asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India has published the Report of the deputation sent to Fiji five years ago; and, if not, whether the Government of India intends to publish it, and when?

As my Noble Friend the Under-Secretary (Earl Winterton) is engaged in answering questions in another place, I have been asked to reply. The question of the publication of the Report has not yet been finally decided.

Is not five years sufficient time in which to make a report?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any factories in India, coming under the Factories Act, have remained uninspected during the last five years; and, if so, whether he can inform the House of the number uninspected each year?

The number of factories that were uninspeeted during each of the five years from 1920–1924 (the latter being the last year for which a Report has been received) was 1.098, 1,195, 1,194, 1,154, and 1,057 respectively. The, reports do not show whether any factory remained uninspected during the whole period of five years.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any representations have been made by the Secretary of State for India or the Government of India to the Government of the Union of South Africa with regard to the effect of the enactment of the Colour Bar Bill in the South African Parliament upon the settlement of the questions to be discussed at the conference arranged between the two Governments on the subject of anti-Asiatic legislation in the Union?

:My Noble Friend entrusted to the Government of India the negotiations touching the conference with the Government of the Union of South Africa to which the hon. Member refers. No doubt the Government of India have made every representation which they consider relevant, but my Noble Friend thinks that it would he more appropriate that any public statement on the subject should be made in the first instance by them or by the South African Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the casualties which have resulted from rioting in India in each of the last 18 months, mentioning the fatalities in each period?

Statistics prepared in this country would. I fear, be incomplete; but if the hon. and gallant Member desires, inquiry will he made from India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the latest information in his possession regarding the riots in Rawalpindi and neighbourhood; what number of persons have been killed and injured; and whether there have been any communal outbreaks in other places such as Lucknow and Delhi?

The official reports received add little to the press messages, but I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a summary of the telegrams from the Government of India. In Rawalpindi 14 deaths occurred and 46 wounded persons were treated in the hospitals. No outbreaks have been reported from Lucknow or Delhi or other cities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of deaths that occurred in the Punjab during the recent plague; and what measures of relief were afforded by the Government?

The number of deaths between 1st March and 15th May was about 54,000. My Noble Friend has received no report of the steps taken by Government in relation to the present outbreak, but he has no doubt that recourse has been had as usual to vigorous measures of inoculation and disinfection.

Will the Noble Lord inquire, whether the Government of India are taking steps to destroy the rats, which are responsible for this plague?

Are we to have a constant repetition of the infringement of the rule, which has been laid down so often, that the Government of India must be allowed to do its own duty?

Are these the deaths of Europeans or natives?

I think that they are all natives.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that. in December, 1925, the Bengal Legislative Council passed a resolution in favour of the appointment of the Labour representatives on the Council by election, instead of by nomination, it is proposed to give early effect to this resolution, in view of the forthcoming election in Bengal?

As I informed the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley on 15th June, my Noble Friend has not yet arrived at a decision on this question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Kenya Colony has arranged for another inquiry into the problem of a labour supply for the settlers of the Colony; by whom this inquiry will be conducted; whether the inquiry will be conducted in secret; and, if so, why?

I have no information as to the inquiry beyond what has appeared in the local Press, from which I gather that the scope of the inquiry is to include net only the supply of labour but its economical use and the labour demands of various industries. It is stated that the Chairman is the Chief Native Commissioner.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to whether this inquiry is secret or not?

No, Sir; I have given the hon. and gallant Member all the information I have.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the inquiry will not be secret, but that the fullest possible publicity will be given to it?

I have no doubt I shall hear from the Governor-General. I do not know whether the inquiry necessitates publication, but I will inquire.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of having the fullest possible inquiry into this matter, and cannot he lend his assistance to ensuring that it is a full inquiry

I am sure that everything which is desirable will be done.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there is now a veterinary officer in the Colony of Gambia; and, if not, whether one will be appointed with a view to dealing with the repeated epidemics of pleuro-pneumonia amongst the cattle in the Colony?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Recent reports from the travelling Commissioners from the various provinces in the Colony show that, while a few outbreaks of cattle disease occurred during the past year, the chiefs and headmen were alive to the necessity of taking all possible precautions. The Governor may be relied upon to recommend the appointment of a veterinary officer if he considers it necessary, and should he do so his request would be complied with.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in 1917, 80 per cent. of the cattle were destroyed by an outbreak. There was an outbreak in 1522, and in 1923 80 per cent. of the cattle in the north of the province were destroyed. In these circumstances can he take steps for the appointment of a veterinary officer?

