asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any settlement has been arrived at with the Canton Government to conclude the boycott of British trade at Hong King?

As foreshadowed in the reply given on 28th September to the hon. Member for West Leicester (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence), an announcement of the termination of the Hong Kong boycott appeared in the Canton Gazette of 10th October, when all pickets on the Hong Kong frontier were withdrawn and restrictions on the crossing to and fro of passengers and goods were abandoned. At the same time the strike examination shed at Canton was demolished. While a return to normal conditions can only be reached gradually, there has already been some improvement. The train service between Hong Kong and Canton has been resumed, steamer services are almost normal and Chinese dealers are restocking with British piece goods. There is still, however, considerable anti-British agitation and many dealers still hesitate to deal openly with British merchants, and the boycott organisation is carrying on a campaign for the perpetuation of the boycott.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the boycott shows some signs of revival, both in Canton and Swatow, particularly in the refusal to handle cargo taken there by various British liners, and can he say what action he will take in the matter to protect British interests concerned?

I must ask my hon. Friend to give me notice of his question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this boycott was called off as a result of any definite understanding between the two Governments, or whether it was action by one side only?

I cannot say that it resulted from an understanding.

Then did the negotiations come to no conclusion?

There were conversations between His Majesty's Consul-General and the local authorities, but I could not say that this was the subject of any agreement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state for the information of merchants exporting cotton textiles to China how many of the provinces have introduced the 2½ per cent. surtax; whether the British Government is advising British importers to submit to it; and what is the policy of the British Government at the present time on the subject of the proposed interim Chinese tariff?

No provinces have introduced the 2½ per cent. surtax. The local administration at Canton has introduced production and consumption taxes at the rate of 2½ per cent. on ordinary goods and 5 per cent. on imported luxuries. The provincial authorities of Shantung have introduced a goods tax at the rate of 2 per cent. ad ralorem . Individual merchants are paying these taxes under protest, and protests have been made by the representatives of the Treaty Powers at Peking and at the ports affected. The consideration of the proposed interim Chinese tariff cannot be renewed until China is in a position to resume negotiations with the Powers.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish full papers on the Wanhsien incident; and whether it is intended to make any redress to the Chinese people for the loss of civilian lives?

I am not yet in receipt of full information about this incident, but I will, of course, consider the right hon. Gentleman's request for papers as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Turkish authorities, on the very morning of the day when the St. Barnabas pilgrims were to land at Anzac and Suvla to visit the war graves, suddenly cancelled their permission and prevented the landing; whether the Government have made representations; and, if so, with what result?

This incident has formed the subject of a full report from His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Constantinople, who made strong representations to the Turkish authorities. His representations, however, have not yet led to any result, or explanation of their action.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information as to the terms of the Afghan-Soviet Treaty; whether British-Indian interests are preserved; and whether the treaty has been registered with the League of Nations?

I have received a translation of the Treaty signed on the 31st August from the British Minister at Kabul, to whom the Afghan Foreign Minister communicated the Persian text. I see no reason to suppose that the Treaty will have any prejudicial effect on British-Indian interests. So far as I know, it has not been registered with the League of Nations, and since neither party to it is a member of the League, it does not seem likely that it will be registered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Italian Mission to Arabia last August has resulted in any treaty or understanding; if so, whether His Majesty's Government are aware of its terms; whether the League of Nations have been informed; and whether British interests are protected?

Yes, Sir; a treaty of friendship and commerce between Italy and the Yemen was signed at Sanaa on the 2nd September, 1926, and its terms have been communicated by the Italian Government to His Majesty's Government. I am unaware whether they have also been communicated to the League of Nations. The treaty is essentially pacific and commercial in character; it contained nothing contrary to British interests.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has been made towards a settlement of the British financial claims against Russia, both State and private?

The answer to this question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Russian Foreign Office have on innumerable occasions indicated that they would welcome a conference to settle all outstanding questions between the two countries?

I have had a general statement to the effect that they would welcome negotiations for putting our relations on a better footing from the representatives of the Soviet in this country, and I have indicated to them the conditions precedent to successful negotiations.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what those conditions are?

First and foremost, that I should be able to give this House a guarantee that the one political condition which was embodied in the Trade Agreement would henceforth be kept.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can now state the number of persons who were insured against unemployment at the beginning of July, 1926?

The number of persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts in Great Britain at the beginning of July, 1926, is estimated to be 11,773,700. This figure includes 123,700 persons insured wider the special schemes for the banking and insurance industries.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether that represents an increase or a decrease as compared with the previous year?

Speaking from memory, I think it is an increase, but in dealing with figures I like to verify them before I give a definite answer.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons unemployed at the present time and the number for the same period last year?

asked the Minister of Labour the latest figures in his possession of the number of unemployed workpeople registered as wanting work?

I will answer these questions together. The number registered at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain on 1st November, 1926, was 1,559,200, as compared with 1,207,612 at 2nd November, 1925. The figure for November, 1926, is exclusive of workpeople in the coal-mining industry who ceased work on account of the dispute.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say approximately how many people were unemployed who were not registered at Employment Exchanges?

No.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government have any policy to provide work for this million and a half?

also asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons unemployed receiving standard benefit and the number receiving extended benefit at the present time, and the corresponding figures for a year ago?

Statistics of the number of persons in receipt of standard and extended benefit respectively are not regularly collected. At the latest inquiry made on 15th March, 1926, it was found that 53.8 per cent. of the authorised claims to benefit current at that date were authorised for standard benefit and 46.2 per cent. for extended benefit, as compared with 52.4 per cent. for standard benefit and 47.6 per cent. for extended benefit at 18th May, 1925.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men employed on works instituted by local authorities and others under schemes sanctioned by the Unemployment Grants Committee; the total amount of expenditure involved; and the corresponding figures for a year ago?

