asked the Undersecretary for India if he can state if there are at present any cocaine dens in the northern division of Calcutta, and the name of the deputy commissioner in charge of this division; and how long has he occupied that position?

Some information as to the illicit traffic in cocaine and the preventive action taken is given in the Report of the Bengal Excise Department, extracts from which I shall be glad to have supplied to the hon. Member should he wish. The Reports do not contain the specific information asked for in the first part of the question, but special inquiry can be made if he so desires. The Deputy-Commissioner of Police, Northern District, Calcutta, is Rai Purna Chandra Lahiri Bahadur, who was appointed on 6th March, 1918.

Is it not a fact that an inquiry has been held as regards the complicity of police officers in this traffic, and will not the Noble Lord place the Report before the House?

I do not very much like the term "complicity" as applied to police officers in connection with this traffic. No inquiry was held into the complicity of these officers and no one has made such a monstrous charge until the hon. and gallant Member men- tioned it in his question. There was an inquiry into certain irregularities which are said to have occurred in connection with entries made in the charge book by the police, but on inquiry it was found that there was no foundation whatever for the accusation of wilful misconduct by the police.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) why troops are kept in unhealthy barracks, such as Ghorpuri; and why barracks such as Nowshera, intended for 600 men, are occupied by 850 when there are empty barracks in healthy cantonments available for occupation:

(2) whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory condition of many of the barracks in India, the lack of bathing facilities at Cherat and Nowshera, and the defective illumination of the men's quarters in the barracks at Cawnpore and Belgaum; and whether he will take steps to see that British soldiers in India are given amenities more comparable to these obtaining in this country?

I will answer these questions together. The question of the improvement of the barrack accommodation and amenities in India is one that has been engaging the close attention of my Noble Friend, and he is now in correspondence with the Government of India on the subject. I have no detailed information regarding the particular points mentioned by the hon. Member as to the barracks at Nowshera and "Cherat, but, if he wishes. I will have inquiries made. At Ghorpuri the barracks are in process of reconstruction. As regards electrification a large programme has been approved under which all barracks for British troops will eventually be electrified, and progress has been made annually. The Government of India are now considering what steps can be taken to accelerate the completion of that programme. According to the latest information received from the Government of India the barracks at Cawnpore have already been completely electrified.

May I ask the Noble Lord why it was that new barracks erected at Cawnpore and Belgaum were furnished only with feeble oil illumination, instead of electricity?

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to allow me to look into that matter. I was not aware of the lighting arrangements of these new barracks. The process of improvement of barracks has been going on for a long time past. Progress would be quicker but for the fact that the cost incurred is very large, and the Central Government of India wish to spread it over many years.

Why, when there are empty barracks and cantonments, are men so overcrowded at Nowshera?

The answer is obviously because it is desirable, and indeed necessary, for military reasons, to place the troops in the areas where they are required. It may be the case that in some areas there are good barracks, though at present unoccupied or only partially occupied, and other areas with bad barracks which have to be occupied for the time being until better accommodation is available.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India if the Government is prepared to suggest to the Government of India that the time has now arrived for the release of these Indians at present under detention, without trial, under the provisions of the Bengal Criminal Ordinance Act and Regulation 111, of 1818?

The reply is in he negative.

If these men cannot he released may they not be accorded the elementary right of being brought to trial?

No, Sir, for the reasons given by me in the Debate at the end of last Session. My Noble Friend is not aware of any circumstances that have occurred since then to alter the decision to which he and the Government of India then came.

Would not the appointment of a new Viceroy make a suitable occasion for the exercise of clemency?

That, would seem to be a very big question, which does not arise out of the question on the Paper. I can only say now that my Noble Friend is not prepared to make any such recommendation.

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, when it will be possible to discuss the Motion of which I and other hon. Members have given notice, praying His Majesty to exercise His Royal Clemency in the matter?

I cannot say. There-does not seem to be much time available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has yet effected any economics in the administration of his Department which will result in decreased estimates for the coming year?

My Noble Friend has appointed a committee to consider the possibilities of economy in the India Office, but he has not yet received their report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the Newark tax office is cold, badly ventilated, badly lighted, and insanitary; and whether he is prepared either to take now offices or to put the present, ones in a habitable condition?

