asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider, in connection with the proposed franchise conference, the suggestion that the present free postages to candidates should be done away with, that instead free postage facilities should be allowed to returning officers, and that the latter should distribute the election addresses and poll cards of the candidates, using the same sets of envelopes for the communications of all candidates in any constituency?

The proposal will be noted for consideration, but I think that considerable objection will be taken to duties of this character being imposed on the returning officers.

asked the Home Secretary whether patients in lunatic asylums are still forcibly fed; how many were so fed in the year 1924; what was the maximum number of times any one patient was so fed; how many prisoners in His Majesty's prisons were forcibly fed in the year 1924; and will he give their names and the maximum number of times any one prisoner was so fed in 1924?

As regards the earlier parts of the question, which relate to patients in asylums, I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Minister of Health. The number of prisoners in prisons in England and Wales who were forcibly fed in 1924 was eight. There are objections to stating the names. The greatest number of times any one prisoner was forcibly fed was 570. This prisoner is a burglar who will not take food, and has to be fed forcibly three times a day. His case is entirely exceptional.

Although I know that the right hon. Gentleman cannot give the names, perhaps he can say how many of these cases are in Wales and how many in England?

:I am afraid I shall have to ask for notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to place off-licences under the Compensation Act in a position similar to the on licence?

I do not see my way to propose any licensing legislation at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens have been allowed into Great Britain for permanent residence since the present Government took office, and can the reasons for any such admissions be generally stated?

Analysis of the figures of aliens who entered the country in the year 1924 (excluding residents returning after absence abroad) shows that the number falling into categories of people whose stay in this country may be expected to be permanent is 2,177. These categories include wives and children joining husbands and parents, other relatives joining persons who are able to support them, persons coming to marry British subjects, persons of independent means coming to reside here, and persons coming to join religious houses or to do religious work. Full details are given in the statistical return recently published, and similar figures will be given for the current year when the next statistical return is compiled.

I understand from the answer that careful inquiries are made with regard to the admission of aliens into this country, and that they are only admitted under very special circumstances?

Certainly. I am very glad indeed to have this opportunity of stating that of the large number of aliens who come into this country, all go out again, except about 2,000 a year, who fall into the categories which I have stated, and who, for special reasons, such as the kindness of relatives and so forth, are allowed to remain here longer. The increase is certainly not more than 2,000 a year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any recent figures showing the variations from the averages of the past two or three years?

My hon. Friend asked me whether I could give the figures since the present Government took office. I hope the hon. Member who has put this question will wait until the statistical year ends, because it would involve going through some 400,000 or 500,000 cards relating to aliens who come in and out. All this will be done in the ordinary course at the end of the year, and I shall be glad to give full details to the House for the' year of my administration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that his mesh is close enough with regard to aliens who enter this country, and who follow the occupation of waiters in London and other large cities?

The question of waiters is dealt with in reply to another question. My reply is that every possible inquiry is being made. As the House knows, I have endeavoured to tighten up the mesh, and at present I am able to say that I am satisfied with the administration of the Aliens Act.

Is any action taken with regard to aliens who are resident here, not necessarily at the time they enter, in order to see whether they have entered under proper precautions?

That is another question, and it should be put down on the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary (1) the reason for the refusal of a licence to drive a cab to H. Pyle by the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police;

(2) the grounds on which the renewal of a licence to drive a public vehicle has been refused to Ruben Daley by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police?

The Commissioner of Police is required by statute to be satisfied of an applicant's good behaviour and fitness for the situation before he can grant a licence. He was not so satisfied in the cases of H. Pyle and Ruben Duhy, to whom I presume the latter question refers. It would not be fair to these men to state publicly the main specific reason for the Commissioner's decision, but I will inform the hon. Member of the reason should he so desire.

Would the right hon. Baronet look into the question of the general system of granting licences? Is he not aware that most of these accidents on the streets are due to incompetent drivers?

I thought the suggestion was rather that we were too severe in regard to granting licences. Great care is taken in the granting of licences that the men should be of good character—I am speaking now of public vehicle licences—and fit for the work they propose to carry out.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now say when the Factories Bill will be introduced; and whether it is the Government's intention to proceed beyond the First Reading this Session?

I regret that I cannot make any statement at present.

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that there is a great feel- ing in the country that certain provisions which are omitted from this Bill ought to be included?

