asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will give information with regard to the arrangements for working the pearl fisheries at Tuticorin, and what proportion of the total receipts from the sale of oysters from these beds is taken by the Government, and what share is allotted to the divers in lieu of wages?

My Noble Friend has no recent information. Fisheries is a transferred Provincial subject, for the administration of which the Governor acting with his Ministers is responsible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India when the Report of the Indian (Textile) Tariff Board will be published?

In reply to a question in the Indian Legislative Assembly on 25th February it was stated on behalf of the Government of India that they recognise the desirability of publishing the Report as soon as possible, but consider it essential that their decisions on the more important of the recommendations should be announced at the time of publication; they regretted that it was impossible to fix a definite date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether a detachment of the East Bengal Frontier Rifles is still stationed in the vicinity of Kulkati; and whether the order of the district magistrate at Barisal, prohibiting all processions and the assembly of more than four persons, is still in force?

I have no information on these points but am inquiring.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what was the total cost of the Indian Economic Inquiry Committee and the Taxation Inquiry Committee; and what steps have been taken by the Government of India with regard to the recommendations of these Committees?

The estimated cost of the Indian Economic Inquiry Committee was £7,680 and of the Taxation Inquiry Committee £33,500. The Government of India have been in communication with the Provincial Governments on the recommendations of the former Committee, and the replies are now under their consideration. As regards the recommendations of the Taxation Inquiry Committee, the Cotton Excise Duty and export duty on tea have been abolished, the import duty on motor cars has been reduced, and the import duty on unmanufactured tobacco has been raised. A Bill is at present before the Indian Legislature to amend the law relating to refunds of Indian Income Tax to non-residents. The Government of India also proposed to abolish the export duty on hides, but this was negatived by the Indian Legislature. Other matters arising from the Report are under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the quantity and value, in pounds sterling, of potable spirits imported into India during the year 1925–26; the amount of revenue derived therefrom; and the countries from which the spirits were exported?

The following table gives the information asked for. Imports into India by sea during 1925–26 of potable spirits, distinguishing countries of origin. (NOTE.—Values are shown in sterling at the rate of is. 6d. the rupee.)

Articles and country of origin.	Quantity in gallons.	Value (£)
Brandy:
United Kingdom	12,843	18,876
Other British possessions	343	667
Germany	47,557	19,803
France	348,892	294,623
Java	7,692	618
Other countries	1,245	1,263
Total	418,572	335,940

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will states, in pounds sterling, the net Excise revenue of India for the years 1923–24, 1924–25 and 1925–26, respectively; what was the recorded consumption of country spirits in each of those years in Bengal, Madras, Bombay, Sind, Bihar, and Orissa, the United Provinces, the Punjab the Central Provinces, and Berar, Assam, and Burma, respectively; and

NET EXCISE REVENUE IN INDIA (Government of India and Provincial Governments): i.e., Gross Receipts less refunds and compensations.
—	1923–24.	1924–25.	1925–26.
	Rs.	Rs.	Rs.
Net Revenue	19,40,51,689	19,51,68,430	19,89,86,532
Less Compensations	20,04,597	24,50,630	24,09,023
	19,20,47,092	19,27,17,800	19,65,77,509
At 1s. 6d. the rupee (the present approximate rate of exchange.	£14,403,532	£14,453,835	£14,743,313

Recorded Consumption of Country Spirits.*
—			1923–4.	1924–5.	1925–6.
			Proof gallons,	Proof gallons.	Proof gallons.
Bengal	…	…	621,183	609,653	632,351
Madras	…	…	1,528,381	1,462,118	1,373,003
Bombay	…	…	1,697,408	1,561,311	1,387,390
Sind	…	…	129,131	129,746	127,099
Bihar and Orissa	…	…	1,179,565	1,119,586	1,124,009
United Provinces	…	…	434,471	405,494	372,429
Punjab	…	…	122,000	272,000	273,000
Central Provinces and Berar	…	…	451,719†	531,945†	554,375†
Assam	…	…	194,351	218,448	237,480
Burma	…	…	132,445	109,122	108,766
* Excluding outstill areas for which statistics of consumption are not available.
† Figures for calendar years.