The number of men employed on the 25th September, 1926, on schemes assisted by the Unemployment Grants Committee was 19,351 as compared with 32,170 men employed on the 26th September, 1925. The total estimated cost of schemes approved by the Committee during the 12 months ended 30th Steptember, 1926, was £11,912,145 as compared with £21,693,923 during the year ended 30th September, 1925.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why, with increased number of unemployed, the amount of the grants has been so considerably reduced?

The policy of the Government in regard to this matter was explained quite fully earlier in the year, and if the hon. Member will refer to that explanation he will see the conditions under which the Unemployment Grants Committee have considered this question.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployed seamen in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne area are compelled to sign the unemployed register at the Newcastle Central Exchange and not at the local exchange nearest their homes; that these men in their search for a ship often have to attend at the port of South Shields, 10 miles away, yet are compelled to sign the register six days a week at Newcastle; and will he give instructions that seamen shall sign three days a week at their nearest exchange or, alternatively, at the port they visit in their search for work?

I understand it is already possible for a seaman registered at Newcastle and seeking work at South Shields on any particular day to give evidence of unemployment at the latter place without visiting the Newcastle Central Exchange on that day. The arrangements at Newcastle with regard to seamen's claims are not more onerous than those applying to such claims generally, and I do not think I should be justified in relaxing them, but if the hon. Member has any particular case of apparent hardship in mind I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the appeal of the employers' organisation to the international Court on the issue as to the title of the International Labour Organisation to legislate over employers as well as workpeople has now been heard; and, if so, what is the decision arrived at?

On 23rd July, 1926, the Permanent Court of International Justice delivered an advisory opinion in the following terms: The Court is of opinion That it is within the competence of the International Labour Organisation to draw up and to propose labour legislation which, in order to protect certain classes of workers, also regulates incidentally the same work when performed by the employer himself. In order that the full bearing of this opinion may be understood. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of the statement published in the Monthly Summary of the League of Nations for July, 1926.

The origin of this question was as follows:

On the agenda of the Sixth Session of the International Labour Organisation held in 1924 was included, amongst other subjects, "Night Work in Bakeries." On this question the International Labour Office had prepared a draft convention, according to which no work might be done in bakeries at night; thus no distinction of persons was made. The report of the committee instructed by the Conference to examine the draft arrived at the same conclusion; but this report was accompanied by a minority report raising serious objections to the application of the prohibition of night work to the employer himself. The version expressing the view of the majority was provisionally adopted at a full meeting of the Conference, and was referred to the Seventh Session of the Conference for a final vote. In the course of that session, in 1925, the preceding decision was confirmed in spite of the strenuous opposition of members of the Employers' Group. The version finally adopted expressly states that the prohibition of night work in bakeries "applies to the work of all persons, including proprietors as well as workers."

At the Thirtieth Session of the Governing Body of the International Labour Office, held, in January, 1926, the Employers' Group proposed that the Court should be consulted on the question whether "the International Labour Organisation was competent to draw up and propose regulations applying to the work of the employer himself." In the course of the discussion, the question was restricted to the competence of the International Labour Organisation "to draw up and propose regulations which, whilst primarily and essentially intended to deal with the work of employed persons, incidentally affected the work of an employer considered himself as a worker." The wording of the question finally put to the Court by the Council of the League at the request of the Governing Body was doubtless intended to express the same idea.

In its opinion, the Court first of all analysed the terms of the question upon which its opinion had been asked. It was thus led to observe that the question, being general, did not relate to any particular branch of industry; the Court therefore did not specifically consider the conditions of the baking industry. It went on to show that it was not called upon to deal with the work of the employer in general—competence to regulate this had not been claimed on behalf of the International Labour Organisation—but, only in so far as work done by the employer was the same as that of the worker, and as its regulation was incidental to a regulation proposed in order to protect certain classes of workers. Under the terms of reference, the proposed regulation of the work of the employer was to be assumed to be really incidental to labour legislation for the protection of wage-earners, admittedly within the competence of the International Labour Organisation. The question was: Could the International Labour Organisation exercise this competence in a case where the legislation proposed for the protection of the wage-earner would incidentally regulate the same work done by the employer himself, seeing that the employer, when performing the same work which was performed by the wage-earner, did not normally fall within the competence of the International Labour Organisation?

This question was, in the Court's opinion, a question of law, the answer to which depended on the terms of Part XIII (Labour) of the Peace Treaty of Versailles. The Court therefore proceeded to analyse the provisions of this part, especially those defining the programme and objects of the international Labour Organisation. This led to the observation that the measures adopted for the attainment of these objects might affect the rights and interests of employers as well as of the employed, and also that the competence of the Organisation was very wide, but, at the same time, limited to proposing the adoption of national or international labour legislation. Again, by means of provisions in regard to the right of Governments to object to the inclusion on the agenda of Conferences of a particular item, and in regard to the majority of two-thirds required for the adoption of any draft, the High Contracting Parties had, quite apart from the reference of any question or dispute to the Court, taken precautions against the undue extension of the sphere of activity of the International Labour Organisation. Nevertheless, it was not conceivable that the High Contracting Parties intended to prevent the International Labour Organisation from proposing measures essential to the protection of wage-earners; but, in the Court's opinion, it would be prevented from doing so if it were not competent to propose regulations which, in order to attain their legitimate object, must necessarily apply to some extent to work done by employers. Moreover, in the treaty were to be found special provisions in the application of which the incidental regulation of the personal work of the employer was potentially involved. The Court mentioned as a contemporary and practical interpretation of the limits placed by Part XIII on the competence of the International Labour Organisation, the inclusion in the agenda of the First Labour Conference, under the actual terms of Part XIII, of the extension and application of the convention concerning white phosphorus; this convention prohibited the use of white phosphorus in the manufacture of matches without making any distinction as to persons. The Court also considered in a similar connection the convention prohibiting the use of white lead in painting; it did so in virtue of the principle that, in determining the extent of a particular governmental power, resort might be had to practice, national and international. Lastly, the Court referred to some of the arguments developed by it in Advisory Opinion No. 3, which, applied to the present question, would seem to prove that the International Labour Organisation could not be precluded from proposing regulations for the protection of workers on the ground that such regulations might have the effect of incidentally regulating, at the same time, the work of the employer.

