asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of instances in which guarantees under the export credit scheme have been approved for British contracts in Poland during the past 12 months; what is the total amount of guarantees approved by his Department for Polish credits up to date; if he is aware that the economic condition of Poland has undergone substantial improvement during the present year; and whether any special steps are being taken to promote the expansion of British trade in that country?

Seventy-four bills in respect of fourteen transactions relating to Poland have been guaranteed during the twelve months ending 26th June last. The total amount of guarantees approved by the Export Credits Department for Polish credits up to date is nearly £1,200,000, of which about £600,000 has been taken up. As regards the last part of the question the Com- mercial Secretary at Warsaw reported recently that the economic outlook in Poland is more hopeful. His Majesty's Minister and the Commercial Secretary keep the Department of Overseas Trade continually informed as to the possibilities of trade with that country.

In view of the fact that the economic position of Poland is steadily improving, will applications for credits in respect of that country be considered?

I am very glad to hear that Poland's economic position is improving. If so, we shall be very glad to do all the business with Poland that we can.

Are we to understand that there has been any reluctance on the part of the Committee to grant credits to this very important country?

The Committee examines the proposals put before them, and use their discretion as to whether or not they are suitable for public money.

Has there been any reluctance in regard to this particular country?

Not that I know.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any loss has been incurred in granting facilities in respect to Poland?

I cannot say that without notice.

Is it not a fact that the condition of Poland to-day is such that any investment there is highly speculative?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any action has yet been taken to put into operation the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Foodstuffs in regard to the publication of all stocks of meat held in cold storage in the United Kingdom?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 15th December last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider legislation on the subject next Session.

I will consider it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade which three countries have been the principal buyers of gold in the London market since the beginning of the year and the amounts which they have taken, respectively?

As regards purchases of bullion in the London market I can only refer my hon. Friend to the financial columns of the Press. As regards sovereigns taken for export from the Bank of England, the principal destinations were India £839,000, Spain £598,000, Holland £333,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of negotiating a commercial treaty with the Republic of Cuba, in view of the fact that at the present time negotiations are proceeding between Cuba and Spain whereby, although Great Britain purchases approximately one-fifth of the total crop of Cuban sugar and is an important buyer of Cuban tobacco, Spanish goods will receive favourable treatment?

I should welcome the conclusion of a treaty with Cuba, but, up to the present, efforts to find a basis for such a treaty have not proved successful.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of the natural products necessary for the manufacture of paper; and whether any action has been taken by his Department with a view to safeguarding and increasing supplies of raw material?

I am not aware of any present shortage of these materials, but I am informed that the Forestry Commissioners are planting in Great Britain considerable areas with trees suitable for the production of pulp, and are prepared to give financial assistance to local authorities and others for the same purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is considering the application of the principle of the Merchandise Marks Bill to advertisements of foreign goods in this country?

The matter is dealt with in Clause 4 of the Bill which, as my hon. Friend will be aware, is now before a Standing Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the first part of the Report on the Census of Production will be published; and to what industries will it relate?

I am unable to add anything to the reply given by the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade to my hon. Friend on 26th April last. Every effort is being made to expedite the preparation of the Reports.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his experience has been that there has been difficulty in getting returns in that way?

There was a certain amount of delay, there always is; but I think generally it is due to the smaller rather than to the larger people who had to make returns. They are coming in much more satisfactorily lately, and I hope to be able to get out the particulars earlier than expected.

Is it intended to publish this Report on the lines of the previous Report, namely, as the parts are ready?

I should like to have notice of that question. I want to give any information that is available as rapidly as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to consider the removal of the condition laid down in the King's Regulations that a candidate for appointment as a Military Knight of Windsor must be a member of the Church of England?

Yes, Sir; it has been decided to abolish the condition in question, and the consequent amendment will be made in King's Regulations.

Will the removal of the restrictions be operative from to-day?

No. When the Amendment is actually made in the Regulation.

Am I to understand that a Presbyterian and a Methodist will now be eligible for appointment to this Order?

Provided that they fulfil the Regulations under which the appointments are held.

