asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he has received a Report of the fire which broke out in the Ahlone quarter of Rangoon, in Burma; if so, whether he can state the number of houses that were entirely destroyed and the number of people that were rendered homeless; whether any deaths or serious injuries have been reported from this fire; how many European bungalows were destroyed; and what is the estimate of damage caused?

No official report of this fire has been received, in amplification of the accounts given in the public Press. It has been stated in those accounts that no lives were lost.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether His Majesty's Government is aware that in February last licences of shops for the sale of intoxicants, opium and other drugs were sold by auction in Sind; whether this is the general policy of the Government of India; and whether these auction sales are annual or for what period?

My Noble Friend has no report covering last February. Provincial governors acting with their Ministers are responsible for policy in this matter. Arrangements vary in different Provinces, but, according to the latest information received, the system of annual auction obtains in several of them, including Sind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is now able to inform the House as to the manner in which the Rs.3,96,000 provided for civil aviation in the Indian Budget for 1927–28 is to be used.

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that on 2nd September, 1926, the Madras Legislative Assembly passed the Malabar Tenancy Bill, for the protection of tenants against eviction, etc.; that despite the fact that it was supported by nominated as well as elected members, and the representatives of various political parties and communities, the Bill was vetoed on 1st November by His Excellency the Governor of Madras; and whether the exercise of the veto on a purely domestic issue took place after previous consultation with His Majesty's Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Governor, in the discharge of his responsibility under the Government of India Act, withheld his assent for reasons explained in a Press communiqué, a copy of which I will send to the hon. Member. His Excellency did not previously consult His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if any proposal has been received at the India Office for the provision of expert advice and assistance to the Indian Government in connection with the improvement and development of the Indian road system?

No such proposal has been received. A resolution, a copy of which I can send to the hon. Member, was adopted by the Indian Council of State on 9th February last, recommending the appointment of a Committee to examine the desirability of developing the road system of India. The resolution was accepted on behalf of the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any information as to the probable date at which the Report of the Royal Commission on Indian Agriculture may be expected, and as to the possible issue of an ad interim Report by that Commission?

It is not possible at present to make any statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has yet received from the Government of India the Report of the District Commissioner into the incident at Kalakati, Bengal, when 37 rounds of ammunition was fired into in unarmed crowd by a contingent of the Eastern Frontier Rifles, acting under orders from the district magistrate and the local superintendent of the police; and whether it has been decided to hold an independent public inquiry into the whole affair?

The Divisional Commissioner's Report is on its way by mail, together with the local Government's conclusions, and my Noble Friend has so far received only a brief telegraphic summary of it. Until he receives the full text of the Report, and the Bengal Government's views upon it, my Noble Friend does not propose to make any further statement about it. So far as I am aware, it is not intended to hold an independent public inquiry. I observe that the hon. Member repeats in this question his description of the crowd as unarmed, although the reports which I published in answer to his question on the 24th March made it quite clear that the description was incorrect.

Will the report be published when it arrives?

My Noble Friend would require to see the report before he can make any statement on that subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any agreement has yet been arrived at between His Majesty's Government and the Government of India with regard to whether the cost of sending Indian troops to China will eventually fall on Imperial funds or on the revenues of the Government of India?

It has been decided that no part of the cost of the Shanghai Defence Force shall be borne by Indian revenues.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the House any information about the recent entry of Chinese troops into the Legation Quarter of Peking?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether admission into the Legation Quarters in Peking of the troops of Marshal Chang Tso-lin, which raided the Russian Embassy, was authorised by the British diplomatic representative in that city in common with the representatives of the other Powers?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Minister at Peking has associated himself with the diplomatic representatives of the other Powers in Peking in signing the authorisation to enter the Legation Quarter for the troops of Marshal Chang Tso-lin which raided buildings there adjoining the Russian Embassy and belonging to the Russian Government and arrested the occupants; and if he will state what the circumstances were?

I will answer these questions together. The following preliminary report of the circumstances has been received from His Majesty's Minister, who states that the Chinese authorities have promised to communicate full particulars of the results to the Senior Minister, who is the representative of the Netherlands (M. Oudendijk). He will circulate them to all the Protocol Powers as soon as possible.

The chief of the Metropolitan Police called on the Senior Minister on 6th April, with a letter in duplicate calling attention to the subversive activities of Russians in the Legation Quarter, and requesting authority to search certain specified Russian property, namely the Dalbank, the Chinese Eastern Railway building not actually inside the Russian Legation itself, and the building belonging to the Russian Indemnity Commission. The original of this letter was duly countersigned by the Senior Minister, authorising ingress for the Metropolitan Police, and handed back to the authorities. The Senior Minister had previously consulted the representatives of the other Protocol Powers, who decided that the hospitality of the Quarter must not be used against the local Government, and agreed that provided the local authorities came furnished with the proper warrant, the Legation Quarter Police should be instructed under a specific order from the Senior Minister to allow them to search any suspected Russian private property specifically named in the warrant.