I am advised that the premises referred to are in reasonably satisfactory condition. No complaints have been received from the Inland Revenue Department, who recently agreed to the retention of the offices until the expiry of the lease in 1928.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the capital value of the freehold offices of the Employment Exchanges; and what is the annual charge for the leasehold offices?

The Department is not in a position to state the capital value of the freehold offices of the Employment Exchanges, but capital expenditure incurred on the erection and purchase of buildings (including sites) up to 1923–24 was approximately £550,000. The present rental charge for hired buildings is approximately £l20,000 per annum.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman urging the Minister of Labour to adopt the suggestion contained in the Report of the Estimates Committee for 1925 to do away with some of these expensive Employment Exchanges?

We only have 34 permanent and semi-permanent buildings.

Why is there no information available for later than 31st March, 1924?

It is difficult to do all this work. It entails a great deal of research.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of local war pensions offices and sub-offices on the 1st November, 1921, and the 1st November, 1922; how many of the offices were full-time offices and how many part-time; and what was the staff employed in the offices of the local war pensions committees on each of these dates?

On the 1st November, 1921, there were 383 local war pension committee offices and, approximately, 900 sub-offices. On the 1st November, 1922, the substitution of area offices for local war pension committee offices, under the War Pensions Act of 1921, was in process of being carried out. At that date there were 124 area offices, 90 whole-time sub-offices, 280 part-time sub-offices, and 150 local war pension committee offices, having 168 sub-offices. I regret that, as the staffs in the local war pension committee offices were in the direct employ of the committees concerned, there is not a reliable record of their numbers, which are, however, estimated at 5,000 on the 1st November, 1921, and at 1,000 on the 1st November, 1922.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in order to facilitate the development of Kenya Colony and in view of the proposed loan to that colony, he will consider establishing a special Department to furnish full particulars and information regarding its natural resources and possibilities as well as such other information, useful and necessary, to these who may be or may desire to be financially interested?

A trade and information office, not, for Kenya only, but for the East. African Dependencies generally, is about to be opened at 32, Cockspur Street. The East African Dependencies are fortunate in having been able to secure for the control of this office the services of Colonel Franklin, who will combine with his new duties these of his present position of His Majesty's Trade Commissioner in East Africa, and will divide his time between the two offices. I should perhaps make it clear that the proposed loan for further railway development is not for Kenya only, but for the live East African territories as a whole.

Will the expenses of this new office be borne by the colony concerned?

.: Yes, Sir.

May I ask whether, in connection with this office, it is proposed to have any exhibits of the products of Kenya Colony?

It is proposed to have such an exhibit of the products, not only of Kenya, but. of the other territories. We have obtained a ground-floor window and a third-floor office.

risked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any fighting has taken place between His Majesty's troops or gendarmerie in Palestine and insurrectionaries or fugitives from Syria; and whether His Majesty's Royal Air Force has been in action?

The High Commissioner informs me that no such fighting has taken place and that the Royal Ail-Force has not been in action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state how much land has been made available for and taken up by Jewish settlers in Palestine since the mandate for Palestine was granted to Great Britain; and what steps are being taken to secure suitable land for approved immigrants and to assist such persons to settle on the land?

In his report on the administration of Palestine for 1920–1925, which was recently published by the Stationery Office, the late High Commissioner stated that Jewish bodies and individuals were now in possession of 319 square miles of land in Palestine as against 177 square miles before the War. The introduction of a new system of land registration is now engaging the attention of the Palestine Government. Until it has been introduced, little progress can be expected in the disposal of State lands

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there are no State lands chat could be made available for more rapid settlement by suitable colonists?

There is a certain number of State lands, as I have explained, but until the new system of registration and examination has been gone into fully, regarding any possible claim which might arise in connection with the occupation of these State lands, it is impossible to set aside any particular areas for colonisation,

Are there not vast tracks of land, in the nominal ownership of persons in Palestine, which are not used? What steps are the Government taking to see that these lands, which are at present unused, shall be available for settlement?

Will the hon. Gentleman keep in mind the fact that, whilst there is land available in Palestine, no preference should be given to Jews as distinct from Arabs, or, in other words, that there should be equal treatment of all concerned?

