asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give the official status of the Anglo-Indian domiciled community in India; and whether they are recognised officially as European-British subjects or statutory natives of India?

For purposes of employment under Government and inclusion in schemes of Indianisation, members of the Anglo-Indian and domiciled European community are statutory natives of India. For purpose of education and internal security, their status, in so far as it admits of definition, approximates to that of European British subjects.

May I ask the Noble Lord whether this dual description of this community is not likely to be a danger to their status in India, and whether he can suggest anything which would safeguard the people for whom we are responsible in their position in India as it will be in the future?

No, I am afraid I cannot. The definition of this community has always been a matter of some difficulty, owing to their position; but this classification has lasted now for some time, and I certainly cannot admit that under it Anglo-Indians or the domiciled community suffer any disabilities.

Will the Noble Lord look into the question of the Indian Medical Service, to which this dual classification does make a difference?

That is rather a different point. The question I have been asked is as to the classification of the domiciled community as such.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether it is intended to retain the existing volunteer regiments in India; if he can state how they are officered and manned, and from what class or community the rank and file are recruited; and whether it is intended to raise a regiment or battery of artillery of Anglo-Indians for service within the Indian Empire?

There are two volunteer organisations in India, the Auxiliary Force and the Territorial Force, both of which it is intended to retain. I presume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the Auxiliary Force. Membership is open to European British subjects, a term which for this purpose is held to include Anglo-Indians. Commissions are given by selection, and are open to all who are eligible for membership of the force. As regards the last part, the whole question of the military employment of Anglo-Indians is now under consideration by my Noble Friend and the Government of India.

May I ask the Noble Lord to give very careful consideration to the raising of a regiment of Anglo-Indians, in view of the good service done by a battery of Anglo-Indians in Mesopotamia?

I have already said that the matter is under the careful consideration of my Noble Friend.

asked the Under secretary of State for India the number of people within British India who belong to the depressed classes (outcastes); whether these people have representatives in the Legislative Assembly; and what number are permitted to vote at elections?

The term "depressed classes" is susceptible of varying definition, and the number of persons so described cannot, therefore, be accurately estimated. Lord South-borough's Franchise Committee estimated the number in British India at 41 millions by a process which was not exactly similar in all provinces. I have no information how many members of the depressed classes are qualified as voters. They have, as such, no representatives in the Assembly; on the other hand there is nothing to prevent such a person who is otherwise qualified from being elected or nominated a member of that body.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether the Government of India agreed at Geneva to allow an independent committee of the League of Nations to visit India to examine the control of the opium traffic?

Under the Protocol to the Geneva Convention a Commission will be appointed by the Council of the League of Nations to decide at the end of five years whether control in the signatory countries is sufficient to prevent completely the smuggling of opium from constituting a serious obstacle to the effective suppression of the use of prepared opium in those territories where such use is temporarily authorised. The Protocol has been accepted by the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there are any food stores left in the famine-stricken area of Puri; and if the Government propose to do anything to alleviate the sufferings of the inhabitants of this district?

My Noble Friend has no information as to the damage done

asked the Undersecretary of State for India if there have been any prosecutions in Bombay for the three months ending 30th November for the illicit sale of cocaine and, if so, will he state the names of the defendants and the punishment inflicted on them if they were convicted?

Current reports of such cases are not officially received except of those arising from Customs seizures at the ports which are required for communication to the Secretariat of the League of Nations. The particulars asked for in regard to four cases under this head which have occurred since 31st August, 1925, and led to convictions, will, with the hon. Member's permission, he circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, as the information is in tabular form. I have seen reports in the Press of a recent case in which G. H. King, J. E. Turnell and E. L. Messias appear to have been convicted and sentenced respectively to nine months' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 1,000, to four months' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.500 or a further three months' imprisonment, and to three months' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.500 or three months' further imprisonment.

Is the Noble Lord aware that many of the population here are having to subsist on uncooked water-lilies?

I have seen some very misleading attacks in the Press by some gentlemen in India, including a Rev. Mr. Andrews, upon the local government in connection with this matter. As far as my noble Friend has any information, it is essentially a matter for the local government, and that government has taken every possible step to deal with the matter.

asked the Under Secretary of State for India whether he will state the total amount of British capital invested in India, including industrial concerns in India, Indian import and export trade, and the banks of India, and the total annual yield from such investments?

