asked the Home Secretary how many fatal accidents happened on the roads during the week ending the 11th June; and in how many of these were motor vehicles concerned?

I regret I am not in a position to give this information.

Are there any means of getting it?

This kind of accident is not reported to the Home Office but to the local police, and, unless I make a special request, I cannot get the information.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of fatalities in 1926 caused through pillion riding?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if there is any intention of bringing in legislation which will deal with pillion riding?

Yes. If the hon. Member will peruse the draft of the Road Traffic Bill he will see that it is proposed to give certain powers to the Minister of Transport to deal with certain aspects of this question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is the greatest objection to any interference with the liberty of the subject in regard to pillion riding?

Does the hon. and gallant Member refer to the liberty of a number of young ladies to ride pillion?

Is not the Minister of Transport aware that this is the only way many people of modest means have of getting out into the country?

If the hon. and gallant Member will read the Bill, he will see that it is only proposed to interfere in two aspects; one, to give power to the Minister to limit the number of pillion riders, and the other, the ways in which they are to be seated.

Is it not the fact that a great number of fatalities are due to this method of riding; and is it not the case that many rural district councils are urging the Minister of Transport to take powers to stop it?

We cannot discuss a Bill which has not yet been brought in.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that considerable strain and waste of nervous energy is caused by the increase of noise and vibration brought about by modern conditions of traffic both in town and country, especially in the ease of the sick, elderly and infirm; and whether, as the subject concerns several public Departments and does not fall within the scope of any single Minister, he will take steps to ensure that it shall be considered as a whole and will appoint a Committee to ascertain and record the best medical opinion as to the effect on the human system of noise and vibration, and consider what action is desirable in this connection, due regard being had to economic and other practical considerations?

This matter is in some aspects already receiving attention from the Industrial Fatigue Research Board, and will be kept under observation, but I doubt if the time is yet ripe for such an investigation as is suggested.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in a number of cases of pre-war police pensioners the receipt of the old age pension means a corresponding reduction of the police pension now being received; and whether he will take steps to secure the payment of the full pension?

As I explained in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Drake Division of Plymouth, increases of police pensions under the Pensions (Increase) Acts are by Statute subject to a means limit, and the Treasury Regulations governing the grant of such increases do not allow a police authority to disregard an old age pension when assessing a pensioner's means. I do not see my way to propose any alteration in this respect.

In consequence of this Act having been passed long before the Old Age Pensions Act, cannot that be taken into consideration, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman see whether some alterations could be made to meet the case of these men who are being penalised at the rate of 10s. a week?

It is exactly the same whether a person is pensionable or whether he has private means. In the same way under the original Old Age Pensions Act, pensions or other forms of private means are taken into consideration.

In view of the great discrepancy between pre-war and post-war pensions, though earned by almost exactly the same work and service, would not the removal of the limitation provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act meet the difficulty in this case.

it would improve matters, and so it would improve matters with regard to other forms of pensions, if all restrictive limits were removed.

asked the Minister of Health if he will furnish approximate figures of the number of women aged 65 and under 70, wives of insured men aged 70 or who will be 70 prior to 2nd January, 1928, who will be ineligible for the old age pension until they reach the age of 70; and whether, when the women reach the age of 70, they will, be eligible for the old age pension, irrespective of income?

As regards the first part of the question, I have no information as to the number of women in the category referred to; as regards the second part, the women will, on attaining 70, be entitled, irrespective of income, to old age pensions provided their husbands were entitled to old age pensions by virtue of the Contributory Pensions Act, 1925.

asked the Minister of Health, whether, all cases where an insured man reaches the age of 70 prior to 2nd January, 1928, the wife will be treated as ineligible for old age pension between the age of 65 and 70; and, if so, under what Section of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 2nd instant to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey).

asked the Home Secretary the date of the return of the Commission Rogatoire, together with the evidence required by the Juge d'Instruction, at Boulogne, who is investigating the murder of Nurse May Daniels?

The Commission Rogatoire was returned on the 9th instant through the usual diplomatic channel.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the reason for the long delay in the return of this Commission?

If the hon. Member will read the information which I have sent to him, in reply to a letter, he will see that a great part of the delay was on the other side. If I remember rightly, a Commission, dated some time in March, did not get over for nearly six weeks, and then we had to obtain the evidence, and sand it back.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the evidence for the new Commission that has been sent will be facilitated, and can he give any idea when it will be returned?

All I can say is, that we do use all possible expedition in these matters, but we have to take evidence by pursuing the ordinary legal procedure. There is no avoidable delay.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many and which authorities have agreed to discharge teachers, to make no new appointments, or otherwise to cut down their staffs, as a result of representations made to them by the Board?

