asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to a case in which the sentence of death was passed on three persons and transportation on four others on conviction of murder, and also of wounding Mumtaz Begum; and whether all those implicated in this case have been brought to trial?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on 11th June.

Will those who inspired the outrages be brought to justice, irrespective of their position?

The hon. Member is really repeating his question. I will read the answer which, as stated, I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy). I said that I had received reports, and that if any further inquiries be considered necessary, these will in due course be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India for what reason, or on what principle, the expenses of the British Legation at Kabul are paid for wholly out of Indian and not out of British revenues?

Until recently Afghanistan was in relations with the Government of India only, and the cost of representation at Kabul was naturally met from Indian revenues. Although direct diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Great Britain have now been established, India is still vitally interested in them, and no revision of the incidence of expenditure has hitherto been considered to be called for.

Is such a revision contemplated in the incidence of the expense of Kabul in the near future?

No, Sir. There is no contemplated alteration of the existing arrangement.

Is not the British Government as deeply interested in relation to Afghanistan as in relation to other countries where we have to pay the costs of Consuls?

I must ask for notice of that question. I am more concerned with the matter from the Indian point of view.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what subsidy, if any, is paid by the British Government to the Maharajah of Nepal; and, if so, for what reason?

An annual present of 10 lakhs of rupees is made to Nepal by the Government of India, as a mark of their high appreciation of the assistance rendered by Nepal during the War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can state the reason for the recent raid by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department on the Motilal Ghose Library in South Calcutta?

No, Sir. We do not receive in this country statements of the reasons for every warrant for search issued to the police in India.

Is the Noble Lord aware that out of twelve volumes seized on this occasion, eleven have been returned as not being out of order, and no action has been taken in regard to them?

No, I am not aware of the facts, because they do not come under my immediate cognisance or that of the Secretary of State. They are matters usually dealt with by the local authorities in India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Railway Board in India has ascertained the causes of the strike that has been dislocating traffic on the North-Western Railway of India for more than a month; if so, what steps it has taken towards bringing about a settlement of the dispute; and, if not, whether the Government of India proposes to demand a full report on the strike from the Railway Board?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the strike on the North-Western Railway of India has been going on for same months, and that 20,000 railway workers are involved; whether the Government of India has received a request from the Federation of the All-India Railwaymen's Unions for the immediate appointment of a conciliation board to bring about an equitable settlement; and what steps the Government of India propose to take?

I will answer these questions together. The Government of India have stated that the strike originated in the dismissal of a fitter for disobedience to orders, and it has been disavowed by the recognised Trades Union. I am not aware what steps, if any, the Government of India propose to take, but my Noble Friend is confident that the matter may safely be left in their hands.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, of the 40 mistries and workmen retired from service in the Bengal and North-Western Railway workshops during last January, only three or four men have received the gratuities due to them, the remainder having been told, after waiting more than four months, that there have been breaks in their services or that they have not served long enough to be eligible for gratuities; and whether the Government of India is prepared to make rules by which no railway may be able to evade its responsibilities in this way?

I have no information, but if the men referred to are not eligible for gratuities under the rules, I see no ground for questioning the action of the Bengal and North-Western Railway Company in refusing to grant them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can state the reason for the change in the publication of the Audit Appropriation Report of the Accounts of the Government of India which formerly appeared priced at four annas as an annual supplement to the "Gazette of India," and related to all the provinces of India, but which is now published in a series of pamphlets by the different provincial governments; and whether, in view of the additional cost, he will consider a return to the original custom?

The change arises from the separation of central and provincial finance under the reforms scheme. As each provincial report has to be dealt with by the Public Accounts Committee of the Province concerned, a reversion to a consolidated form of report would be inconvenient and unsuitable, and would also, in view of the increased volume of the reports, entail greater expense.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will inquire into the case of the temporary sub-divisional clerks of the Public Works Department, some of whom are still after 15 to 20 years' continuous service drawing wages of from Rs.40 to Rs.45 per mensem; whether the Committee set up in 1921 made any recommendation on this matter; what action the Government propose to take; and whether the Government propose to continue their employment on a temporary or a permanent basis?

On a point of Order. You are aware, Mr. Speaker, of the decision given by your predecessor with regard to questions relating to the Government of India. Important and leading questions, your predecessor held, might be brought before this House, but is it in order, or is it consistent with the measure of self-government that we have endeavoured to give to India, that questions of detail such as are dealt with in this question should be raised in this House? Are they not better left to the responsible Government of India?

I adhere strictly to what my predecessor said on that matter. It is difficult sometimes exactly to draw the line between questions of policy, which would rightly be discussed on the salary of the Secretary of State, and minor questions. I have observed a tendency to put in this House questions which have already been put in the National or in one of the Provincial Assemblies of India. I ask hon. Members to remember that we have delegated certain powers in India, and to use their discretion in accordance with the general rule.