The search began at 11 a.m. and continued throughout the day. It was effected by the Metropolitan Police, some gendarmes and many plain clothes detectives. An attempt was made by the Russians to burn some documents, but this was frustrated. The senior Minister has informed His Majesty's Minister that among the captures was a list of names of 4,000 agents in Peking ready to that among the captures was a list of stir up trouble and commit acts of violence at a given moment. Other seizures comprised one machine-gun, 30 rifles and a quantity of ammunition, together with a number of flags with inflammatory slogans which were to be used for demonstrations.

Official seals were captured of the "Anti-British Committee," whose special function appears to be agitation against Great Britain. The seals of similar committees for agitation against Japan and France were also seized. 22 Russians were arrested, and between 40 and 50 Chinese, for whom the authorities had long been searching, including the recognised leader of the Communist party of North China, who had taken refuge with the Russians.

The Russian Embassy itself, which is shut off by a high wall, was strictly respected, though the raiding party exceeded their authority by overflowing into the barracks of the Imperial Russian Legation Guard, which are separated from the Embassy proper and lie west of the wall. Though it can be argued that the barracks have no claim to diplomatic immunity, seeing that Russia has no longer any right to the guard, the Protocol Powers, through the senior Minister, thought it well to address a protest to the Government against the action of the police in thus exceeding the specific authority given by the senior Minister.

The following communiqué was issued on the night of 6th April by the Chinese Government:

"The Chinese Government, having been informed of the presence in the Dalbank and the office of the Chinese Eastern Railway of arms and ammunition, and knowing that these places have been centres of Communist agitators, decided to conduct a search. The search has been made on the basis that these places are not covered by diplomatic immunities and that the Soviet Government has renounced the privileges provided for in the Protocol of 1901, as well as the rights of extra-territoriality. Therefore the Embassy itself, only has the privilege of inviolability.

"The search was effected at 11.0 this morning by Chinese police after the Chinese authorities, on the presentation of a regular warrant from the judicial authorities, had received from the competent authorities of the Legation Quarter the necessary authorisation for the execution of the warrant."

I have since received information that, after taking cognisance of the letter from the Metropolitan Police, at a meeting of the Protocol Powers on the 9th instant, it was agreed that the Senior Minister should at once reply in a letter which, after acknowledging the receipt, proceeds as follows:

"I am desired by my colleagues to inform you that they expect all persons who were arrested by the Chinese police in the course of that search will receive a fair trial before the competent judicial authority. I shall be happy to receive an assurance from you to that effect."

What guarantee has the right hon. Gentleman that the Chinese arrested in this Legation property will be properly treated and tried?

It is easy to ask for guarantees in the present position of China, but it is less easy to state what those guarantees should be.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why guarantees were not asked before permission was given for the raid to be made?

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is not quite satisfied in all the circumstances that the ingress of the Chinese police was abundantly justified?

And their conduct.

Is there any truth in the report that some of the Chinese arrested have already been executed?

As far as I know, there is no truth in that report. With regard to the question put by the hon. Member for Stroud (Sir F. Nelson), I have given the House all the information I have in my possession at the present time. It appears to me quite clear that the Protocol Powers were right in saying that the protection of the Legation quarter should not be given to conspirators against the local Government.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the practicability of the Protocol Powers consenting that each should give similar authority to each other to make similar searches in Soviet institutions in their respective countries where they may expect to find the same proceedings going on as in the Soviet Embassy in Peking?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the text of the Note sent to the Nationalist Government of China with regard to the recent events at Nanking and elsewhere can now be comrminicated to Parliament; and whether he has any further information to give the House on this subject?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken in consequence of the recent events at Nanking?

I will answer these questions together. The United States, Japanese, French, Italian and British Governments have agreed the terms of a communication which was to be made to Mr. Chen and to General Chiang Kai-shek to-day. It would not be proper for me to disclose its terms before I learn of its actual presentation, but I will publish it as soon as possible. I think it may be possible to publish it tomorrow.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Legations at Peking maintain guards for their defence; whether these guards are armed; whether the British Legation maintains such armed guards; whether munitions are kept at our Legation in Peking for its defence; and whether Chinese troops and armed police are permitted to enter the Legation quarter at Peking?

Legation guards are maintained in Peking by Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States of America. The answers to the second, third and fourth parts of the question are in the affirmative. As regards the fifth part of the question, Chinese troops and police are not permitted to enter the Legation quarter unless the authorisation of the Ministers representing the Powers party to the Protocol of 1901 has first been obtained.

Does that mean that if a raid took place at the British Legation, munitions would be found?