The information for which the hon. Member asks is, I am afraid, not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture is urgently in need of funds so that it may properly carry on its work; and whether, seeing that this college, if properly equipped and provided with the necessary staff and buildings, will be able to help materially in the development of our tropical Empire, it is proposed to give it any financial assistance?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards financial assistance, I am not able to add anything to the answer which was given to my hon. Friend on the 14th December.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is proposed to increase the Grant-in-Aid from Exchequer funds for the financial year 1926-27 to the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture, Trinidad, in view of the increasing importance to this country of agricultural development in our tropical Crown Colonies?

I am unable to add anything to the information which the Under- Secretary gave on the 14th December in reply to a question by the hon. Member for North Bradford (Mr. Ramsden).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if there is any educational institution under official auspices in the Empire other than the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad for training personnel to fill positions on the agricultural staffs of the Crown Colonies and Protectorates?

The Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture, Trinidad, is regarded as the main training centre in the Empire at which instruction covering the whole field of agriculture and agricultural science under tropical conditions can be obtained. Some instruction on a limited scale is also available at the Colombo University College and at the Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, and at the Agricultural College, Mauritius.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if any students have already passed through the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture; and, if so, to which Colonies they have proceeded?

I am informed by the secretary of the college that 39 students have already passed through it, and that 25 are known to have taken up appointments, four each in the Gold Coast, Uganda and Trinidad, two each in the Sudan, Barbados and British Guiana, and one each in Ceylon, Nyasaland, Southern Rhodesia, Natal, Jamaica, Antigua and Guadelope.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of British troops stationed in Iraq; and what is the continuous period of duty in this country without leave?

I have been asked to reply. As regards the first part of the question, it would be contrary to the public interest to give the information requested. As regards the second part, the normal limit of the tour of duty of British personnel in Iraq is two years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if our obligations in respect of Iraq involve us in responsibility for faking such measures as may be necessary to protect that state from external aggression?

I propose to deal with this point in the course of this evening's Debate.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies the number of Arabs, Turks, Christians, and Jews, respectively, resident in the Vilayet of Mosul?

According to the latest Iraq Census, the respective totals of the races referred to in the Mosul Vilayet are

How many of these Turks are Osmanlis?

None, really. They are principally a type of Turcoman who have always lived in that part of the world, and are not actually connected with the Turks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the forthcoming ground-nut crop in Kano, Nigeria, is estimated at 150,000 tons; and if he is satisfied that the Government railway is now able to deal expeditiously with all produce requiring transport from Kano to Lagos?

The Nigerian Government, in anticipation of a large crop, have purchased 12 additional locomotives and have taken steps to secure additional locomotive drivers to cope with the traffic. I hope that the resources of the railway will enable it to deal satisfactorily with all the produce offered for transport to Lagos.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has decided to invite the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to visit the West African Colonies; if so, when the visit will take place; and whether he will request the Under-Secretary to prepare a Report upon the economic development of those Colonies for publication as a White Paper?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary will leave Liverpool on 20th January, will visit Nigeria, the Gold Coast, Sierra Leone and the Gambia in that order, and according to the programme will be back in England on 8th May. He will be accompanied by the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Rhys) and two officers of the Colonial Office. He will prepare a Report, which I hope to lay before Parliament, on his visit, in which he will deal, inter alia, with economic development.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government have definitely decided to appoint a medical director in the Colonial Office?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it has yet been definitely decided to appoint a medical director in the Colonial Office to act as a liaison officer between the Crown Colonies and the Civil Research Committee, and as adviser to him on medical matters?

I will answer these questions together.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it will not be a great expense but an economy in the long run to appoint such an officer?

I think there is a good deal to be said for such an argument.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of staff employed by the Food Council; and what is the approximate annual cost incurred in its maintenance?

The staff employed by the Food Council has varied in size from time to time in accordance with fluctuations in the volume of the work. It now consists of seven persons, of whom one devotes only one-half of his time to Food Council matters. The total cost in salaries and wages at the present time is at the rate of approximately £2,650 per annum.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether this portion of the staff receive half salaries during the Recess?

No, Sir.

Is there any connection between the Food Council and the old Food Commission, which has been disbanded?