In 55 cases out of the 301 so far approved for 1927–28, the establishment approved was less than that originally proposed, but in a number of these cases the reduction was due to the discovery of miscalculations or other causes, and not to any pressure from the Board. I do not think that I should be justified in undertaking the considerable expenditure of time and labour which would be required to make an analysis of each individual case.

Does the Noble Lord not think that now we have an increased number of school children there is an opportunity not only for keeping the staff we have, but for making better provision in our schools, in regard to staffing?

The answer is that there is not an increase in the number of children and, in the second place, there is an increase in the number of teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that the Board's regulations as to school staffing, building, etc., have been omitted from the Code, and therefore are not readily accessible to the public, he will arrange that in future all circulars and other detailed instructions to authorities shall be on sale to the public at the usual booksellers?

Copies of the Board's circulars and other publications can be procured by local authorities and governing bodies direct from the Board, and in cases where there is a sufficient public demand for such documents arrangements are already made for them to be put on sale at the Stationery Office depots, where they can be purchased by booksellers and the general public.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the resolution passed at the annual meeting of the Association of Education Committees urging that legislation should be passed providing that, within a period not exceeding six years from the present year, it shall be legally obligatory for children to attend school up to the age of 15; and whether, in view of the statement in his letter of January last to the chairman of the consultative committee to the effect that his reason for not carrying out the recommendation of the consultative committee as to the raising of the school age was that, by so doing, he would disturb the plans of local education authorities, he is now prepared to introduce legislation providing that the age of compulsory school attendance shall be raised to 15 at the date recommended by the annual meeting of the Association of Education Committees?

I have seen a report of the resolution in the Press, but the Association has not communicated with me on the subject. The hon. Member appears to have forgotten that last January I invited local authorities again, as I had already done two years ago in Circular 1358, to formulate their views on the question of the school leaving age, and that in March I asked them to undertake comprehensive surveys of the ultimate requirements of their areas in respect of post-primary education. I hope this resolution indicates an intention on the part of authorities to undertake such surveys, which few of them have yet done. Meanwhile, authorities are aware that I am prepared to consider proposals for raising the statutory age of school attendance to 15, and I have recently approved proposals submitted to me by the authorities for Cornwall and Plymouth.

asked the Minister of Health whether any proposals have yet been submitted by local authorities under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act; and in which counties are houses being re-conditioned or extended to provide additional accommodation for workers in rural districts?

Proposals have so far been submitted by 40 local authorities under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of these authorities. Other local authorities have schemes under consideration, but have not yet actually submitted proposals.

Is it not a fact that there is a large number of cottages in our villages which are very much out of repair and ought to be brought under this Act? Will the right hon. Gentleman encourage the local authorities to use their powers to compel the owners, if necessary, if they cannot induce them otherwise, to bring their cottages under this Act?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of that, and I think one of the results of this Act will be that local authorities will be justified in applying more pressure to the owners of such houses than they have done hitherto.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can supplement the information published monthly in the "Labour Gazette," as to building plans approved in certain areas, by an annual statement as to the total value of plans passed by local authorities in the whole of England and Wales?

The collection of the information necessary for an annual statement such as desired would involve so much expense to the local authorities and to the Ministry, that I think it necessary, in view of the need for economy, to be content with the large and representative sample provided by the present collection of returns from 146 of the principal towns, covering over two-fifths of the total population of Great Britain, outside London. Figures for the County of London would not be obtainable as prior submission of plans to the local authority is not required if the provisions of the London Building Act are complied with.

Does the right hon. Gentleman get any information from rural areas? The information published refers to urban areas?

Yes, I think I have some.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that Part II of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act is to continue for five years after December next and that it provides for referring any matters of hardship to the Court, he will consider the termination of Part I next December; and whether, in any circumstances, he will consider making provision that persons who have bought houses for their own occupation, but who are now debarred from occupying them, may he allowed to take possession of their properties?

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestions will be carefully considered in connection with the future of the Rent Restriction Acts.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses erected in this country from the bginning of the year 1919 to the end of March, 1927, and their estimated value; and whether he has any figures showing the number and value of buildings erected for commercial purposes?