I would urge hon. Members, if they wish independence granted to India, if they wish this Protectorate—. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order, Order!"]

Arising out of the point of Order and the reply, is it not now a fact that, so far as Bengal is concerned, there is no independence of Government whatever?

I can only repeat that I must ask hon. Members, in drafting their questions to Ministers, to remember the large constitutional questions of the Empire.

Under the Government of India Act "Public Works" is a Transferred Provincial subject, and the Governor of each Province, acting with his Ministers, has full power to determine the conditions of service of the clerks in its Public Works Department. My Noble Friend, therefore, is not in a position to interfere even if he desired to do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state how many governors or other officials have been granted leave under the recent Leave of Absence Act; and what additional expense has been thrown on the Indian Exchequer in consequence?

Leave has been granted under the Government of India (Leave of Absence) Act, 1924, to the Governor-General the late Commander-in-Chief, the Governors of Assam, Bihar and Orissa and Burma and three Members of Executive Councils, eight persons in all. The additional expenditure from Indian revenues, taking the rupee at 1s. 6d., is in a round figure £11,600, or rather more if account is taken of the cost of return passages for two military officers accompanying Lord Reading and one who accompanied the late Lord Rawlinson as Aides-de-Camp.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will cause inquiries to be made in the ease of Srijut Satyendra Chandra Mitra, M.L.C., who, on 8th May, 1925, was reported to be suffering from ill-health in Mandalay Gaol; and whether, in view of the heat and lack of adequate medical attention at this prison, he will cause him to be transferred to a more healthy station?

The report referred to in my answer of Tuesday last indicated that the individual cases of ill-health were being carefully treated, and that the medical attendance was quite adequate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether ho is aware that a Government Bill has been brought forward in the Burma Legislative Council, called the Burma Sea Passengers Bill, whereby a tax is imposed on persons entering Burma by sea; and another Bill, called the Expulsion, of Offenders Bill, whereby any person convicted of a trivial offence can be deported from Burma; and whether he will give instructions that sanction to these Bills be refused?

The Bills referred to have been published in the Burma Gazette, and according to the procedure laid down in the Government of India Act, authentic copies of them, if passed, will be sent to the Secretary of State. My Noble Friend is not prepared to anticipate any decision on them which he may then feel called upon to take.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, whether his attention has been drawn to the recent circular of the Education Department of India; whether he is aware that, whereas a grant of three lakhs of rupees was voted for the improvement in pay and prospects of the teachers in non-Government secondary schools, this grant-inlaid is now being refused to those schools which have not raised their fees to a prescribed standard; and whether, in view of the fact that this procedure penalises those whose work is to teach children of the poorest classes, he will take steps to have this anomaly remedied?

I am unable to identify the circular to which the hon. Member refers. If he will furnish further particulars I will look into the matter, but I would point out that education is now a transferred subject, under the control of the Governors of Provinces acting with their Ministers, and there are consequently Education Departments in each Province.

Does that answer apply to Bengal?

The answer applies to all the Provinces in which education is a transferred subject, and education was a transferred subject, though at this moment in Bengal there is a re-transfer. It applies to all the other Provinces.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the fact that in spite of a recommendation to the contrary by the civil surgeon of Midnapur, Sj. Bhupati Matumdar has been re-transferred to the central gaol at Midnapur from the central gaol at Alipore, where he had been undergoing a medical operation; and whether he will cause the advice of the civil surgeon to be acted on for the benefit of the prisoner's health?

No, Sir. Reports on such matters are not made to the Secretary of State, and he is not prepared to interfere.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the comprehensive Report from the Governor of Singapore in regard to improvement in housing and sanitary conditions and the amount spent on improvements has yet been received, or when it may be expected?

No, Sir; I have not yet received from the Governor of the Straits Settlements the comprehensive report on the matters mentioned in this question. The hon. Member will doubtless recollect that I informed him on the 2nd March last that I would communicate further with him as soon as the Report was received.

also asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Report of the Governor of Singapore in regard to the Commission of 1917, and the action taken thereon and its effect, has yet been received or when it may be expected?

No, Sir; the Report referred to by the hon. Member has not yet been received. I expect, however, to receive it at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information showing that the experiment of breeding beneficial parasites with a view to fighting insect plagues in our overseas Dominions has proved a success?