None that I know.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in re-engaging ex-service staff in connection with the increased pressure of work in his Department, he employed any ex-service women in the women's branches; and, if not, whether he will be prepared now to employ any such women to alleviate the overtime being worked by the permanent staff?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In reply to the latter part I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wandsworth on the 23rd ultimo.

asked the Minister of Health why, when he was prepared to take untrained staff from the Ministry of Pensions had they been called up as permanent civil servants under the recent writing assistant examination. he cannot employ some of the same staff in a temporary capacity so long as the temporary rush work lasts in the Ministry?

My right hon. Friend has thought it right to recruit the additional staff required for pensions work from the temporary ex-service male clerks whose services in other Departments have become redundant, and he is, therefore, not prepared to engage ex-temporary women clerks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Committee appointed in Kenya to consider the overcrowded state of the prisons recommended that natives convicted under the Masters and Servants Ordinance should be separated from the rest of the prisoners; that in the proposed Bill for the creation of detention camps the proposal of the prison commissioners has been extended so as to apply to convictions under 30 separate Ordinances: and that the convictions under the Masters and Servants Ordinance alone in 1922 exceeded 2,000; and if he has been able to form any estimate of the number of prisoners who will be concentrated in the camps under the Schedule of the 30 Ordinances attached to the Bill?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative, but the Native Punishments Commission did not confine their recommendations to the case of offences under the Masters and Servants Ordinance. With regard to the last part, the Commission advised that for technical offences fines should ordinarily be imposed, and they pointed out that, even at the time of the report, imprisonment was not ordered in all these cases. As an illustration, I may mention that, whereas they quoted figures of 2,187 for punishments in 1922 under the Masters and Servants Ordinance, and 2,216 for punishments in the same year under the Native Hut and Poli Tax Ordinances, the commitments to prison under these Ordinances in 1924 were 692 and 772 respectively. The total number of commitments to prison for all technical offences in 1924 appears to have been in the neighbourhood of 4,200, and it may be taken that under the new Ordinance approximately this number of offenders will be placed under detention instead of being associated in prisons with criminals.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the members of the Government of this Colony, in May last, issued a statement that this method of imprisonment would ensure a useful labour supply to the Government, and will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that this will not be used as a method of providing cheap labour for that Government?

I am not aware of that statement, but will look into it and let the hon. and gallant Member know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the address of welcome to Sir E. Grigg drawn up by the East African Native Association; and whether he can state why this association was refused permission by the Government of Kenya to present this address to His Excellency on his arrival at Nairobi?

I have no information about the address in question. An address on behalf of the native population was presented by the Acting Chief Native Commissioner and a leading Kikuyu Chief.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many officers will be required annually during the next three years to fill positions on the agricultural staffs of the Crown Colonies and Protectorates; and how many graduates from the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad will be available for this purpose?

It is not possible to forecast with certainty the demands of the Colonies and Protectorates for agricultural officers, since such demands necessarily vary from year to year. A scheme has been introduced this year, with the co-operation and support of the Colonial Governments, under which from 16 to 18 post-graduate scholarships in agriculture and agricultural science will be offered annually for 10 years. The holders of these scholarships will receive, inter alia, a course of instruction in tropical agriculture, in most cases at the Imperial College in Trinidad, after which they will be available, if required, for service in the Colonial Agricultural Departments. The first selection of scholars took place this summer; 16 scholars were selected, of whom 14 were given two-year scholarships and two one-year scholarships, and it is intended that only the minimum number of appointments compatible with the exigencies of the public service should be filled in the interval before the scholars already selected become available for duty.

Will the supply of duly qualified officers be sufficient to meet the demand?

We shall have to see that it is so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make inquiries into the delay which has occurred in connection with the petition which was submitted to his predecessor by a deputation from Gibraltar on the 8th August, 1924; and, seeing that nearly 18 months has elapsed and that the people of Gibraltar are looking forward hopefully for a satisfactory conclusion to their petition, and in view of the dissatisfaction now being expressed that a matter of such importance to the inhabitants should be hell in suspense, will he give the matter instant consideration with a view to an early settlement?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to my reply to the hon. Member given on the 17th instant.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any idea when he is likely to be able to give me this information, because 18 months is a long time to wait?

This is a matter which affects a great number of Departments, and inquiries have been addressed to them. I will bear in mind the hon. Member's desire, and will try to expedite a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many members of the Overseas Settlement Committee there are; and how many of these are official, and how many unofficial, members?

In addition to the chairman and vice-chairman, there are 16 members of the Overseas Settlement Committee. Of these eight are official and eight unofficial.