Obviously a legation guard implies the presence of munitions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the extent to which the British Concession at Tientsin is being used as a base for conspiracies against the established Government in that part of China; and whether he will take steps to prevent Chinese criminals sheltering under the British flag?

I have no information of any such use of the British Concession since the action taken on 23rd November last as described to this House in an answer given by ray hon. Friend the Under-Secretary on 13th December, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that any persons abusing the hospitality of the British Concession to conspire against the Chinese authorities will be arrested and handed over to the local authorities on production of a warrant duly issued and countersigned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any reports as to the mobilisation of Russian troops on the border of Manchuria?

I have been asked to reply. I have seen reports to this effect in the Press, but I have no authentic information.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that extensive preparations are being made by Russia in China?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai and the General Officer commanding British troops were consulted before the Russian Consulate at Shanghai was surrounded by volunteers and police and all persons entering and leaving subjected to search; and, if they agreed to this action, what were the reasons for this violation of diplomatic immunity?

His Majesty's Consul-General and the General Officer commanding British troops at Shanghai were not consulted with regard to the action described. I am informed that the Soviet Consul-General has been informed by the Senior Consul that responsibility for maintenance of law and order rests not with the Consular body but with the municipal council. The latter body has issued the following account of the police measures taken at the Soviet Consulate:

"On the evening of Wednesday, 6th April, the Commissioner of Police, hearing of the raid by Chang Tso-lin's troops on the Soviet Embassy, Peking, and being in possession of considerable information as to the intensity of hostile feeling against the Soviet Consulate and its activities in Shanghai, immediately took steps to plate these premises under surveillance. To this end he detailed police guards about the building, which were continuously on duty during that night and the forenoon of the following day."

Shortly after noon on Thursday, 7th April, the Chairman of the Council received a communication from the Senior Consul, who had recently been visited by the Soviet Consul in Shanghai. From what the Soviet Consul had said to the Senior Consul it was evident that the former was extremely apprehensive of a raid being made on his Consulate. The Chairman of the Council accordingly instructed the Commissioner of Police to increase the guards round the Consulate, and to search all persons entering and leaving for weapons.

Why was it necessary to put White Russian refugees as police around this Consulate?

I am not aware that White Russian refugees were put around it.

Has any protest been lodged by His Majesty's Government against this violation?

Against what violation?

Of this Soviet Embassy?

The soviet Embassy has not been violated.

Does that imply that the troops around this Consulate at Shanghai have been put there to prevent a raid similar to the raid that took place at Peking?

I do not desire to imply anything, but merely to give the House the information I have as to the statement made to the Municipal Council by the police.

Is it true that troops of the type around t he Consulate now in Shanghai were executed by a Chinese general of the North?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to give the House any further information relative to the recent disturbances and loss of life which took place at Singapore; and whether it is his intention to institute an inquiry into the whole of the incidents connected with the disturbances?

It has been reported in the Press that the inquest terminated on Saturday, and I am expecting to receive particulars of the findings from the Governor in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will suggest to Colonies which are not able to send representatives to the coming Colonial Conference their deputing some ex-official, now resident in this country, to take part in the Conference on their behalf?

The possibility of nominating ex-officials to represent Colonies and other Dependencies which would otherwise be unrepresented at the Colonial Office Conference in May has not been overlooked, but it was not considered desirable to adopt such a course. As my Noble Friend will have observed from the list of delegates recently published, almost all the more important Dependencies will be represented at the Conference.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the settled policy of His Majesty's Government in Palestine not to build roads paralleling railways; does this policy apply to a road down the Emek from Haifa to Beisan, where the railway paralleled does not belong to the Government; and does it apply to a road between Jaffa and Haifa where the railway does belong to the Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Every proposal for road construction in Palestine is considered on its merits by the Palestine Government, which is advised by a Road Board. It may, of course, be undesirable, on economic grounds, to construct a road which would' merely compete with the traffic on an existing line of railway.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the difference between the railway which does not belong to the Government and the railway which does belong to the Government?

That will no doubt be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the latest figures for infant mortality in Palestine, distinguishing if possible between Arab and Jew; and what steps are being taken to improve these figures?

The infant mortality rate per 1,000 births was in

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why British subjects require a visa for Palestine; how much it costs; and to whom is this money paid?

A British subject does not require a visa for Palestine, but only an endorsement making his passport valid for travel to that country. There is no charge for an endorsement given at the same time as the issue of a passport, but in other cases a fee of 2s. is charged. Such fees are credited to the Appropriation-in-Aid Subhead of the Diplomatic and Consular Services Vote.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why certificates of Palestinian citizenship have been refused to Mr. Ariel Karp and Mr. Moshe Seeker?

I have no information on the subject, but will make inquiries from the High Commissioner.

Will the right hon Gentleman let me have the information when it is available?