I am sure the Governor is well aware of the facts, and, if he makes any recommendation, I shall be only too anxious to comply with it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received a collective memorial against the discrimination shown against Mauritian members of certain sections of the Civil Service, signed by the civil servants of Mauritius and handed to the secretary for transmission to him; and whether he intends to take any action in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the protest, signed by all the civil servants of Mauritius, and handed to the Colonial Secretary of Mauritius for transmission to himself, has now been received; and, if not, whether lie will take steps to inquire what has become of this protest against certain appointments in the Civil Service?

I have no knowledge of the documents which the hon. Member mentions, but I have no doubt that the Governor will transmit to me in due course, with his observations, in accordance with the Regulations, any document addressed to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Government lower-primary schools there are in Fiji; how many children can be accommodated in these; how many Indian children there are in Fiji; and how much is spent annually on their education?

During 1925 there were 66 Government and assisted schools in Fiji, with an attendance of 5,182 pupils. inquiry of the Colonial Government would be necessary to ascertain whether it would have been practicable to provide for a larger number of pupils in these schools. According to the 1921 Census returns the number of Indian children between the ages of five and 15 then in the colony was 13,116. It would be a matter of difficulty to separate expenditure on Indian education from other expenditure on education. The total expenditure on education was £26,151 in 1921, £28,956 in 1922, £25,322 in 1923, £27,103 in 1924, and £30,039 in 1925.

Is it. not a fact that there is only one Government lower primary school in Fiji; that there are 24,000 Indian children there, and that only something like £400 has been spent annually for their education?

I cannot answer a definite question on that point, but my impression is that the suggestion contained in the question is wrong. There are not more than 13,000 school children, and I think the school facilities are considerably in excess of what the hon. Member states.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reduction in our military commitments in Iraq he anticipates as a result of the signing of the agreement with Turkey on the Mosul question; and NV hat saving in expenditure he expects

The matter is under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to give details.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any application for membership of the League will be put forward by Iraq?

I am not aware of any such intention.

When will the right, hon. Gentleman be in a position to answer the question with regard to the savings? That is the most important part of the question.

I have answered that. It is a matter which we are considering seriously at this moment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the British Government is interested in any way in the £500,000 paid by Iraq to Turkey for the royalties from the Turkish Petroleum Company?

So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, no decision has been reached by the Turkish Government to exercise their option under the recent exchange of Notes to capitalise their share of the Iraq Government's oil royalties for a sum of £500,000. Should the Turkish Government decide to adopt this course, no charge will fall upon the Imperial Exchequer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be consulted if such an option be exercised?

I imagine the Iraq Government would consult us upon that matter.

If there is no money coming from the Treasury, where will the money come from, in view of the fact that this question arises in connection with the administrative cost of Iraq?

I have no doubt ways and means will be found of raising the money?

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he proposes to lay on the Table the Treaty with Turkey regarding Mosul and when he intends to have it ratified?

The White Paper, containing the terms of the Treaty recently signed at Angora, together with certain annexes thereto, was laid, in dummy, on the Table of the House on the 18th June, and it is hoped that copies will be in the hands of hon. Members to-day.

Both the Turkish National Assembly and the Iraq Parliament have authorised the ratification of the Treaty forthwith; it is eminently desirable that the British ratification should be given at the earliest possible moment. Unless, therefore, the right hon. Gentleman desires a discussion on the Treaty in this House, His Majesty will be advised to ratify in a few days.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that two seats in the Malta Parliament set aside for the trades union council have been kept vacant for two years in view of the proposal of legislation annulling this provision of the constitution by a Bill passed by casting vote; that the Imperial Law Officers declared this Bill never to have become an Act in default of a two-thirds majority required to alter the constitution; the dates on which the Law Officers' opinion was communicated to the Governor of Malta and by him to both Houses; if he is aware of the reasons for which those two seats have continued to be kept vacant notwithstanding the upholding by the Crown of the constitution; and will he ask the opinion of the Law Officers as to whether the proceedings of the Malta Parliament have been valid during the interference with the constitution on the plea of its amendment and in defiance of the Imperial Government since the decision, that a bare casting vote was not a two-thirds majority?

