asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the system of deductions from wages and fines for the enforcement of discipline in mills and factories in India is liable to grave abuse, and that the employe has no effective remedy if he is fined unjustly or excessively; whether he will state in general terms the character of the Reports which have been received by the Government; and whether he will indicate, if possible, what action it is proposed to take?

In a letter of 25th June, 1926, the Government of India asked local Governments for information as to the extent, if any, to which the system is in practice abused, and consulted them as to the desirability of measures to counter any such abuses and the form which any such measures should take. They were asked to reply by 1st March, 1927. My Noble Friend has not yet received information as to the nature of the replies or as to any action that may be proposed.

If I put down a question in a fortnight's time, will that be too soon?

I am afraid it probably would be too soon. It was necessary for the Government of India to consult a number of authorities. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question just after the Easter Recess. I hope then to be in a position to give him an answer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has noted the discontent expressed in the Legislative Assembly regarding the statement of the Finance Member that the Army Estimates are likely in the future to increase rather than diminish; and whether the Secretary of State was consulted before the statement was made as to its possible effects on the political situation in India?

I have not yet seen any detailed criticisms of the statements made on this subject in the course of the Budget Debate. My Noble Friend was not consulted and sees no reason why he should have been. In any event, where the safety of India is in question he would not be deterred by possible political consequences from the plain duty of stating unpalatable facts.

Is the Noble Lord aware that full and detailed reports have been published in the British Press and that, according to these reports, there has been very severe criticism by the Indian representatives, of the statement made?

Is it not a fact that in recent years there has been an enormous decrease in military expenditure in India?

With regard to the first supplementary question, there may have been reports in the British Press but it is a well-understood rule of this House, that when questions are put to a Minister he replies from the official information at his disposal. I have said I have not seen any detailed criticisms and no detailed criticisms have been sent home by the Government of India. With regard to the second supplementary question, there has been an immense decrease in the military expenditure in India over the last six years—I think the greatest proportionate decrease of any comparable army, anywhere in the world.

Is consideration given to the opinions of members of the Legislative Assembly?

If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to read the debates in the Legislative Assembly, of which I shall be pleased to supply him with a copy, he will see that on almost every occasion full consideration is given by the Government of India to opinions expressed by members.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any information as to the Buddhist monk Bhikku U. Vijaya, who is detained in prison pending prosecution for sedition and is on hunger strike, alleging that he is not allowed to perform his usual religious duties by the authorities?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Bengal government has framed proposals, which have been under the consideration of the Government of India since 1924, for the separation of the executive and judicial functions; and whether he will state which provincial governments have not yet put forward their proposals with regard to this matter?

I doubt whether the final proposals of the Bengal government reached the Government of India as early as 1924. A month ago the Government of India stated in the Indian Legislature that besides those from Bengal they had received proposals from the governments of Madras, the United Provinces and Bihar and Orissa.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the staffs in the telegraph offices in Calcutta and Bombay have been reduced by about one-half, so that the men are unable to obtain leave when it falls due; and whether any complaints have been received from merchants in Calcutta of serious delays in telegraph traffic in consequence?

I have no information, but will inquire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can explain why the Government of India has decided to dissolve the Army Can teen Board; and what system it proposes to adopt in its place?

As regards the first part I would refer to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Scurr) on the 7th June last, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy together with a copy of the Report mentioned therein. As regards the second part, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement recently issued by the Government of India on the subject

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the change that has come over the problem of Indian defence as a result of the advent of the air arm, and seeing that the geographical position of India makes it possible to be the flying centre of the East, he is prepared to recommend the Government of India to throw open this arm of defence in both commissioned and non-commissioned ranks to suitable Indians?

There is no Indian Air Force to the commissioned and noncommissioned ranks of which suitable Indians could be admitted, the squadrons in India being units of the Royal Air Force—a purely British Service, the composition of which it is for His Majesty's Government to decide.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the amount and extent of the failure of the crops in the Bombay Presidency due to locusts and failure of rain; and what preventive measures the Government has taken, and proposes to take, to deal with these recurring visitations or to meet the privation and suffering caused to those whose crops have suffered?

My Noble Friend has not received any detailed information on the matter referred to in the first part of the question beyond what has appeared in the Press. The measures to be taken for the relief of distress when scarcity has been declared are prescribed in great detail in the Bombay Famine Relief Code.

