asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Royal Indian Navy is in the meantime to be entirely controlled by British officers; what proportion of commissions is to be held by Indians in the future; what measure will be taken to train them for such appointments; and what the total cost of the Navy is estimated to be, as compared with the cost of the present Royal Indian Marine?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what percentage of the commissioned ranks in the Indian Navy it is proposed to allocate to Indians?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what arrangements are to be made to train natives of India for commissions in the Royal Indian Navy?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is proposed that approximately one in every three future vacancies shall be reserved for Indians provided that suitably qualified candidates are forthcoming. Detailed proposals for training are contained in a Report which has been published in India and of which I will shortly have a copy placed in the Library. These proposals will receive further consideration. Under the financial proposals contained in the Report, the annual cost of the Royal Indian Navy is not likely to exceed greatly the corresponding cost of the Royal Indian Marine.

Can the Noble Lord say if the training to which he refers will be actual training at sea?

I prefer to see the Report, which has not yet come from India, before answering definitely. I am under the impression that it will include training at sea.

what reason is there why the sons of Indian gentlemen should not be sent straight to Dartmouth—or a certain number of them—if they are able to pass the necessary examinations?

Because this proposal is for the formation of a separate Indian Navy, and therefore a scheme will be put into operation for the training of these men in India.

Is not the Noble Lord aware that when the Dominion Navies were formed, King's cadetships were given to the sons of gentlemen in the Dominions, who formed a nucleus for officers for those Navies? Why should not that principle apply in this case?

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman must have overlooked the fact that Australia has its own training scheme.

I refer to what happened long before that period.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the opinion of the Legislative Assembly has been sought or obtained on the question of the Indian Navy?

The recent publication of the scheme for a Royal Indian Navy will give the opportunity, which has not so far occurred, for eliciting the views of the Legislative Assembly, which will in due course be required to consider legislation on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the estimated charge upon the Indian revenue involved in the maintenance of the Royal Indian Navy for the first year that unit is in existence?

If the recommendations of the Committee which examined this question in India are approved, the net cost of the Royal Indian Navy will be Rs.68,60,000.

Can the Noble Lord tell me what that is in sterling?

I should have to make rather a rapid sum in my head, but the hon. Member may take the value of a lakh of rupees at about £7,000. If he will give me some time, I will see what I can do.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the number of Anglo-Indians already serving in the mercantile marine afloat, their claims to serve in the proposed Indian Imperial Navy will receive favourable consideration?

All classes will receive consideration, and due weight will be given to previous nautical experience.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has now received the Report of the Committee appointed to consider the question of the Bombay Back Bay reclamation scheme; what part of the scheme it is now intended to proceed with; to what extent it will be abandoned; what the eventual loss will be in connection with the portion of the operations not to be proceeded with; and upon whom the loss will fall?

The Report is expected to reach the India Office next week. The question of the action to be taken on it is under the consideration of the Government of Bombay, upon whom will fall any loss in connection with the scheme.

Is the Noble Lord aware that the Report has been in this country for at least a week and in the hands of private individuals; and is it correct that Sir Alexander Gibbs is being sent out?

The reason why the Report has been in the hands of people in this country and not in those of my Noble Friend is that it is not a Report to my Noble Friend or to the Government of India, but is a Report to the Government of Bombay. The reason why it has not reached my Noble Friend is that it has first to be seen by the Government of India before a copy is sent officially to the Secretary of State. I prefer to answer any further questions when the Report has been received and I have seen it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India again to submit to the Legislative Assembly the Resolutions defeated there on 3rd February recommending that the statutory appointees to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council from India should have recent knowledge of India law, and should receive a salary of £4,000 per year; and, if not accepted by the Assembly, what action the Government of India intend to take to bring about this reform in the interests of the people of India, in view of the proportion that these appeals bear to the work of the Privy Council?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; as regards the second part, no action is intended by the Government of India at present, but His Majesty's Government are considering what steps can be taken with a view to increasing the number of members of the Judicial Committee having recent knowledge of Indian law.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether effect has been given by the Secretary of State to the recommendation of the Esher Committee that greater latitude should be given to the Governor-General in Council and the Commander-in-Chief in matters affecting internal military administration?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether effect has been given to the Resolution of the Indian Legislative Assembly of March, 1921, recommending the appointment of the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief of the General Staff in India on the nomination of the Secretary of State for India and after previous consultation with the Government of India and the War Office?