It is estimated that some 866,000 houses were erected in England and Wales between the beginning of 1919 and the end of March, 1927, but no particulars are available as to their estimated value. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative; but I might draw the hon. Member's attention to the statements published quarterly in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette," which are based on returns received from a number of local authorities in Great Britain, giving the estimated cost of various buildings for which plans were passed by those authorities during the period.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a reply to his communication of 27th May to the incumbent and churchwardens of the parish of Tooting Graveney; and whether, in view of the contents of that communication, an Order in Council will be issued to the effect that burials be discontinued forthwith in the churchyard of the parish church of St. Nicholas, Tooting Graveney, in the Metropolitan Borough of Wandsworth, as existed prior to 1857, except as specially provided for in his communication?

I have received no objection to the formal notice contained in the communication of the 27th May referred to in the question, and I have made representation to the Privy Council for an Order in Council accordingly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any burials have taken place in this graveyard since the 27th May?

I have no information to that effect.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no further burials take place, because, according to a, report which he has, he must realise the menace to health?

I do not think that prohibition can be exercised until the Order in Council for which I have applied has been obtained.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received complaints with regard to the management of the London Lock Hospital; if he is in a position to reassure the public on the subject; and, if not, in view both of the grants made to it by public authorities and of the national importance of the work which it undertakes, will he direct an inquiry to be made?

The hospital in question is a voluntary one, and my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the general management of voluntary hospitals does not come under my review. Any grants to this hospital in respect of specific services are made by local authorities, principally by the London County Council. I understand that the council have given notice of withdrawal of their grant in connection with a general review of their arrangements for the venereal disease service, and I have concurred in their proposed action. In these circumstances there seems no reason for any inquiry?

If the right hon. Gentleman were specially asked to do so by the board of management, would he be prepared to appoint a committee of inquiry?

Yes. If the board of management made a request to me for an inquiry into the general management of the hospital, I should be prepared to consider that question.

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to state, for the latest available date, the number of persons ordinarily engaged in some regular occupation, and their dependants, who were in receipt of poor relief on ground of unemployment; how many of these were unemployed persons; and how many of the latter were registered at the Employment Exchanges?

On the 1st January last the total number of men, women and children in receipt of domiciliary Poor Law relief in England and Wales on account of unemployment was approximately 632,000. Of these approximately 183,800 were men or women ordinarily engaged in a regular occupation but unemployed at that date. It is estimated that, or these 183,800 persons, approximately 149,000 were registered at the Employment Exchanges.

May I ask whether that means that all but about 30,000 of those who receive Poor Law relief were in fact registered at the Employment Exchanges and included in the live register?

No, it means that all but 30,000 of those ordinarily engaged in regular occupations were unemployed at that time.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider as to making such arrangements with regard to persons out of work who are required to sign on at an Employment Exchange as will ensure their being free at those hours of the day when they are able to look for work with the most chance of success?

Attendance at a local office during ordinary working hours is usually required as evidence that the claimant is in fact unemployed, but other considerations are also kept in mind and suitable arrangements are made in all cases where it appears that attendance at a particular time affects the claimant's opportunities of finding employment. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any specific case to which he considers that my attention should be drawn I shall be glad to make inquiries.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in many cases the Employment Exchange requires men to sign an at 9.30 and 9.15 in the morning; that that is the hour when many men would be seeking work from would-be employers; and cannot some arrangement be made so as to meet these men about 2.0 o'clock in the afternoon?

If the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars of any such cases, I will look into them and see whether arrangements can be made to meet the situation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present total of accrued but unpaid interest in respect of national savings certificates?

About £121 millions on the 31st March last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Treasury has refused to repay claims in respect of overpaid taxes where there has been a mistake as to the basis of assessment; and why they continue to do so after similar repayments in respect of the same or other years have been held correct by a Court of Law?

Speaking generally, the power of a taxpayer to require the reopening of an assessment to Income Tax, Schedule D, which has become final and conclusive, is governed by the provisions of Section 24 of the Finance Act, 1923, which deals with certain cases of error and mistake; a judicial decision has no retrospective effect in relation to assessments which have become final and conclusive under the law.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can now state the reply of the Channel Islands to the request of the British Government for assistance in securing that people who take up residence in the Channel Islands shall not be able to avoid liability for English taxation?

My right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to snake any statement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Mr. J. Thoms, who was employed by the Office of Works as a ganger in Hyde Park, has been refused the privilege of counting, for the purpose of gratuity payable on retirement from the Service, his regular Sunday duty pay, which had extended continuously for a period of 32 years; whether, in view of the fact that Section 4 of the Superannuation Act, 1887, provides for the payment of a compassionate gratuity not exceeding one pound or one week's pay, whichever is the greater, for each year of his service, he will make inquiries into the case, with a view to the provisions of the Act being allowed in this case; and if instructions will be issued that in future all regular and continuous payments for work performed over a period of years are to be calculated in the one week's pay for gratuity and pension purposes, in accordance with the Superannuation Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (on behalf of the First Commissioner of Works) to the hon. Member for Edge. Hill (Mr. Hayes) on the 9th November last. I am not prepared to alter the rule referred to in that answer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how long the country has been free from foot-and-mouth disease; and how long it is since there has been a similar period of immunity?

