asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether forced labour, of the kind against which the Convention in regard to forced labour was directed, is resorted to in India; and, if so, whether he will give the particulars?

Forced labour of the kind to which the Convention was directed appears to survive only in parts of the Madras Presidency and of Bihar and Orissa. It is not countenanced by the Courts, and in both Provinces progressive steps are being taken to eradicate it. The form it takes is that of labourers leasing themselves to landlords in return for loans of money.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Report of the Sandhurst Committee has yet been received by His Majesty's Government; whether it is the intention of the Government to refer the Report to the Imperial Defence Committee before its publication; if so, whether he will inform the House as to when the recommendations of the Committee will be made public; and when he will be in a position to make a statement of the Government's decision with regard to these recommendations?

My Noble Friend has seen a copy of the Report, but has not yet received the Government of India's views on it. I cannot say at this stage what the procedure will be or when the Government's decisions will be announced.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India when the Report of the Sandhurst Committee, which was signed by them on 4th November last, will be published?

I fear I cannot at the moment add anything to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on the 14th February.

If I put the question down in a month's time, may I expect an answer then?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down in a month's time, and see.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Legislative Assembly in India has approved the proposals contained in the Government of India Indian Navy Bill now before this House?

The publication of the Committee's Report, on which the Bill is founded, gave members of the Assembly an opportunity to initiate a debate on the whole scheme if they desired, but, so far as I am aware, they have not availed themselves of it in tie 12 months that have since elapsed. As I stated on the 22nd February, 1926, the Assembly will in due course be required to consider consequential legislation.

Would it not be worth while to postpone this Bill until the Legislative Assembly has assented to it?

No. As I explained in my answer, consequential legislation which will follow, on the passage of legislation in this House and another place, will have to be passed by the Assembly in India, and then will be the time to discuss the matter.

Does that mean that if the Assembly does not pass the consequential legislation, the Act passed here will be of no effect?

It means that consequential legislation has to he passed in India before the Act can come into operation.

Does it mean then that if the Legislative Assembly does not do what this Government want it to do, the Viceroy will override the Legislative Assembly?

That is a hypothetical question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India in how many cases during the administration of Lord Reading and his successor have processions of Hindus past Mohammedan mosques led to riots; whether the question of provocative action in these cases has been fully investigated; and what is the policy determined on to prevent the recurrence of these events?

I have no statistics to answer the first part of the question. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that this particular cause of dispute has been investigated from every possible point of view. In answer to the third part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Colonel Day) on 11th November last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can make any statement as to the continuance of terrorism in Bengal; whether it is entailing any special precautions on the part of the authorities; whether he will give the number of casualties in the recent communal riots in Bengal; and whether these disturbances are showing signs of increase?

I fear that no statement on the two quite distinct matters raised in the question could be brought within the usual limits of an answer. It is clear that terrorist activities continue in Bengal, and require constant vigilance; for example, a gang has recently been tried and convicted for the unlawful possession of bombs. As regards communal disturbances, which do not seem at present to be increasing, I cannot give complete figures, but the Hindu-Moslem riot in the Bakarganj district on the 2nd March resulted in 14 deaths and 8 cases of wounds.

Do I take it that the Noble Lord does not mean the House to understand that communal riots have anything at all to do with what is known as terrorism?

The answer was in exactly that sense, I think. I said it was difficult to discuss the two matters in one answer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the chief medical officer of the Burmah Government and a medical colleague, with regard to Mr. Subhas Bose, that they do not regard conditions during confinement in gaol as conducive to restoration of his health; and what action the Government propose to take in the matter?

I have not seen this report, but my Noble Friend will make inquiry.

asked the, Under-Secretary of State for India the approximate cost, if any, of the sending of Indian troops to China, as far as the Indian revenues are concerned?

I would refer to the answer I gave the hon. Member on the 21st February, and to that given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) last Thursday.

May we understand that no action will be taken by the Government under Section 22 of the Government of India Act to impose any charge on Indian revenue?