I am aware that under the Malta Constitution Letters Patent provision was made for two seats in the Senate to be filled by members representative of and elected by the Trade Union Council, and that there is as yet no Trade Union Council competent to elect them. A Bill to constitute such a council was passed by the Malta Legislature, but reserved for the Royal Assent, which the Law Officers have advised me cannot be given, as the Bill, not being passed by the requisite two-thirds majority, is invalid. The Law Officers' opinion to this effect was communicated to the Governor on the 9th January, but there has been further correspondence since, and I do not know at what date he communicated it to the Legislature. A final decision was not sent until the 2nd of this month. Pending the provision of legal means for filling these seats, they are still vacant. I do not propose to ask the Law Officers' opinion as suggested in the last part of the question, in view of Section 10 of the Letters Patent, which provides that the Senate shall not be disqualified from the transaction of business on account of any vacancies among the members thereof.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much revenue is estimated to be derived this year from the whale fisheries around the Falklands; whether, in view of the precedent set by the Straits Settlements in presenting the battleship "Malaya," steps will be taken to suggest that a destroyer may be provided from such portion of that revenue as is not required for local needs; and Will inquiries be made as to what other Crown Colonies have resources that might reasonably be devoted towards the maintenance of the Navy?

The revenue to be derived from whaling operations in or near the Dependencies of the Falkland Islands is estimated for the current year at £96,200. The surplus available after providing for the needs of local administration as credited, under the local law, to the Dependencies Research and Development Fund, from which is met all expenditure incurred on behalf of the "Discovery" Committee, in connection with the expedition at present being conducted by the Royal Research Ship "Discovery" and her auxiliary vessel the "William Scoresby." The fund stands at a figure not in excess of what may be required for this purpose, and I am not prepared to agree to the diversion of any portion of it to other uses. As regards the last part of the question. I think it would be preferable to leave the initiative in this matter to any Colony which may be able and willing to follow the precedent given by the Federated Malay States in the case of the "Malaya."

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the quantity of rice produced in the Dominions, Crown Colonies, and Protectorates during the years. 1913 to 1925, respectively?

A return giving the particulars required by my hon. Friend is now in course of preparation. I hope to arrange for its publication in the OFFICIAL REPORT during the present week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what was the total amount of guarantees for the British Empire Exhibition, and if all the guarantors have paid their guarantees?

The total amount of the guarantees to the British Empire Exhibition was £2,108,556 8s. A call of 15s. in the pound has already been made, and I am informed by the liquidators that less than 1 per cent, of the amount called up remains to be collected.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the amount realised by the sale of the. British Empire Exhibition?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is able to inform the House of the price paid for the Wembley site; and whether he has satisfied himself as to the bona fides of the purchasers?

I am informed by the liquidators that immediately after the auction on the 15th June, an offer was made for the property which they decided to accept. A contract is now being prepared, and as soon as the contracts have been exchanged, the name of the purchasers and the amount of the purchase money will be given. I am confident that the liquidators will have taken all necessary steps to satisfy themselves as to the bona fides of the purchasers.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when this contract will be signed?

If the hon. Gentleman will allow me, I would prefer to say nothing more at present.

Has the usual 10 per cent. deposit been paid?

I have not the slightest doubt that the gentlemen who are acting as liquidators will use every possible precaution to see that everything is done in the usual and proper way.

If I put down this question on this day week, will the hon. Gentleman then be able to give a reply?

I cannot tell what may happen between now and this day week, and I am anxious not to interfere or to do anything which might impede a settlement.

Is it not the practice that no money passes until the contract has actually been signed and exchanged?

I think it is usual that one does not pay any money until one has signed the contract.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proportions of the beef, mutton, and pork requisite for the food supply of the country are supplied from stock reared in this country?

It is estimated that about 31 per cent. of the beef and veal, 36 per cent. of the mutton and lamb and 36 per cent. of the pig-meat consumed in Great Britain is supplied by home-bred animals.

Is the right born Gentleman aware that if those who rear home-grown stock were assured of continuity of policy, as regards restrictions on importation of foreign meat, they would be encouraged to extend their activities and more fully meet the home demand?

That is rather a subject for Debate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the aggregate number of hundredweights of refined sugar produced during the past year by the British sugar-beet factories and the actual amount of subsidy paid to them during this period on such sugar?

