asked the UnderSecretary of State fur India whether the Government have considered and decided as to the feasibility of introducing uniform weights and measures throughout India?

The Government of India have decided against the adoption of all-India standards of measurement, and against the compulsory adoption of standard weights, for the reasons given in a Resolution, a copy of which is being sent to the hon. Member

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what was the result of the police and military inquiries into the disturbance caused by soldiers at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition, Delhi, on Christmas night, 1924, in which stalls were robbed and civilians injured until the soldiers were ejected by the police?

I have not seen any report on this matter since the first brief account of the occurrence, which appears to have been a mere exhibition of drunken rowdiness of a character that is very uncommon with British soldiers

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what are the minimum wages paid by the Government of India to postmen and runners, telegraph messengers, railway porters and cleaners, policemen, and clerks and menials employed by the government services?

The information required to answer the hon. Member's inquiry is, for the most part, not available in this country, and my Noble Friend does not consider that any useful purpose would he served by asked the Government of India to request all the provincial Governments and other authorities concerned to furnish the information

also asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India was consulted about the construction and maintenance of the Singapore base: and whether it is the intention of the Government of India to allow a discussion of this matter in the Legislative Assembly?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the, affirmative. As regard the second part, T am not aware of any such intention

:May I ask whether it is a fact that the officials of the Government of India were instructed in the Assembly by the representatives of India, and whether it is a fact that information was refused?

:I really must have notice of a question like that. It is quite obvious that I cannot carry in my head all the questions asked in the Assembly. I have answered the question the hon. Member has put on the Paper

further asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether flogging as a punishment still persist in the Indian Army?

A commanding officer of a unit on active service may award corporal punishment not exceeding 12 strokes with a rattan to followers who are menial servants. This is the only case in which corporal punishment can be awarded in the Indian Army, whether in peace or war

:Is it not the right hon. Gentleman's opinion, and the opinion of the Government, that the time has come to do away with this form of punishment in the Indian Army, as in the British Army?

:The hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that it is in the Army. It refers only to those followers, who are in a very different category, and a this punishment is only used in very exceptional circumstances, I see no reason why it should be abolished

:Is it not desirable to abolish it in the case of menial servants, as in the case of other people?

:It is a matter on which the hon. Member must form his own opinion. My opinion is to the contrary

asked the CinderSecretary of State for India whether he is aware the dissatisfaction existing among the rank and file of the British troops in India at the service provided by the Army Canteen Board (India); whether he will state the constitution of this Board; whether any representation is given to the rank and file and under what conditions it operates; and whether he can give the profit on the last year's working, and how much of the profit went to the benefit of the troops?

:My information is that the operations of the Army Canteen Board (India) now give general satisfaction. The Board consists of the Quartermaster-General in India as chairman, various officials and three commercial representatives. There is no specific representation of the rank and file. In the year ending 31st July, the Board made a profit of Es. 29,317, after allowing rebates to units at the rate of 712 per cent. of purchases

:Will the Noble Lord make further inquiries as to the satisfaction of the British troops with the present system, and will he inquire as to the possibility of representations being given to the rank and file, as is done with the Navy, Army and Air Forces Canteen of this country?

With regard to the latter part of the supplementary question, I will suggest to my Noble Friend that inquiry should be made on those lines. With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, I think it would be rather difficult to find out the opinion of all the rank and file on this point. It is open to them to make representations through the ordinary channel

Will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made of the commanding officers of units?

:I will consider that

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will advise the publication of a monthly labour gazette by the Government of Bengal on the same lines as the monthly labour gazette published by the Government of Bombay?

The matter is not one in which my Noble Friend would wish to interfere with the discretion of the Government of Bengal, but the hon. Member's suggestion will be sent to India for consideration

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether provincial magistrates and their deputies can be removed from their offices without full inquiry: and whether such officers are entitled to ask for an inquiry if removed from the service?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the negative, and to the second in the affirmative. I would refer him in this connection to Rule XIV of Statutory Rules and Orders, 1924, No. 354, made on 22nd December, 1920, a copy of which I r.m sending him

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if Major A. M. Lloyd, of the Indian Army, retired and reemployed officer during the late War, has been demobilized; and, if se, from what date?

