asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the substance of the Report of the Inquiry Committee into the working of the Army Canteen Board of India; whether the Board makes any specific recommendations as to the future; what is the loss which has been sustained hitherto; whether any judicial proceedings and, if so, what have been taken against any individuals in connection with the disclosures made; and whether, in addition, there has been any disciplinary action taken against any persons connected with the Fund?

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Report mentioned in the reply which I have given to the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Scurr) and in which I also made a statement as to the which has been sustained. I am not aware of any judicial proceedings or disciplinary action in connection with the Report. Such action would be for the consideration primarily of the Board.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the amount of the Government's guarantee in connection with the Army Canteen Board of India; what is the present amount of the holdings of creditors against the Board; and whether these are in any way legally guaranteed in respect of such indebtedness?

The limit of the guarantee is Rs. 45 lakhs, but I am not sure that the full amount has yet been utilised. A condition of the most recent increase of the guarantee was that the Board's commitments should be brought to within two months' credit from supplies. Under this condition there should be no unduly outstanding liabilities except possibly in connection with a few small contested amounts. Creditors other than the Imperial Bank have no guarantee from Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) what steps the Government of India or the Indian Army Canteen Board propose to take to recover the loss proved to have been sustained by the Indian Army Canteen Board owing to the in-competency of its staff;

(2) what action the Government of India propose to take on the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Indian Army Canteen Board?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will answer these questions together. The Report indicates that the losses sustained are due to a variety of causes. The Government of India are now engaged in considering both the present position and future arrangements for canteen management in the light of the Report and with the assistance of a representative of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes?

Does the Noble Lord contemplate taking any measures to recover the loss?

It is a trading loss, and I do not know what the hon. Member means when he asks that question. This Board was appointed after the war, as it was considered desirable that there should be in India a system similar or analogous in many respects to that in this country, rather than the old contractor system. In practice, the working of the Board, as at present managed and arranged, has not proved satisfactory. There has been a large trading loss. If it is subsequently discovered, as I have no reason to suppose it will be, that the loss is due to anything improper or illegal, steps can be taken to recover the loss, but it is just a trading loss which might have been made by any other business.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Indian Government have yet expressed an opinion upon the provisional scheme for the institution of a family pension fund for the European members of the superior Services in India which has been sent them by the Secretary of State; and whether some information can be now afforded the House as to the nature of the scheme?

The views of the Government of India have not yet been received, and for the present, therefore, I am unable to give any information about the scheme.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State has yet communicated to the Indian Government his decision on the Indian Government's first two lists of recommendations for the extension of the Lee Concessions to specialist and provincial officers; and whether he can supply, for the information of the House, a list of the officers whose names appear in those lists?

Orders on the recommendations referred to issued by the mails of 22nd and 29th April. Certain recommendations have still to be received and considered by my Noble Friend. The Government of India telegraph that they hope to despatch these by the mails of 17th and 24th June. They will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible, but my Noble Friend would prefer to postpone publication of the names of beneficiaries until a decision has been taken on them and communicated to the Government of India, and a comprehensive list can be given.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of migrants who were given assisted passages and who proceeded to Australia, Canada and New Zealand, respectively, during the first five months of 1925 and this year?

As the answer is in tabular form, I hope the hon. Member will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I might add that the figures show a substantial increase.

Following is the answer:

The following are the numbers of persons who received assisted passages under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, and who sailed for Australia, Canada and New Zealand, respectively, during the first five months of 1925 and this year:

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it has been reported to his Department that among the 2,000 families setted in Western Australia under Sir James Mitchell's group settlement scheme miners are often found to show all the persistence and adaptability needed to ensure sucessful land settlement overseas; and whether, in these circumstances, special encouragement will be provided for miners who wish to emigrate and who are now surplus to the needs of their industry here?

Yes, Sir. I have no reason to doubt that miners would make excellent settlers upon the land overseas; and the suggestion contained in the last part of my hon. Friend's question is not being overlooked.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that over 90 per cent. of the British boys between 14 and 17 years of age who have been taken to Canada by the British Immigration and Colonisation Association have proved to be satisfactory farm settlers; and if steps are being taken to provide what the Association finds to be needed, namely, a special farm in Canada on which the boys can be placed on arrival; awaiting their distribution?