I think the two replies I have quoted answer the question put by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the opinion of the Indian Legislative Assembly was sought before Indian soldiers were sent to Shanghai; and, if so, with what result?

The answer to the first part is in the negative; the second, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent British trade being carried on in the Yangtse-kiang valley; whether British steamers are navigating the river freely; and how far up the river they are now regularly trading?

During the last few months British trade in the Yangtse Valley has been very restricted by reason of civil war conditions and of the boycott that ensued on the arrival of the Cantonese Nationalist forces in that region. This applies particularly to the provinces of Hunan Hupeh and Kiangsi. British steamers are navigating the river freely and regularly as far as Hankow.

Are we to understand that there is no trade above Hankow, and is there any trade above Ichang?

I believe that above Hankow there is very little trade.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether vessels of other nations are able to go up above Hankow?

No; I believe not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement with reference to the Church Missionary Society's hospital at Hangchow and its reported occupation on 24th February; and the position with regard to Ningpo Trinity College, also belonging to the Church Missionary Society and reported as occupied by Chinese soldiers?

I understand that the Church Missionary Society's hospital at Hangchow was raided by Cantonese troops on 25th February. The missionaries, however, had already left on 23rd February. I have no information regarding Trinity College, Ningpo.

Is the hon. Gentleman taking any steps to have this property returned to the Church Missionary Society?

We have not yet received any official information confirming this report.

Is it not the policy of the Foreign Office to try to get justice for our people? [Interruption.] Does not this show that it is useless to hold Shanghai if you cannot defend our people?

That is very argumentative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Customs duties are being collected at Shanghai; by whom they are being collected; and to what person or authority they are being paid over?

The Customs duties at Shanghai are being collected by the Chinese Maritime Customs Administration, and, in accordance with the standing instructions of the Ministry of Finance, arc paid into certain foreign and Chinese banks, and applied to the service of China's foreign and domestic obligations.

To which Government are they paid?

The Northern Government get the benefit.

Has Sun Chuan-fang carried them off to Japan?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to refuse to allow the Cantonese troops to enter Shanghai if they offer to guarantee the safety of the foreign concessions?

I cannot attempt to answer hypothetical questions of this kind. I can only refer the right hon. Member to the replies given on 2nd March to a question by the bon. Member for Camlachie (Mr. Stephen), and to a supplementary question by the right hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood).

Have not other participants in the Chinese War been allowed to enter Shanghai, and will the Cantonese alone be debarred?

No armed forces have been allowed to enter the settlement.

Was not General Sun permitted to occupy Shanghai?

No, certainly not.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any instructions have been given to the military commanders based on the hypothesis in this question?

The whole point of British forces being in Shanghai is to prevent the entry of these armed Chinese forces.

Have these commanders been given any instructions as to what to do in the event of this contingency arising?

Is not the best thing we can do to trust our naval and military representatives on the spot?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any armed Chinese troops have entered or are at present within the lines occupied by the British troops at Shanghai; and, if so, whether it is proposed to disarm and intern them?

No bodies of Chinese troops have entered or are within the lines occupied by British troops at Shanghai, apart possibly from isolated deserters or stragglers.

Have any steps been taken to disarm or in tern the isolated deserters or stragglers?

Yes; any stragglers that happen to come within the International Settlement will certainly be disarmed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether General Chang Tsung-chang has established his headquarters behind the lines occupied by the British defence force; whether any troops of General Chang Tsung-chang are behind these lines; and, if so, how many?

No, Sir.

Is the report untrue that was published in the Press to the effect that this general had arrived at Shanghai with a train which also contained munitions?

No, there are no Chinese armed forces whatsoever within the International Settlement.

Has this general not been in Shanghai since the arrival of our forces in Shanghai?

He may have been in Shanghai, but the International Settlement is only a part of it.

Then is it the policy of the Government to allow participants in the war to enter Shanghai, provided that they do not enter into the International Settlement?