In reply to the last question, I would point out that practically the only State lands so far allocated have been allocated to Arabs. But undoubtedly there is a good deal of unoccupied and uncultivated land in Palestine, and, when the necessary investigations have been made, it will be available for further settlement by both races.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in regard to the proposed system of detention camps in Kenya Colony, his attention has been drawn to the instructions issued by Mr. Denham, the Colonial Secretary, to the heads of all Departments, pointing out that the prisoners transferred to these camps will be available for railways, etc.: and, if so, what steps it is proposed to take to control these prisoners when they are kept to labour outside the camps?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with the proposed creation of detention or concentration camps in Kenya Colony, his attention has been drawn to a circular issued by Mr. Denham, Colonial Secretary, pointing out to the heads of all Departments that the creation of detention camps will ensure to the Government a constant supply of labour; and whether he proposes to point out to the Kenya Government that the constant supply of labour cannot be allowed to have my relation to the, punishment of prisoners?

The circular indicates that the native offenders will work under the supervision of the native headman or the hear tribal retainer, and it is to be presumed that when at work they will be under the control of the tribal retainers. Prison officials are not to be employed. The circular speaks of a useful, not a constant, supply of labour for Government purposes. The object of the Ordinance is to avoid the association of technical offenders with criminal prisoners, not to provide a source of labour, but it would be as undesirable if these offenders were to pass the period of their detention in complete idleness, as it would be to keep them in gaols. I see no reason to bring the point to the Governor's notice, but he has already been requested to furnish a report on the working of the Ordinance when it has had a fair trial.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Mr. Denham's circular, there is a distinct hint that behind this new departure is the idea of securing free labour for Government contracts, as well as what should be there, namely the question of the proper treatment of the prisoners?

I can assure the right hon. and gallant Gentleman that is not the policy of the Kenya Government. This is a progressive measure and is designed to deal with this particular class of offenders in a more progressive spirit.

In view of the Bill recently suggested by an hon. Member opposite, will the hon. Gentleman see that these men are tried by a jury of their own class?

Is it proposed to utilise this labour for Government and public work only, or is it to be available for private enterprise, because Mr. Denham's circular says "et caetera"? What does "et caetera" mean?

Certainly not for private enterprise in any circumstances. It is entirely confined to Government purposes, and from what I have seen in Africa it is usually of a very-light kind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what exent, if any, His Majesty's Government has carried out the recommendations of the first Report of the Imperial Economic Committee?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 23rd November last to the hon. and gallant Member for Ashford (Major Steel) to which I am not able to add anything.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a special Committee to advise His Majesty's Government as to the best methods of further developing the Crown Colonies?

The development of the Colonies and Protectorates continues to engage the earnest attention of the Government, and I have no doubt my hon. Friend is aware that a number of Committees and other bodies is already engaged in considering various aspects of the important problem of Colonial development.

Can my hon. Friend state what reason actuated the Government in dispensing with the Committee which could have advised them on matters of this kind?

I think the right hon. Gentleman alludes to the Committee in regard to East Africa. My right hon. Friend considers that in regard to East African development, there is so much scope for action arising out of the Report of the East African Commission and the Governor's Conference that there is really no room for that Committee.

May we take it that when boiled down the hon. Gentleman's answer means that the present Colonial Secretary considers that all the assistance he requires is the Under-Secretary?

I am not in a position to answer that question.

Will the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that East Africa is not to be the limit of the Government's endeavours in this respect?

Certainly. We are constantly in touch with various bodies, such as the Chambers of Commerce interested in West Africa, the West Indian Committee and other bodies interested in the development of particular groups of Colonies. The suggestion that we should have one Committee for the whole Colonial Empire is impracticable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now able to say what financial assistance the Government intend to give to the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture; and whether he is aware that the provision of a hostel is urgently necessary, as there is no suitable accommodation for the students?

I regret that I am still unable to say what financial assistance His Majesty's Government intend to give to the Imperial Collar of Tropical Agriculture. I fully realise the urgent need for the provision of a hostel for the students, and have recently received further representations on this point from the governing body of the college.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps are contemplated, or are being taken, by His Majesty's Government to protect British trade interests by securing the transport trade routes to Southern Rhodesia and Central Africa, south of the equator; and whether he is aware that upon the completion of the Banquella Lobeto Bay Railway to Katanga, Tanganyika, the transport railway routes, trade, and harbours, both east and west coasts of South Africa, will largely be dominated by the Portuguese to the consequent detriment and loss to British trade?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the political geography of the part of Africa to which he refers is such that communications for the British territories in the interior to the coast pass in certain cases through, foreign territory. His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the importance of improving railway communications with British ports, and, as my hon. Friend is aware, a considerable programme of development works is at present under consideration in connection with the projected £10,000,000 loan.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any official knowledge of concessions in respect of minerals and oil granted by the Government of Iraq in the province of Mosul; and, if so, will he state the nature of these concessions?