Major A. M. Lloyd was demobilized from reemployed service during the War, with effect from 7th May, 1919. He was reemployed again from 2nd August, 1920, under peacetime conditions of reemployed service

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, as the Government of India have advanced as an argument in favour of the promulgation of the Bengal Ordinance the fact that witnesses in political trials have been, in some cases, murdered by the revolutionaries, he will give the names and numbers of such witnesses murdered in recent years?

I will make inquiries, and let the hon. Member know when information has been received

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any discussions regarding the Indian situation have been held between representatives of the Government of India now in this country and the Secretary of State for India; and, if so, will he indicate the precise nature of these discussions?

As has been announced, the Governor-General has come to this country in order to discuss Indian affairs with my Noble Friend and His Majesty's Government. The discussions are now in progress, but I am not prepared to indicate their nature

May I ask whether it is a fact that Messrs. Das and Motilal Nehru are coming to this country, and that they will be consulted in connection with the Muddiman Report?

The question does not arise, obviously, out of the question which has been asked, nor can I answer it in relation to the question on the Paper. I know nothing of the movements of Mr. Das and Motilal Nehru

Are we to understand that there is no connection whatever between the visit to this count)yof these people and the visit of the Governor-General?

Not so far as I am aware

asked the Under-Secretary of state for India whether he expects to be in a position to make any announcement in the near future on the result of the consultations between the Viceroy and the Secretary of State for India?

I have no doubt occasion will arise in the course of the next few weeks for a statement in Parliament on Indian affairs, but I cannot indicate a date

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is extremely desirable that this statement should be made at the earliest possible moment?

The hon. Member is, no doubt, aware that if it were desired to have a Debate on the Estimates, that matter could be arranged through the ordinary channels in due course, but the initiative rests with the hon. Member's Leader

Is the noble Lord aware that we are not anxious to debate the Estimates until we know the results of the consultations?

Then I think my answer very adequately answered the question, when I said I am not in a position to make a statement now, but that I have no doubt an occasion will arise in the course of the next few weeks

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether women and children are employed on underground work in the coal mines of British India and, if so, will he state the numbers of such persons so employed?

Under the Indian Mines Act of 1923, which came into force on 1st July, 1924, children, that is persons under 13 years of age, may not be employed in mines. The Government of India are empowered by the Act to make regulations prohibiting the underground employment of women, and have consulted local governments on the question whether such regulations should be made. In 1923, the last year for which figures are available the number of women so employed in coal mines was about 40,000 —mostly in two provinces

Is it not a fact that married men in India will not go down the coal mines unless accompanied by their wives, and that their wives refuse to stay above ground when their husbands go down the mine?

That is a matter which no doubt the Government of India will discuss with the local Governments who are responsible for legislation on this question. The matter does present certain difficulties

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the women have to take their young children, quite babies. into the mines with them because there are no means whatever of having them cared for and in view of the very high mortality among infants in India, will the right hon. Gentlemen make arrangements for some welfare work to be established so that these babies need not be taken down. the mines?

I can assure the hon. Lady that that question is receiving the very sympathetic attention of the Provincial Governments and the Government of India whose duty it is to deal with this question. I know that several eneches have been established in recent years, and there is reason to believe that partly by voluntary organisation and partly by the assistance of Government aid there will be more ereches established in the future

Is it not a fact that, owing to the interference with the Custo.ns of India, we are now arriving at the conclusion that many women who are children under the Factory Acts in India, are mothers of children themselves?

I do not think the hon. and gallant Gentleman is right. I can only add that this matter was discussed in the various Legislative Assemblies before legislation was passed, and it was only passed after full consultation. I do not think there has been any undue interference

May I ask for an answer to the last part of my question?