Foreign Governments cannot possibly prevent anybody from entering the Chinese city.

Will the Under-Secretary explain whether there are Chinese troops within the British lines?

I can give a categorical answer to that question. Certainly not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that his Department two weeks ago waived an application from two Chinese citizens, Chen Kuen and Lian Hansin, at present staying in Brussels, for permission to come to this country for the purpose of meeting and discussing the Chinese situation with certain British citizens, he will explain the reason for the delay in granting the visas?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has decided that these men ought not to be admitted to this country, and that visas should not be granted to them.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me any reason for that decision?

No, Sir; it is not necessary to give reasons; the discretion is in the hands of the Home Secretary.

Are we to understand that the Cantonese Government is regarded as an unfriendly Power; and, in view of the nature of that reply, may I ask your permission, Mr. Speaker, to raise the matter on the Adjournment to-morrow night?

It will be open to the hon. Member to raise it on the Adjournment to-morrow.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by what treaty the international settlement of Shanghai was established; what States are signatory to this treaty; and whether negotiations have been begun with the other signatories for the revision of the treaty?

The Treaty of the Bogue, 1843, having stipulated that land should be set apart for the residence of British traders, an area for a British Settlement was marked out in that year by the local authorities at Shanghai. Similar areas were set aside for the French and the Americans, who enjoyed the same treaty right. The British Settlement was subsequently thrown open to all nationalities, amalgamated with the American Settlement and enlarged, and so became the International Settlement. The Land Regulations under which the International Settlement is administered can be amended or added to by agreement between the local Chinese authorities and the Consular Body at Shanghai subject to confirmation by their respective Governments. Negotiations are at present in progress for the addition of Chinese members to the Municipal Council.

May I ask whether negotiations have been begun with the other signatories for a revision of the treaty?

Can the hon. Gentleman give any explanation of the first part of his reply, in view of the statement of the Washington Government that it has no concessions and no treaties connected with territory in China?

I was going to say that, as a matter of fact, this is not the case of a treaty at all. The International Settlement was not set up by Treaty, but by certain land regulations, which were subsequently recognised as valid by the Chinese officials.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a British subject, named Sutton, is in charge of the arsenal at Mukden which is supplying munitions to General Chang Tso-lin; whether any other British subjects are associated with Sutton in his enterprise; and whether he proposes to take any action against him and/or his associates under the China Order in Council?

My information on this subject is not complete, and I am awaiting a full report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date advice was given by His Majesty's Government to British nationals in China, resident outside Shanghai, to repair to places of safety; and how many have taken his advice?

Advice to British nationals in the interior of China to withdraw to places of safety has been given from time to time since November last, whenever the districts in which they resided became so disturbed as to call for this precaution. I cannot give the actual figures, but I understand that this advice has been generally acted upon.

May I ask whether all these nationals were not advised to repair to the Treaty ports before it was published that a defence force had left this country for Shanghai?

I have already said that advice was given shortly after November last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British commander of the Shanghai defence force has any military authority over the foreign military detachments; and whether he or any military officer or officers are empowered to treat with the Cantonese forces?

The British military commander at Shanghai has been instructed to co-operate with the commanders of the troops of foreign Powers landed for the defence of the international settlement. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Do the Government intend to empower the local commander to treat with the Cantonese forces if they establish contact?

That is the subject of a further question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make a statement upon the taking over of the military and political control of Aden by the Imperial authorities from the Indian Government; what has been the saving in cost to the Indian Government; and what will be the extra cost to the Imperial Government?

The control of political affairs and of military operations in the Aden sphere was transferred from the Government of India to His Majesty's Government, as a, provisional measure, in 1917. It has now been agreed that for the future His Majesty's Government shall be entirely responsible for the political and military administration, the Government of India remaining responsible only for the internal administration of the settlement. From the 1st April, 1927, the Government of India will contribute a fixed sum of £250,000 a year for three years towards the military and political charges, and thenceforward one-third of these charges, subject to a maximum of £150,000 a year. The saving in cost to the Indian Government cannot be precisely stated at present. It will depend on the amount of the actual military and political expenditure from 1st April, 1927, onwards.

