asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many coal mines were working in India in the year 1923; in how many had ventilating fans been installed; and the number of mines where the working shift is 12 hours or more?

The number of coal mines under the Indian Mines Act in 1923 was 942, and the number with mechanical ventilators in use was 55; the information asked for in the last part of the question is not available but the Government of India will be asked whether they can supply it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the capital debt of the railways of India at the present time?

The amount of the capital at charge on the Indian State Railways (including those worked by companies) on the 31st March, 1925, is esti- mated at 654½ crones of rupees, or approximately (at present rates of exchange) £490,000,000.

Is it not the case that the progress of the State Railways has been very slow compared with that of 50 years ago?

I think that that does not arise out of the original question. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put the question on the Paper?

Does that include the debenture stock?

I shall require notice of that question.

How much of it is private capital and how much State capital?

I shall require notice of that question also.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the recent augmentation of pay of British officers in India, both of the British Army and of the Indian Army, applies to all officers except those of the Royal Army Medical Corps, the Indian Medical Service, Army Dental Corps, and the Royal Army Veterinary Corps; that this is certain to prejudice future recruitments for these essential services in India; and will he state the reason for this decision?

Officers of the Indian Medical Service in military employ have been granted the same pay concession as those in civil employ as a result of the recommendations of the Commission on the Superior Civil Services in India, and the same passage concessions as have recently been granted to officers of the Indian Army. The case of the other services mentioned has been reserved for further consideration, as there is a possibility of changes affecting them in the near future.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any legislation is contemplated by the Gov- ernment of India for legalising trades unions and to enable such bodies to be protected from civil actions when performing trade union functions?

A Bill on the lines indicated has been introduced in the Indian Legislative Assembly. A copy of the Bill as introduced is being sent to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the system of impressed labour for Government work, either civil or military, still continues; if so, will he state the number so impressed for the five years ending 31st December, 1924; and will he supply for the use of the House a copy of the rules and ordinances underlying that system?

Copies of certain enactments of the Indian Legislatures providing for the requisitioning of labour for emergencies such as the repair of irrigation works, etc., have been placed in the Library. The system of requisitioning services to meet the necessities of officers on tour still exists, subject to careful regulation under executive, orders in the various Provinces. The statistics asked for in the question are not available. On 24th January, 1922, a Resolution was adopted by the Indian Legislative Assembly and accepted by the Government of India in favour of the examination of the question of the abolition of impressed labour, conveyance and provisions, wherever it obtains in India, either under local or Imperial Statute or under local custom. My Noble Friend has not yet been informed of the result of the Government of India's examination of the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) if he can hold out any hope of an early suspension of the operation of the Bengal Ordinance;

(2) what action the Government proposes to take in relation to the recent public statement of the Swarajist leader, Mr. C. R. Das, denouncing methods of violence?

With the hon. Member's permission I will answer these questions together. My Noble Friend has already welcomed Mr. Das's dissociation of himself and his party from a policy of violence. But he has so far seen only Press reports of Mr. Das's utterances. If, as he hopes, Mr. Das now makes constructive proposals which obtain the support of the Government of Bengal and the Government of India, His Majesty's Government, so far as they are concerned, will give them their sympathetic consideration.

May I ask the Noble Lord whether he has seen in the Press to-day a suggestion by Mr. Das that he and Mr. Gandhi should come over here in order to consult with the India Office at the same time as the Viceroy is being consulted, and whether he will give that favourable consideration?

This is a situation where, as a result of the events here and in India, it is obvious that a better understanding is hoped for. I am sure that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will understand that no good will be done by any hasty or ill-considered reply by me in this House. If the right hon. and gallant Gentleman wants information I must ask him to give notice.

Does the Noble Lord realise that this change of atmosphere can best be used by a joint meeting such as is now suggested?

Arising out of the last answer, may we take it that this change of policy will be met on our part by the greatest possible political liberty being given in the circumstances?

