asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any arrests have been made in connection with the derailing of the Flying Scotsman, and whether any reward is being offered for the discovery of the culprits?

The answer to both parts of the question, I am informed by the police, is in the negative.

Does not the Home Secretary think it would be advisable to offer a substantial reward for the discovery of these persons?

The policy of the police is sometimes to offer a reward, when they have an idea who is the culprit, but the general policy is not to offer a reward in cases of this kind, where there is no evidence at all connecting anybody with the crime.

Does not the right hon. Baronet think that to offer a reward might help to get that necessary evidence?

The question of rewards is a very difficult one. On the whole, I have come to the conclusion that the police are right not to use the proposal of a reward too freely.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Transport, on the last occasion when this question was raised in the House, gave an idea that foul play had been at work, and has his attention been drawn to the photographs of the accident at the time, showing the rail out and all the castmetal chairs in being? If an engine of 100 tons weight had passed on to those chairs it would have smashed them and displaced the sleepers, and the tender would have been lying in the opposite direction—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] Does the Home Secretary not think— [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] I am getting home on this now. Does the Home Secretary not think that, before any further statements are made on this, the House should be informed as to whether the rail was taken out before or after the accident, since the evidence shows that these chairs would have been smashed if the train had gone over them?

I have made no statement on the matter.

No, but the Minister of Transport has.

Then the hon. Gentleman had better submit another question to the Minister of Transport.

Does the Home Secretary think that there has been foul play?

I am like the parrot—I think a good deal, but I do not say much.

Like the sailor's parrot?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the publication of these photographs in a newspaper has caused a great deal of comment, because the photographs themselves obviously show that the train could not have passed over this section of the line?

These questions had better be put to the Minister of Transport.

I want to ask, just forInformation—

Sir Frank Meyer.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the approximate date at which two-seater taximeter-cabs will be ready to ply for hire in the Metropolitan area?

An approximate date at which two-seater taximeter-cabs will be ready to ply for hire cannot be stated. Three firms have taken active steps with regard to the production of this class of vehicle. One is experiencing difficulty owing to the lack of castings brought about by the coal stoppage; another is not satisfied with the trial tests of the engine; while the third has submitted a specimen chassis, the inspection of which revealed many defects which it is understood will be remedied and the chassis will be again presented.

Is it not the case that, in order to provide the public with an adequate supply of cheaper cabs, it will be necessary to put so many of these two-seater cabs on the streets that it would cause great congestion of traffic?

I explained to the House some little time ago that the number contemplated, namely 500, of these new cabs, would be absolutely a drop in the bucket in comparison with the enormous increase of ordinary traffic on the streets. I do not think it would really make any substantial difference.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to take any steps to enforce a reduction of taximeter-cab fares in the Metropolitan area?

As my hon. Friend is aware, I have made an Order as to a reduced scale of fare which may be adopted by any cab, and must be adopted by two-seater cabs. I propose to await the results of this Order before taking any further steps.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the death of Reginald Russell while on remand at Bedford gaol; and, in view of the fact that this man was ill for 10 days and died in his cell, will he cause an inquiry to be held into the administration of this prison?

My attention has been drawn to the case, and I am awaiting the result of an inquiry which has been instituted by the Prison Commissioners.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not the first case where a man has died in a cell, and also that, although this man was seriously ill for 10 days in the cell, his wife was not made acquainted with the fact?

I have said that I have requested the Prison Commissioners, who are under my jurisdiction, to hold an inquiry into the whole matter. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will repeat his question in due course, I will give him an answer.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in Stafford Railway Station on the morning of the 26th ultimo a number of men, chained together and in the custody of police officers, were transferred from the Liverpool-London train to the Stafford-Birmingham train in full view of the public; for what reason it was necessary to chain these men together; and whether steps will be taken in future to prevent men under arrest from being subject to this public indignity?

I think the hon. Member's question probably relates to a party of convicts sentenced to penal servitude who were being removed to convict prisons in the custody of prison officers. Every effort is made to prevent exposure to the public view in such cases, but the hon. Member will appreciate that this is not always possible when changing trains at a busy station.