Yes, Sir, I will certainly let the hon. Member have it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Palestinian Government have refused registration to the Club of Labourers, Ichud (Unity), in Jerusalem; and whether he will take steps to ensure that labour clubs are not in future denied ordinary legal facilities?

I have no information on the subject, but will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can say what action, if any, is contemplated in recruiting officers for the agricultural departments of the non-self-governing dependencies; whether any scholarships for training purposes are to be granted, and, if so, how many; what will be the value of any scholarships that may be granted; and whether any research organisation will be created to link up the various colonial departments of agriculture with the agricultural institutions in this country?

The arrangements for training agricultural officers for service in the Colonies with the aid of scholarships are explained in the answer given to the hon. Member for North Bradford (Mr. Ramsden) on 23rd February. The value of each scholarship is atmpresent £250 per annum for two years, with travelling and other allowances up to £150. In regard to the last part of the question, the recommendations of Lord Lovat's Committee which concern the proposal to establish a chain of Central Research stations overseas, and also a Colonial Agricultural Research Council in this country, are now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has had any discussion with Sir Edward Grigg relating to Kenya Colony or East Africa; whether any conclusions have been arrived at with a view to the forthcoming Colonial governors' conference; and, if so, what is the nature of such conclusions?

I have had some discussions with Sir Edward Grigg regarding matters within his jurisdiction, but not specially with a view to the Colonial Office Conference.

also asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the fact that the future expansion of the native population has not been taken into account in delimiting the native reserves in Kenya Colony, and is admitted to be a subject requiring scientific study, he is taking steps to prevent the alienation of an undue amount of the 4,000,000 acres which are still in the hands of the Land Office?

I am not aware on what authority the hon. Member bases the assertion in the first part of the question. The Governor has recently stated publicly that in his opinion, and in the opinion of others who have visited the reserves, ample land is secured to the natives, not only for immediate use, but also for future development on a large scale. I see no reason for taking any special action at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how long it is proposed to continue the Stevenson scheme for rubber restriction and if he can state its effect on the rubber industry in the British Empire?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the reply given on 22nd February to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston-on-Thames (Mr. Penny). The effect of the scheme upon producers has been the substitution of a remunerative price for one which in many cases fell below the cost of production, while users of rubber are benefited by a tendency towards stabilisation of prices, which is greatly to their interest.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the registration of opium consumers is now generally applied in the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States and, if not, how soon it will be applied?

Opium consumers are not registered in the Straits Settlements or Federated Malay States, though the Governments of those territories have put into operation certain measures which are designed to lead up to registration of consumers if and when circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any system of registration of opium consumers has yet been introduced in North Borneo; and, if not, whether representations will be made to the British North Borneo Company urging the desirability of taking this step, as a first measure towards the suppression of opium smoking contemplated in The Hague and Geneva Opium Conventions?

The Government of the State of North Borneo has recently introduced an experimental and tentative system of registration of consumers of opium.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many undertakings have actually been commenced in Australia as a direct outcome of the 1925 Agreement under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922?

Fifteen schemes have been approved as "agreed undertakings" under the Loan and Migration Agreement with the Commonwealth Government, as follow:

• Victoria.—Three land settlement schemes.
• Western Australia.—Ten schemes, comprising water supply, drainage, railway and farm schemes.
• South Australia.—Two schemes of water conservation.

I understand that work has already commenced on most of these schemes.

Can my right hon. Friend say what is the amount of the expenditure on these schemes?

I am afraid I should have to have notice of that question, but I think it is over £3,000,000.

also asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of requisitions issued per month for selected migrants to Australia, and covering a period over the last three months?

The number of requisitions for selected migrants to Australia for the last three months is as follows:

• Farm workers: January, 300:
• February, 250; March, 250.
• Boys: 135 per month.
• Domestic servants: 270 per month.

asked if the group settlement scheme in West Australia has any further vacancies for suitable families; and, if not, whether an extension of the scheme is contemplated?

Recruiting under the group settlement scheme in Western Australia has not yet been fully resumed. Families are, however, accepted from time to time on requisitions by the State Government, who are, I understand, contemplating an extension of the scheme.

In view of the fact that it costs something like £2,000 to establish each settler on a Group Settlement, does it not follow that the numbers must necessarily be small, seeing that there is a limit to what a small State can afford to expend in this direction.

I am not quite sure that that figure represents the cost to-day, but there is no doubt that settlement is an expensive matter.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman giving active consideration to the question of increasing the grant for Group Settlement in the case of Western Australia?

The provisions under the 1925 agreement with the Commonwealth are more generous than the original provisions of the arrangement we made with Western Australia, and therefore we hope it may be possible for Western Australia to resume the group settlement scheme on the new basis.

asked the Secre-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many assisted selected migrants to Australia have left this country for each of the three months of this year?