The accepted procedure in regard to these two appointments is in effect as stated in the question, with certain minor modifications. I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

Procedure decided upon by His Majesty's Government:

The Commander-in-Chief is appointed by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for India with the concurrence of the Secretary of State for War.

The Chief of the General Staff is appointed by the Secretary of State for India (with the concurrence of the Secretary of State for War in the case of a British Service Officer) on the nomination of the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether effect has been given to the Resolution of the Legislative Assembly of March, 1921, recommending the restriction of direct communication between the Commander-in-Chief in India and the Chief of the Imperial General Staff to matters which would not involve the Government of India in financial or military obligations without their concurrence?

Rules are in force providing that such correspondence shall not cover matters which involve military or financial obligations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have been in communication with the provincial Governments as to the desirability of organising their police forces into special militia for the purposes of internal defence?

I am not aware of any proposal of the kind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the present ratio between the numbers of Indian and British troops in India?

The latest figures available gave 1 British to 2.41 Indians.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that after the visit of Lala Bodh Raj to the Akali prisoners, and he had received complaints from the prisoners, the superintendent inflicted various disciplinary punishments on the prisoners who had complained; and if he will cause an inquiry to be held into the whole question of the administration?

I am aware that allegations to this effect were made in the Punjab Legislative Council. A committee has been specially appointed to investigate alleged abuses in the Punjab gaols, and the report on the state of discipline and the best means of remedying defects and stopping malpractices.

Will the report be presented to the House?

I could not inform the hon. Member whether it is to be presented technically to the House, but I propose to make the contents known to the House, and I can probably arrange to have a copy placed in the Library.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if his attention has been drawn to the condition of the prisons in which Akali prisoners are interned; whether he is aware of the deficiencies in the medical equipment; and if he will cause an inquiry to be held so that the defects may be remedied?

Perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given. Allegations have been made as to medical deficiencies also. My noble Friend is confident that the Punjab Government is thoroughly examining the condition of the gaols.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to publish a report on the progress of its agent, resident in Malaya during the last two years, on behalf of the Indian workers on the European rubber plantations in that Colony; and, if not, whether he can give the House any information as to the standard of wages paid to Indian workers on the plantations in Malaya and what improvements, if any, have been introduced by the resident agent as the result of his appointment by the Government of India?

My Noble Friend has not been informed of the intentions of the Government of India in the matter, but inquiry can be made if the hon. Member so desires. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed by the Colonial Office that owing to the diverse economic conditions in various parts of the Malay Peninsula wages differ considerably, but for ordinary labourers in the Federated Malay States the average daily rate for men varies from 35 to 50 cents and for women from 25 to 45 cents. In the Kuala Selangor district a minimum wage of 35 cents per diem for men and 27 cents for women was fixed in 1924, and the whole question of fixing basic standard rates is under consideration. The functions of the agent are to advise the Government of India and Indian immigrants, and he has no executive powers in Malaya.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the committee appointed by the Railway Board of the Government of India to inquire into the working of railway workshops includes any Indian member; whether this inquiry will be confined to those railways which are under the direct control of the Government of India; and whether this inquiry will include costs of manufacture as well as repairs to the rolling stock?

So far as I am aware, the committee of experts referred to does not include an Indian member. Its inquiry will be confined to State-managed railways, and will include the cost of manufacture of spare parts, but not of complete units of rolling stock.

asked the Under-Secretar of State for India why the practice of including a non-official Indian in the Indian delegation to the League of Nations, as followed in the previous years, was discontinued on the last occasion?

In settling the composition of each year's delegation, due consideration has to be given to a variety of circumstances. There is no established practice of the kind referred to.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state why Dr. Sudhindra Bose has been refused re-entry into India; and whether the Govenment will now review his case?