The activities of the British Immigration and Colonisation Association in connection with boy migration appear to have begun in 1924. It is, therefore, too early to estimate what percentage of the boys who have been taken out by the association have proved satisfactory farm settlers. I am aware that the association desires to provide a special distributing farm in Canada, but the Oversea Settlement Committee are not prepared to recommend any assistance towards the purchase of such a farm, though, should the association definitely prove its usefulness, they would be willing to make a contribution towards its expenditure on the basis of existing arrangements with other similar organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the principal and staff have now been appointed for the Amani Institute?

No, Sir; but the conditions of the directorship have been made known throughout the Empire, and applications are now being received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a new constitution Has been or is being drafted in Kenya providing for the establishment of a permanent non-official majority in the Legislative Council of the colony?

I am not aware that any new constitution has been or is being drafted in Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is proposed to remove the Samburu tribe in Kenya from the lands now occupied by them?

Early last year the late Governor made a proposal that certain Samburu tribesmen should be required to evacuate a piece of country in Northern Laikipia which they have been permitted to use for grazing purposes. The Governor represented that the area concerned had never properly been Samburu country but had been intended for European settlement after its evacuation by the Masai under the 1911 agreement; that it was only capable of proper economic development as a sheep rather than cattle country under European farmers; and that adequate provision for the Samburu could be made without their encroaching on this land. I considered that the matter needed fuller inquiry, and I requested Sir Edward Grigg to give it his attention on his arrival in Kenya. I am still awaiting his report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the deletion from the Akamba Reserve in Kenya of the triangular portion of the Yatta plateau contains the area from which the Akamba with their cattle were recently removed, and to which they were subsequently allowed to return on payment of a grazing fee per beast?

I have not yet received particulars of the agreed boundaries of the Akamba Reserve. The Yatta Plains do not form any part of a native reserve, but the Governor of Kenya has had under consideration the question of the use of a portion of the plains by the Akamba, and I am still awaiting his recommendations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to receive this Report?

I hope very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Crown Agents for the Colonies have, within recent months, placed any orders for railway material required by Colonial Governments with German firms.

The reply is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement with regard to the boycott of British trade in the Canton district of China; and what steps are being taken to improve the position?

I am not at present in a position to say more than that the anti-British boycott in Kwangtung Province is still maintained. The Hong Kong Government has neglected no opportunity in its endeavours to restore normal relations, but has been severely handicapped by continual changes in the political situation at Canton which remains obscure.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question—has anything been done to remove this unfortunate state of affairs?

I shall be glad to do what I can and take every measure I can in that direction

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state whether the Tariff Conference in Peking has been abandoned or is still in session?

The Tariff Conference is neither in session nor has it been abandoned. Owing to disturbances in China which prevent the formation of a Government with which the Powers can negotiate, the Tariff Conference is, for the present, in abeyance, but it is hoped to resume negotiations as soon as a Government emerges and the Chinese delegation is reconstituted.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Great Britain has been committed by any decision of the Tariff Conference in Peking, either as regards the granting of customs autonomy to China in 1929, or in any other respect; and whether the agreement by China to abolish leking in 1929 is dependent on customs autonomy being first granted, or whether the grant of tariff autonomy is dependent on leking being first abolished?

On the 19th November last the Tariff Conference adopted a resolution, the terms of which were given to the House on the 16th December last in answer to a question by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Brightside (Mr. Ponsonby). By accepting this resolution His Majesty's Government are committed to agree to the insertion in the Treaty which the Conference is endeavouring to frame of an Article granting China tariff autonomy on the 1st January, 1929. Up to the present, owing to political disturbances in China, little progress has been made with the drafting of this Treaty. His Majesty's Government are not committed in any other respect.

The agreement of the Powers to grant tariff autonomy on the 1st January, 1929, and the undertaking of the Chinese Government to abolish likin by that date are not, as the Article now stands, expressly inter-dependent, and their relation, which is certainly intimate, cannot be more clearly defined in the absence of the other relevant Articles of the Treaty of which the above-mentioned Article is to form part. His Majesty's Government, for their part, before completing the negotiations leading up to the actual grant of tariff autonomy would undoubtedly expect China on her side at least to initiate measures holding out a fair hope of the ultimate abolition of likin.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any new arrangements are under consideration with regard to British diplomatic representation in Peking?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any particulars with regard to the recent visit of the Under-Secretary of State (Mr. Ormsby-Gore) to West Africa; which were the Colonies visited; and when it is expected that a Report of this tour will be available.