Is it the fact that the party of men to whom I am referring were dressed in ordinary clothing?

The hon. Gentleman is not, perhaps, aware that we have been endeavouring for some time past to do away with the old-fashioned broad arrow convict dress, and convicts are not now dressed in a distinctive garb of that kind.

asked the Home Secretary whether effect will be given to the recommendation of the magistrate when, sentencing Jacob Prodisky, alias Preutch, alias Prooth, to imprisonment, that this Russian alien should be deported after serving his sentence; how long Prodisky has been in this country carrying on revolutionary propaganda work in the East End of London; under what circumstances he was allowed to come into the country; and whether increased precautions will be taken in the future t-o keep such aliens from landing at all?

I shall consider, during this man's imprisonment, the question of his deportation at the end of his sentence. He came here in 1895, before the imposition of alien restrictions. He has been repeatedly under my notice for his disloyal activities, but I think they may now be regarded as ended. The precautions taken at present provide fully against the entry of aliens of this character.

Do I understand that there is no question about his being deported at the end of the time, and that the suggestion of the magistrate will be carried out?

The House will agree that it is my invariable duty to consider these matters myself, and I do not act always on magistrates' opinions. The responsibility is with me, and I consider, towards the end of the sentence, whether the case shall be deported or not. I have said to my hon. Friend that I would consider the question of this man's case, and I think that, after reading the rest of the answer, he will be able to assume that I shall not act without due consideration.

Is it not the fact that this man was two years of age when he came to this country, and that he married an English wife and has an English family?? Are they all going to he deported?

He was two-and-a-half years of age when he came to this country. He has married an English wife, and he has an English child or children. He has for a long time past behaved in a manner disloyal to the country of his adoption, and has been repeatedly in conflict with the police. If I decide to deport him, his wife and family will not necessarily be deported.

asked the Home Secretary what action is being taken with respect to those responsible for the setting up and operation during the general strike of councils of action in the county of Durham, which bodies aimed at superseding constitutional authority and endeavoured to establish a reign of terrorism among peaceable citizens?

I can only say at present that the whole question is receiving careful consideration, but some individual members are already in prison.

May I ask what authorities are responsible for the police in Durham, and is it certain that the police officers themselves carried out their duty in the manner that is expected of them?

I have no complaint to the contrary. Of course, the police in Durham County are under the county authority, and in the municipality under the Watch Committee for the borough. I have had no complaint at all as to the manner in which the police of either the county or the borough carried out their duties.

Does not the Home Secretary resent this attack upon the police, for whom he is responsible in this House?

Will my right hon. Friend bring this to the notice of the authorities in the County of Durham?

My hon. Friend will forgive me, but the matter, as set out in this question, is not one for the police; it is a question for myself to consider, with my legal Department, whether what has been done is of a nature to cause me to direct a prosecution.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there were no police in Durham during these events?

I am afraid I cannot agree with that.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the statement that an endeavour was made to establish a reign of terrorism?

I think it would be very much better that I should not be pressed too far in this matter. As I have indicated, the whole of the facts have been collected for me, and I am now considering, with my legal advisers, whether those facts show cause for a prosecution.

asked the Prime Minister what legislation His Majesty's Government propose to introduce, or what steps they propose to take, in order to safeguard the nation against a repetition of a general strike and the events of the past few weeks?

This is a matter which the Government will obviously have to take into consideration, but the Prime Minister is not able to make any statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any action is to be taken or whether it is contemplated to take action against any trade union leaders, arising out of the recent general strike?

Obviously, notice should be given of that question.

IS there any likelihood of another general strike, after the experience of the last one?

Obviously, notice must be given of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number and rank of the naval ratings employed at the Borough of Southwark generating station during the period of the general strike; the approximate cost of such service; and whether any proportion of such cost will be met from municipal funds?

The reply to the first part of the question is, seven leading stokers and one stoker 1st Class, and to the second part, £50, which will be claimed from the borough.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the date when the services of these men terminated?

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether these men were half the number of men ordinarily employed?