Can my Noble Friend say what is the extra cost to the Imperial Government?

I have given the figures, but I expect my hon. and gallant Friend did not fully apprehend the effect of my answer. I said the Government of India will contribute a fixed sum of £250,000 a year for three years, and thenceforward one-third of these charges, subject to a maximum of £150,000 a year.

Will it mean an extra expenditure from our side?

It will mean that in future the Imperial Government will be responsible for what I have just stated.

What are the advantages of dual control here?

It depends entirely on the circumstances. That is a general question, which I would prefer to answer in debate, but in this particular instance it is necessitated by the local circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the amount of money that has been expended since the Armistice in obtaining the advice of technical experts, outside the Colonial service, in matters of transport and harbour works in the Crown Colonies, Protectorates and Mandated Territories?

It is not possible to give the exact sum paid for such technical advice, supervision, inspection, etc., without very laborious investigation, but the total is something over £400,000, of which about £375,000 covers the payment to consulting engineers in respect of harbour and transport works.

Would that include the cost of passages?

I could not say off-hand. In the main the amount consists of the ordinary scale fees of the consulting engineers for their part in the different works.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why British subjects are not allowed to vote for or to sit on municipal councils in Palestine?

When the Palestine Municipal Franchise Ordinance was being framed, it was decided, on grounds of general policy, to confine the privileges of voting in municipal elections and of sitting on municipal councils to Palestinian citizens; and it would not be desirable to make a special exception to this decision in favour of British subjects. The right hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware that Palestinian citizens are British protected persons.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give me one solitary precedent in the British Empire for British subjects not being allowed to vote for municipal councils in that Empire?

I think the position of Palestine as a mandated territory is rather peculiar, and it was felt desirable on general grounds to confine the municipal franchise to Palestinian citizens.

But why, seeing that in other parts of the British Empire people who reside in the country are allowed to vote, whether British subjects or not, should this extraordinary course be taken in Palestine?

I am not sure that Palestine is in the full sense of the word in the British Empire, and I am not sure that I agree with the general contention of the right hon. Gentleman.

Are there not women in England under 30 years of age who are not allowed to vote?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why women are not allowed to vote for or to sit on municipal councils in Palestine?

I am advised by the High Commissioner that it would for some time to come be repugnant to the wishes of the great majority of the population of Palestine to give the franchise to women throughout that country or to allow them to sit on municipal councils. In some areas the objections to the franchise of women do not obtain, and they already have the right to vote in elections to the Tel-Aviv Local Council.

I understand also that the High Commissioner has at present under consideration a proposal to include in the law relating to municipal elections clauses which may be adopted by municipal councils which desire that women should be allowed to participate in the elections to those councils.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Nigeria has taken any action under the Townships Ordinance of 1917 or the Assessment Ordinance of 1915, by which Ordinances he is given powers to direct in each town whether the valuation shall be of the capital value or annual value of the property, and whether the local tax or rate shall be based upon capital or annual value; if so, will he give the references to the gazettes; and, in particular, which system has been decided on for Lagos, for Zaria, and for Port Harcourt?

I have no information as to which method has been adopted, though in Lagos, under the special Lagos Township Ordinance, the basis is the annual value. An Order applying the Assessment Ordinance to Lagos and to all townships in the northern provinces was made on the 2nd October, 1924, but the method was not specified therein.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will supply a Return showing the tonnage of rubber represented by unused rights and by unused coupons in Malaya and Ceylon, separately and respectively, for each month of the 12 months ending January, 1927?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a memorial from Ceylon praying for the reinstatement of Patrick Weber, a guard on the Ceylon Government Railway; and whether, in view of the fact that, subsequent to Weber's dismissal, two of the principal witnesses against him have been arrested, fined, and dismissed the service for theft, he will have the fullest investigation made into this case before coming to a decision?