Great Britain has been free from foot-and-mouth disease since 6th April, 1927, i.e., for 10 weeks. Such a prolonged period of immunity from the disease has not been enjoyed by this country since 1921, when the country was free from 12th August to 24th November.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the three quarantine stations for the export of pedigree cattle will be ready for use?

The Empire Marketing Board has offered to finance the establistment of three quarantine stations; in London, Liverpool and Glasgow. The Royal Agricultural Society of England has agreed to establish and maintain the London and Liverpool Stations, and has instructed an architect to prepare plans for the former and is seeking a site for the latter. The Highland and Agricultural Society has undertaken to establish and maintain a quarantine station at Glasgow if the Empire Marketing Board will find the funds. I am unable to say when these quarantine stations will be ready for use.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total amount of financial assistance contributed by the State towards land drainage in England and Wales under the Acts of 1918 and 1926, respectively, and the total amount contributed by the owners of land and by local authorities during the same period?

As the reply is rather long, I propose with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that there have been cases of considerable delay between the receipt of tithe payments by Queen Anne's Bounty under the Tithe Act, 1925, and the payment to those clergy to whom payments should be made; and will he state bow long Queen Anne's Bounty holds tithe money received from tithe payers before making full payment to the tithe owners?

My hon. Friend will understand that I am in no way responsible for Queen Anne's Bounty, upon whom was placed the duty of dealing with Ecclesiastical Tithe Rent-charge under the Tithe Act, 1925. I am, however, sending my hon. Friend a copy of the memorandum which I have obtained from the Bounty explaining their arrangements for the distribution of tithe rentcharge to incumbents.

Is it possible to get an answer to this question. This is a question of genuine hardship, as a considerable number of clergy do not receive their tithe payments in the way that they have been receiving them, and are suffering as a result.

Yes, if we can get the information; but the administration is out of my hands. Parliament has decided that the administration, on certain terms, should be undertaken by the Queen Anne's Bounty.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, under the system of collection of tithe by Queen Anne's Bounty under the Tithe Act., 1925, many country clergy, who are tithe owners, are called upon to pay double for the cost of collection as compared with former costs; and whether he will consider the introduction of amending legislation to allow existing incumbents, who may desire to do so, to collect again their tithe providing that they give full security for the amount payable to the redemption fund?

I am informed by Queen Anne's Bounty that, taking the country as a whole, the cost of collection of ecclesiastical tithe rentcharge has been considerably reduced since the Bounty took over the collection. If there have been any individual cases where the cost of collection has been increased, they constitute exceptions to the general rule The question of allowing incumbents to collect their tithe rentcharge was exhaustively discussed during the passage of the Tithe Act, 1925, through Parliament, and as a result Section 10 gave an existing incumbent who had collected his own tithe rentcharge a statutory right to continue to do so. 1,818 incumbents availed themselves of this right, and I am not prepared, therefore, to introduce any amending legislation

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government has made any agreement with the Governments of France, Germany, Belgium and Italy with regard to the interpretation of the Washington Hours Convention; if he is aware that statements were made at Geneva last week to the effect that the five Powers should communicate to each other a list of industries in which it was necessary to work a 56-hour week, and that ratification should depend on an agreement about the list; and if he is aware that Article 4 of the Convention provides that up to 56 hours may be worked in those processes which are required by reason of the nature of the process to be carried on continuously by a succession of shifts?

The conclusions of the conference held in London in March, 1926, with representatives of the Governments named in the question, have been published in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette." It was also arranged that the Governments should be asked to communicate to each other lists of the processes which they considered would fall under Article 4 of the Washington Convention, which is summarised correctly in the last part of the question. The preparation of the lists, which necessarily would take some time, could not be completed at the conference and the arrangement as to their future circulation was not embodied in the published conclusions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is examining into the figures of the probable demand for British coal abroad during the remainder of this year and next year with a view to warning colliery proprietors against over-production; whether he is supplied with the figures of production and consumption of coal abroad and the expected world demand for coal; and whether any policy. to prevent over-production either through international action or by international agreement is being examined into?

I have been asked to reply. I am supplied with figures of production of coal abroad, and of import and export, but future demand depends on factors which are incalculable. I am, of course, in constant touch with colliery proprietors, and any facts and figures that are in my possession are always available to them. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer that I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Mr. Wellock).