Does the Colonial Secretary not think it advisable to add a little new blood?

I think the blood in the Committee is very good blood, and it is always dangerous to make the Committee too large.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to strengthen the medical services throughout East Africa; and what is the attitude towards recruitment in this country for such services adopted by medical schools and societies?

It is not possible to give definite figures pending consideration of the Estimates for the various Dependencies for the coming financial year, but I anticipate a considerable further extension of medical work in Eastern Africa in the near future, especially in Kenya, Uganda and the Tanganyika Territory. It is hoped to increase the personnel of the East African Medical Service by some 20 or 30 officers during the next year. The attitude towards recruitment adopted by the medical schools and societies has been very helpful in the past, and I hope to secure their cooperation in filling up the many new appointments which are about to be created.

Is it not a fact that, speaking generally, the medical schools in this country are offering considerable discouragement to students offering themselves as entrants in the Colonial Medical Services?

There have been some points of difference and difficulty, but the general attitude has been helpful.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention have been called to the rate of native infant mortality disclosed at the recent education conference at Dar-es-Salaam; and if he can state what steps are being taken, or will be taken, to deal with the matter?

I am aware of the high rate of infant mortality in Tanganyika territory. Active measures are being taken to improve medical and sanitary conditions. The number of medical officers has been increased by 12 this year and numerous native assistants, including sanitary inspectors and nurses, are being trained.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the rate of infant mortality?

I am afraid that I have not that information with me, but it if excessively high, and I think we are all agreed that every effort should be made to reduce it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what answer he has returned to the representations which he has received with regard to the vacancy in the constituency of St. John's East, Newfoundland, for which no writ has been issued, although the statutory period of six months has elapsed?

In reply to certain representations addressed to the Prime Minister and myself by Mr. Hickman, Leader of the Opposition in Newfoundland, I telegraphed to the Governor of Newfoundland asking him to inform Mr. Hickman that I had not felt myself in a position to tender my advice to His Majesty with regard to the matter.

asked the Minister of Aggriculture if, in view of our increasing dependence on food imports, there has been any recent increase in food production at Home; and to what extent?

The calculation of the fluctuations in the volume of production of agriculture as a whole presents many difficulties, and I regret that I am not at present in a position to measure the recent changes, if any, which have taken place. This question, however, is receiving close attention, and I anticipate that the report on this year's Census of Agricultural production which I hope will be published in the course of next year, will contain information on this point. I may remind my hon. Friend that estimates are issued annually of the production of certain agricultural crops.

Have the Government taken any steps towards increasing the agricultural acreage for food production at home?

The hon. Member is quite aware of what has been done by legislation.

Why have the Government not done anything in this matter?

I think they have. There is the sugar-beet subsidy, only to mention one thing, and that has done a tremendous amount of good.

In view of the fact that 88 per cent. of our food was imported from abroad last year, is this not an extremely serious matter?

I question whether that figure is at the present time applicable. Curiously enough, for the last 11 months pretty nearly all our importations of foreign foodstuffs are down.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will recommend to the authorities concerned that the present inscription in the Machine Gun Corps memorial at Hyde Park Corner should be replaced by the passage from the Psalms, "He hath scattered them that delight in war"?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer to his previous question on the subject of the inscription of this memorial. The First Commissioner regrets that he is unable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that the reason given for this inscription by his predecessor was that it was to connect the monument with the figure of David on the top, and is he aware that the Psalm is also connected with the figure of David, and that in the meantime a good deal of indignation has been expressed to me over this matter from various parts of the Empire?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether since 26th November any ships carrying His Majesty's mails or subsidised by the Government have proceeded to sea without wireless operator; whether any have proceeded to sea with an incomplete complement of wireless operators; if so, will he give details; whether he will further state what salaries the operators in these ships were signed on at; the nature of the contracts between His Majesty's Government and the shipping companies concerned: whether such contracts contain a fair wages clause, and whether that clause is being complied with?

Since 26th November about 24 ships conveying mails to destinations overseas have proceeded to sea. without wireless operators, and about 14 others were without a full complement of wireless operators. I have no official information as to the salaries paid to operators on these ships. The question of subsidies does not arise in connection with any of these ships. Six of them are sailing under a formal mail contract with the Postmaster-General which provides for a mail service under specified conditions in return for a fixed annual payment. These contracts do not contain a fair wages clause.