A concession for the development of petroleum and kindred products in an area comprising the whole of Iraq, with the exception of the transferred territories which consist of certain small strips on the Persian frontier and the pre-war Vilayet of Basra, was granted by the Iraq Government to the Turkish Petroleum Company, Limited, on the 14th March, 1925. Apart from this, I am not aware that any concession of the nature indicated in the question has been granted in respect of the Mosul Vilayet.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if this particular concession is the cause of any trouble or embarrassment?

None whatever.

Is there information available as to how many British directors are on the board of this company and what is their financial interest in the company?

Information on this subject was given either by the President of the Board of Trade or the Prime Minister in response to a question about 10 days or a fortnight ago and I think the answer showed the percentage of French, Anglo-Persian and British interests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if the report of General Laidoner with reference to the massacre and deportation of Nestorian Christians in and around Mosul will be published as a White Paper before the Debate on Iraq this week; and if there can be embodied in the same White Paper the Official Reports from our own representatives, and also a full Report with regard to the later massacres and deportations of Chaldeans, as set forth in the letter of Sir Henry Dobbs, Commissioner for Iraq?

I only received notice of the hon. Member's question at half-past one, when I made inquiries in the Department. It appears that General Laidoner's Report was only present at Geneva last Friday, and has not yet readied the Department. I am afraid that even if it does reach the Department to-night there will not be time to have it printed in the form of a White Paper by Thursday.

How is it that this Report appeared in Press several days ago and yet the Colonial Office have not got it?

The Report was made not to the British Government but to the Council of the League of Nations, and handed to them at Geneva last Friday. It will, no doubt, be sent on by the Secretariat of the League of Nations in due course, but official procedure is sometimes a little slower than Press telegrams.

In view of the great human issues raised in the question, will my hon. Friend endeavour to do his best to get. this White Paper in time for the Debate on Thursday?

I will certainly make inquiries. I believe it is the intention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, if possible, to return from Geneva for the purposes of the Debate, and he, no doubt, will have all the latest information which he has received at Geneva regarding the occurrences which have taken place. I cannot say more.

With regard to these occurrences, can the hon. Member state whether his right hon. Friend at Geneva, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, is in fact negotiating direct with the Turkish Delegates; and, if so, will questions of the safety of the remaining Christians be one of the subjects under discussion?

I am afraid that question does not arise out of the original question, and I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to put it down.

As the information contained in this report is of vital importance, especially in view of the fact that the latest massacres and deportations took place in September of this year, just at the very moment when Mosul was under discussion, and that these massacres and deportations were strenuously denied by the Turks, may I put it to the hon. Gentleman that by telegram or otherwise we should be in possession of this report before we discuss the future of Iraq?

What I will endeavour to do is, if it is being printed, as I believe it is, at Geneva, to obtain copies of the Geneva prints (which think will be in the French and English languages), even if we cannot reprint it here. I will make inquiries with that object at once. I do not think I can say more. The pressure on the printing stall of the Government is considerable, and I fancy that the report of General Laidoner is rather a full report.

Is the hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that these reports about massacres in Iraq have not been coloured for propaganda purposes by these concerned?

Yes, Sir; I am quite satisfied that the official representative of the League, sent out under the auspices of the. League, cannot and ought not to be accused in that way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what way up to the present time has the Empire grant of £1,000,000 towards Empire development been used?

If, as I understand, my hon. Friend refers to the proposed grant for the encouragement of the marketing of Empire produce in this country, I would refer him to the reply given by the Prime Minister on the 23rd November, to which I cannot add anything.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state what British firms, if any, have recently started branches in the Dominions?

I am aware that certain British firms have in recent years started branches in the Dominions, but I am not in a position to give a comprehensive list. If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me know more precisely the nature of the information which he desires, I will do my best to supply it to him.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the urgent representations of British agriculturists, he can see his way to include Great Britain as a part of the British Empire for the purpose of the spending of £1,000,000 recently allocated to the Imperial Economic Committee in order to improve Empire markets in this country?

