asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any action has been taken, or is to be taken, by the Indian Government on the findings of the Committee on the law's delays in India?

Yes, Sir. The Government of India have given special attention to the many recommendations of the Civil Justice Committee, of which a number can be put into effect by local governments, High Courts and the presiding officers of the Courts of Justice throughout India. They are now receiving reports of the action taken, and in addition certain Bills are either under consideration or have been already passed into law. I would specially mention the important Sind Courts Bill introduced in the Bombay Legislative Council.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can now give the House some information as to the personnel, reference, and probable date of appointment of the Public-Service Commission which is to be set up in India?

Provision is being made in the Indian Budget for 1926–27 for the cost of the Public Service Commission, and it is hoped that an announcement as to its personnel and the date of its institution will be made shortly. I do not quite understand the question as to "reference," for it is to be a permanent body like the Civil Service Commission in this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will inform the House as to the considerations which influenced the Government of India in their appointment of Mr. Coat-man as Director of Public Information, and why an Indian was not appointed?

I have received no special information, but Mr. Coatman is an officer of high academic distinction, having taken first-class honours at Oxford in the School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He also won the Beit prize for colonial history. I have no doubt that this weighed with the Government of India in considering him best qualified for the post.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to nominate an Indian to represent India at the eighth and ninth sessions of the Inter national Labour Conference at Geneva on 26th May and 9th June; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of nominating an Indian representative, in view of the fact that questions relating to Indian shipping are to come up before the conference on the above dates?

The reply to the first question is in the affirmative. The second question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received proposals from any of the ruling- princes of India with reference to the treaties governing the relations between His Majesty's Government and the Indian States; and whether it is proposed to convene a conference between the Government of India and the ruling princes, with a view to the systematising of such treaties in the light of modern requirements?

Any such proposals would be addressed to the Government of India. I am not aware that, apart from some general discussion, there have been any proposals recently, or that the Government of India contemplate the action suggested in the second part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to refer the question of separating the judicial and executive functions to an expert Committee, in view of the desire for this reform repeatedly expressed in the past and recently formulated in the legislative assembly?

So far as I am aware, the answer is in the negative, but this does not mean that the Government of India are not actively engaged in endeavouring to find a satisfactory solution of this difficult question. In some provinces the matter has already been elaborately examined by expert Committees.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to introduce legislation at an early date with the object of preventing delay in the payment of wages and the consequent hardship which delay inflicts on the workers?

As stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Southwark Central on 16th November last, the Government of India have the matter under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information on the alleged recent attempt of a Bengal police officer to entice a student of Brojomohan College, Barisal, to join a students' welfare society, in order to persuade its members to become revolutionaries?

The facts of the case are as follows: In a long letter to the "Forward" newspaper of Calcutta, a student named Sailesh Chandra Dhar made against a police inspector a charge of the nature stated in the question. The inspector prosecuted the student for defamation; the student pleaded guilty, and stated that the allegation made in his letter was false. He was convicted, and bound over to be of good behaviour. The "Forward" has published several articles on agents provocateurs, but this conviction disposed of the only specific accusation on which the articles have been based.

Is it not the fact that a newspaper in this country, "The Daily Herald," published the allegation referred to in the question, and whether the paper has also published the result of the trial?

The very serious charge made against the police in the "Forward" newspaper of Calcutta was reproduced in "The Daily Herald" in this country. The sequel to that charge, which proved its utter baselessness, has not yet appeared in "The Daily Herald," but I hope it will when the editor has less pressure on his space.

Will the Noble Lord say categorically that the Government of India does not employ agents provocateurs?

Yes, Sir, I will say so categorically, and I am very pleased to have the opportunity of denying a most gross and baseless insinuation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the labour dispute at Sierra Leone has yet been settled; is he aware that the origin of the dispute is the decision of the new railway manager to impose new conditions of periodical examination on workpeople without first of all either consulting those concerned or their representatives; that this manager "threatened wholesale dismissals, declaring that the service was quite inefficient; and that the occasion of the outbreak was the dismissal of station-masters and others without giving them adequate opportunity to defend themselves?