The Under-Secretary left England on the 20th January, visited the four West African Colonies, spending six weeks in Nigeria, three weeks in the Gold Coast and Togoland, 10 days in Sierra Leone and three days in the Gambia, and returning to England on the 8th May. He is now engaged on preparing a full report which will be printed and published as soon as it is completed.

Will this Report be an official document, or will it contain many interesting personal details?

I hope the two things are not incompatible.

Will the Report be circulated only in England?

Obviously it will be sent to the Governors of the Colonies.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any suggestions are being considered for improving the method of examination of emigrants on board ship?

I have been asked to reply. I am not aware of any complaint regarding the present method of examination of emigrants on board ship, but if the hon. Member has any suggestions to make, I will see that they are considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's steamer "Tainui," which sailed for New Zealand on the 8th January, 1926, with 428 third-class passengers, is not adapted or suitable for use as an emigrant ship, that the tem- porary four- and six-berth cabins were not adequately ventilated, that the bathing and washing arrangements for both men and women were inadequate, and that no water was available in the cabins four days after leaving England; and, in view of these discomforts and the danger to health experienced by these emigrants, will he, in conjunction with the New Zealand authorities, cause full inquiry to be held in this regard?

I have been asked to reply. The "Tainui" was built under passenger certificate survey in 1908, and has since, with the exception of the war period, been engaged in carrying emigrants to New Zealand. Before leaving this country on her last outward voyage, she was surveyed by the Board of Trade surveyors, when the ventilation, bathing and washing arrangements were found to be in excess of the requirements of the Regulations. The ship has been again inspected by the Board's surveyors, and they report that the officers and stewards of the ship state that they received no complaint of lack of water in the cabins. The stewards add that the supply tanks were filled regularly each morning from a fresh water tap fitted in each section of the passenger accommodation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there have been constant complaints about this company's steamers?

I can only repeat, that if complaints are made, they are not made to the responsible officers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a complaint was made and signed by 250 passengers of the "Waimana," and forwarded to the Board of Trade?

That does not arise out of this question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will obtain information as to whether, in the restoration of the devastated areas of France, the new sugar-beet factories are constructed to carry out all the sugar refining processes or only to handle beet products up to the stage of raw sugar production when the resultant article is passed on to the large-scale refineries?

I have made some inquiries on this subject, but the information that I have been able to obtain, in the short time available, is inconclusive. If the hon. Member will repeat his question in a week's time I will endeavour to give him the information that he requires.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now been able to make any material reduction in the staff of his Department; and whether he will give the estimated number of staff and total of their salaries for 1926, and the respective figures for 1924 and 1925?

I am afraid that there is no prospect of any material reduction being made in the staff of the Ministry in the immediate future. The estimated number of staff and total of their salaries for 1926 is 1,449 and £497,382 respectively. For 1925 it was 1,461 and £487,409; and for 1924, 1,367 and £449,612.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many farmers have been proceeded against during the 12 months ending 30th May, 1926, for offences under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924; in how many cases successfully; and in how many cases were arrears due for periods exceeding six months?

The first prosecution under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, was taken on the 10th July, 1925, and up to the 30th May, 1926, 62 employers had been proceeded against. In 47 cases convictions were obtained, 13 cases were dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act, and two cases were settled out of Court. Sixty of the total of 136 workers involved received arrears of wages in respect of periods exceeding six months.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, in which I ask in how many cases there were arrears for a period of over six months?

I have answered it. Sixty of them received arrears for periods of over six months.

Is that not an infinitely small proportion, seeing the enormous number of people employed?

In view of the fact that 60 of these cases were cases of arrears being due for a period of over six months, does that not imply that a larger number of inspectors is needed?

I do not think so. Sometimes it is difficult to know in which class a particular employé comes, and a great many infringements took place without any intention.