Yes, Sir. I understand from the director of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology that, during the 18 months in which this experiment was being carried out, two successful introductions of beneficial parasites were effected, namely a parasite of the pear-slug, which is causing serious damage to orchards in New Zealand, and a parasite which was introduced from Nyasaland into Nigeria with a view to control of Glossina tachinoides, a species of tsetse fly prevalent in Nigeria. Two parasites of the earwig have also been introduced into New Zealand, but, owing to difficulties in rearing them in the laboratory there, the strains have died out. Unfortunately, this work had to be suspended, but it is hoped to resume it shortly.

Will the benefit of any of these parasites be available in this country to fight our insect pests?

The Imperial Bureau is meeting at this moment representatives from all parts of the Empire and from this country, and co-ordinating the work of research in matters of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the present position of the Ruthenburg concession; whether any deadlock has arisen in the execution of this concession and, if so, what it is; and whether he is aware that local opinion is in favour of the harnessing of the water power of the Oudja being carried out?

The Palestine Electric Corporation concession has now been put in a final form. No deadlock has arisen, but one or two minor points which it was not possible to foresee when the concession was originally drafted are still under discussion. The last part of the question refers to the Jaffa Electric Company's concession. Power is at present being supplied from a fuel station. Whether it shall ultimately be supplied from a special hydro-electric station on the Oudja, as was originally contemplated, or from the Jordan power house, has not been decided. The decision will be determined by technical consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Palestinian townships of Rechoboth, Rishon le Zion, Tel Aviv, Petach Tikvah, and Cederah have been, with the sanction of the High Commissioner, formed into one Jewish municipal union; and, if so, if their governing body will be nominated by the High Commissioner or elected by the inhabitants?

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of the 33.17 per cent. of the imports into Iraq, stated to be from the United Kingdom, consist of Government stores for the use of the British forces in Iraq, and what proportion is for the canteens supplying Government offices and officials?

I am not in possession of sufficiently detailed information to enable me to reply to this question. The High Commissioner for Iraq is being consulted, and I will inform the hon. and gallant Member when the information is available.

Can the hon. Gentleman state whether this 33.17 per cent. did include imported Government stores? Has he that information?

I cannot state definitely at the moment, but I do not think so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the position of the Tati concession regarding the question of becoming incorporated with Rhodesia; whether a referendum has recently been taken; and with what result?

Resolutions were passed at various meetings of settlers held in the Tati district last January expressing the view that the time had arrived for proceeding further with the question of the incorporation of the district in Southern Rhodesia and proposing that, if such incorporation was approved by His Majesty's Government, the final decision of the European people of the district should be given by means of a referendum. The resolution has received very careful consideration, but the only reply my right hon. Friend felt able to make was that the terms of the resolution had been noted and would be kept in mind, but that His Majesty's Government did not feel able in existing circumstances to take any immediate action in the matter. This decision was communicated also to the Government of Southern Rhodesia. It will be seen therefore that no referendum has been taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements has submitted to him a draft Bill embodying any of the proposals of the Committee appointed to investigate the spread of venereal disease in the Straits Settlements which recommended in favour of the licensing and registration of all brothels by a Government official to be called the Controller, and the submission to a weekly medical examination of all prostitutes; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have received from the Governor of the Straits Settlements a draft Bill which embodies the proposals of the Committee referred to by the hon. Member. The Bill has been under consideration by the Advisory Committee on Social Hygiene, and I am now awaiting their Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the intentions of the Government with regard to the suggested loan for East African development?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 10th of June to the hon. Member for West Walthamstow (Major Crawfurd).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what the percentage increase of acres under cultivation of cotton in British Possessions and Protectorates has been, comparing 1919 with 1922, and 1922 with 1924?

As it is necessary to give the information desired in tabular form, I will, with my hon. Friend's per-

ACREAGE under Cotton Cultivation in British Possessions and Protectorates. — 1919. 1922. 1923. Percentage increase or decrease of acreage in 1922 compared with 1919. Australia … 72 8,969 40,000 + 12,357 + 345.9 Papua … — — — — — Union of South Africa … 11,465 10,764 — - 6.1 — Ceylon … 134 320 901 + 138.8 + 181.6 N. Rhodesia … 589 — 2,331 + 295.8‡ — Nyasaland … 12,658 27,751 20,948 + 119.3 - 24.5 Uganda … 163,846 333,629 429,599 + 103.6 + 28.7 Kenya … Statistics not available. Nigeria … Gold Coast … Bahamas … Turks and Caicos Islands … Jamaica … 21 198 9 + 842.9 - 95.5 St. Lucia … — 4 15 — + 275 St. Vincent … 7,965* 4,745 4,515 - 40.4 - 4.9 Grenada … Statistics not available. — — Leeward Islands … 9,977 7,608 7,757 - 23.7 + 1.9 Barbados … 1,179 2,767 — + 134.7 — Trinidad … Statistics not available. — — Malta … 630 855 — + 35.7 — Cyprus … 6,993* 10,324 6,021 + 47.6† - 41.7 Tanganyika … Statistics not available. * 1920—previous statistics not available. † 1924. ‡ 1923 compared with 1919.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that it is proposed to hold a stag hunt in the stadium of the British Empire Exhibition, Wembley, for amusement; and whether he can stop this event taking place?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it is intended to introduce a mock stag hunt at the British Empire Exhibition; and, if so, whether it is proposed to use live stags for that purpose?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether stags are to be used in the forthcoming stag hunt at Wembley?