Five years ago, when the person named was a citizen of the United States, permission was refused to him to visit India, for reasons then stated in this House. Since he reverted to Indian nationality there has been no obstacle to his return to India, and he can at any time obtain a certificate to enable him to travel to that country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what sentence was passed by the magistrate at Calcutta last August on F. W. Smith for the homicide of two Indian workmen; and what was the decision of the Court of Appeal?

I have seen only a newspaper report of the case according to which a sentence of one month's rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 100 was imposed by the magistrate on the accused for the offence of causing death by a negligent act, namely, by running over them in his car in May last. The accused appealed, and was acquitted by the Calcutta High Court in August, the defence being that there was no rashness or negligence.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to state when the Report of the Skeen Committee will be available to Members of the House?

No, Sir. The Committee has not yet reported.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the reason why Haripada Dey, a clerk of the Public Works Department at Ikrah, has been dismissed from the East Indian Railway?

I have no information on the subject.

Will the Noble Lord obtain the information?

On a point of Order. May I ask if the specific point raised in the question, which relates to a subordinate clerk, is not a matter that might be left to the local provincial government, instead of being made the subject of question and answer in this House?

Are not the railways under the control of the central government, and therefore does not this matter come within the province of this House?

May I submit that this is the kind of question which, even before the Reforms Act was passed, did not come within the immediate cognisance of the Secretary of State, who, by invariable practice, left such matters to the discretion of the Government of India or the provincial government as the case might be. Since the Reforms Act was passed, as it is open to members of the Assembly or the provincial Councils to ask questions, make speeches and vote on such matters, I submit that it is not part of the duty of the Secretary of State to this House, as performed through me, to answer questions of this kind.

Is this not really a question of courtesy? Nearly all these questions would be ruled out if the doctrine just laid down were strictly followed. Is it not, however, the fact that the Noble Lord offered to make inquiries for us from India, on points such as this, in order that Members of this House might keep some check on what is going on there?

The line of demarcation between reserved and non-reserved subjects always gives me a great deal of difficulty. I must confess I think this question is one which might have been left to be dealt with in India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the visit of His Majesty the King of the Belgians was made on the invitation of the Government of India; what was the cost of the provision of hospitality, and whether this cost is a charge on the Indian revenue?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. His Majesty's visit to India was purely private and unofficial. I understand that the total expenditure defrayed from Indian revenues was about £7,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement as to the threatened arrest of Mrs. Mukerjee, C. R. Das's daughter, at Nagpur by a plain clothes constable?

I have no information beyond what has appeared in the Press.

Is it possible for the Noble Lord to get information on this point, which is arousing so much bitterness in India?

Yes, as a matter of courtesy to the right hon. Gentleman, I will make inquiries, and find out what I can.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. B. S. Pathik, President Rajasthan Sevasangh, Ajmer, who is at present undergoing imprisonment at Udaipur; and whether, in view of the circumstances of the case, the Government will make representations on his behalf?

The Secretary of State has received a report on the case. He sees no ground for suggesting to the Government of India that they should take any action in the matter.

Is the Noble Lord aware that this unfortunate person was sentenced by two Courts to a moderate sentence, and that finally the Rajah of the local State appointed a local Commission, which increased the sentence from one year to three years, and are we not responsible for the methods by which justice so-called is carried out in some of the native States?

I must strongly object to the use by the right hon. Gentleman of the term "justice so-called." The judicial jurisdiction of the native States is in the hands of the Rajahs and Assemblies, where there are any, in those States, and there is nothing in this case which, in the opinion of my Noble Friend, would justify intervention. The course taken would be the course of justice due to be taken in these cases, and it is only in very extreme cases, where there would appear to be a prima facie case for inquiry, that my Noble Friend would be prepared to take any action.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if General Sangster, D.S.O., commanding the Burma Division, sent an appeal, during May, 1925, to the Adjutant-General, at Simla, regarding the case of Lieutenant W. H. Chadwick; if this was placed before the Secretary of State; and, if so, what action, if any, was ordered to be taken?