How much money was involved in these arrears which were held by the employers?

I require notice of that question.

further asked how many inspectors are employed by the Department in connection with the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act, 1924; and how many of these inspectors can speak the Welsh language?

Eleven inspectors are so employed, of whom two can speak the Welsh language.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any further information regarding the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Carlisle area?

Foot-and-mouth disease was first discovered on the 26th of May at a bacon factory in Carlisle in 24 feet taken from 86 pig carcases of mixed Belgian and Dutch origin, imported from Rotterdam on the steamship "Lanrick." On the 31st of May healed lesions of foot-and-mouth disease were found in all four feet of eight foreign carcases, of which one at least was of Dutch origin imported from Rotterdam on the steamship "Bernicia." The factory, its staff and all connected therewith, have been thoroughly disinfected, and there has been no spread of the disease to live animals in the district.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Health if he will state the result of his, inquiries into the circumstances in which pig carcases ex steamship "Lanrick" and steamship "Bernica," which were certified at inland bacon factories to be virulently infected with foot-and-mouth disease, were allowed to be landed at Leith and Newcastle respectively; whether he is satisfied that earlier outbreaks of the disease were not due to lax inspection at the ports; and seeing the rampancy of the disease in Europe, what steps he is taking to ensure that imports of animal products which are still permitted under the new Order are brought under expert and effective port inspection?

My right hon. Friend is making inquiries as to the circumstances in which the infected carcases were landed at Newcastle and will communicate further with my hon. Friend. As regards the consignment at Leith, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Secretary for Scotland. My right hon. Friend does not think that any laxity has been shown to exist in the inspection which is made by the sanitary authorities at the ports, but he is advised that inspection at the port would not reveal the presence of the disease in its earlier stages in a dressed carcase. As regards the last part of the Question, I am assured by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture that the risk of infection being conveyed in meat or meat products other that meat which is prohibited by the recent Order is negligible.

If I put a question down for this day week, will the hon. Gentleman be able to give me further information?

Yes, I will endeavour to do that.

While what the Parliamentary Secretary has said may be true, has he anything to say about this diseased meat being used for human consumption?

I do not think the hon. Gentleman quite caught my reply. What I said was there was a general inspection at the port, but my right hon. Friend is advised that inspection at the port would not reveal the presence of the disease in its earlier stages in a dressed carcase.

Yes, but the disease is there, incipient and potential, before it reaches the consumer, and what protection in the hon. Gentleman giving the public against that?

Does not all this prove once more that it is desirable to buy British pigs as well as British goods?

Upon that point, will the Government take steps to see that the land used for deer is used for the rearing of animals?

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the fact that Dutch pork is being imported from Holland into England, and being sold in Scotland as Ayrshire bacon?

My hon. Friend ought to know that an Order has been made prohibiting this importation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the advantage to agriculturists arising from the agricultural parcels post system in operation in South Africa, he will take steps to investigate the matter, with a view to gaining similar facilities for agriculturists, especially for smallholders, in this country?

I have been asked to reply. It is the case that in South Africa certain classes of agricultural and horticultural produce are conveyed through the post at reduced rates. The possibility of adopting a similar scheme in this country was carefully considered in connection with the introduction of the C.O.D. system. The conclusion was reached that, in principle, it would be an infraction of the deci- sion of the Government against permanent subventions to particular industries, for it has to be remembered that even at existing rates the parcel post is unremunerative; in practice also the discrimination between agricultural and non-agricultural produce would present administrative difficulties which were regarded as almost insuperable in this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that about 100 men employed by contractors under the maintenance section of the Office of Works have not been allowed to resume their work since the termination of the strike; if he will state the reason for officials of the Office of Works preventing the return of these men when the contractors, who are the direct employers, authorised the return of all men on the pay roll; and whether instructions will be given that no victimisation is to be practised upon men, many of whom have been in service under the Office of Works for periods ranging from six to 46 years?