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in the United States the collection of statistics of consumption and production has been reduced to a very careful process, and is of great value to manufacturers: and will he examine this with a view to assisting our own coal trade in the same way?

Yes, Sir, but I doubt whether their figures are any more complete than ours.

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that there is no such thing as over-production of coal?

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware of the fact that the trouble from which we are suffering in this country is the over-production of all the necessaries of life, never mind coal?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has figures showing the annual production of coal in Europe and America and the annual world production, respectively, in 1913, and the corresponding figures for 1926, and the estimated figures for the present year; and if he is examining into the question of over-production of coal as affecting the British export trade?

In 1913, Europe produced 632 million tons, and North America 531 million tons, and the total world production is estimated to have been 1,242 million tons. The corresponding figures for 1926, are respectively 497 million tons, 614 million tons and 1,220 million tons. The material is not available for making an estimate for 1927. All these figures include the coal equivalent of lignite. Those for 1926 are preliminary, and subject to revision. I have dealt with the rest of the hon. and gallant Member's question in the reply that I have just given to his other question.

Do I understand that the Mines Department is addressing itself to the very important matter dealt with in the last part of my question. Is that subject under close examination by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department?

Yes, Sir.

What happens to the results of the labours of the Department? Are they given to the colliery proprietors or do they remain in the pigeon-holes?

They are given to whoever requires them—either colliery proprietors or hon. Members of this House who wish to have the information.

Does the Department wait for the colliery proprietors to ask for the information, or is it given to them when it is of value to them?

If there be any information which we think is of value, we pass it on. If there be anything which they want to know from us, they come to us for it.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of British and Indian troops now stationed at Tientsin?

There are now at Tientsin two British battalions, less one company at the legation guard at Peking. There is no Indian battalion a Tientsin.

Was the view of the Indian Government taken into consideration when these troops were removed from India to China?

The answer is that no Indian troops are there.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether preparations are being made for the despatch of an international farce to Peking and Tientsin; what other countries are cooperating; and what will be the British quota?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but the Powers concerned have reinforced their respective contingents.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that brothels filled with 15-year old Chinese slave girls have been established by the British military in the settlement at Nanking for British and American troops and that the Kuomintang women's department have protested against this action; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

On a point of Order. This Question raises a serious allegation against the British military authorities, and may I ask if the hon. Member who has put it down has any grounds for such an allegation?

I assume that the hon. Member would not put the Question on the Paper unless he were personally satisfied on the facts.

I notice that the Question also brings in the American troops. Is it correct to put a Question of that sort about a friendly Power?

The wording of the Question is "established by the British military."

There are no British or American troops at Nanking.

Having regard to that very definite contradiction of the allegation made in this Question, may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, what remedy or power we have to find out whether the hon. Member who put down the Question has any foundation at all for such a monstrous aspersion as is contained in the Question?

Have you read the history of China?

I think the protest that has been made will lead to more care being taken. Where there is a question of doubt, I usually ask the Member concerned if he takes responsibility for the statements which he makes in a Question involving any allegations, and I supposed that the hon. Member had some information or knowledge, or that he was prepared to take some responsbility for the statement; otherwise, he would not put it on the Paper.

Although it is a very distasteful Question, may I ask, Sir, if, in the event of your ruling that such a Question ought not to be put, you will similarly rule that Questions containing monstrous implications against those on this side of the House should not be permitted either, in the future?

That is very lame.

I allowed this Question to go on the Paper assuming that the hon. Member had information, but it frequently happens in different parts of the House that Members may be genuinely misinformed and may, therefore, put down Questions on incorrect information. I am riot proposing to rule Questions out of Order on that ground. I have not the means of doing so.

May I ask—

The Home Secretary cannot monopolise the House.

Having regard to the nature of the reply, which makes it clear that there is absolutely no foundation for the Question, may I ask whether it is in your power, Sir, to inquire from the hon. Member who put down the Question, what were his grounds for making such an allegation?

No, that is not in my power. I have to rely upon hon. Members doing their best to avoid any allegation for which they are not prepared to take personal responsibility.

I put down this Question on definite information given to me. Obviously, there is some mistake in regard to the matter, and I think it is my duty to make definite inquiries further and to make any amends for any mistake that has occurred.

On the point raised by the Home Secretary. Everyone sympathises with the Home Secretary's point of view, but I want to make this submission on the question of fact—that in the British Colony of Hong Kong which is part of China there have been for many years licensed brothels, about which questions have been raised in this House, and the same applies to Singapore. That is known to any Eastern traveller. I put it to you, Sir, therefore, that the Home Secretary is not in order in imputing any lack of care to hon. Members on this side of the House because of this unfortunate Question.