During the 1925–26 manufacturing season the quantity of white granulated sugar for direct consumption produced at the beet sugar factories was 897,892 cwts. In addition 128,513 cwts. of beet sugar were produced at the factories for further refining. The total subsidy paid to date in respect of last season's output of beet sugar is £1,002,382.

Is the last figure given by the right hon. Gentleman exclusive of the subsidy they get from the preferential rate of Excise

That is the subsidy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the policy of the Ministry to encourage county councils to contribute to agricultural research institutes; and, if so, whether the Ministry is prepared to reimburse county councils to the extent of two-thirds of their contributions to approved agricultural research institutions as part of their agricultural education expenditure?

Ten local authorities already made grants in aid of the work carried out at certain research institutes, and my Department welcomes these contributions. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken, through county agricultural committees or other agencies, to disseminate to farmers and smallholders the knowledge of crop cultivation gained by research institutes at Rothamsted and other places, and the knowledge of milk and dairying researches at Shinfield, Reading; and whether the facilities given to various bodies of agriculturists from time to time to visit these institutes for instructional purposes are being increasingly taken advantage of or not?

The results of the work of agricultural research institutes are brought before farmers and smallholders through the agency of the staffs of the county councils and agricultural colleges by means of lectures, visits to research stations, and publications. A full description of the system and the agencies employed will be found in the Report of the Intelligence Department of the Ministry for 1921–24, and in particular on pages 13 and 14. The numbers of farmers and others who visit research stations have very greatly increased in recent years.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number and total amount of the grants made to drainage authorities under the drainage grants scheme of 1926?

Up to the present four schemes have been formally sanctioned for a total grant of £3,480, while four other schemes have been provisionally approved for grants amounting in all to £2,216. Applications for grants in the case of 22 further schemes to be carried out at a total estimated cost of approximately £62,000 are under consideration, and other schemes are known to be in preparation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say roughly what is the area affected by these grants?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put down an unstarred question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of small holdings and the total area held by civilians and ex-service men, respectively, under county councils in England and Wales?

As the reply is rather long, and contains a number of figures, I propose, with the right hon. Gentleman's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of lectures on fish he has arranged to be broadcast; the dates on which the lectures will take place; and the subject matter of such lectures?

A lecture on "Life in the Sea at Midsummer" was given on the 18th instant. Provisional arrangements have been made with regard to a lecture on shell-fish, and others are under discussion. I am not yet able to announce the dates of these lectures.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider having one of these lectures given which will describe the life of the fishermen, the dangers of their calling, and the fact that there is a higher percentage death-rate among them than even in the mining industry?

And they cannot get any coal at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the price at which the houses at Irlam, near Manchester, which were originally erected by the Munitions Department, and afterwards transferred to His Majesty's Office of Works, were sold; and whether any Clause was inserted in the agreement to sell restricting the rents to be charged in respect of these houses?

The sale price cannot be exactly stated, as the estate was one of a number sold at the same time as one transaction. The approximate price may be put at £40,500. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the violation of international agreements, such as the raiding of the Salt Tax, the murders of British subjects, the serious position of British shareholders who have invested their savings in the railways in China, and the ineffectiveness of diplomatic remonstrances, the Government will consider the desirability of taking further action, international or otherwise, to enforce the observance by China of her obligations and undertakings?

For the general attitude of His Majesty's Government at the present juncture, I would refer the hon. Member to an answer I returned to the hon. Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Looker) on the 14th of June, I am still in close consultation with His Majesty's Minister, Peking, as to measures to meet the attack on the salt administration at Tientsin, and every effort is being made to investigate the circumstances of the two recent murders of British' subjects, in order that the responsibility for them may be fixed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman suspend the tariff and other negotiations with the so-called Chinese authority until such time as existing Treaty rights are respected?

The tariff negotiations are being conducted by several Powers besides this country, and it is very desirable, if possible, that the Powers should act in harmony.

asked the Minister of Labour what action he proposes to take in respect to the iron rollers, engineers and blast furnace workers in Durham who have been compelled to cease work owing to the coal shortage?

In so far as the stoppage is due to coal shortage and not to voluntary withdrawal of labour or a trade dispute, unemployment benefit would normally be payable.