No doubt the question whether, in a particular case, the regulation of the personal work of the employer were primary rather than incidental, might give rise to controversy.

The Court allowed it to be understood that the International Labour Organisation had, in regard to this point, discretionary powers to exercise judgment in the circumstances of each case; these powers, however, were not unlimited, but existed subject to the right of recourse to the Court itself provided for in regard to "any question or dispute relating to the interpretation" of Part XIII. For this reason, moreover, the Court, while replying to the question put in the affirmative, abstained from considering "controversial cases" in regard to which its opinion had not been sought and from indicating how such cases should be dealt with.

also asked the Minister of Labour why His Majesty's Government have requested the International Labour Office to conduct an inquiry into the cost of social insurance in other countries; and for what purpose the information is required?

The cost of social insurance in the various countries is, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, a factor which must be taken into account in considering the problems of industry from an international standpoint. Authoritative information on the subject is at present lacking, and the Governing Body of the International Labour Office has, therefore, requested that office to study the question and collect the necessary data.

When the information is to hand, will it be published for the use of this House?

I shall be glad to give this House any information I can get on this subject.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether any wage increases have been obtained by bodies of workers during the present year; and, if so, in what trades or occupations;

(2) whether he can state the trades and occupations in which the workers have suffered decreases of wages during the present year?

Particulars of all changes in rates of wages known to the Department are published in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette." I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the more important cases of net increase or reduction during the present year up to the end of October.

Is it still the view of the Prime Minister that all wages must come down?

The following is the list. According to the information available in the Ministry of Labour, the following are the more important bodies of work-people who have been reported as having received net increases in rates of wages during the present year up to the end of October: Iron ore miners and limestone quarrymen—Cumberland. Ironstone miners—Cleveland. Explosives workers (certain classes only)—Great Britain. Blastfurnace workers—Cleveland. Brickmakers—Peterborough. Aerated water makers—Great Britain. Papermakers (women and lower-paid men only)—Great Britain Civil engineering workers — Great Britain (except in certain smaller districts). Building trade workers—Liverpool and district. Electricity supply workers—London. Male agricultural workers—Bedford, Huntingdon, Berkshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Shropshire, Anglesey and Carnarvon. The following are the more important bodies of workers who have been reported as having sustained not reductions in rates of wages during the same period: Shale miners and oil workers—Scotland. Blastfurnace workers (tonnage workers only)—North Staffs and Scotland. Blastfurnace workers (except labourers)—Cumberland. Steel smelters (except lower-paid men)—England and Scotland. Steel sheet millmen—England and Wales. Iron puddlers and millmen—North of England, Midlands and Scotland. 1065 Iron and steel workers (except lower-paid men in certain sections)—South Wales. Electric cable makers—Great Britain. Iron and steel wire drawers—Great Britain. Bedstead makers—Birmingham and District. Chain makers—Midlands. Linen workers—Northern Ireland. Carpet workers—Great Britain. Textile bleachers, dyers, finishers, etc.—Yorkshire, Lancashire and Scotland. Boot and shoe makers—Great Britain.* Seed crushers and oil millers—Great Britain. Railway traffic workers (except men in receipt of minimum base rates) —Great Britain. Coal tippers—Great Britain. Omnibus drivers and conductors—London. Road transport workers—Scotland

*An increase in wages arranged to take effect in November will leave wages in most cases at the same level as at the beginning of the year.

STATEMENT 1. NO. 1. Statement showing the amount of subsidy paid in respect of sugar and molasses, respectively, in each financial year since the introduction of the subsidy. Factory. Sugar. Molasses. 1924–25. 1925–26. 1926–27 to 6th Nov., 1926. 1924–25. 1925–26. 1926–27.to 6th Nov., 1926. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Cantley 272,517 7 9 331,934 17 0 104,048 19 11 16,482 12 3 28,937 16 10 22,977 18 2 2. Kelham 119,188 14 4 86,224 5 10 44,507 15 6 9,758 18 7 17,312 14 2 132 13 9 3. Ely — 187,599 15 0 117,168 14 9 — 4,133 17 7 26,123 14 5 4. Ipswich — 57,034 1 2 80,032 13 0 — 3,945 10 0 — 5. Colwick 74,092 11 8 150,022 17 11 24,993 2 2 — 1,266 10 9 — 6. Spalding — — 8,267 1 10 — — — 7. Kidder-minister. — 63,163 15 2 23,052 7 10 — — — 8. Poppleton — — 1,019 0 1 — — — 9. Wissington — 48,725 2 10 4,819 8 6 — 1,543 7 5 3,120 9 1 10. Bury St. Edmunds. — 73,603 4 8 45,360 18 0 — 6,536 16 10 13,195 17 5 11. Greenock — 2,759 4 7 — — 1,346 1 3 — 12. Peter borough — — 8,059 2 1 — — — Total 465,798 13 9 1,001,067 4 2 461,329 3 8 26,241 10 10 65,022 14 10 65,550 12 10

Employees in non-trading services of local authorities—London, Lancashire, East Midlands and Middlesex.

