asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps were taken at Geneva during the last meeting of the League of Nations to form a better understanding between the Balkan States on the principle of the Locarno Agreement, especially with regard to the advocacy of such ideas by Jugo-Slavia?

The Assembly of the League adopted a Resolution on the 25th September last proposed by a Jugoslav delegate recommending that all States members of the League should regard the principles laid down at Locarno as rules for the governance of their foreign policy and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. I am unaware of any subsequent developments except that conversations took place between statesmen from the Balkan countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he proposes to submit a plan for British disarmament as part of a scheme for general disarmament before the Disarmament Commission?

The course to be taken by His Majesty's Government must depend on the recommendations made by the Preparatory Committee for the Disarmament Conference. Until that Committee has reported, His Majesty's Government clearly cannot commit themselves to any proposal.

In view of the very important position which Great Britain occupies as to whether this conference will be successful or not, is it not very desirable that our Government should get some kind of definite plan as to disarmament?

That is the question on the Paper which I have already answered.

Can the Foreign Secretary say whether the representations of the British Government at the recent conference have satisfied the French point of view with regard to this matter?

I cannot answer a question of that kind without notice, and I do not think I could answer it unless it is put in more precise terms.

also asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Resolution put forward by the Indian delegation to the last Assembly of the League to the effect that the expenditure of the League should be kept down to the present standard for a period of several years had the support of Great Britain?

Yes, Sir. The Indian Resolution had the support of the representatives of His Majesty's Governments in Great Britain and Overseas, and was adopted by the Assembly, but for its exact purport I would invite the House to refer to the terms of the Resolution itself. The hon. Member's question is hardly a fair description.

further asked the Secretary of State, in connection with the British proposal to the last Assembly of the League of Nations to consider what questions were and what were not within the sphere of action of the League, whether the Government intends to press this proposal; and whether any statement can be made to the House on the subject?

As the result of the British proposal, the Assembly of the League passed a Resolution which meets the case made by my noble Friend, Lord Cecil, and which would appear to render unnecessary any further initiative by His Majesty's Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is desirable that we should endeavour to define in particular what is the work of the League, and is it not far better that a country like ourselves, which has an unwritten Constitution, should not press for a definite written constitution for the League?

Yes, Sir, I am not at all in favour of rewriting the constitution of the League, but I think my Noble Friend did a real service to the League when he called the attention, of the Assembly to the danger that the true purposes of the League might be overlapped by activities which did not require international co-operation, and which impinged on the sovereignty of the States members.

Does the Foreign Secretary think that the activities as regards the mandatory question, for instance, come under that category?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to state whether the Soviet Government has notified its banks not to accept Chervonetz notes from correspondents abroad?

Yes, Sir. Following on the law of 31st July last, whereby the export of Chervonetz from Russia was completely prohibited, the Soviet Government have instructed their agents abroad not to accept notes for collection except from undoubtedly bona fide holders.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the express proviso in Clause 13 of the Trade Agreement between Great Britain and the Russian Soviet Republic to the effect that if either of the parties to the agreement infringes the conditions referred to in the preamble of the agreement by conducting propaganda against the other then such other party shall immediately be free from the obligations of the agreement; and if he will inform the House why this Clause has not been acted upon, in view of the admittedly negative results of the repeated protests which have been made on behalf of His Majesty's Government to the Soviet Charge d'Affaires in this respect?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government are not unmindful of the terms of the Trade Agreement. If they have not hitherto exercised the right therein reserved to them, it is because, viewing the situation as a whole, they have not thought it expedient to do so. They reserve to themselves liberty to act at any time as and when in their opinion British interests require a decision.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the weakness of the Foreign Office in not insisting on the observance of the expressed terms of this Agreement is held by those best able to judge as largely responsible for the damage to our trade in China, which has been caused by Russian agents?

No one regrets more than I do that my hon. Friend and I differ on this question, but it would be indelicate for me to express an opinion as to which of us is best informed.

May I ask whether the terms of the Agreement do not lay it down that, if there is considered to be any breach of the Agreement, representations will be made by either party to the head of the Government concerned; and, if that is so, may T ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has represented to the Soviet Government that there has been a breach of the Agreement?

Yes, Sir. At every interview I have had with their representative in this country I have made that representation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain cases those who run can read, and is it not a well-known fact that our trade, in China has been dissipated and destroyed by reason of Bofshevik intrigue, and that this does not require any special knowledge?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the dates and the grounds on which he has made specific complaints to the representatives of the Soviet Government?