PERCENTAGE of Excise revenue as compared with total revenue accruing to Provincial Governments, 1925–26.
Province.			Revenue of Provincial Governments, 1925–26.	Net Excise Revenue of Provincial Governments, 1925–26.	Percentage of Column (3) to Column(2).
(1)			(2)	(3)	(4)
			Rs-Lakhs.	Rs-Lakhs.
Madras	…	…	1471.4	492.8	33·5
Bombay (including Sind)	…	…	1524.2	401.5	26·3
Bengal	…	…	1070.2	227.0	21·2
United Provinces	…	…	1086.7	132.6	12·2
Punjab	…	…	1152.0	122.9	10·7
Burma (including Shan States)	…	…	1068.8	123.7	11·6
Bihar and Crissa	…	…	578.9	196.5	33·9
Central Provinces and Berar	…	…	535.1	156.6	29·3
Assam	…	…	250.1	73.8	29·5

The following statement gives the information asked for:

asked the President of the Board of Education what was the average cost per child in public elementary schools in 1924–25; and what is the corresponding estimate for 1927–28?

The average cost for 1924–25 was £11 13s. 3d. The Board's Estimates for 1927–28 are based upon an assumed expenditure of £11 14s. 5d. per unit of estimated average attendance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to inform the House of the personnel of the Commission to be sent to Ceylon to inquire into the question of reforming the present Constitution?

No, Sir. The personnel of the Commission has not yet been appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the 32,732 emigrants to Australia in 1926 under the Empire Settlement Act returned to this country unable to find suitable employment?

Of the total number of assisted migrants who proceeded to Australia in 1926 the official records show that six persons have returned of their own accord either because they could not obtain suitable employment or because they were not satisfied with the conditions in Australia. In addition, 25 assisted migrants were granted special permission to return owing to family or business reasons, 22 were returned on medical grounds, and five were returned as undesirable settlers, making a total of 58 returned settlers in all.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of films whose exhibition in the different British Colonies has been prohibited during the last 12 months, and the general reasons for taking this step?

I have no information to show what was the number of such films. Censorship is a matter within the discretion of the several Colonial authorities to be exercised in the light of local requirements. In such cases as have come to my notice the action has in general been taken on the ground that the films in question contained matter unsuitable for presentation to native spectators.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the amounts of the rebates on imports from Great Britain into each of the Colonies, Protectorates, and mandated territories which have a preferential tariff in favour of Great Britain for the latest available year?

The figures for which my hon. Friend asks are not available in the Colonial Office, but I will communicate with the Governors of the Colonies concerned in order that the information may be supplied.

asked the Minister of Transport if the date has now been decided when the order will be issued for the abolition of tramways at Gravesend, Rosherville, and Northfleet; and when this order will take effect?

I have made a Provisional Order authorising the abandonment of these tramways. This Order will not, however, come into operation unless and until it has been confirmed by Parliament.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received an application for the extension of the No. 41 omnibus service beyond the present terminus at Tottenham Hale; and whether any decision has been come to.

No such application has been received by me, but I am informed that the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, who as the licensing authority is responsible for approving omnibus routes, has under consideration an application for an extension of route No. 41 beyond the present terminus at Tottenham Hale.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the total area of land to be surrendered for the proposed widening of Kensington High Street; what proportion of such land is to be surrendered by the Crown and what proportion by a private firm; what area of public street is to be surrendered to this firm; what sum, if any, is to be paid for the proportion of Crown land to be surrendered; what sum is to be paid out of public revenues, and for what specific purposes is such sum to be paid; and whether, in return for this expenditure of public money, any terms have been arranged so that no vans or cars owned by or dealing with the firm shall be allowed to stand or load in the neighbouring streets that will remain to the public user?