Is it not the duty of the Minister, in these circumstances, to endeavour to bring this dispute to an end?

Perhaps I may answer that supplementary question. The parties are already meeting to-day, and in these circumstances I think it far better that it should be left to the parties to see if they can arrive at an agreement.

Arising out of the Minister's answer, is this House to understand that certain contracts are entered into by the Government with outside firms which do not contain the fair wages clause with respect to the workpeople employed by those firms?

That does not arise out of the question.

Yes, it does; I am asking a question arising out of the original question.

I am informed that these contracts do not contain that fair wages clause.

That is not my question. Are we to understand that it is the policy of the Government to enter into contracts with outside firms without insisting on the fair wages clause being observed which has to be observed in all other Government contracts?

Failing agreement between the parties in this case, what action do the Government propose to take?

There are other questions on the Paper with regard to that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing utility of wireless on ships, he will take steps to secure a settlement of the present dispute and, in the event of the employers refusing to co-operate in any policy of conciliation, enforce the Regulations with respect to the use of wireless on ships?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to prevent loss of life and ships at sea through inefficient wireless signalling or through the absence of wireless operators, he will take any steps within his power to compel those responsible for seeking to enforce a reduction in the wages of seagoing wireless operators to follow the example of other employers who are paying, and are willing to continue to pay, the present rates?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that his decision to waive the Regulations relating to the use of wireless on ships is acting to the prejudice of marine wireless operators, who are resisting a reduction in wages, he will consider the advisability of enforcing the Regulations in question in the event of the employers refusing to co-operate in any efforts to settle the dispute?

The Board of Trade are in close touch with the Ministry of Labour, who are taking such steps as they can to secure a settlement of this dispute. As regards the Board of Trade, I do not at present see any reason for altering the attitude described in the answer given to the hon. Member for Hull Central on 30th November.

Does not the action of the Government so far make them parties to the dispute on the employers' side by waiving these Regulations? If the employers refuse to admit their obligations, which affect the safety of life at sea, what do the Government intend to do in the matter?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether his Department have satisfied themselves, before waiving these Regulations, that the employés did not have a good case?

I do not think that is a matter for my Department. The Department is dealing, as far as it can, with a position in which it is really not directly concerned. It is not causing ships which have no operators to go to sea without them.

Has the Board of Trade considered the question of the time limit during which these Regulations should be waived?

I do not think that arises out of the main question.

If the hon. Gentleman has been defending the waiving of these Regulations in the interest of the employers, can ho quote a case where the Regulations have been waived in the interest of the workers?

I do not for a moment admit that the Board of Trade have taken either side. It would be a very serious matter, when operators are not available, if the Board of Trade were to insist on ships remaining in port until they get them.

This has a very important bearing upon safety at sea, and I want to know from the hon. Member's reply whether he is putting it to this House that there is not a sufficiency of operators available for the shipowners for wireless services on board and that, in consequence, he has had to waive these Regulations, or whether there is an ample supply of wireless operators and the shipowners will not employ them because they wish to enforce the reduction.

We had that a fortnight ago.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the interests of the public, seafarers in general, and ship passengers, he will institute a court of inquiry to ascertain the facts, and to express an opinion, upon the merits of the dispute in which sea-going wireless operators are at present concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the employers con-corned in the dispute of the marine wireless operators have been approached by his Department; if so, with what result; and whether he can state any further developments in the efforts of his Department to settle this Dispute?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has further considered the advisability of instituting a court of inquiry, under the Industrial Courts Act, with respect to the dispute arising out of which marine wireless operators are out on strike, and ships are going to sea unable to transmit or receive wireless messages?

I hope that a meeting of the two parties to the dispute will take place this afternoon, and in the circumstances it is not desirable that I should reply definitely at present to the point raised by the hon. Members.

If there be not a successful issue, will the right hon. Gentleman invoke his powers?

It would obviously be entirely undesirable to make any statement as to what one would do in a hypothetical case, in view of a meeting which one hopes will be successful.

May we take it that it is not a matter of indifference to the Board of Trade that British vessels should be allowed to go to sea without wireless operators?