Not from memory, but the dates will be supplied by the Under-Secretary of State if the hon. Member thinks them of interest. It has been on every occasion on which I have had an interview with the Soviet representative in London.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to what degree of hostile action on the part of the Soviet Government would justify the Foreign Office in taking action?

Yes, we should be justified on the facts as now known to us in breaking off, if we thought it expedient to do so. His Majesty's Government, reviewing the whole situation, and while reserving their freedom to act as and when they think British interests require, have not thought it desirable hitherto to take that course.

May I ask whether, in view of the anxiety not only in this House but in the country, there will be an early opportunity for the right hon. Gentleman, as Foreign Secretary, to explain the whole matter to the House?

Any questions about business of the House, as my right hon. Friend knows, must be answered by the Prime Minister. I explained the position fully late in the summer, very near to the Adjournment. At this moment I am going away for a week or 10 days, but I shall be back before the House rises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Prime Minister of the desire which has been clearly indicated in the House to-day that there should be an occasion for explanation?

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, and I will make representations to-day.

Would it not be better to enter into a conference to clear up' all the questions outstanding between this country and Russia?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is yet in a position to announce the name of the successor to Krassin?

No, Sir.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can see his way to delay the appointment of a successor to M. Krassin until the trade' obligations of the Soviet are carried out, and until they cease to plot against us in China and elsewhere?

On a point of Order. Is the hon. and gallant Member in order in putting a question insinuating against the good faith of a friendly Power?

The hon. and gallant Member is putting as a, supplementary question a question that has been handed to me, and disallowed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Powers interested are acting in concert for the protection of the foreign settlement in Hankow?

There is no international foreign settlement at Hankow. Great Britain, France and Japan have separate Concessions there. All these Powers have naval forces at present in the port, whose first duty it, is to protect their respective nationals, and who will doubtless, as on former occasions, act in concert where their joint interests are concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the gravity of the situation at Hankow, he can assure the House that there are sufficient ships in readiness to take on board the British residents in the Concession in the event of the necessity arising; and if not, will he see that further naval assistance is sent without delay?

There is note as far as I know, the least reason for supposing that the shipping facilities at Hankow would not be adequate to evacuate all British residents, if that became necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure that there are sufficient forces at Hankow to protect British residents and Concessions?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper. It is raised in another question which I am going to answer.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any steps are being taken to increase our naval forces at Hankow to ensure adequate protection for British subjects owing to the present condition of affairs at that port?

I would ask the hon. Member to wait for the statement which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is making, I understand, at the end of questions.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that telegrams have been received in London in the last few days stating that the Naval forces at Hankow are not sufficient Has he taken any steps to make them sufficient?

All the information that reaches me through the ordinary official reports and the reports in the newspapers are receiving our most careful attention.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the House any further statement with regard to the situation at Hankow

The situation at Hankow remains generally as described in my reply to the right hon. Gentleman on 29th November. A demonstration took place there on that day. Naval parties were landed in the British Concession with satisfactory moral effect. The processions were turned away from the Concession and there were no incidents. The latest reports are to the effect that the general strike at Hankow is fixed for 4th December. Arrangements have been made to keep a sloop at Hankow for the winter, and some additional force has been made available for landing if required. The river gunboats of the "insect" class will he moved on the river to and from Hankow as required throughout the winter. The United States naval authorities have sent two destroyers to Hankow for the winter they have also a yacht and a minesweeper there. The Japanese have three gunboats, and the French a mine-sweeper and a despatch vessel.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the Government can assure the House that adequate steps are being taken to secure the lives and interests of British subjects?

His Majesty's Government will take all the steps which they think are required, and which they can employ to protect t British lives, but they are most 10th to intervene in the domestic affairs of China apart from the necessity of fulfilling their prime duty of defending the rights of British subjects.

Will the Government also assure the House that the lives of British sailors and soldiers will not be sacrificed unnecessarily".

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if His Majesty's Government are satisfied that adequate forces are available to ensure the safety of the British community in Shanghai should trouble arise there owing to the advance of the Cantonese army to that city, or owing to the activities of the corps of propagandist agitators which forms part of the Cantonese advance?