Will the hon. Gentleman ascertain if it is not possible to offer the same generous terms as have been offered to the miners, so that men of the type of David Holmes, men who have led in the engineering movement as trade union leaders, may have an opportunity of earning their bread?

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that engineers, shipworkers and blast furnace men are being put into unemployment by reason of the shortage of coal, and in view of assistance given to the coal workers from abroad, he will consider the possibility of taking reparation payments in coal for the purpose of getting the shipbuilding, engineering and iron rolling industries in operation again?

This country is receiving its full share of reparation in sterling through the Reparation Recovery Act procedure. This is, I consider, a much more expeditious method than to negotiate reparation payments in kind.

Is not my suggestion more facile and acceptable? Considering that the shipbuilding industry is a key industry, and that we have only three weeks' supply of food in this country, would not the coal be worth more than the money at the present time?

Perhaps my hon. Friend does not realise that any change in the form of reparation would be a matter of negotiations with the German Government, that that in itself would take some time, and that it would he late in the autumn before any of these receipts could arrive in England.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the men employed in the Railway Clearing House, Seymour Street, who came out on the general strike, but returned to work shortly afterwards, have now been placed on a three-day week to make room for strikers who remained out all the time and who have now been reinstated on a three-day week and whether he will take steps to ask the railway companies concerned to carry out the pledge given by the Prime Minister that no man who voluntarily returned to duty before the end of the strike should be victimized?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer to the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for West Leyton (Mr. Cassels) on 18th June. With regard to the second part, I do not think the arrangements are such as to justify intervention on the ground suggested.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these clerks left their work for only a few hours, and when they found that the strike was illegal returned at once to duty?

That suggestion was substantially that contained in the question put the other day, and my right hon. Friend's answer was that he had no authority to intervene.

Are these-railway directors who have let down their friends not more dangerous enemies to industrial Peace than the Communists actually are?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on the evening of 10th May Mr. G. H. Taylor, of Rashcliffe, Huddersfield, was seriously injured in an attack made on him by a special constable, though Mr. Taylor was guilty of no offence, as his subsequent release after examination by the police indicated; and whether he will consider making to Mr. Taylor any compensatory or compassionate grant for the loss and injury he received?

I have had a full report on this ease from which it appears that on 10th May a large and disorderly crowd was making a hostile demonstration against the volunteer omnibus drivers. Taylor was a member of the crowd and received injuries—not of a serious nature—in the course of a struggle in which a special constable was forcibly thrown to the ground and kicked. Taylor was not prosecuted as the chief constable thought his case would be met by a caution. Taylor's claim has been considered by the Huddersfield Police Authority, who have repudiated liability. I tan find no ground for action on my part.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man Taylor was not a member of the crowd at all? He was struck by the special constable in his effort to get out of the crowd?

If he was not a member of the crowd, I do not see how on earth he could have been assaulted. He must have been there.

My point is this: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he was not with the crowd at the time the attack was first made on them by the special constables? He was merely a passer-by in the street?

I cannot say that he was there at the first moment, but that he was in the crowd when the special constable was knocked down and kicked is certain. If he had actually knocked the special constable down or kicked him, he would no doubt have been prosecuted. I do not suggest it; I suggest he was a member of the crowd.

Does the right hon. Gentleman insist that there is some evidence in being that this man had any part in the attack on the special constable?

No doubt had he actually knocked the special constable down he would have been prosecuted. In the general melee, after the special constable had been knocked down and kicked, this man was hit presumably with a truncheon.

What ground was there for issuing a caution to this man?

I think he was arrested, and it was a question whether the Chief Constable should prosecute him or not. He came to the conclusion that it would be sufficient if he cautioned him.

Was the special constable hurt badly.

He was hurt, but not seriously.

Is it not a fact that this particular man was there by appointment to meet another man? [Laughter.] I am serious, Mr. Speaker, in putting this question, because I think it is important. Is it not a fact that this man had an appointment with another man at this particular period, and that the crowd came to where this man was?

I do not see how the Home Secretary can possibly know whether or not the man had an appointment.

But, Mr. Speaker, this particular man—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the refraining of the Regulations under which the Whitley Councils of the Civil Service are constituted by providing that only persons actually in the service of the Crown should be eligible to represent their colleagues on the council, in view of the action of non-service members of the staff side of the Whitley Council during the general strike?