The Bill is now being very carefully considered by a sub-committee of the Cabinet, and, until that consideration has been completed, I cannot make any statement, but I hope to introduce the Bill this Session.

Seeing that the introduction of this Bill is being postponed, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that meanwhile the present Factory Acts are properly administered?

That is a question which should be put down.

asked the Minister of Health how many steel houses of all kinds have been erected since 1st January; and how many are now on order for local authorities and private individuals?

The total number of houses of external steel construction to which I understand my hon. Friend refers, included in approved schemes in England and Wales is 178, apart from 150 such houses to be erected for demonstration purposes. Figures are not at present available of the number which have been completed. For figures for Scotland, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Secretary for Scotland.

Are steel houses which are erected for demonstration purposes necessarily taken down afterwards, or are they let?

They are not necessarily taken down afterwards. The local authorities will have full powers to do what they like with them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many types of steel houses are included in the number he has mentioned?

I think four or five.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of houses sanctioned this year, and also during the last month, by his Department for erection with State subsidy under the 1923 and 1924 Housing Acts, respectively?

The total numbers of houses authorised from the 1st January to the 20th May, 1925, are, 35,822 under the Housing Act, 1923, and 41,942 under the Act of 1924. The latter figure includes 9,000 houses which had previously been authorised under the Act of 1923. During the four weeks ended on the 20th May the numbers authorised were, 4,706 under the Act of 1923, and 8,377 under the Act of 1924, of which 3,106 had previously been approved under the 1923 Act.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the number of borough and county institutions for the care of the insane where no provision is made on the visiting committees for female representatives; and whether he is prepared to see that such omissions are rectified and the appointment of women visitors taken in hand?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Exeter (Sir R. Newman) on the same subject on the 2nd April.

asked the Minister of Health what was the death rate last year in workhouses and infirmaries of infants under two months old; and the number of deaths through natural causes or those consequent following operations?

Statistics as to the total number of deaths of children under two months old in workhouses and infirmaries are not available. As to the last part of the question, the only figures available relate to deaths in 1923 under, or in connection with the administration of, an anæsthetic. There were no such deaths in that year of infants under two months old in a workhouse or workhouse infirmary in England and Wales.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain facilities have been granted by Westminster Hospital for mothers to attend these operations, and remain in the hospital, so that they may feed their children at the breast, and thus give them a better opportunity of getting well?

asked the Minister of Health what is the relief in respect of rates which is estimated for typical rural and semi-rural areas, respectively, from the operation of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill on the basis of calculation by which 6d. relief is anticipated in Glasgow and 1s. 4d. in West Ham?

In the two cases mentioned by my hon. Friend the calculations were based on returns and figures supplied by the parish council and the clerk to the guardians respectively. I will endeavour to obtain similar materials for certain rural and semi-rural areas, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

Does that mean that, in considering the effects of this Measure, the Government have not yet obtained information in respect of rural areas, as they have in regard to industrial areas?

No, Sir; we have not any information as to semi-rural or rural areas.

asked the Minister of Health whether the statutory conditions laid down in Clause 5 of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill apply to the special provisions embodied in Clause 18 in so far as they relate to widows of men who served in any branch of His Majesty's Forces during the War?

Paragraph ( e ) of Clause 18 provides for the modification of the statutory conditions laid down in Clause 5, and the conditions, as so modified, will apply to the widows of men who served during the War.

asked the Minister of Health whether any provision has been or will be made whereby persons desiring to emigrate can obtain the return of their contributions to the old age and widows' pensions fund?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amounts brought under the survey of the Income Tax Commissioners for 1919 and 1924, and the total amounts collected under the headings Income Tax, Super-tax, Death Duties and Excess Profits duty for the years 1919 and 1924, and the amounts left in the hands of those subjected to those duties?

As the reply is a long one, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Income Tax. —The aggregate amount of statutory income, assessed to Income Tax in the year 1919–20, of taxpayers with incomes above the exemption limit was £2,547,179,823, and the net produce of the tax in respect of that income was £336,555,563. Statistics are not yet available for the year 1924–25, but the following estimates have been prepared for the year 1923–24, namely:

The whole system of graduation and differentiation of the Income Tax was altered in the year 1920–21, and while the standard rate of tax was 6s. in the £ in 1919–20, it was only 4s. 6d. in 1923–24. Any comparisons between the figures above are subject to the effect of these changes.