The Governor has now reported that the men returned to work on 26th February. The complaint mentioned by the hon. Member was referred to in a statement of grievances formulated by the union after the dispute had begun, but it does not appear that this was the cause of the strike. The examinations were introduced to ensure a reasonable modicum of efficiency in the traffic staff; and I am aware that a warning was given that inefficient officers could not be retained in the service indefinitely. As regards the older men, the intention was to exempt them from the annual examinations if they showed a real desire to improve. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call for a full report as to the origin of this dispute, and is he aware that the Colonial newspapers give an entirely different version from that which he has just given to the House?

I certainly hope to get a full report from the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the future control of Kilindini Port, Kenya Colony, will be issued as a White Paper when received; and will he make known to the House the intentions of the Government before action is taken?

The Report is being published locally and copies will be placed in the Library of the House; I do not think that republication is necessary. As regards the latter part of the question, it will be open to the hon. Member to put down a further question at a later date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Report of the Masai Inquiry Committee has been laid before Parliament?

No, Sir; I would invite the attention of the hon. and gallant Member to the full reply given to the hon. Member for Dundee on 8th February.

I have had my attention drawn to that. Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is proposed to lay the Report of this inquiry before the House?

I think I shall have to await the full Report before I can answer that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Kenya has taken any action in regard to the petition from the Kikuyu Central Association asking for certain reforms in health administration?

I have no information on the subject, but I will inquire of the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to the propaganda being carried on by the Cantonese Bolshevist element in the Straits Settlements to foment strikes amongst workers of all kinds; is he aware that the Chinese master tailors of Singapore have petitioned the Governor to have the tailors' guild broken up and the ringleaders deported; and will he state what action is being taken in the matter?

I am informed that the recent strikes in Malaya have been economic in origin. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The Governor reports, however, that the master tailors have produced no evidence to support their allegations, and that in consequence no deportations have taken place. The situation is being closely watched by the Colonial Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any definite organisation exists in the Colonial Office for the collation of information obtainable from similar Departments of Government in our various Crown Colonies and Protectorates and for its utilisation in directing the activities of those Departments?

The importance is well' recognised at the Colonial Office of supplying oversea Governments with information as regards other Colonies and Dependencies where this is likely to be of use in Colonial administration or development, and I am extending the system under which certain subjects are specially studied by individual officers to whom all communications dealing with these subjects are passed, thus ensuring the collation and distribution of all important information. The same object is also directly promoted through special committees and technical advisers. Further, Colonial Governments are encouraged to exchange direct with each other reports of general interest and documents embodying the results of local experience in various fields.

Is the particular officer referred to concerned only in the collation of this information, and no other?

No; what I meant was that an individual officer will be encouraged to become specialised on particular subjects, and that material from all the Colonies connected with these subjects will come under review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, having regard to the fact that the proposed loan of £10,000,000 is for the development of the East African territories as a whole, he will have a suitable map placed in the Tea Room showing the routes of railways that may be projected; and whether he can make any statement as to the sum that it is proposed should be allocated for research purposes?

I have not yet received all the recommendations of the Governments concerned. As soon as they are available I hope to be able to furnish the information desired by the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the second part of my question?

I am looking into that. I am not quite sure what the proportion will be, but I hope that the amount will be substantial.

When will the Colonial Secretary be able to let us have the information?

When I bring in the Bill with its schedule. I hope then to be able to show the general amount of the allocation.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is taking steps to see that all railway schemes in East Africa are designed to serve the best interests of the total area rather than the special interests of any Protectorate; and whether he will give an assurance that the House will have an opportunity to discuss the detailed schemes before any final plans are confirmed?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There will be an opportunity of raising the question of East African development on the Bill for the Guaranteed Loan, but I hardly think that the House will wish to discuss the details of particular proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many schools are provided and maintained by employers of labour in the Federated Malay Straits, the Straits Settlements, and the Unfederated Malay States, respectively; and whether the Government proposes to make any educational arrangements for children whose parents do not work on the rubber plantations?

