asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what are the actual terms of the charge in the case now being heard at Cawnpore against certain persons accused of sedition; and in what Court the case is being taken?

The accused persons are charged with conspiring to deprive the King of the sovereignty of British India, an offence punishable under Section 121A of the Indian Penal Code. The trial is being held in the Court of Session at Cawnpore. I would like to make it quite clear that the accused persons are not being prosecuted merely for holding Communist views or carrying on Communistic propaganda. They are charged with having conspired to secure by violent revolution the complete separation of India from Imperialistic Britain, and in that endeavour they formed and attempted to make use of a Workers' and Peasants' Association in India.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the subscription list for the defence of these revolutionaries stands in the name of the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury).

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that both prisoners and other persons deny that they are guilty of the offence for which they are being tried, and that many prisoners are not judged guilty until a verdict has been recorded against them? Does not the hon. Gentleman think it is a gross abuse of the privileges of this House to interfere in this way before the trial?

These questions have nothing to do with the matter.

Having regard to the subscriptions by the Communist party, is there any evidence to show that this conspiracy has been engineered from this country?

No.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the inquiry is likely to be concluded?

I understand the trial has already concluded. I expected the verdict on Friday last.

In view of the great importance of this matter, will the hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper, or laying information on the Table, explaining what were the real facts about this very remarkable case?

I will make that suggestion to my Noble Friend.

Will the hon. Member also ask the Secretary of State to publish the whole of the evidence?

I will do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if it is the intention of the Government of India to introduce a Bill into the Indian Assembly during the present year to give effect to the recommendations of the Indian Tariff Committee; and, if so, what will be the approximate date of such introduction?

The Government of India propose to introduce a Bill in the Legislative Assembly about the end of this month on the lines of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Tariff Board regarding the grant of protection to the steel industry.

Will it be possible to communicate to the House the provisions of the Bill, either by putting a copy in the Library or in some other way, in view of the great interest taken in the matter?

I will consider that.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what steps have been taken, or are intended to be taken, to bring before the Legislative Council the serious effect of this tariff on the trade of this country?

I should like to remind my hon. Friend that where the Legislative Council of the Government of India have agreed upon questions affecting tariffs, the Secretary of State makes it a practice not to interfere.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the reports in the Indian Press of the recent riot at Cawnpore when an order was given to the police to fire by an Indian magistrate; and if he can state what steps are being taken by the Government of India to protect these magistrates in the performance of their duty to the public from the attacks made upon them by extremist journals and non-official manifestoes?

I have seen a paragraph on the subject in an English paper published in India. Flagrant cases of sedition and slander are constantly dealt with and effective action can be, and is, taken against the authors. Whether in any particular instance such action is practicable and desirable can best be judged by the authorities immediately concerned. I have no reason to suppose that they neglect this duty.

Can the hon. Gentleman give me any instance where this action has been taken?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can give any information to the House as to the continuance, or otherwise, of Russian Bolshevik propaganda in India?

The Secretary of State has no evidence of any change in the situation in respect of Bolshevik propaganda.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the tremendous amount of money that is being used by the other side in trying to down the principles of Socialism in this country?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is intended to comply with the wish expressed in the Indian Legislative Assembly that the Report of the Lee Commission should be published simultaneously in India and England, and that no Orders thereon should be passed without the Report being discussed in that Assembly?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is intended to comply with the wish expressed in the Indian Legislative Assembly that the Report of the Lee Commission should be published simultaneously in India and England, and that no Orders thereon should be passed without the Report being discussed in that Assembly?

I will answer these questions together. The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that seven young Bengalis were arrested in the Alipore conspiracy case between the 4th and 14th August, 1923, and put on trial on criminal charges involving capital punishment; that this trial took place before a judge and jury, and resulted on 17th April, 1924, in the unanimous verdict of the jury acquitting all seven accused, in which verdict the judge stated he concurred, and that, immediately after the judge had directed that they should be set at liberty, four of them were arrested under Bengal Regulation III, of 1818, and interned without any charge being made against them or any possibility of their insisting on being brought to trial; and whether, in view of the fact that these men have been in custody for eight months on charges of which, after trial, they have been found not guilty, he will give instructions for their immediate release?

I am aware of this matter, and I understand that the facts are stated with substantial accuracy in the question. My Noble Friend is at present awaiting further information from the Government of India, and expects to receive it by an early mail.

Will the Secretary of State also make inquiries into the manner in which confessing prisoners who turned King's evidence were kept in close seclusion for three or four weeks pending their evidence, which was subsequently proved to be police-manufactured and false?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the calculations supplied to him, showing that a married lieutenant ordered to India of over seven years' service loses pay at the rate of £63 per annum and under seven years' service £68 per annum, and that married quartermasters, whose pay

Are we to understand that the Government acquiesces in the invocation of a regulation more than 100 years old in order to deprive British subjects of their immemorial rights to a fair and speedy trial?

My Noble Friend is awaiting further information on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the consolidated monthly rupee allowances now granted to married soldiers serving in India are equal in all respects to those granted at home; and if the calculations supplied to him to the effect that married warrant, non-commissioned officers and men serving in India lose, respectively, £49 14s., £20 12s. 6d., and £16 2s. 6d. per annum have been verified, and with what result?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table, giving a comparison between the pay and allowances of these ranks at home and in India.

Following is the table:

depends on length of service as such, lose by service in India in every grade, have now been verified; and will he state what is the exact disparity between the home and Indian rates of pay in the case of these married lieutenants and quartermasters.

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving a comparison between the pay of these officers at home and in India. I understand that very few lieutenants in this country are in receipt of pay as married officers. The hon. and gallant Member is of course aware that a comparison of this kind without reference to other considerations

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many children are employed in underground work in mines in India, and what

such as the level of prices in the two countries may be misleading.

Is it realised that the cost of living in India has enormously increased?

Allowance has been made for that.

Following is the table promised:

are the minimum and average ages of such children?

The number of children below 12 years of age employed in underground work in mines in British India in 1922—the last year for which figures are available—was 2,554. I cannot state the minimum and average ages of such children. The new Mines Act which comes into force on 1st July next, not only prohibits the employment of children under 13 in mines, but also their presence at all in mines below ground.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the minimum age now in force?

The minimum age now is 12.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any political conversations have taken place between His Majesty's Foreign Office and the Foreign Minister of Rumania during the visit of His Majesty the King of Rumania; if so, what were the subjects discussed; and whether any agreements or understandings have been arrived at?

No formal political conversations were held with M. Duca, and such informal discussion as took place was of an entirely general, and not of a specific character. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received complaints in regard to the confiscation by the United States Customs authorities of books exported to the United States by reputable firms in this country; and whether he has addressed any representations to the United States Government on the subject?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. But if the noble Lord will send me particulars of the case he has in mind I shall consider it.

Supposing unlimited copies are sent to the United States of America, what will happen?

Are hypothetical questions allowed?

asked the Prime Minister who is the executive head of the present Russian Soviet Government from whom the powers of the negotiators at present in London are derived?

I understand that the powers of the Soviet delegation are derived from the President of the Council of the People's Commissaries of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Has the Prime Minister seen the letter in to-day's "Times" from Lord Emmott, in which he states that the triumvirate that now governs Russia is composed of three gentlemen, Stelin, Zinovieff and Kameneff, and does he agree with that statement as being correct?

I do not agree with that statement so far as I am Foreign Secretary, and have to deal with the Russian Government through official channels.

20. To ask the Prime Minister whether his advisers are assured that no political propaganda is being carried on by the Russian representatives who are now in this country?

On a point of Order. Would this question be permitted if it referred to the plenipotentiaries of any other State?

This is a matter, I suppose, which refers to the Trade Agreement that at present exists.

Is not this an attack on the representatives of a friendly Power whom we have recognised? Does it not make reflections upon them? Would it be permitted in the case of any other Power?

I think we had better first have the answer.

Is it in accordance with the practice of this House to permit attacks in the House on foreign diplomats who are here on a friendly mission?

I have often said that no question ought to contain an innuendo. Members often exercise their skill as against my faithful assistants in this matter, and sometimes they may get through the net.

Are you aware, Sir, that the Prime Minister himself anticipated that this delegation might be guilty of "monkey tricks"?

It is impossible that we should allow insinuations of this kind as between our Government and a friendly Government. The Government of Russia has been recognised by His Majesty, and must be treated as any other foreign Government.

In view of the disclosures which have recently come to light both in Canada and in Germany with regard to similar delegations, should not the Government make the most searching inquiries?

The hon. Member is now transgressing the very rule which I have laid down.

On a point of Order. May I not put a question asking whether the Government is taking steps to see that what happened in other countries shall not happen here?

Is it not common knowledge that the existence of political propaganda on the part of Russia has been a cause of dispute between the two countries?

The point is that this delegation, which is negotiating with this country, must be treated in the same way as any other delegation from any other country.

The Soviet delegates are here on a friendly mission, and unless and until definite evidence to the contrary is forthcoming, it is to be presumed that they will abstain from actions which could only stultify the negotiations now pending.

asked the Prime Minister whether before the Whitsuntide Recess he will be able to make a statement on the progress or otherwise of the Anglo-Russian Conference?

The matters under consideration are not only intricate but cover a very wide field, but I intend to make a full statement to the House when the negotiations now proceeding have reached a stage which justifies my reporting to Parliament on them.

Could the right hon. Gentleman not say anything before Whitsuntide?

I do not want to commit myself to a date, but I can assure the Noble Lord that it is not my intention to withhold the Report from the House of Commons any longer than is necessary.

What benefits have accrued from the recognition of Russia up to the present?

Very considerable ones.

What are they?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement as to the arrangements come to on the matters in dispute between the Admiralty and the Air Board on which inquiry has taken place?

Satisfactory progress has been made. The Admiralty, after consultation with the Air Ministry, have issued a Fleet Order calling for volunteers from the Navy for Fleet air work in which the conditions of service are set forth. Conversations are taking place between the two Departments on certain questions of detail.

Will an explanation be given to the House as to what arrangements have been come to in regard to the co-operation of the Air and Navy arm?

I should think so, but perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put a question to the Air Minister.

Is the Prime Minister aware that a statement has not yet been issued on the outstanding question?

I was not aware, but that is a matter for the Air Ministry.

asked the Prime Minister if the Irish Free State have appointed an independent Irish representative at Washington?

No, Sir. The position was explained in the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Blackpool on the 30th April.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether the final decision regarding the extra-territorial application of the bye-laws relating to fishing off the coast of the Irish Free State has yet been arrived at; and, if so, is he prepared to make known such decision now;

(2) whether he is aware of the fact that, notwithstanding his statement that pending the settlement of the question the Irish Free State has decided not to institute proceedings for infraction of the bye-laws outside the three-mile limit, a summons has actually been served on Mr. W. E. Ash, skipper of the trawler "Shackleton"; and whether he will make representations to the Irish Free State authorities regarding this subject?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, despite the assurances given by the Irish Free State Government, summonses have been issued to British fishermen for alleged contravention of certain bye-laws; and whether, as the article of the Irish Free State Constitution embracing these bye-laws is still under consideration between the two Governments, he will approach the Free State Government with a view to having these summonses held up until a decision is arrived at?

I propose to reply to these questions together. It has quite recently been brought to my notice that proceedings are being taken in the Irish Free State in respect of alleged infractions of the Fishery Bye-laws outside the three-mile limit, and I have addressed a communication to the Free State Government on the subject last week. I am not in a position to make any further statement pending the receipt of a reply to this and earlier communications.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when a decision is likely to be reached, not on the question of the summons, but in regard to the general fishing question?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the fishing along the Irish coast has been practically, ruined by trawlers subsidised by British companies outside?

That is not the question. The question is, can it be determined really by giving a definite date? As a matter of fact, the House may not be aware that the Irish Free State is acting in accordance with precisely the same Regulations as if there had been no Free State in existence; in other words, there is no change of law whatever, and the request that would be made to them would be to niter the British law rather than otherwise.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will immediately circulate as a White Paper the contract signed between the Government and a commercial group with reference to the construction of our airships?

I have been asked to reply. The contract has not yet been signed, but agreement, with the Airship Guarantee Company has been reached on all points of substance and the draft is being submitted to the legal advisers on both sides. I should perhaps point out that, as provision for the development of airships was omitted from the Air Estimates pending a decision by the Government on the policy to be adopted, the contract will not be signed until the necessary Supplementary Estimate has been taken. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air proposes to give a full account of the Government proposals on Wednesday in another place, and I shall, of course, in introducing the Supplementary Estimate, be prepared to give this House any further details in my power

Will the hon. Gentleman circulate a White Paper giving the details before we have a debate in this House?

If I find it possible, I will.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the eight cruisers which it has been decided to lay down for the United States Navy were originally proposed by the United States Navy Department, but that they were eliminated from the Budget before presentation to Congress; that on the news being received of the intention of His Majesty's Government to lay down five additional cruisers the eight United States cruisers were reintroduced into Congress by the House Committee on Naval Affairs; and whether, in view of the above, he will consider inviting this House to make some definite response to the recommendation of Congress to the President of the United States of America for the calling of a new conference on the limitation of naval armaments and, in the meantime, will he delay further work on the proposed new British cruisers?

With regard to the first and second parts of the question, I understand that the reason for the elimination of the cruiser programme from the Naval Appropriations Bill before presentation to Congress is that Congressional authorisation had not previously been obtained for this new construction, and that therefore it could not be included in the Bill, but had to be embodied in a separate Bill re-introduced into Congress. The events have been decided by rules of procedure, and, as far as His Majesty's Government are aware, no considerations connected with the British programme of cruiser construction entered into the matter. With regard to the last part of the question, I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to him on the 12th May by the Leader of the House, and to the answer of the Leader of the House given to the hon. Member for the Rusholme Division of Manchester on the 27th March.

In view of what has happened in Congress since we ordered our five cruisers, would not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it would help the negotiations, which we all want to do, if we could retard our programme, particularly having regard to the great speed of British shipbuilding?

Is it not quite clear that the decision of the United States was taken before we decided on our programme?

There is no connection between what happened in America and what happened here. Moreover, I have the very best reason for stating that there is no misunderstanding in America with regard to our intentions.

Are we to understand that it had been decided to proceed with this American programme irrespective of our programme?

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce any further legislation relating to rent restriction or evictions?

A new situation has arisen, as the result of the withdrawal from Standing Committee A of the Rent Restrictions Bill, which is at present engaging the attention of the Government.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to announce the result?

I cannot say.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving facilities for the Bill introduced by the hon. Member for Rugby?

The Government are at present giving attention to the whole matter.

asked the Prime Minister what is the action of the Turkish Government in reference to the conditions laid down by the decrees of 1881 and 1903 governing the contracts with the bondholders?

Since March, 1920, the Council of the Ottoman Public Debt has been deprived of the control over the revenues assigned to it by the Decrees of 1881 and 1903 in parts of Anatolia. The Turkish Government has been continuing this process, and, according to a recent telegram from His Majesty's representative at Constantinople, the last remaining offices of the Ottoman Public Debt which were collecting the assigned revenues have now received orders to sever their connection with the debt administration, and to remit their funds direct to the Turkish Government.

asked the Prime Minister if His Majesty's Government, when they occupied Palestine and Iraq, seized the sums in the hands of the agencies of the Council of Administration of the Ottoman Public Debt; if they suppressed these agencies; and if they collected and appropriated the revenue ceded to the bondholders in these territories?

When British military forces occupied Palestine and Iraq, the agencies of the Council for the Administration of the Ottoman Public Debt were not suppressed, but the sums in their hands and the revenues collected by them were placed in a suspense account in order that they might be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the future Treaty of Peace. In conformity with the provisions of the Treaty with Turkey, the revenues in Palestine and Iraq, formerly assigned to the Ottoman Debt Council, have now been treated as part of the revenues of those countries.

Have those amounts come back to the credit of the bondholders?

They are now being treated as part of the revenues of these countries.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his announcement that he intends informing the League of Nations before the meeting of the next Assembly of the attitude of His Majesty's Government upon the Treaty for Disarmament and Guarantee Pact, he will take an early opportunity of laying before Parliament the main lines of policy in this matter and provide adequate time for discussion?

The matter is not at a stage where discussion in this House immediately would serve any useful purpose. In view of public business I cannot promise to give a day from Government time for this purpose.

Will an opportunity for debate be given in this House before the policy of His Majesty's Government is stated to the Council of the League?

There will be various opportunities by which other sections of the House can call for a Debate if desired.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before any allocation of public funds is made for any purpose in connection with the construction of a bridge at St. Paul's over the Thames, he will undertake that an opportunity shall be afforded to the House of Commons for discussion of the proposal?

A grant of £866,000 from the Road Fund has been offered towards the construction of approaches to the proposed St. Paul's Bridge, the necessary legislation for the construction of which was passed by Parliament as far back as 1911. The Government are, however, prepared to submit the question to the Advisory Committee which it is proposed to set up under the London Traffic Bill.

Can we have an assurance that this money will not be spent before Parliament has "had an opportunity of discussing the matter, in view of the very debatable point as to the necessity, or otherwise, of this bridge?

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that quite a new-state of affairs has occurred, by reason of the threatened collapse of Waterloo Bridge, since the Ministry of Transport arranged to pay this sum in connection with St. Paul's Bridge? Is it not desirable that the Government should get into immediate touch with the Corporation of London on the matter?

I understand that the new circumstances are taken into account, and that the matter is in course of handling.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to take steps to facilitate the return of the Solicitor-General to this House or to appoint another Solicitor-General in his place, in order that this House may not be deprived of the full legal assistance to which it is entitled?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 10th March in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Hull East.

Is the Prime Minister afraid to put the Solicitor-General's knighthood to the test of battle?

Does the Prime Minister think it right to go on paying the Solicitor-General when duties, which include attendance in this House, cannot be fulfilled?

I am afraid that if the precedent is bad, it is a precedent which comes from the other side.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House the number and names of the conferences which have already been arranged to take place at the British Empire Exhibition?

I have been asked to reply. The total number of conferences which it has been arranged to hold at the British Empire Exhibition is 58. As the list is a long one, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The list is as follows:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware of the difficulty motorists have in finding the road to the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley from the centre of London; and, in view of this fact, whether he will issue instructions for directional signposts to be erected in such positions as to indicate the route, which signs would serve a double purpose, that of indicating the route and advertising the exhibition?

The erection of signposts is a matter for the Minister of Transport who has, I understand, been in communication with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in regard to the direction of vehicular traffic to the British Empire Exhibition. I understand, moreover, that signs for the direction of motorists, not only from London, but also from other parts of the country, are being prepared and that it is hoped to erect a certain number this week. I am also informed that the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police proposes to issue to the Press, at an early date, advice as to the best means of approaching Wembley from the centre of London.

asked the Par liamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it would be possible to arrange a visit of British Commercial Attachés to the British Empire Exhibition so as to enable them to give first-hand information upon their return to prospective buyers in the various countries to which they were accredited?

I am doing my best to arrange that as many officers as possible from the Commercial Diplomatic Service should have facilities for visiting the British Empire Exhibition.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether Empire-grown wine is available at each restaurant where wine is sold at the British Empire Exhibition?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can state the results of his conference with the authorities of the British Empire Exhibition and others concerned with regard to labour conditions at Wembley and whether he is now satisfied that proper provision is to be made for the health and well-being of those employed in connection with the exhibition, including safeguards as to hours and rates of wages?

As a result of the conference which was held on the on the 16th instant, I hope that it will be possible to constitute a works committee on which the various interests and which will be represented and which will facilitate the adjustment of any disputes in connection with the conditions of employment at the British Empire Exhibition. With regard to the second part of the question, I am hopeful that in any cases in which existing conditions are unsatisfactory, the formation of such a works committee will lead to an improvement.

Will that investigation or inquiry refer to waiters and waitresses as well as other workers?

I hope so.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the matter is not left simply in the hope that something will result as the outcome of this committee; and will he insist that proper conditions are observed?

This matter has been before my Department for quite a number of weeks. I have met the Trade Union Congress on two occasions, and the interview has been very pleasant, not only on their part but also on the part of the representatives of the exhibition and those employers who have up to now attended, so that I have hopes that by keeping in close contact with the matter we may be able to do something on the lines indicated in my reply.

Does a representative of Messrs. Lyons attend these conferences?

He did not attend at the last meeting, but I am hopeful in that connection that we may be able to meet a representative of that particular firm.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the lands of the Barotse and other tribes of Northern Rhodesia have been surveyed and clearly delimited; and, if not, whether it is proposed to undertake such survey in the near future?

I am aware, no such surveys have been carried out except in connection with the international boundary of the territory, and I doubt whether a general delimitation of tribal lands based on a survey is practicable or necessary. I will, however, ask the Governor for a report on the subject.

When my right hon. Friend addresses the Governor on the subject, will he take up the general question of the survey of Northern Rhodesia, which is in a most chaotic state? There has never been a proper survey made.

I am asking for a full report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give this House any information about the progress of the proceedings in the Constituent Assembly of Iraq for the ratification of the proposed treaty between His Majesty and His Majesty the King of Iraq?

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member on the 15th May, I am not in a position to make any statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the death rate by sickness and accident, respectively, in the gold mines of the Gold Coast Colony for the last complete year?

The death rate from accident for the last complete year for which statistics are available, namely, 1921, was 1.39 per thousand labourers daily employed. It has not been the practice to furnish figures of the death rate from sickness. My predecessor, some time ago, directed that such statistics should be furnished, but I have not yet been able to obtain complete and accurate figures. The information which I have obtained, however, leads me to doubt whether the conditions of labour at the mines are satisfactory, and I propose to discuss the whole matter with the Governor at an early date.

asked the secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the serious warning issued by the Governor of Nigeria as to the danger which confronts the West African vegetable oil industry by reason of the growing menace of Dutch competition; whether he is aware that this warning is similar in character to that made by the Governor of Sierra Leone; and whether, in any Committee that he proposes to set up to consider economic questions in the Dependencies, he will include this subject in the terms of reference?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The question of the best means of improving and increasing the production of palm oil has been considered by a Committee appointed by my predecessor. I am considering their Report.

Are not the difficulties with which the right hon. Gentleman is confronted due to the ill-fated attempt of his predecessors to impose Protection on the West African Colonies? Can we have an assurance that there will be no return to that policy?

I have no knowledge of any sins of my predecessors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if there are any firms doing contract work for the Crown Agents who have not fulfilled the conditions of membership of the King's Roll?

Generally speaking, the Crown Agents do not deal with firms not on the King's Roll, and no new firm which is not on the King's Roll is added to the list. The Crown Agents are, however, required by Colonial Governments from time to time to buy proprietary articles, spare parts and replacements, and other supplies of a special nature, and some exceptions to the general rule, which can only form a very small proportion of the whole, are inevitable.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the position with regard to municipalities and local councils in this country?

That does not arise from the original question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the remains of the late Major Geoffrey Lee Compton-Smith, D.S.O., of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who was murdered in Southern Ireland on or about the 30th April, 1921, have yet been recovered; and what compensation has been paid to his relatives?

As regards the first part of the question I have at present no information, but I am having inquiry made. In reply to the second part His Majesty's Government have paid the sum of £10,000 awarded by the Recorder of Cork as compensation to the widow and child, together with interest amounting to £385 and £68 costs and expenses.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received from British Guiana any protests against the action and speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject of the reduction of the amount of the sugar preference on Colonial-grown sugar; and, if so, what is the nature of such protest?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the elected members of the Legislative Council of Jamaica have decided to reduce the amount of preference given by Jamaica to imports, and especially on Lancashire cotton goods, from Great Britain on account of the reduction in the amount of preference on West Indian sugar proposed in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement; and whether it is his intention to require the Governor to use his reserve powers to compel Jamaica to continue preference to Great Britain at the current amounts?

I have seen a Press report to a similar effect, but no resolution of the Legislative Council has yet reached me.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the recent increased prices of butter and bacon charged by the retailer to the public, he will consider the advisability of obtaining powers to institute inquiries into the prices charged by the producer, the profit made by the middleman, and the profit made by the retailer, with a view to getting the cost of these essential commodities reduced to the public?

The question of the disparity between the prices received by producers and those paid by consumers was very fully investigated last year by the Linlithgow Committee, whose final Report was recently issued. The Ministry maintains close touch with movements in the prices of agricultural produce.

In view of the fact that the Linlithgow Committee's Report states, in effect, that the Minister is to keep a constant watch on prices and bring pressure on the retailer to give fair value to the consumer, and in view of the reductions of the price of tea and sugar as a result of the Budget, can the Minister explain how it is that prices of butter and bacon have gone up?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that agricultural conditions in Wales differ so much from those prevailing in England, he will consider the desirability of establishing a separate wages board for Wales and Monmouthshire?