Super-tax. —The aggregate income of individuals liable to Super-tax in the year 1919–20 amounted to £409,997,477, and the net tax payable to £47,520,743. For the year 1923–24, the corresponding figures are estimated at £510,000,000 and £62,500,000. In this case, also, the point of liability to tax has been altered from £2,500 in the former year to £2,000 in the latter, and the entire scale of rates of tax increased.

For both Income Tax and Super-tax, the statistics for 1919–20 relate to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and all Ireland, while those for 1923–24 relate to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Death Duties. —The collection of statistics of these duties, which was suspended during the War, was only resumed from the 1st July, 1919. Statistics are therefore only available for nine months of the year 1919–20. The particulars available are as follows:

Excess Profits Duty. —No comparable statistics of this duty were collected, and I am only able to state the net receipt from this duty (including Munitions Levy), namely, in 1919–20, £289,208,046, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and all Ireland, and in 1924–25, £2,737,000 in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. For the former year the net receipt may relate to accounting periods ended at any time prior to the 31st March, 1920, and for the latter year, as the duty was repealed in 1921, to accounting periods ending at any time up to the varying dates from which the repeal took effect.

The hon. Member will be able to make his own calculations of the amounts left in the hands of those subjected to these duties, subject to the caution that, as respects individuals with a total income liable to Super-tax, such income is also liable to Income Tax, but that the statutory bases on which income is computed for these two taxes are not identical.

Finally, I may add that comparisons drawn between 1919–20 and 1923–24 or 1924–25 need to be viewed in the light of the great changes that have taken place in the level of prices, the conditions of trade and the rate of interest.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of remission under the heads of Income Tax, Super-tax, Death Duties and Excess Profits Duty for the years 1919 and 1924; and how such remissions compare with remissions on Excise and Customs duty in 1919 and 1924?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the figures contained under the heading "Inland Revenue" in Table VII of the Financial Statement for 1919–20 (House of Commons Paper No. 88) and in Table X of the Financial Statement for 1924–25 (House of Commons Paper No. 60). With regard to the second part of the question, remissions of Customs and Excise duties amounted to £4,450,000 for 1919–20 and £29,800,000 for 1924–25.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, from the Board of Trade Returns for the years 1919 and 1924, he can give the total estimated reduction in wages for 1919 and 1924?

I have been asked to reply. In each of these two years there was a

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of gallons of potable spirits of British origin shipped in bond by British vessels as stores for consumption on board during the year 1923–24 and to date?

Separate figures in regard to British vessels are not avail-

net increase in rates of wages, but between the end of 1919 and the beginning of 1924 there was, in the industries and service for which statistics are available, a net reduction in weekly rates of wages of about £5,790,000. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for January, 1925, which contains, on page 4, a table giving further particulars.

Is the hon. Gentleman in a position to know the increase and reduction that have taken place in connection with all the industries of the country?

The only information I have is summarised in the "Gazette" to which I have referred, and, if the hon. Member likes, I will send him a copy also. It shows all these figures.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can issue a memorandum explaining in what form interest on the American debt has so far been paid?

I am causing to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table which will give the information desired by the hon. and gallant Member.

Following is the table promised :

able, but the quantities of home-made spirits delivered from bonded warehouses in Great Britain and Northern Ireland for use as ships' stores on all ships during the calendar years 1923 and 1924, and during the period 1st January to 31st March, 1925, were 209,145, 242,230 and 53,200 proof gallons, respectively.

May I ask why those who go down to the sea in ships and have their business on the great waters should drink their spirits free of charge while we have to pay duty?

That would require an argument.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the gross assessment of Income Tax for each of the financial years ending 31st March, 1913 to 1925?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statistics contained in Table 56 of the 67th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Command Paper 2227), which shows the gross income brought under review, the actual (or statutory) income of taxpayers with incomes above the exemption limit, and the net produce of the tax, for each year from 1913–14 to 1923–24 inclusive. Estimates for 1924–25 are not yet available.

Does not the gross assessment include Very large items which in many cases are not income at all?

That is so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any companies owning sugar beet factories are importing material from abroad for building purposes either new or second-hand; and whether it has been found impossible to purchase such material here?

( for Mr. EDWARD WOOD): Information supplied by the beet sugar factory companies shows that no material for building purposes is being imported from abroad.