Mr. Chadwick's appeal of May, 1925, was withheld under the rules by the Government of India because it adduced no facts that had not been contained in a previous memorial which the Secretary of State in Council had considered and rejected. I may add that the whole case has been very carefully examined, and that my Noble Friend is satisfied that there is no reason to reverse or modify the decision of the Government of India. I can send the hon. Member a copy of the memorial rules if he desires.

asked whether Lieutenant W. H. Chadwick asked his commanding officer at Bhamo, Upper Burma, in April, 1920, to endorse his papers with a view to securing a permanent commission in the Supply and Transport Corps; that his commanding officer endorsed his papers stating that he was a keen, intelligent, and business like officer recommended for the Supply and Transport Corps; that a week later Chadwick was handed a letter containing the statement that this officer was lacking in zeal and efficiency; whether he is aware that the major who wrote this sent in an appeal on 1st May, 1920, to the general officer commanding asking permission to withdraw his statement regarding Chadwick's zeal and efficiency; and whether, in view of the conflicting statements, he will have an inquiry into the whole of the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of this officer?

As I stated in reply to the question asked by the hon. Member on 5th February, Mr. Chadwick was not dismissed. He was a temporary officer who applied for a permanent commission. All the relevant facts, including the two reports mentioned in the question, were fully investigated by the General Officer Commanding Burma District and higher military authorities and the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Rawlinson, after giving the application his personal consideration, was unable to recommend that a permanent commission should be granted to Mr. Chadwick. There is nothing to inquire into, and my Noble Friend does not intend to take any action.

Is it not the case that before this officer was discharged from the Army, he had signed on request papers for a further year's occupation with the regiment he was then with?

No; that is not really the point at issue between Lieutenant Chadwick and the military authorities. The point that is at issue is whether or not Lieutenant Chadwick is entitled to obtain a permanent commission, and it is quite clear from the Regulations that he is not. He was informed that he could not be given a permanent commission, and it is on that point that he petitioned the Secretary of State and has been writing letters, I think, to the newspapers.

Is it not the case that that is not the point at issue between ex-Lieutenant Chadwick and the India Office? Is it not a fact that the point at issue is that he has been dismissed on the ground that he is lacking in zeal and efficiency, although a week before that a report was signed stating that he was a zealous and efficient officer capable of, and suitable for, a permanent commission?

No; I can assure the hon. Member, as I have already stated, that Lieutenant Chadwick was not dismissed. He applied for a permanent commission, and the military authorities, in the exercise of their discretion, did not think fit to grant it. My Noble Friend is not prepared to interfere.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of Indian subordinate medical officers qualified for promotion to commissioned rank in the Indian Medical Service awaiting gazette; and whether he can expedite the gazetting of these officers at an early date?

I am not precisely aware to what class my hon. and gallant Friend refers. If he will kindly supply further particulars I will have the case examined.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state the result, if any, of the discussions between the Indian Government, the Ceylon Government, and the planting community of Ceylon, regarding the introduction of a standard wage for Indians working on plantations in Ceylon?

Negotiations have been proceeding between the Indian and Ceylon Governments, and the latter have deputed the Controller of Labour to confer on the subject with the Government of India; but I have not yet received a report from the Governor of Ceylon on the result of the negotiations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when his Department is likely to receive that report?

No. As soon as it is received I shall let the hon. Member know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the disclosures made in the American report of Dr. Ross upon the methods of recruiting natives in Portuguese East Africa; whether this evidence is supported by British official and unofficial testimony; and, whether in these circumstances, he is prepared to make representations to the Governor of Kenya Colony that, before allowing the recuitment of Portuguese natives under indenture for Kenya Colony, he should satisffy himself that such labour is being recruited without the abuses that have been disclosed?

I have read Dr. Ross's report, which embodies the evidence of various Europeans. I cannot say whether his conclusions are supported by British official testimony. In the circumstances, I can do no more than call the attention of the Governor of Kenya to the point raised by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the conscription of Akamba natives for work upon the Kenya Railway has given rise to domestic troubles amongst the natives; and whether he will consider the advisability of recommending that wives should be allowed to accompany their husbands when the latter are conscripted for labour on the railways in Kenya Colony?