We must not discuss here matters affecting India, with which it is the duty of other AF5iemblies to deal

Are there any official measures taken to register the ages of children? Who determines whether a child is under the age of 13 or not?

I should like to have notice of that question, but I presume it would be the duty of the inspector who examines the children

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can state the hours per normal working day in the coal mines of British India; the average number of hours worked weekly; and the total number of accidents, fatal and nun-fatal, for the years 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924: and whether he can state the average weekly wage of a surface worker and underground worker, giving its equivalent in English money?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. As the reply to the remainder of the question contains a large number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT

Why is it not possible to get; this information. Surely, we can obtain the number of hours per normal working day?

The reason is that India is a very large sub-Continent, with 250,000,000 inhabitants, and it is governed by many different Governments. While information on all these question is becoming more available than in the past, it is not yet fully available, and it would be unfair to ask the

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are taken to train before leaving this country those individuals who emigrate under the Empire Settlement Scheme

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Resolution of the Imperial Economic Conference, 1923, on the subject of training for oversea settlement, which was referred to the answer to a question upon this subject by the hon. Member for Stroud (Sir F. Nelson), printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT of the 20th February. The Conference considered that such training (apart from any brief period of testing in

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any system analogous to the nativepass system in South Africa is in operation in Kenya and what are the conditions imposed?

No, Sir. The system of native registration in Kenya under which every native outside his reserve is required to carry a certificate of identification, is entirely different from the native-pass system in South Africa. The hon. Member will find that native registration in Kenya is discussed in the Report of the East Africa Commission

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies,whether His 'Majesty's Government adheres to the principle that there is an Imperial responsibility for the protection of native races not represented in legislative assemblies; and what steps have been taken with regard to the responsibility in respect of the natives of Southern Rhodesia?

His Majesty's Government certainly adhere to this principle so far as concerns the Colonies, Protectorates and other territories for the administration of which the Secretary of State is responsible. Southern Rhodesia., however, under the Constitution granted in 1923, now enjoys responsible government; but certain powers with regard to native administration have been reserved to the High Commissioner for South Africa, in accordance with the recommendations made in the first Report of Lord Buxton's Committee, which is published in Cmd.1273. Natives in Southern Rhodesia are eligible to be placed on the register of voters if duly qualified, bat I understand that at present the number of 9nch natives is very small

asked the. Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to certain shootings of Indian workers engaged on the diamond mines in British Guiana: and whether he has received any report on the subject?

I understand the hon. and gallant Member to be referring to the disturbances which took place at Ruimveldt, British Guiana, on the 3rd April of last year. A report upon the occurrence was received by my predecessor and engaged his attention

Whence do the diamonds come?

There are no diamond mines in British Guiana. Diamonds are produced in the tributaries of the Mazaruni river from alluvial washing by small parties of men. The work is put carried out by Indians, but almost entirely by Africans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is the intention of the Government to introduce an East African Transport Loan Guarantee Bill; as recommended by the East African Commission?

There has not yet been time for me to consider this and the other recommendations of the Commission

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to advise any change of policy, or modification of policy, in Iraq as the result of his recent visit; and when he will be in a position to make a statement on the results of his visit?

I propose to make a statement on the situation in Iraq, on the appropriate item in the Estimates

asked the. Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the tonnage of rubber exported from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies during the last four years?

I have been asked to reply to this question, and, as the answer contains a number of figures, the hon. and gallant Member will perhaps not object to their being circulated in the OFFICAL REPORT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the export of rubber from the British territories during each of the four years 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924; and the percentage this bore to the total rubber production of the world in those years?

I have been asked to reply. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will allow me to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the matter on the Adjournment

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the Government of Malta is a dyarchy, with subjects reserved from the local legislature and with civil and legal staff officers to assist the Governor and subject to the Colonial Department, the Secretary of State is prepared to inquire as to whether certain action on their part is against constitutional practice?