I ask the right hon. Gentleman to accept our thanks—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]—for the very kind way in which he has met us—

This is not the time to pass a vote of thanks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as his Department hats been assisted in recent years by private or unofficial experiments with rifles and ammunition, he awaits the results of further unofficial experiments in 1927 before coming to a conclusion as to the types of rifle and ammunition to adopt?

The War Office has not received any special assistance in recent years in connection with service rifles and ammunition, from unofficial experiments, though information resulting from such experiments will naturally always be welcome. The answer to the question is in the negative.

May I ask whether unofficial experiments will be conducted with a view to accuracy or range?

Both.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a stream line bullet was introduced by the War Office eight years ago, and is still in the experimental stage?

Experiments of course do take some time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Warren Fisher Committee on the pay of the Royal Army Medical Corps have now made a Report; when is it proposed to revise the pay; and as from what date?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative as will be seen by reference to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 15th June. As regards the remainder of the question, the revised rates of pay, which have already been announced in Army Order 196 of 1926, took effect as from 1st July.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state what action he proposes to take with regard to the 19 known members of the Communist factory group stated in document 33 of the Blue Book on Communist Papers to be employed in Woolwich Arsenal?

It would not be in the public interest to make any statement on this subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it will be in the public interest to let the public know something about this?

I cannot say at this moment.

Is it the intention of the Government to penalise the workers in Woolwich Arsenal because of their political views?

Not on account of any political views.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the Government has been involved in any expenditure in connection with the Royal Tournament at Olympia; and, if so, what amount?

The answer is in the negative.

Is it not a fact that this Tournament has given pleasure to thousands of people of all ages and classes?

Certainly.

is it true that at this Tournament there is a combined display in which troops, artillery and tanks rout out a "Whahdi" stronghold? If so, does the right hon. Gentleman think such an exhibition is in the interest of good patriotism?

That does not arise out of the question.

also asked whether the financial assistance given to officers' training corps, senior and junior, carries with it the opportunity of making appointments or providing tuition in connection with the staffs of public schools and universities?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many coal miners were at work on 14th July last, and how many of these were safety men?

The total number of wage- earners employed at coal mines on the 17th July was 86,760. Of these 67,100 were employed at mines not producing any coal or producing coal for colliery consumption only.

Suppose a number of miners are at work next week, up to what date does the right hon. Member get his figures? Does he get them weekly?

I get them weekly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many outcrop workers are at work?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether His Majesty's Government are taking any action to prevent profiteering in coal imported from abroad during the present crisis;

(2) Whether he is aware that the prices being charged to fishermen and others engaged in important national industries for foreign coal vary between 55s. and 65s. a ton; and, in view of the fact that the coal is quoted at less than 20s. a ton at the ports of export, does His Majesty's Government propose to take any action to prevent profiteering in coal imported from abroad during the present crisis?

I will answer these questions together. So far as the fishing industry is concerned I am informed that a good deal of coal is imported direct by those engaged in the industry, but that where coal is bought from merchants prices in England range from 40s. to 50s. per ton and in Scotland from 44s. 6d. to 60s. My hon. Friend is mistaken in thinking that suitable coal can be bought on the Continent at less than 20s. f.o.b. As regards the last part of the question I have nothing to add to the answer that I gave to my hon. Friend on the 20th July.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that coal is being sold in Southwark at 3s. 1d. per cwt.?

I should be very glad to have any information I can from the hon. Member, but at the same time the sale of coal in small quantities is different from the sale in large quantities.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that coal at this price is a very great hardship on the poorer classes of the community, and will be not take steps to prevent it?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet established any safeguards against profiteering in household coal?

As I explained in reply to a question by the hon. Member for East Aberdeen on the 20th July, it is not the policy of the Government to control prices unless abuses should arise which force them to do so. That position has certainly not arisen yet.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his attitude in continually refusing to deal with this matter is encouraging these people, and that profiteering, especially as regards cwts. of coal, is worse than ever it was?

If the hon. and gallant Member will bring me proof of profiteering, I shall be extremely glad to go into it. That will be much more useful than merely asking vague questions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this question has been debated on the Floor of this House again and again and that in the minds of impartial people profiteering has been amply proved?