The hon. Member, apparently, has in mind the incident described, with its happy termination, on page 12 of the Paper, Cmd. 2573, but I may point out that in that case it was the unmarried girls who objected to the absence of the unmarried young men. I am not aware that, during the period of compulsory recruiting, wives have been prevented from accompanying their husbands, but in view of the short service, which must not exceed 60 days, it does not appear essential that they should do so, while their absence from the Reserve might seriously affect the cultivation of food crops.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the nature of the proposals to rebuild Government House at Nairobi; and whether the poor housing of many Government employés will be taken in hand before money is laid out on Government House itself?

I have only just received the proposals for future building out of loan funds, and I have not yet been able to consider them. I may observe, however, that they contain provision of £586,430 for housing officials, both European and non-European, and that the proposals for new work at Government House include offices for the Governor and his staff, for the secretariat of the East African Governors' Conference, and a hall for the meetings of the Legislative Council of the Colony.

Is it not a fact that it is proposed to assign £80,000 to the rebuilding of Government House?

I think that is correct.

Is it desirable that loan funds which were to be for productive works should be used for building an additional palace for the Governor?

I do not think it is the same loan fund.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether any and, if so, how many of the 453 natives tried and executed during the years 1920–24 applied to the Governor of Nigeria for the right to have their cases transferred to the Supreme Court; and why their appeals were rejected;

(2) whether it is the normal practice of the presiding officer at the Provincial Courts to make it clear to persons charged with capital offences in Nigeria that a right exists under which they can apply to the Governor for permission to have their cases transferred to the Supreme Court; and how many of the 453 natives tried and executed without being allowed to employ counsel in defence in the Provincial Courts were, in fact, informed of this right?

The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. It is the Chief Justice, not the Governor, who decides applications by a party to a case in the Provincial Court to have that case transferred to the Supreme Court. I do not know how many of the natives referred to so applied; but the Chief Justice in reporting last year on the success of the Provincial Court system in the Southern Provinces stated that the natives have been informed of their right to apply to the Chief Justice to transfer a case to the Supreme Court, which transfer is always ordered in criminal cases when the accused is charged with a serious offence and desires to be defended by counsel, provided the case can conveniently be heard in a Supreme Court area.

Will the right hon. Gentleman favourably consider having the matter made quite clear in the Courts themselves? He will be aware that there are allegations that this is not known among the natives, and will he have it looked into?

I understand that it is made sufficiently clear and is known. Two additional Supreme Court areas have been created recently to meet the case.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that paragraph 14 of the White Paper on agricultural policy, while announcing the decision of the Government to include the home produce within the scope of the £1,000,000 grant to assist the marketing of Empire produce, makes no proposal to add a qualified representative of the British agricultural interest to the Imperial Economic Committee; and whether he will now make such an appointment?

I am afraid that I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 16th February last. The whole matter is under consideration, and I hope to make a statement in the near future.

Will it suit the convenience of my right hon. Friend if I put the question down for this day week?

Certainly, but I will not undertake to give a definite answer then.

Are they going to consider the increasing of the grant?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Colwyn Economy Committee's Report will be published, and, if so, when it will be in the hands of Members?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, the Report being a Cabinet document. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Prime Minister when Viscount Cave's Committee on the Reform of the House of Lords is likely to make its Report?

This is a Cabinet Committee, and I cannot give any information in regard to it, beyond stating that the whole question is being carefully explored by the Government, whose proposals will be presented some time before the end of the present Parliament.

Can the Prime Minister say whether the Committee is nearing an end of its investigations?

That would be directly contradictory of what I have already said in my reply.

asked the Prime Minister if any further communications have passed between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Canada respecting the differences on Pacific Cable Board policy; and if there is now a prospect of restoring the smooth working of the partnership between the Governments of the Empire?

I have been asked to reply. I have seen in the Press references to a statement issued by the Postmaster-General of Canada indicating that he is not in agreement with the arrangements recently made by the Pacific Cable Board for duplicating the Board's cables in the Pacific, but no official communication on this subject has been received by His Majesty's Government from the Canadian Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the exact position of the Cable Board, and is he able to do anything to bring about a restoration of harmony?