Will the hon. Baronet inquire whether steel girders—and secondhand at that—though not regarded as building material, are being imported as "plant and machinery"?

I will make inquiries into that.

Is any pressure being brought to bear on these companies against importing material from abroad which they can obtain in this country?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to an answer which I gave yesterday.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what, if any, representations have been made to him by the Council of Agriculture for England, or other advisers of the Ministry, as to the absence of popular appeal in the agricultural exhibits in the British Government Pavilion at the British Empire Exhibition; and whether steps can be taken to profit by the example of the Dominions, and depict the activities of our own highly-farmed countryside and the merits of British home-farmed produce?

My right hon. Friend has not received any representations of the kind suggested in my hon. Friend's question from the Council of Agriculture for England or from other advisory bodies. The exhibit in the Government Pavilion is confined to examples of the educational and research work carried on under the auspices of the Government, and the space allotted to the Ministry would be quite inadequate to depict the work of the agricultural industry as a whole.

Will the hon. Baronet represent to the Minister the desirability of some representative of the Ministry going down to see what a dead affair this is?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is yet in a position to make any announcement as to the introduction of legislation to put an end to the exportation of horses for slaughter on the Continent, and whether he has any figures to show if this exportation is decreasing?

As this trade is at present the subject of inquiry by a Departmental Committee, my right hon. Friend can make no announcement pending the receipt of the Committee's Report, which he expects to receive about the end of June. With regard to the second part, the Ministry has no means of ascertaining the actual number of horses exported to the Continent, which are slaughtered on arrival.

Can the hon. Baronet say whether the agreement with France and Belgium as to slaughter in this country of horses intended for food in those countries is being observed?

I will inquire about that.

Do I understand the hon. Baronet to say that no record is kept of the number of horses exported to the Continent?

I said that the Ministry has no means of ascertaining the number of horses exported which are slaughtered on arrival on the Continent.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Post Office is permitted to incur outlays on capital account in respect of improvements and developments other than the acquisition of land, the erection of buildings, and expenditure relating to telegraphs and telephones?

Yes, Sir, subject to the consent of the Treasury and the provision by Parliament of the necessary funds.

Does that mean that the Postmaster-General has power to initiate new services?

Subject to the qualification I have mentioned.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the general interest in the proposal for a cash-on-delivery system, he will publish the statistics and comments of other countries as supplied to the Post Office Advisory Council?

Papers furnished to the Advisory Council are confidential, but, if he will put down a question, I shall be glad to supply the hon. Member with any statistics that the Department possess as to the extent which the cash-on-delivery system is in use abroad.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the telephone cables which are being laid by, or on behalf of, the Post Office telephones at Newcastle-on-Tyne are marked "Made in Germany, Carlsberg"; can he give any explanation as to the date these orders were given; and why the preference was not given to British firms?

This cable, which is of a type not produced in this country, was ordered on the 13th January, 1925, for experimental purposes, to enable certain technical data to be obtained. If practical tests show that cables of this type are satisfactory, British manufacturers will be invited to undertake production.

Even if this cable could be obtained more cheaply in Germany, is there any reason why it should not be obtained here?

Yes, Sir, I think there are a good many reasons.

May we be informed what are those reasons?

Is the cable in question for the new Central Exchange, and, in view of the shifting of the site, will these cables be adaptable to the new situation? May I also ask whether the work is being carried out by the Office of Works or privately?

I am afraid I must ask for Notice of that question.

Has it anything to do with the change of site of the Newcastle Telephone Exchange? It is not in connection with the new exchange?

Not in particular.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any project is being considered for an ordnance survey of East African territories from the air?

Not at present. Correspondence is in progress with the Colonial Office regarding the possibility of air survey in another part of the Empire, and any conclusions which may be reached will be to a great extent of general application. But it is clear that every such proposal must be separately considered according to its special circumstances.

Is the Air Ministry satisfied of the utility of their survey as a substitute for the land ordnance survey?

Yes, Sir, they are very satisfied.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Henry William Hobbs, of Trowbridge, was prosecuted by one of the officials of the Employment Exchange for receiving money under fraudulent pretences because he was given 5s. to sing at a Conservative concert; that Hobbs spent 4s. on two comic songs and 8½d. on grease paint, leaving 3½d. for himself; and that the bench dismissed the case; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent such action on the part of officials of Employment Exchanges in future?