The officers in question are responsible primarily to the Governor. He has not informed me that he has any reason to complain of their conduct, and I see no ground for any inquiry

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state why it is that the agreement men employed in Bermuda Dockyard have to pay Income Tax on the full amount of their earnings, including Colonial pay and also on their allowance given in lieu of quarters, in addition to paying vastly increased prices on all commodities owing to the import taxes charged on these by the local government, thus causing these men to be doubly taxed, whereas men engaged in employment locally are not called upon to pay any tax, no matter what their earnings, to the British Government or to the local government; and will he cause the present procedure to be ameliorated?

I have been asked to reply. Income Tax is chargeable under Schedule E (see Finance Act, 1922, Section 18) upon the emoluments of persons serving under the Admiralty. The Acts relating to Income Tax do not provide for any relief to be given to persons serving abroad except in the case where a Colonial Income Tax is chargeable locally concurrently with the British tax. I regret I am unable to recommend any special exemption in favour of men employed at Bermuda

Is it not the fact that there is a difference between these two classes of men, and will the hon. Gentleman say the reason why?

Yes. The reason is that: Admiralty employées are liable to British Income Tax, whereas local employées arc. not, as there is no Income Tax in Bermuda

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he can give the latest figure of coal output, consumption and stocks in hand in Russia, and the average price of the Russian commodity as compared with British, plus freight charges per ton, landed in Russia?

:I will gladly give my hon. and gallant Friend the information in the possession of the Department of Overseas Trade, but as the answer involves a long table of figures, I will, with his permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any limit as regards the number and weight of the diplomatic bags which the Soviet authorities are allowed to send to their representatives in this country unopened under diplomatic privilege

The Soviet: Mission in London is allowed to send and receive each week one sealed bag weighing not more than 10 kilogrammes (22 lbs.) which is not liable to be opened by the Customs authorities

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the tonnage of new shipbuilding construction in German yards in each year since 1919, and the repair work in Dutch yards in the same period?

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the in formation in the possession of the Department of Overseas Trade

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade. Department whether the lion of Judah was adopted as the emblem of the British Empire Exhibition in place of the British lion with the approval of his Department; and if he can inform the House why this change in the traditional form of the British lion was made?

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

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the traditional lion on the arms of England is the lion of Judah, and that the kings of Scotland always claim descent from the kings of Judah?

That is not the question put to me. The lion of Wembley is not, in my own private opinion, like the conventional lion of Judah. The lion of Judah was a Palestinian, Asiatic lion and that lion was rounder and shorter in the body, and had a shorter and curlier mane than the Wembley lion. That is how I make the comparison from Aristotle's and Pliny's description of a Palestinian lion. A typical example of the lion of Judah was discovered, many years ago, among the sculptured remains of the rains of Arban. It confirms the description given by Aristotle and Pliny and it does not resemble the lion of Wembley

am sorry to press the hon. Gentleman, but this is a very important matter. Is he aware that all Scottish students of Heraldry are agreed that the Scottish lion is the lion of Judah?

Since such a discussion has arisen, would it lie possible to get a Scottish lion at Wembley, to show what a tender thing a lion is?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the action on the part of certain representatives of the Electrical Trades Union whereby many of the electrical appliances employed in the buildings of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley were put out of action a few hours after they had been tested, so that the exhibit of the Oversea Settlement Department of the Colonial Office, the British Government Pavilion, and other exhibits, may be seriously handicapped; and what action the Government propose to take to prevent a recurrence of such practices?

Perhaps. my hon. Friend would be good enough to put that question down for tomorrow. I have a note here that it was not f o he answered today. I am afraid that there has been some misunderstanding

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any decision has been come to with regard to the Regulations for the double dipping of sheep; if so, when the decision will be made public; and whether it is the Ministry's intention to introduce new Regulations which will abolish, in so far as possible, the present unnecessary trouble and expense caused by the compulsory double dipping cf sheep in many areas?

The measures proposed for the eradication of sheep scab. are being submitted for consideration to a number of agricultural bodies and I am therefore, unable to make a statement at the moment. I am advised that nothing short of double dipping can be expected to succeed. An endeavour will, however, be made to relieve clean counties under certain conditions from the requirements of the Regulations

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that there is a strong feeling in the sheep-farming counties in England owing to certain local authorities having had additional powers conferred upon them under the Act?