Electricity supply workers—All districts except London, North East Coast, East Midlands and Home Counties.

Male agricultural workers—Northumberland and Glamorgan.

asked the Minister of Labour the amount of subsidy paid to each of the sugar beet factories in respect of sugar and molasses, respectively, in each financial year since the subsidy was introduced; the factories expected to operate this season, but not having operated before; and the aggregate capitalisation to date of all the subsidised sugar beet companies and the individual guarantees toward cost of building under the Trade Facilities Act?

I have been asked to reply and propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT four statements giving the desired information.

Following are the statements:

STATEMENT No. 2. The new beet sugar factories, which have not operated before, are as follows:— Spalding. Peterborough. Cupar (Fife). Poppleton (York). Felstead (Essex).

With the exception of Cupar, all these factories are now operating, and Cupar is expected to start very soon.

STATEMENT No. 3. Statement showing the capitalisation of Beet Sugar Factory Companies. Factory Capital. Company Issued Shares. Debentures (including Trade Facilities guarantees—see Statement No. 4). Total £ £ 1. English Beet Sugar Corporation, Ltd. Cantley 540,507 — 450,507 2. Home Grown Sugar, Ltd. Kelbam 125,000 196,982 321,982 3. Ely Beet Sugar Factory, Ltd. Ely 250,000 100,000 350,000 4. Ipswich Beet Sugar Factory, Ltd. Ipswich 250,000 100,000 350,000 5. Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation, Ltd. Colwick 425,000 690,000 1,115,000 Spalding 6. West Midland Sugar Company, Ltd. Kidderminster 180,000 150,000 330,000 7. Second Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation, Ltd. Poppleton (York) 250,000 865,000 1,115,000 Felstead Cupar 8. British Sugar Manufacturers, Ltd. Wissington 350,000 250,000 600,000 9. United Sugar Co., Ltd. Bury St. Edmunds 300,000 — 300,000 10. Central Sugar Co., Ltd. Peterborough 175,000 175,000 350,000 11. Orchard Sugar Co., Ltd. Greenock 170,000 *80,000 250,000 2,925,507 2,606,982 5,532,489 * An additional guarantee of £100,000 has been granted by Trade Facilities Act Advisory Committee, but this has not yet been taken up.

STATEMENT 4. Statement showing the amount of individual guarantees made to date under the Trade Facilities Act to Beet Sugar Factory Companies. Name of Company. Factories. Guarantees given. Loans taken up. £ £ Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation, Ltd. Colwick … 610,000 610,000 Spalding … Second Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation, Ltd. Poppleton (York) … 865,000 865,000 Cupar … Felstead … West Midland Sugar Co., Ltd. Kidderminster … 150,000 150,000 Orchard Sugar Co., Ltd. Greenock … 180,000 80,000 Central Sugar Co., Ltd. Peterborough … 185,000 175,000 Total … 1,990,000 1,880,000

asked the Secretary of Sate for Air if he is able to state the results of the tests of the Royal Air Force long-distance flying boats in the round flight to Egypt and Cyprus?

I have been asked to reply. The result of the flight referred to by the hon. Member was the acquisition of some very valuable information bearing upon the flying design and maintenance of flying boats on long-distance cruises. My right hon. Friend is sending the hon. Member a copy of an Air Ministry communiqué upon this subject, which perhaps he has not seen.

Will the Noble Lord say if a full service load was carried on this flight?

I am afraid that I cannot answer a technical question of that kind, but I will call the attention of my right hon. Friend to it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has received any offer to substitute a stone bridge for the suspension bridge over St. James's Park lake; and, if so, whether he will state the facts and conditions of the offer, together with any reason for making the substitution suggested?

An offer of a free gift of a stone bridge has been made, but the proposal is at present in abeyance. Should it be revived, the House will be placed in full possession of the facts before any decision is reached.

asked the Secretary of State for War the numbers and the cost of the British standing army in Egypt in 1914 and in 1926?

The establishment of the British troops in Egypt and the Sudan for 1913–14 was approximately 6,300, and the cost as shown in the Army Appropriation Account was £643,127. For 1926–27 the establishment is approximately 12,400, and the estimated cost, as shown on page 256 of Army Estimates, 1926, is £2,677,800. The figures for 1926–27 cover an Infantry detachment of about 120 men stationed in Cyprus.

I gather from the figures that the establishment is up by 100 per cent., and that the cost is up by 450 per cent. Is there any chance of a reduction?

I do not gather that from the figures. The cost per man is certainly up just over 100 per cent. and not 450 per cent.

Is there any chance of a reduction?

I cannot hold out any hope of a reduction at the present time. We require this extra number of men for services in connection with the mechanicalisation of transport, and this does incur a heavier cost proportionate to the number of men.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why we require such a large number of men?

It is a matter of policy.

May I ask whether this increase in the establishment and in the cost of maintenance is one of the advantages accruing to Egypt now that she has got self-government?

Has not the pay of the Army nearly doubled?

Yes; that is certainly one of the reasons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the figures of the relative costs of producing a ton of pig iron in Great Britain, the United States of America, Germany and France, apart from exceptional circumstances such as strikes?