I have no information in this matter, but if such a memorial is forwarded to me through the Governor in accordance with the Regulations it will receive consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the continuous trouble along the undemarcated Kenya-Tanganyika boundary; and if any steps are being taken to demarcate this boundary?

In order to obviate difficulties, provision, is being made to erect the further beacons necessary to define the frontier.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is prepared to reconsider his decision in the matter of the estates of the late Sheikh Saleh bin Ahmed, which were confiscated after the rebellion in Zanzibar of 1896, so that such portion at least may be returned to his son, Sheikh Isa bin Saleh, which may suffice for his maintenance?

The matter has been carefully looked into, but I regret that the decision cannot be reconsidered.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that some mercy might be shown in this case, and is it desirable that the punishment of the father should be carried on to the son?

The punishment of the father in the case of loss of property does inevitably affect descendants. The matter has been very carefully looked into, but it would raise very difficult precedents to exercise a special and individual clemency in this case.

Is not some of the confiscated property still in the hands of the Government, and could not a portion of it be returned to the son?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that many British-born women who married soldiers from the Dominions during the War have been deserted by their husbands and, with their children, are dependent upon relatives or the public funds; that no machinery exists whereby these absconding husbands can be traced and compelled to maintain their families; and that the High Commissioners of the Dominions are unable to assist such deserted wives to find their husbands; and will he consider whether any arrangement can be made with the Dominion Governments whereby the grievances of these women and children can be redressed?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will make repre- sentations to the Dominion Governments in connection with the enforcement of orders for maintenance against husbands resident in the Dominions who have deserted their wives and families in England?

As regards the general question of the enforcement of maintenance orders made in this country against persons resident in the Dominions, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for East Woolwich (Mr. Snell) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the 24th February. I should, perhaps, add that I understand that the various Dominion Authorities both in this country and overseas have accorded their assistance, and have been successful in a great number of cases in tracing husbands who have deserted their wives in this country, and gone to the Dominions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these unfortunate women are quite unable to take any personal part in tracing their husbands?

I know, but under the Measure that has been passed a considerable measure of assistance has been effected, and the Dominion authorities here and overseas have done their best to help in these cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the total amount contributed up to date by the Imperial Government under the emigration agreement, of 8th April, 1925, between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia; and which of the Australian States have concluded agreements with the Commonwealth Government under that scheme?

The total amount contributed to date by His Majesty's Government under the loan agreement with the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia dated 8th April, 1925, is £262,655 7s. 4d. All the States of the Commonwealth with the exception of New South Wales have concluded an agreement with the Commonwealth Government under the loan agreement.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether be is yet in a position to make any announcement with regard to the proposed mission to Australia to examine the means of increasing the capacity of the Commonwealth to absorb immigrants and of encouraging the influx of capital; and whether any decision has yet been made in regard to the terms of reference of the Commission, its personnel, and the length of stay in Australia of its members?

I am not in a position to make any statement at present, but as soon as matters are sufficiently advanced, it is contemplated that a statement should be made simultaneously here and in Australia.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the total number of visitors who have visited the British Industries Fair at the White City, and also at Birmingham, to the last convenient date?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many overseas representatives were reported to have visited the British Industries Fair in London and Birmingham this year; and whether or not satisfactory reports have come to the Department of orders received by exhibitors for the supply of British goods?

The actual number of buyers who visited the London section of the Fair was 74,462, of whom 1,581 came from overseas. This latter figure takes no account of a considerable number of United Kingdom agents of overseas firms who were buying on foreign account. These figures show an increase of over 25 per cent. on the corresponding figures for last year.

As regards the Birmingham section, I am in correspondence with the authorities, and will communicate further with the hon. Members.