If the report does come to hand, will the Noble Lord inform the House?

Yes, Sir, if the hon. Gentleman will put down a further question, but I think he can rest assured that, if this scarcity does exist, the Government of Bombay will take all steps to deal with it.

Is it not the business of the Government of India to give the Department here detailed information as to what is going on, instead of leaving the Minister to get his information from the Press?

I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman has not quite grasped that it is not the Government of India but the Government of Bombay which is concerned. It is the business of local governments to deal with any question of this kind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to arrange with the Government of the Union of South Africa for an official representative of the Government of India to reside in South Africa to look after the interests of Indians there?

The recent agreement between the Government of India and the Government of the Union contemplates the appointment of an agent of the former in the Union in order to secure continuous and effective co-operation between the two Governments. This matter is receiving the Government of India's earnest consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India when the Indian Sandhurst Report and the Auxiliary and Territorial Force Committee Report will be published; and whether, as these Reports were sent to the Imperial Government in June and November, he will say what have been the reasons for the delay in issuing them?

The Auxiliary and Territorial Force Committees Report was published in India early in 1925. The Government of India have not yet submitted the Indian Sandhurst Committee's Report with their views, and my Noble Friend has so far only received advance copies. I hope to be able to make a statement as to publication very shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he has any further information regarding the state of health of Mr. Subhas Bose, who has been detained in India without trial for more than two-and-a-half years?

I understand that, while special medical examination has not disclosed actual disease, the health of this detenu is not satisfactory, and the question of moving him to a better environment is being considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will inform the House of the persons selected by the Government to represent India at the forthcoming International Economic Conference?

The representatives of India at the International Economic Conference which is to be held at Geneva in May will be:—

Dr. L. K. Hyder, Professor of Economics at Aligarh University, member of Royal Commission on Agriculture in India.

Sir Campbell W. Rhodes, C.B.E., member of Council of India, formerly President of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Associated Chamber of Commerce of India and Ceylon.

Sir N. N. Wadia, K.B.E., C.I.E., ex-Chairman of Bombay Millowners' Association and member of Indian Cotton Committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the cost of the excavations in Sind; whether the whole cost of these excavations fall on the Indian revenues; and whether any arrangements or requisitions have been made as to the distribution of the finds?

Up to 31st March, 1927, roughly, I lakh of rupees will have been spent on the Sind excavations; the answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third part that a requisition has been received by the Government of India from the British Museum, but that no scheme of distribution has yet been considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Lord Reading, in visiting the Benares Hindu University in December, 1921, announced the sanction of the Government for the formation of a university training corps; that subsequently the university authorities received orders to recruit only two platoons to start with: that these two platoons have been amalgamated with the 3rd United Provinces battalion and have excelled in battalion sports and other battalion competitions; that several hundreds of students have been waiting for the past three years to be admitted to the corps; and whether permission will be given to raise a battalion of the university training corps by the Benares Hindu University?

So far as I am aware, the facts are as stated. The question of increasing the strength of university training corps will arise in connection with the Report of the Indian Auxiliary and Territorral Forces Committee, which is now under my Noble Friend's consideration.

In view of the discussion which took place on the Government of India (Indian Navy) Bill the other day, will the Noble Lord suggest to the Government that they might arrange for a larger increase in the number of cadet battalions?

I do not think that is the point at issue. The matter is feeing considered by the Government of India as to whether there should be a total increase in the number of cadet corps. If there is presumably this particular cadet corps will have its proportional increase in common with other cadet corps, but the main question as to whether there should be an increase in the Auxiliary and Territorial force depends upon the size of the Army generally and other considerations.

Does the Noble Lord attach no special value to having an efficient cadet corps in connection with the Benares University?

That is quite a different question. I could not give any undertaking that any particular cadet corps should be increased in advance of the increase granted to cadet corps generally if there is a total increase.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of licensed opium shops in India; the area of opium cultivated; and the parts of India in which opium-smoking is prohibited?