I hope it may be satisfactorily settled on the Board, but, as I say, we have had no official communication from the Dominion Government.

In view of the enormous importance to Empire communication of having high-power wireless stations at Vancouver and the Pacific, will the right hon. Gentleman urge our representative on the Pacific Cable Board to co-operate with the Canadian Government to urge wireless communication, rather than the laying of a second cable?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed that the Department of Agriculture of Trinidad and Tobago shall in the near future deal with the agricultural work in the islands of St. Lucia and St. Vincent as well as in Grenada?

The amalgamation of the Agricultural Departments of Trinidad and

These considerations were very much in the mind of the Pacific Cable Board when they decided to lay the cable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the quantity of tobacco and cigars produced in the Crown Colonies and Protectorates for the years 1913 and 1924?

As the reply to my hon. Friend s question can beet be given in tabular form, I will, with his permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving such information as is available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, at any rate, that the quality is excellent?

Oh, I think so, but I am not a smoker myself.

Following is the tabulated statement:

Grenada is in the nature of an experiment. I have informed the Governor of the Windward Islands that should the experiment prove successful in working, its extension to St. Vincent and St. Lucia will be considered after the lapse of a reasonable interval.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if, in view of the inadequacy of the grants made to settlers in New Zealand by the Imperial Government, any action is contemplated with a view to emigrants being afforded facilities that will allow of successful settlement?

The only contribution made by the Imperial Government towards migration to New Zealand is in reduction of the cost of passages. The New Zealand Government has not been prepared to enter into any agreement with respect to schemes for settlement upon the land. The question of the maximum amount that could be made available for each person settled upon the land has, therefore, not arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will invite the attention of the Canadian Government to the fact that in the month of January 1,751 applications, affecting some 2,500 individuals, were not accepted for migration to Canada under the scheme of assisted passages, and ask for their fuller co-operation in the training for overseas land settlement of capable and willing young townsmen whose unemployment constitutes the most difficult part of the British population problem?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in supposing that the applicants referred to have not been accepted for Canada. As I indicated in reply to the question which he put to me on the 15th February, these applications are still under consideration. In regard to the second part of the question, the Canadian Government is at present chiefly anxious to secure farm workers with experience. The question of providing some element of training for young townsmen willing to work on the land overseas is one which is engaging my attention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total emigration in 1925 and the numbers that went to the Dominions respectively?

I have been asked to reply. The British subjects who were recorded as leaving permanent residence in the United Kingdom to take up permanent residence in places outside Europe, numbered 140,594 in 1925. The number recorded as intending to take up permanent residence in British North America was 38,662, in Australia 35,006, in New Zealand 11,730, and in British South Africa 7,004. Residence for a year or more is treated as permanent residence for the purpose of these returns.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has anything further to report with regard to the proposed Imperial Conference this autumn; and from which Dominions replies have already been received?

The Prime Minister expects to be able to make an announcement on the subject shortly.

Is it proposed to hold an economic conference as well as a purely political conference?

The economic aspect of inter-Imperial relations will certainly be discussed. Whether it is desirable to have a separate conference is another matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to raise the legal age of marriage in this country?

I have been asked to reply. I have this matter under consideration, but am not at present in a position to make a statement.

asked the Prime Minister when he is prepared to give the House an opportunity of discussing the composition, powers, and status of the Committee of Imperial Defence?

If there be a general desire for such a discussion, arrangements can be made through the usual channels.

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government intend taking to carry out the pledges given by Ministers of the Crown between 1920 and 1923 with regard to the completion of Irish land purchase; and whether the British Government were consulted as to the terms of the land measure which was passed by the Free State Government to deal with this matter?

I cannot accept the implication contained in the first part of the question. His Majesty's Government were, of course, aware of the terms of the legislation in question before it was passed, and the position of His Majesty's Government in this matter was explained in the course of the proceedings in the House in connection with the Irish Free State Land Purchase (Loan Guarantee) Bill of 1924.