I think the statement made by the hon. Member who put the Question is quite in accordance with the traditions of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the question of withdrawing the British Legation at Peking to the comparative security of the coast is being considered by His Majesty's Government?

His Majesty's Government are giving full and constant consideration to this question. There is no present intention of withdrawal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the cost of building and fitting complete the new India House in London will be borne by the Indian Government?

Yes, Sir.

Will the Indian Government also bear the whole of any supplementary expenditure without any assistance from the home Government?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed that the whole of the £300,000 estimated as the cost of building and fitting the new India House in London will be borne on Indian revenues; and whether, in view of the fact that the commission for the building has been placed in the hands of a British architect, it is intended that an opportunity shall be given to Indian artists to take part in the interior decoration?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My Noble Friend is informed that the scheme for the internal decoration of the building has not yet been settled.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any officially appointed authority is giving systematic consideration to the railway gauge problem in India?

The question of gauge for each new project is considered in relation to the facts in each case, and it has not been thought desirable to constitute a special authority to consider the railway gauge question in India as a whole. The view of the Government of India is that the appointment of such an authority would interfere with and possibly delay the work of improving and developing the railways which is now in progress.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India to what extent slavery still exists in remote parts of India; and what progress is being made in the campaign for its gradual abolition?

A memorandum has been prepared for communication to the League of Nations containing the most recent information on this important subject, and with the hon. Baronet's permission, copy will be circulated in the OFFICIAL- REPORT in answer to his question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information as to the state of health of the two State prisoners, Purnananda Das Gupta and Nailini Ranjan Roy, both confined in Fategarh Central Gaol, United Provinces; and whether he is aware that repeated appeals have been made to the gaol superintendent for provision of physical exercises and fresh air for these prisoners in the open spaces of the gaol compound, and that these appeals have been refused because of the lack of consent on the part of the Government of Bengal?

I have seen a message from a correspondent at Furrukabad to the Calcutta "Forward" of 3rd April last, which contained the allegations detailed in the second part of the question. I have no other information on the matter, nor as to the state of health of the two persons in question, but am making inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to establish a Customs line at Virangam, in view of the fact that the Government of India loses over a crore of rupees every year in Customs duties because some of the Indian States, especially Nawanager, allow goods to be landed in their ports; and whether any arrangements for rebates exist with regard to such imported goods?

The Government of India propose to discuss with the States concerned the new situation arising from the loss of revenue to which the hon. Member refers, and in the circumstances any statement in this House is clearly undesirable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the difficulties that are experienced by the cotton mills in India owing to Japanese competition; and whether, in view of the proposal to erect Japanese mills in India, any action has been taken, or is proposed to be taken, on the Report of the External Capital Committee?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The recommendations of the External Capital Committee are under consideration by the Government of India in consultation with the Provincial Governments, and the point raised in the second part of the question will, no doubt, not be lost sight of.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the management of the Indian branch of the Swedish Match Trust have refused to give evidence before the Tariff Board in connection with their investigations into the match industry in India; whether the Government of India propose to take steps to secure the attendance of the management concerned before the Board; and whether the Government also propose to take action on the Report of the External Capital Committee?

My Noble Friend has no information in regard to the first two parts of the question. I have dealt with the third part in replying to the hon. Member's first question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the replies from local governments to the letter sent out by the Government of India, on the 25th June, 1926, on the subject of proposed legislation to regulate the imposition of fines in industrial establishments, are now complete; and, if not, whether he will state which of the local governments have not yet communicated their views in answer to the Government's letter?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state what response the Government of India received to the Circular sent out by them last year suggesting that there should be legislation to regulate the imposition of fines in industrial establishments; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation on this matter?

The Government of India contemplated full consideration of the question of deductions from wages and fines when all the replies had been received from local governments whom they had consulted on the subject. On 9th April the replies of the Government of Bombay and the United Provinces were awaited. I am not aware whether they have been received since. Until the matter has been considered by the Government of India, for which time will he required, it is not possible to make a statement. My Noble Friend has no doubt that they will expedite its consideration as much as possible and has asked to be informed by telegraph as soon as they have reached their conclusions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the incident recently disclosed by Sir Robert Hodgson in which Louise Koch, a maid servant of the British Mission at Moscow, was threatened at the Soviet Commissariat for Foreign Affairs with life imprisonment unless she acted as informer on the British Chargé d Affaires, was reported to the Foreign Office so soon as the facts were known; and whether any representations on the subject were made to the Soviet authorities at the time?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, His Majesty's Charge d' Affaires made at the time, and on several later occasions, such representations to the Soviet authorities as were possible without jeopardising the safety of Louise Koch so long as she remained in Soviet territory.

asked the Home Secretary what steps he is proposing to take to implement the proposals of the Child Adoption Committee relating to the inspection of homes and institutions for poor children or young persons which are wholly or partly supported by voluntary contributions?