The First Commissioner is informed that, of the 1,390 men employed by the London maintenance contractors before the strike approximately, 100 have not been re-engaged. No action has been taken by the officials of the Department to prevent the re-employment of the men by the contractors, who have been free to re-employ as many men as could be given work, and no question of victimisation arises.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that all the railway companies dismissed their voluntary helpers to a man on Saturday, 22nd May, and that furthermore they have sent out orders that the employment of volunteers will, from now on, only be considered after the whole of the regular employés have been re-instated; and whether, in view of his pledge to the effect that no volunteer who helped his country in her hour of need and who were efficient for their jobs should suffer, he will make representations to the railway authorities to the effect that these men ought to be retained?

I have been asked to reply. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated to the House on 13th May, the question of the claims of volunteers and men who came out on strike would obviously raise considerable difficulties, and he indicated that, in his view, it was one for employers to settle in consultation with the trade unions concerned. In the negotiations between the railway companies and the trade unions on the subject of re-instatement the question of volunteers was doubtless considered, and I am not in a position to interfere with the settlements reached.

Will not the Prime Minister make representations to the railway companies that they should carry out what was really a promise by the Prime Minister, that volunteers should not suffer? I know that some have suffered, and I can give names to the Prime Minister.

Is it not true that the railway companies and the railway trade unions, when their representatives met to make this agreement, both agreed to wipe out any circumstances in connection with the strike and to endeavour to give effect to the Prime Minister's request—which they have done?

I have already said, with reference to the question put by the right hon. Gentleman, that these matters were considered in the negotiations which took place between the railway companies and the trade unions. As regards the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member for Westbury (Captain Shaw), if he will given any instances to me which are contrary to any of the pledges given by the Prime Minister I will see that they are carefully gone into, and I will acquaint the Prime Minister with the result of the inquiry. So far as I have been able to ascertain by looking at these pledges carefully and considering them, with what information we have on the subject, I do not think there is any indication at present of any cases which are in contravention of the pledges.

Have volunteers been dismissed?

I shall be glad to give the right hon. Gentleman the names of some who were at work and were dismissed on 22nd May, which is contrary to what was said by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Derby (Mr. Thomas).

Since a request has been made that the Minister should receive the names of any of the volunteer section who were—according to the information of the hon. and gallant Member for Westbury (Captain Shaw)— dismissed, is the Minister also prepared to state the names of any of those who were victimised because of the dispute, in spite of the pledge given by the Prime Minister?

Before the right hon. Gentleman does anything, would it not be better that the railway companies, who at least know their own business and are capable of doing it, should be left to deal with this matter rather than that it should be raised in this way?

I must press for an answer to my question. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

He was one of the volunteers, and he was an undesirable.

On a matter of this kind I think it is better that further questions should be put on the Paper.

asked the Attorney-General if the Lord Chancellor will inquire into the position of those Justices of the Peace who, during the late general strike, broke their contracts by striking without notice to their employers, aided and abetted others in doing likewise, or brought pressure to bear on those who refused to come out on strike, with a view to appropriate action being taken?

The Lord Chancellor is making full inquiry into all cases of the character described in the question which have been brought to his notice; but in cases in which nothing is alleged against the Justice of the Peace except that he broke his contract by taking part in the general strike, the Lord Chancellor does not propose to take any action.

Will the Lord Chancellor take into consideration the names, if I send them to him, in confirmation of what I state here?

As my answer indicates, the Lord Chancellor will look into any cases which are brought to his notice.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider whether in future, if no action is taken against these Justices, they will not be allowed to sit when cases of breach of contract are being tried?

Actions for breach of contract do not generally come before magistrates.

Is it the intention of those who put these questions that no working man should be made a Justice of the Peace at all?

asked the Home Secretary what steps his Department takes under Section 4 of the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875, and Section 31 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1919, for breach of contract against persons employed in the public supply of gas, water, or electricity; and how the posting up of a notice of these Sections in the works as required by law is ensured?

The matter does not fall within the scope of my right hon. Friend's Department. It is open to any person who is aggrieved to take action if an offence is committed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Alexander Auld, lead miner, of Glenridding, was sentenced to three months' hard labour for advising workers not to enlist as special constables; that the man had no previous convictions; and whether, under the circumstances, he can see his way clear to remit the remaining portion of the sentence although the man pleaded guilty of infringing the Emergency Regulations?

My right hon. Friend is afraid, after careful consideration, that he cannot recommend any interference with the sentence in this case.