Henry Albert Hobbs was prosecuted on the instructions of my Department and not on the initiative of the local Employment Exchange officials. My inquiries are not yet completed, but I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Assuming that a man who is receiving unemployment pay is in the habit of having a few chickens, and they lay eggs, and he sells the eggs, is he liable to prosecution?

That is a hypothetical question. I should require to have full particulars before I could give an answer.

Why were inquiries not made before the prosecution took place?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Albert Howes, aged 24, of 155, Southwark Park Road, S.E.I, has been disallowed unemployment benefit at the Bermondsey Employment Exchange for six weeks from 9th April to 21st May, 1925, on the ground that he has not been genuinely seeking work and that he has failed to accept the employment offered to him; that leave to appeal has been refused; that the proffered employment consisted of a position as shop assistant in a fried fish shop, at the White City, 89, Jamaica Road, S.E.; that the hours of employment in the said position were 14 per day and 84 per week, namely, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to midnight each weekday including Saturday; that the wages offered for this work were 30s. per week, or 4¼d. per hour; that the man concerned is an experienced fish-fryer and counter-hand; and that he has to support his widowed mother; and whether he will intervene in the case and see that the man's benefit is restored to him?

I am having inquiries made, and will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made by the committee which is examining into the naval shipbuilding programme; and when its Report will be ready and presented to Parliament?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we were given to understand that this matter would be settled before the Budget, and we have been disappointed?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is quite mistaken. There was no undertaking about the Budget at all. The undertaking was that it would be announced to the House in sufficient time to allow of the passage of any Estimates which might be required.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the period is approaching when discharges will take place in the shipyards?

Equally the period is approaching when an announcement will be made.

I find I was wrong. I beg the right hon. Gentleman's pardon.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is, as far as possible, prepared to apply to employés in Royal Dockyards the rule adopted in the consular service for giving preference to applicants who are British by descent, apart from place of birth or naturalisation or domicile; and whether he is prepared to obtain a Return of the number of foreigners employed in dockyards, men whose parents were foreign, and men who are liable to military service in France or Italy under the laws of those countries by reason of descent, and those liable to arrest if found there on British service, respectively?

I presume my hon. Friend refers particularly to dockyards abroad. Preference is already given to British-born subjects for established situations, where employés enter the permanent service of the Admiralty, and serve for pensions. It would, however, be impracticable to apply such a rule for engaging local labour hired by the week or by the day. I am afraid the compilation of a Return, as suggested in the second part of the question, would involve an amount of labour, which, in the circumstances, could not be justified.

Could not the Admiralty make some arrangement by which application is made to the Employment Exchanges when these men are wanted abroad?

Will steps be taken, in reference to Malta Dockyard, not to give a preference to those who have been notorious as canvassers politically for those who want the Italian instead of the British flag in Malta?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that senior officers of the Royal Naval Reserve are experiencing difficulty in obtaining the necessary permission to undergo the special war courses provided for under Article 83 of the Regulations for the Royal Naval Reserve (Officers); whether this Article has been suspended and, if so, for what reason; and whether he can give the number of Royal Naval Reserve officers who so far have been allowed to take these courses?

It has not been found practicable to carry out the special course for Royal Naval Reserve Officers laid down in Article 83 of the Regulations, but arrangements have now been made for a place for one Captain or Commander Royal Naval Reserve, to be reserved at each of the war courses held half-yearly at the Royal Naval War College, Greenwich, commencing with the course starting in October next.

In view of the diminished personnel of the Navy, are the Departments of the Admiralty fully alive to the extreme importance of giving every possible means to officers in the Merchant Service who belong to the Royal Naval Reserve to maintain efficiency?

Certainly.

asked the Prime Minister whether the relations between the Admiralty and the Air Ministry in regard to airship development have been considered by the Committee of Imperial Defence; and, if so, whether he is in a position to announce the Government's decision in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. No alteration in the existing arrangements is at present contemplated.

asked the Prime Minister whether suggestions recently published for international agreement in regard to the limitation of long-range aerial bombardment have received the consideration of the Committee of Imperial Defence; and whether, as a result, it has been possible to frame proposals for restrictions suitable for international discussion?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Owing to the difficulties inherent in the subject, His Majesty's Government have decided to await further international discussion on the question before formulating their considered views.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the progressive competition for an inadequate world supply of cotton, he is prepared without delay to establish a department for the growing of cotton within the Empire on a commercial basis, as an extension of the work of the British Cotton Growing Association?