I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on the 23rd November, in reply to questions on this subject, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a Bradford firm who delivered goods valued at £1,041 17s. 2d. to a Dutch manufacturer in January and February of 1920, which goods were subsequently refused, and that an action was commenced in the Dutch Courts in September of the same year, but up to the present the case has not been heard; and whether representations can be made to the Government in question with a view to expediting proceedings in this case?

My attention has been drawn to this case and I at once communicated with the Commercial Secretary at The Hague. He reports that the case is still in its preliminary stages, but that in order to expedite matters it has been arranged that there should be no pleadings, and that the case should be decided on the written statement of claim and reply thereto and subsequent arguments. As the case is thus still sub judice His Majesty's Government are unable to intervene.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider it a slur on a system of justice that a case which affects the subjects of foreign countries should be allowed to drift on for years without being carried to Court; and will he bring the case again before the Dutch Government?

I am not able to express any opinion upon the merits of the system. I will certainly continue to ask our representative at The. Hague to do what he can to assist in this matter.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in deciding to hold the British Industries Fair in London and Birmingham, manufacturers in Scotland were consulted as to whether a similar exhibition should be held in Glasgow; and to what extent are public funds charged with the expenses of the British Industries Fairs in London and Birmingham?

Up to 1921 a section of the British Industries Fair was held in Glasgow. It was, however, then decided in view of the report of a committee appointed to examine the whole question of the British Industries Fairs, to discontinue the Glasgow section of the fair. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the report from which he will observe that manufacturing interests in Glasgow were fully consulted. As regards the last part of the question, the Government, in view of the need for taking every possible step to stimulate trade, are providing the sum of £25,000 which will be expended mainly on publicity overseas for the British Industries Fair in London and Birmingham.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that £25,000 might have been well expended in assisting the National Institute at Crystal Palace where a British Industries Fair has previously been held?

I do not.

Where is this £25,000 to be expended, and by whom?

In reference to the reply which the hon. Gentleman has just given in the negative, is that his own opinion or the opinion of his advisers in his Department?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will announce the decision of the Law Officers of the Crown regarding the jurisdiction over the Crypt Chapel; and if he will state-to whom application should be made for permission to use the Chapel?

The Law Officers decided that no ecclesiastical jurisdiction exists in respect of the Crypt Chapel. It is, therefore, under the sole jurisdiction, of the Lord Great Chamberlain, to whom application should be made for permission to use the Chapel for baptisms, weddings, etc. Arrangements in connection with the preparation of the Chapel for such ceremonies will be made by the Superintendent of Works.

May we take it from the answer that the Crypt of this ancient House is now available to Christians of all denominations?

Certainly, subject to the jurisdiction of the Lord Great Chamberlain.

. If the Church of England is still allowed to use it, will it be under the charge of the Speaker's Chaplain as hitherto?

No. It is solely under the jurisdiction of the Lord Great Chamberlain.

Will he then appoint somebody representing the Church of England?

No. If anybody cares to use the Chapel for any purpose they must apply direct to the Lord Great Chamberlain.

But who will be in charge of the altar furniture and so on?

For the time being, the Minister in charge of the denominational service concerned.

Who has jurisdiction over the Lord Great Chamberlain?

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

Is it no longer a consecrated building under the Church of England?

That is so. It is no longer consecrated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the public passage, known as Lansdowne Passage, between Curzon Street and Berkeley Street, is closed to the public on account of building operations; by whose instructions it was closed; and, in view of the great inconvenience caused to people in the neighbourhood, whether he will see that it is reopened as soon as possible?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I understand that Lansdowne Passage is private property, over which there is no public right of way, and that it has been closed because of danger from building operations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether he will arrange that before any war memorial statute, etc., is erected in the London area, full-sized models should have to be put up, as was done in the case of the Cenotaph, in order that the views of the general public may be expressed?

The First Commissioner regrets that he is unable to give an unqualified undertaking to this effect.

Will the First Commissioner consider it, whenever possible, in order to avoid such occurrences and so much trouble as took place under the hon. and gallant Gentleman's predecessor in guarding the Epstein panel?

Certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether the designs of the Brigade of Guards' war memorial now being erected on the Horse Guards Parade were submitted to, and approved by, the Fine Arts Commission; and, if not, whether he is prepared to have them submitted to the Commission for their approval before the monument is actually erected?