I am not in a position to give the figures for the Unfederated Malay States, but estate schools in the Straits Settlements in 1924 numbered 52 out of a total of 598 schools, and in the Federated Malay States 303 out of a total of 997. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what the composition of the Oversea Settlement Committee is; how members to it are recruited; who now sits upon the Committee; and whether their selection is upon a partisan basis?

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission I will circulate a list of the members of the Oversea Settlement Committee in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, and include representatives of Departments interested and of shipping, besides men and women of special experience in connection with migration. The Committee is constituted on an entirely non-partisan basis.

Following is the list of members:

President:

The right hon. L. C. M. S. Amery, P.C., M.P., Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs.

Chairmen:

The Earl of Clarendon.

H. B. Betterton, C. B. E., M. P. (Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Labour.)

Vice-Chairman:

T. C. Macnaghten, C.M.G., C.B.E. (Dominions Office).

Committee: J. Ambrose (Liverpool Steamship Owners Association). G. E. Baker, C.B.E. (Board of Trade). Mrs. Harrison Bell. Miss Margaret Bondfield, J. P. Viscount Burnham, C.H. Sir Wm. Clark, K.C.S.I., C.M.G. (Department of Overseas Trade). L. Cuthbertson (Treasury). C. W. G. Eady (Ministry of Labour). Sir Francis Floud, K.C.B. (Ministry of Agriculture). Colonel G. D. Jebb, C.M.G. (War Office). A. B. Lowry, C.B. (Ministry of Health). W. Lunn, M.P. Dame Meriel Talbot, D.B.E. Oscar Thompson (Chamber of Shipping). Christopher Turnor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much money has been allocated for emigration since the signing of peace; and how much has been spent?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 5th February to a question asked by the hon. Member for Govan.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will invite the Canadian Government to consider whether the entry into Canada of approved British boys and girls under 14 years of age should now be resumed under adequate safeguards for their future?

The restriction to which my hon. Friend refers was imposed in the first instance for a period of three years as from 1st January, 1925, and I doubt whether the Canadian Government will be prepared to reconsider the position before the expiration of that period.

In the meantime, will some further inquiry be made to see whether this restriction is really based on any substantial facts?

These are facts which are considered to be substantial by the Dominion Government, and the Commission which was sent from this country thought there was sufficient evidence to warrant the discontinuance of Government assistance to that form of emigration. But naturally we are keeping the whole matter constantly in view, and we are getting information all the time.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has received the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee appointed to consider the effect on migration of schemes of social insurance?

Yes, Sir; the Report is now being printed, and I hope that it will be possible to lay it before Parliament in the course of next week.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how much has been expended in the last three years under the Empire Settlement Act out of the £3,000,000 per annum set aside for the purpose of Empire settlement in that Measure?

The expenditure under the Empire Settlement Act has been as follows: In 1922–23, £35,464; 1923–24, £423,994; 1924–25, £439,051; period 1st April, 1925, to 23rd February, 1926, £352,553; total, £1,251,062.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether communications have been received from any of the Dominions expressing their views on the proposed increase in the permanent membership of the Council of the League of Nations; and, if so, to what effect?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 17th February. I feel sure that he will appreciate that it is not possible for me to make any statement as to the nature of the communications passing with the Dominions on this subject, which are of a confidential character.

Will the right hon. Gentleman submit the correspondence prior to any Debate taking place on this subject?

I am not quite sure that I can. I shall have to consider that, but it will depend a good deal on the views of the Governments concerned.

Is it not essential for this House to know exactly what is the Dominions' point of view?