I am not prepared to say, without very careful consideration, whether such a scheme is practicable, or whether it would in fact add anything to the efforts which are now being made to stipulate cotton growing in the Empire. The work of the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation and the British Cotton Growing Association will receive every support.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to state when the Irish Boundary Commission is expected to make its Report?

No, Sir.

Is it possible to give any sort of estimate as to the probable date?

That question has been already answered. The hon. and gallant Gentleman takes up much time by repeating his question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if there is any limitation on the weight or number of diplomatic bags admitted with diplomatic immunity into this country for the Russian Chargé d'Affaires, and, if so, will he state what those limitations are?

On a point of Order. May I point out that this question has been repeatedly asked? May I ask your ruling whether it should be allowed to occupy the time of the House?

I shall value highly the example of the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

The limit is one bag weekly not exceeding 22½ lbs. (11 kilogrammes).

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the fact that large sums of money put to reserves to be used to meet emergencies arising in the mines have been used as additions to capital and to bonus shares; and will he say what is the total amount so used, together with the amounts for each year from 1919 to 1924, inclusive?

I have no information about this.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries? Is he not aware that in Durham many of the companies have taken their reserves and added them to capital and to-day they are laying up collieries because of lack of money?

That is not a matter that comes under my control, but I can make inquiries, but I shall not be able to do anything.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on recent Sundays heavy gun-firing from Brackenbury Fort, Felixstowe, has taken place; and whether, in view of the fact that Felixstowe is largely used as a health resort by people with shattered nerves and for convalescent purposes, he will inquire as to the possibility of dispensing with this gun practice at a fort which was only built during the War and rarely used?

With regard to the first part of the question, I am informed that gun firing from Brackenbury Fort has taken place on one Sunday only this year, when 20 rounds were fired. As regards the second part, I regret that it would not be possible to dispense with gun practice at this fort, owing to the requirements of training and defence.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made in the formation of Royal Air Force Reserves during the present year; and how many flying officers are at present available and ready for immediate service in the Reserves?

As regards the first part of the question, the present strength of officers in the Royal Air Force Reserve of Officers represents a material increase upon the strength as at 1st January last, and I hope that the rate of progress will still further be improved when the field of recruitment has been widened, as contemplated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Hallam on 20th February, 1925. The answer to the second part of the question is that the number of officer pilots at present in the Reserve is 611, of whom 522 are in regular flying practice and immediately available.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that 500 acres of the best arable land in Hampshire, at present under the plough, have been taken over by the Air Ministry for the purpose of building an aerodrome at Odiham; why arable land has been diverted; and why the aerodrome at Stockbridge, about 20 miles from the present site, was recently dismantled if it is considered necessary to have an aerodrome in that part of Hampshire?

The aerodrome to be established near Odiham is one for a squadron allotted for training and cooperation with Army units in the Alder-shot Command, and it is essential that it should be as close to Aldershot as possible, and, in any case, within a distance of 10 miles. An exhaustive survey of the whole district, covering 600 square miles, has been carried out by an expert board of officers, and it has been found that the only suitable site is that at Odiham. The former aerodrome at Chattis Hill, near Stockbridge, is about 38 miles from Aldershot, and is, therefore, well outside the permissible radius.

What is going to be done about the agricultural labourers who are to be thrown out of employment?

Was the decision arrived at without the county agricultural committee being consulted?

Why was the aerodrome at Stockbridge dismantled, and how far is this change in borrowing large sums of money consistent with the Government pledges of public economy?

My noble Friend will realise that it is essential for the aerodrome to be close enough to Alder-shot to enable the squadrons to be in close touch with the units of the Army with' which they have to work.

Will the hon. Baronet tell me if the county agricultural committee was consulted?

I must have notice of that question.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that the Minister of Air assured me on the Air Estimates that the question of not erecting new aerodromes in the South of England was receiving attention on strategic grounds? Does he not see that they would be absolutely useless in war time?

That is a matter of opinion.

Will my hon. Friend answer my question as to the attitude of the Government in regard to labourers who are being displaced?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the airship to be constructed at the Government factory at Cardington is being designed and will be employed solely for experimental use in the development of airship flight, or, if not, what commercial, naval, Army or Air Force requirements are being provided for in the design of the airship?