I have no information as to the relative costs of producing pig iron in the countries mentioned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that tobacco which was sold retail at 3d. per oz. in 1914 is now sold at 8½d. per oz., the same quality or inferior, and that matches which were 2½d. per dozen boxes in 1914 are now 10½d. per dozen retail; and whether the Government propose to take any action to deal with profiteering in these articles?

I am aware of the increases mentioned. These matters were considered in 1919–20 by committees under the Profiteering Acts, who were of opinion that in view of the increases over the pre-War level in Customs and Excise duties, and in other costs, the prices then charged were not unreasonable. I am not aware of any change since that time which would justify a contrary opinion now.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that since 1920 wages have gone down to the tune of hundreds of millions; and is it not time that the Board of Trade considered the vast profits made out of the manufacture of these articles, and endeavoured to see that some relief is given to those who consume these articles and reduce the profiteering that goes on?

Taxation accounts for the great bulk of this increase in price. The duty on unstripped tobacco has risen from 2¾d. per ounce pre-War to 6.12d. That is a very great increase and largely accounts for the higher prices. Of course, in the price of tobacco the enormous profits that are represented by the companies' sale of tobacco are shown over an immense turnover in regard to a commodity sold in very small quantities; therefore the infliction upon the consumer is relatively very small. The immense profits are due to the big sales of the companies.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on the figures he has given to the House the cost of the actual commodity apart from taxation, is still 150 per cent. above pre-War?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is true that wages have gone down in this particular industry?

My answer to the last supplementary question is that I do not know. My reply to the hon. Member opposite (Mr. T. Williams) is that he is mistaken. I have quoted a figure which represents an increase of 4d. per ounce for taxation alone and in addition to that there is the extra cost of raw material which is to-day about 6 of a penny per ounce.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the last available figures for a month showing the number of safety razor blades manufactured in this country; and if he will give similar figures for the corresponding month in the year before this industry was brought under the influence of safeguarding?

I am unable to give figures of the output of safety razor blades in the United Kingdom as a whole, but, from such partial information as I have, it would appear that the output in September, 1926, was much greater than in September, 1925.

Can my hon. Friend say whether, in addition to an increase in the output of safety razors in this country, there is also an export trade now in safety razors?

I should require notice of that question.

Do the figures given include blanks as razor blades?

I cannot hear the hon. Member's question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many sub-committees of the Food Council have now been appointed and are now operating; and what are the subjects with which they are dealing?

The executive and preparatory work of the Food Council is carried out by the Council's Executive Committee. The Committee deal with all inquiries conducted by the Council, and the Council prefer this method to the appointment of ad hoc sub-committees. The inquiries now being carried out by the Council and their Executive Committee are indicated in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 25th October.

In the last reply we were told that the Council have power to appoint sub-committees. Have any sub-committees been appointed?

There is an Executive Committee, but the Council as a rule deals with these questions as a Council, referring such matters as it thinks fit to the Executive Committee.

Have the Food Council under consideration the enormous increase in freight rates for grain from South America and Canada?

That is a different question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the small proportion of the destruction of fish due to human agency; and if he will consider devoting more of the money now spent on statistical matters to the discovery of new fishing grounds through aviation and other means?

So far as I am aware, no moans have yet been discovered of measuring the respective parts played in the destruction of fish life by human and other agencies; but there is definite evidence that the effects of fishing on the stock of fish are by no means negligible. Statistics are of fundamental importance for the intelligent study of fishery problems, and I do not propose to do anything to impair the accuracy of our fishery statistics. As funds permit and opportunity serves, assistance will be given for the discovery of new fishing grounds, and but for the coal strike—[ Interruption ]— but for the shortage of coal an exploratory expedition jointly financed by trawler owners and the Government would have been carried out this year from Fleetwood. Aviation as a means of discovering fish has already been tested by the Ministry and by the Fishery Board for Scotland, and has proved useless for the purpose

Can the Minister tell us when the fishery research vessels for the Atlantic, which were promised last year, will come into being?

We are also discussing that matter with the representatives of the western fisheries interests, and we hope that before long, with their help, a boat may be provided, anyhow temporarily.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give the approximate cost per annum which would be required for the purchase of rights in the obliterating postmark on all letters despatched from this country to the Continent?

The process of stamp cancellation is necessarily performed before letters are sorted according to their destinations, and so it is impossible to confine a particular postmark to letters for particular destinations. I could not, therefore, give the estimate for which my hon. Friend asks.

Will the Noble Lord consider the suggestion to help a national effort, such as the "Come to Britain" movement, in the course of the obliteration of the stamps?

All my hon. Friend's suggestions will be carefully considered.

Can the Noble Lord say whether it is a fact that this machine is made in America?

The dies are made in England.

Is the machine made in America?

The machine that cancels the stamps on letters is made in America. It is not manufactured in this country. If it were manufactured in this country my right hon. Friend would purchase it.

asked the Postmaster-General what has been the cost to the taxpayer during the last three years, respectively, of the reduction allowed from ordinary telegraphic rates for Press telegrams?

The revenue from Press telegrams has been £91,000, £83,000 and £84,000, respectively, in the last three financial years. At ordinary rates the revenue from the same amount of traffic would probably have been between £500,000 and £600,000 per annum, but considerable labour would be involved in obtaining the information necessary to estimate it with accuracy. It must not be assumed that, if ordinary rates had been charged, the Press traffic would have attained the same volume.

Can the Noble Lord state what justification at all there is for the general taxpayers of the country subsidising one of the most prosperous industries in the country at the present moment?