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to an order of the coal emergency officer of the Edmonton Urban District Council under whose orders restrictions were placed upon the activities of local coal merchants during the general strike with the object of supporting the strike and preventing private enterprise from functioning legitimately; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My attention has been drawn to this, and I am in consultation with the Secretary for Mines.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether children of school age, for whom no school accommodation is available, are treated as children attending school for the purposes of the Feeding of Necessitous School Children Act,1908?

My right hon. Friend assumes that the provisions to which the hon. Member refers are those now contained in Sections 82 to 85 of the Education Act, 1921. He is advised that these Sections enable a local education authority to defray the cost of food out of the rates only in respect of children in attendance at an elementary school in their area, and only if they resolve that any of these children are unable by reason of lack of food to take full advantage of the education provided for them. The question of the children for whom meals can be provided under these Sections is primarily-one for the authority concerned.

Am I to understand from the Noble Lady's answer that, in one definite district to which I can refer, where there are 527 children of school age, all miners' children, because no accommodation has been provided for them by the education authority, they cannot, now that distress intervenes, benefit as the result of the Education Act referred to?

I am afraid that that is the interpretation of the Act.

Will the Noble Lady indicate then where some sense of equality can be enjoyed in regard to these particular children, or are we to understand that, during a continued period of distress, their parents are to be deprived of any advantages, but yet must contribute towards any benefits received by children belonging to other parents?

I do not think the question whether the parents of these children are liable for rates arises.

It is a different question.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many sets of plans for the proposed new secondary school at Wath-upon-Dearne have been sent to his Department by the West Biding (Yorks) Education Committee; whether any plan has yet been approved; and, if not, will he state the reasons for delay?

Preliminary plans were received in my Department last December, and were returned to the authority with suggestions and criticisms the following month. The revised sketch plans were submitted on the 18th May, and are now under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health the amount of rentals being charged in respect of subsidy houses built by the London County Council on their various housing estates, together with the type of accommodation for each of the separate rentals?

As regards houses built under the present subsidy schemes, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to his question of the 22nd April last. The rents of houses built by the council under the 1919 scheme range from 9s. to 16s., exclusive of rates, in the case of non-parlour types, and from 11s. 6d. to 18s. 6d. in the case of parlour types.

asked the Minister of Health if he can now state the number of houses completed during the 12 months ended 31st March by municipal authorities, by private enterprise with subsidy, and by private enterprise without subsidy, respectively?

106,987 houses were completed during the period in question in connection with State-assisted schemes—44,218 by local authorities and 62,769 by private enterprise. I regret that statistics are not yet complete showing the number of houses erected by private enterprise, without assistance, during the year ended 31st March last.

When might I ask a further question in regard to the latter part?

The returns in question have been somewhat delayed owing to the strike, but I expect I shall be in possession of them in the course of the next few days.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the shortage of cottages in rural and semi-rural areas at rents which the agricultural labourer can afford to pay; how many cottages have been built under the 1923 and 1924 Housing Acts which are let at 5s. or less; and whether he proposes to bring in any further legislation this year to help this matter?

I am aware that there is still a shortage of housing accommodation in agricultural districts. Statistics are not available showing the number of houses erected under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924 which are let at rentals of 5s. or less, but under the special financial provisions of the 1924 Act 6,064 houses have been authorised for erection in agricultural parishes to be let at the appropriate normal rentals contemplated by the Act. I am not yet in a position to make a statement with regard to the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, but I hope it will be possible to introduce a Rural Housing Bill this Session.

Is not the number 6,600 very small as compared with the great demand, and does the right hon. Gentleman intend doing anything to speed up the building of houses for these rural workers?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these houses in rural districts are of no use to the labouring class because of the cost? Could not some further provision be made to enable the people for whom the houses are intended to get them?

With regard to the first question, whether this is a small amount in proportion to the total demand is, perhaps, a matter of opinion. It is rather larger than I should have expected, but the answer I have given shows that I am not satisfied that everything is being done which might be done, and I hope to do something more. With regard to the last question, really the same answer applies. I am aware that some of the houses built in agricultural districts have not been occupied by agricultural labourers, and in the proposals I am considering I hope to be able to do something more for that class.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Ministry has any considered policy with respect to the opening and closing of casual wards; and if the distances between them are regulated in the interest of travelling working men forced to use them in endeavours to find work?