I do not at present see reason to anticipate an armed attack on Shanghai by the Cantonese forces. The activities of professional agitators may increase the unrest in labour circles that has been existent in that town for months part, but there do not appear to be grounds for believing that this would involve personal danger to the British community, although it might occasion inconvenience.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that what is occurring in Hankow is part of an organised campaign by means of starvation and bloodshed to drive the British communities out of these concessions, and that this campaign will inevitably spread to other coast ports, including Shanghai, fostered by this corps of propagandist agitators?

I really must ask the hon. Member to put a question like that on the Order Paper. It is important that. I should see questions of this character before they are answered.

Will you permit me to say, Sir, that I cannot accept the premises of the question, and I do not think questions of that character really serve British interests at this moment.

May I ask whether it is the case that the great discontent among the workers in Hankow and elsewhere is the result only of the work of agitators Are there not other important reasons for—

Again I should like to see that question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the unrest caused by the civil war, he can give any information as to the position of British subjects in China, both in the Treaty ports and in isolated places in the interior; and whether he has made any representations to the Chinese authorities on the desirability of protecting such British subjects where protection is needed?

There is at the moment no reason to be apprehensive of personal danger to British subjects in the Treaty ports, with the possible exception of Hankow, concerning which I have promised a statement later this afternoon in reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition. As regards British subjects living in isolated places in the interior, they are not, as far as I am aware, threatened by any general outbreak of anti-foreign feeling, although individual eases of danger from brigands, lawless gangs and local agitators are bound to occur in the present conditions. His Majesty's diplomatic and consular officers are in constant touch both with the central and local authorities in China, with a view to obtaining protection for British subjects.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been called to a letter in the "Times" this morning in which it is said that a massacre was anticipated at Hankow?

Yes, I have read it.

As China is a member of the League of Nations, does the right hon. Gentleman propose to put the whole problem of China before the League?

is it not a fact that various British communities in China in the last few days have telegraphed for extra naval assistance?

That point will arise on the question which is to be put later.

Is it not a fact that the soldiers of the Cantonese armies are more in hand and better disciplined than the soldiers in the other Chinese army? The "Times" says that they are, and I ask whether that is a fact or not.

I am reluctant to express opinions on the relative humanity of different Chinese armies, but certainly it should not he assumed that the forces of the Cantonese are not as good as any others.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will furnish the House with particulars of our present naval strength in the Far East?

The strength of the China Squadron is:

• Cruisers, 5;
• Sloops, 4;
• River gunboats, 15;
• Submarines, 12;
• Submarine depot ships, 2;
• Submarine tender, 1;
• Despatch vessel, 1;
• Armed launches, 3.

The following reinforcements were added to the squadron last October: "Hermes," aircraft carrier, and Third Destroyer Flotilla, which comprises one flotilla leader and eight destroyers.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that these forces are sufficient in the present emergency to answer all the calls that may be made upon them for the protection of British subjects?

I cannot possibly forecast all of the calls, to which my hon. Friend refers, that may be made, but we consider that the forces at present are sufficient, and we are considering the possibility of having to add to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information regarding the position of the British missionaries reported to be detained as hostages in Sianfu (Shensi); and whether any attempt is being made to help them?

Sianfu was besieged by Wu Pei-fu's forces, which have since retreated. The present position there is obscure and His Majesty's Minister, Peking, has been asked for news of the missionaries, whom he will undoubtedly do everything in his power to assist.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether General Sutton will be in command of We Pu Fu's troops?

This is a question about missionaries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the British authorities in Tientsin have arrested 14 of the members of the Kuomintang; and what has been done with the persons arrested?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is he is aware that the British municipal police at Tientsin raided the Kuomintang headquarters, situated in the British concession; and for what purpose was the raid effected and if there were any arrests?

I propose to answer these questions together. At the direct request of the Chinese police authorities of the native city of Tientsin, the headquarters of the Kuomintang were raided by the British municipal police, and four persons suspected of conspiracy against law and order and inciting to commit a breach of the peace were arrested. They were handed over by the British Consul-General to the Chinese authorities. It is the established practice that Chinese residing in British concessions in China are deemed to be subject to the jurisdiction of their own authorities. On production of a warrant issued by the competent Chinese authority the British Consul does not interpose himself between any such Chinese and their own authorities, but hands them over immediately without demanding prima facie evidence of a criminal offence. The action taken in this case was in accordance with this practice.

Were they handed over to the civil or the military authority?