The number of shops in British India in 1925–26 was 5,844, with the addition of a small number in Delhi, Ajmer-Merwara, Coorg and Baluchistan, which in 1924–25 was 88. The latest figure of poppy cultivation an British India shows 114,198 acres in the year ending October, 1925; in addition there was a small area of 1,653 acres in the Punjab Hills. The law in British India prohibits the sale of opium prepared for smoking and also its manufacture except by an individual for his own use from opium lawfully in his possession. Opium smoking in company is illegal in the United Provinces, Punjab and North-West Frontier Province, and consumption of opium in any form is subject in Burma and Assam to registration and individual rationing.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the amount of coal sent last year from India to Great Britain and the approximate price per ton of coal.

According to the Indian returns, 49,088 tons of coal were exported to the United Kingdom in 1926. The greater part of this arrived in the first two months of the present year. Only about 44,000 tons in all appear to have arrived here, the balance having presumably been diverted on the way. The declared value at the port of import averaged 59s. per ton.

Was not the whole of this export due to the abnormal circumstances produced by the coal stoppage? Would there have been, in normal circumstances, any coal exported from India at all?

I think it is true, as the hon. Member suggests, to say that this export of coal was wholly due to the abnormal circumstances in this country. As far as I know, in normal years, no coal is exported from India to this country.

Is the Noble Lord aware that the average wages of coal-miners in India do not exceed 7s. a week, while the figures he gives suggest that this coal was exported at a price level corresponding to that prevailing in this country?

If the hon. Member desires information on the subject of the wages of Indian miners, perhaps he will put down a question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the rejection of the railway board grant by the Indian Legislative Assembly, he will state what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

My Noble Friend has not yet been informed as to the action that the Government of India propose to take in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to state the effect of Ordinance No. 19 of 1925, and to supply comparative figures showing any im- provement which may have taken place in the death rate of mine workers on the Gold Coast since the ordinance was introduced?

I am not yet in a position to supply the hon. Member with comparative figures, since the latest information available to me relates to the period from 1st April, 1925, to 31st March, 1926, while the new ordinance to which the hon. Member refers did not come into force until January, 1926.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the committee appointed in British Guiana to inquire into the financial capacity of that island to the scheme recommended by Mr. Kunwar Maharajah Singh, C.I.E., for the introduction of 500 Indian families into that country, has arrived at any conclusion?

Before this question is answered, may I inquire since when has British Guiana become an island?

I am not aware that the Governor has yet received the report of the committee. May I add that British Guiana is not an island?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether systematic work is being undertaken in the tropical Colonies for the purpose of reducing the heavy infantile mortality?

Yes, Sir, measures are being taken in most tropical Colonies on-the lines that have been successful in reducing, infant mortality in this country, and in many of them the results compare not unfavourably with what has been accomplished here. The Governments of tropical Colonies are fully alive to the importance of this matter. Infant welfare clinics have been established and women doctors, nurses and health visitors, who have had special experience in this branch of medical work, are being appointed in increasing numbers.

Is not the best way to save the children to kill the mosquitos?

That is obviously one remedy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Dak-lyne Farm, near Windsor, Nova Scotia, has now received official recommendation; of so, how many boys from England have passed through the farm and been placed in situations; how many boys are sent out monthly; and at what ages the boys are eligible?

The Dakeyne Farm, Nova Scotia, has been used since 1913 as a training centre for boys from the Dakeyne Street Lads Club, Nottingham, which is officially recognised by the Dominion Government and the Oversea Settlement Committee as a juvenile migration society. Boys between 14 and 17 years of age have been trained at the farm and placed in employment at the rate of about 12 per annum. The total number deait with up to date is about 130.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if any assistance is given to the boys towards passage money or outfit?

I could not give details without notice, but I understand assistance is given.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in the arrangements for the Native Land Trust in Kenya, he is prepared to consider the advisability of giving powers to the trustees under which they will be able to secure additional areas as and when they may be required for native occupation?

All relevant considerations will be borne in mind in discussing this matter with the Governor of Kenya.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet had a discussion with the Governor on this question?

Not yet.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in Kenya all European persons over 18 years of age are subject to an annual education tax of 30s.; and whether, in view of the fact that the tax is a great burden upon young people and upon persons with small incomes, any steps can be taken to substitute a graduated tax to correspond with the income of the taxpayer?

