asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what the facts are upon which he bases his view that the disturbances in. China have been fostered by Soviet influences?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned on the 6th July to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Government will use its best offices with the French Government to secure the early ratification of the Washington Agreement, with the object of holding as soon as possible a commercial conference on the Customs issue in China?

I have just received information to the effect that the French Government have already passed the necessary legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the diplomatic body at Pekin is considering a joint reply to the 14 points contained in the Chinese Government's note, and whether there is any conflict of opinion between the Powers as to the reasonableness of the demands which is delaying a reply.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, I am not aware of any conflict of opinion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the American Press very widely states that the American representatives are willing to accept this, but the British delegates are holding out?

I deprecate my being called upon to answer a question about information supplied by the different Presses of the world. I am not aware of any conflict of opinion between the Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the diplomatic body which appointed a commission to examine the Shanghai situation was called in the usual manner by the doyen of the diplomatic body at Pekin or whether the commission was appointed by representatives of a portion of the Powers concerned and the senior representative not consulted; and will the Reports of the commission be presented to the whole diplomatic body, including the representative of Russia?

The commission to examine the Shanghai situation was appointed by the representatives of the treaty Powers under the chairmanship of the senior representative (the Italian Minister), and the commission has reported to the body which appointed it.

Is there any Russian representative on this body?

No. Russia is not one of the Treaty Powers.

Was the Russian representative not present because he did not want to be present?

He was not present because Russia is not one of the Treaty Powers.

Is not Russia represented at Pekin by an Ambassador, and has not she diplomatic relationships with China, and therefore should be represented on a Commission of this kind?

The answer to the first two questions is in the affirmative and to the last in the negative.

Why should the Russian representative be excluded, seeing that he is an accredited representative accepted by the Chinese Government?

For the reason I have already twice given, that Russia is not one of the Treaty Powers.

Why, in a matter of international concern, should the one great Power that has done justice to the Chinese people be excluded?

Sir William Lane Mitchell.

rose—

This is not a time for speeches.

I do not wish to make a speech, but to ask a question. Why was this Commission limited to the Treaty Powers?

Because it concerned the Treaty Powers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information with regard to the position of affairs in China: and whether any proposals have been received from the Government of the United States of America for the convening of an international conference for the purpose of removing the special privileges that certain nationals have in the treaty ports and giving to the Chinese nation unrestricted control over any import duties that that nation may impose?

I have received no information which enables me to add anything to the accounts of the situation which I have already given or which have appeared in the Press. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Germany, Austria and Russia have renounced their extra-territorial privileges in China; whether any reports have been received which indicate that nationals of any of those three countries have suffered from the renunciation of these privileges; and whether, in view of the necessity of restoring good feeling between Britain and China, His Majesty's Government will declare that they are prepared to discuss the renouncing of these special privileges as a step towards the recognition of the complete sovereignty of China?

asked the Prime Minister whether, inasmuch as other important European countries, notably Austria, Germany and Russia, have renounced extra-territorial privileges in China. His Majesty's Government are prepared to do likewise?

I will answer these questions together. The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government are not prepared to follow the example of the countries mentioned. Pending the result of the consultations now proceeding between the treaty Powers, I am not in a position to add anything to the statement on this subject which I made on the 1st July in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Dundee.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in the special court, known as the mixed court, in Shanghai the judges were originally appointed by the Chinese Government; that the judges are now appointed by the foreign Consuls without consultation with, or confirmation by, the Chinese Government; and whether he can state what treaty or agreement with China gives such powers to the Consuls of foreign Powers?

The answers to the first two parts of the question are in the affirmative. The. present practice was established in 1911 on account of the conditions then prevailing at Shanghai and in consequence of the revolution, and was confirmed by the declaration made by Yuan Shi-k'ai on his recognition as President of the Republic of China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the number of factory workers employed in factories within the foreign settlement at Shanghai: and the number who are under the ages of 14 years, 12 years and 10 years, respectively?