The number of assisted selected migrants who sailed for Australia during the past three months is as follows:

January	…	…	467
February	…	…	683
March	…	…	704
			1,854

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will consider the desirability of arranging for a small number of migrants to the Dominions who have made good to pay a short visit to this country and lecture on their experiences?

I find that an arrangement of this kind was tried by the Canadian Government before the War, but was not found sufficiently effective to warrant the administrative difficulties and cost involved. The object which my hon. Friend has in view would appear to be met by the existing publicity arrangements, which include lectures and addresses by oversea visitors, some of whom are successful migrants with practical knowledge of settlement conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has yet formulated any proposals for the establishment of machinery to ensure efficient co-operation with the Dominions in foreign affairs?

I would invite reference to the replies which I gave to questions by the hon. Member for Shrewsbury on 14th February.

Has any progress been made in this matter?

Yes, I think we are progressing all the time and improving the scheme.

What machinery is now in operation in cooperation with the Dominions?

I think it will take some time, but we have the machinery and we are gradually giving more information to the representatives of the Dominions.

Is not the Conservative Government's idea of progress the rake's progress?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the First Commissioner will next year bear in mind the complaints recently made at the Falmouth flower show, and elsewhere in Cornwall and the Scilly Islands, on the ground of the privileged position enjoyed by foreign bulb-growers in the London parks; and will he give the bulb-growers of Cornwall and the Scilly Islands an opportunity of demonstrating the quality of their blooms to the London public?

I must point out to the hon. Member that foreign bulb-growers have no privileged position in the Royal Parks. As has already been stated in this House, the First Commissioner will gladly give equal facilities for the display of home-grown bulbs, and announce that they are home-grown.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what has been the loss to date on the series of British industries fairs, inclusive and exclusive, respectively, of the grants from public funds for publicity expenditure?

The loss on the series of British industries fairs from 1915 to 1927 is £9,500. Grants have also been provided from public funds in the last two years for publicity expenditure totalling £46,000.

Having regard to the need for public economy, will the hon. Gentleman consider transferring the matter to a competent outside organiser?

It might interest the hon. Member to know that the home buyers attending the exhibition in 1922 were 49,000, whereas in 1926 they were 73,000.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many persons, including myself, can attract that number of buyers to an exhibition?

also asked whether the charge on the British Industries Fair of £3,000 in respect of overhead expenses was arrived at after a careful analysis of such expenses?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say if he proposes to appoint a Committee to investigate and report upon the recapitalisation of the Lancashire cotton trade during the years 1919 and 1920, and the manner in which reflotation took place, involving heavy financial losses, including the life savings of many working men and women in Lancashire?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 5th May last to the hon. Member for the Gorton Division to which I have nothing to add. I am sending him a copy.

Has the hon. Member full information as to the tremendous losses of the working classes in Lancashire when this gambling went on?

I think all the particulars are known, and we are expecting to have the official receiver's report shortly.

Is the hon. Member aware of the losses sustained by the working classes in Lancashire by the present situation in China, and will he convey that information to hon. Members opposite?

Is the hon. Member aware that the working classes of Lancashire have already protested against any further waste of public money in China?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the preferential rates of duty on British steel entering India are now in operation, and the average ad valorem advantage to British steel?

The Act providing for different rates of duty on iron and steel of certain descriptions according as it is or is not of British manufacture came into operation on 1st April. The advantage in favour of these descriptions of British iron and steel ranges from 11 to 26 rupees per ton according to class, but I am not in a position to say what is the average ad valorem equivalent of this advantage. Full details of the new rates are set out on pages 203–4 of the Board of Trade Journal for 17th February.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the amount of woollen textile goods imported into this country for the period of three months ended 31st March, 1927?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the figures on page 62 of the Monthly Trade Accounts for March, which will be published to-morrow?

Is it not a fact that these goods imported during the three months represent employment that could have been given to the unemployed in the textile industry in Lancashire? Will the hon. Member convey that to the Chancellor of the Exchequer before he makes his speech?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what action his Department is taking regarding British trade marks previously recognised in Japan, particulars of which were lost in the earthquake in that country; and whether the Japanese Government have raised any difficulty regarding the re-registration of British trade marks?

Application for the re-registration of trade mark rights in Japan registered in that country at the date of the earthquake of 1923, must be made by the owners of such trade marks. I am not aware that any special difficulty exists in connection with the re-registration of such marks.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Japanese Government have refused to re-register a great many of these trade marks?

If the hon. Member will let me know any cases which have come to his knoweldge, I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give particulars of the proposals submitted to him by the East Riding County Council under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926; what modifications he made when approving such proposals; and the reasons for such modifications?