I propose to take these recommendations into consideration in connection with other recommendations made by the Young Offenders' Committee which in both cases involve amendments of the Children Act, 1908.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the children of the late Private T. G. Cook, No. 293,391, Royal Air Force, are receiving pensions totalling 23s. weekly and that they live with their grandmother at 110, Chapel Street, Stratford, who for some time has received assistance from the West Ham Board of Guardians; whether he is aware that the guardians have now ceased to grant relief to the relative on the ground that the children's pension is household income; and whether he will take steps to see that pensions granted for the sole benefit of War orphans are not treated as a contribution toward the maintenance of any other person?

I understand that in this case the means of the household are such that relief would not be granted if the children resided elsewhere and their pension was paid to some other foster parent. In these circumstances, the last part of the question does not arise, but I may say that I have no power to take such steps as are suggested.

Is the Minister aware that the grandmother lives alone, and is an old-age pensioner, and that there is no other income except the War pension of these two children? Will he accept proof on the matter from me after Questions?

On a point of Order. May I ask whether this question about this grandmother could not have been dealt with by correspondence with the Ministry, instead of wasting the time of the House of Commons?

It remains with Members as to whether they put questions on the Paper or not.

Is there no way, Mr. Speaker, in which you can suppress hon. Members opposite who, when we put a question that it is awkward for the Government to answer, get up and interrogate you, trying to browbeat you?

I think hon. Members would do well to look after their own peccadilloes and not those of other hon. Members.

I will now answer the supplementary question. My information is that the grandmother does not live alone, but that there are seven other persons living with her in the house, and if the hon. Member has other information and will submit it to me I shall be glad to consider it.

May I ask the Minister whether he is aware that it is illegal for War orphans' allowances to be used for any other purpose than the maintenance of those War orphans?

I have already stated in my answer that that question does not arise, because the circumstances in this case are such that relief would not be given even if those children were living somewhere else and their pension were paid to another foster parent.

The Minister is misinformed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, whilst publicity advertising matter from foreign resorts enjoys the privilege of entry into the United Kingdom duty free, certain Continental countries impose heavy Customs duties on imported literature relating to British resorts, e.g., £6 on 5,000 copies of the Official Guide to Brighton, addressed to the Hamburg-America Line in Germany; and will he take steps to bring the matter to the notice of the Governments of the foreign countries concerned with a view to such duties being abolished or, alternatively, will he take the necessary steps to provide for a reciprocal duty being imposed on similar literature sent into the United Kingdom from abroad?

I have been asked to reply. The attention of His Majesty's Government has already been called to this matter by my right hon. Friend the senior Member for Brighton (Major Tryon), from whom I understand that the payment of the duty on the copies of the Brighton Guide was ultimately waived by the German authorities. I doubt the usefulness of any general attempt to induce foreign Governments to abolish any duties which, in accordance with their tariff policy, they impose on these particular classes of goods. As regards my hon. Friend's proposal for the imposition of a reciprocal duty in this country, I should point out that, having regard to the provisions of our Treaties, any such duty would have to be applied generally to countries which do not, as well as to countries which do, impose a duty on our guides.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the duty was only waived by the German Government several months afterwards, when the season was over and these pamphlets were out of date and useless?

I was not aware of that, but I understand that the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Pensions took action as soon as he knew about it. Undoubtedly there may have been some inevitable delay owing to the fact that the catalogues, or guides, or whatever they were, were obstructed at the time; but I imagine that owing to the prompt action of the senior Member for Brighton (Major Tryon) guides to this very excellent watering place will in future be admitted in good time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the action of the German Government was completed before even the prompt intervention of my colleague the senior Member for Brighton, and therefore his answer is not particularly relevant?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that £50,000,000 is spent annually by British people on holidays abroad, and in view of his general policy has he taken any steps to ensure that they shall take British holidays?

That question does not arise now.

asked the Postmaster-General if his Department is de- barred from advertising the advantages of the telephone by tradition or by Regulation; and, in the latter case, what authority is responsible for the Regulation?