It is because the hon. and gallant Member has not produced proof that I have asked him to do so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that I supplied him with particulars that coal was being sold at 4s. per cwt., and that he was so satisfied it was profiteering that he promptly took steps to have it reduced?

I am glad the hon. Member has given me such an excellent testimonial.

Is not that one case in which profiteering has been proved, and does the right hon. Gentleman not think that 3s. 6d. per cwt. is profiteering?

I am afraid that in the present circumstances, and considering the difficulties of getting coal from abroad, it cannot be considered profiteering.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the Bury Coalowners' and Merchants' Association, in Lancashire, are charging the household consumers at the rate of £3 15s. per ton, an 3s. 9d. per cwt., for their coal; and whether he will take action against this firm for profiteering?

I understand that the coal referred to was part of a cargo of privately-imported coal which cost the merchants over £3 a ton into depot at Bury. The coal, about one-third of which was slack, had to be screened by the merchants and 3s. 9d. was the price for the large coal sold in hundredweight and half-hundredweight bags. This does not, therefore, appear to be a case in which the use of the word "profiteering" can be justified.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's officials ascertain the price paid for this imported coal, or whether they only take the statements of the merchants themselves?

My information came from the coal emergency officer in the district who himself went into the whole question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what price is being paid for the coal imported by the Government under the Supplementary Estimate which the House passed a few days ago?

I cannot answer that question.

Would it not be more appropriate if these cases of hardship were communicated to the Miners' Federation.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether special instructions have been issued to his mines' inspectors with regard to outcrop workings; and, if so, will he state what were these instructions?

When such workings come to the knowledge of the inspectors they are visited and every effort is made to secure that work is carried on safely. This is the usual practice in such circumstances and no special instructions have been found necessary.

May I ask if there are any Government Regulations as to the amount of royalty that can be charged per ton?

There are no Government Regulations about royalties. It is a matter of private contract

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that as much as 7s. 6d. per ton is being charged for royalties?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that coal is being produced from outcrop seams at Handsworth, near Sheffield; that blasting with gelignite has taken place within 14 yards from the public footpath; and will he state whether any of his inspectors have visited this place to ensure the public safety and to see that the mining regulations are being observed?

I am aware of the facts stated. Four visits have been made by Inspectors of Mines to these workings during this month and I am informed that they are being carried on under competent supervision and with proper regard to safety.

Does the right hon. Gentleman believe that the use of gelignite within 14 yards of the footpath is within the bounds of safety, and does his inspector agree that this work should continue so close to a public footpath?

No, Sir. The occurrence took place on the 18th July, and nothing of the sort has occurred since. I am informed that on the day when the last shot was fired the footpath was cleared for a considerable distance, and the use of the explosive has since been stopped.

Does the use of gelignite within a distance of 14 yards of a public footpath comply with the Regulations laid down with regard to the use of explosives?

It is not a question which comes under the Coal Mines (Regulation) Act. Outcrop working is a different thing. It is not a mine within the definition of the Act.

Under what special Act, or under what ordinary Act, would the use of explosives come? How can we ascertain whether or not the law was broken in this instance?

The position is rather a difficult one. Outcrop working is half-way between a quarry and a mine, and the definition is that the moment an outcrop working goes out of daylight it becomes a mine. But the Regulation is a little obscure.

Does it mean that nobody has any control over this outcrop working; that nobody is responsible for the use of gelignite?

No, Sir, nothing of the sort. Work of that sort above ground would constitute it a quarry.

Would not all this be perfectly safe if people from the surrounding districts did not try to obstruct this work?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say who is responsible for looking after the safety of the public?

The inspector.

Under what Department?

Under the Mines Department.

also asked how many accidents have taken place at outcrop workings during the present dispute, fatal and non-fatal; and in how many cases persons have been granted permission to use explosives for the purpose of producing coal from outcrop seams?

Nine fatal accidents, causing 10 deaths, and 12 non-fatal accidents injuring 14 persons, have come to my knowledge. So far as my Department is concerned, no permission to use explosives for outcrop workings is required.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if, in all these fatal cases, the normal Regulations have been complied with; and, if not, will he tell the House how frequently his inspectors have visited these places?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the most serious danger in regard to these outcrops is the lack of suitable timber for the support of the roof; and will he give instructions to his inspectors that where suitable timber cannot be provided the works should be stopped?