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been arrived at as to the instructions to be given to our delegate on the Council of the League of Nations on the question of the enlargement of the League Council beyond the admission of Germany?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing fear in this House and in the country that an attempt may be made at the forthcoming League of Nations meeting at Geneva to effect extensive permanent changes in the constitution of the League of Nations Council, he will inform the House what instructions have been or will be given to the British delegate before he leaves this country for Geneva?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Dominions will have an opportunity to discuss any proposed change in the constitution of the League of Nations Council before this country is committed to any change?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a Resolution unanimously adopted by the First Assembly of the League of Nations on the 7th December, 1920, laying it down that when a member of the League of Nations Council votes he does so not in a personal capacity, but specifically in the name of the country he represents.; and whether, in view of the national responsibility attaching to a decision on the question of increasing the permanent membership of the League of Nations Council, which if taken cannot be reversed, he will give facilities for the discussion of the matter in this House before the Government's policy is finally settled?

I shall be glad if hon. Members will be good enough to await the statement on this subject which I hope to make later in the week, probably on Thursday.

I will repeat the question on Thursday.

Is it quite impossible to make that statement on Wednesday?

Either Wednesday or Thursday. If I can, I will do it on Wednesday.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has considered the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the Council of the League of Nations which has been arranged so that the question of the Saar Commission will be brought up first, and before Germany has been admitted to the League; and whether the Government will endeavour to secure that a matter so closely concerning German interests should be postponed until she can be represented?

I can add nothing to the reply given on 25th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Ripon.

In view of the international importance of this matter, and the fact that it has not been orally answered, would the right hon. Gentleman read the reply?

I will read from the OFFICIAL REPORT: Major HILLS asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as the first item on the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the League of Nations Council has reference to the appointment of the members and chairman of the Saar Valley Governing Commission, it is intended to deal with this matter before Germany has taken her seat as a member of the Council?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it is the usual practice for the Council to examine the agenda and decide all questions relating to its procedure, and I am unable to anticipate the Council's decision on this occasion.—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 25th February, 1926; cols. 750–51, Vol. 192.]

May we assume it is an open question as to whether that will be discussed?

Yes. Obviously a British Minister cannot speak for the Council about a matter which is within the discretion of the Council, and on which it has not yet deliberated. I am fully aware of the large interests that are involved in the whole proceedings of the forthcoming Council of the League.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, whether the Government will endeavour to secure that a matter so closely concerning German interests should be postponed until she can be represented?

I do not think the interests of peace and international understanding are served by members of individual Governments saying what they will or will not do at a meeting of the great world Council of the League of Nations, and I do not see how we can ever come to an agreement if each of us announces our policy beforehand and is unwilling to make any concession to others.

May I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention—

This is not the time for drawing attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he can state, approximately, what length of time it is proposed to devote to the Imperial Conference in October; and whether he can give the House an idea of some of the subjects which are to be discussed?

The length of an Imperial Conference depends, of course, largely upon the character of the agenda, but previous Conferences have lasted approximately, a month to six weeks. The agenda for the forthcoming Conference will be worked out in detail during the next few months. It is contemplated that there should be a discussion, not only of questions of foreign policy and defence, including those arising out of the Locarno Treaty, but also of economic matters, such as were dealt with at the Imperial Economic Conference of 1923.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether there will be any official British participation in the Sesquicentennial International Exposition, Philadelphia, 1926?

Owing to the shortness of time in which to arrange an exhibit worthy of the occasion, and having regard to the urgent need for national economy, the Government have felt compelled to decline the invitation to participate officially in the forthcoming exhibition at Philadelphia.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if there is any intention to purchase permanent show grounds for the British Industries Fair?

The possibility of permanent accommodation being provided for the British Industries Fair has been raised from time to time by exhibitors, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that, in view of the expense which would be involved, apart from any other considerations, the question can hardly be taken up at the moment.