Are we to take it that a man who advises other men not to take a certain part in a dispute is liable to be sentenced to three months' imprisonment or to any period that the Justices think fit? Is the right of strikers to picket and advise other men peacefully to strike gone in this country?

( for Mr. GERALD HURST) asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Union of Post Office Workers demanded from the Post Office, during the late general strike, a pledge not to employ its servants in the work of loading mails on railways, and issued a paper called the "Post" in favour of revolutionary doctrines; and whether this association of civil servants will continue to be recognised by His Majesty's Government when matters affecting Post Office servants are under negotiation?

The Union of Post Office Workers and other Post Office Staff Associations were informed on the eve of the general strike that Post Office servants would not be required as a condition of service to perform duties previously performed by railway or transport workers, but that this would not prevent the use of Post Office servants for any duty for which they might volunteer. I am glad to say large numbers did so volunteer. A similar assurance had been given on the occasion of previous strikes on the railways or in the transport industry. The unions were told that further developments might necessitate a reconsideration of the assurance. The "Post" is the title of the weekly journal issued by the Union of Post Office Workers, but I am not prepared to express an opinion on the nature of its contents. I am not in a position at the moment to make any statement in reply to the last part of the hon. Member's question.

Is it not a fact that the "Post," like other papers, was not able to be circulated during the strike?

That is a fact, because the period was covered by the strike.

Will the Noble Lord say whether it is not a fact that the members of the Post Office Workers' Union did not work loyally during this time?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not a fact that the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks have always been careful in adopting modern methods of striking?

That is anticipating the next question.

( for Mr. HURST) asked the Postmaster-General whether, having regard to the services rendered during the general strike by the officials and members of the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks, and to the constitutional character of their aims and objects, he will officially recognise this federation in dealing with the internal affairs of the Post Office?

I have already had pleasure in recording my appreciation of the valuable services rendered by all grades of the Post Office staff during the general strike, and I should not wish to single out any particular section of the staff in this connection. I am aware of the aims and objects of the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks, but the granting of official recognition must depend on a number of factors which are now under consideration in connection with a renewed application which the federation have submitted.

Why does the Noble Lord call it a general strike when only 2,000,000 people out of 17,500,000 people were affected?

Perhaps a better description would be to call it "a general fiasco."

There was no fiasco. It showed the solidarity of the workers.

It was a demonstration of the workers' solidarity. [ Interruption. ]

Were not the Post Office workers equally included with the other Association in the recognition of their services?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that by circular, dated 1st May, 1926, and marked Urgent, Important, Circ. No. 61, Gen./1926, the general secretary of the Civil Service Clerical Association directed its branch officers to be governed by the policy of the Trade Union Congress, and forbade its members to undertake any voluntary service during the general strike; and whether this association of civil servants will continue to be recognised by His Majesty's Government when matters affecting the general body of civil servants are under negotiation?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the terms of the circular referred to. The action taken by the representatives of certain Civil Service Associations in connection with the general strike, to which my hon. and learned Friend has referred in this and in previous questions, is now under consideration by His Majesty's Government, and I am not at present in a position to say what steps will be taken in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any explanation as to why France has not paid her share to the 1855 guaranteed Ottoman 4 per cent. loan and the Cyprus Tribute?

The matter is now under discussion between His Majesty's Government and the French Government.

Will the hon. Gentleman remember that there are certain management expenses in connection with this?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not a fact that France has not paid her share since the island was taken over by Great Britain?

Negotiations are now proceeding, and all these questions are being taken into consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the terms of settlement of the Mosul boundary dispute?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the progress of the negotiations with the Turkish Government relative to the boundary between Iraq and Turkey?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state if any agreement, and, if so, what, has been reached with Turkey on.the subject of Mosul?

I will, if I may, answer these questions together. I am happy to be able to state that the negotiations with the Turkish Government have been brought to a successful conclusion, and a Treaty was signed on the 5th June.

As certain minor alterations were made at the very last moment, I am not yet in a position to give the exact text, but the Treaty will be laid before Parliament at the earliest possible date.