I cannot say without notice. The ordinary practice was followed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions have been issued to His Majesty's Consul-General at Hankow in regard to his relations with the Cantonese authorities, in view of the fact that Mr. Goff was appointed to the post before the Canton Government obtained control of that region?

His Majesty's Government desire that British representatives in those parts of China which are under the control of the Cantonese authorities should deal with those authorities so far as possible in a friendly spirit, and His Majesty's Consul-General at Hankow has been instructed accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, seeing that in the Note of protest which the Chinese Foreign Office has addressed to His Majesty's Minister at Peking, on the subject. of the bombardment of Wanhsien, inquiry is made as to whether the British naval forces acted under special instructions from the British Government; what reply has been made to this inquiry; and whether, before the bombardment was made, all British subjects and foreign residents were advised to leave Wanhsien;

(2), whether, seeing that Article 1 of Convention IX, concluded at The Hague in 1907, and to which Great Britain is a party, prohibited naval bombardment of undefended ports, towns, villages, dwellings, or other buildings, under all circumstances and conditions, he will say what redress Great Britain intends to make to China for the breach of this agreement committed by His Majesty's ships in bombarding the unfortified town of Wanhsien?

(1) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the attitude adopted in the note of protest addressed by the Wai Chiao-pu to His Majesty's Minister at Peking on the subject of the bombardment of Wanhsien with regard to the responsibility for the bombardment and as to the rights of the Chinese Government as regards claims to be presented later for reparation for damage done to life and property in the city and other equitable measures of redress; and what reply His Majesty's Government have made to this note of protest;

(2) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will publish the full correspondence and cables which passed between the Government and the Commander-in-Chief, China station, relative to the Wanhsien incident?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were the actual orders given to the commanding officers of the warships and auxiliaries concerned in the Wanhsien affair; and whether their Reports have yet been received?

As there are three questions on the subject of Wanhsien addressed to me as well as two addressed to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, it will perhaps be convenient for me to make a general statement on the subject.

Wanhsien is the headquarters of one of the leading military commanders of Szechuan, and a strongly garrisoned town. It cannot therefore be properly described as an undefended town. In the course of the operations for the relief of the officers imprisoned by General Yang Sen in the ships detained by him, His Majesty's ships were subjected to heavy fire from troops and field-guns stationed in the town. Action on the part of His Majesty's ships was therefore necessary, but their fire was directed solely at military objectives in order to silence the hostile fire. The suggestion that British subjects and foreign residents were previously advised to leave Wanhsien is not correct. On the 2nd November the Wai Chiao-pu addressed a Note to His Majesty's Minister placing on record a formal protest against the bombardment of Wanhsien by British gunboats, and reserving all the rights of the Chinese Government as regards claims to be presented later for full return of the damage done to life and property in the city of Wanhsien and for other equitable redress. No written reply has yet been sent to this Note, but the Chinese Charge d'Affaires has been verbally informed that His Majesty's Government cannot reply fully until their own information is complete.

As I informed the hon. Member for South-East Essex on the 29th November, I hope to lay papers as soon as my information is complete. The question of the publication of the Admiralty correspondence will be considered at the same time. My right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty informs me that the naval report on the incident of 5th September has just reached him, but that he has not vet had time to study it.

also asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the Government of Canton; and whether, seeing that the Government of Canton now controls a large area of China, including several of the most important centres, and that the Government at Peking is nominated by Marshal Chang Tso-lin and is representative of little more than the Manchurian Provinces, His Majesty's Government has considered the question of formally recognising the Nationalist Government at Canton as the central Government of China?

I invite the hon. Member to refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Willesden on 11th November, which explains the position.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the steamship "Kiawo," recently belonging to the Indo-China Steam Navigation Company, was taken over by the Admiralty; and for what purpose she was intended?

The steamship "Kiawo" was taken up on 4th September for the operations at Wahnsien. She was retained for some time owing to unsettled conditions on the Upper Yangtse and was returned to owners on 2nd November.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to

As the answer is very long, and contains many figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, have it circulated in tile OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what percentage of takings or profits the Admiralty will receive from the bookings or engagements of the film "Falkland"?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my statement of the 24th November—(OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 383–4)—to the effect that it would not be in the public interest to give such details.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any bookings have been obtained for this film?

I require notice of that question.

That is the point of the question. That was the same answer as I had before—that the hon. Gentleman would like notice. I have now put the question on the Paper and the hon. Gentleman gives me the same reply.