I regret that at the moment I am not in a position to add anything to the replies given to previous questions on this subject. The whole matter is receiving close attention.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many civil servants withheld their labour during the nine days' stoppage?

I could not say that without notice.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the appointment of a Commission to consider the whole matter of Thames bridges?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on Wednesday last in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison).

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the question of introducing legislation to provide for preliminary compulsory arbitration in all industrial disputes?

I should be prepared to consider favourably any proposals designed to avoid stoppages of work, but there is no reason to believe that compulsory arbitration would be found practicable in this country.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can arrange to give a day for a Debate on the question of creating a Ministry of Defence for the better co-ordination and more economical administration of the three fighting services?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to what I said on this subject on the 15th April, arising out of the statement on Business, and also to the Debate on the Report stage of the Air Estimates on the 8th March. The matter can be raised on the appropriate Vote on an allotted Supply day.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the withdrawal, or the contemplated withdrawal, of certain Powers from the League of Nations?

I have now received formal notification of Brazil's withdrawal from the League. I can only express my sincere regret that the Brazilian Government should contemplate resignation, and my hope that they may yet re-consider their intention to cut themselves adrift from this great and increasingly powerful international organisation to the success of which they have made a large contribution in the past and in which their influence would be equally assured in the future.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any official information as regards the Spanish position-on the League

No. I have no official notification, but I am afraid that the Spanish Government intend to take a similar step, and my regret is at least equal.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement to the House as soon as he hears anything definite with regard to Spain?

I imagine that whenever a definite notification is made, it will become a matter of public information at once, but definite, formal notification has not yet reached us.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why Brazil left the League?

Brazil leaves because she not assured of a permanent seat upon the Council.

Does that apply also to Spain?

Spain has not yet taken the step of officially notifying the Secretariat of the League that she withdraws.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any statement to make as to the reasons for the Russian Soviet Government's refusal to join in a general conference on disarmament?

The conference on disarmament, has not yet been summoned, and I presume the hon. and gallant Member refers to the Preparatory Committee on Disarmament at Geneva. The reason given by the Soviet Government for not accepting the invitation of the League to take part in the work of this committee was the difference which had arisen between the Soviet Government and the Government of the Swiss Confederation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to make any further effort to induce them to join in further negotiations?

If I thought that any action I might take was likely to cause the Soviet Government to reconsider their decision, I should be glad to make representations to them, but I do not think they would be likely to listen to my counsels on that point, and the terms of their reply to the League's invitation were not encouraging.

In view of the objections taken by Russia to a. Conference in Geneva, will not the right hon. Gentleman take steps to suggest the calling of this Conference in another place?

No, I cannot agree to that. The seat of the League is at Geneva, and if, whenever any Government has cause of disagreement with the Government of the Swiss Confederation, the meetings of the League are, at the behest of that Government, to be held elsewhere, I do not suppose that the Swiss Confederation or any other nation would be able to give the League a home, for the League would become an instrument in the diplomacy of every foreign Power which might happen to have a controversy with the Government of the country in which it was sitting.

In view of the fact that the complaint of the Russian Government is that one of their emissaries was murdered in Switzerland, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability, in the interests of the Disarmament Conference, of suggesting another venue, which has often been done in the case of other Commissions?

No. I do not know whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman has in mind the correspondence which passed between the League of Nations and the Soviet Government, and with the Swiss Government, in which they guaranteed to the Soviet. Government, as to all Governments which came there, the measure of protection which they accord to any one. It is quite impossible, I think, that I should suggest to the League that, because a particular Government has a dispute with the Swiss Government, therefore we should move to another place.

rose

This is becoming a Debate.

On a point of Order. May I not ask a supplementary question, Mr. Speaker, in view of the fact that it was my question which was on the Paper, and that I have risen several times to ask a supplementary question?

Lieut - Colonel Heneage.

I want to ask if the right hon. Gentleman has any reason to suppose that the Russian Government have any intention whatsoever of disarming.

The Minister cannot answer for other Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many members or representatives of Arcos and its subsidiary companies are now entitled to the right of entry without examination; and what trading organisations of any other foreign country enjoys similar privileges in the United Kingdom?

No members or representatives of Arcos, or of any company subsidiary to or connected with it, have any such right. The same is true of all other foreign trading organisations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many representatives of Russia are now employed in this country by. Arcos, approximately?