I am aware of the legislation referred to, but the substitution of a graduated tax is not contemplated, as it is the intention of the Government that the powers of total or partial le-mission should be exercised generously in favour of the poorer members of the European community in appropriate cases. I am not prepared to admit that, apart from these exceptional cases, an annual payment of thirty shillings can involve any hardship to European residents in Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a state of emergency has been declared in Hong Kong and emergency regulations have been issued; and whether strikes and labour demonstrations are forbidden by these emergency regulations?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Among the regulations which the Governor has found it necessary to issue in the interests of public order and safety are regulations giving power to disperse any processions, crowds or assemblies and to proscribe any organisation which has among its aims, or is being used for the promotion of a general strike.

I suppose there is no risk of flogging for any offence under this regulation?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement upon the reported shooting of six Chinese and the wounding of 11 others at Singapore during the observance ceremonies of the anniversary of the death of Sun Yat Sen; in what circumstances this shooting took place; and on whose authority instructions were issued to shoot?

I am not in a position at present to add anything to the reply returned on the 16th March to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to commence the construction of Government offices in Jerusalem; what Government buildings, costing how much, have been constructed in Palestine during the past eight years; and will wages paid to labour in such future construction be based on the cost of living of Jews?

Plans for the proposed new Government offices in Jerusalem are now being prepared, but the site selected for them is in dispute. I hope however that the commencement of their construction will not be long delayed. I will send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of a return showing the Government buildings constructed during the past eight years. As regards the last part of the question, the rates of wages offered for labour to be employed on the construction of Government buildings must vary in each case according to the locality and the class of workmen which it is desired to attract.

May we presume that it is desired to employ upon these buildings some of the many thousands of unemployed there?

Yes, Sir. If the work is being done in the locality where they are or in a locality to which they can be brought.

Who is going to pay for these new buildings?

The Palestinians.

The revenues of Palestine or the loan moneys raised by Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Haifa harbour works are likely to be started; in view of the widespread unemployment can he hasten the date of commencement; and what is the estimate of the cost of completion of the works proposed?

I am anxious that work on the harbour at Haifa should be put in hand as soon as possible, but, as the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will realise, the preparation of detailed plans and estimates always takes time, and I am not yet in a position to give a definite date. It is anticipated that the cost of the works will be in the neighbourhood of £1,000,000, but that figure is, of course, subject to modification when the detailed plans are available.

Were any estimates or plans got out before the loan was approved?

Yes. We had an examination some time ago, and we had general estimates and general plans, which, of course, have to be worked out in greater detail.

Is there a place where one could see the plans of the proposed harbour?

I think there are some papers in my office, and I will consider whether there is any way of making them available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is as yet taking any steps and, if so, what to get any pipe line constructed by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company from Khanikin, or by the inter national oil combine from Mosul, to debouch on the Mediterranean at Haifa instead of at Alexandretta; and has the Admiralty yet been consulted in the matter?

The point is obviously one which will be borne in mind if and when the companies concerned are in a position to consider the construction of a pipe line to the Mediterranean, and I am keeping in touch with the Admiralty on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any explanation of the reasons prompting the emigration from Palestine of 7,340 Jews during the year 1926, as against 13,056 immigrants during the same year; and whether he can make any statement as to their destination?

The emigration of Jews from Palestine in 1926 was no doubt due to unemployment in that territory, particularly during the latter part of the year, when Jewish emigration exceeded Jewish immigration. No information is available as to the destination of emigrants.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the orange growers of the West Indies have yet appointed a direct representative watching their interests on the London market, in accordance with the suggestion in the Report of the Imperial Economic Committee?

No representative has been appointed, nor am I aware that the Imperial Economic Committee have suggested such an appointment in this case.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the report?

Yes. I have not only seen the report, but I have refreshed my mind on the subject. It is not a specific recommendation. In fact, it is fairly clear from their references to the West Indies that in this case they would not have made such a recommendation.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen that in my question I only said "the suggestion"?

In discussing the question of the West Indian fruits, they pointed out certain facts, which obviously would involve great improvements in the fruit before it would be worth marketing here.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any dairy produce of milk or cream imported from overseas is distributed in this country?

The answer consists of a table of figures which the hon. Member will perhaps agree to my circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentle-man say whether any cream has been imported into this country from overseas?

Oh, yes, a considerable quantity.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has received any representations regarding the effect on British exports of the proposed revision of the French tariff; and, if so, whether his Department is taking any action in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Taylor) on the 15th March, a copy of which I am sending him. Representations concerning certain of the proposed tariff changes have already been received by my Department, but it is necessary to give an opportunity to other British traders to furnish their views, before considering whether any action can usefully be taken by His Majesty's Government, and I am communicating with chambers of commerce and trade associations accordingly.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether at any time during recent years any result has come from representations made to foreign Governments with regard to their tariffs?