Will some steps be taken to ensure the continuation of this very successful event every year?

That is quite another question; it is a matter of expense.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how the present British Industries Fair compares with the last one held in regard to visits of buyers and business effected; and whether the exhibitors have expressed their satisfaction with the results which have accrued?

A meeting of the advisory committee of exhibitors, held on the 23rd February at the White City, unanimously expressed the opinion that the fair had been a success, and urged that it should be continued permanently. It is impossible to give any estimate of business done, but my information is that, both in the volume of actual business at the London and Birmingham sections and in the setting up of connections for future business, the fair is the most successful which has been held since the War. Cards of invitation were presented at the London Fair by 1,242 overseas buyers and 55,693 home buyers, some of the latter being agents of overseas firms, as compared with 1,031 and 24,195, respectively, in 1924.

Is it proposed to extend this very successful fair, in future years', to any other cities beside the Metropolis and Birmingham?

There was an examination into that question some years ago, in one of the after-War Reports. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of that Report.

Could my hon. Friend say, if a question were put down a week hence, what has been the result, from the buying point of view, of these two fairs?

No, Sir; it would be obviously impossible to say how much business has been done. We could not go round and ask everyone what he had sold and what orders he had booked.

Am I correct in assuming that the additional expenditure of £20,000 in overseas advertising has resulted in about 200 extra foreign visitors?

I do not think I can reduce it to, that basis, but I should say that the £20,000 which has been spent in advertising will be repaid to the nation a great many times over.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has evidence showing that outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease arise in any degree owing to methods of transit of animals; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

Yes, Sir; the transit of animals is undoubtedly responsible for much of the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. I am sending my hon. Friend particulars of the Ministry's Regulations which deal with this matter.

Are there not some new points coming before my right hon. Friend which seem to require alteration of these Regulations?

I shall be very glad to go into any points which my hon. Friend may raise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease that have occurred in the United Kingdom during the current financial year; the number of animals slaughtered; the amount of compensation paid; and what proportion of the amount comes out of the local taxation account?

From the 1st April, 1925, to the 25th ultimo, 284 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred in this country, involving the slaughter of 22,066 animals and the payment of £ 276,718 in compensation. The total net expenditure on account of foot-and-mouth disease during the same period, including compensation, administration expenses, disinfection of premises, etc., less receipts from salvage, has amounted to £302,414, of which £201,414 will be defrayed from local taxation accounts.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the recent regulations making it necessary that a record must be kept of all movements of cattle, he will consider whether, in isolated outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, smaller areas might safely be scheduled?

I hope that the new Records Order will result in limiting the spread of infection, but I am afraid it will not enable a smaller area to be placed under restriction in the first place.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department is promoting experiments in arable stock farming by means of grants to farmers?

No grants are made direct to farmers by my Department, as it is not itself conducting investigations into arable stock farming; but in a few cases the various authorities aided by the Ministry to conduct experiments and investigations in this subject (of whom the principal is the Oxford Institute for Research in Agricultural Economics) have made with the occupiers of holdings arrangements which involve or may involve pecuniary assistance.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will indicate the nature of the help to be given to British agriculture under the scheme for assisting the marketing of Empire produce?

As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, the Ministry is conducting an investigation into the marketing of agricultural produce in this country, and the question of devising plans for the promotion of improved methods which can form part of the proposals in regard to Empire marketing is receiving careful consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that agriculture in this country will have at least its proportionate share of the benefits in relation to the produce of this country?

Clearly, I cannot specify any proposals at this stage, but we hope to bring both the Dominion and the British interests within the scope of the proposals on fair terms.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no new competition with British farmers results from this grant of £1,000,000?