I think that my answer very clearly deals with that. The hon. and gallant Gentleman must realise that there are situations in which, to say the least of it, it would be most inconvenient that answers should be given to this House without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that Waziristan is not regarded as a field-service area, he can give the casualties which have taken place among the British troops now forming the garrison in that country during the present peace period, and compare them with the casualties suffered by the British troops in garrison when Waziristan was regarded as a field-service area?

The Secretary of State for War has asked me to reply. The information is not immediately available, but it will be obtained and sent to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that cotton of a quality equal to a fully-middling American is being grown in Northern Nigeria; that the climatic conditions there are in every way satisfactory for the growing of cotton and that ample land is available; that the development of cotton growing in Nigeria during the, last 10 years has been extremely slow; and that the crop last year available for export was only 15,000 bales; and, in view of these facts and of the urgent necessity of promoting the growth of cotton within the Empire, whether he will instruct the Governor of Nigeria to appoint a committee to consider and report upon the best steps to take to develop more rapidly the growing of cotton in Northern Nigeria.?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, as is also the answer to the second part as regards much of the Northern Provinces. During the last 10 years the short native variety of cotton has been almost entirely replaced for export by the much more valuable longer staple variety, of which in 1915–16 121 bales were exported, 1919–20, 3,568 bales, in 1923–24, 15,035 bales. I am satisfied that the Nigerian Agricultural Department, which is working in close co-operation with the British Cotton Growing Association and the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation, is working on right lines, and that as further railways and increased transport, facilities become available the export of cotton of good quality will go on increasing. Accordingly, I see no sufficient reason to ask the Governor to appoint a local committee on this question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a number of very able business men on the Legislative Council of Nigeria, who would give advice on the subject of increasing the growth of cotton in Northern Nigeria and improving the present position?

We rely in this very expert matter very largely on specially-trained agricultural officers, and on the co-operation of the two great associations originating in Lancashire and dealing with cotton. We have their advice and assistance, and I think it is quite sufficient and better than a purely local committee of merchants dealing with other goods.

Will there be no change in the principle, hitherto adopted in Nigeria, of having native cultivation rather than plantation cultivation?

That does not arise out of the original question. There is no suggestion, except that made by Lord Leverhulme, for altering the present policy of the Government of Nigeria, and I dealt with that in my speech a few days ago.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Niger Company acts as forwarding and handling agents for a large number of companies operating on the tin fields; that the company, although receiving half the royalties on minerals, make applications through their representatives from time to time for mineral areas, particularly tin, and obtain grants in direct opposition to the tin companies, for whom they act as agents; and that some of those companies are small concerns and have practically no other choice than to appoint the Niger Company as their agents; and whether he, will consider taking steps to protect the rights and interests of these smaller companies?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I see no reason for interference by Government with such legitimate business of the Niger Company.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in February of this year the Kenya Government, subject to his sanction, proposed to raise a loan of £125,000 for purposes of education of Europeans, Indians, Arabs, and Africans; and that this proposal was reviewed by a committee consisting of three officials and all the elected European members of council, which suggested that the sum of £80,000 should be spent on one European school; and whether he proposes to sanction this allocation or to insist upon a more equal division of the total sum over the four races in question?

The provision referred to represents capital expenditure mainly on buildings, and I am confident that the expenditure of £80,000 on a central school for European boys at Nairobi is both essential and urgent. Not only in Kenya, but elsewhere in Africa, it is desirable that better facilities should be provided for European children who have in most cases no prospect of education elsewhere. The proposed loan also provides for capital expenditure on the erection of a new technical school for Indians, the extension and improvement of the present Indian school at Nairobi, improvements in the Arab schools on the coast, and £25,000 for the erection of a new industrial training depot for African artisans. Further, a training school for African visiting teachers is already in course of erection, and I welcome the increasing provision that is being made in Kenya for the better education of all races in the colony.