Yes, Sir. I am well aware of that, and it is in order to overcome that difficulty that I hope in that respect to be able to revise the administration

asked the Minister of Agriculture what area of land in this country is devoted to the cultivation of hops; what are the number of men employed in its cultivation; and what is the estimated annual yield?

The acreage of land in England on which hops were grown in 1924 was 25,897 acres, and the estimated production was 144,000 cwts. Yields were, however, exceptionally good in 1924, being 3 cwts. per acre above the previous record yield. The average production in the last four years. during which the acreage has not varied greatly, was 300,000 cwts. It has been estimated that one regular labourer is employed for every five or six acres of hops, but no definite information is available on the subject

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department have considered any scheme for insurance against the risks of foot-and-mouth disease; whether it found any schemes submitted to it. or to its Committees, were actuarily sound; and what is the attitude of the Government towards insurance as a means of meeting the heavy charge which outbreaks of the disease throws on the taxpayer?

The question of insurance as an alternative to the existing system of compensation for slaughtered animals has been carefully considered. For a discussion of this subject I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the Report of the Departmental Committee on Foot-and-Mouth Disease. under the Chairmanship of the Rt. Hon. E. G. Pretyman (Cmd. 2350). With regard to the last part, the Government would be prepared to consider any sound and workable scheme of insurance, but the question presents special difficulties and I am not at present satisfied that any of the suggestions made would be practicable

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many farmers or stockkeepers were prosecuted in the years 1922, 1923 and 1924, respectively, for failure to notify outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease amongst their stock?

Prosecutions for failure to notify outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease numbered eight in each of the years 1922 and 1923, and 27 in 1924

asked the. Minister of Agriculture if he has received from Mr. H. Kew, of Morecambe, a. man who has treated many herds of valuable pedigree cattle, an appeal to have tested Mr. Kew's treatment of foot-and-mouth disease and tuberculosis in cattle; and whether, seeing that the Report of the Departmental Committee of February, 1925, recommended such test, will he have this specific properly and fully tested so that no possible preventive may he: overlooked?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in supposing the Report of the recent Departmental Committee recommended that an official test should be made of Mr. Kew's specific. I am advised that the evidence with regard to the merits of this remedy is not sufficient to justify a test being carried out at public expense

Am I to understand that the conception of the right hon. Gentleman is that the 1925 Report recommendation is only confined to foot-and-mouth disease?

I have answered the hon. Member's question quite clearly, and he is under a misapprehension

I did not quite catch the answer, and I am sorry

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The Report of the Departmental Committee recommended that an official test should be made in a specific case

asked the. Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the former manager of an Employment Exchange in the West of England received a silver tea-service as a wedding present from the local unemployed on the recent occasion of his marriage with one of the former staff; and whether the attention of the staffs of the Employment Exchanges has been called to the matter, in order that the recurrence of such incidents may Le orvented?

The Staff Rules of the Ministry forbid officers to accept presentations (other than from their colleagues) without first obtaining the convent of the Department. The case referred to in the question had not previously been brought to the notice of the Department, and l am inquiring into the circumstances. From such information as I have, it would appear that the present was made to the brid2, and not to the bridegroom

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the former manager has retired from the service of the Ministry of Labour, and also his bride?

I ant inquiring into the circumstances, a rid will let the hon. and gallant Gentleman know the result

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has come to any decision to reduce the pay of recruits and new officers in the three fighting Services?

I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 11th March

Would the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to impose a system which will involve a differentiation pay for exactly the same work by men working side by side?

I think that we had better wait and see

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to lake any action on the interim Reports of the Royal Commission on Food Prices?

asked the Prime Minister when the House will have an opportunity of discussing the First Report of the Royal Commission on Food Prices?