I understand that approximately 16,700 square feet is to be surrendered for the proposed widening, made up as to 10,000 square feet by the private firm and 6,700 square feet by the Crown.The area of public street to be surrendered to the firm is approximately 13,500 square feet, subject to the necessary Order by the appropriate Court being obtained.No cash payment is being made to the Crown except a sum of about £800 in respect of a small area not now occupied by the private firm. The arrangement come to between the private firm and the Crown provides for an exchange of lands rendering the Crown area more convenient for rebuilding purposes, and it is further the intention that the Crown should for building purposes obtain the freehold of Burden Mews subject to the public rights in that thoroughfare being extinguished by Order of the appropriate Court.The sum to be paid in respect of the improvement is substantial, but the agreement has not yet been completed, and it is not possible therefore for me to give details at this stage. It is proposed, however, that the total cost of the improvement should be borne in equal shares by the London County Council, Kensington Borough Council and the Road Fund, contribution from the Road Fund being limited to a specified sum and subject to satisfactory estimates and other details being submitted.It has been arranged on behalf of the Crown that on part of the land to be let by them to the private firm on building lease, accommodation shall be provided for the loading and unloading of their vehicles with a view to avoiding the use of the public thoroughfares for such purposes.

asked the Prime Minister whether the question as to the status of Irish representative peers, stated by the Prime Minister to be under consideration in April, 1923, has been considered; and, if so, what decision has been reached?

The question has been considered. His Majesty's Government are advised that no fresh election can take place in present circumstances.

asked the Prime Minister whether any estimate has been formed by His Majesty's Government as yet of the monthly cost of maintaining at Shanghai the expeditionary force now there and on the way there; and, if so, what is that estimate?

I have been asked to reply. The non-recurrent expenditure payable after 31st March, 1927, on transport (excluding the cost of bringing the troops back) and on the preparation of sites and construction of buildings is estimated at about a million pounds. Apart from this, the maintenance of the Force in China on its present basis, including the brigade now on its way, will involve additional expenditure from Army funds of approximately a quarter of a million a month.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any Report with regard to the four British subjects, namely, Mr. and Mrs. Slichter and their son and daughter, belonging to the China Inland Mission, who were captured by bandits while on their way to Yunnanfu; and if he will make a statement?

During the early part of April, Mr. and Mrs. Slichter, with their son and daughter and an American missionary nurse named Miss Craig, while proceeding from their station at Anshun, in Kweichow, to the coast by way of Yunnanfu, were captured by brigands at a place some 80 miles east of the latter city. I am very sorry to say that in the course of an engagement between these brigands and the troops, Mr. Slichter and his daughter were killed and Mrs. Slichter slightly wounded.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to proposals made by chambers of commerce for easing the present position with regard to French students and others coming to this country and British students going to France; and what are the existing arrangements in this matter between the French and British Governments?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Every possible facility is and always has been granted to genuine French students to enter this country for the purpose of study. Apart from this, an agreement was made with the French Government at the end of 1923 whereby French: students up to a maximum of 500 per annum might come to this country and take up minor employment with a view to improving their knowledge of English business methods. There is no arrangement with the French Government in regard to British students going to France, but genuine British students going there have not, I understand, encountered any difficulties since the enforcement of the latest immigration regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Residency in Cairo has recently called the attention of the Egyptian Government to the sentences passed on Egyptian subjects by the Egyptian courts for assaults on European women; and the result of the representations so made?

Yes, Sir. I regret to say that it has been necessary for the High Commissioner to bring this matter to the serious attention of the Egyptian Government. During 1926 there were no less than four cases of such assaults on British subjects, and recently a similar assault was perpetrated on a European lady of other nationality in peculiarly brutal circumstances. The sentences imposed by the Egyptian courts in these cases were in most instances the minimum prescribed by the law and have proved inadequate as a deterrent. The reply of the Egyptian Government to Lord Lloyd's representations, which have received the approval of His Majesty's Government, has not yet been received.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will substitute a postcard for all communications and receipts from his Department as far as possible for the grey coloured letter now sent which is known to all on account of its colour, and thereby effect a saving of one half-penny in each case?