As the Prime Minister says he cannot accept the suggestion in the first part of the question, may I ask whether it is not a fact that, when Home Rule was granted, the Government undertook to bring in a Bill to deal with Irish land purchase, and whether they intend to do that or not?

I have no recollection of that.

Then will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to look into it, seeing it is suggested that what I stated in the first part of the question is not right?

That is going a long way. My hon. and gallant Friend will recognise that this is a subject far better dealt with in Debate than by question and answer, because the allegation made by my hon. and gallant Friend requires a little qualification.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the wages paid to the male and female workers in the rubber plantations in the Straits Settlements?

In 1924, the general rates of wages of Indian labourers on estates in Singapore were as follows: tappers, male, 50 cents., female, 40 cents.; weeders, male, 45 cents., female 35 cents.; factory coolies, male, 60 cents. a day. Javenese and Chinese were usually employed on contract with rates ranging from 15 to 24 cents. a katty. I have no official particulars of wages for 1925 and subsequently.

Are we to understand the wages are less than 1s. a day English money?

I am not quite sure exactly how many cents. go to the shilling.

Is it not the custom in dealing with India or other parts of the Empire, where the currency differs from that in this country, for Ministers in answering questions to give the equivalent in English?

I fancy the exchange alters from time to time.

For that very reason I would press this as making the answers more intelligent to the House.

May I suggest that only Members who understand the currency should ask these questions?

Will only Ministers who understand the currency reply?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the passport system in Iraq is the cause of considerable complaint as passports can only be obtained in certain large towns to which applicants must come personally at great expense and loss of time; and whether he will promise any relief in the early future?

I am not aware that considerable complaint has been caused. If the hon. Member will bring any particular cases to my notice, I shall be glad to look into them.

Is this question in order? Is not Iraq a sovereign State?

I do not know if the issue of passports is a local matter or not, but I think the question is a proper one.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the approximate number of refugees who have crossed the Turkish frontier into Iraq since 1920; and what provision is made by the Iraq Government for those unable to support themselves?

There have been two main influxes of Christian refugees into Iraq since 1920. These were occasioned first by the Turkish incursion in the autumn of 1924, as a result of which some 8,000 Assyrian Christians sought refuge in Iraq; and, secondly, by the Turkish deportations of September last, from which, approximately, 3,000 Chaldean Christians escaped into Iraq. I am informed that the Iraq Government have provided about £26,000 for the relief of these refugees, exclusive of amounts expended upon the free distribution of seed grain.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department (1) in how many cases in 1925 the Export Credit Department gave credits for firms dealing with Poland; what was the amount of credit involved; how many applications were refused; and in how many cases, if any, was there any loss to the Department;

(2) In how many cases in 1925 the Export Credit Department gave credits for firms dealing with the kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes; what was the amount of the credit involved; how many applications were refused; and in how many cases, if any, was there any loss to the Department?

In 1925 the Export Credits Department gave credit for 44 transactions with Poland and 18 with Yugo-Slavia, involving in all £240,639 in the one case and £107,573 in the other. Twenty-nine applications were refused for Poland and seven for Yugo-Slavia. The Department has had to make payment on its guarantees in three cases for Poland and in one for Yugo-Slavia. Negotiations are in progress in every case with a view to securing repayment, and there is no reason to anticipate the loss of any appreciable sum.

Will repayment be in pounds sterling?

Yes, Sir; the whole of the transactions are in pounds sterling.

Why not in Polish pounds?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if foreign typewriters on which British patents have been taken out are imported as complete machines or assembled in this country; and whether he will inform the House the number of firms in the British Empire manufacturing typewriting machines which are used in Government offices in London?

So far as I am aware, foreign typewriters are not imported in parts and assembled in this country. I am informed by the Stationery Office that three firms in the British Empire manufacture typewriting machines which are used in Government offices in London.

Is it not the fact that by the Patents and Designs Act, 1919, foreign patents should be cancelled if they continue to be worked outside the United Kingdom?

Broadly speaking, I think that is the law.