The council proposed to purchase 26frac34; acres of land (mostly arable), situated four miles from Selby; to expend £125 on the repair of existing farm buildings, and £725 on the provision of a new house; and to let the property in one holding to a resident tenant at a rent of £80 per annum. As the land in question is suitable and well-situated for intensive cultivation, the Ministry's technical advisers suggested to the county council that it should be sub-divided into four small holdings and let to suitable tenants living in the neighbourhood. This suggestion was accepted by the county council. The estimated loss on the scheme was thereby reduced from £59 per annum to £24 per annum.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total consumption of butter in this country during 1926 and the proportions thereof drawn from home, Empire, and foreign sources, respectively?

Estimates of the quantity of butter made on farms in England and Wales in 1925 will be found in "The Agricultural Output of England and Wales" (Cmd. 2815) recently published by my Department. As similar estimates for Scotland and Northern Ireland and figures of the industrial production of butter in the United Kingdom are not yet available, I regret that I am unable to furnish the desired information.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the inclusive rents per acre fixed by local authorities and payable by allotment holders in respect of land purchased for allotments in 1925 by local authorities?

I regret that I have not the information desired by the hon. Member. To collect the required particulars it would be necessary to circularise all local authorities who purchased land for allotments during the year 1925.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the advisability of promoting legislation making it compulsory for all slaughterers to effectually stun any animal, before proceeding to slaughter, with a mechanically-operated instrument suitable and sufficient for the purpose?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend sees no prospect of the Government considering the introduction of legislation on this subject.

asked the Postmaster-General why he has refused the request of the British Legion to broadcast their annual Cenotaph service on Whitsunday, in view of the value of this service to thousands of ex-Service men and widows and dependants of ex-Service men who are unable to be in London on this date?

No such request has been made to me. The matter falls within the province of the First Commissioner of Works.

I put my question down to the First. Commissioner of Works but it was altered at the Table to the Postmaster-General.

I am sorry that should have occurred. The matter has nothing to do with the Post Office at all. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put it down again to the Office of Works.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the printing of the telephone directory has ever been submitted for public competition; and, if so, what was the last date that this was done?

My information is to the effect that in 1888 the contract to print the directory issued by the National Telephone Company was awarded as the result of public competition. On the transfer of that company's property to the State in 1912, the printing of the telephone directories was continued in the hands of the previous contractor until 1920, when the work was assigned to the State printing factory.

In view of the increased charges since the date the right hon. Gentleman last mentioned, will he in future ask for public tenders?

I cannot say that.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in view of the Order that no preservatives can be used in cream after January, 1928, some traders are preparing to make cream from a cheap type of imported butter and milk powder; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter and issue Regulations to stop any such procedure?

My right bon. Friend has no power to make Regulations to stop the manufacture of such a substitute for cream as is described in the question, but the existing provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts would appear to be sufficient to prevent it being sold as cream. I may perhaps add that the prohibition of preservatives will apply to the substitute as well as to cream, and I am advised that the keeping properties of the substitute might be expected to be less than those of genuine cream.

Is it not possible for the Minister of Health to make an Order prohibiting the sale of this synthetic product as cream, and make it compulsory to sell it under some trade name?

I have already stated that the existing provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act would appear to be sufficient to prevent it being sold as cream.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of the improvements committee's recommendations from the London County Council on cross-river traffic; and, if so, whether he can make a statement as to the Government's attitude?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I hope to send a reply very shortly to the recommendations made therein.

In view of the altered circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman receive a further deputation on the subject?

I hope not.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Geneva Conference is attempting to deal only with the reduction and limitation of armaments and not with methods of warfare and of the menace to urban populations in Europe of indiscriminate attack from the air, he will initiate proposals for the stricter regulation of methods of aerial warfare?

Whilst His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the potential horrors of air warfare and to the desirability of its stricter regulation, I think it would he inadvisable to complicate further the difficult issues already before the Geneva Conference by initiating at this juncture discussion of the very intricate problems involved, and that such action would he likely to retard rather than assist progress in disarmament. I may add that the regulation of methods of air warfare was considered by an International Commission of Jurists and a code of rules drawn up at The Hague in 1923.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government propose to apply to the Welsh Board of Health the changed system of organisation which is now proposed for similar bodies in Scotland?

Section 5 of the Ministry of Health Act is framed in such a way as to avoid the necessity of referring all the business of the Board of Health in Wales to the Board as a whole. The Board therefore presents no close analogy to the bodies operating under similar titles in Scotland, and, as at present advised, my right hon. Friend sees no occasion for proposing to modify its methods of dealing with its business.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has received a complaint made by the Association of Officers of Taxes with regard to the overcrowding, excessive overtime, and understaffed and inadequate and unhealthy office accommodation in which these officers are expected to fulfil their duties; and can he state whether he is considering any improvements and, if so, what form are these improvements taking with reference to the complaint of these officers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Complaints by the staff are always carefully considered, and if they are found to be justified, every endeavour is made to remove the ground for them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the percentage by which salaries of civil servants who in 1914 were in receipt of a remuneration of £750 a year and over have been increased; and whether, in addition to this increase, such civil servants are receiving a bonus based on the increased cost of living?