I am not able to say.

Is it not a fact that the Leader of the Liberal party on a certain occasion threatened to impose a duty on Spanish oranges and other foodstuffs unless notice was taken of British representations?

The Government cannot answer for that right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that duty in South Africa is levied on cigarettes imported into that Dominion on the home selling price with duty added in their country of origin; and whether, as such method of levying duty adversely affects British-made cigarettes as compared with the products of other countries, owing to the high rate of duty in this country, he will make representations to the Government of the Union in the interests of the British industry?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the general question involved formed the subject of a Report adopted by the Imperial Conference of last year, and is to be further examined by the authorities concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the duty on tobacco in this country is higher than in almost any other part of the world, and that the produce of Great Britain is very much handicapped by the high duty paid here?

Yes, I am aware of it, and that is what I say was the subject of an inquiry by the Economic Committee of the Imperial Conference and was submitted to the Customs authorities and others for examination.

Is this the newest form of Preference?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any recent information as to the progress of the motor industry in this country?

From statistics compiled by the trade, it appears that the number of private cars produced in 1926 exceeded the number for 1925 by 19 per cent. and the number for 1924 by some 48 per cent. The production of commercial cars in 1925 exceeded that of 1924 by about 20 per cent. Particulars for 1926 are not yet available. I am informed that several British makers extended their factories during 1926.

Has this progress of the motor industry been greater since the McKenna Duties have been introduced than prior to that date?

The whole output of the trade was very much smaller, of course, before the War. Yet there was an increase from 1907 up to 1913; but the relative increase has been very much greater since 1915.

Is it not a fact that since the reimposition of the duties there has been a very considerable expansion in the trade?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not a fact that for the first time we are exporting more motor cars this year than we are importing?

I should want notice of that question.

Did not the greatest leap forward in the export trade occur with the removal of the duties in 1924?

The hon. Member is entering into a fiscal debate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any foreign motor-car makers have established works in this country since the import duties were reimposed?

One foreign maker of cars commenced manufacture in this country early in 1926, and it is stated that the factory will provide employment for about 5,000 workpeople. Another foreign company has recently announced that it has acquired a factory site here.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the name of the foreign company which has already started manufacturing here?

Can the hon. Gentleman state whether the Ford Company intend to proceed with their proposals to erect a factory in the Lower Thames area?

I am not aware of that.

Does that figure include the factories in this country for the assembling of foreign cars, the bodies of which are made over here?

I must have notice of that question.

Do not the figures quoted furnish a very good argument for the reimposition of the McKenna duties?

That is a matter of argument.

May I ask whether this factory which has been, referred to does not point to the fact that the duties are completely paid by the foreign importer?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Irish Grants Committee, recently set up, have held any meetings; whether they have investigated any cases yet; and whether the results will be published?

The Committee met for the first time on 13th October last, and since that date have held 25 meetings. I am informed that they have so far dealt with 771 cases. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave in reply to a question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha) on 17th February last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the cost of the poster displaying a map of the British Empire; how many have been distributed; and what is the cost of the bill posting of the same?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The total cost to the Empire Marketing Board of the production of this poster is £1,398 3s. 9d. 4,125 copies have been distributed up to the present. It is not possible to distinguish the cost of posting this poster from the cost of posting the numerous other posters issued by the Board; and I regret, therefore, that I cannot answer the last part of the question. I may add, in case the information may be of interest to the House generally and to the hon. Member, that copies of this poster may be purchased by the public for 7s. 6d. post free from the Controller, His Majesty's Stationery Office. Small reproductions will shortly be available for sale at 1s. 6d. post free.

Would not this expense be more appropriately debited to the Board of Education, as the matter is purely of an educational character, and can it be said to be of direct assistance in the sale of New Zealand mutton or Australian apples?

The work of the Empire Marketing Board is necessarily to a large extent of an educational character, in order to educate the public to take a greater interest in Empire produce.

Is it not a fact that, by this means the Liberal party will learn that there are countries other than our own?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what method of projection was used in making that map?

It is a new method of projection, and a very interesting one.