My Department would not concur in the closing of any casual ward if the result would be to cause hardship or unduly long journeys to vagrants, and would have special regard to the needs of persons travelling in search of work. Where it seems desirable, boards of guardians are required to re-open casual wards which have been closed or to build new wards.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the proposals now before the Gloucester and Bristol Committees with regard to the closing of wards?

If the hon. Member will send me any particulars he wishes to bring to my attention, I shall be glad to look into them.

I shall be pleased to do that. It is men who are out of work who are using these places.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain boards of guardians, in issuing vouchers for the supply of goods, make it a condition that such goods shall be obtained at the co-operative stores; that members of these boards in many cases occupy positions in connection with the cooperative stores; and if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the matter with a view, if necessary, to the issue of such instructions as will put a stop to this practice?

I am aware of instances of the kind mentioned in the first part of the question, and, while the action appears to be within the discretion of the guardians, I think it undesirable that preference of this kind should be given. As regards the last two parts of the question, if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me par- ticulars, I will give the matter further consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the far greater number of instances where boards of guardians refuse to allow vouchers to be honoured if they were given to co-operative societies, and if he is going to take action, will that action be impartial?

Yes, perfectly.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair that an attitude of this sort should be adopted by boards of guardians, which is handicapping the ordinary shopkeeper, who has to pay Income Tax on the profits he earns.

This is not the time for argument.

asked the Minister of Health why he has intimated to the Newcastle Board of Guardians that any further loans required by them and sanctioned by him will be contingent on their acceptance of the suggestions contained in Ministry of Health Circular 703, which places the maximum amount of relief at 35s. per week; whether he is aware that this circular states that the instructions concern the general stoppage of industry, which no longer exists; and whether he proposes to give the House an opportunity of discussing the effects of such provisions on the health of the Poor Law relief recipients, and particularly the children?

It has already been necessary to sanction the raising by this board of guardians of temporary loans to the amount of £200,000, and, in view of their financial position, it is essential that every practicable economy should be adopted. The reduced scales of relief now in force are still higher than has been found necessary in a number of other unions. The basis of Circular 703, which is incorrectly described by the hon. Member, was that guardians should make adequate arrangements for carrying out their statutory duty of relieving destitution while taking all possible steps to conserve their financial resources in view of the demands that might be made upon them. The principles of the circular will continue to be applicable during the coal dispute, which must result in increasing demands upon the guardians. The question of discussion in this House is one for arrangement through the usual channels.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Newcastle Board are applying the provisions of Circular 703 to cases on the books before the strike commenced? Is this his intention, and, if not, will he intimate his intention to the Newcastle Board of Guardians?

That is not exactly the question on the Paper. The Circular in question has reference to cases arising out of the strike. Of course, I think it must be recognised that if the coal dispute goes on for a long time it may be necessary for guardians to consider the whole position.

Were instructions of a similar character sent to the West Ham Board of Guardians, and how does the right hon. Gentleman connect that board of guardians with the coal strike?

The Circular in question was sent to all boards of guardians.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that several local authorities, including boards of guardians and municipal authorities, have been taking steps to compel their employés to join a trades union or otherwise terminate their employment; and whether he is taking any steps to prevent this victimisation?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Westbury.

Is it possible to do anything in the case of the Tottenham District Council and the Greenwich and Deptford Boards of Guardians, who are already victimising their employés by dismissing them if they have not joined a union?

I think that is a question we had yesterday.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to state what are the terms of the lease of the Kelham Beet-Sugar Factory; and whether there is any provision in the lease by which the lessees have to repay to the Stats out of profits made by them, through the Government subsidy and Excise preference on sugar and molasses, the losses caused by the depreciation of the State investment in Home Grown Sugar, Limited?