I do not think we can argue that matter at this moment, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Postmaster-General is giving this matter his very careful attention.

As there is a real loss when proportionate charges are involved, may I ask why a subsidy is given to betting in respect of betting telegrams for the Press?

The Noble Lord cannot give an answer on that point.

asked the Postmaster-General the date when the British Broadcasting Corporation (Salaries) Vote will be taken; and whether the papers will define the exact reasons for the specific appointments made to the corporation?

asked the Postmaster-General if he can now state the day and Vote on which the discussions on the broadcasting charter and scheme of working will come before the House; and whether decisions in this matter will be left to the free vote of the House?

The order of Business is a matter for the Leader of the House. I would suggest that my hon. Friends should await the usual statement of Business to-morrow. The answer to the last part of both questions is in the negative.

Is the qualification to serve on this Committee an entire lack of knowledge of the entertainment industry?

If the hon. Member wants to know the qualification, he had better read the Report of the Broadcasting Committee.

Will the noble Lord say whether it is intended to put on this Committee anyone who has any knowledge of the entertainment industry?

asked the Secretary for Mines the pit-head prices for the ordinary types of coal used for domestic and factory consumption, respectively, on 6th November in comparison with the prices on 1st May last; whether he has considered the necessity for further action to protect the interests of the public from excessive prices; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?

Pit-head prices varied widely in the different districts at 6th November, and in general were substantially higher than at 1st May. This upward movement—due to short supplies—has been checked by a voluntary reduction to 50s. per ton in certain coalfields; and I hope that reductions in the other districts now working will shortly follow. Steps are being taken to secure that the full benefit of these reductions is passed on to the domestic consumer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into the position in Scotland, where tenement dwellings are common, and where coal merchants are charging, to poor people living at the top of these dwellings, a considerable amount extra for delivering coal to them?

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that no profiteering is going on in coal, particularly in Scotland, in Dundee and in the North-Eastern part of the country?

I am waiting to hear with regard to Scotland. A meeting was to be held, and I am waiting to hear the result. I have put the whole position before the Scottish coalowners, and I hope they will act in the same broadminded manner as those in England have.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not so much the coalowners as the direct merchants who are charging people in tenement dwellings, after they have paid their price of 5s. or 5s. 3d. for a bag, another 6d. or 1s. for removing it to the tenement? That is not a subject for negotiation with the coalowners, and what steps is the right hon. Gentleman taking to prevent it?

I agree that that trouble has arisen, particularly, I think, in Glasgow, and I am trying to deal with it. I thought the answer I gave covered the general question, but I am looking into that particular point, and will see what can be done.

May I ask whether there is any reluctance on the part of Socialists to buy this blackleg coal?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question on the Paper, as to what were the pithead prices of coal on the 1st May and what were the prices on the 6th November? That is the question; can the right hon. Gentleman answer it for the information of the House?

The reason why I have not given a more detailed answer is that there is, as the hon Gentleman knows, a very large and varied number of prices in different parts of the country, and if I were to give an average ranging over so wide a variation it would be very misleading. The variation is very wide, and, as I have said, has arisen since the stoppage.

If the right hon. Gentleman knows the pit-head prices, and could give them, for the 1st May, why not give them for the 6th November? We ought to have that information.

Is it not the case that the policy of the Socialist party in trying to prevent the production of coal is quite incompatible with the provision of cheap coal for the poor? You cannot have it both ways.

Is not that the policy of the Tory party?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the one area where he succeeded in getting a reduction of the retail price of coal, due to excessive profiteering—that is, in Dundee—after his back was turned they have raised the price higher than it was before he got it reduced?

The hon. Member is quite wrong in saying that that was the only place where I have been able to get the price reduced. As he is aware, at this moment prices are being reduced in London, to give one instance. If he will give me particulars with regard to Dundee, I will go into the matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that arrangements are already being made to limit the pithead price of coal throughout the length and breadth of the country, and that those arrangements will be in force almost immediately?

Does not the figure the right hon. Gentleman has already mentioned of 50s. constitute a profit of 30s. per ton?

Probably the House is aware that there has been a general arrangement to reduce prices—[HON. MEMBERS: "Where?"]—throughout most of the coalfields in England, and I think that is going to be general. That is the result of certain communications I have been able to make with the coal-owners. As to the profit this reduced price is still going to leave, I must remind the hon. Member opposite that we are living in exceptional circumstances, and if he and his friends will do their best—

Several other hon. Members having risen —

We have already had quite a debate on this subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the extent to which the unemployment insurance fund is now indebted to the Treasury; and the estimated amount of such indebtedness due to the general strike and the coal stoppage since the 1st May of the current year?

The debt of the Unemployment Fund to the Treasury on 6th November, 1926, was £19,300,000. It is impossible to say precisely how much of the indebtedness is due to the general strike and the coal stoppage. On 1st May the figure was £7,336,000, or slightly less than the total on 16th January. As the figure for unemployment was still falling, it is reasonable to suppose that the indebtedness would have been further reduced had no industrial dispute occurred.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the total amount of losses in wages sustained by the coal industry, the iron and steel industry, the shipping industry, the engineering industry, the chemical industry and the transport industry, respectively, consequent upon the general strike and coal stoppage since the 1st May of this year?

I have not the information which my hon. Friend wants. It might be possible to obtain it, but only by a special inquiry of an extensive character, which cannot well be undertaken until after the termination of the dispute.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the dangers incurred by dockers engaged in unloading foreign coal owing to the presence of naphtha in such cargoes; and whether any action has been taken, or is contemplated, with a view to the safety of workers so employed?