In reply to these

mission, circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

questions, I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 11th May to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Dr. Shiels), a copy of which will be sent to the hon. Members.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the caterers at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley are under any obligation to employ only British subjects as waiters and waitresses at the various restaurants; and what, if any, steps are taken to see that such obligations are carried out?

I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that, although the caterers are not under any obligation to employ only British subjects as waiters and waitresses, the great majority of those so employed are in fact British subjects.

Is it not a fact that all the waiters in the Garden Club are foreigners?

I am not aware of that fact. The exhibition authorities, when making arrangements for 1925, were not in a position to impose conditions on the caterers. The trouble was to get caterers to undertake the work at all.

Is this an insidious plan on the part of Zinovieff to introduce Bolshevism into this country?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will consider the advisability of reducing the charge for admission to the British Empire Exhibition to 1s.?

The charge for admission to the British Empire Exhibition is a matter for the Exhibition authorities, who inform me that they are alive to the importance of the question, and have it under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the certificate of honour issued to exhibitors at the British Empire Exhibition is made of British or British Empire material, in accordance with the general undertaking of the management committee; and if not, why not?

I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that the contract for the printing of the Certificates of Honour issued to 1924 exhibitors was given to a well-known British firm on the definite understanding that all materials used should be of British Empire origin. The sample of paper submitted by the printers, and approved, was of British manufacture, but, through a mistake on the part of the printers, and admitted by them, foreign-made paper was used for some of the certificates. The Exhibition authorities are withdrawing the certificates that were issued on foreign paper, and the printers will reprint the certificates on British paper at their own expense.

What steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence of this breach of the understanding?

It is human to err. It was an innocent mistake—it was not intentional—and I hope such a thing will not occur again.

Would anyone have been any the wiser about this—or any the worse—had it not been raised by hon. Members opposite?

It was the spirit of the exhibition that all these things should be of British manufacture wherever possible, and this was against the spirit of the whole scheme.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, of the many Governments represented at the International Labour Conference now sitting at Geneva, the British Government is about the only one not represented by a Minister of State, and that for part of the time of the present Conference the sole representative of the British Government has been a civil servant; and whether he will give careful consideration to the advisability of having the Government more properly represented at forthcoming international labour conferences in view of the national and international importance of these gatherings?

In accordance with the general practice, Great Britain was represented by a Minister, in the person of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, who remained at Geneva for more than the first week of the Conference, until his Parliamentary duties at home rendered his return imperative. His place was then taken by the Principal Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, who is responsible for this work. Of the 46 States who attended, only seven—namely, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway and Poland—were represented throughout by a Minister of State. Among those not so represented were Germany, Italy and Belgium, and the French Minister of Labour attended one sitting only of the Conference. I cannot accept the suggestion that British interests suffered owing to the method of representation at this Conference.

asked the Prime Minister what is the attitude of the various Dominions regarding the proposed Security Pact in Europe?

I cannot add anything to the statements which I made in the House on the 10th and 11th June as to the present stage of the negotiations. But I can assure my hon. Friend that the Dominion Governments have been kept in the closest touch with the various developments which have led up to the existing position.

Is it not a fact that the Canadian Government have made an announcement on this subject, which does not seem to tally with what the Prime Minister says?

I am afraid I have not seen that, but they are kept closely in touch.

Will the agreement require endorsement by the Dominions?

I am not quite sure about that. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put down the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to take legislative action to set up a Food Council, in accordance with the recommendations of the Food Commission?

I have been asked to reply. The matter is under consideration.

When can we hope to have a satisfactory reply to that question?

The matter is being thoroughly considered.

When does the hon. Gentleman think it will have been thoroughly considered?

Is it not the fact that the Prime Minister said last week that in his opinion it was not necessary to take legislative action to set up a Food Council; and, in view of the recommendation of paragraph 38 ( b ) of the Commission's Report, may we have an answer on that subject soon?

It is that very matter which is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet Committee, which it was stated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer would be set up to examine recurring blocks of national expenditure in order to reduce the total Estimates by about £10,000,000 a year, has yet been appointed?