The design of this memorial was selected by two assessors appointed by the Royal Academy, and accepted by the First Commissioner of the day before the Royal Fine Arts Commission was appointed. The First Commissioner regrets that at this late stage he is unable to reopen the subject.

asked the right hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if he is aware that Empire-grown tobacco is not on sale, and is not obtainable by Members, in the smoking rooms and bars of this House; and will he state the reason for failure to supply Empire-grown tobacco in accordance with the appeal of the Prime Minister to purchase British goods?

In reply to the question of the hon. and gallant Member, the appeal of the Prime Minister, which he quotes with such obvious approval, has been readily responded to by our Committee, and Empire-grown tobacco is on sale in all the appropriate quarters of the House.

Is it not a fact that it has been on sale for some considerable time?

Yes.

asked the Secretary for Scotland which local authorities in Scotland afford sanatorium and other treatment to tuberculous persons without charge?

No local authority in Scotland, so far as I am aware, makes any charge to tuberculous patients or their relatives for sanatorium or other treatment provided by the authority.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Brentford Guardians have publicly stated that they refuse admission to casual paupers at night because they have not sufficient accommodation for them; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any statement of the kind suggested, and is informed that no vagrant has been refused admission at night.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Penrith Guardians have publicly stated that they untruthfully state that their casual ward is closed when in fact it is open, and that they intend to continue this practice as, by doing so, their casual ward is only used by the experienced and cunning vagrant and thereby the numbers they have to deal with are much reduced; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any statement of the kind suggested. He has approved of the closing of this ward, but wherever a ward is closed in such circumstances, arrangements are required to be made for the admission of any casual if the Master is satisfied that he is unable to proceed to the next casual ward.

Does the hon. Gentleman deny the statement that the Penrith Board deliberately tell the people that the ward is closed when in fact it is open, and may I ask why these unfortunate people should be badgered about from one place to another when it is the statutory duty of the guardians to give them shelter?

No. What I have said is that my right hon. Friend is not aware of the statement to which the hon. Member refers—

But it is true.

—and it is not a fact that persons are refused admission. I have already stated the circumstances under which they are admitted.

Does the hon. Gentleman deny the statement in the question that the Penrith Guardians have publicly stated that their ward is closed when in fact it is open, and that they acknowledge that they do it to choke off the new casuals from going that way?

No. What I have stated is that we are not aware of the statement in question.

Well, but you ought to be. Surely it is the duty of the Minister, if he attempts to answer a question, to inquire whether the facts are as stated in that question. You do not deny the facts.

If the hon. Gentleman will send me the statement to which he refers, I will look into it.

You ought to have looked into it before.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that last week 13 casual paupers at the Huntingdon casual ward, on account of the conditions prevailing in the ward, refused to work and begged to be prosecuted, and on conviction publicly expressed their gratitude to the magistrates for sending them to gaol; whether he is aware that this is the second revolt in the Huntingdon casual ward recently, and that there are many complaints about the conditions; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The facts referred to have not previously been brought to my notice. My right hon. Friend is asking the general inspector to furnish without delay a full report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Dyer Company, of Cleveland, America, has secured the contract to erect the new sugar-beet factory at Peterborough; and if he will state at what cost?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the contract for the new sugar-beet factory at Peterborough, which is to cost £350,000, has been secured by the Dyer Company, of Cleveland, America; and does he in this ease propose to grant the subsidy?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the contract for the new sugar-beet factory at Peterborough has been awarded to an American firm; and whether he can state the amount of the American tender and of the nearest British tender?

The contract secured by the Dyer Company for the Peterborough beet-sugar factory is for £260,000. The business of the Dyer Company is not to manufacture machinery, but to design and operate sugar factories. The factory buildings and at least 75 per cent. of the plant and machinery installed will be British. Indeed, it is a specific term of the contract that not more than £20,000 shall be spent outside this country and this is only to allow for the importation of a few special patented machines. I am informed that the amount of the nearest British tender was £296,000 and, further, that the tenders of British firms were drawn up in conjunction with various foreign machinery manufacturers. Provided the factory company complies with the conditions of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925. subsidy will, in the ordinary course, be paid on the sugar and molasses produced.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether research is being initiated, as recommended in paragraph 17 of the second Report of the Imperial Economic Committee, on the subject of the carriage of chilled beef from Australia and New Zealand; and whether he will consider the possibility or organising one or more trial shipments under scientifically supervised conditions?