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest that £80,000 out of £125,000 is the proper proportion to spend on a school for Europeans, in view of the fact that there is already a school for Europeans in Nairobi; and before he sanctions this enormous allocation out of the £125,000 for the whites in Kenya, will he inquire how many children in Kenya are likely to take advantage of the £80,000 building?

I am satisfied, from what I saw, that the most urgent requirement in East Africa, in the interest of the native population, is to prevent a number of uneducated Europeans growing up in their midst, and the most unsatisfactory buildings in Nairobi are the present European schools. This should be done at once and, as I pointed out in the answer, in addition to this £125,000 allocation, other sums are already being spent on the education services for the other purposes. I hope this will be sanctioned at the earliest possible moment.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Minister for Education in Kenya himself protested against the money being spent in this way?

I had a letter recently from the head of the Department of Education saying that this was a most important matter. At present there is no science laboratory and no provision for scientific education for the children of white officials. I hope these new schools will be built to educate the children of European artisans, not only in Kenya, but from the neighbouring territories as well. The well-to-do settlers have their own private schools, but there is inadequate provision for the less well-to-do Europeans in East Africa.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to a proposed memorial in Kenya to the late Governor, Sir Robert Coryndon?

I have no official information on the subject, and such references to it as I have seen in the local Press are less definite than the message published here in the "Times" of the 3rd April.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if it is the intention of his Department to open an office in New York; and, if so, when?

It is intended to establish at New York within the next three months a branch of the Commercial Secretariat of the Embassy at Washington. The junior of the two Commercial Diplomatic Officers at Washington will be detached to assume charge of the new office, which will work in conjunction with His Majesty's Consulate-General at New York.

What will be the extra cost?

I cannot state offhand. But I bear in mind the necessity of keeping it as low as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will consider the advisability of opening an office and maintaining a Commercial Secretary at San Francisco, with a view to fostering British trade on the Pacific coast of the United States of America?

I am afraid that expense will not at the moment admit of the appointment of a Commercial Secretary at San Francisco. The Commercial Counsellor at Washington has, however, recently paid a visit to the Pacific coast of the United States in order to investigate conditions and prospects of British trade, and he has furnished a very valuable report which has been communicated to the interests concerned. His Majesty's Consul-General at San Francisco and the other Consular officers on the Pacific coast have also been invited to pay special attention to commercial questions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of lace and embroidery exported from this country for the year 1914 and also for the last completed year; and will he give the number of persons employed in this industry for the year 1914 and the last year?

The answer contains a number of figures, and my hon. and gallant Friend will perhaps agree to its being circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the movement in the Irish Free State in favour of putting a duty on imported British machinery and goods; and whether he will take steps to protect British manufactures and the thousands of workers in these industries if these duties are imposed?

As regards the first part of the question, I have no information, and, as regards the second, I am afraid that I cannot answer a hypothetical question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has now secured the consent of the executive and general manager of the British Empire Exhibition to the admittance of disabled ex-service men free of charge on one day in the week?

I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that they will distribute free passes for the exhibition to the British Red Cross Society for the use of disabled men who are in hospital.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in the allocation of the new contracts for catering at the British Empire Exhibition; the management has laid down any conditions as to quality and prices of food?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what arrangements, if any, have been made with the various caterers at the British Empire Exhibition with regard to the utilisation of the products of the British Empire in their respective establishments?

I am informed by the authorities of the British Empire Exhibition that it is stipulated in all the catering contracts that the refreshments shall be sound and wholesome, and that Empire materials only shall be used, wherever such a course be reasonably possible.

Has any stipulation been made with regard to reasonable prices?

Competition will produce reasonable prices. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] A number of competing catering firms are doing the business this year, and the public will, no doubt, go to those firms which give the best value and the best food.

Has the hon. Gentleman considered that they might as well come together to put up prices as come together to pull down prices.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has in preparation means to open the way to land ownership for the 17,000 unsatisfied applicants for small holdings, including 3,243 ex-service men requiring 46,000 acres; and, if so, when these measures will come into operation?