The Government will give early consideration to the recommendations contained in the First Report. As to an opportunity for discussion by the. House, I cannot say anything definite at the present moment

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Food Commission will continue its investigations publicly into the question of the prices of fish—retail prices of fish?

Perhaps the. hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that question to the Board of Trade, though I have every reason to believe that they are going on with their work

When might the part relating to Question 47 be repeated?

Well, the Report is a long one, and will need a good deal of consideration, but I shall be very glad if a question is put down, say, in a week's time

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under what treaty the boundary between the French and Spanish protectorates in Morocco is defined; and whether His Majesty's Government is a party to the treaty?

The boundary is defined in the Franco-Spanish agreement relating to Morocco of the 27th November, 1912. His Majesty's Government is not a party to that agreement

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the position in Morocco and the hostilities that have broken out between the French and the Riffs and whether he is watching the situation from the point of view of British interests in that part of Africa?

The information appearing in the Press has been as complete as that which has reached me, and I cannot add to it. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take the opportunity, should one arise, of friendly intervention in this matter?

No, Sir, I. am not prepared to interfere in what is a domestic affair of France. All my sympathies are with France in their efforts to bring about peace to their country, and to protect, those who are under their protection

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the southern shores of the Straits of Gibraltar form part of the Riff Territory, and cannot, therefore, be the domestic affair of any country?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman was referring to French interests and the Riffs, and not to the Spanish interests and the Riffs

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet come to any decision as to the distribution of the indemnity of £500,000 exacted from the Egyptian Government?

No, Sir I have add anything to the reply which my right not yet, received the recommendations of hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to a the Governor-General of the Sudan

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to a memorial from the Deritead ex-service men's guild asking, among other things, for the abolition of the seven years' limit in respect of new claims for pension, and quoting in support of their request the case of Mr. H. V. Spilsbury, late No. 11,272, private Royal Welsh Fusiliers, of Sherlock Street, Birmingham; whether he is aware that. Mr. Spilsbury was discharged on 2nd March, 1915, owing to gunshot wounds in the back and amputation of right arm, and that in 1919 paralysis of the lower limbs developed; that he was placed on treatment allowances for five months and eventually ordered institutional treatment; that he was a patient in Highbury hospital for one year and 10 months, and then put on outdoor treatment, but was refused a pension for paralysis or, the ground that no claim had been submitted that. in 1921 Mr. Spilsbury submitted a claim for pension under Article 9 of the Royal Warrant, which the officials state they did not receive, and resubmitted the claim in 1922, when it was rejected on the ground that more than seven years had elapsed since his discharge; and whether he will take action so that this case may be considered?

My right hon. Friend has received a copy of this memorial. Heisinquiring into the facts of the individual case mentioned, and will communicate later with the hon. Member

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the Committee looking into the question of shipbuilding for the Royal Navy is expected to report?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to a similar question on 28th April last

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House, later on, when we can have some information on this matter Will theReport be published, or how will the matter be left?

I do not suppose the Report will be published, but the House will be informed as soon as we decide

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us some assurance that this matter is being expedited, in view of the fact that the employment of many thousands of men depends on it?

Yes, Sir, I am very anxious that the Committee should report as soon as possible. and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that I shall do my best

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is his intention to make any and, if so, what arrangements for the care and education of children who are so mentally deficient and physically defective that they cannot be received in any of the existing special schools?

of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy): As regards the mentally defective children in question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Circular 1341, a copy of which I am sending him. As regards physically defective children, there are, generally speaking, no children who are suffering from so prolonged disability and who are so defective that they cannot be received into either the appropriate type of special school (including hospital schools) or into a sanatorium for children

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has any information respecting the number of children throughout the country suffering from tuberculosis for whom no educational years old? They are nearly an inch wide, provision is being made; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter

According to the returns of local authorities for the year ended December 31st last, there were, in England and Wales, 8,834 children suffering from some form of tuberculosis who were attending no recognised school or institution. Probably some of these children could suitably sent to openair schools by local authorities, and I am doing all I can to encourage the development of this type of school; but the majority are not physically fit to receive formal instruction in school, and, therefore, fall outside the scope of my Department

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman's Department to grant special financial facilities to local education authorities in this particular matter, that is, the provision of openair schools for tuberculous children?