Such information as I have will be found on page 102 of the Blue Book just laid before Parliament regarding labour conditions in China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any request from the Shanghai Municipal Council or from representatives of the business houses in Shanghai that the British Government should make a forcible intervention to restore normal conditions in Shanghai?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a so-called Bolshevist agent. Dosser, has been detained by the British authorities in Shanghai; that he is being tried in the Mixed Court and not in the Chinese Court; that by the Sino-Russian Agreement of 1924 Russia gave up all extraterritorial rights, and Russians would therefore be tried in Chinese Courts; that the consular body has given instructions that jurisdiction in Russian cases should be taken in the Mixed Court; on whose authority were these instructions given; was the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics consulted; and, if not, under what powers are the consular authorities enabled to take judicial proceedings against the nationals of other countries which have renounced territorial rights?

Dosser was not detained by the British authorities at Shanghai, but by the municipal police of the International Settlement at Shanghai. He is being tried before the Mixed Court, which is the only Court which has jurisdiction to try offences committed within the International Settlement by Chinese and nationals of Powers who do not enjoy extra-territorial rights. In these circumstances, the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and. last parts of the question do not arise.

In view of what the right hon. Gentleman has said in answer to a previous question, does he not consider it out of the power of the Treaty Powers to try a national who is not within the jurisdiction of the Treaty Powers?

It is not a case of the Treaty Powers trying a national of anybody. It is the only Court which is competent to try a person for an offence of this kind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of these persons has been acquitted, that the other has been acquitted on three counts, and that there is only one count still to be tried?

If the hon. Member will read the question he will see that there is only one person involved.

I think the right hon. Gentleman must know that there were two.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will obtain the totals of unemployed in other European countries at any recent given date?

I have been asked to reply. The most recent particulars relating to unemployment in the principal foreign countries are given month by month in the Ministry of Labour Gazette. I should add that figures covering the whole field of industry are not available for any of these countries and for this and other reasons any comparison between the figures for different countries should be made with great caution.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount of money obtained at Employment Exchanges by false pretences, or by means of fraudulent statements, which resulted in action being taken in Police Courts, during the years 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924, respectively?

I regret that the information is not available, except at so much cost that I do not feel I should be justified in incurring it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is a great many cases, and whether there is a lot of money involved?

The amount of money is comparatively small.

Is it not the case that the money is taken back from the unemployed men before they have further benefit?

asked the Minister of Labour what is the latest number available of theatrical employés out of employment.; and how many of these are drawing unemployment benefit?

The number of musicians, actors, and theatre, music-hall and cinema employés registered at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain on 1st June, 1925, the latest date available, was 3,402 (men, 3,168; women, 1,234). Without making a special investigation it is not possible to say definitely how many of these are in receipt of unemployment benefit, but it is estimated that about 2,850 (men, 1,900, and women, 950) would have had current claims to benefit at that date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these people are thrown out of work because soldiers have been employed in their spare time to take their places in the West End?

I am not aware of that to any appreciable extent.

Is there any figure to show what proportion that figure bears to the total number of employés?

I asked that question for my own satisfaction, but I found that for these particular trades there is no census figure available.

asked the Minister of Labour what number of men on the register as unemployed has been taken on for the construction of the aerodrome at Odiham?

I am having inquiry made and will inform my Noble Friend of the result, as soon as the figures are available.

asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of the labour required for the development of the coal areas in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire is drawn from those areas where unemployment among miners is severe?

I am afraid it will not be possible to obtain this information with any degree of completeness. I am, however, making some inquiries and will let my Noble Friend know the result.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that H. Alldritt, of 187, Marylebone Road, N.W. 1, who was working regularly up to December, 1923, and who has since, largely owing to disabilities due to war service, been unable to obtain regular employment, attended a committee at Edgware Road. in May, and was granted 48 days' extension of un-covenanted benefit; that he was notified to attend a special committee on the 22nd June, consisting of one man only; that he was questioned as to his occupations since the War: that in reply he gave names of firms upon whom he had called in search of employment; that when asked whether he was willing to take work anywhere he expressed himself as willing to take any work for which his disabilities did not incapacitate him; that on the 23rd June he had to attend a further committee; that on the 26th June he was refused benefit: why this benefit was stopped without any communication or reason assigned; and will he inquire into the matter?