No, Sir. The preliminary examination that is necessary is in hand, but it is of course not possible for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, until the Finance Bill has passed through all its stages, to participate regularly in the sittings of a Committee of this character

asked the Prime Minister when the Report of the Cabinet Committee on Unemployment may be expected?

Reports of the Unemployment Committee of the Cabinet are received from time to time as occasion requires, and the subject is constantly under the consideration of the Cabinet.

asked the Prime Minister when the Cabinet Committee which has been considering the Report of the Expert Committee on Electrical Development may be expected to report?

Every effort is being made to expedite the consideration of the Report of the Expert Committee on Electrical Development. In view, however, of the very important issues involved, some time must necessarily elapse before the Cabinet Committee which is examining the matter can complete their labours, and I am, therefore, not at present in a position to say when a Report of this Committee may be expected.

Nine months?

Before that.

asked the Prime Minister whether the question of the Reform of the House of Lords is still under the consideration of the Government; and, if so, whether he can state when he will be able to announce the policy of the Government on this matter?

The policy of the Government will be announced during the lifetime of the present Parliament.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that is quite a right answer to give to the question? We are having announcements made by Lord Selborne on the matter, and no one knows what the length of this Parliament will be.

This is the first time a question has been put to a responsible Minister, and my answer contains the literal truth.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give the names of the companies owning the sugar-beet factories which have imported foreign machinery, the extent in each case of such commitments, and the countries from which it has come?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total commitments of the various sugar-beet factory companies enjoying the benefit of The British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, since the passage of the Act, and the value of those commitments for machinery, etc., imported into this country; and the value of similar commitments for machinery, etc., produced in this country?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the exact terms granted by the Government to the Van Rossum group with regard to the importation of foreign machinery in the beet factories, and how these terms differ from those granted to other British sugar-beet organisations?

When the negotiations with the late Govern- ment took place, the two manufacturing groups than existing each promised to erect three new beet-sugar factories if the subsidy were granted. Arrangements to carry out this promise were put in hand as soon as the late Government's announcement was made. When the decision of the present Government to impose the 75 per cent. condition as to British plant and machinery was announced, representations were made to me that financial and technical commitments of a responsible character had already been entered into in respect of the three factories promised by Mr. Van Rossum. After careful consideration, I decided that the enforcement of the new condition would, in fact, be a serious breach of faith as regards these factories, and that the early progress of the industry in this country would best be served by waiving the requirement in their case. If these three factories are successful, Mr. Van Rossum has promised to build other factories in this country and, in their case, to make no application for dispensation from the machinery condition. In all other cases the requirement is being observed. The total approximate commitments, as regards plant and machinery of all factory companies since the passing of the Act, is £1,035,800, of which £754,500 is of British and £281,300 of foreign manufacture. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the names of the factory companies, details of the total commitments referred to and the amount and origin of the machinery obtained from foreign sources.

Does that mean that in any future factories that are erected 100 per cent. of the machinery will be British, to make up for the 25 per cent.?

No. I cannot give that guarantee, because that would be going beyond the wording of the Act. The Act only imposes a minimum of 75 per cent., and I have no statutory powers to insist on more

But has not the right hon. Gentleman discretionary power, specifically given in the Act, and is he not exercising it now?

I have discretionary power to exempt factories from the 75 per cent. condition, but I have no statutory or discretionary power to insist on more than 75 per cent.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why they imported this foreign machinery? Was it because it was more efficient, or cheaper, or better, or was it that it was the most suitable that was available?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total annual value of corn rents in England and Wales; and why these rents are not treated in the Tithe Bill in the same way as tithes?

I regret that I have no information enabling me to answer the first part of my hon. Friend's question. With regard to the second part, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, corn rents differ from tithe rent charge in several material respects, which appear to preclude identical treatment in both cases. If my hon. Friend would like a more detailed explanation I shall be happy to write to him on the subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many cases have been proved where farmers have deliberately refused to pay the wages which have been settled by wage committees; how many farmers have been proceeded against for evading these decisions; and, seeing that this section

The reason was partly financial, but also that the machinery was immediately available with which to start operating this season.

Following is the statement promised:

who evade the law are a menace to the better type of farmer, will he insist on prosecutions wherever evasions are discovered?

As I informed the hon. Member on the 9th instant, a number of complaints of payment of wages at less than the minimum rates have been investigated by the inspectors appointed for the purpose, but it is impracticable to state the number of cases, if any, where the non-payment could be said to amount to a deliberate refusal. In many cases it is clear that on each side there has been misunderstanding which investigation has served to remove, and in others there is not sufficient evidence to prove that infringement of the rates has taken place. If any cases of deliberate refusal to pay minimum wages occurred, I should, of course, immediately authorise legal proceedings, and, as stated in my previous reply, proceedings are already being taken in cases where the circumstances warrant such action.