The airship is being so designed that she will be readily adaptable for service or for commercial use. At present, however, the prime object is to construct an airship with good aerodynamic efficiency and with a large margin of disposable lift. The design is not sufficiently advanced to allow of the consideration of specific commercial, naval, miltary or Air Force requirements.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the Board of Agriculture contemplate raising actions against certain ex-service smallholders in the Sheriff Court of Kirkcudbright for payment of arrears of rent and other charges; that the smallholders in question have been working their holdings for a considerable time under difficulties in the matter of drainage and fencing; that the men concerned have invested practically the whole of their savings in their holdings and are unable to defend any actions raised; and if he can now see his way to postpone the actions and accept the offer of the payment of arrears in instalments?

I am aware that the Board have instructed actions against five of the Terregles holders, of whom one left his holding some time ago without meeting his obligations. In the other four cases the actions are in respect of arrears of rents and building loan annuities, as reduced retrospectively by the Land Court on a revaluation which both the Board and the holders agreed to accept. When making the revaluation the Land Court had all the circumstances before them. The offer made by the holders of part payment of the arrears in instalments spread over seven years cannot be accepted as a satisfactory settlement, and in the circumstances I am not prepared to direct the suspension of the proceedings, which have only been taken as a last resort and after full consideration.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain undesirable aliens are endeavouring to enter this country on the plea of attending a conference on the 30th of this month, and if so what steps he proposes to take to prevent their landing?

Yes, Sir. I do not feel justified in granting facilities to enable aliens known to be engaged in subversive activities abroad to come to this country, to confer with those engaged in similar activities here; and, with the full assent of His Majesty's Government, I have issued instructions that such persons shall not be admitted to the United Kingdom. Visas will be refused to any who may apply for them. Any who are found arriving at British ports will be refused leave to land by the immigration officers, and any landing without permission will be deported.

Is the conference referred to a conference of the British Fascisti?

What steps have been taken by the right hon. Gentleman's Department to see that these persons do not arrive in this country through the Irish Free State?

As I have said, telegraphic orders have been given to refuse facilities. Orders have been given at all the ports to prevent these immigrants coming in. The police have been instructed.

Is the conference which these persons wish to attend an illegal conference, and have the Government decided that propaganda for Communism is now illegal?

That does not arise out of the question. I was asked whether aliens who were engaged in subversive activities should be allowed to come to a conference in this country. The answer was "No."

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly explain the difference between subversive propaganda for Communism and subversive propaganda on the part of Portuguese Royalists in this country. I want to know whether the Government are going to discriminate against one form of political propaganda and another?

I have not noticed any propaganda of Portuguese Royalists inimical to the Constitution of this country.

Did not the answer of the right hon. Gentleman allege that the delegates who were to attend this conference in this country are engaged in subversive propaganda? Does the right hon. Gentleman regard that subversive propaganda as illegal, and, if so, what action does he intend to take?

I do not think that arises. The right hon. Gentleman is not quite correct in quoting my answer. My answer was that I did not intend—that the Government do not intend—to allow these aliens who are engaged in subversive activities to come here, to confer in this country with those who choose to have a Communist conference.

That is a twist unworthy of you.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say that he was going to prevent foreigners engaged in subversive propaganda from conferring with British people engaged in subversive propaganda? The OFFICIAL REPORT will record it to-morrow.

May I ask what is the conference?

I understand it is a conference of Communists to be held at Glasgow. That is public property. I understand that various Communists from abroad, aliens to this country, are applying and have applied for permission to come here, and attend that conference. I decline to give permission.

Is it not a fact that last year some of these very people who are applying for permission to come to this country were admitted, and is it not a fact that nothing untoward happened?

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information that these people settled in a house at Earl's Court on arrival, and have been engaged in subversive propaganda ever since?

Can we have a definition of "subversive propaganda"? May I ask whether it is illegal in this country to propagate Communist principles?

There are certain things in this country which are permitted to British nationals. The hon. Member himself, or any other hon. Member, may make certain speeches here which may or may not be within the law, and I may not choose to prosecute. The decision of the Government is that they will not permit, so far as they are able, foreigners to come here to do that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this is the result of communications with other Governments, so that British nationals shall not take part in international conferences abroad, and whether this is the first fruits of that side of an international arrangement?

No, Sir. This action was taken by His Majesty's Government, without reference to any other Government.

Several HON. MEMBERS rose—

Anything further on this matter must come in debate.