In addition, the general public visited the Fair to the number of about 25,000 in London and 10,000 in Birmingham. No official figures are available as to the business done, but I am happy to be able to report that the exhibitors in all sec- tions of the Fair have expressed themselves as more than satisfied with the actual and anticipated results.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the Birmingham figures are in excess of the figures of last year?

I cannot say that.

Is it not the case that the cost in advertising is about 4s. for each visitor; and has there been any other exhibition held in this country so costly in relation to attendance?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Has any exhibition in this country ever brought in so much money for British merchants?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that £200,000 worth of rails supplied to the South African railways by Foreign firms have been condemned as useless; whether any British firms tendered for the supply of these rails; and whether he will make further inquiries in the matter?

I understand that certain rails imported into South Africa from Europe have been found to be defective, and that the circumstances connected with them are under investigation by the Government of the Union of South Africa. I am unable to say whether these rails were supplied as a result of public tenders. I have already asked His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for a report on the subject.

Is there any truth in the statement that the Government marks on these rails were forged?

I have not heard that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the nature of the changes proposed by the Spanish Government, on the advice of the Supreme Insurance Council, affecting the capital of insurance companies and the effect of these changes on British insurance companies operating in Spain?

I have no information on the subject, but am making inquiries, and will communicate further with my hon. Friend in due Course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the increasing difficulties which British manufacturers are experiencing in obtaining import licences for the entry of their goods into Poland; and whether any official British representations are being made on the subject?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 21st February to the hon. Member for Reading (Mr. H. Williams), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prosecutions that have been instituted under the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act; the amount of fines imposed; and the arrears of wages recovered?

The number of prosecutions which have been instituted under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, up to the present date is 142, as a result of which fines amounting to £504 have been inflicted and £2,481 in arrears of wages have been awarded to the workers concerned.

Will the Minister contemplate appointing further inspectors, in view of the fact that in many districts wages below the legal rate have been found to prevail?

We have quite recently appointed an extra five inspectors, and I do not think we can yet judge how far that will meet the requirements.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the majority of these eases which have been dealt with, they have been dealt with as the remit of reports which have been sent on to his Department by various trade unions?

That is often the case, and it is a very satisfactory way of getting information; but, in addition to that, we are now in a position to carry out the necessary test inspections.

But is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many large areas where the trade union movement has not penetrated, and it is in those areas that these cases arise?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the fact that the Government repeatedly stated on the passage of the Tithe Act, 1925, that the clergy were to receive £100 free of rates and that where tithe is held jointly by an incumbent and a lay tithe-owner, or where tithe is held jointly by two incumbents, the tithe is still liable to full rates, he will undertake to introduce legislation to correct this liability for rates and so restore to all incumbents the promised £100 free of rateable liability?

In order to qualify for the relief from rates granted by the Tithe Act, 1925, in respect of tithe rent-charge attached to a benefice, all that was necessary in the cases to which the hon, and learned Member refers was for the incumbents concerned to arrange with the assistance of Queen Anne's Bounty, for a legal division of the tithe rent-charge to be made prior to the day appointed for the governing provisions of the Act to come into force. The Act was passed in December, 1925, while the appointed day referred to is the 31st March, 1927, and considerable time was, therefore, available for the legal divisions to which I have alluded. I understand that a large number have already been made, and that more will he completed before the appointed day. I cannot, therefore, undertake to introduce any new legislation dealing with the matter.

Is there any means at present to compel such a division as the right hon. Gentleman suggests?

I do not think there can be any difficulty in getting a division. It is only a matter of applying. Then, in the ordinary course, the Ministry will make an apportionment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make any announcement with regard to the introduction this Session of legislation for the amendment of the law of land drainage in England and Wales?

A Bill will be introduced shortly to deal with the special case of the area drained by the River Ouse, which was investigated and reported on last year by a special Commission. With regard, however, to any general amendment of the law of land drainage, the Government have come to the conclusion that the whole question should be examined by a Royal Commission before fresh legislation of a general character is introduced. I hope to announce the composition and terms of reference of the Royal Commission very shortly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the terms of reference will include investigation of sea defences and coast erosion?