To be entitled to extended benefit Mr. Alldritt must prove that he is making every reasonable effort to obtain employment. He was trained and is registered as a market gardener, but has limited his search for work to London since early this year. He stated to an interviewing officer, a few days ago, that he had not called on or written to any firms recently, nor looked regularly at lists of vacant jobs in newspapers or at the Employment Exchange. In these circumstances, notwithstanding the committee's recommendation, I am not satisfied that he fulfils the conditions laid down by the Act, and I cannot therefore allow benefit.

Why has not communication been made to him?

I will see that communication is made to him at the earliest moment.

May we take it that the conditions imposed upon this man are the conditions that will be imposed upon every other man, namely, that of calling for work or writing for work?

They are the fulfilment of the normal statutory conditions.

Why does not the right hon. Gentleman accept documents from these men where they can prove that they have been calling or writing?

asked the Minister of Labour, in reference to the continued unemployment in Devonport, what suggestions have been either received or made by his Department to deal with this problem?

Local authorities have been invited to forward to the Unemployment Grants Committee particulars of proposed schemes for the relief of unemployment towards the cost of which financial assistance may be given in approved cases. Information respecting the extent to which assistance has been given towards schemes undertaken by the Plymouth Corporation was recently supplied to the hon. Member, and I am informed that the Unemployment Grants Committee have at present under consideration 15 further schemes submitted by that authority.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to discuss the matter with the First Lord of the Admiralty, to see if he cannot build cruisers or steel houses?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that there are many boys receiving unemployment donation, he is taking any steps, and, if so, what, to bring to their notice the demand for boys for work on the land in the Dominions in connection with the schemes of boy settlement?

The number of youths between the ages of 16 and 18 claiming unemployment benefit is estimated to be about 25,000. As I have explained in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham Central, full information in regard to schemes of migration for boys is furnished to all committees and local officers dealing with juveniles, in order that every suitable occasion may be taken of bringing these opportunities to the notice of juveniles on the registers, whether drawing unemployment benefit or not.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that boy workers are scarce in many towns in this country, and that there are not enough applicants to fill the posts offered in connection with overseas settlement by the Dominions; and whether the youths now drawing unemployment donation are aware of the fact or have it brought to their notice?

I am aware that in certain areas there is little surplus of unemployed boy labour. In those areas there are, of course, very few boys drawing unemployment benefit or otherwise on the Exchange registers. It is also the case that the number of boy applicants in connection with oversea schemes is not large. Full information in regard to schemes of migration for boys is furnished to all committees and local officers dealing with juveniles, in order that every suitable occasion may be taken of bringing these opportunities to the notice of juveniles on the registers, whether drawing unemployment benefit or not.

asked the Minister of Labour what has been the extra cost to the Insurance Fund caused by the reduction of the waiting period from six days to three days; and what has been the estimated saving to local authorities since this reduction took place in August last?

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what is the estimated saving which will accrue to the Unemployment Insurance Fund by the alteration proposed by Clause 1 of the Unemployment Insurance Bill;

(2) what will be the amount of the annual saving to the Unemployed Insurance Fund by increasing the waiting period from three days to six days; and whether the Government propose to make any equivalent grant to local authorities to reimburse them for the proportion of this sum which will be thrown upon their local rates?

The Government Actuary, in his Report on the Unemployment Insurance Bill, estimates that the savings under Clauses 1 and 2 will amount to between £6,000,000 and £6,500,000 per annum, according to the state of unemployment. Of this amount, about £4,500,000, I am advised, is attributable to the difference between a waiting period of six days and one of three days. As regards the suggestion that the Poor Law authorities were relieved of a burden last year by the reduction of the waiting period, or will now have a burden cast upon them by an increase in this period, I would point out that, as was explained in yesterday's Debate, a waiting period without benefit normally follows immediately after a substantial period of employment. Accordingly, an increase in the waiting period from three days to six should not result in any appreciable addition to the amount paid by Poor Law authorities in relief of destitution, nor should a reduction in the period from six days to three result in an appreciable decrease in this amount.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Health, in reply to a question asking for further help to the local authorities, distinctly said that they had received great benefits under the Act passed last year?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the amount paid in relief by the guardians in the first quarter of the year amounted to £1,700,000, while in the last quarter of the year it was reduced to £1,100,000, and does he not think that the position will be again reversed when this Bill becomes an Act?