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the decision of the Government to include home produce within the scope of the £1,000,000 grant to assist the marketing of Empire produce, a qualified representative of the British agricultural interest will now be added to the Imperial Economic Committee?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the present position regarding the promised grant of £1,000,000 for the development of Dominion marketing?

asked the Prime Minister whether a decision has been reached respecting the proposal to allot the sum of £1,000,000 to the more efficient marketing of Empire produce?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state how the £1,000,000 which is to be devoted to the marketing of Empire products is to be spent?

asked the Prime Minister if he can give the House any information as to the proposed Government scheme for assistance in the marketing of Dominion products?

asked the Prime Minister if he has any statement to make in regard to the recommendation of the Imperial Economic Committee that £1,000,000 should be granted for Empire marketing?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. His Majesty's Government are not yet in a position to make an announcement, as details of the arrangements proposed are under discussion with the Dominions, but they hope to do so shortly.

Has not my right hon. Friend overlooked the real point of my question No. 45, namely, whether a qualified representative of the British agricultural interest will now be added to the Committee?

That is one of the arrangements which is under consideration with the Dominion Governments, and on which the Prime Minister hopes to make an announcement very shortly.

Inasmuch as home produce is now to be brought within the scope of the Committee, does it not follow that there should be a representative of British agriculture on that Committee?

No, Sir. Home produce may come within the scope of the money that is being spent, but the Imperial Economic Committee is a different body. The whole of these questions are under discussion with the Dominion Governments at this moment.

If the Government adopt the recommendation that there should be a separate executive committee for spending the grant, will they see that British agriculture is represented on the spending committee?

Quite so; that is obviously one of the things which are being considered.

Will the Colonial Secretary consider making representations to the Dominion Governments that British farmers are much poorer off than the Dominion farmers?

Does my right hon. Friend recollect that when Mr. Bruce, the Prime Minister of Australia, was here, he and other Dominion representatives distinctly said that the first place in British markets belonged to the British home producer?

Quite so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, how many dwelling-houses are now under construction by his Department; and whether any additional building of dwelling-houses is contemplated?

Apart from 62 cottages for Coastguard personnel and for the staff of a State institution, no dwelling-houses are under construction by the Office of Works, nor is the building of any such houses under contemplation.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman inform me—I know it is rather beyond the question—what has happened to the building staff which was built up under a previous First Commissioner? Is it not being used for building houses at all, has it been disbanded, or what has. happened to it?

Some of it may be being used for the purposes which I have mentioned, but I must have notice of that question as regards details.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the further increase in the retail prices of tea; and whether, in the public interest, an inquiry into the system of brokerage is necessary?

I am aware of this increase. The Food Council will soon be taking evidence on the system of brokerage in the tea trade.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement of the chairman of the Home and Colonial Company on the 12th of last month, that they had bought very heavily in tea, and is there any reason why they should raise the price.

We have asked the tea brokers' associations to give evidence, and I hope they will do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the amount of gold which has come to Great Britain from Russia during the past fortnight?

It is common knowledge that some gold has been imported from Russia in the ordinary course during the last month or so. So far as I am aware, there have been no such imports in the past fortnight.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that Russian gold is as good as any other gold?

I have no reason to think the contrary.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether some of the gold that was stolen in Petrograd is among the gold which is coming over?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the difficulties confronting the Scottish herring industry; and whether he is prepared to take steps to encourage trade between this country and Russia, and thus give employment in the fishing industry to many thousands who are now unemployed?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which were given to the hon. Members for Mile End and Merthyr on the 9th and the 16th February, respectively, copies of which will be sent to him.

As there is an Export Credit scheme, cannot the herring fisheries be brought under it?

That question was fully debated in the early hours of Tuesday last. May I refer the hon. Member to the OFFICIAL REPORT, or I will send him a copy.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman answer a question put to him with courtesy in an equally courteous manner? He is quite well aware that I get a copy of the OFFICIAL REPORT sent me. Since that Debate took place have not he and his Department considered the matter further with a view to bringing it under the scheme?