Under the working arrangement between Home Grown Sugar, Limited, and the English Beet Sugar Corporation, Limited, the corporation operates the Kelham factory in consultation with the board of the company, provides all working capital, takes full responsibility for losses, and receives a share of any trading profits made. All such trading profits less the proportion due to the corporation are applied by the company to the payment of interest on the company's mortgages, a dividend to the public shareholders (guaranteed by the Government), and to the redemption of the company's mortgages. During the period of this working arrangement profits have been made at the factory, the dividend on the public share has been paid without recourse to the Government guarantee and mortgages have been reduced by £60,000 out of revenue.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which has been proved to have been caused by imported pig flesh from Holland or Belgium, will he state what steps have been taken to disinfect such ships bringing this cargo; and whether measures have been taken to stop infected meat being brought into this country?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can state the extent of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland; and whether he is taking any steps to reduce the risk of infection from foreign sources?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has been traced to infection arising from the carcases of imported pigs?

Thirteen outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have recently been confirmed in South-west Scotland and Cumberland which have occurred in or are attributed to imported carcases of pigs. Steps have been taken for dis-infection of persons who have handled these carcases, of the bacon factories and railway and other vehicles which have been in contact with them, and, where practicable, of the ships in which they have been conveyed. After full consideration of all aspects of the question, the Government authorised the issue of an Order yesterday, which will take effect from midnight to-night, prohibiting the landing in Great Britain of a carcase or part of a carcase of any cattle, sheep, pigs or goats, including hides, skins, offals and other parts thereof, which has been brought from any country on the Continent of Europe, except fully cured bacon and ham, lard or rendered fat, cooked or preserved meat or meat essences, and hides and skins which have been dried, dry salted or wet salted. I would add that carcases may be highly infective although no definite lesions exist. Inspection of carcases, therefore, either before shipment or on arrival, would not afford protection against the risk of introducing the disease into this country.

Will the Regulations be kept on until the Continent is free from this scourge?

They will certainly be kept on until they can be relaxed without danger to the British farmer.

Has the Dutch inspector who disputed the evidence as to infection yet formed an opinion and confirmed the evidence?

I think the Dutch inspector in the statement in the Press was referring to the Carluke outbreak. Since then there has been another ship- ment unloaded at Newcastle-on-Tyne which was traced to an abattoir at Rotterdam.

Are the right hon. Gentleman's technical advisers satisfied beyond any shadow of doubt that the infection was due to these carcases?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give notice to the public that cured bacon arriving here from Holland which has not been prohibited may be bacon which has suffered from foot-and-mouth disease?

I do not think we have any evidence on that subject whatever. It will depend on the inspection of the bacon factories.

As I understand it, there is no prohibition against bacon coming here cured. Ought not the public to be allowed to know that bacon coming here cured may be from carcases so infected that if it arrived here fresh they would have been condemned, and therefore, arriving here cured, they may still be cured bacon from infected sources?

That is a matter for another question.

Do I understand that this is from all countries of Europe, and will any legislation be required for this very far-reaching order?

No, we have full powers under the Diseases of Animals Acts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Dutch bacon which is being referred to is being sold in Scotland as Ayrshire bacon?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether evidence in the possession of his Department justifies the suspicion that foot-and-mouth disease has been brought into this country not alone by fresh meat imports from the Continent now prohibited, but also by vegetable products such as hay and straw, and whether the Government proposes to make the new Imports Order more effective by includ- ing these vegetable products in the prohibition?

The use of hay and straw imported from the Continent as fodder or litter for animals is already prohibited, and when used as packing material it must be kept from contact with animals and destroyed when no longer required for packing. There is no definite evidence of other vegetable products having caused outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in this country, and I do not therefore propose to prohibit the importation of any such products.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this prohibition is proving effective?

It is impossible to judge. We cannot tell how many of these outbreaks have been due to the importation of meat, but I think it is obvious that there is much greater danger in the direct infectivity of a diseased carcase than from the purely secondary infectivity of vegetable matter which can only be a mechanical carrier.

Is it the habit of the right hon. Gentleman's Department after excluding any article of staple necessity to watch the price at which it is sold in England?

We have not been excluding any article of staple necessity. The imports of meat from the Continent are only a very small fraction of our total imports and there are many alternative sources of supply.