That is not the question on the Paper. The question on the Paper is whether f would say what percentage of takings or profits the Admiralty would receive?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a naval rating, brought to survey before a naval medical Board composed entirely of medical officers and invalided by that Board, is under present Regulations able to state his case or appeal against the decision to an executive authority before being discharged from the Royal Navy?

A naval rating who is brought to survey is provided with a form upon which he may state his case. This statement is considered by the Board of Survey and forwarded with their report to the executive authority who ordered the survey. The invaliding of the rating does not become effective until 28 days after the decision on the recommendation of the medical Board and the interval therefore affords an opportunity to the rating to appeal to the executive authority.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the old procedure, which gave the man the opportunity of Personally stating his case, was keenly appreciated by the men?

I believe there is a representation coming up from the Welfare Committee on the subject in a few days. We shall certainly consider fully that point with others that are raised.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the men of the Royal Navy pay the contribution to the Widows',, Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Fund under the Act of 1925, and that their widows receive practically no benefit therefrom if the rating loses his life in the service of the Crown, while the widow of a civilian in similar circumstances receives the full benefit of the Act and a further cash payment up to £600 as compensation; and if he will have this arrangement altered and place the ratings' widows in a similar position to civilians' widows?

I have been asked to reply. I may point out that the £600 alluded to in the question is not a sum payable by the Crown but by private employers. It, therefore, does not raise the question of the payment of two pensions in respect of the same incident out of funds provided by or contributed to by the State. This matter was fully discussed when the Pensions Bill was in Committee of the Whole House, and the existing provisions were decided upon by Parliament with all the relevant facts before it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have no quarrel with the Contributory Pensions Act, but what we want altered is the Order in Council of November,]924, which can be altered to the advantage of the ratings?

Is it not a fact that any widow whose husband has been killed while following his ordinary employment does not receive compensation at the same time that she is receiving a widow's pension under the 1925 Act?

I should not like to assent to that statement without further examination or perhaps qualification. As regards the other supplementary question any question relating to the procedure of the Admiralty should be put to the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that his Department are refusing to pay widows' pensions to those who received compensation as a result of the submarine disaster which occurred recently?

That may, well be so; all I say is that I do not accept the statement made at this moment by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams). Obviously if hon. Members wish an exact statement on the matter I shall require notice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of employés in the service of the Admiralty at Malta in October, 1925, and October, 1926?

The total numbers of workpeople employed in the Admiralty service at Malta were 8,369 on 1st October, 1925, and 7,935 on 1st October, 1926.

Have any representations been received from Malta with regard to the question of employment in the dockyard?

I should have notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that the Admiralty has been requested to send a warship to Hong Kong next year in furtherance of a scheme for the organisation of naval Volunteers in the Crown Colony, what authority would bear the cost of the upkeep of the ship and of the training of the personnel; and whether the scheme for the creation of such a naval organisation in the Far East has the approval of His Majesty's Government?

The cost of upkeep of the minesweeper which it is under consideration to send to Hong Kong in connection with a scheme for the organisation of naval Volunteers at that port, and also the cost of training of the personnel, will be met from monies provided by the Hong Kong Government., if the scheme is eventually adopted. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative. This scheme is in accordance with our general policy of encouraging the formation of local Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve units at certain ports throughout the Empire for purposes of local defence.

Is this plan adopted in any other place?

I cannot say offhand whether exactly the same plan prevails in other places but, of course, there are Royal Naval Volunteer units in other places.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what percentage of disability a naval rating is assessed at under the post-War Regulations for the loss of his right eye?

The degree of incapacity for the loss of an eye is assessed at 40 per cent.

40 per cent. of what?

Of disability.

Is this a private conversation?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what works have been undertaken in Singapore on behalf of His Majesty's Government during the current financial year; and what sums have been expended in connection therewith?

No new works have been undertaken at Singapore during the current financial year. The estimated expenditure on work in progress from 1st April to 20th November is £102,000.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what special work has been undertaken, and with what cost, towards mitigating the mosquito pest which has impeded the work at Singapore?

The hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that the work has been impeded, since adequate steps were taken at the outset to prevent malaria by surface drainage and clearing. So far, about £12,000 has been spent on these operations.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the chief petty officers' mess of His Majesty's Ship "Centaur" is so overcrowded that the occupants of the mess have to take their meals in relays; and whether he will take steps to relieve this crowding?