Special inquiry has been made but no evidence of such dangers is forthcoming.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of Weir houses erected in Scotland; the cost of those houses; the number occupied; and the rents at which they have been let to tenants?

As at 31st October, 1926, the number of Weir houses erected in Scotland, with the assistance of State funds, was 854, and the number occupied was 484. The average inclusive cost per house in completed contracts is £440, and the rents vary from £14 to £34 per annum according to the type of house, the locality of erection, and the nature of the particular scheme.

Does that figure include drainage and sewerage?

It includes the cost of all under building, house services, garden footpaths, fencing and clothes poles, but excludes the cost of land, streets, professional fees, mains and sewers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of Weir houses erected in the burgh of Cupar; the estimated and the actual cost of those houses; and the rent at which those houses are let?

The number of "Weir houses erected in the burgh of Cupar is 50; the estimated cost per house was £433; the actual cost per house, so far as at present ascertainable, is £440; and the annual rent is £22.

asked the Home Secretary whether the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown on the case of Booth v. the Amalgamated Marine Workers' Union has now been considered by His Majesty's Government; and what action it is now proposed to take in this matter?

I have been asked to reply. It is not proposed to take any action.

Are we to take it that people may commit forgery with impunity if they belong to a trade union?

No, Sir.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the answer he has just given will be an encouragement to certain trade union officials to commit very gross breaches of the rules and regulations?

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard the Government as being experts in the matter of forgery?

asked the Minister of Labour whether His Majesty's Government is now in a position to declare its policy, through the introduction of legislation, to prevent strikes and lock-outs in the principal industries of the countries without full preliminary investigation of all possible means of adjusting differences which may arise through the medium of arbitration tribunals or otherwise?

This question is one which the hon. Member should address to the Prime Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the explosion that occurred at the Palace Pier Rifle Range, Brighton, on 30th July; and whether such ranges are inspected by officers of his Department

I have seen a Press report of the accident, which appears to have been due to the ignition of a small quantity of flashlight powder that was being kept at the range. The occurrence was of a very unusual character and does not appear to call for any action on the part of my right hon. Friend. These rifle ranges are not inspected by His Majesty's Inspectors of Explosives.

How many were injured in this accident?

A number were slightly injured, but there was nothing very serious.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amounts, respectively, received from France and Italy for interest on War Debt payments on 15th September, 1926; and the amount Britain paid to the United States in September, 1926?

The sum of £2,000,000 was received from France and the same amount (£2,000,000) was received from Italy on 15th September, 1926, in respect of their War debts. No payment by this country to the United States falls due on 15th September. A payment of approximately £14,000,000 for interest was made to the United States on 15th June, 1926, and a further payment of approximately £19,000,000 for interest and sinking fund falls due and will be paid on 15th December, 1926.

Can my right hon. Friend say what would be the position if France did not ratify the agreement?

No, I cannot.

What periods do the payments of France and Italy represent?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of interest received on War debts since 1st April, 1926; and the total amount Great Britain has paid on external War debts?

The total amount received in respect of Allied War debts to this country since 1st April, 1926, is £4,000,000. The total amount paid by this country on external War debts during the same period is approximately £14,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the amount paid into the Exchequer during the six months ended 30th September, 1926, in respect of German reparations, Inter-Allied debts, and debts due by other parts of the Empire, respectively?

The amounts paid into the Exchequer during the six months ended 30th September, 1926, in respect of German reparations, Allied War debts and relief and reconstruction debts are as follows: £ s. d. German reparations 4,130,000 0 0 Allied War debts 4,000,000 0 0 Relief and reconstruction etc. debts 511,591 3 1 It would be quite incongruous to associate with these figures payments made in respect of debts by various parts of the Empire, but if my hon. Friend cares to put a separate question on this subject I will furnish an answer.

also asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that under the Superannuation Act, 1834, persons in receipt of a pension in respect of past service in a Government Department are deprived of part of their pension if subsequently they obtain a new appointment in another Government Department, provided their pension and the emoluments of the new position exceed the emoluments of the old position; and if he is prepared to consider an amendment of the Act?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I can see no reason for an amendment of the law on this subject.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if there has been any scrutiny as to the cost of preparing and publishing fishing statistics; and can he state the cost inclusive of officials and proportionate charges?

I have been asked to reply. The cost of preparing and publishing fishery statistics is subject to the usual annual scrutiny, and, in addition, the publication of these statistics has recently been specially examined by a Sub-Committee of the Permanent Consultative Committee on Official Statistics. The total annual cost amounts to approximately £18,700, of which roughly one-third is in respect of special statistics required in connection with fishery research.

In the preparation of these statistics will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of issuing some figures showing why it is that the fishermen receive so small a sum contrasted with the price at which the retailer sells the herring?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that arrangements have been made for the exhibition on Armistice Day in London and the Provinces of an American film entitled, "The Unknown Soldier"; and whether he proposes to take steps to prevent the exhibition of this film, having regard to the pain which it will cause to many mourners who have lost relatives in the War and who will be taking part in the remembrance services on Armistice Day?

Yes, Sir; the attention of my right hon. Friend has been drawn to the proposal to show this film in London on Armistice Day, and he has looked carefully into the matter. Representations have been made to him that the film is out of harmony with the feelings of reverence and sorrow associated with this day, and my right hon. Friend sympathises with these representations, but he is advised that there is nothing in the film which would authorise any intervention on his part.

Is it not possible for the Home Secretary to make any representation to the film censors to postpone at any rate the exhibition of the film to a more suitable occasion?