I am not empowered to speak for the Board of Trade, but I am quite certain that there is no one either in the Ministry of Labour or in the Board of Trade who would regard this as a matter of indifference.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that while British ships suspend wireless communication for three minutes every half-hour to listen to distress calls according to Appendix X, Handbook for Wireless Telegraph Operators, whereas foreign ships do not do so, and in addition use these periods to push through their messages, thus interfering with the S.O.S. calls, he will endeavour to reach some international agreement on the question to avoid such confusion?

I have been asked to reply Endeavours will be made at the next International Radiotelegraph Conference to reach an agreement on this question.

asked the Prime Minister if he is yet in a position to state whether any decision has yet been arrived at by the Civil Research Committee in respect of the iron and steel industry?

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state the decision of the Government as to the application of the steel industry for protection under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and if he has received a memorandum from the leading steel manufacturers to the effect that unless something is done quickly a financial crisis will arise?

The application of the iron and steel trades to the Board of Trade for the appointment of a Committee under the Safeguarding of Industries procedure was referred to the Committee of Civil Research, and its Report has been received by the Cabinet. The Civil Research Committee has given the subject prolonged and detailed consideration, and has heard a large number of witnesses, representing employers and employed, engaged in the iron and steel industries and in allied trades. The evidence revealed a serious situation. The pressure of foreign competition, aided by long hours, low wages and depreciated currencies, is being severely felt by our manufacturers, and had His Majesty's Government been able to deal with the iron and steel industries in isolation we might have regarded the case for inquiry as complete. It became Clear, however, in the course of our investigations, that the safeguarding of a basic industry of this magnitude would I have repercussions of a far wider character which might be held to be in conflict with our declaration in regard to a general tariff. In all the circum-stances of the present time, we have come to the conclusion that the application cannot be granted. The Government will keep these industries under close observation with a view to promoting their well-being should any other measures be deemed desirable. It is hoped that the loan for railway development in East Africa which was recently approved will be found helpful, and further similar projects are under consideration.

Has the Prime Minister received the memorandum referred to in the last part of my question?

Yes, Sir.

In view of his answer, might I ask if he would arrange for a Debate on this subject before we adjourn?

Is it the intention to publish the evidence taken during the investigations of this Committee?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the divergence of opinion on the proposals for Poor Law reform outlined by the Minister of Health and the opposition which has been evoked, notwithstanding the general desire for an alteration in the methods of relief of distress, he will consider the desirability of appointing a Committee of Members of the House, representing all parties, in order to ascertain if it is possible to arrive at an agreed Measure on the subject?

My right hon. friend has adopted the plan of publishing his provisional proposals, with the express object of obtaining suggestions from those experienced in local government and Poor Law administration, which will lead to a scheme commanding as large a measure of agreement as is possible in a matter of this kind. I do not think that such a Committee as the hon. Member proposes is desirable at the present time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor had agreed to such a suggestion, and that negotiations passed regarding the appointment of such a committee, and does he not think it would be worth trying?

I believe that my right hon. Friend's procedure, having regard to the time before him, is the wisest to take at this time, and my answer was that such a committee as is proposed is not in his opinion desirable at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the Bill for the reform of the Poor Law, which he proposes to introduce, he will preserve the legal right given by 43 Elizabeth, c. 2, of every destitute person to receive necessary relief?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to previous questions on this subject, of which I am sending him copies.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make any Return to the House of the number of cases of scabies detected in the work house casual wards during the year 1924 whether he can indicate the length of contagion before discovery; and whether, seeing that this disease is due to improper and inadequate diet, he will order special precautions to be taken?

I am afraid the information for which the hon. Member asks in the first part of his question is not available. As regards the second and third parts, my right hon. Friend is advised that this disease may be detected by careful clinical examination within from two to three weeks after infection and that there is no basis for the suggestion that the disease is due to improper or inadequate diet.

asked the Prime Minister when the proposals of the Government, announced 12 months ago, to devote the sum of £1,000,000 annually to promoting the marketing of Empire products in this country will be laid before the House?

I am not in a position to make any statement at present. As I have already announced, the whole matter is at present under consideration.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the first Report of the Imperial Economic Committee was published as far back as last August, and that there is considerable dissatisfaction in the Dominions at the Government's delay?

I have not heard any dissatisfaction expressed, but I am aware that there has been some delay.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to inform the House what the Government propose to do in connection with the war pensions national public petition and the points raised by the deputation from the British Legion which waited on the Minister of Pensions on 31st October, 1925?