The report which I have received on these cases shows that my inspectors have visited the place and have found that the roads are well timbered and the work had been carried on in a safe manner.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether or not in these cases, where fatal accidents have taken place, the normal Regulations have been complied with; whether his inspectors have inquired into these cases, and, if so, with what result?

I have already told the hon. Member that the position with regard to outcrop workings are rather peculiar. These outcrop workings have been visited by inspectors, and they report that, on the whole, everything is satisfactory.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, having regard to the small number of men employed, the accident rate is very high and, in the circumstances, cannot something be done in order to safeguard these places?

I hope that in a very short time the outcrop workings will be no longer necessary.

Do the inspectors ask where such explosives have been purchased, and ascertain if they have been purchased through the ordinary channels and in accordance with Act of Parliament?

No, Sir. If the hon. Member had listened to the answer which I gave—

I did.

—he would have understood that in these cases the permission of the inspectors is not required in regard to explosives. It is not the case of an ordinary mine.

May I ask—

The hon. Member seems to be raising a new question.

No, Sir.

He asked where the explosives can be obtained.

On a point of Order. I asked about the right hon. Gentleman's own inspectors.

Whatever the question is about, I suggest that it should be put on the Paper.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in the event of Clause 22 of the Mining Industry Bill becoming law, local welfare committees will be enabled to divert any part of the sums allocated for mining education to other purposes?

The allocation of the Miners' Welfare Fund, whether for education or any other purpose is in the hands not of the local welfare committees, but of the Miners' Welfare Committee, and their powers and duties are not affected in any way by Clause 22 of the Mining Industry Bill. Indeed, I do not see that there is any connection between the two.

The right hon. Gentleman, in an answer the other day, said that £200,000 is being applied this year for mining education, and does he not think that if Clause 22 is passed, it will have a great effect in retarding young miners going in for education of a mining character?

No, Sir. It will have no effect of that kind. The hon. Member need not be so anxious about Clause 22. It is not certainly so serious as he thinks.

asked the Secretary for Mines the terms of reference to the Committee on Co-operative Selling in the Coal-mining Industry?

The terms of reference are as follow: To inquire into and report upon the desirability and practicability of developing co-operative selling in the coal-mining industry and to make recommendations.

May I ask whether, in view of the presence of representatives of the coalowners and miners on this Committee, any member is specially charged with looking after the interests of the domestic consumer?

No, Sir, the members of this Committee do not represent any particular interest. We have selected the best men we can.

Have not the Government neglected to do what they have specifically asked to do; appoint representatives of the co-operative movement?

No, Sir, we have not been asked, and we have not excluded them or anybody else.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the saving of coal resulting from the removal of certain of the hot-water taps in the lavatories of this House?

A saving of approximately 10 tons of coal per month is effected by a general restriction of services at the Houses of Parliament. I regret that it is not possible to state what proportion of this saving is due to the item referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the unequal treatment suffered by certain traders under the Prevention of Accidents (Extension of Time) Rules, 1926, according to which all companies or persons owning less than 20,000 wagons are obliged to secure the proper equipment of all wagons with either-side brakes within the extended period, that is before November, 1931; and whether he will take steps to secure that equal treatment be extended to all classes of traders?

I am afraid I do not quite understand my hon. Friend's question. Under the Prevention of Accidents Rules now in force all railway wagons are required to be fitted with either-side brakes within the same period.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the number of fatal accidents which have occurred on Brabyns Brow, Marple, Cheshire, including one during the past week; and will he cause an inquiry to be undertaken with the local authorities concerned, together with the Derbyshire and Cheshire County Councils, to see by what means this state of affairs can be remedied?

If my hon. Friend will send me further details as to the nature of these accidents I will inquire into the matter and see whether any action can usefully be taken by my Department.

I shall be very glad to give the right hon. and gallant Gentleman particulars. Is he aware that the whole trouble in this matter arises from the dual control of the two county councils?