This film has been shown already in no fewer than 14 different provincial cinemas throughout this country and it has also previously been shown in London. Although the film may be considered by some to be in bad taste, we must take into consideration the fact that it has been approved by the British Board of Film Censors, which is under the able guidance of my right hon. Friend the Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. T. P. O'Connor). We must take into account that it has been approved by them.

Is not the name "The Unknown Soldier" a sacred name?

May I ask my hon. and gallant Friend whether the statement on which feeling has been excited against this film is that it represents the burial of a soldier in Westminster Abbey with the Stars and Stripes over the coffin, and whether that statement is not entirely false; whether it is not a fact that the only service to a soldier which is there commemorated took place over an American soldier in Washington, the full approval and aid of the American Government, and whether it can be offensive to the opinion of any sane Englishman that the Americans should celebrate, as we do, the memory of their soldiers who fell fighting by our side?

I cannot speak with regard to the approval of the American Government, but there is no doubt that this picture was taken in Washington, and that Westminster Abbey is not represented in the film.

asked the Home Secretary whether the action of the police at Caerphilly and Abertridwr during the last week-end in prohibiting the holding of public meetings under the auspices of the Communist party had his official sanction?

Yes, Sir. The Chief Constable of Glamorgan prohibited these meetings under an authority given by my right hon. Friend in pursuance of No. 22 of the Emergency Regulations.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that in the public notice relative to this matter authority is cited under Emergency Regulation No. 7 and not under Regulation No. 22? May I ask further, whether this ban is a ban to be applied merely for one occasion, last weekend, or for the whole of this industrial dispute, and whether it applies to the Communist party alone or to all political organisations?

The discretion is left to the Chief Constable. He has the powers now, if he cares to avail himself of those powers, to prohibit any meeting if he believes that such a meeting will lead to a breach of the peace.

May I press this matter? May I ask for a specific answer whether the notice—a copy of which I hold in my hand—does not imply that this ban is to apply for a long period, and that at the bottom of the notice the ban applies to a specific date, that is, last week-end?

I have not seen the notice, but if the Chief Constable determines over a period of time that it will lead to a breach of the peace to hold these meetings, he is authorised to prohibit them.

If public speeches during this crisis are deemed to be liable to lead to breaches of the peace, will this apply to the Home Secretary's speech at Newport next Monday?

I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to facilitate the use of wireless telegraphy by the blind. The object of this Bill is to provide blind persons with free licences for the use of broadcast receiving apparatus. It is an object which I earnestly hope will appeal to the judgment of the House as good. I understand that, had the Wireless Telegraphy and Signalling Bill of 1925 been proceeded with, a Clause would have been inserted in that Bill to secure this object; but Parliamentary time made it impossible for that Bill to become an Act, and the Clause, therefore, could not be inserted. The Clause, however, was prepared, and the Government Broadcasting Committee, which reported in the Spring of this year, endorsed the proposal that blind persons should have these free licences. The Broadcasting Committee contemplated that its main recommendations affecting the future control of broadcasting in this country would be carried into effect by Statute, and had that taken place, there would have been a Bill before Parliament in which a Clause to bring about the object I desire could have been included. As it is, there is no current or proposed Bill by means of which this gift can be made, and I am consequently venturing to provide this opportunity to the House, which I earnestly hope it may see fit to take.

The Bill falls into two Clauses, the first of which enables the Postmaster-General, subject to such restrictions and conditions as are usually imposed in the issue of these licences, to issue the licences free to the blind, instead of exacting 10s. per licence from them. The second Clause merely defines blind persons, When account is taken of those blind persons who are too young to enjoy or use wireless, of those, unfortunately a large number, who are mentally deficient, and of those who reside in public or charitable institutions or schools, there remains a relatively small number of possible beneficiaries—not more than 25,000 or 30,000 persons, including 1,500 ex-service men. The outside maximum lose of revenue could not exceed £15,000 or £20,000. It must be obvious that that is a very outside estimate, for it would be unreasonable to suppose that 100 per cent. of those persons who may be eligible for benefits would in fact have wireless receivers.

The Bill has the approval, I gather, of many institutions for the blind throughout the country, and I have learned that there are large numbers of blind people who would very greatly appreciate this gift if it were made to them. There is another point in regard to finance which is of very great significance. I am able to state that the Treasury see no objection to the Bill. I hope that any doubts which hon. Members may have had in regard to finance may, perhaps, be removed by that statement. The Ministry of Health and also the Post Office have approved the draft, and nothing stands in the way of the fulfil- ment of this desire except the question of time. I have no time to plead the case for this Bill, and the interest which some of my friends have been good enough to take in it leads me to suppose that it is not necessary. But there are three reasons why I have raised this question. The first is that in my opinion there are no means so useful, or so full of potential usefulness, as broadcasting for adult self-education, and there is no class in the community so limited in its ability to undertake self-education as the blind community. There is no other class that is unable of its own volition to read the daily newspapers, and no class so cut off from the normal entertainments which the ordinary man and woman can enjoy in the evening hours. Lastly, there is much that can be done, and I hope will be done, to alleviate the material and mental condition of the blind people of this country. But while this Bill does nothing to meet many of these needs, it does do something to facilitate the use by these people of an invention which means much more to them than to any other class in the community. I am introducing this Bill now for this one reason—namely, that I believe there is a real good chance of it becoming law before Christmas, and that being so, I earnestly ask for the support of all parties in the House in order that this result may be achieved.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Captain Fraser, Major Astor, Mr. Walter Baker, Captain Wedgwood Benn, Major Ruggles-Brise, Major Cohen, Mr. William Graham, and Mr. Macquisten.