There has been no general increase of pre-War or basic salaries of the nature suggested. The salaries of individual posts or classes are reviewed from time to time when consideration is given to changes in the responsibilities and duties of the posts in question, and the hon. Member will find in the Report of the Anderson Conanittee on Pay, etc., of State Servants, an analysis of the cost per head (including bonus) of the main groups of Civil Service staffs as compared with 1914. With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars as to the amount of cost-of-living bonus payable on basic salaries of £750 per annum and upwards.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has arrived at any decision as to the closing of the Government printing works in Hare Street?

The answer is in the negative.

In view of the recent report and recommendations of the State Printing Committee can the right hon. Gentleman say when a decision is going to be arrived at?

I do not know that I entirely accept the view of my hon. and gallant Friend as regards the Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the closing down of this establishment would deprive the Chancellor of the Exchequer of a revenue of £9,000 a year?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number employed on the staff of the Stationery Office for the past three years?

The employeés of the Stationery Office on the 1st April, 1925, 1926 and 1927, numbered respectively 3,254, 3,144 and 3,119.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to introduce legislation embodying the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Lunacy Laws?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for St. Helens on the 10th March last.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give the cost of construction and tonnage of the largest British aircraft carrier in service or under construction, and the annual cost of maintenance and repair, and the same figures for a representative modern aircraft carrier of 6,000 tons?

The answer to the first part of the question is

• Cost, £4,617,636.
• Tonnage, 22,600.
• Annual Maintenance Charge, £408,000 (including about £130,000 for maintenance of Royal Air Force personnel and aircraft).

As regards the second part of the question, a ship of 6,000 tons could not be a representative modern aircraft carrier.

also asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total estimated cost of construction and the tonnage of each of the battleships "Rodney" and "Nelson"; the estimated life of these ships and the estimated cost of maintenance and repair of each of these ships during each year of its life; and if he can give the same figures for a representative modern battleship of 10,000 tons?

The displacement of the "Nelson" and "Rodney" is 35,000 tons. With regard to the cost I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 3rd March to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Aylesbury. The assumed life of a modern battleship is 20 years as stated in the introductory note to the Return of Fleets (Command 2809). The annual cost of maintenance of each of the battleships "Rodney" and "Nelson" in full commission in home waters at current prices is approximately £374,900. This figure includes pay, victualling, fuel, stores, repairs, etc.; as well as £46,800 for non-effective liability in respect of retired pay and pensions. A forecast of the cost of maintenance during each year of the lives of these ships cannot well be given, as the cost must vary according to whether the, ship is maintained in full commission or reserve, etc., whether it is stationed at home or abroad, as well as according to fluctuations in prices of materials, etc. With regard to th,3 last part of the question, a representative modern battleship could not be built on a displacement of 10,000 tons.

asked the first Lord of the Admiralty whether he intends to conduct an inquiry to ascertain to what extent other Government Departments can purchase stores from His Majesty's dockyards in order to retain some of the employeés who would otherwise be discharged from these establishments?

I would refer the. hon. Member to the reply given him on the 29th July, 1925 (OFFICIAL REPORT, columns 411–912). It is not considered that any useful purpose would be served by an inquiry.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say why it is not possible to persuade the other Government Departments to acquire their stores from national establishments?

It is perfectly possible for Government Departments to avail themselves of the admirable stores supplied by the Admiralty. There is no need for an inquiry about that.

Will the hon. and gallant Member undertake to do something in order to relieve unemployment?

We are always doing our best, but perhaps we are not as good advertisers as we ought to be.

Will the hon. and gallant Member tell me how much loss was incurred when locomotives were bought from Woolwich Arsenal?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that among the 600 men who have recently received notice of discharge at Devonport Dockyard there are many old and efficient servants of the State, to whom the loss of employment will prove disastrous; and whether, in these circumstances, he will consider the possibility of retaining the services of those who have given evidence of prolonged loyalty and efficiency?

The discharges are unavoidable, but naturally preference for retention is given to the most deserving and efficient men.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that some men have been discharged who have given practically a lifetime of efficient service in the Admiralty, and they have no chance of getting employment?

The Admiralty is only too well aware that many good men have to be sacrificed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that in the case of a joiner in His Majesty's Dockyard who has lost his right eye, as the result of an accident in the yard, his earning capacity is now assessed as slightly impaired only and the pension granted is 8s. 5d. per week; if he can say who finally determines and assesses the questioned earning capacity; and if he will have the matter reconsidered?