But surely the right hon. Gentleman will know that there are thousands of cases where farmers have deliberately refused to pay the wages settled by the wage committees; is he not aware that any evasion at all is a breaking of the law; and would he apply similar treatment to any farm labourer who broke the law that he is now applying to farmers who are constantly breaking it?

I think the shortest and best answer I can give to the hon. Gentleman is that, if he has any case in which he is satisfied that a prosecution will lie, where I have not instituted one, I invite him to bring it to me.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not already stated, in reply to a previous question, that cases have been discovered where the farmers have not complied with decisions of the committees, and does he not think that, in those cases, where misunderstanding has not crept in, it is a deliberate breach of the law and ought to be dealt with?

I really cannot add anything to what I have said, that where I am satisfied that a case lies, I shall institute proceedings. If the hon. Member does not believe me, I can carry it no further.

also asked the Minister of Agriculture how many youths working on the land at Epworth, near Doncaster, are in receipt of the wages which have been settled by the Lincolnshire wages committee; what steps he has taken, if any, to ascertain whether correct wages are paid in this and other similar districts where men and boys are disorganised; and how the decisions of the wages committees are being advertised?

I have no information to show that the wages paid in the district mentioned are not in accordance with the minimum rates fixed by the Agricultural Wages Committee. With regard to the second part of the question, the inspectors appointed under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act are constantly engaged in making investigations on farms in various parts of the country with a view to ascertaining whether the minimum rates are being duly observed. The Orders made by the Agricultural Wages Board giving effect to the decisions of the Agricultural Wages Committees fixing minimum rates are advertised in the local Press and copies are distributed to the organisations of farmers and farm workers. Posters giving the main details of the Orders are exhibited in the Employment Exchanges and rural post offices throughout the areas.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in certain agricultural areas no notice has been given of the wages fixed by the county committee, and that at Epworth, near Doncaster, of 14 persons whom I saw personally a week ago, not one was receiving the wages settled by the Lincolnshire county committee, and will he ask one of his inspectors to investigate cases of this description, where the workers are in any way disorganised and fear to ask for the wages to which they are entitled?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Epwortn has a weekly newspaper in which this information is given?

But they are not getting the money.

I will certainly have the investigation for which the hon. gentleman asks made, but my information is exactly that of the hon. and gallant Member for Gainsborough (Captain Crook-shank), to the effect that these advertisements have been inserted in the press, and it is obviously neither the fault of the hon. gentleman who puts the question, of my hon. and gallant Friend, or of myself if these men have not seen them.

further asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he has taken, if any, against farmers who have dismissed their workers and evicted them from their houses, following upon a visit from his inspectors who have enforced payment of wages in accordance with the county wage board decisions?

I have no power to take any action in the case to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but I hope and believe that unjustifiable dismissals of workers on such grounds are very rare?

Is it not true that the right hon. Gentleman is aware that cases of this description have taken place, and will he tell the House what steps he intends to take where farmers, through victimisation, or threatened victimisation, are attempting to nullify the operation of the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act?

I should like to see details of the cases before expressing an opinion about them, but when I have seen them I am afraid my statutory powers will remain the same as I have stated in my answer.

Is that not one solid reason why, where cases of evasion are discovered, action should be taken immediately?

asked the Postmaster-General the number of accounts in the Post Office Savings Bank and the total amount of the deposits?

The estimated number of active accounts in the Post Office Savings Bank at 30th April, 1925, was 12,600,000, and the estimated balance due £283,000,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the assets are equal to the liabilities?

Oh, yes.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) why 86 supervising officers in the Belfast Post Office were not granted metropolitan status when the Government of Northern Ireland was established in Belfast, and thus given the same status as that granted to other Post Office servants in Belfast as well as that given by the Government of Northern Ireland to their own officials in that city?

(2) if he is aware that a large number of the 86 supervising officers in Belfast are performing duties superior to that of similar supervising officers in London and Edinburgh, and carry out work formerly performed by higher executive officers in the accountant's office, Dublin, and the secretary's office, London; and what saving has been effected by the transfer of this work to Belfast?

The grading of post offices for purposes of the pay of the staff must be governed by Post Office standards and the classification of the Belfast post office is the same as that of post offices in Great Britain where the volume of work is similar. There are no adequate grounds for granting a higher classification to the supervising staff in Belfast. I am aware that certain work formerly performed elsewhere is now undertaken by the staff in Belfast, but there has been no improvement in the general level of the duties of the supervising officers such as would warrant upgrading of the office. I am unable to state the financial effect of the changes.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that many people in Belfast have applied for telephones and have been put off owing to the shortage of the necessary supplies; and whether, in view of the unemployment which exists, he will see his way to employ some additional labour in order to expedite the carrying out of the contracts, some of which have been entered into over a year ago?