No; it is merely a matter of land drainage.

Will the terms of reference include the possibility of charging people who benefit from the land drainage for the cost of the land drainage?

Certainly; the whole object of the inquiry is to see whether the burden is now fairly borne.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any fresh stipulations have been laid down in the agreements with the beet-sugar companies in receipt of subsidy as to the housing and other conditions of labour?

No, Sir. In the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, there is no stipulation in regard to housing. Section 3 of the Act, however, deals with fair wages to be paid by employers in receipt of subsidy and provides for reference to the Industrial Court in case of disputes arising as to wages which ought to be paid.

also asked the Minister of Agriculture how many sugar-beet companies are in receipt of subsidy; whether the shares were issued to the public; and if he can give an estimate as to the amount of foreign capital invested in such subsidised companies?

Fourteen factories received subsidy during the 1926–27 season. In the case of seven factories shares were issued or are available to the public. The amount of foreign share capital invested in these 14 factories is believed to be approximately £1,280,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman name the countries?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether,, seeing that the test for disinfectants which has now been adopted is considered unsuitable and unreliable by the Admiralty, the War Office, the Air Ministry and other large purchasers of disinfectants, he will consider the adoption of a more reliable test?

I am not aware that the test for disinfectants which the Ministry has adopted for use under the Diseases of Animals Acts is in any sense unreliable. It was adopted after full consideration and scientific advice as being a test conducted under conditions which resemble as closely as possible the actual conditions under which the disinfectants prescribed by the Ministry are used in practice.

May I ask whether that has been agreed to by other Government offices which are equally concerned in getting a reliable test?

The requirements of the other offices are very different from the requirements of agriculture. Other offices do not have to deal with the testing of disinfectants for field purposes.

Is it not possible to get the matter reconsidered from the point of view of science, as some equally high authorities are against this change, which is a radical change?

We have prescribed this test on the advice of the Government chemist.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that brands of disinfectants, which have been approved by the Ministry, are being freely sold to agriculturists in inferior strengths and not labelled in accordance with the Diseases of Animals Disinfection Order, 1926,, so that the public are unaware of the proper strength at which to use such agents, and the intention of the Statute is plainly defeated; and if he will give the number of samples of disinfectants tested for his Department which have been taken from supplies purchased in the open market, and the numbers of manufacturers against whom proceedings have been taken for non-compliance with the Order?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Agriculturists and others required to use approved disinfectants under any Order issued in pursuance of the Diseases of Animals Acts should be careful to see that the preparation they are obtaining for that purpose is labelled clearly as prescribed in the Disinfection Order of 1926. The enforcement of the Orders requiring the use of disinfectants rests with the local authorities. I have no information as to the number of samples of disinfectants taken by those bodies nor as to the number of prosecutions instituted. No prosecutions have been undertaken by the Ministry.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will consider the possibility of his officers taking samples in the open market, instead of relying on samples which are sent to him, manifestly cooked up for the purpose?

In the ordinary way I think the local authorities are quite able to take samples from the open market. The hon. and gallant Member will sec that it would lead to unnecessary expense and the duplicating of samples.

But is not the Minister—

The hon. and gallant Member makes me a little nervous about his Supplementary Questions when he puts allegations into them. I think he had better hand them to me in writing.

This is not an allegation. The Minister—

I heard something about sending cooked samples, and to the ordinary man that sounds very much like an allegation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the general practice of the Commissioners of Crown lands to refuse consent, as in certain recent cases, for the erection of signs indicating the position of showrooms and offices in the upper parts of premises in Regent Street?

The practice of the Commissioners of Crown Lands is not to allow signs indicating the position of the showrooms and offices in the upper parts to be exhibited on the face of the stonework in Regent Street; but such signs are required to be on the return faces of the stone piers inside the entrances. This is considered to be quite adequate, while avoiding disfigurement of the architecture of the elevations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great difficulty in letting the upper parts of premises in Regent Street, and is this refusal to give consent of any assistance to the tenants in the upper parts?