The question of the provision of additional small holdings is being carefully considered, and I hope to be in a position to submit to the House next year proposals for a new scheme to be brought into operation after the present scheme has been completed in 12 months' time.

When the right hon. Gentleman is going into this question, will he also consider the advisability of purchasing hack the small holdings from those ex-service men who have not been able to make a success of them, if they are willing to sell?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the fixing of the wages of the farm workers in Lincolnshire has been followed by levying new charges by farmers on farm workers, such as for straw and coal carting; and whether anything can be done to stop this undermining of the intentions of the wages board and Parliament?

I have had no official information of such cases. It is, of course, illegal for an employer to reckon in part payment of minimum wages fixed under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act the value of any benefits or advantages other than those permitted by the order of the local agricultural wages committee. Neither of the wages committees for Lincolnshire has included the benefits mentioned in the question as allowable for this purpose, and, consequently, any such arrangements would be outside the payment of wages at the minimum rates.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask for a reconsideration of rates by county committees in cases where a change of action by farmers has made a serious difference to the men?

I will certainly consider the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman. Of course, he must not forget that it is always within the competence of the committees themselves to reconsider their own business.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the possibility of erecting specimen steel houses at the British Empire Exhibition; and, if so, whether all types will be represented?

The British Empire Exhibition authorities are arranging for a display of various new methods of house construction, and it is understood that several methods in which steel construction is employed will be represented.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the Bulwark and Hardwicke houses at Chepstow have reverted to the Government; if so, whether he is aware that the bulk of the tenants have for some time been suffering from unemployment, with the result that the rents and rates are considerably in arrears; and whether special consideration will be given to the position of these people with respect to their arrears, and action taken to reduce the rents now charged?

The management of these estates has only recently been transferred from the Shipping Liquidation Department to the charge of the Office of Works. The matters to which the hon. Member refers are receiving consideration, but it may be a little time before a decision can be arrived at.

If the rents that have been collected for some considerable time have been paid over to the Shipping Liquidation Department, then, presumably, the Government receive the amount of money or rent that is paid?

The transfer took place only five days ago, and the Office of Works have only had to deal with the matter during the last five days. We are looking into it very carefully, and we will let the hon. Member know.

It needs looking into.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are taken to ensure that resolutions agreed to by the International Labour Office., and ratified by the British Government, should also be ratified and put into operation by the Governments of those countries whose representatives have agreed to them?

The Treaty of Versailles imposes no obligation on members of the International Labour Organisation to ratify draft conventions or accept recommendations adopted by the International Labour Conference, even if the Government delegates of the member have voted for the draft convention or recommendation, but it is provided that members shall, within a specified period, bring the recommendation or draft convention before the authority or authorities within whose competence the matter lies for the enactment of legislation or other action. It is possible for a State to ratify a given convention with the proviso that the ratification shall not take effect until other States have also ratified, and the Government is now considering what steps can best be taken, whether by this or other means, to secure that conventions ratified by this country shall also be ratified by the other States chiefly affected by their provisions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the willingness of Germany to enter the League of Nations; and, if so, on what, if any, conditions?

The hon. and gallant Member is, of course, aware of the communication made by the German Government to the League of Nations, and of the Council's reply. His Majesty's Government have no later information.

May we take it the German Government still insist on the condition they laid down?

I have no further information than what has appeared in the Press.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention hs been called to recent issues of the Russian papers and official organs of the Soviet Government, the "Pravda" and "Isvestia," in which violent attacks are made on the late Lord Curzon and which contain offensive cartoons directed against the Crown; whether he is aware that these journals are being gratuitously distributed in this country by an official Russian agency; and whether he will draw the attention of the Soviet Government to this breach of the undertaking regarding propaganda?