It is the case that a number of applicants are awaiting telephone facilities at Belfast. Much difficulty has been experienced in arranging for the necessary accommodation and plant. Additional internal and external plant is now being installed with all possible speed and it is anticipated that within the next few months immediate difficulties will have been solved. There is no shortage of unskilled labour and skilled men have been sent to expedite the completion of this work.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department which was the British catering firm approached with the suggestion of taking in hand the British Restaurant, at the British Pavilion, at the Paris Exhibition; and whether any opportunity was given to any other British concern, thoroughly experienced as caterers, in France to undertake this business?

I have called for a fuller report on the whole question from the British Commissioner-General in Paris, and will communicate with ray hon. Friend as soon as I have received it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can see his way to issue a White Paper stating exactly what obligations of mutual assistance bind France on the one side and Poland and Czechoslovakia on the other?

These agreements have already been published, in the League of Nations Treaty Series, and are therefore available to hon. Members and the public.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, prior to the shooting in Shanghai, there was an industrial dispute during which a Chinaman was killed in a foreign mill; whether the crowd, which was fired upon by the police, was demonstrating in connection with this dispute; and whether or not it was armed?

For some months before the recent riot, industrial unrest had been continuous in the Japanese mills at Shanghai. There had also been disturbances in the Japanese mills at Tsingtao, which is under Chinese administration, where rioters were fired upon and killed by the Chinese police. The unrest at Shanghai involved the killing of a Japanese mill-manager and, later, of a Chinese employé. This last incident, which occurred on the 15th May, led to more violent agitation, in which the students joined to support the employés. In doing so, they came into collision with the police on the 30th May. The crowd was unarmed, but was very large, and was threatening the lives of the police. The crowd attempted to rush the police station, which was full of arms, in order to release the arrested students. Warning was given before firing.

Is it not a fact that the cause of all this trouble is in conse- quence of the beastly low wages paid to the employés and the employment of young children?

Before the hon. Gentleman answers that question, will he say if there is any control at present over the wages paid by the foreign residents at Hong Kong and Shanghai?

The British Government and the British community have done all they can in regard to improving the conditions of labour within the International Settlement. Outside that Settlement the British Government or community have no control whatever—

Why send battleships there?

—and we have no control over the employment of children in China generally.

Is it not a fact that, however poor the wages are, they are better within the International Settlement than elsewhere in China, and does not M. Zinovieff take credit for the troubles?

Is it going to become a habit to call a strike a "riot"?

May I ask whether there is any evidence that there was any attack by the Chinese on the police station with any arms whatsoever, and is it not a fact that American and British missionaries have stated that the people who were killed and wounded were shot in the back, and, therefore, could not have been shot while trying to storm a police station?

I do not agree it is true that those who were shot were shot in the back. While it is quite true to say they were unarmed, it is also a fact that it was a very large and murderous crowd—

How do you know? You were not there.

—that the crowd tried to rush the police station, which was full of arms, and that if they had obtained those arms, there is no doubt greater bloodshed would have taken place.

May I ask whether, in order to preserve peace out there, the Government will organise battalions of shareholders to go and do their own dirty work?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether our policy with respect to the trouble in China is adopted in concert with other Powers interested; and if there are any points of difference, will he state their nature?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. No points of difference have arisen, and I take this opportunity of expressing on behalf of His Majesty's Government their appreciation of the firm and tactful manner in which the situation is being handled by the senior member of the Diplomatic Representatives concerned at Pekin, the Italian Minister.

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to say that British battleships shall not be used to back up international sweaters in China?

Is it not in accordance with British interests, and with the policy of His Majesty's Government, to assist as far as possible the natural aspirations of the Chinese people?

The attitude of His Majesty's Government is one of respect for China, Chinese culture and Chinese civilisation, literature and art. The British Government desire the prosperity and the peaceful condition of China, and, where possible and desired, the British Government will lend China all their support to that end.

Arising out of the hon. Gentleman's statement, that the British Government have done everything possible to better the conditions in the Shanghai mills under British jurisdiction, will he tell us what steps he has taken to enforce the conclusions come to by the Shanghai Municipal Committee's Report, and why it was that a majority could not be got to attend?