Why is it not carried out?

I do not know that it is not carried out.

Will the hon. Gentleman continue to see that the best and cheapest typewriters are engaged in Government offices, no matter what their origin?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of typewriters of foreign manufacture used in the Govern- meat offices; and whether he will consider the issue of instructions that only typewriters of British manufacture shall in future be supplied to public Departments?

Of the typewriters in use at the present time in Government offices approximately 24,700 are of foreign manufacture. They were nearly all purchased during the War at a time when no satisfactory British machine was available. Since the War the requirements of the Departments have been met almost entirely from the large stock which became surplus at the Stationery Office when the War ended, and if economy is to be studied they should continue to be so met in the main for a few years. Nevertheless the Stationery Office have acquired small numbers of British machines and will continue to do so. They are making prolonged tests of the efficiency and durability of the machines of home manufacture and are anxious to find a satisfactory machine for future requirements.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the city offices do not require a vast amount of testing with regard to these typewriters? They are perfectly aware of the nature of the typewriters which they use, and would that not be so in the Stationery Office?

The requirements of a Government Office are quite different.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the commercial houses in the City there are all sorts of requirements, so that there cannot be any difference in the case of the Stationery Office?

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department received any representations from Buckingham Palace with regard to buying typewriters?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what typewriters are used for in Government Departments?

Speed limit!

For doing typewriting work.

May I ask, not arising out of the last answer but out of the original answer, is the Financial Secretary to the Treasury bearing in mind the danger of a ring of British typewriter manufacturers, and is he proposing to confine Government purchases to British makers only irrespective of cost or quality?

Yes, Sir; I am assiduously bearing that in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to give encouragement to the three British firms whenever he can?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not a fact that there are sufficient typewriters which have been reconstructed as a result of the War to last the Stationery Office for many years to come?

The stock to be drawn upon will, in normal circumstances, probably last for about another two years.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his Department stores any furniture used by war-time Departments now coming to an end; and whether in that case it is, for the purposes of economy, used to fit out new sections of Departments which may be brought into existence by fresh legislation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; returned furniture, when of suitable type and condition, is reissued for use by additional staffs.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken to reduce the expenditure of the Statistics Department of the Ministry in accordance with the recommendation of the Select Committee on Estimates, dated 27th May, 1925?

The only recommendation made by the Select Committee in this connection was to the effect that expense could be saved by concentrating the headquarters staff of the Ministry, which at present is housed in widely-separated premies. Arrangements are in hand with this object in view, but I am not sure that it can be applied at present to the Statistics Department.

May I ask if the Ministry mean to carry out the scheme that was suggested? It was a very good scheme, and it would save a lot of money.

As I said in the answer, the premises of the Ministry are being concentrated, and buildings are being put up for that purpose, but whether the Statistics Department will be one of those so concentrated I cannot say now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost for 1925 of the reparation staff, offices, etc., under the Dawes Scheme?

During the year 1925 the total costs of the Reparation Commission and of the Office for Reparation Payments in Berlin amounted to approximately £405,000, of which £191,000 was in respect of the Reparation Commission and £214,000 in respect of the Office for Reparation Payments.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated number of cows and heifers that have had one or more calves in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively, and the estimated annual yield of milk of such animals?

The numbers of cows and heifers in England, Scotland and Wales on 4th June, 1925, which had had one or more calves were England … … 2,034,162 Scotland … … 398,124 Wales … … 300,556 The tabulation of the returns of the production of milk, which were collected last year, is not yet complete, but it is hoped to publish the results in the course of the year.

Do any of these cows receive the King's Bounty?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can give figures showing the number of milch cattle that have been subjected to the tuberculin test within the past year, and the number that have been re-acted?

I have been asked to reply to this question, since there are very few official records of tuberculin tests other than those carried out for the purpose of the Milk (Special Designations) Order. The number of cows tested for this purpose in 1924 was about 6,000, the majority of which had already passed the test on one or more previous occasions, and the number which reacted in that year was 732. In 1925 the number tested and re-tested was nearly 7,500, but I am not yet able to state the number of re-actors.