I do not know, but I think that I could get the information if notice were given. My head is sufficiently packed with more important information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman at the same time give the number of British subjects employed by Arcos?

On a point of Order. In order to avoid breaches of the Rules, will you, Mr. Speaker, indicate to Members that they ought not to make a practice of putting questions on the Order Paper, or suggestions in questions, which have no basis in fact?

I wish I could ensure that, but I must rely on all hon. Members using their best efforts to verify their statements.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons employed by Arcos in England are of Russian nationality?

I am informed that the number on 1st January was 178, and since then visas have been authorised for six more.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the Debate on the question of Russian money coming into this country and other questions with regard to Russia, he will allow a free. vote of the House to be taken?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the House the number of registered Russian aliens in this country; and whether the number has increased or decreased during the past 12 months?

The number of aliens registered as Russians at the end of March last was 86,824; approximately 2,000 less than on the same date in 1925.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these Russians are emissaries of the late Tsarist règime?

It is quite impossible for me to give that information.

asked the Home Secretary whether, prior to the Debate on Russia, he will publish all the documents secured at the raid of various Communist offices during the past few months by the police, so that Members can have the benefit of these documents for debate?

Every effort will he made to publish the collection of documents, which has been prepared, in time for the Debate on Friday.

Is there any hope or expectation as to when they will be finally issued?

Yes: the list has been sanctioned by all the Departments. They are in proof, and have gone to the Stationery Office. It has been pressed upon them to do the utmost in their power to get them out.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the West Ham Board of Guardians a few weeks ago applied for a further grant of £434,000 and that, before his Department was willing to grant that amount, the Department insisted upon the board cutting down the relief and adopting the scale in operation by the Greenwich Board of Guardians; that that scale allows 24s. for man and wife, 4s. each child up to the age of six years, with a maximum of 49s. for a family of seven, plus an allowance of ls. 6d. for coal; that the West Ham Board of Guardians on Thursday rejected the proposals; if he can state whether he has received any communication from the West Ham Board of Guardians since their decision on Thursday, 17th June; and if he can now state what he intends doing about the matter?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the application for a loan mentioned in the first part of the question, and it is the fact that he has thought it necessary to require a substantial reduction in the rate of the guardians' expenditure. He understands that the scale adopted by the Greenwich Board of Guardians was suggested by a West Ham guardian in substitution for their present scale and is informed that that scale is correctly described in the question. The West Ham Guardians have written to my right hon. Friend again declining to make any substantial reduction in their expenditure, and he has informed them that unless this decision is reconsidered in the course of the present week he will have to apply to Parliament for further powers to deal with the situation which will arise.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Greenwich Board of Guardians have rescinded their previous decision and have refused to operate such a scale, which they regard as inhuman?

I have seen some such decision mentioned in the papers if it lie so, the Greenwich Board of Guardians have broken their undertaking and word to the Minister.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the rates in this district, owing to bad and unfair administration, are very inhuman indeed on the ratepayers?

Do you live there?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that, despite A.M.O. of 5th February, 1926, relative to the emoluments of established charge-men, the pension as assessed has not yet been given to those established charge-men who have taken their discharge since January, 1926: and if he will inquire into the matter?

I regret that it has not yet been practicable to grant their full pensions to all the employ és referred to by the hon. Member. Of a total of approximately 40 cases concerned, however rather more than half have received revised awards based on emoluments including charge pay, and I hope that it will shortly he possible to issue full awards in the remaining cases. The men concerned have, of course, had the pensions due in respect of their substantive pay—it is the comparatively small additional pension in respect of their charge pay that is outstanding.

What does my hon. Friend think is the reason for this delay —is it clerical?

Yes, it is clerical, and also we are in correspondence with the Treasury.

asked the Postmaster-General if his Department has any record which shows the number of letters lost in postal transit during the last three months?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Departmental Committee on the Training of Teachers recommended that, except for graduates or teachers already certificated, the training college course should extend over not less than two years, and that the new Regulations for the training of teachers, 1926, reduce the two years to one in the case of students who have passed a second school examination only; whether these Regulations will permit students of 19 years of age passing from training colleges to teach in schools, whereas the existing Regulations require that the age should be 20; and whether the purpose of these new Regulations is to reduce cost?