Yes. I will give a reply which may not be quite accurate, but which is thereabouts correct. The British community and the British Consul-General working together in sympathy have tried all they can to initiate a bye- law to be enacted by the Shanghai Municipal Authority against child labour. The British Government at home have supported that action, and two ladies, experts in factory welfare work, one of them Miss Harrison, of the Young Women's Christian Association, and the other Dame Adelaide Anderson, who are well known in labour circles, have been members of the Shanghai Commission to deal with child labour and night hours of employment. This Commission was set up by the Municipal Council of the Settlement and issued a Report a year ago. A regulation was introduced by the Shanghai Municipal Authority, who adopted the Report, but there was not a sufficient quorum to pass it at a specially convened meeting of ratepayers. That took place in April, 1925. It was put down again for the 2nd June this year, and it would have come up for discussion, and possibly would have been passed. It has the good will of the British Government and the support of our Consul-General at Shanghai and the British community, but these unfortunate circumstances arose and a quorum did not attend.

Is it not a fact that in the British cotton mills of Shanghai regulations exist prohibiting the employment of boys under 10, and girls under 12?

That is, I think, the proposal. There are only eight Shanghai mills out of 66 cotton mills which are under British ownership.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total number of killed and wounded as a result of shooting since the present industrial troubles began in Shanghai; and whether he can give the nationalities of the same?

The casualties at Shanghai so far officially reported are 21 Chinese killed and 65 wounded, and one foreigner wounded, who is believed to be of American nationality.

May I ask if any policeman was wounded?

I hope not.

Is it not a fact that many of these questions are put at the instigation of Moscow, to cause more trouble in China?

rose —

May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that an insinuation was made respecting myself in regard to a question I have on the Paper, to the effect that this question was put as the result of Bolshevist influence from Moscow upon myself? May I ask you if that is an insinuation that ought to be made by a Member of this House, and should it not be withdrawn?

I at once rose to say that the statement was a very improper interjection to make, but I did not think it was worth while to take any further notice.

On a point of Order. My question, with all respect to you, Sir, was dealing with some of the supplementary questions.

It was not a proper question to put, in any case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British mills there are in Shanghai; if any regulations are in force in such mills governing the age at which young persons may be employed therein; how many Chinese, Japanese, or other non-British mills there are in Shanghai; and if any regulations are in force in such mills governing the age at which young persons are employed?

According to a Report published last July by the Municipal Council of the International Settlement at Shanghai, the number of British textile mills is 14. No municipal regulations are in force governing the age at which young persons may be employed. But steps have been taken by the managers of the British mills to give effect to the recommendation of the Child Labour Commission appointed by the Municipal Council, that the employment of children under the age of 10 years should be prohibited. In the area covered by the Foreign Settlement and the two Chinese districts of Chapei and Pootung (the only areas of the Chinese-controlled city of Shanghai regarding which figures are available), there are 273 mills and factories, of which 25 are British, 186 Chinese and 31 Japanese-owned. No municipal regulations are in force governing the age at which young persons may be employed therein.

Is it the case that in any British factory in China, children are working under the age of eight?

Well, Sir, broadly speaking, the managers of the British factories in China desire that all the conditions under which their people in the international area are working shall be a model and an example to the rest of China.

That is not an answer to the question, Mr. Speaker. It is not what they desire, but what they do.

asked Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to state the total number of Chinese killed by the British forces in the recent disturbances; whether all or any of these were armed; and whether he will give instructions that in future unarmed demonstrators shall not be fired on with ball cartridge?

No Chinese have been killed by British forces in the recent disturbances in China. The Chinese casualties inflicted by the police force of the international municipality of Shanghai have been reported as 21 killed and 65 wounded. The mobs coining into conflict with the police are reported to have been unarmed. As regards the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government are not in a position to issue instructions to an international municipality.

Will the hon. Gentleman state whether, as a matter of principle, it is not in the interests of the preservation of life of the British and British interests and property abroad, that these discretionary powers should be left to the officer on the spot?

What is the composition of this police force and its nationality? Who controls it, and to whom are the members responsible?

The hon. Member had better put down that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement showing the hours of labour, age of employment, wages paid and other particulars relating to labour conditions in the mills in China?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the number of Chinese employed in the foreign concession in Shanghai, the current rate of wages, and the average number of hours worked per week, and what are the regulations as to age, etc., affecting juvenile employment?

Such information as I have regarding the number of Chinese employed in the foreign settlement in Shanghai is contained in an appendix to the Report of the Child Labour Commission published by the Municipal Council. A copy of this Report has been placed in the Library of the House. A statement showing the average hours of labour and wages of artisans and labourers of various classes in Shanghai is given in Appendix V of the Department of Overseas Trade Report on the Commercial, Industrial and Economic Situation of China in June, 1924, published by His Majesty's Stationery Office. Further information regarding labour conditions in China is to be found in the Chapter on Labour in the China Year Book, for which the agents in London are Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent and Company, Limited. No regulations are in force governing the age of employment.

Would it be true to say that quite young children are employed all day for seven days a week merely to earn their keep?