I should like to take this opportunity of saying that the success of the Treaty is largely due to the spirit of statesmanship and conciliation displayed throughout the negotiations by the representatives of both countries who will have contributed very effectively towards the renewal of the traditional friendship of their two nations.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there is anything in the Treaty to safeguard the lives and property of the Christian minorities on both sides of the border, and whether the Government position still is that oil has nothing to do with the matter?

I think that, perhaps, we had better all wait until we get the exact terms of the Treaty. As to the question of the Christian minorities, I think the best guarantee for them in the future is the more friendly relations between Great Britain and Turkey.

Is there any reference in the Treaty to Turkey joining the League of Nations?

The Treaty will certainly be registered with the League of Nations.

Would this not be an opportune moment for us to have a permanent representative at Angora?

That question has been asked several times in the past, and there is no doubt that the whole of that matter will be considered in the near future.

With regard to the "certain minor alterations" mentioned, will the hon. Gentleman state whether the account of the details which appeared in the newspapers, particularly the "Times," this morning, is substantially correct?

Yes, I think that it is probably substantially correct, but I do not know whether it includes the smaller alterations that were made.

Does the signing of the Treaty mean that we shall be able to evacuate Iraq in four years?

I really cannot answer that question.

Is there any likelihood of our having a Debate on the matter?

That question ought to be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the interview which has taken place with Zaghloul Pasha since the recent elections in Egypt, Lord Lloyd has laid down any conditions which His Majesty's Government requires Zaghloul Pasha to accept before they will consent to his forming a Government?

No, Sir.

Are the categorical statements in the Press last week, giving the actual conditions laid down by Lord Lloyd, entirely devoid of foundation?

I believe that they were entirely devoid of foundation

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the feeling that prevails in many industrial centres in regard to the increased prices now being demanded for coal at present above ground and on which the subsidy has been paid by the taxpayer; and whether he will take steps to prevent such profiteering arising out of the national crisis?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on Tuesday to the hon. Member for Hillsborough (Mr. A. V. Alexander). Perhaps he will be good enough to send me particulars of any complaints that he has received.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, owing to the diversity of figures supplied, he will give a detailed statement showing the wages received by the different classes of workmen employed in the mines; what the respective proposed reductions would amount to; the cost per ton of coal at the pit's mouth for some of the principal grades; and the reason for the substantial difference between that cost and the price charged to the consumer?

It would be impossible within the reasonable limits of an answer to a question to give all the information for which my hon. and gallant friend asks; but if he will be good enough to discuss the matter with me I will see what can be done to meet the objects which he has in view.

Is it not desirable that some figures should be given so as to show the difference between the cost of raising coal—the wages paid and the allowances given—and the price at which it can be obtained in the ordinary household?

Yes, Sir. I quite agree, but I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman will see that if we can discuss it together, that would be the most satisfactory way.

Is it not advisable, instead of discussing it together—though I quite appreciate the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's offer—that this information should be forthcoming in the interests of the country as a whole.

Unfortunately, as the House knows, all the details of wages and other particulars in connection with the mining industry are extremely complicated, and in issuing a statement you may include something which applies to one set of conditions but not to another.

Is it not a fact that there would be a great saving and coal would cost less to the consumer if the coal distribution were dealt with, rather than wages?

In supplying figures such as have been asked for, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman get one or two price lists from the collieries to indicate the price per ton paid to the person who produces the coal and places it ready for distribution?

I need hardly say that has been done a long time ago. As regards the question put by the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Law-son), I think there is a great deal to be said about that matter, but we must remember that some of the statements which are made are considerably exaggerated. I have had a number of cases brought to me, which I had investigated and a great many of them proved to be without foundation.

Is it not a fact that in London the acknowledged net profits are as much as some of the men get for hewing the coal?

I could not possibly answer that question.

Arising out of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's statement that the miners' wages question is very complicated, is it not the fact that the wages paid immediately prior to the lock-out were below par— were below the subsistence level?

This matter cannot be argued at Question Time.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the difficulty of the present representatives of the colliery owners and the Miners' Federation coming together in a friendly spirit, he will consider a Government suggestion to those bodies to elect fresh representatives for the purpose of negotiation?

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. I do not think that action by the Government of the kind suggested would improve the prospects of a settlement.