His Majesty's Government are aware that offensive articles and cartoons appear from time to time in the Soviet Press which is on sale in this country. The sale is, I believe, small, and His Majesty's Government have no evidence of any considerable free distribution. I do not suppose that these Russian publications have any effect upon opinion here, unless it be to excite disgust, and they may well be left to the contempt they deserve.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any limitation of the circulation of anti-Bolshevist literature amongst the British delegation in Moscow—whether the "Morning Post" is sold?

I have no information.

The right hon. Gentleman knows it as well as I do. Of course it is.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a delegation of Russian Communists, under the leadership of M. Tomsky, has arrived in this country and what is the purpose of their visit?

On a point of Order. May I, Mr. Speaker, draw your attention to this question, and inquire whether an hon. Member is entitled to ask the Home Office for particulars of any alien landing in this country and what is the purpose that he declares to be the object of his visit?

The Home Office under the present law has certain duties in regard to the admission of aliens, and for that reason the aliens come under the administration of the Home Secretary.

On a further point of Order. May I suggest to you, Sir, that the purpose of the question is not to get administrative details, and is it not the case that any question which contains any political innuendo would be very properly refused at the Table?

One of the most difficult parts of my duty is dealing with questions that would appear to have some hidden meaning. I do not pretend to have an inside knowledge of 600 minds, but I do my best in the matter.

You do it very well, Sir.

On a point of Order. Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman entitled to impute motives?

Would a Member of this House be in Order in putting a question down to the Home Office, or the Prime Minister, asking what was the purpose of the visit of any foreign royalty to this country? Would that question be accepted at the Table?

I have known such questions from time to time, but I endeavour to prevent the Order Paper being improperly used. With respect to the present question, I did not see anything in it calling for remark.

I would refer to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to the hon. and gallant Members for Chertsey (Sir P. Richardson) and Bournemouth (Sir H. Croft).

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of smallholders in Scotland in the years 1922, 1923 and 1924, respectively?

The numbers of holdings in Scotland exceeding one and not exceeding 50 acres in extent, according to the returns made to the Board of Agriculture in 1922, 1923 and 1924, were 50,278, 50,422 and 50,545 respectively. An addition of, approximately, 5,000 should be made to those figures in respect of holdings exceeding 50 acres in extent, but of an annual value not exceeding £50.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the numbers of new holdings created and the number of holdings enlarged during the past 12 months, with a statement showing how these figures compare with recent years?

During the year ending the 31st December last, 269 new holdings and 126 enlargements of existing holdings were formed by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland. The corresponding figures for the previous five years are:

1919	…	…	282 and 114
1920	…	…	227 and 90
1921	…	…	415 and 307
1922	…	…	433 and 304
1923	…	…	322 and 108

Do the figures the right hon. Gentleman has just given take any account of the number of holdings that have been filled up?

Wherever a holding becomes vacant under any scheme, it is at once refilled.

Does the right hon. Gentleman include these numbers filled up in the figures he has just given?

I shall require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of acres of Land under arable cultivation in Scotland in the years 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924, respectively?

The number of acres of land under arable cultivation in Scotland, including land under rotation grasses and clover, in each of the years specified was as follows:

asked the Secretary for Scotland the numbers of emigrants who have left Scotland during the past 12 months?

The number of British subjects recorded as having left permanent residence in Scotland to take up permanent residence in non-European countries during the 12 months ended 31st January, 1925 (the latest period of 12 months for which statistics are avail- able), was 40,174. Residence for a year or more is treated as permanent residence for the purpose of this classification.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us how many of these families have left under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922?

I shall be glad to give the hon. Member information if he will put down a separate question, as I have not the figures in my mind.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the number he has given us of those who have left Scotland has anything to do with the decrease in the cultivation of land, figures for which have just been given?

May I ask if these figures include emigrants to the Colonies, and, if not, can he give us any approximate figures as to the emigrants to the Colonies?

I think they do come within the reply I gave, but if the hon. Member will put down a question, I shall be very glad to give him an answer.