If the hon. Member will bring the facts to my notice, and if I can do anything useful by bringing the two county councils together, I shall be glad to do so.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a proof of the dangerous condition of this hill is the fact that a notice board has been put up inscribed with the words "Deathtrap"?

asked the Minister of Transport what progress is being made with the new Edinburgh and Glasgow road; and if any decision has been arrived at as regards the course of this road in the neighbourhood of Harthill, in view of the wishes expressed by the inhabitants that the new road should not pass through this village?

This route, 40 miles in length, comprises 24 miles of new construction and 16 miles of road widening. It is divided, for purposes of execution, into nine sections, for eight of which contracts have been let, covering 31 miles in all. Work is proceeding steadily on these sections. Final details as regards railway bridges have not yet been settled with the various companies concerned, and until the cost of these eight sections and the bridges thereon can be more closely determined, no contract is being let for the remaining section, which includes work in the neighbourhood of Harthill. Meanwhile, no definite decision has been reached as to the course to be followed by the road near this village.

Is it possible to give the approximate debt when this road will be completed.

No, that is quite impossible. It depends on the cost of these sections.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the increasing number of accidents to motor chars-à-banc and lorries conveying large numbers of people owing to the failure of brakes and other defective components; and will he consider legislation with a view to the compulsory examination of vehicles utilised for road passenger traffic?

As regards the first part of the question, such information as I have received does not furnish any evidence that the number of accidents due to defective equipment on public passenger carrying vehicles is increasing. As regards the second part of the question, it is proposed to deal with the regulation and inspection of public service vehicles in the general Bill on the subject of road transport, which I hope to present to the House as soon as Parliamentary time is available.

asked the Postmaster-General what the geographical limitations are to the ability of the Rugby wireless station to reach ships at sea; whether he can give a list of the almost blind and the difficult spots for reception; and whether progress is being made in circumventing this difficulty?

The most difficult localities for reception appear to be in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean between Honolulu and Valparaiso. The power of the transmissions from Rugby has recently been increased in order to facilitate reception in such difficult localities. All radiotelegrams sent from Rugby are transmitted twice, once during the day and once during the night; and experience shows that the messages are regularly and reliably received during one transmission or the other by ships in all parts of the world.

asked the Postmaster-General when the Rugby wireless station is likely to be capable of and to undertake telephonic inter-communication between this country and the whole world; when such communication is likely to be available for the public with the United States; and what is preventing this at present?

There are still certain technical difficulties to be overcome before a trans-Atlantic wireless telephone service can be offered to the public, and no definite date can yet be fixed for the opening of such a service. Experiments are still proceeding, and until the results are known and experience has been obtained of the working of a trans-Atlantic service under commercial conditions, it is not possible to make any useful forecast concerning the possibility of extension to other countries.

asked the Postmaster-General the original price of the international reply coupon; and why, seeing that the exchanges of the world are in favour of England, this coupon should now cost 4d., since it is issued in order that it may be exchanged in any country of the postal union for a postage stamp or stamps representing the postage on a single-rate letter, which is 2½d.?

The original price of an international reply coupon in this country was 3d.; but at that time the minimum selling price under the international Regulations was 28 centimes gold, and the coupon was exchangeable for a postage stamp of the value of 25 centimes gold. At present the postage on a single-rate letter may be as much as 40 centimes gold, and the minimum selling price has therefore been fixed, internationally, at 40 centimes gold. The selling price in this country cannot therefore at present be less than 4d.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has considered the advisability of fusion of the telegraph and telephone services, and what conclusion he has reached?

From the point of view of practical working, the services are combined as far as possible. I do not think that there would at the present time be advantage, but rather the reverse, in a fusion of the two services on the financial side.

asked the Postmaster-General the total cost of the additional buildings erected at Mount Pleasant; the number of the staff to be accommodated therein; and when and the manner in which it is contemplated to utilise the vacant land facing the main road?

The cost of the new Mount Pleasant letter office is estimated at £208,500. The staff to be eventually accommodated therein numbers 2,820. On the vacant land fronting Farringdon Road it is proposed, when financial exigencies permit, to erect a stamp office and branch post office.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount of revenue derived from advertisements appearing in the London Telephone Directory for each of the three years 1923 to 1925?