I am aware of the recommendation in question. As regards the regulation I would point out that it is permissive in character, and does not preclude a student from taking a two-year course. The suggestion made in the second part of the question may be applicable in exceptional cases, but normally, I think, the age at which a student begins work as a teacher will be found to be about 20 or 21, and the first year of service will be probationary. The educational arguments for the change are discussed in the Report of the Committee and in the Memorandum of Dissent. They appeared to the Board to be strong enough to justify the admission of this alternative to the existing practice. The financial effect is doubtful; it was certainly not the reason for the Board's decision.

Does not the Noble Lady realise that the result of this will be to discourage the students taking a longer course, and that the effect upon the schools will be that the teachers will be less trained? If there is no economy, what advantage can it be to the State for the students to take the lesser course?

The hon. Gentleman forgets that no inducement is offered the students to take the shorter course. It is entirely permissive. The hon. Member will remember that it was recommended in the Memorandum of Dissent, which was signed by several persons of considerable experience, and that one of the arguments put forward in its favour was that it would encourage students to take a full course at a Secondary School.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is his intention to introduce legislation based on the first Report of Mr. Justice Finlay's Committee on Legal Aid for the Poor, or whether it is proposed to wait until the issue of the second Report?

I propose to await the issue of the second Report, when the matter, so far as legislation is required, can be dealt with as a whole. Effect can be given without legislation to some of the recommendations of the Committee in their first Report, and these are now under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided to withdraw the charge against Mr. Taylor, of 44, Albany Road, Roath Park, Cardiff, the secretary of Homekeepers' Federation, Limited, he is aware that this man has been remanded for over four months; and whether he proposes to take steps to prevent such delays in the administration of justice?

Mr. Taylor, of the Homekeepers' Federation, was arrested on 4th February, was released on bail on 5th February, and remained on bail until 11th instant. The justices referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions on 19th April; the extensive inquiries involved could not be completed before 28th May. On that date, the justices were informed, through their clerk, of the Director's decision, which was announced on 11th instant. The exceptional circumstances of the case do not afford grounds for general action.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this unworthy charge was kept hanging over this man's head for over four months, and then withdrawn, and that his counsel was not allowed to make any statement on his behalf before the Court?

I was not aware of the last statement, but I think it has been made quite clear to the.hon. Gentleman that, so far as I am concerned, we have done all we can. The Justices referred to the question to the Public Prosecutor and as soon as he went into it he cleared this man's character, and it was directed that the charge should be entered "withdrawn."

Do the Government propose to indemnify him?

I am afraid that is not possible.

asked the Home Secretary the number of boys and girls, respectively, in the reformatory and industrial schools of the country on 31st March of 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, and 1926: and similar figures in respect of Borstal institutions?

I will circulate in the OFFICAL REPORT the information asked for by the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the desirability of establishing the principle that, so long as excess profits duty is collected, taxpayers shall be entitled to recover duty paid in error, and also to put forward applications for reduction in outstanding claims where such claims can be shown to be excessive?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Finance Bill of this year contains a provision for terminating the right both of the taxpayer and the revenue authority to reopen computations of Excess Profits Duty liability. I am unable to accept the suggestion now made which, while operating solely for the benefit of the taxpayer, would delay for an indefinite period the closing down of the duty.

Should not the right of appeal be extended so long as the tax was being collected?

That would not follow at all. After the question of liability is settled, it may take some time to make the collection.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sums have been paid to the Treasury during the year 1925–26 by France, Italy and Belgium, capital and interest, of the sums owing to Great Britain, and what interest is charged to each country upon such debt?

No cash payment from France was received by the Treasury during 1925–26 in respect of the War Debt of France to this country; interest at Bank of England rate (now 5 per cent.) is being added to the debt as it accrues. Italy's War Debt has been funded on the terms set forth in the Agreement of 27th January, 1926 (Command Paper 2580); the sum of £2,000,000 was paid to the Treasury under this Agreement during 1925–26. The War Debt of Belgium was transferred to Germany by the Treaty of Versailles, and approximately £1,000,000 was received by the Treasury in 1925–20 out of the Dawes annuities in respect of this debt. The Reconstruction Debt of Belgium was funded as from 1st January, 1926, and will be repaid in 30 years with interest at 5 per cent. The sum of £344,575 was received during 1925–26.

May I ask whether representations have been made to these national creditors that they should pay in kind, sending us, for example, coal, to enable our industries to proceed?