Is not meat a staple necessity?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the importation of cherries into this country from France has begun; and, in view of the risk of infection amongst fruit plantations in this country, what immediate steps he will take to prevent the importation from France of cherries infected with the cherry fruit fly?

I am aware that the importation of French cherries has begun and samples of these and of imports from other countries are being regularly obtained and examined by the scientific staff of my Department. In the event of the discovery of any serious infestation, I propose to issue an Order under the Destructive Insects and Pests Acts prohibiting the entry of cherries from the country concerned excepting such con signments as can be furnished with an official certificate that the fruit was grown in a district where the cherry fruit fly is not known to exist.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman will make an Order immediately if the cherry fruit fly is discovered in imported cherries?

As soon as we get evidence of sufficient gravity to justify an Order, we shall issue one.

Would it not be possible for samples to be taken for inspection at the port of embarkation, and the result telegraphed to this country, in order to prevent any bulk distribution in this country?

We have considered the best way of watching this matter, and I think the easiest way to administer it is the way we have decided upon. My advisers are not very greatly alarmed at the danger of affecting our home-grown supplies if they keep the watch which they propose. This danger has gone on for some years, and the cherry fruit fly has not obtained a hold in this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number and total acreage of small holdings owned or controlled by county council or other public authorities in England and Wales?

According to the latest available information, the total area of land acquired, by purchase or on lease, and still retained, by county councils and the councils of county boroughs in England and Wales for small holdings purposes is approximately 440,000 acres, which is let to 29,300 smallholders. These figures do not include an area of over 4,000 acres sold to about 440 smallholders. The area of land acquired and still retained by the Ministry itself for small holdings purposes is 10,412 acres, on which 434 men are settled.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how these figures compare with the latest pre-war figures? Are they more or less?

They are very much more.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what measures have been taken to secure that the business of the House of Commons shall not again be hampered, as it was during the recent strike, by the nonprinting of the OFFICIAL REPORT by the employés of the Stationery Office; and what disciplinary measures have been taken against these persons who thus broke contracts, and incommoded the House?

My right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has asked me to answer this question on his behalf. I need hardly say that the Government will take all possible steps to avoid any interruption of the printing services required by this House. With regard to the question of the treatment of Government employés who joined in the strike, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which the right hon. Friend made on the 20th May. I would merely add that the most serious effect of the general strike in regard to the printing for this House, namely, the cessation of the printing of the daily Votes and Proceedings, was due to the loss of labour by outside contractors, and that this situation was met by the provision of copies by duplicating methods by the Stationery Office.

Is it tolerable that any body of people, whether employed by contractors or directly, should attempt to impede the work of the House of Commons, and have any measures been taken to ensure that this shall not occur again?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, when there was no Order Paper available in this part of the House, every single Member of the Labour Front Bench secured a copy of a non-union printed sheet?

In regard to the latter part of the question, if my hon. Friend will glance at columns 522 and 523 of the OFFICIAL REPORT of 20th May, he will find a much fuller reply than I can give him, because it deals with the subject he has referred to in full detail. In regard to the other matter, I think the House of Commons itself has already expressed its opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the possibility of making arrangements to enable the wives of officers of the Air Force stationed at Mosul to join their husbands?

Under present Regulations Royal Air Force officers posted to Iraq are not allowed to take their wives and families with them in view of the comparatively short tour of duty and the conditions of life in that country. It is not proposed to make any special relaxation of this rule in regard to Mosul.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these officers have been out there for long periods, many for months and even years, and that there appears to be no reason in the condition of the country why their wives should not join them?

I went fully into the question when I was there last year, and while I have great sympathy with the officers in their desire to have their wives with them, the hon. and gallant Member should take into account, first of all, the fact that the term of service is a very short one, namely, two years; secondly, that there is a shortage of housing accommodation: and thirdly, that we are in process of reducing the garrison, and that if agreement is reached with Turkey there will be further substantial reductions in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give the House any information with regard to the Cairo-Cape-Cairo flight by the Royal Air Force; whether the flight has been a complete success; and what has been the number of miles flown?