The amount of revenue derived by the Stationery Office from advertisements appearing in the London Telephone Directory for each of the three years 1923 to 1925 was as follows:

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these advertisements are let out to contractors?

Yes, I think so; but I should like notice of the question before I give a positive answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the circulation of this directory?

Not without notice.

Are the contracts put out to public tender?

asked the Postmaster-General for what reason his Department vetoed the proposal to broadcast the speeches at the House of Commons on the 26th instant, on the occasion of the dinner given to celebrate the 70th birthday of Mr. George Bernard Shaw?

I should have been glad to give permission for the broadcasting of Mr. Shaw's speech if an assurance could have been obtained that argumentative political controversy would be avoided. Such an assurance could not be obtained, and permission was accordingly refused.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in order to safeguard the impartiality of the broadcasting service, the representation of all sections of political opinion will be secured on the body that will conduct that service?

I am not yet in a position to make any announcement as regards appointments to the new organisation. The need for securing the impartiality of the broadcasting service will not be overlooked

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that communications have been sent to Labour magistrates from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster asking for an explanation as to their conduct as trade union officials and representatives during the general strike; and if, in view of the fact that there is no representative of the Duchy of Lancaster in this House, he will state why this action was taken?

My Noble Friend has in certain cases sent communications to magistrates about whom he has received allegations that in connection with the general strike they committed breaches of the law or took action incompatible with their position as magistrates. It is only right when such allegations are made to give the gentlemen concerned an opportunity of replying to them.

In what way have they committed a breach of the law in exercising their functions as trade union secretaries; and in what way does that conflict with their duty as magistrates?

When their replies have been received, they will be considered.

Will the hon. Gentleman point out where the breach of the law has been committed, and what particular law has been broken by these men acting in a purely trade union manner and as the representatives of trade unions?

A breach of the law has not yet been established.

Is it right to use the expression "Labour magistrates," since all magistrates are supposed to act irrespective of party?

How does the hon. Gentleman account for the differentiation between the General Council and these men, if these men are to be disqualified from holding such positions, while the members of the General Council, on whose instructions they were acting, are invited to a garden party as leading guests of the State?

There is no decision that these gentlemen must be disqualified.

As they are likely to be disqualified, can the hon. Gentlemen account for the differentiation which deprives them of their positions, and includes the members of the General Council among the guests of the highest in the land?

The hon. Member is putting a purely hypothetical question.

What prima facie evidence was there, that there had been any breach of the law when inquiries were first instituted?

Were any charges brought against these men?

I understand that allegations have been made—[HON. MEMBERS: "By whom?"]—and when allegations are made it is right that there should be an opportunity of reply.

Were any charges made in the law courts?

By whom were the allegations made?

I should want notice of that question.

If I am in order, I intend to take the first opportunity of raising this matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has now completed his inquiries into the allegations of disloyalty made against the Union of Post Office Workers in connection with their activities during the general strike; if so, what is the result of such inquiries; and what action he proposes to take?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar question asked by the hon. and learned Member for Moss Side (Mr. Hurst) on the 14th instant. I am not at present able to add anything to that reply.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of Post Office servants whose adherence to the general strike policy of the Trade Union Congress was pledged by the executive of the Union of Post Office Workers on 1st May; how many of such servants belonged to the union in question; and whether he proposes to continue to recognise this union?

I am unable to answer the first part of my hon. and learned Friend's question. The membership of the Union of Post Office Workers, according to the latest figures supplied to me, was 91,359 in December last. As regards the last part of the question, I can only refer my hon. and learned Friend to my reply to a similar question which he put to me on 14th instant

Does the Postmaster-General not think it is time that Government servants owed allegiance to the Government, and not to any particular union?

I have already said that on the general question of policy I am unable to add anything to the statement already made.

They are not slaves, you know.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing importance of the Esperanto World Congress, which is to be held this year in Edinburgh at the beginning of August, he will arrange for an official welcome to be extended to the Congress on behalf of His Majesty's Government?

I have been asked to reply. As His Majesty's Government are not taking part in this Congress, they feel unable to accept the suggestion of the hon. Member.