I did not intend any disrespect to the hon. Member. The simple fact is this. It was stated the other night that we have considered the matter. The credit balance due to Russia over their trade with us in the last two years was £15,000,000. Let the Russian Government use that credit to buy British herring. That would solve the troubles of fishing folk in Britain; they could receive payment without using the British Government's export credits.

Will the Government not agree to some further inquiries into the matter to see whether something more cannot be done?

No inquiry is necessary. The sellers of British goods have only to induce the Russian Government to use the money due on balance here to Russia.

Have not other nations got a balance to their credit as well, and are we not giving export credits to firms who are dealing with that country? Why single out Russia?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of publishing the names of the members of future committees of inquiry which are set up for the safeguarding of industries?

I have been asked to reply. That which the hon. Member desires is, and has been, the invariable practice. The names of the members are published as soon as the Committees are appointed.

Except in the case of iron and steel.

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to be in possession of the Report of the Coal Commission; and whether he intends to circulate it to Members of this House?

I hope that, the Report will be presented to the House next week.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the disadvantages that arise from going into Committee of Supply on the Air Estimates before the Navy and Army Estimates are published; and whether, in order that Members of the House may have simultaneous information regarding the three fighting services, he will in future years see that the three Estimates are in the hands of Members on the same day?

I will consider what can be done to meet the point raised by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it would be a great advantage to the House if we had the Air Estimates at the same time because the House will then understand it is the one Department which is not reducing its Estimates.

I quite agree on the point, but my hon. and gallant Friend knows the practical difficulty.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the formation by the Communist party in this country of a Young Communists' League, who have recently held a children's conference at Openshaw, near Manchester, the object of such league being to instil into the minds of children disloyalty to the Throne and constitution of their native country, to prepare for an alleged coming Red revolt, and to combat all patriotic organisations such as girl guides and boy scouts; and whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to protect children from being influenced in the manner indicated?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply. I am very well aware of the existence of the Young Communists' League and I am keeping—and shall continue to keep—a close watch on its activities. As regards the last part of the question, the desirability of amending the law in regard to sedition is under consideration and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

Will my right hon. Friend urge upon the Cabinet the desirability of pushing the matter forward as quickly as possible, in view of the efforts that are being made?

Will the right hon. Gentleman constantly bear in mind the intense anxiety there is in Kensington over this matter?

I think that anxiety is not limited to Kensington.

May I advise my hon. Friend to put down questions about the matter every day, and get it well advertised?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that under the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act no allowances are given for dependent relatives other than wives; and whether he will consider the possibility of so modifying the Act as to give some relief of this kind to unmarried pensioners with dependants?

The statement in the first part of the question is not correct. Section 7 (1) of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, provides that a widower or widow with one or more children under 16 years of age dependent on him or her shall be regarded as a married person for the purpose of the means limit under the Act. As has been stated on several occasions in reply to previous questions, considerable concessions were made to pensioners by the Amending Act of 1924, and the Government are not prepared to introduce further legislation on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will inquire into the position of the industrial employés of His Majesty's Government, who only get four public bank holidays in a year; and whether he will consider the possibility of giving these employés a reasonable period of annual holiday on full pay for the sake of their health and the efficiency of the Government service?

The matter has already received careful consideration, but it has not been found possible to adopt the proposal contained in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very small matter compared with the grant of £200,000 which it was proposed to make to the Civil Service for a Sports Ground?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a Committee has been appointed to examine the present superannuation scheme which applies to men serving abroad under the Colonial administration; and, if so, how soon a Report may be expected?

A Committee, which was appointed in 1922 to consider the Laws and Regulations applicable to pensions of Colonial Officials, presented their Report in January, 1924, and this was issued by His Majesty's Stationery Office as a non-Parliamentary publication.

May I ask if the Report includes the question of transport between East Africa and West Africa?

I cannot answer that off hand.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes introducing the Economy Bill?