There are no Regulations debarring expenditure on advertisement of the telephone service, and, as my hon. and gallant Friend has been informed in answer to previous questions, a considerable amount of advertisement is carried out by means of posters, booklets, etc. I am not quite sure what my hon. and gallant Friend means by "tradition," but I can assure him that the method of seeking new business, mainly by means of personal canvassing in preference to Press advertisement, is pursued, because it is regarded as the most suitable and remunerative method.

What is the use of advertising telephones when such enormous charges are made for the use of them and such stringent guarantees are required?

The question of the cost of telephones is a different, though I admit an allied question, into the details of which I shall be happy to go with my hon. and learned Friend.

Would not the cost of telephones be decreased if the latent demand were properly exploited by every conceivable avenue of advertisement?

It is quite true that the more you multiply telephones the more you reduce the cost of construction in certain directions, but it is equally true that you increase the cost of maintenance. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that a great increase in the number of telephones would not by itself produce a decrease in cost.

Are we to understand that the more telephones we get the more it is going to cost, the Post Office?

I did not say that. If my hon. and gallant Friend looks at my answer to-morrow he will see that you have to set off against the cheaper cost of construction by reason of mass production the increased cost of maintenance owing to the greater complexity of the system. That has not been our experience only, but it has been the experience in America and in other countries.

Is the Noble Lord aware that when I had my telephone changed the other day no less than 16 men attended during one week?

The hon. and learned Member is giving information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement on the position in Egypt?

As the precise scope and meaning of certain passages in the original Egyptian Note on the subject of the Egyptian Army were open to some doubt, Lord Lloyd communicated to Sarwat Pasha the interpretation placed by him on the passages in question, and requested its confirmation by the Egyptian Government. Sarwat Pasha has now addressed to Lord Lloyd a further Note which, in the latter's opinion, satisfactorily explains the intentions of the Egyptian Government, and disposes of the cause of the recent tension.

Can the Under-Secretary say how soon the Papers will be laid on this question?

I suppose the right hon. Gentleman means the publication of the Notes. I do not think we can publish the Notes without first of all consulting the Egyptian Government. So far as the British Government are concerned they do not in the least object to publication of the Notes.

I had a question on the Paper on Monday on this subject, and I am glad the question has been raised now. Perhaps I may be permitted to ask the hon. Gentleman in what way the question of the position of the Sirdar has been settled by this happy outcome? How is it finally left?

That is just the point. I do not think it would be courteous to the Egyptian Government to give any details of these Notes until we get their consent.

Am I right in assuming that as soon as that assent has been secured Papers will be laid, and can the House be informed as to what is about to take place with regard to the battle ships?

Directly we get the assent of the Egyptian Government, no doubt Papers will be laid. With regard to the battleships, we have not had any report from Lord Lloyd as yet, but there is no doubt at all that the battleships will now be withdrawn, and, according to Press reports, one has already left.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that cherries infected by the maggot of the cherry fruit fly are coming in to the London markets, and what action he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir, the examination of samples taken on the markets by the Ministry's Inspectors recently has revealed the presence of somewhat heavy infestations. I have, therefore, decided that the importation of raw cherries grown in France must be stopped for the remainder of the season. An Order is being issued to-day, which will come into operation on the 24th June giving effect to this decision.

May I ask if it is not a fact that these cherries have been coming in to the certain knowledge of same of the Inspectors for some days, and therefore will he expedite the Order?

I am afraid if we apply the Order immediately it would impose a very great lose on a, large number of British traders who have contracts outstanding in France. Action has been taken for some days past through the representatives of the French exporters, and they are holding up a great many consignments, as we understand, at the ports of shipment.

Was not the same action taken last year with regard to French cherries, and is it not a fact that it caused great inconvenience in Hull? I would like to ask why longer notice has not been given this year to the British importers who will have to bear the loss?

We could not give notice of our intention to prohibit the importation of cherries before we reached a decision. We hoped that the machinery which had been set up by the French Government to examine the cherries, and not to sanction the exportation of any infested samples, would prove effective.

Is it not a fact that these cherries are only paid for by the British merchant after they actually get delivery; and, in view of that fact, cannot the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make the closing order before the 24th June, so as to do away with the difficulty of these maggots to which he has referred?

May I ask if the action of the British Government in connection with cherries had anything to do with the action of the French Government in regard to the importation of coal?

Our action is entirely on the ground of the reputation of British cherries which will shortly be coming on the market, and which we do not wish to suffer from any confusion with these imported cherries. We are also taking this action with a view to preventing any possibility of infecting our British cherry orchards.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a reply to my question as to whether it is not a fact that it is not necessary to pay for these cherries until after they have arrived?