Presumably my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the case of a hired joiner who sustained detachment of the retina of his right eye as a result of an accident during his employment in His Majesty's Dockyard on the 27th November, 1925, and who, after return to full duty in December, was finally discharged from the Service on 29th January, 1926, at the age of 62 on account of reduction of staff.

The question of determining the impairment of earning capacity as a result of the injury in this case is one for the Treasury under the Government scheme of compensation framed under the Workmen's Compensation Acts.

The award has already been reviewed on the man's appeal, but any satisfactory fresh evidence which he may be able to adduce to show that his earning capacity is, in fact, more than "slightly impaired" in the open labour market solely as a result of the accident would receive due consideration.

Does the hon. and gallant Member seriously suggest that t he loss of one eye, and that the right eye, does not seriously damage his capacity for work to a much greater degree than 8s. 5d. a week?

My hon. Friend must know that it is not for us, but the medical officers acting for the Treasury, to decide that matter.

Have the Admiralty considered whether they would allow these men to appeal to the Law Courts, in view of the unsatisfactory decisions of the Treasury in regard to compensation?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of his attention has been drawn to the action of the Finnish Government in introducing legislation affecting title deeds of certain forest property which prejudices the interests of British subjects who have invested in that property; and what action he has taken, or proposes to take, in this matter?

Yes, Sir. My information is that the Bill is not likely to reach a crucial stage for some time. His Majesty's Minister at Helsingfors has already been in communication with the Finnish Government on the subject, and I shall, of course, press for fair treatment for the British interests involved should they appear to be endangered.

asked the Minister of Pensions if, in view of complaints regarding the attitude of the pensions appeal tribunals to the cases laid before them, he will take steps to draw the attention of such tribunals to the desirability of their giving the greatest possible amount of sympathetic consideration to such cases?

The functions of the pensions appeal tribunals are purely judicial, and in exercising them they are bound by the relevant statutes and Royal Warrants. The tribunals are directed, by the rules made under the Act, to assist any appellant who, through ignorance or otherwise, is unable to make the best of his case, and I have no doubt that they fulfil this obligation and that they give to any appellant before them the benefit of any reasonable doubt.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the object the Department has in mind in sending to disabled wounded officers, some of whom have lost limbs during the War and who are at present receiving pensions or allowances, the Circular M.P.O. (a) 644b inquiring as to their present financial position, employment, etc.; is it proposed in certain cases and under certain conditions to reduce pensions and allowances; and will he inform the House in how many instances ex-officers disabled in the War, and to whom disability pensions or allowances have been granted, have been called upon to accept a reduction in these pensions or allowances because it has been discovered that they are able to earn an income in one way or another?

Disability retired pay or pension on the ordinary scale rates is in no way affected by the financial position or employment of the pensioner. The inquiry referred to affects only a small class of retired pay at a specially high rate, which is conditional on the Ministry being satisfied that the officer's capacity for earning a living in civil life is or is not seriously affected. Investigation for this purpose is necessary from time to time as part of the normal work of my Department, and I have no record of the number of cases which have been affected.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local education authorities provide their medical officers with secretaries, who accompany these medical officers on their visits to schools for the examination of children; and what duties are performed by these secretaries?

As I have already informed my hon. Friend, the arrangement made by the Lancashire Authority appears to be exceptional. The duties of these clerks are, I understand

(i) To prepare the cards for routine and special medical inspection.

(ii) To prepare the summaries for the school medical officer's monthly and annual reports.

(iii) To send notices to parents and arrange times of interview with the assistant school medical officer.

(iv) To arrange appointments for dental treatment of cases referred by the assistant school medical officer.

(v) To arrange appointments for ophthalmic treatment.

(vi) To arrange appointments for the orthopædic surgeon, to take down his reports in shorthand and to transcribe them.

(vii) To take down in shorthand the assistant school medical officer's reports on school sanitation and to transcribe them.

These duties, except the first, are practically one and all such as are undertaken by the clerical staff of any large local education authority, and are usually completed at the offices of the local education authority. In certain areas this is also true of the first, where an inspection card is made out at the office when the child is placed on a school register.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of punishment there were in Parkhurst Convict Prison between 1st July, 1926, and 31st March, 1927, both dates inclusive; and if he will give particulars of the punishments inflicted and the offences for which they were imposed?

During the period in question there were 30 cases of punishment for offences of idleness, 64 for offences of violence, 109 for offences of insubordination, and 121 for other offences. The total number of punishments was therefore 324, but the total number of individual prisoners punished was 190, several individuals having offended more than once during the period. I cannot give details now of the punishments imposed, but if the hon. Member would like further particulars and will let me know, I will arrange for a tabular statement to be prepared and sent to him.

In view of the situation which has been disclosed, does the hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that an inquiry into the administration would be desirable?

I do not gather that from the statement I will send particulars to the hon. Member.