It is hoped to introduce this Bill on the 11th March.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the International Federation of Trade Unions is inaugurating a fund for the purpose of helping trade unionism in back: ward countries, and whether he can set his way to encourage this movement, especially as it affects the backward countries of the British Empire?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the movement referred to by the hon. Member. It is not one in which it would be proper for the Government to intervene.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office are informed of the terms of the new Treaty between France and Turkey; whether it is being deposited with the League of Nations; and whether it will be made public?

By the courtesy of the French Government I have received a general indication of the character of the Treaty. The last two parts of the question deal with matters which concern the French Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information with regard to the situation which has been created on the Lithuanian-Polish frontier?

I have no information other than that communicated to me by the Polish and Lithuanian Ministers in London, which has appeared in the Press, but I am making further inquiries. I hope it may turn out that the incident is of minor importance, like a similar one which occurred last year.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the reasons given by the British Consul-General at Tangier for advising Captain Canning to leave Tangier?

His Majesty's Consul-General advised Captain Canning in his own interest to leave Tangier in order to avoid proceedings under the Statute for his expulsion. It was impossible to reconcile his activities and the character of his relations with Abdel Krim with the international status of Tangier.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the closing of the ports of Canton and Whampoa?

The Customs incident at Canton arose from an attempt of the strike committee to extort more money from external trade. Hitherto they had seized goods and extorted money from cargo after its release from Customs examination and duty collection, but recently they began to seize goods before they had reached the Customs examination sheds. According to my information the Commissioner of Customs at Canton decided that in these circumstances his administration could not properly function, and, with the approval of the Inspector-General, he-stopped the functioning of the Customs so far as concerned loading and discharging of cargo. He did not close either the port or the Customs House. He took this action pending the surrender by the strikers of confiscated goods and an admission that in future all Customs formalities must be properly complied with. He did not make any condition regarding cessation of the boycott. The Press now report that the strikers have agreed to his conditions and that the incident is closed, but this lacks official confirmation.

The Chinese Maritime Customs, though organised and in part staffed by foreigners, is part of the central administration of China. The incident was therefore primarily a domestic concern and the foreign Powers, including Great Britain, were only indirectly interested. Owing to the boycott, no British ships were affected.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a Report from His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome with respect to the case of the man named Ellison, from Cockermouth, who was sentenced to seven months' solitary confinement at Florence?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome a Report on the case of William Ellison, a British subject, sentenced to prison for eight months under Italian law

His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome reports that Mr. William Ellison, together with another British subject named Joseph Finegan, who was also employed at Messrs. Roberts' pharmacy at Florence, was arrested by the civil police on 16th February. Both men were brought before the magistrate on 22nd February. Finegan was charged with drunkenness and assault, fined 150 lire, and liberated. Ellison was charged with drunkenness, omitting to register himself as a foreigner, and uttering offensive language against the Prime Minister. He was sentenced to eight months and five days' imprisonment and fined 1,400 lire. His Majesty's Consul at Florence arranged with Messrs. Roberts' for the defence of both men. Ellison has lodged an appeal against the sentence. His Majesty's Consul will watch the case.

Which Prime Minister?

In view of the fact that this penalty is a very severe one, does the right hon. Gentleman think that the Foreign Office might make representations to Rome to see if something can be done to reduce the amount of the penalty?

It is an obligation upon every foreigner within a country to obey the laws of the country of which he is a guest, and the whole ease must be regarded from that point of view. The time for intervention by His Majesty's Government has not yet arrived, if it ever does arrive. The case is subject to appeal and it would be very improper for me to instruct His Majesty's Ambassador to make any representations, pending the appeal.

Are we to understand that a British subject did break the law by criticising the Prime Minister?

He was charged with being drunk, with having failed to register and with using offensive language to the Prime Minister of the country in which he was staying. I do not want to comment on the character of the offence alleged, while the case is subject to appeal. Those were the charges which were made against him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Ellison's penalty would have been a deal greater had it happened in Russia?