It is quite clear, and I think must be apparent to everyone, that the decrease of the amount paid by the board of guardians was due to a large extent to last year's Act as a whole, but while it is not possible to distinguish between the effect of the various provisions of last year's Act, the question of the rate of benefit has infinitely more to do with it than the waiting period.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the striking similarity between the numbers put on the register by the Act of last year and the decrease in the numbers relieved by the guardians, and does he draw any conclusion from that striking fact?

I should draw no conclusion from any mere equality or similarity in numbers without going into the causes. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been estimated that, so far as West Ham is concerned, the provisions contained in the Bill of the right hon. Gentleman mean an increase of £30,000 to the West Ham Union?

I should be very interested if the hon. Member would show me the figures and tell me the reasons on which he bases his statement, because I cannot believe that what he says is accurate.

The clerk of the union will do that.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that 60 per cent. of the iron ore miners in West Cumberland are unemployed, and that this high percentage is mainly due to the extensive use of cheap steel scrap in British melting furnaces obtained from salvaged German destroyers at Scapa Flow; and will he take steps to grant some financial assistance, in excess of unemployment benefit, to these unemployed miners out of the proceeds obtained by the Government from the sale of these ships as compensation due to the nature of the unemployment?

The number of iron ore miners and quarrymen registered as unemployed at the local offices of the Ministry of Labour in Cumberland was 1,692, or about 39 per cent. of the number in the industry in that district. It is probable that the consumption of cheap scrap steel for conversion is heavier than before the War, but I am not advised that the position in the Cumberland area can be mainly attributed to this circumstance. In any case, I am afraid such a circumstance would not enable me to make special grants of compensation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the open hearth process a certain proportion of scrap steel is an absolute necessity?

It is perfectly true, and it is also to be noted that the employment of scrap steel has increased largely in bulk in all countries as compared with before the War.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that because of the bulk of abnormally cheap scrap steel, due to the raising of these ships, the amount of scrap used has increased from 35 per cent. in normal times to 75 per cent. owing to its cheapness, and therefore, does he not think that those who have lost their employment through this cause should get increased benefit?

The answer is twofold. The hon. Member, I think, does, not realise that the amount of scrap due to these vessels being raised is only 10,000 tons, which is, so to speak, only a drop in the bucket of the whole steel production, and can in itself have only an inappreciable effect. Therefore on that account no unemployment arises. On the other hand, I frankly could not consider a claim of that kind, in any case, in answer to a question, as it would have consequences far beyond the immediate case in question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can arrange for Members to obtain from the Vote Office copies of the Report issued last month by his Department as a result of the investigation made in November into the personal circumstances and industrial history of 10,903 claimants to unemployed benefit?

It is not proposed to make a general distribution of the Report through the Vote Office, but copies will be sent to hon. Members on application to the Controller, His Majesty's Stationery Office.

asked the Minister of Labour whether persons employed on relief work under a local authority for a continuous period and paying unemployment contributions in respect of such employment are treated as being employed in an insurable employment within the meaning of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, and therefore eligible for extended benefit at the conclusion of their employment; and, if not, will he take steps to make such persons eligible?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 1st July to the hon. Member for Shore-ditch (Mr. Thurtle). I do not think it is desirable to alter the present rule in the direction suggested. I should perhaps add that the contributions paid in respect of relief work are, of course, treated as valid contributions for the purpose of qualifying for standard benefit.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he proposes to introduce any Supplementary Estimates this Session; and, if so, when?