The flight from Cairo to the Cape and back was completed on the 27th May, when the four aircraft returned to Heliopolis one day in advance of the programme. A full report has, of course, not yet been received, but I am able to say that the flight was a complete success and that the four aircraft accomplished the journey of approximately 10,500 miles without any change of engines.

In due course, will an official account of this very interesting flight be available?

Certainly. I am waiting until the flight is completed. I am hoping that the machines will arrive in the course of the next few weeks.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men have been through the various residential training centres; how many have since emigrated to the Dominions: and how many were found unsuitable?

99 men have passed through a course of agricultural training at Claydon; of these, 43 have been placed on farms in Ontario, a further 43 embarked for Australia during May, and eight will leave for that country on 5th June. Two men withdrew after final acceptance by the Dominion Authorities, and three were rejected, on final medical examination, as unsuitable. No men have yet completed a course at the Brandon centre, which was opened on 24th February.

In view of the success of these training centres which is admitted on all sides, is it the intention of the Ministry to increase the number of these centres, and have they given consideration to the advisability of establishing further training centres for the training of men for settlement on the land in this country?

That question does not arise, and the hon. Member is only taking up the time if other hon. Members.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the full details of the unemployment figures on 26th April last?

The details usually published of the number of persons recorded on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain on 26th April, 1926, involve a number of figures of which I will, with my Noble Friend's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am not sure whether there are any other details which he has in mind in his question. The main point worth noting in regard to them is that the total figure on 26th April (981,877) was lower than any comparable total since 1920.

Following is the statement:

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will expedite the publication of the Report of the Committee on the Administration of the Companies Acts?

The Report hag been presented to Parliament, and will be published to-morrow.

asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a committee of economic experts to inquire and report upon a national living wage in all industries; the effect of monetary policy on industrial unrest and trade depression; the problem of over capitalisation of industry; and the effect of local and national taxation on the productive industries of the country?

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by appointing a Committee such as the hon. Member suggests. Most of the questions referred to have been, or are being, considered by special Committees, such as the Balfour Committee and the Colwyn Committee, whose reports should be available before long, and a further roving inquiry by economic experts is more likely to engender controversy than produce practical results.

On a point of Order. Is it not the usual practice that the Prime Minister's questions are answered in his absence by the Home Secretary or a principal Secretary of State? I should like your guidance on this matter, Mr. Speaker.

Not at all. The Prime Minister may ask whom he pleases.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Report of the Colwyn Committee is likely to be presented?

No, Sir, I cannot.

asked the Postmaster-General the date and exact terms of any order restricting membership of registered clubs amongst the Post Office staff and employés?

There is no order in force restricting membership of registered clubs amongst Post Office staff. There is a rule prohibiting Post Office servants from participating in the ownership or management of such clubs unless special permission is given, which has been in force since 1910 and of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that the Committee which inquired into the Montgomery Gaol incident found that the gaoler, if he did not instigate the brutal assault on the visiting member of the Legislative Council, fabricated false evidence to explain away the assault, he will say if the gaoler still remains in Government service?

The reply is in the affirmative. But the gaoler referred to has been transferred to a small district gaol, and will not again be employed in any important gaol.

In view of the seriousness of this offence, and that the victim is a member of the Legislative Council, is it not desirable that the man found guilty of such an offence should be removed from the Service?

The question which I am under an obligation to answer is whether or not my Noble Friend is ready to interfere with the discretion of the local government in this matter. He is not. The local government must be the best judges, in the circumstances, of the action to be taken. The right hon. and gallant Member must not necessarily assume that the local government accept in full the report of the Committee; they accepted its main conclusions. My Noble Friend is not prepared to interfere with their discretion.

Is it not a fact that the Committee which inquired into this extraordinary case consisted of three Judges, one an Englishman, and that they were unanimous in pointing out that m this case the gaoler was guilty?