We give reasonable facilities for signs in the windows, but I understand my hon. Friend's question to refer to the tables of occupiers on the ground floors.

The point I wished to raise was that it is very difficult in some of these cases to identify the upper part of those premises, as the entrance to such upper part is behind the shop front, and the Commissioners have refused to give consent for signs to be hung to identify those entrances.

We have given facilities for the upper floors which, I should have thought, dealt with the particular grievance.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many dogs have been imported in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture's Regulations during the six months ended to the last convenient date; and if any cases of rabies have been discovered during the time these animals were in quarantine?

Three hundred and eighty-eight dogs have been imported from abroad under licences issued by the Ministry during the six months ended 28th February last. One case of rabies was discovered among these dogs in a dog brought from India.

May I ask whether the other dogs that were on the boat are being kept under strict observation?

They are always kept six months in quarantine.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the destination of the 4,214 horses exported during the six months ended 31st January, 1927; and particularly the 1,600 of that number which were intended for immediate slaughter?

The destination of these horses is as follows:—

Belgium	438
Holland	2,368
France	1,234
Other countries	174

As far as can be ascertained, 1,600 horses went to Holland for immediate slaughter, five went to Belgium for that purpose, and none went to other countries.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the time has now come to put an end to this inhuman traffic in horses?

I do not think there is any inhuman traffic. In the first place, a horse which is to be allowed out of the country has to be able to work and to travel without any cruelty, and no horses are going to France or Belgium—or only five went in the six months, to Belgium—for slaughter. They are only going to these countries to work.

Can the right hon. Gentleman persuade all the old ladies in London to believe that?

In view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman has made that every horse to be exported must be fit for work, how does he explain the figure he has given of 1,600 horses exported for slaughter?

There is nothing to prevent people on the Continent slaughtering horses for human consumption which are fit for work, and, as a matter of fact, there is a very large demand in Holland for horses of this character for human consumption. In the case of that country no allegation whatever has been made against the humane methods of slaughter, which are quite equal to those in this country.

asked the Prime Minister if lie will consider the introduction of a Bill to facilitate the British-born wives of aliens resuming their British nationality in the event of the decease or desertion of their husbands?

I have been asked o reply to this question. In the case of a woman who was a British subject before her marriage to an alien, and whose husband has died, or whose marriage has been dissolved fresh legislation is unnecessary. Special facilities for the resumption of British nationality are already available under the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has previously announced the intention of the Government to propose the provision of somewhat similar facilities in the case of a woman who is or may be presumed to be permanently separated from her alien husband, and a recommendation to this effect was adopted by the recent Imperial Conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the Industrial Fatigue Research Board's Report, which shows that an increasing demand is made upon the energy of the miner as greater depths are reached, he will take these facts into consideration for rearranging hours of labour?

I have been asked to reply. As the hon. Member is aware, this complex question is being studied not only by the investigators who have issued the Report referred to, but also, from a different point of view, by the Committee on Temperature in deep and hot Mines. The work of the latter Committee must proceed further before it is possible to come to any definite conclusion.

May I ask if there is any doubt in the mind of anyone who knows anything about the subject as to the truth of the statement I make in the question, as to the difference which temperature makes to a man's health?

That is admitted in the report of the Industrial Fatigue Board. I say there is another Committee, a Committee on temperature, which is also examining that subject, and we are waiting till that Committee reports.

But is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is nothing further to wait for, because this Committee that I refer to has definitely proved the conditions I mentioned in my question, and I am asking the Prime Minister whether, in view of that, he is going to rearrange the hours according to the temperatures?

The hon. Member based his question of a possible rearrangement of hours on temperature. A Committee on temperature is examining the question of the increased demand on energy owing to temperature, and may find that it can reduce the temperature.