I have been asked to reply. I am unable to add anything to the answers given by the Prime Minister in this House on 23rd November, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

Is it not a fact that the Government has paid practically no attention to any recommendations made in the Report, and does the hon. Gentleman think this sort of treatment is likely to inspire the Committee to further efforts in the future?

In answer to the first part of the supplementary question, I would say No. I can only ask the hon. Gentleman to wait until he receives the reply which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can see his way to provide employment of some kind to those agricultural labourers who, through no fault of their own, are thrown out of work, and being unable to find work are with their families dependent on charity?

So far as my information goes, it is rare for regular agricultural workers to be thrown out of employment, for such few cases as occur from time to time, other employment is generally available. At the present time road construction and land drainage schemes provide avenues for temporary employment in many parts of the country. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind any particular cases of difficulty, I shall be glad to make local inquiries as to whether any useful action can be taken.

What other work is available for these men?

I should be glad to look into the specific cases which my hon. and gallant Friend may have in mind.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the danger? of poisoning arising from the use of certain kinds of sprays on apple trees; whether such sprays are being used in this country , and whether he will take steps to warn fruit growers in this country as to sprays which entail these dangerous consequences?

I have received re presentations from time to time as to the possible risks involved by the use of poisonous washes on apple trees. Such washes are used in this country, but the applications are made so early in the season that the risk of any appreciable quantity of poison remaining on the apples when they are gathered is negligible. The results of an inquiry into this matter were published in the Ministry's Journal for September last, a copy of which I am rending to the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that £36 a year as pension contribution is claimed from Colonial Governments for Imperial naval ratings lent for service in Colonial navies, he will reconsider the scales of pensions for men invalided; and where they have served over 14 years make the scale pensions earned to date of invaliding under such pension regulations as were in force when the men joined His Majesty's service?

The rate of pension contribution is fixed on average considerations taking into account all contingencies, and I am unable to recommend any variation of the present disability pension scales on the ground suggested.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that during 1920–21 the Ministry of Pensions and the appeal tribunals rejected all claims and appeals from ex-service men in connection with tuberculosis where the disease was not diagnosed within a year of demobilisation or discharge; that subsequently claims and appeals have been allowed in eases where the diagnosis was made three years after discharge; and whether there are at present any and, if so, what definite restrictions of this nature in force?

No such change as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests has been made in the practice of the Ministry or, as far as I am aware, in that of the appeal tribunals. On the general issue raised, I would refer him to the full reply which was given to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) on the 16th December last, of Which I am sending him a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is the very highest medical opinion for saying that tuberculosis can be caused seven years back?

I am not able to confirm that statement, but if my hon. and gallant Friend reads the reply to which I have referred, he will see the Ministry's position in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who was the official responsible for issuing instructions to the police to stop Press photographers from taking photographs in the Foreign Office quadrangle of the delegates to the signing of the Locarno Pact; and what steps are being taken to prevent similar actions of this kind?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 9th instant to a question on the same subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy). The First Commissioner of Works has already explained that the instructions were given through a misunderstanding by an officer of his Department, and he has expressed his regret for the occurrence. The hon. Member may rest assured that every effort is made to avoid such unfortunate misunderstandings.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the recent discussion over the Pact, the relationships of Montenegro to Servia, and Korea to Japan, were discussed; and, if so, whether any decisions were made?

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

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware of the urgent need felt all round Salcey Forest that similar work should be started there this year as in former years, so as to help the unemployed in the neighbouring villages; and will he endeavour to get this restarted as soon as possible?

There is a limit to the extent to which an area can be usefully treated in anticipation of normal forestry operations. That limit has been practically reached at Salcey Forest, and the scale of operations must perforce be reduced during the current winter. If any suitable land for forestry is offered in the district, the Forestry Commissioners will give it their favourable consideration. Grants are available to local authorities and others who undertake clearing and planting.

Will the hon. Gentleman put forward the urgent need of this locality for at least the same amount of work that was available last year and the year before?

I can only say that this is an old Crown forest which we took over, and the whole available acreage, has now been planted up. If the hon. and gallant Member or anyone else in that district will give us some more land, we shall be very pleased to use it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the net decreases of wages of workmen amount to £74,000 weekly for this year; that, although the number of registered unemployed is slightly lower, the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in 31 selected areas is now 436 per 10,000 of the population, as compared with 384 for the corresponding period of last year; and whether, in view of this decline in purchasing power and increase in numbers receiving public assistance, it is his intention to introduce legislation this Session to establish national works for the unemployed?