I assume that the grey coloured letter referred to is the one sent out from the Savings Bank Department, which is used to acknowledge a deposit of £20 or more. Under the Savings Bank Acts the amount of any deposits or withdrawals must be kept secret, and acknowledgments of deposits cannot therefore take the shape of a postcard, as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the approximate pro-portion of exports and invisible exports per head of the population in Britain, United States, and Germany in 1913, 1925, and 1926, respectively?

The particulars desired are given in the following statement, so far as they are available:

United Kingdom.
—	1913.	1925.	1926.
	In million £s.
Exports of British and Imported Produce, including Bullion.	697	989	816
Estimated Net Balance of "Invisible Exports."	339	438	465

The gross income from shipping services, overseas investments, commissions, etc., has not been calculated, and the total of "invisible exports" shown above is the estimated balance of such income after deduction of payments made or due to non-residents in respect of services performed by them or investments made by them in the United Kingdom. Capital movements are not included except in respect of loans due to or by the Government of the United Kingdom. Further, the figures for 1913 relate to Great Britain and all Ireland, and those for 1925 and 1926 to Great Britain and Northern Ireland only. With these reservations, the particulars per head of the population are:

—	1913.	1925.	1926.
	£	£	£
Exports of British and Imported Produce, including Bullion.	15·3	22·0	18·0
Net Balance of "Invisible Exports."	7·4	9·7	10·3

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of British sailors and foreign sailors, respectively, employed by British shipping companies?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 5th April to a question by the hon. Member for West Toxteth. I am sending him a copy of this reply.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many of the candidates declared successful or qualified at the last examination for the grade of established typist were in each case employed as temporary typists at the date of the examination, and what proportion this represents of the total number of successful and qualified candidates, respectively?

The number of candidates who qualified at the last (September, 1926) examination for typists was 327, all of whom have now been declared successful. According to the information in the possession of the Civil Service Commissioners, 144 of the above candidates were serving at the date of the examination as temporary typists or temporary shorthand typists in Government Departments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what grades of employment in established posts in the Civil Service are included under the category of industrial appointments?

There are approximately 30,000 established employeés of an industrial character in the Civil Service. Of this number, the great majority are employed in the Post Office or in the Royal Dockyards and other Admiralty establishments. I fear that it would not be possible, within the limits of a reply to a Parliamentary question, to give a detailed list of all the grades in question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the receipts from Entertainments Duty from theatres, music halls and cinemas for the financial years. 1925–26 and 1926–27, respectively, giving, them separately, if possible?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave him on the 22nd February last that particulars of the total receipts from Entertainments Duty paid in respect of different kinds of entertainments cannot be obtained.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, despite the provisions of Article 318 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, chief petty officer writers. Fowler, Aherne, Messerby, Maby, Pallett, Stone, Brice, Cotton, Roberts, Bolt, Ashworth, Murray and Butcher had all passed professionally and educationally before the last chief petty officer writer who was promoted to warrant rank; and whether he will explain why all these chief petty officers, whose recommendations are about equal, were passed over?

The question of my hon. and gallant Friend seems to be based on a misapprehension of the system of promotion to warrant writer. The roster of candidates is in order of seniority, but the other factors mentioned in Article 318 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions are taken into account when a promotion is being made. That article is not intended to infer that the order on the roster is ignored in selecting a candidate for promotion, nor is such the practice or intention, the method of promotion being as more fully explained at the time in Admiralty Fleet Order 495/24. An amendment of Article 318 will be made to make this clearer.Of the candidates named, only one was higher on the roster than the last chief petty officer writer promoted to warrant rank, who, I may add, passed professionally two years earlier. Apart from this single case, the question of any chief petty officer writers having been passed over does not arise.The Board of Admiralty think it undesirable on general grounds to state the reasons why individual officers are or are not selected for promotion, but they must not be taken as assenting to the statement that, in these particular cases, the recommendations were about equal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many cases of foot- and-mouth disease occurred during April; and what were the sources of infection?

Two cases of foot-and-mouth disease occurred on 5th and 6th April at Ellel, Lancaster, on adjoining farms. The source of infection is not known.