In view of the fact that one of the principal persons responsible for these negotiations has said that, until the whole of the employers' profits have been extracted and the collieries rendered un-remunerative, he will not have succeeded in his object, will the right hon. Gentleman consider this matter?

I am not sure that a request to the parties to elect fresh representatives would not be a reason to both parties for re-electing the same representatives.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of copies of the Report of the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry which have been sold to the public; and how many have been distributed free of charge?

The number of copies of the Report of the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry which have been sold up to midday on Friday, the 4th June, is 85,270; and the number of copies which have been distributed free of charge, i.e., supplied for official purposes to Government Departments, to the House of Commons, etc., is 2,448.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the total loss involved in the publication of this Report?

I think I could get the information.

Will it not be possible to distribute the Report among the working miners, so that they will know what the Commission states about the industry?

Everything possible to that end has been done.

Would it not be possible to have a shorter edition or précis made, which would be likely to be read by the miners and others interested?

Will it be read by hon. Members opposite?

Why this wonderful solicitude for the miners getting to know something about their industry, which they know at first hand? Why not provide it for the lawyers in the party opposite?

( for Mr. LANS-BURY) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that certain coal-owners and others are offering for sale large quantities of slack and waste deposits lying in and around the pits to electricity undertakings, such undertakings being the only industries which under great difficulties are able to utilise this waste; that these deposits are, in the ordinary course, considered of no value and are written off as a loss; and will he consider the advisability of using his powers under the Emergency Powers Regulations to take over the heaps of slack piled up in mining areas, and so prevent exploitation in this respect?

One or two complaints about the prices charged for slack have reached me, and I am looking into them. I am quite prepared to consider exercising powers under the Emergency Act to requisition coal or control prices if, in the last resort, this should prove necessary for the protection of the consumer.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries?

Yes, Sir, the matter is being inquired into.

Is it not a fact that this small coal and waste is sent up free of charge by the miner?

I do not quite know what the right hon. Gentleman means by free of charge.

Is it not a fact that in a great majority of mines the miner sends up what are called "smalls" and dust, for which he gets no money?

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the meeting of the Council of the League of Nations now being held, whether there has been any difference in the instructions given to the British delegate with regard to the future composition of this body as compared with those on which he acted early in the year; and, if so, of what nature such difference is?

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. The instructions given to our representatives in March, which were read to the House by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in his speech on the 23rd March, still hold good with the modification announced to the House by the Secretary of State in his reply to a question put by the hon. Member for Peckham (Mr. Dalton) on 28th April.

asked the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether the Crown nominee on the General Medical Council will make any annual Report to the Government on its proceedings; and whether, in that case, the document will be published?

The hon. Member appears to be under some misapprehension. The meetings of the General Medical Council are open to the public and are reported in the daily Press and professional journals. The official Minutes of the proceedings are published and are supplied to the Privy Council, and are also available to the public.

Will the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Norwich (Mr. Hilton Young), answer questions in this House concerning the General Medical Council, in view of his appointment?

I could not answer that question without notice

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision is being made to administer the legacy placed at the disposal of the Government of British Honduras; and whether he can publish now and at intervals the allotment of this income?

Under the terms of the late Baron Bliss's will, the bulk of his estate devolves upon a trust consisting of the gentlemen holding the offices of Governor, Colonial Secretary and Attorney-General of British Honduras, with power to add to their number. The income of the trust, subject to certain prior charges, is to be devoted to such purposes as the trustees consider to be for the benefit or development of the Colony, under certain limitations prescribed in the will. I understand that the trustees are at present engaged in winding up the estate, and in ascertaining its assets and the revenue to be anticipated. I have no reason to doubt that they will in due course publish periodical statements as to the allocation of the income under their control.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will consider as to the appointment of a Departmental Committee to inquire into the existing arrangements for the supply of refreshments in the parks under the control of the Office of Works, and to make suggestions for the improvement of the present facilities?

The First Commissioner sees no necessity for the appointment of a committee. He is always open to consider any suggestions which may be made for improving the present facilities.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman do his best to persuade the Noble Lord to sample a few of these meals in the parks, so that he may find out how correct is the statement in the question?

I will certainly, provided I am not asked to deputise.