I have been asked to reply. The position of the Government on the proposals made in the petition was fully stated in the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend by the Prime Minister on the 19th ultimo. With regard to the subordinate points which were put to me by the recent deputation. I hope to be able to send a. reply in the course of the next few days.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any curative treatment other than 4½ hours work daily is provided for the epileptic patients at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Maghull; whether he is aware that the patients are allowed group leave from 12.45 until 3.15 p.m.; that the mid-day meal is given before leave is taken: and that men taking leave in groups of three or more, in the event of one of the patients having a fit, the others must leave him or run the risk of being punished for being out over the leave hours; and whether, in the cases where men are fined 3s. to 6s. for being out after leave has expired, the deductions are stopped from the allowance paid to the wives?

The treatment for epilepsy at this institution includes ail the known curative and ameliorative methods. The four hours' leave granted is the maximum under the Regulations which apply to all Ministry hospitals. It rests with the medical superintendent to determine at what time leave shall be taken in suitable cases. Where leave was overstayed in the circumstances referred to, the medical superintendent would not regard the matter as one of misconduct. With regard to the last part of the question, any fine imposed for misconduct is, under the rules of the Ministry, payable from the personal allowance due to the man only and not from any allowances payable to his wife and family.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his assurance. May I ask him whether in any case in which a fine has boon inflicted the infliction of such a fine has meant the suspension of the free travelling warrant for the man in connection with Christmas leave?

I must have notice of that question. Obviously the infliction of a fine would not affect the financial question of the free travelling warrant.

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman finds that there are any such cases at this hospital will he have that put right?

If the hon. Member will give me particulars I shall be most happy to look into them.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to reintroduce the Legitimacy Bill and the Married Women (Torts) Bill early in the next Session of Parliament?

I regret that pressure of other business has made it impossible to pass into law the Bills referred to by my hon. Friend, but I hope to introduce them next Session.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state what definite decision has been reached, and, if so, for what reasons, in connection with the application of the Commonwealth Government that, in conjunction with the Amalgamated Wireless Company, it should control the Beam wireless station in England?

The Australian Wireless Company applied for a licence to operate a wireless station in Great Britain for communication with Australia, and they have been informed that, in conformity with the policy adopted by the late Government and confirmed by His Majesty's present Ministers, the operation of all the Imperial services in this country will be concentrated in the hands of the Post Office. A contract for the erection of wireless stations for communication with Canada, South Africa, India, and Australia was made by the Post Office on the 28th July, 1924, and approved by Resolution of the House of Commons. These stations are approaching completion, and, when they and the corresponding Dominion stations are available, direct wireless services will be opened between this country and the Dominions.

Are there any wireless stations in this country, whether publicly or privately owned, belonging either to any of the Dominions or to any foreign country?

I do not think so, but I would be glad if my Noble Friend would put that question to the Postmaster-General.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the references, made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at Battersea, on 11th December, to the heads of a friendly foreign State; and whether the opinions expressed by the Chancellor represent the considered views of the Cabinet?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government endorse the principle involved in the Chancellor of the, Exchequer's statement, having regard to the well-known activities of the Third International, but it is our hope that the Soviet Government will eventually dissociate itself from that body, and thus render possible a continuous improvement in the relations between the two countries.

Is it not the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer referred to the Government, and not to the Third International?

No, I do not think it is; I read the statement very carefully.

Does not the Prime Minister agree that the average member of the public would take it to refer to the Russian Government?

I have not so low an opinion of their intelligence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to discriminate between the Third International and the Russian Government?

That is exactly our trouble at the present time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take steps to deal with the softies and fatheads—[Interruption.]

Does not the Prime Minister think that offensive references of this sort tend to weaken the potency of the Locarno spirit?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire and report to Parliament on Anglo-Russian economic relations, and include in the terms of reference consideration of the interests of those anxious to resume fuller commercial relations, the interests of small claimants, the interests of holders of Russian stock, industrialists having past or present interests in Russia, and also the amount of compensation already received by certain firms and investors from the British taxpayer by way of allowances for bad debts before the amount subject to Income Tax and Excess Profits Duty was determined?

Such a Committee would not, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, serve any useful purpose at the present time in the absence of any indication on the part of the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics of the extent to which, and the measure in which, they are prepared to deal with British claimants.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Belgian Government have set up a Committee to inquire along those lines?

If that be so, that may be a beginning of better relations.