Is it not a fact that the cost of this poster is more than offset by the advantages of advertising the Empire, which would not receive similar advertisement from those who represent Little England?

There is only one representative here to-day.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the necessity to the agricultural industries of an early announcement, he can indicate when he will be in a position to inform the House of the conditions under which long-term agricultural credits will be granted?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 14th February to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Northern Norfolk (Mr. Buxton), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has had brought to his notice any of the experiments of Dr. Voronoff in grafting an extra gland on to livestock for the purpose of producing a finer and more vigorous type; and, if so, whether these experiments can be looked upon as successful and will receive attention from his Department?

I am aware of Dr. Voronoff's work on gland grafting, and I have arranged, with Dr. Voronoff's concurrence for a small Commission of scientific men to examine and report upon the experimental work on sheep which has been carried out at the Government Breeding Station in Algeria. Owing to the bad season, the visit of the Commission has been postponed until October or November, when the grafted sheep will be available for examination.

Could not a Voronoff gland be grafted on the English Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can inform the House as to what decision the Government have reached concerning the construction of a Lower Thames tunnel as a result of the deliberations of the Royal Commission on London Bridges and the London Traffic Advisory Committee?

A Lower Thames tunnel between Dartford and Purfleet has been recommended by the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, but they considered the Victoria Dock Road Scheme and other schemes more urgent. The Royal Commission also recommended the corstruction of the tunnel.

The position of the Government is indicated in the answer given by me to questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Kensington South and Greenwich on Wednesday last, that Waterloo Bridge, Victoria Dock Road, Charing Cross and Ludgate Bridges are considered the most urgent matters and that the other schemes recommended by the Royal Commission, including the Lower Thames tunnel, will form the subject of negotiations with the local authorities subject to the limitations contained in that answer.

Can we take it from that that it is definitely decided that the position of such a tunnel would be between Dartford and Purfleet?

I can only say, in answer to that at this moment, that negotiations will proceed with the local authorities on the lines of the Lee Commission Report. I imagine that no alteration in the recommendations would be made, supposing the financial adjustments could be made, without the consent of the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health if he is in a position to announce the composition of the departmental committee on the registration of opticians?

The personnel of the committee is not yet complete, but my right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to announce its composition at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether, before issuing as a Command Paper the Report of the Chester-le-Street Board of Guardians, he gave the ex-guardians any opportunity to make any comment on the statements contained therein?

No, Sir.

Is it the intention of the Ministry to issue any more of these reports?

That is an entirely different subject. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put the question on the Order Paper.

Could the hon. Gentleman say whether, when the new guardians first took over the work, the ex-guardians asked for a public inquiry at which all sides could be heard?

That is also another subject, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Health if he has made any inquiry as to the publishing by certain newspapers of the Report of the Chester-le-Street Board of Guardians before the Command Paper was published; and what is the result of his inquiries?

No, Sir.

Does the hon. Gentleman not realise that there is very grave public concern at the way this information came out, and does he not think it the duty of his Department to make some inquiry?

I think there is greater concern with the contents of the Report.

Is the public concern with the contents of the Report due to feeling aroused by the action of the Ministry of Health?

No, my right hon. Friend definitely stated in connection with this matter that he had no knowledge of the publication, and the concern arose out of the contents of the Report.

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to give us the same undertaking that he had no knowledge?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the cost per house built for married quarters at Halton; and what is the accommodation provided?

The average cost of the married airmen's quarters erected at Halton works out at £561, exclusive of external services, such as roads, drains, etc., the accommodation consists of two bedrooms, living room, scullery, bathroom and sanitary facilities.

May I ask whether these houses are made of cork, and why the Air Force wants cork houses; and, in relation to the high expenditure, is that not in keeping with the general extravagance of the Air Force?

In the first place, these houses, as far as I know, are not made of cork. I must repudiate my hon. Friend's suggestion that this price is an illustration of the extravagance of the buildings in the Air Force. It compares favourably with similar buildings, whether civil or military, in other parts of the country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity of consulting the Public Accounts Committee's Report where it states that these houses are made of cork?

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to give him the price of a house, four models of which were inspected the other day by the Minister of Health, and which comes out at half this price, with much more accommodation than I gather these have?

I should be very glad if the hon. Gentleman would give me the figures.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these married quarters erected by the Air Ministry make a very good example which the Ministry of Health and local authorities might copy, and will he take steps to acquaint them with the type of house?

