribunal hope to present their final Report to the Prime Minister this week. The question of publication will then be considered, but, as I understand that the Report will be a somewhat lengthy document, the hon. Member will appreciate that printing may take some time. With regard to the second part, so far as the recommendations have not been adopted, or rejected by the country at the last General Election, it is my intention to defer taking any further action until they have been considered in conjunction with the forthcoming final Report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the exact position on 1st May with regard to the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in England and Scotland?

The position with regard to foot-and-mouth disease on the 1st May was more satisfactory than on any previous day since the commencement of the outbreak in August last year, 63 outbreaks on separate farms having been confirmed during the month of April, as compared with 215 in March, 308 in February, 582 in January, and 1,252 in December. During April itself there has also been a steady decrease, the number of fresh cases confirmed during the last half of the month being 20 as compared with 43 in the first half. I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the distribution of these 20 cases, together with other statistics relating to outbreaks of the disease.

Does any one of these cases apply to Scotland?

Yes; the cases that have occurred have applied to 11 counties in Scotland in the course of the outbreak.

On the 1st May last were there any indications of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland?