asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what the attitude of the Government is towards the proposal recently made in evidence before the Reforms Committee to Indianise the Army in India?

The Report of Sir A. Muddiman's Committee is still under consideration by the Government of India, and I am not able at present to make any statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to encourage the extension of railway mileage in India either by State or private enterprise; and at what rate the promotion of feeder lines by private enterprise has proceeded since the War as compared to pre-War?

It is the policy of the Government of India that the extension of railway mileage in India should in future be carried out by the State or the existing main line companies, and not by branch line companies. This is in accordanie with the recommendation of the Acworth Committee. Since 1918 no feeder lines have been promoted by branch line companies.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received a representation from the Foreman's Association of India appealing for more liberal treatment in respect of the financial position of its members; and whether he will consider including them in the cadre of specialist officers so that they may receive consideration in connection with any reforms of pay or leave contemplated?

My Noble Friend is aware of the nature of the claims which have been submitted by the Foreman's Association and will take them into consideration as soon as he is in possession of the Government of India's views.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the official medical evidence shows that 98 per cent. of the children born in the industrial area at Bombay are drugged with opium, so that while the mothers are at work in the factories the children will sleep and not cry for food; that in 1921 the infant mortality in Bombay was 666 per thousand as against 80 per thousand in London; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

My Noble Friend is informed that the question of dealing with the administration of opium to children is receiving the consideration of the Government of Bombay. According to the official statistics infant mortality in Bombay was 17811 per thousand in 1921, not 666 per thousand as stated by the hon. Member.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact that the figures stated in my question were supplied by His Excellency Sir Leslie Wilson, Governor of Bombay

No. My attention has not been called to that fact. The figures which I quoted are taken from the official report supplied by the Government of Bombay.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer I beg to give notice that at an early date I will raise the question on the Adjournment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that frequent complaints are made as to the inflicting on prisoners in the Nabha gaols of the punishment known as gidar kut; that complaints are prevalent concerning the supply of food and its poor quality; that prisoners are kept for long periods without water; and whether he will cause, an impartial inquiry to be held into the administration of Indian gaols?

I am not sure whether the hon. Member is referring to the ordinary gaols of the State or to the camps temporarily established for the reception of Akali prisoners. The latter were visited in December last by the Inspeotor-General of Prisons, Punjab, who reported that conditions were generally satisfactory, including food of good quality on a liberal scale and an abundant supply of water. Nor am aware that the grounds of complaint suggested in the question exist in the case of the ordinary gaols. It was announced shortly after the administration of the State was taken over by the British authorities that the gaol administration was being thoroughly overhauled. As regards gaols in British India, the Indian Gaols Committee of 1919–20 presented a very full report, and the reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that C. Ram, an ex-prisoner of Multan Gaol, was subjected to the punishment of kan parade, in which the prisoner was forced to pull his own ears by passing his hands through his legs, and was then thrashed while in this position; whether this form of punishment is recognised by the prison code; and, if not, whether he will cause the persons who inflicted it to be suitably dealt with?

I have heard nothing of this case, and shall he glad to have inquiry made if the hon. Member can give me any details as to the allegations. The form of punishment described is, of course, unknown to the prison code.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Vasawa Singh, aged 50 years, who was convicted in 1915 in connection with the Lahore conspiracy case, has been subjected in the Multan gaol to the punishment known as gidar kut, indiscriminate beating, on 15 separate occasions; and whether he will take steps to have this punishment stopped in Indian gaols?

I have seen only a newspaper report of a libel suit, which seems to be still sub judice. I understand that this prisoner did not allege that he had himself been punished in this quite illegal way. The Government of India are being; asked to report on the case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any decision has been arrived at regarding the proposed reduction in pay and pensions of officers of the Indian Army and officers on the retired list drawing Indian pensions: and whether, having regard to the inconvenience involved in the uncertainty with regard to the final decision on this proposal, he will take steps to accelerate the decision?

I regret that I cannot yet make any statement, but my Noble Friend is fully alive to the importance of reaching an early settlement. As regards pay, the cost-of-living reduction, to which my hon. Friend doubt- less refers, has already been applied to leave pay at home rates. The new Indian rates are still under consideration, but I am able to say that these as a whole will generally show an improvement on the present scales. As regards pensions, I hope that a separate decision will be announced very shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will state, in connection with the pending legislation necessary to give effect to the findings of the Lee Commission, whether such legislation will take the form of a new Bill or an Amendment of the existing Government of India Act, 1919?

The legislation to which my hon. Friend refers will take the form of an amending Bill to the existing Government of India Act.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received any further information with regard to recent troubles in the State of Suket?

No further information has been received during the past week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries into the matter?

As far as I recollect, I stated on a previous occasion that inquiries would be made. A letter has been sent on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Government of India has confirmed and made permanent in the post of public health commissioner with the Government of India an officer who does not hold a diploma in public health, notwithstanding the fact that it is specifically laid down that no officer is accepted for any post in the public health department of India unless he possesses such a diploma; whether he is aware that when in 1918 a similar case arose the officer holding the post temporarily was not confirmed in the appoint- meat; and whether he can state why the appointment is confirmed in the case, of the present officer, thus blocking promotion to men in the service who hold the obligatory qualification for the post?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Government of India have furnished a detailed statement of the high qualifications and wide experience which, in their opinion fitted him for the appointment. A copy of this statement is being circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

SUMMARY OF THE RECORD OF SERVICES OF LIEUT.-COLONEL J. D. GRAHAM, C.I.E., I.M.S., PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSIONER WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.

Lieut-Colonel Graham graduated, M.B., C.M., Glasgow, with high commendation in 1895, and prior to entering the Indian Medical Service spent 4½ years on post graduate work and hospital residentships. He passed into the Indian Medical Service in January, 1900, being the first in the London examination, and again headed the list on passing out of Netley, where he gained the De Chaumont prize in Hygiene; while at Netley he also attended the public health course of the Medical Officer of Health, Southampton.

In 1906–7 he passed the examination of D.T.M. and H., Liverpool University, and obtained the certificate of the Liverpool Tropical School, taking the first place on both occasions. He also devoted six months to special courses in the various branches of medicine, surgery, etc., in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

In April, 1908, he entered the United Provinces Civil Medical Department and from then, with the exception of 11 years during which he worked as a civil surgeon, he was engaged on research, epidemiological and public health work until mobilised for the Great War in 1914. During this period he wrote many original reports on malarial surveys and cognate matters, served from time to time on various sanitary and public health committees in the United Provinces and on three occasions received the thanks of the local Government for his services.

During the War he was on field service continuously from November, 1914, to May, 1920, in Egypt, Iraq and Persia, all the time being employed exclusively on sanitary and public health work with the various Forces.

In November, 1914, he was appointed Deputy Assistant Director, Medical Services (Sanitary), Suez Canal Defences, served on the Suez Canal Malarial Committee and made a malarial survey of the Canal from Port Said to Suez. In 1915 he served on the Suez Canal Sanitation Committee under the Inspector General of Canal Defences.

In 1916 he was appointed under General Headquarters, Mediterranean Expeditionary Forces (General Sir Arch. Murray) as Instructor in Field Sanitation to the nine Southern Divisions on the Canal and Sanitary Adviser to General Officer Commanding, 2nd Corps of Australians at Tel-el-Kebir. Later he was appointed Assistant Director, Medical Services (Sanitary), 9th British Army Corps (General Lord Byng), at Suez with five divisions under him.

In May, 1916, he was transferred urgently to Iraq (Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force) and placed at once on an inquiry into epidemic disease in the City of Basrah with a view to determining the presence of plague and cholera, controlling them, opening an infectious disease hospital, and reorganising the health side of the municipality. This he did, and his scheme formed the basis of the present municipal health administration in the city.

Transferred in July, 1916, as Sanitary Adviser to the Tigris Corps (4½ Divisions) he was, in December, 1916, appointed Chief Sanitary Adviser to the Forces at General Headquarters (Assistant Director, Medical Services, Sanitary) under General Maude in which position he remained for 3½ years during the subsequent phases of the campaign, the occupation of Bagdad and Mosul, the taking over of Kurdistan and Northern Persia and the post-War reductions. He was responsible for the commencement of all civil health control throughout the occupied area in Iraq, for the sanitary control of all prisoners of war and 50,000 Jelu refugees from Persia and for the line of communications to Kurdistan and on through Persia to the Caspian. He was also the Chief Health Adviser on all health problems of the Force of nearly half a million.

In 1918 his services were asked for by the Sirdar and High Commissioner, Egypt, for employment as Director-General of Public Health in Egypt, but they could not be spared. In May, 1920, he took over the posts of Director-General of Health Service and Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Iraq. Later he was appointed Inspector-General of Health Services, and controlled all civil health and medical work, including railways, port, Iraq levies and Shiah pilgrimages to the Holy Cities.

On his return to India in January, 1924, he was appointed officiating Public Health Commissioner with the Government of India, which post he still holds.

For his services during the War he was four times mentioned in despatches, and awarded a Brevet Lieutenant-Colonelcy and the C.I.E. For his services in Iraq he received the thanks of His Grace the Duke of Devonshire (then Colonial Secretary), of the Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Adviser to the Minister of Interior, Iraq. He was also very favourably reported on confidentially by the High Commissioner, Sir Percy Cox.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State or the Government of India have made any representations as to the proposed colour bar legislation in South Africa, and the possible effects upon the amicable relations of the Union and India?

My Noble Friend has authorised the Government of India to communicate with the Union Government on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the Bill recently introduced by the Government into the Legislature of the Union of South Africa, establishing a colour bar to apply to natives and Indians, but not to half-castes, to prevent them engaging in skilled trades; whether the Government of India have made any representations on the matter and whether he proposes to take any action?

I am aware that a Bill of this nature has been gazetted by the Union Government. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for India. In the circumstances, the last part of the question does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there was any agreement reached between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Irish Free State governing the pay and conditions of service of the Irish prison officers when transferred to the Irish Free State?

I would refer the hon. Member to Article X of the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland, published as Command Paper No. 1560 of 1921, Article 7 (ii) of the Provisional Government (Transfer of Functions) Order, 1922, and Articles 77 and 78 of the Schedule of the Irish Free State Constitution Act, 1922.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the terms of the Draft Agreement submitted to the Commonwealth Government of Australia regarding the joint scheme of migration; and will he say whether a reply has been received and, if so, what is the nature of the reply?

I regret that, as the proposed Agreement is still under discussion with the Commonwealth Government, I am unable to make any statement on the subject at present. I shall be happy to furnish my hon. Friend with the information whhich he desires as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can say how many persons have migrated from Canada to the United States of America since the Armistice?

No, Sir. Persons emigrating from Canada to the United States are inspected at ports of entry to the United States by the United States emigration authorities, and the Dominion Government have no statistics of such persons. It should, however, be borne in mind, in considering any figures that may be unofficially published, that there is constant crossing and recrossing by temporary visitors from both sides of the International Boundary.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information which would show whether the people whom we emigrated for Empire settlement in Canada have subsequently gone into the United States?

No. We have no accurate information, but we have no reason to suppose that the great majority have not remained in Canada.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British people have migrated from this country to Canada during the five years ended 31st March, 1914; and how many migrated to Canada during the five years ended 31st March, 1924?

The numbers of emigrants and immigrants, as distinct from passengers, were not recorded before 1st April, 1912 The passenger movement of British subjects between the United Kingdom and British North America shows a balance outwards of 565,290 for the period of five years ended 31st. March, 1914, and a balance outwards of 263,287 for the five years ended 31st March, 1924. Statistics obtained from Canadian official sources show that, for the same periods, the numbers of English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish immigrants ("Declared Settlers") into Canada from all countries were 614.088 and 280,312 respectively.

Does it not appear that the emigration has gone down since the Armistice?

Yes, I think so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Section 14 of the Amendments to the Nairobi Unimproved Site Values Ordinance has been assented to by the Crown?

The Amending Ordinance was assented to by the late Governor and therefore came into operation. Correspondence in regard to the Measure is still in progress with the Colonial Government, and so far no advice as to its allowance or disallowance has been tendered to His Majesty either by my predecessor the right hon. Member for Derby or by myself.

What was the decision of the Supreme Court in connection with the application made in respect of the decision of the magistrate?

I shall be glad to have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any further information regarding the contemplated removal of the Samburu tribe in Kenya from the lands now in their occupation.

No, Sir; I have not yet received a reply to the despatch which I sent to the late Governor of Kenya as a result of the hon. and learned Member's previous question.

Is it not a fact that the Samburu tribe have already been transferred to the new area?

Perhaps the right hon. and gallant Member would give notice of that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether they have already been transferred?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the head of the Native Affairs Department of Kenya Colony submits to the Government there an annual Report upon the work of his Department; and whether, if such is the case, the annual Reports for the last few years may be called for from the Colony and be published as a White Paper?

Yes, Sir. Such Reports have been regularly submitted and have been forwarded to the Secretary of State. They have, however, none of them been printed, with the exception of that for 1923, and I am reluctant to incur the expense of printing. I will place a copy of the Report for 1923 in the Library of the House.

Is it possible to have all these Reports for the last three or four years placed on the Table?

These Reports are of some length. I am not sure that it would be worth while incurring the expense. I will see that this one is laid in the Library, and that future Reports will be printed and laid in the Library.

Is it possible to see these Reports?

I will consider that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of years established in Malta for the duration of the appointment of Lieutenant-Governors and legal advisers appointed by the Secretary of State and under his orders; what is the length of service and age of the present holders of these offices; has any exception been made in Malta to the rule that after the transition from Crown Colony government to responsible government, as soon as conveniently possible, a change is made as to any Imperial officers who were personally responsible for the policy followed in the Crown Colony period?

Both officers hold during pleasure; there is no fixed term for the duration of their appointments. The Lieutenant-Governor is 57, and the legal adviser 54; they have served in Malta 7½ and 3½ years respectively. The case of Malta is different from that of Colonies possessing full responsible self-government because, under the Constitution, important powers were reserved to the Imperial Government; and the most important part of the duties of the two officers referred to is to advise and assist the Governor in the exercise of these powers. Neither officer was responsible for the policy pursued prior to the grant of the Constitution; that responsibility rested, primarily, on the Governor and ultimately on the Secretary of State for the Colonies and His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in connection with the arrangements for the erection of wireless stations in the British West Indies for the improvement of telegraphic communication between the islands?

The wireless stations at St. Kitts, Antigua, Dominica, St. Vincent, Grenada and Barbados have been completed and handed over to the Pacific Cable Board for operation. The only station remaining under the general scheme is that at St. Lucia, which it is expected will be handed over to the Pacific Cable Board to-day. In addition to the stations provided for under this scheme a contract has been made by the Government of Monserrat for the erection of a station in that island.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect the local stations to be completed?

The Montserrat station?

Yes.

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that as a separate question on the Paper?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the extension of the all-red cable system from the Western Caribbean to Barbados, British Guiana, and Trinidad is now in working order; and whether the new service will bring Bermuda, Jamaica, and Turk's Island, by means of this exclusively British cable service, in direct contact with the Eastern Caribbean Colonies?

Yes, Sir. The cable from Barbados operated by the Pacific Cable Board links up at Turk's Island with the existing cables from that island to Jamaica and to Bermuda.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, under the Trade Facilities Act, any grant has been made, or is contemplated, to any sugar estate in the West Indies?

I have not yet been able to get this information. I understand that my right hon. Friend, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, is looking into the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it has been made a condition of continued Government support to the British Empire Exhibition that strict regard shall be had to Section 9 of the Agreement between the Dominion High Commissioners and the Exhibition Authorities, 1924, providing for the use of no non-Empire materials or products unless with the consent of the standing administrative committee of the Exhibition Association and the High Commissioners?

The conditions attached to the Government guarantee to the British Empire Exhibition are laid down in the British Empire Exhibition (Guarantee) Act, 1920. It. is not proposed to modify those conditions, but I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that in the new agreement which is being drawn up with the Dominion Commissioners at the Exhibition it is proposed to insert a clause providing for the use of Empire products and materials in the Exhibition wherever such a course is reasonably possible.

Will a provision be made similar to that made last year, that no non-Empire material shall be used except with the assent of the High Commissioners?

That is implied by the reply which I have given to my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can state at what date approximately it is intended to open the British Empire Exhibition, and for what period approximately it is to remain open?

I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that it is proposed to open the Exhibition during the first week in May, and to keep it open until the end of October.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has received a fresh application from Mr. Robert Williams for assistance for the completion of the Lobito Congo Railway, part of which is in Portuguese territory; whether he is aware that a former application was opposed by General Smuts; and if he can give an assurance that no financial assistance for this purpose will be entertained by the Government?

I understand that inquiries have been made of the Trade Facilities Act Advisory Committee whether they would entertain a fresh application. No decision has been taken.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken or are going to be taken for the ascertainment of costs and profits in the distribution of milk as outlined in the King's Speech?

I have been asked to reply. As has already been stated in this House, the Government expect to receive an interim Report from the Royal Commission. In these circumstances, it is proposed to defer the introduction of the special legislation referred to until the Government have received the Report of the Royal Commission.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the number of pro- ducers of certified milk as compared with a year ago; and whether, in the interests of public health, he will recommend that the licence fee for such producers be made purely formal so as to encourage farmers to produce this milk?

The number of producers of certified milk at the present time is 74. I cannot give the number for this date last year, but the numbers at the 31st December, 1923, and the 31st December, 1924, were 55 and 71 respectively. The licence fees have been settled on a basis estimated to cover the special expenses of the Ministry of Health in respect of inspection and bacteriological examinations, and my right hon. Friend does not think that he can recommend any reduction.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of land capable of cultivation are at present waste land; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation compelling owners or occupiers of land to cultivate same?

There is considerable difficulty in defining what is waste land. The land which is included annually in the Returns made to the Ministry is used for agricultural purposes, that is, either for the cultivation of crops or for grazing, and my right hon. Friend is not aware that there is any appreciable area which is suited for these purposes which is not so used. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Will the Minister institute a survey in time to ascertain the which under-cultivation prevails?

I shall certainly to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the agricultural wages committee was set up for Lincolnshire; when did they first meet; when did they agree upon the hours and wages to be paid throughout the areas covered by that committee; and what are the wages and conditions to be observed?

The two agricultural wages committees for Lincolnshire were established on the 18th October, 1924. The Kesteven and Lindsey Committee held its first meeting on the 31st October, and decided on the minimum rates to be proposed for the various classes of workers at meetings held on the 20th November and 2nd December. The Holland Committee first met on the let November and decided on the minimum rates to be proposed at meetings held on the 14th and 28th November and 11th December. After the period of advertisement of the proposed rates had expired, Orders giving effect to the Committee's decisions were made by the Agricultural Wages Board to take effect on the 16th February The wages and conditions are set out in these Orders, copies of which my right hon. Friend is sending to the hon. Member.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell me why there was so much delay between October and February before the Board sanctioned this amount?

I am afraid that I cannot.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made in the efforts of his Department to secure agreement between both sides of the fruit and vegetable industry for the amending of practices injurious to the producers which the Linlithgow Committee declared to exist among some fruit and vegetable salesmen?

My hon. Friend no doubt realises that the negotiations involved in this question present unusual difficulties. My right hon. Friend understands that the matter is to be further considered by representatives of growers next week. In the meantime, he regrets that he is not yet in a position to add anything to the statement contained in his reply to the question on this subject put by my hon. Friend on the 15th December last.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend remind the Minister of Agriculture that as a matter of fact this Report was issued something like eighteen months ago?

I will do so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the fact that the cost of land drainage and defence against coast erosion is borne entirely in some counties by local rates, he will consider making this, in some part, a national charge?

Substantial assistance from public funds has been given during the last four years to schemes of land drainage and coast defence work for the alleviation of unemployment. I may say, however, that the question of coast erosion was investigated by the Royal Commission, who reported in 1911 very definitely against placing the burden on the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give the number of persons receiving instruction under the Ministry of Agriculture scholarship's scheme and the number of these whose parents have been agricultural workers?

One hundred and sixty-eight students are at present receiving instruction under the scholarship scheme for the sons and daughters of agricultural workmen and others. The occupations of the parents are:—

while the remaining 43 students were themselves bona fide agricultural workers, whose parents are dead or who are as regards financial circumstances comparable with agricultural workmen.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement on the progress of the investigations of the marketing officers appointed in 1924?

The investigation to which the right hon. Gentleman refers are making steady progress, but he will appreciate the extremely difficult nature of the task. A report on cooperative marketing in England and Wales has been completed and will be published as soon as possible. A report on the co-operative purchase of agri- cultural requisites is in course of preparation. A report on co-operative marketing in the United States is well advanced, while it is hoped to have a comprehensive report on the marketing of wool ready for publication in the early summer. Other reports are in hand.

Can the hon. Gentleman say that the reports will be published as soon as possible?

I will suggest that to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many cattle have been killed during transport on the railways during the year 1924?

Returns are not made to the Ministry of Agriculture as to the number of casualties amongst animals during transport on the railways in this country, and say right hon. Friend regrets that he has no information on the subject.

also asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has received any complaints regarding cruelty to cattle during transport from one place to another in railway cattle trucks due to overcrowding; and, if so, will he state what action he proposes to take to avoid cruelty of this description?

My right hon. Friend has received no complaints during the last twelve months of the kind to which the hon. Member refers. I should add that the Animals (Transit and General) Order of 1912 at present in force, provides that a railway company shall not allow any truck used for animals on a railway to be overcrowded so as to cause injury or unnecessary suffering to the animals therein. It is the duty of the local authorities and. police to enforce the Order, and legal proceedings have been taken from time to time against railway companies and the owners of the animals in respect of contraventions of the Order.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking, or proposes to take, directly or through the Agricultural Wages Board, to decide what scale of wages is applicable to an agricultural holding lying in more than one wages area, when the scales in those areas differ?

My right hon. Friend recognises the difficulty caused by varying rates applicable to parts of such a holding as is referred to by my hon. Friend, but any action to deal with the difficulty must be taken by the District Wages Committee and not by the Minister or by the Agricultural Wages Board. I would remind my hon. Friend that the rates fixed by the Committee are simply minimum rates, and that any difficulty in regard to holdings lying in more than one Committee area can, in practice, be overcome by the employer adjusting the scale of wages which he actually pays so as to cover the higher of the different rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the exaction of the Entertainments Duty under certain Department Regulations from breed societies for agricultural shows because competitions. by amateurs in the nature of races by local ponies or musical rides have been held as part of such shows; and whether he will arrange that such shows are exempt in future, in accordance with the decision of the House of Commons last year?

The conditions under which exemption can be granted are contained in Section 11 of the Finance Act, 1923, as amended by Section 7 of the Finance Act, 1924. These provisions do not allow of exemption front Entertainments Duty being granted in the case of an agricultural show at which there are races or musical rides.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amount that has been expended in grants and relief towards the harbours, motorboats, etc., for the purpose of developing the fishing industry in England and Wales during each of the years 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924?

I have been asked to reply. As the reply consists of a tabular statement, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of men and boys engaged in the fishing industry in England, Wales, and Scotland in the years 1913, 1920, and 1923?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

The estimated number of men and boys employed in sea fishing for the years specified as shown in the Annual Statements of Navigation is as follows:

asked the Minister of Labour the extent of the schemes approved by the Unemployment Grants Committee for Liverpool; how many are at present being worked, and by what authorities: and whether he will state the

percentage of local labour employed on unskilled work?

As the reply involves a number of tabulated figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May we know if the claims of local people to employment are being held superior to the claims of imported labour under these schemes?

I must have notice of that question.

Following is the reply to the Question on the Paper:

In all, 117 schemes, submitted by three authorities, involving an estimated cost of £2,973,431, have been approved by the Unemployment Grants Committee. The Returns received give the following particulars for the date 31st January:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what the policy of His Majesty's Government is with regard to settling outstanding questions between the British and Russian Governments; and whether, in view of the large number of Powers which have full diplomatic representatives in Moscow, he can state when it is proposed to send an Ambassador to Moscow and to invite the Union Government to accredit an Ambassador to the Court of St. James's?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Shoreditch on the 10th February and to the hon. Member for Brightside on the 18th February.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform us as to the policy with regard to the exchange of Ambassadors, as I do not think that matter was dealt with in the previous answers?

I think that question is answered by reference. If my memory serves me aright, one of the replies to which I have referred the hon. and gallant Member would carry him back, by a further reference, to a speech which I made in the Autumn Session, and the fact of the matter is I have nothing to add to the statement which I then made.

I have read these answers most carefully, and have also read with great attention the speech of the right hon. Gentleman. May I ask him, are we going to send an ambassador to Moscow?

No, Sir, not in present circumstances. I said in the speech which I made during the Autumn session that I did not think, at the present time, there were any further steps which it was desirable that His Majesty's Government should take, but that we should watch the situation and should be guided by what happened.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has been reached regarding the appointment of His Majesty's representative in Turkey as an Ambassador or as a Minister?

A decision has been reached in consultation with the Allied Governments, but, pending communications with the Turkish Government, I think it is inexpedient that I should say more.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any representations expressing the feeling of any portion of the Japanese people regarding the execution of the naval base at Singapore; and, if so, whether he can state their nature?

It is, I believe, the case that certain sections of opinion in Japan have felt some suspicion that the works at Singapore indicate a lack of confidence on our part in the peaceful intentions of our former allies; but in Japanese official and other well-informed circles it is fully realised that improvement of the Singapore dockyard is a normal development of naval policy. Its immense distance from Japan—about 2,300 miles—prevents it from being considered as a threat; moreover, the two countries are firmly united by their common interest in the preservation of peace, by the treaties signed at Washington, and by the special bond of an historic and valued friendship.

In what form will the House receive proof of the Japanese views just expressed?

Have not responsible Japanese officials already stated that they do not look upon this proposal as a menace?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Clynes) to the speeches which have been delivered in Japan on the subject.

In reference to the Treaty of Washington, were the Japanese envoys at the Conference informed that we intended to fortify Singapore?

Yes; I believe that is the case.

Have not statements been made by Japanese in this country on the subject?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to introduce legislation this Session dealing with the question of pensions for widows?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Committee which is considering the scheme of improved old age pensions and widows pensions, referred to in the Gracious Speech from the Throne, have completed their labours; whether the result will be presented to Parliament in a White Paper; and whether he proposes to provide facilities for legislation to give effect to it in the present Session?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to introduce a Bill to give old age pensions at the age of 60, in view of the large number of men between the ages of 60 and 70 who are being refused benefit by the labour exchanges on the ground that they have failed to prove that in normal times insurable employment suited to their capacities will be likely to be available for them?

These questions are being studied but I am not in position to make any statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman and the Government study this question—what are the old men between 60 and 70, who are not in receipt of unemployment benefit, to do in the meantime?

I think they will do what they did when the last Government were in power.

Is it not a fact that men between 60 and 70 received unemployment benefit under the last Government and are being denied it under this Government?

Can we have an answer on this point? May I ask the right hon. Gentleman who has blamed the last Government if he is not aware that under the last Government no man was debarred from receiving benefit between 60 and 70, and that under the new regulations, recently issued, they are being deprived of it; and what steps is he taking to see that these men are maintained in decency until they reach the age of 70?

I think that question should be put to the Minister of Labour.

Is it not the fact that myself and many of us on this side of the House won the election on pledges given on this very question?

It is true, and the study of the question by the Government will result in legislation.

Arising out of the right hon. Gentleman's first reply, if he is lieu satisfied that there is a change in the unemployment payments to these old people, will he rectify the suffering caused to them in this way as distinct from anything they may have suffered under the late Government?

I will look into the matter

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to include in the discussions place between representatives of His Majesty and representatives of other Governments, with regard to the holding of a new conference on naval armaments, the question of extending the scope of the suggested conference to include aerial and land armaments?

No such discussions are at present taking place, and on the general question I cannot add anything to the answers given to the hon. and gallant Member on the 18th and 19th instant.

I do not press the matter, if the right hon. Gentleman does not wish it, but he has informed us that unofficial conversations have taken place, and may we know if those were only in connection with naval armaments, or were other armaments included?

What I said was that this subject had been unofficially mentioned in a conversation which I had with the late American Ambassador to this country. No communications have passed between the two countries on the subject at the moment, and I think it is undesirable I should make any further statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Forestry Commission is a nominated body which is not represented in this House by a Minister of the Crown, and that in the last financial year its gross expenditure provided from public funds was £399,300; and whether, in view of the importance of maintaining direct Parliamentary power over the spending Departments, he will take steps to bring the Forestry Commission under the Board of Agriculture or other Department represented in this House?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 18th December last to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. N. Maclean), in which it was stated that the Treasury is responsible for the Estimates of the Commission. I see no sufficient reason to reverse the policy embodied in the Forestry Act of 1919.

Is it not the case that a Member of the House desiring to ask a question regarding the operations of the Forestry Commission is not allowed to put such a question to any of the Members on the Treasury Bench?

The person responsible for answering questions in the House, on details connected with the work of the Forestry Commission, is the Forestry Commissioner, and I have often heard questions answered by him.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will extend the terms of reference of the Royal Commis- sion on Food Prices so as to include the question of the effect on food prices of high rents of retail shops?

I have been asked to reply, but I cannot usefully add anything to the answer given to the hon. Member on 12th February last, a, copy of which I am sending him.

Why did not the Commission, which had the retail butchers and others before them, ask questions in relation to the increase of shop rents. I want to know from the Prime Minister, if the other hon. Gentleman cannot answer, whether he is going to inquire into the extortionate rents on retail shops and let the public know whether these rents are being taken out of the retailers' profits or are passed on to the consumer in the prices of the articles? Has the right hon. Gentleman not power to get a Commission to do that?

Can the hon. Gentleman state the extent to which these excessive rents are due to the restriction of output in the building trade?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a metal stamping company, who are the manufacturers of stamped-steel ceilings, had orders from the Gateshead and Newcastle Corporations to fix their ceilings in houses in the corporations' areas waiting for the ceilings in such houses to be finished; that when the employés of the firm started fixing the ceilings the officials of the Plasterers' Union intimated that their men would be called out on strike unless the men fixing the metal ceilings at once ceased from work; that in consequence of this action the orders given to the company have been cancelled, whereby some 45 houses which might have been made ready for occupation in one or two weeks remain unfinished; and whether he will grant facilities for passing the necessary legislation to secure freedom of contract in the building and fitting up of houses and generally to prevent interference by interested parties with the completion of houses urgently needed by the public?

My right hon. Friend has asked the local authority to furnish him with particulars of the case to which my hon. Friend refers.

Assuming the facts to be as stated in the question, will the Prime Minister take immediate steps to protect the public, who desire houses to be completed as soon as possible, against this interference with individual liberty and liberty of contract?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local authority have succeeded in getting that work done by work which is not blackleg labour?

Those questions seem to answer each other.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the dissatisfaction existing among the people of Wales, he is prepared to reconsider his decision to close the Welsh regional office at Cardiff?

Having regard to the facts stated by me in the course of debate on the 18th instant in connection with this matter, my right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to adopt the course which the hon. Member suggests.

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the decision, I will call attention to this matter at the earliest opportunity on the Adjournment of the House.

May I ask if the resolutions passed by over two hundred councils in Wales are to be treated as so much waste paper?

No. I venture to hope that after the explanation given the other night in this House, they will realise that their objections were based entirely on a misapprehension of what is really going to happen in this particular case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is now in a position to intimate the result of his inquiries regarding the desirability of safeguarding the ruins of the house in South Uist in which Flora MacDonald was born?

It is proposed to ask the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland to advise in the matter, and it may be some time before they are in a position to consider it. The hon. Member will be informed as soon as a decision is reached.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what number of bird sanctuaries have been created in the Royal parks; and whether the experiment is proving successful?