I am very much obliged to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can see his way to making further use of the safeguard of the passport system in the protection of women and girls, particularly in the case of theatrical troupes, before they are permitted to accept engagements in a succession of foreign countries?

In the case of all applications for passports from women and girls who are taking up employment, special precautions are taken, and in the case of theatrical artistes passports are not issued unless the contracts and conditions of employment are recommended as satisfactory by one of the recognised bodies, such as the Stage Guild or the Variety Artistes' Federation. In such cases the validity of the passport is generally limited to the country for which it is required. His Majesty's Consuls abroad have instructions to take similar precautions in the case of applications made to them either for passports or for further endorsements. I do not consider that any more stringent precautions could be taken without delay and inconvenience to ordinary travellers.

When these troupes of girls go from one foreign country to another, could the hon. Gentleman say through whom the inquiries are made?

I think they are made by one of these two bodies I have specified.

If, for instance, the girls are sent over to Paris, where they are well looked after, and are then, possibly, sent to the Argentine, through whom would inquiries be made between Paris and Buenos Aires?

It is not very easy to answer that question, but I imagine we keep in touch the whole time with the two bodies I have specified, and they find out exactly where those persons are proceeding, and what the conditions are.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these application forms are filled up in such a manner as to give the impression that the women performing in troupes are going for a holiday, and not to work? Can the hon. Gentleman say how that can be avoided?

That is exactly what these two bodies take care to avoid.

But is the hon. Gentleman aware that the passport application is filled up not as if the artistes are going to work, but as if they are going for a holiday, and that that is for the purpose of avoiding examination?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the recent developments at Hankow and the protests from Tientsin, he will consider the advisability of adopting a similar policy to the Japanese Government, which has stated that it has no intention of returning any concessions to China in the present unpropitious circumstances?

His Majesty's Government have no intention of going back on their proposals regarding arrangements for the concessions, which were communicated to the Chinese authorities at Peking and Hankow in January last, and published in the Press on 3rd February. These proposals were made after a careful examination of all the circumstances.

Is my hon. Friend aware that fear has been expressed in Tientsin and Shanghai that we have landed over our rights without having exacted sufficient safeguards from the Chinese authorities?

That question does not quite arise out of the answer, but negotiations are now going on with the Chinese authorities in regard to Tientsin, and I hope that an amicable arrangement may be arrived at.

May I ask whether, in entering into the agreement with regard to Hankow, any arrangements were made with the Chinese authorities asking them to assist in stopping all this anti-British propaganda?

Does the hon. Gentleman accept the statement in the last part of the question with regard to Japanese policy in China as being well-founded?

As a matter of fact the information we have received from Japan shows that there is a good deal of divergence of opinion. I believe the Japanese Consul-General in Hankow is prepared to sign a similar agreement to ourselves?

Will the hon. Gentleman give me a reply to my question?

When the agreement was signed it was certainly understood between ourselves and the Southern Government that everything possible would be done to safeguard the interests of both side?.

May I ask whether it is a fact, as stated in the Press, that Baron Shidahari has stated that the Japanese have no intention of returning their concessions at present?

That is why I said that divergent opinions have been expressed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any negotiations with the Nationalist (Cantonese) Government are in progress or in contemplation in respect of any other British concessions in China situate within the area controlled by the Nationalist Government regarding which no agreement has yet been entered into?

No negotiations are at present in progress regarding British concessions in the area under the control of the Nationalist Government. His Majesty's Government have, in their proposals communicated to the Chinese authorities at Peking and Hankow on 27th and 28th January last and published in the Press on 3rd February, declared their willingness to discuss and enter into arrangements for the modification of the municipal arrangements of all British concessions.

Is it not a fact that the Nationalist Government have failed to respect British rights, and have failed to restrain their followers from acts of violence in the British concessions at Wuhu and Ning Po, and does the hon. Gentleman not think it desirable, in these circumstances, to defer any further negotiations with the Nationalist Government?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. At the two places he has mentioned there are no British concessions at all.

But are they not Treaty ports of some description, and are not British Consuls there?

I agree that they are, but they are not British concessions in respect of which any negotiations such as those referred to are being undertaken.

Notwithstanding that fact, are we to understand that the British Government will do their best to protect British rights?