I hope that an announcement on this subject will be made in the near future.

Does that mean that a Supplementary Estimate will be presented before we separate for the Summer Recess?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to an answer given by the Prime Minister on that subject.

In view of the fact that this information in regard to the shipbuilding programme is usually available at the beginning of the Session, or well before the Budget, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is doing his level best to induce the Cabinet to come to a decision?

Yes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the country does not desire any further expenditure in this direction?

No.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that certain revised rates of pay and allowances have recently been approved for married officers of the Royal Air Force Service in India; and whether he will consider whether similar increases in pay and allowances should be granted to married naval officers serving in foreign stations?

As regards the first part of the question, my attention has been drawn to a statement to this effect which has been published in the Press. This and other relevant matters are being borne in mind in connection with the grant of marriage allowance to officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Does the hon. Member think that he will be in a position to make some definite announcement in regard to marriage allowances for naval officers before the end of the present Session?

I cannot answer that question myself. I hope so.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the officers of the Royal Air Force serving in aircraft carriers receive marriage allowance and leave allowance, both of these allowances being denied at present to the naval officers, he can inform the House if there is any hope that the marriage allowance will be granted to naval officers shortly?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the fact to which he refers is being borne in mind, but I regret that I am not at present in a position to make any further statement as regards the granting of marriage allowance to naval officers.

The right hon. Gentleman keeps saying that this is borne in his mind. Can he say whether it is borne in the minds of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

I am afraid that I can only answer for my own mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure of his own mind?

Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy.

rose—

I have called the next question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of officers and men at present employed in the Royal dockyards (giving each dockyard separately) who are in receipt of a service pension and who are now qualifying for a civil pension; the average sum which is being paid as pension, giving the highest and lowest rates; and the total amount of these pensions?

I regret that in order to obtain this information the expenditure of time and labour would be so great that I cannot comply with the hon. Member's request. I would add, for the hon. Member's information that in fixing the rates of pay for the civil employment no regard whatever is paid to the fact that some individuals may be in receipt of naval pensions for past services.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in order to relieve unemployment in Devon-port, which is due to the fact that many less men are employed in the dockyard than before the War and that there is no alternative industry in the neighbourhood, he can arrange for steel houses to be constructed in the dockyard which would result in a saving to the taxpayer by the absorption of the unemployed and at the same time relieve the housing shortage in Devonport?

I regret that the hon. Member's suggestion is not practicable as the Royal Dockyards are not equipped for the construction of steel houses as a business proposition, and moreover such work could not be undertaken without seriously interfering with the progress of the work on His Majesty's ships building and repairing in the dockyards.

Is the hon. Member aware that there is very considerable unemployment, and that this could be relieved by building cruisers or steel houses? Will he, at any rate, build something?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Is the hon. Member aware that on the Clyde a firm which was engaged in similar work are now building steel houses in a productive factory similar to that at Devonport? In view of that, will he go into the question again and see if what is accomplished on the Clyde can be accomplished at Devonport?

The hon. Member must remember that the Royal Dockyards are fully employed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what progress has been made with the new dockyard in the Jahore Straits, near Singapore?

The progress to date consists in the preparations for and commencement of the ancillary works involved by the installation of the floating dock at the naval base site, including the provision of connecting road and railway from Woodlands, temporary housing accommodation, water supplies, jetties and workshops and anti-malarial work in order that the dredging of a berth for the dock may commence on arrival of the dredging fleet in November.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total tonnage of the 17 German destroyers salvaged and the sum of money the Government received for these ships?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 29th June, in which I stated that the total displacement of the vessels raised amounted to approximately 13,000 tons. Since then another torpedo-boat destroyer of 750 tons, approximately, has been raised. In accordance with the customary practice, the prices at which these vessels were sold cannot be divulged.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what casualties, if any, occurred at the Royal Air Force Pageant last year and this year?

There were no casualties on either occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any modifications, in addition to the pay and/or allowances of officers, married or single, have been made since September, 1919?