As a general rule I am very strongly opposed to differential grants for anything. I think a general rate of grant is far sounder, but I shall be glad if the hon. Member will consult with me

asked the UnderSecretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if the cracks in the walls and arches of the Members' entrance are of recent origin; and whether these cracks have been caused or rendered more dangerous by the heavy additional weight used in strengthening the Westminster Hall roof

The cracks in question are now over 20 years old, and have been in no way affected by the repairs to Westminster Hall roof. They are probably due to the expansion and contraction of the castiron awning which is anchored to the wall, and though they are not regarded as serious they are kept under observation

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it is high time that these cracks were repaired if they are 20 Years old? They are nearly an inch wide, some of them

That matter is being most carefully watched by the Office of Works

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if any special qualifications are required of justices of the peace who preside in children's Courts; and, seeing that it h, at present necessary for them to be more than 55 years of age in order to be justices of the peace. for these Courts. will he recommend, as these cases are purely to do with children, that younger men and women be appointed in future.?

My right hon. Friend agrees with the full answer which his predecessor gave to a similar question last year, and will send the hon. and gallant. Member a copy of it. As to age, the hon. Member is completely misinformed

asked the Home Secretary whether it has been decided to set up a Committee to examine. and report on the subject of State management of licensed premises; and, if so, will he state the terms of reference and the personnel of the Committee?

asked the Home secretary if he can tell the House what are the terms of reference of the Committee of Inquiry set up by the Government to report on the State Management (Liquor Control) scheme at Carlisle?

I will answer these questions together. It the intention of the Governm.3nt to institute an inquiry into systems of disinterested management of licensed premises, including State management at Carlisle and elsewhere. The terms of reference will be as follows:

"To consider the several systems of disinterested management of public houses which have been put into practice, whether in connection with private enterprise or otherwise, and to report whether the experience already gained affords grounds for the development of any such system by an amendment of the Licensing Laws."

When the hon. Gentleman says "Carlisle and elsewhere," does he mean Carlisle and elsewhere outside this country?

'Elsewhere "means, for instance, at Gretna and in the Cromartie district.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are now in this country a number of aliens engaged in organising treasonable activities against the peace of this country; whether he can give any estimate of their actual number; whether any of them occupy any official status; and what steps the Government is taking to preserve the safety of the nation?

It is not in the public interest to indicate the character of the secret information which reaches His Majesty's Government from time to time. It is carefully considered and sifted. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any material which he thinks would be of value, the Home Secretary will be glad if he will communicate it to him personally

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether any of the plotters who are known to be plotting in this country are also known to be members of any trade delegation, or diplomatic agents?

I think that is covered by the words I used when I said it was not in the public interest

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the arrears of Income Tax and Super-tax, respectively, on 1st April, 1925, and the corresponding figures for 1st April, 1924?

to the TREASURY (Mr. Guinness): The latest revised estimates of the amounts of Income Tax and Super-tax due to be paid (namely, amounts in respect of which a demand for payment has been issued), but not paid at the dates specified, are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether cotton treated with chemicals and mercerised cottons are to be classed as artificial silk for the purpose of taxation?

We propose to tax the article which is known commercially as artificial silk. Mercerised cotton will not, therefore, be taxed, nor will cotton fibre unless converted into artificial silk

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some articles are not known as artificial silk? The product of the British Celanese Company is not known as artificial silk and is never described as artificial silk, but is chemically treated cotton?

That matter will, no doubt, be discussed this afternoon, and I think that will be a more suitable occasion to deal with the point

If the trade changes the name of this product, what will the right hon. Gentleman do then?

Oh, changing the name of the product would no more affect its liability to duty than changing the name of sugar or tobacco

Will the right hon. Gentleman vouchsafe a definition of what artificial silk is?

That had better be left to the Debate this afternoon