Under the proposals of the Agricultural Wages Bill the duty of fixing rates of wages will rest primarily with county committees, and this should be sufficient to ensure full consideration being given to differing agricultural conditions. I would add that this point was fully considered while the Bill was in course of preparation.

Is it a fact that the Bill gives the district committees power to fix? Is it not rather a power to recommend?

"Recommend" is not a strong enough word.

asked the Minister of Agriculture in what counties in North Wales agricultural wages conciliation boards exist; and what is the labourer's wage agreed upon in each county in North Wales?

Four conciliation committees exist in North Wales. The Anglesey Committee has no agreement in operation at present, but I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the current rates for adult male workers, which have been agreed by the other committees.

Following are the rates referred to:

Carnarvon Conciliation Committee .

Special class workers living out: 35s. for a week of 60 hours.

Special class workers boarded and lodged on farms: 33s. 6d. (including the value of board and lodging) for 60 hours.

Other workers: 30s. for 50 hours.

Denbigh and Flint Joint Conciliation Committee .

Stockmen and horsemen: 33s. for 61 hours.

Other workers: 27s. 1d. for 50 hours.

Merioneth and Montgomery Joint Conciliation Committee .

Stockmen: 32s. for a guaranteed week of 60 hours.

Other workers: 30s. for a guaranteed week of 54 hours.

The agreements also contain other provisions such as rates for younger workers and overtime rates, particulars of which I shall be glad to furnish to the hon. Member if desired.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will lay upon the Table of the House the Report of the inspector sent to investigate agricultural wages in Wiltshire?

The inquiries made by the inspector in question were of a very confidential nature in view of the risk to the persons concerned. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to comply with the right hon. Member's request.

Is it not the duty of the Minister to lay on the Table of the House a Report from which an extract has been quoted in this House?

No, Sir; I do not think my right hon. Frend's contention is in accordance with previous rulings. I may say that in August, 1893, the Speaker ruled that confidential documents passing between the officers of a Department and the Department are not necessarily laid on the Table if the Minister declares them to be confidential, because there would be a precedent dangerous to the public service.

Is there any information in that statement which shows there are agricultural labourers in Wiltshire receiving not more than £1 per week?

Are we to understand that this confidential report shows that the low scale of wages in Wiltshire, to which the Minister referred in this House, is general, or does it only refer to isolated cases?

Decidedly to isolated cases, as I was very careful to point out, and I also expressed the hope that they were very rare indeed.

Is it on account of the low wages that this is to be regarded as confidential; is that the point which it is desired to suppress?

No, the reason is that to state the details of names and places might get people into trouble?

Is the Minister aware that, according to a report, the same statement was made at a meeting of the North Wilts Farmers' Union.

Yes, Sir, I am aware of that fact.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to relieve the position of ratepayers in parishes where the additional rates, consequent upon the Tithe Act, 1920, are a heavy burden upon them; and whether it is possible to give any relief before the date of the expiry of the Act?

Whilst sympathising with the position of ratepayers in certain parishes, I am advised that any measure to afford them relief would require legislation, which is impracticable this Session.

Is the Minister preparing for the time when a Bill will be introduced in order that this imposition may be taken off the backs of these severely harassed ratepayers?

Yes, Sir, I am aware that the whole question of tithes must be thoroughly gone into.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, seeing that the present difficulties of farmers are partly due to the fact that the whole of the burden of tithe is borne by them and that the distribution of that burden over the community generally, instead of being exclusively imposed upon one particular class, would materially assist agriculture, he will consider the desirability of setting up a committee to consider the question of the payment of tithe, now made in pursuance of a system established many centuries ago, and the more equitably to relate it to modern conditions?

Under the Tithe Act, 1891, the liability for tithe rentcharge is placed upon the owner of the land, and farmers pay tithe rentcharge only when they are the owners of their holdings. The suggestion that landowners should be relieved of their existing obligation to pay tithe rentcharge at the expense of the community generally is not one that I can see my way to adopt.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be much more equitable to distribute the burden over the whole community rather than that one particular class should bear it?

As I have said, the whole question of tithe must be reviewed shortly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when that consideration is going to take place? Is he going to set up a Committee?