As regards pay, a reduction of 5½ per cent. took place upon 1st July, 1924, in accordance with the conditions attached to the improved rates introduced in 1919 that they should be revised after five years in the light of the cost of living. On the other hand, command pay of 5s. a day has been granted to the wing commander of certain formations. As regards allowances, there have been periodical revisions of the rates of fuel, light and ration allowances, which are reviewed every quarter in accordance with the fluctuation in the cost of the issues in kind; and new rates of fuel and light allowance were introduced in October, 1920, when a differentiation was made between the allowances for married and single officers.

May I ask whether the result of the modifications of the allowances is to increase the allowances in a general way?

The effect of the change made in October, 1920, was, broadly speaking, to improve the rates payable to both married and single officers, in two items, light and fuel, owing to the cost of these commodities, but these are more or less balanced by reductions in the pay of single officers in certain junior ranks.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the terms now offered by the coal owners to the miners will mean a large reduction in the already low wages at present paid; and will he state what action the Government propose to take to secure to the coal miner a wage that will place him in the same position as he enjoyed in 1914?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the coal-owners have given notice to terminate the present agreement, and have submitted fresh terms to the Miners' Federation; that these terms have been rejected by the miners; and will he indicate what steps the Government intend to take, seeing that the notice expires at the end of July?

asked the Prime Minister if he has seen the terms of the coalowners' communication to the secretary of the Miners' Federation, giving notice to terminate the present wages agreement; and, in view of the fact that the present wages paid are below the accepted standard of the cost of living, what steps does he propose to take to avoid a general stoppage in this industry, in view of the demand made for further reductions in wages?

I am aware of the situation in the coal-mining industry, and shall continue to keep in close touch with its developments; but, as I have already stated to the House, my view is that every opportunity should be given to those engaged in the industry to settle these things for themselves, and every effort should be made by them to do so. It seems to me clear that the possibilities of negotiation have not yet been exhausted, and I should like to take this opportunity of appealing to both sides to explore them further with a sincere desire to find a way out of the difficulty.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a complete deadlock at the present time; and do the Government propose to allow this state of things to continue until the end of the month before anything is done?

I cannot admit that there is a complete deadlock at this moment. I am quite aware that the situation is serious, but I do not think the time has yet come to say that there is a complete deadlock.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the terms suggested by the coalowners mean at least a 25 per cent. reduction for the lowest paid worker, and, in the circumstances, will he appeal to the owners to be more reasonable in their demands than they have been up to the present?

asked the Secretary for Mines if the coal merchants in the Rowley Regis district of Staffordshire have received notices from the coalowners in the Cannock Chase area announcing an advance of 2s. and 3s. per ton on various kinds of house coal; and the reason why the increase has been asked for?

I am informed that certain of the Cannock Chase collieries reduced their prices by 8s. a ton during the past two months owing to the slack demand for house coal, and that the recent advance in prices is due to an improvement in the demand.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that the reason why these particular colliery owners have jumped up the prices is in consequence of the threatened stoppage in the coal field, and does he not think that it is what we call black highway robbery?

On a point of Order. The late Speaker always ruled that it was not in order to ask a Minister what he thought, and I should like to know. Sir, whether that is your ruling?

My experience is that when these questions are asked, it is really a case of hon. Member? contributing their own views.

I wanted your ruling, Mr. Speaker.

Questions of that kind are for Debate, and not for Question Time. That is my ruling.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Cannock Chase coalowners put the men on full time—the first time for months—a week ago, and that they are now stacking coal?

If that be so, it seems to show the benefit of getting increased prices for coal.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of pits closed down during the last 12 months: and the number of those pits in which pumping operations are being retained with a view to the pits being reopened at a future date?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for the Penistone Division (Mr. Rennie Smith). At the large majority of the seams closed down—except those which have definitely been abandoned — pumping is being continued.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the depression in the shipbuilding and allied industries and the number of British shipbuilding orders which have been sent abroad within recent years, any consideration will be given by the Government to the idea of imposing a duty on every foreign-built ship imported into this country?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Pontypool on 23rd March, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to issue in full the evidence given before the Colwyn Committee, in view of the revival of the recommendation, by some witnesses, of a capital levy?