That is so, but the right hon. Gentleman must be well aware that no Government necessarily accepts the full Report of a Committee, or necessarily acts in the way suggested. The local government accepted the Report in its main conclusions, and acted accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a recent judgment in the Paris Court of Appeal, whereby a British firm which in 1919 sold goods to a customer in France, which were payable in sterling, is actually only to receive payment at the rate of 80 Francs to the £; and whether he will make representations to the French Government with a view to this and other such debts contracted by their nationals being paid in full?

My right hon. Friend is awaiting the actual text of the judgment to which the hon. Member refers, and on its receipt he will consider whether or not representations on the subject can be made to the French Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the House any particulars with regard to the recent Conference on passports and visas at Geneva; what conclusions were reached; whether the majority of the Conference were in favour of the elimination of the visa; whether any definite resolutions were carried; and whether any date was suggested for the purpose of attempting to bring such resolutions into force in the different countries affected?

The recommendations of the Passport Conference at Geneva, which are of a technical nature, have only just reached me, and it would be premature to make a statement concerning them. I would remind my hon. Friend of the reply given to his question in this House on the 19th May.

If I repeat my question in a fortnight's time, will the hon. Gentleman be able to give me more details?

Yes, I think I shall.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can see his way to simplify the passport system, or to abolish it altogther, owing to the trouble and delay caused to travellers, whether on business or pleasure, and the cost which is involved to the State by the maintenance of a staff, estimated at about 300, costing annually in salariesaloneabout£54,000?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to the hon. Member for Lanark on the 16th December last. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the existing arrangements for the issue of British passports have been simplified to the fullest possible extent. They were received with general approval at the Conference which recently met at Geneva to consider passport questions. The cost of the maintenance of the passport office is covered by its receipts.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that it is a perfect farce presenting passports between Dover and Calais? You are given a landing ticket, and it is only a waste of time on both sides.

All these questions have been considered at the recent Conference at Geneva, and I hope that very shortly the Report will be published.

Is it not fair to this country to say that we have given a lead throughout to all other countries in this matter?

Yes, Sir; I have always understood that our system of passports is the best in the world.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the danger of the total disappearance of the machinery for the collection of the Chinese Salt Tax due to the action of the militarist leaders; whether he is aware that this tax has hitherto furnished sums required for certain foreign loans; whether the foreign Powers affected have made any representations to China on the subject; and whether, under the circumstances, he will consider withdrawing from the tariff negotiations until China recognises her contracts in respect of the Salt Tax?

I think that my hon. Friend is unduly alarmed. Local seizures of the salt revenues, pledged for the service of certain foreign loans, have taken place from time to time, and have recently shown a tendency to increase. Such breaches of the Reorganisation Loan Agreement of 1913 are made the subject of protest by the Legations concerned, who keep a close watch on the situation, but so far nothing has occurred to give rise to any fear that the foreign loans secured on the salt revenue are in danger of default, or that the administration is about to disappear. There is, therefore, no reason to withdraw from the Tariff Conference on these grounds.

Will the hon. Gentleman inform me whether any change is contemplated in the appointment of the Salt Commissioner, and, if so, the reasons for it?

That question should be put on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that on 8th May the steam trawlers "Thomas Thresher" and "Abronia," of Grimsby, were fired upon by a Danish gunboat whilst fishing outside territorial waters off the coast of Iceland; and if he will request the Danish Government to furnish an explanation of the incident?

A report to this effect was brought to the notice of the Foreign Office yesterday and inquiries are being made.

I should like an answer to the second part of my question whether the Danish Government have been asked to furnish an explanation of the incident?

I cannot possibly do that until the report has been received and we know exactly what occurred.

Is it not the case that most of these trawlers have no right to be there? We are suffering from the same thing from these Hull and Grimsby trawlers in the North of Scotland.

May I ask, Sir, if you permit this kind of aspersion on a very gallant body of men?

The trawlers are clearly stated to have been outside the territorial limits.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any instructions have been sent to Lord Lloyd as to what attitude he should adopt in view of the recent Parliamentary elections in Egypt; and if so, what were those instructions?

Communications are still proceeding between the High Commissioner and His Majesty's Government. I am not in a position to make any statement at this moment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether it is a fact that a battleship has been ordered to leave Malta and proceed to Egypt?