There are in all nine enclosures which are specially maintained to encourage bird nesting in the Royal parks. The maintenance of these enclosures as bird sanctuaries has, in the opinion of the Department, been so far very successful. The annual report, containing interesting details of the birds which have visited or nested in these sanctuaries, will shortly be issued. I am sending copies of previous reports to the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that up to 10th January metallurgical products and textiles from Alsace-Lorraine entered Germany free of duty, whereas they are now required to pay the same duty as goods entering Germany from other parts of France; and, seeing that this is likely to result in an increase of goods imported into this country at a price lower than the cost of production, does he propose to initiate immediate measures to counteract the effect of this proceeding upon British manufacturers?

I have been asked to answer this question. The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, while I should doubt whether the results which my hon. Friend fears are to be expected, in any important degree, I may remind him that where imported goods are being sold, or offered for sale, in the United Kingdom at prices below the foreign cost of production, it is open to the industry affected to apply for the imposition of a duty under the prevention of dumping provisions in Section 2 (1, a ) of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware; that the rule that young men applying for commissions in the Territorial Army have to spend three weeks on detachment, in addition to two weeks in camp in the same year, to some extent accounts for the Territorial Army being at present under strength; and whether he can see his way to Make some relaxation of this requirement, at any rate in the case of applicants who have had training in their public school officers' training corps?

The Territorial Army officer's initial course of 24 days' attachment to a Regular unit must be completed within three years of date of commission, but the whole course need not be taken in one year; it may be split up into two or three periods. Applications for an extension of the three years' limit, or for exemption from annual training, on special grounds receive full consideration. It is realised that Territorial officers are devoting their spare time in, the service of their country, and their difficulties in regard to training are dealt with as sympathetically as possible, but, it is essential that a certain standard of proficiency should be maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the slow recruitment in the Territorial Army, he is considering the introduction in any form of compulsory service to meet the deficiency, or whether he is considering the re-establishment of the Militia Act?

The answer to the first part, of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend recently received a deputation which represented the value of the Militia, and he has promised consideration of their views.

In view of the statements that have appeared in the Press lately, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of denying officially rumours in the Press?

I am afraid I am not aware of the statements in the Press to which the hon. and gallant Member refers.

I will have much pleasure in sending them to the hon. and gallant Member if he will deny them.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will grant permission to relatives to move, at their own expense, bodies of their near relatives, who fell during the Great War, from abroad to this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply of my right hon. Friend to the hon. and gallant Member for Hallam (Sir F. Sykes) on the 10th December, in which he explained that the Imperial War Graves Commission had come to the conclusion, after careful consideration, that it would be opposed to the policy of equality of treatment of the fallen to permit the removal of the remains of soldiers to this country in particular cases.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade whether His Majesty's Government had under consideration any scheme whereby the Government might assume responsibility for re-insuring against risks of war credits granted in foreign countries by British undertakings; whether any conferences have taken place on this subject with insurance companies undertaking this class of business; and what steps the Government is proposing to take in this direction to increase for British manufacturers opportunities for selling their products in foreign markets?

The whole question of credit insurance is receiving my very close attention in consultation with the interests concerned, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement upon the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the Post Office is unable to comply with the large number of applications for the installation of telephones owing to a shortage of suitable accommodation for telephone exchanges; and if he will state the number of sites approved by his Department during the past year; the number upon which building operations have been started; and the number of sites at present under consideration?

I have been asked to reply. It is seldom that applications for telephone service have to be refused temporarily by reason of a shortage of exchange premises; although, under the general housing difficulties, it is not easy at present to secure suitable accommodation for new, or extension of existing, exchanges—especially where those of the smaller type are concerned. If the hon. Member will acquaint me with any particular case he may have in mind, I shall be happy to investigate it. The number of sites for exchange buildings approved since 1st January, 1924, is 83; the number of sites for such buildings for which negotiations are in progress is 80; the number of exchanges on which building work is in progress or will start before the end of the current financial year, excluding minor adaptations, is 117.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, seeing that in the recent agreement concluded with the Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants establishment was refused to executive and administrative officers on the grounds that no vacancies were available, his attention has been drawn to the fact that within the last few weeks a Mr. Hughes, a non-service man employed at the National Savings Committee, has been granted pensionable establishment; and will he say why, if it is not possible to grant establishment rights to ex-service executive and administrative officers, it has been found possible to make exceptions in the case of non-service men?

The Committee under Lord Southborough state in their final Report the reasons for their recommendations, which are accepted in the agreement referred to, as regards the executive class and administrative class. The post of Director of External Organisation under the National Savings Committee is not regarded as belonging to either of those classes but is a special post which in the interest of the public service should continue to be occupied by the officer who has filled it satisfactorily for a number of years.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has official knowledge of an oil-boring concession granted to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company by the Government of Albania; whether any protest has been received from any friendly Powers with regard to this concession; if so, from which Government; and on what grounds are the protests based?