In accordance with the usual practice, this will be a matter for consideration when the Committee present their Report.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will consider an amendment of the British Nationality Act to provide that a British woman shall not lose her British status by marriage until, by the law of her husband's country, she has acquired his nationality?

I have been asked to reply. This question will be further considered by His Majesty's Government when the views of the Dominions have been ascertained.

May I ask whether this particular difficulty has arisen with any country besides the United States of America?

No. not so far as I am aware.

Is the hon. Gentleman in correspondence with the Dominions on this urgent matter?

Yes, we are. We have heard from three, and replies from two have not yet been received.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the amendment in the Immigration Act of the Commonwealth of Australia, empowering the Government to deport industrial peace disturbers; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking a similar course in this country with regard to persons of foreign nationality who are endeavouring to utilise the present difficulties in industry to stir up strife and industrial unrest and instil revolutionary ideas into the minds of the workers?

I have been asked to reply. I have seen a Press report of the proposed legislation in Australia, but I do not think further legislation is required in this country. The existing powers appear to be sufficent.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable number of people in this country do not think that the existing powers are sufficient.

That is an expression of opinion.

It is a statement of fact, not an expression of opinion.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have under consideration the granting of subsidies to any trade; whether it proposed to set up a Committee to consider the question; and, if so, whether any members of such Committee have yet been appointed?

The general question of sustaining certain of our basic industries will be examined by the Committee of Civil Research in connection with the inquiry which that body is making into the individual case of steel. Such an investigation does not commit His Majesty's Government to any particular remedy, whether by subsidy or other form of State aid, and it may well be that all such remedies will be found by the Committee to carry with them evils not less serious than those they seek to cure. But no reason able proposal will be excluded from consideration, and I hold most strongly that it is the duty of His Majesty's Government to make an organised and unprejudiced examination of the whole situation.

In the appointment of Committees will the workers be represented?

In answer to a question, I think it was yesterday, on the subject of the investigation by the Committee of Civil Research, I told the House that, as in the case of the Committee of Imperial Defence and Cabinet Committees, no publication was ever made of the constituent parts of a Committee.

Has the steel inquiry begun?

I do not think it is usual to ask questions about the work of such Committees, but, knowing the extreme interest that my hon. and gallant Friend takes in the matter, I do not mind telling him that I have had a preliminary meeting.

asked the Prime Minister whether the committee appointed to investigate the possibility of reducing the pay of new entrants to the Navy, Army, and Air Force has yet come to any conclusion; and, if not, whether he can say when he anticipates that their decision will be made known?

The Committee are making good progress, but owing to the prolonged examination necessary I am unable to say when their labours will be completed.

In view of the fact that this question, conjointly with the question of marriage allowances to naval officers, is going to embitter the relations between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and hip Cabinet colleagues, would it not be advisable—

That is an improper preamble.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government intend to bring in legislation to extend the Trade Facilities Act so that it would apply to other than new capital expenditure?

As the hon. Member was informed in the House by the President of the Board of Trade on the 6th July, the recent announcement that facilities will be given under the Trade Facilities Act to schemes for the modernisation and replacement of plant does not involve any new legislation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Labour said on 2nd July that no alteration had been made, that the Secretary for War said on 4th July that it was made a fortnight ago, that the Department said on 6th July that no alteration had been made, and will he try to keep a little more synchronisation in the minds of those great Ministers, so that we shall be aware that, at any rate, they are not as dilatory in this matter as the last Parliament?

No alteration is really necessary, because the Act provides for guarantees to be made to all capital undertaking. The limitation applies to working capital, not capital undertakings.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware what the questioner meant when he said "synchronisation"?

asked the Minister of Health if he will circulate a Paper showing the Amendments to the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill up to date, as is done in Standing Committee?

My right hon. Friend agrees that the suggested circulation would be for the convenience of Members and he will see if it is possible to have the Clauses of this Bill, as amended by the Committee, circulated with the Votes.