I have been asked to reply. I cannot accept the inferences drawn by the hon. Member from the statistics which he quotes. As regards the last part of the question, the policy of the Government was stated in the Debate on the 26th November.

asked the Minister of Labour the percentage of disallowances of uncovenanted and also covenanted benefits by rota committees nationally and in Hartlepool and in West Hartlepool, respectively, for four months, August to November, 1924, and August to November, 1925; and will he furnish figures in the different classes of these sections?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with the permission of the hon. Member, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a memorial from the Civilian War Claimants' Association asking for the appointment of a committee of this House to inquire into and report upon the claims that compensation for civilian damage should be a prior charge on reparations; and whether, in view of the suffering which has been caused to a large number of people by the non-settlement of their claims, and also in view of the support for the request accorded by 180 municipal and corporate bodies, he proposes to grant the petition of the memorialists?

I have given careful consideration to the memorial referred to, but regret that I cannot accede thereto. It has been repeatedly stated in this House that the amounts already allocated for grants in respect of damage by enemy action must be regarded as maximum and final amounts. This is the definite decision of His Majesty's Government from which I am not prepared to recede.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether it is not a fact, that although this House granted an additional £300,000, no part of that has been expended, but, on the contrary, very nearly £500,000 is going to be returned to the Treasury?

I should like notice of that question.

Is it not a fact that a pledge was given in the Government of which the Prime Minister was a member that these claimants would have first claim upon the £5,000,000 granted as first payment upon reparations from Germany?

I do not think that is quite the question which was asked, but. in any case, I am sending a reasoned reply to the memorial.

Was not that pledge given, and the question follows whether you have kept your pledge?

asked the Prime Minister if the Lord President of the Privy Council has been approached by any section of the medical profession with regard to the constitution of the General Medical Council; and what steps, if any, he has taken or proposes to take in this matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative, and my Noble Friend, the Lord President of the Council, considers that the case for action as suggested in the second part, does not, therefore, arise.

May I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman if he is going in reply in future for the Lord President of the Council?

As far as I know, I am.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the necessity of amending Sections 26, 28, and 29 of the Medical Act of 1858, in view of the obscurity of the procedure under the Act and the confusion of the powers of examining colleges and bodies and the Genera] Medical Council, whereby persons whose names have been removed from the register are required by the General Medical Council to prove that they possess degrees of which they have been deprived, in consequence of the General Medical Council having removed them from the register, before their names can be restored to the register?

I am asked by my Noble Friend the Lord President of the Council to state that he is informed that there is no difficulty in interpreting the Sections of the Act of 1858, to which my hon. Friend refers. It must be remembered that the Genera] Medical Council cannot confer medical degrees or qualifications, not can it annul such when once conferred. Moreover, it cannot place a man on the register unless he possesses a degree or qualification. When, therefore, a practitioner has been deprived of his degree or qualification by the body which originally conferred it, that body must restore it before the General Medical Council can reverse its own previous decision.

When the General Medical Council remove any person from the register for the reasons given in Section 29, do the colleges or other examining bodies automatically remove that person's degrees, and, if so, how can that person get on the register again, unless the original examining body moves in the matter?

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

That is the question which I asked.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the General Medical Council act as prosecutor and judge?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent example of over-capitalisation in the engineering industry, he will consider appointing a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole subject of the capitalisation of industry?

This is one of the subjects which is being considered by the Committee on Industry and Trade, and I do not think the appointment of another body would serve any useful purpose.

Until we have a report on matters such as those disclosed in the recent case of Vickers, does he think it fair to ask workmen to accept lower wages and longer hours?

Is it not the case that the present inquiry is purely a voluntary inquiry, whereas if you set up a Royal Commission it will have statutory effect?

I think I should wait until I saw whether the voluntary system had failed before I set up a Commission.

asked the Prime Minister if the three fighting service Departments are specially reconsidering their present commitments and plans for the future, in view of the signature of the Locarno Treaty?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 26th November in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. Livingstone).

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the continued hardships involved and the public indignation at the delay, His Majesty's Government will consider the necessity of placing a time limit within which the Soviet Government should deal with the question of restoration or compensation for property confiscated from British nationals by the Soviet Government?

I do not think that the course suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend would serve the purpose he has in view.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say how this purpose could better be served? Is there any other course he can suggest?

I think patience.