There are at present two more chief petty officers messing in the chief petty officers' mess than it is designed for, but some of these would always be on duty. It is therefore considered that there is no undue crowding, and no representations have reached the Admiralty to this effect. I may add that on recommissioning a reduction in chief petty officers will be made in accordance with the revised complement of this class of ship.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any steps have been taken to remedy the grievance of men who pay unemployment insurance and are denied benefit when out of employment on the ground that they receive a small income from other sources; and whether he will undertake that workpeople who are refused standard benefit on these grounds shall be exempted from unemployment contributions?

I am not clear

May I draw attention to the fact that this Question was put down about 12 months ago, and it referred to men who play instruments in local bands in the evenings or who have small businesses which are looked after by their wives during working hours?

A good deal must depend in the circumstances of the case. It makes a difference whether the income to which the hon. Member refers is a fixed income or one from employment which may not be continuous. If he will communicate with me I will go into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the total number of claims for extended benefit in each month of the current year, and the number of claims disallowed;

(2) How many claims for unemployment benefit have been rejected during the present year, with an analysis of the reasons for such rejection.

As the replies to these questions involve a considerable number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate statements in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to give a decision in the case of Mr. Richard Boyse, of Tipton, whose case was raised with the divisional officer, Birmingham, on 31st May, 1926?

I have ascertained that when this claim was made last May it was found to involve a doubtful question of insurability, and the applicant was advised to allow his claim to remain in abeyance pending the decision of a test case which was being dealt with separately. Unfortunately, the claim was subsequently overlooked, and, as far as I can discover, the applicant did not make any move in the matter. The ease is to be considered by the local employment Committee in the next day or two, and I will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Minister of Labour if, when further legislation affecting unemployment insurance is taken in hand, he will reconsider the position of purely seasonal workers, among whom there is dissatisfaction over the need for enforced contributions without adequate corresponding benefit?

The matter is one of those which are under consideration by Lord Blanesburgh's Committee.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of workpeople who are registered at the Employment Exchanges as being unemployed from the engineering trade?

At 25th October, 1926, the total number of persons in the various branches of the engineering industry recorded at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain as unemployed, was 160,427, or 16·2 per cent., of the estimated number of insured persons in that industry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether these figures include workmen engaged in the construction of vehicles, many of whom are engineering mechanics?

Does it also include people engaged in the machine toof industry?

H hon. Members will communicate with me, I will endeavour to ascertain such further details as are desired.

asked the Minister of Transport if applications for the Unemployment Grants Committee are still being received and transmitted by his Department; whether there are in respect of road work any special conditions, and, if so, of what nature, to which these applications must conform?

The Unemployment Grants Committee no longer make grants to road and bridge works. Any applications still submitted to the Committee in respect of road or bridge works are now referred to my Department, so that it may be considered whether they are suitable for grants from the Road Fund. If grants are made from the Road Fund, the ordinary conditions attaching to such grants are applied.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will insert in the next issue of the "Labour Gazette" statement showing the general level of wages paid to workpeople in match factories in Belgium expressed as a percentage of the general level of wages prevailing in match factories in this country?

The information in my possession does not provide a wholly satisfactory basis for the publication of comparable statistics in the Ministry of Labour Gazette, but I shall be glad to send my hon. Friend a statement giving such particulars as are available.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that the Army Anti-Aircraft Regular and Territorial units are stationed in the area of London and neighbourhood, and that no units are stationed in the Midlands and industrial areas, while the aircraft units are distributed differently, he will so present the Estimates that a discussion can take place on air defence as a whole?

I am afraid there would be practical difficulties in the way of a common discussion but ample opportunities should arise when the Army and Air Estimates, are under consideration for covering the whole subject of air defence.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of disasters resulting in lass of life to officers and men of the Royal Air Force during the 12 months preceding the last convenient date, stating the number of aircraft involved that were of War-time design and the number that were of post-War design, respectively?

During the 12 months ending 22nd November, 1926, there have been 54 fatal accidents in the Royal Air Force. Of these 36 occurred on aircraft of types in service before the end of the War and 18 on types brought into service after the War. The number of hours flown on machines of "Wartime" design was, however, very much greater than that flown on machines of "post-War" design, and there is no ground for believing that the older types of machine still in use are more liable to accident than those of more modern design.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when the official Report of Wing-Commander W. H. Pulford, dealing with the flight to the Cape and back, will be published?

The official account of the flight has now hen published.