Can the Prime Minister say whether the British Government have a full list of claims up to date, and whether Members of the House are entitled to have access to the list of claims against the Russian Government?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a report of a speech by M. Rykov, chairman of the council of commissaries in Russia, to the effect that, provided disarmament is general, the Russian Government on its part will abolish the army and all war industries; and whether His Majesty's Government would be prepared to participate in a conference at which Russia would be represented to consider the feasibility of this proposal, on the understanding that effective and satisfactory machinery would be devised to ensure the impartial enforcement of any decisions come to?

Before the hon. Member answers the question, will he bear in mind the fact that the Russian Government have never yet carried out a promise they have made.

That is not a proper question.

I have seen Press reports of M. Rykov's speech, but His Majesty's Government have no official knowledge of any such proposal. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

Will not the Government take steps to find out, officially, whether that speech was made or not, and if it was made, follow it up?

I understand that at its last; Session the League of Nations invited the Soviet Government to take part in this Conference.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many cinemato- graph projectors are in use in the Royal Air Service; and what is the cost?

The answer to the first part of the question is 21, all these being projectors which were purchased during the War. As regards the second part, the cost of current for working the projectors is trivial, and the only material expenditure is that for the provision of instructional films. This expenditure, for the present financial year, is estimated at a little under £1,000.

Is there any chance of a reduction in this cost?

It is only for constructional purposes. It is a very small sum.

Were these projectors purchased on the advice of the technical advisers?

They were purchased during the War. I am afraid I do not know.

Is it not the fact that these cinematograph projectors have a great scientific value?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government have been taking to promote the ratification by the various Powers who signed the Peace Treaty of the Washington 'Convention for the regulation of working hours in industrial undertakings, in view of the importance of this ratification for the welfare of the workers and the prevention of unfair competition in trade?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 16th December, 1925, on this subject to the hon. Member for Wednesbury, to which, at present, I have nothing to add.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the words of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the organised working class of this country regard the ratification as a contractual obligation?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are in existence any commercial treaties with foreign nations the terms of which would preclude the imposition of a tax on foreign films shown in this country, calculated on the amount of the prices paid by exhibitors for hiring them?

I am advised that a tax on the exhibition of foreign films, which did not apply to British films, would be contrary to the provisions of several of our commercial treaties.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received application from any local authority for power to order the sealing of milk churns containing milk in transit from producer to retailer; and, if so, what action is being taken by the Department?

My right hon. Friend has received a number of communications suggesting that a Milk and Dairies Order should be made requiring the sealing of milk churns, and he is in consultation with the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in the matter.

Has the hon. Gentleman not also received a communication from local authorities deprecating any arrangements toeing made which would prevent their taking samples at railway stations?

I am not aware of that, but I will inquire.

asked the Minister of Health if the advertisement of the Wellington (Salop) Urban District Council, which appeared in the "Municipal Engineering and the Sanitary Record" of 10th December, for a fully-qualified sanitary inspector, preference being given to a person holding the meat and food certificate, at a salary of £156 per annum, was first submitted to him for his sanction, in accordance with Article 8 of the-Sanitary Officers' Order; whether he sanctioned the same; and whether this salary is regarded by his Department as adequate to obtain and retain the services of a qualified and experienced sanitary inspector?

My right hon. Friend has not received any proposal from the Council in this matter, but he is asking for their observations on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the existing arrangements of his Department for dealing with unsealed letters stamped ½d.; and is he aware that complaints are being made by traders that this class of letter containing invoices is often delivered several days after receipt of goods which are despatched at the time of posting?

Any printed paper prepaid ½d. which is posted later than 4.30 p.m. in London (or such time as is announced at the local post office elsewhere) is liable to be held over for despatch the next morning. It should be delivered the same afternoon or on the morning of the following day, according to the distance which it has to travel. I am aware that complaints have been made; but my right hon. Friend cannot see his way to modify the arrangements, which afford much relief in sorting offices at the heaviest period of pressure and enable the night mails to be cleared punctually and economically.

With the exception of the time, may we understand that there is no adverse discrimination?

That is so.

Is the Noble Lord aware that the hon. Member for East Cardiff (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) is in communication with the Postmaster-General on this subject, and can he say that his answer will not in any way interfere with a reply being sent to the hon. Member for East Cardiff?

I am certain the Postmaster-General will treat the hon. Member for East Cardiff with all proper deference.