asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the promise of the Government of India, any Indians have been appointed as members of the Railway Board; and, if not, why this undertaking has not been fulfilled?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Bilston (Mr. J. Baker) on 21st November.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his Department has any information with reference to the illicit importation of cocaine into India; and can he give the particulars?

I will send the hon. Member copy of a recent question and answer in the Indian Council of State on the subject, and some particulars which were communicated to the League of Nations to illustrate the extent of the traffic. All cocaine used in India is imported; its importation is subject to the closest control, but the illicit traffic cannot be successfully stopped, except with the co-operation of manufacturing countries.

Can the Noble Lord say where the majority of the illicit importations of cocaine come from?

No, I cannot, in every case, give the country of origin. If the hon. Member will read the answer given in the Council of State, which was a rather full statement, he will see the difficulties of the problem. The point is that it does come from other countries, but it is impossible to say the particular country. For example, if a man is found with illicit cocaine, it is impossible to say where he got it, but if other countries would have the same Regulations as those in force in India, we should be able to stop it.

Is it not a fact that the majority of it comes from China?

As I say, it is quite impossible to say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1), if he is aware that miners in the Ramganji coalfield are permitted to remain down the collieries for two or three days at a time; whether they are working the whole of the time; and, if so, are steps being taken to restrict the number of working hours in this area;

(2) whether it is proposed to amend the Indian Mines Act, 1923, by increasing the working day so as to enable miners to work a 12-hours day?

At present the daily hours during which miners may remain and work in mines are not subject to any legal maximum, but weekly hours are limited to 54 for underground-work. It is probably the case that there are few mines in which a standard of more than eight hours' daily work is maintained on the average, but in order to prevent miners from remaining underground for excessive periods a Bill has been introduced in the Indian Legislature and circulated for criticism under which a system of shifts would be enforced and a daily maximum of 12 hours' work imposed, the weekly maximum of 54 hours underground remaining unchanged.

Do we understand the Noble Lord to say that the Bill will enable Indian miners to work a maximum of 12 hours each day?

Yes. The Bill is being circulated for consideration among members of the Assembly. It prevents the present system, by which there is no such limit imposed.

Is it not the case that the object of the Bill is to try and prevent the miners staying below ground more than a certain period, rather than, as the question would infer, to make them work long hours,?

That is so, certainly. The effect of the Bill is to increase the restrictions which have been imposed in recent years upon excessive hours of miners.

Will the Noble Lord take care to represent to the authorities responsible for this Bill that it would be better, in view of our experience, that that restriction should go a good deal further than the 12 hours suggested?

It would probably be rather improper for me to give any pledge of that kind, as the Bill is circulated for the opinion of members of the Assembly, and no doubt that sort of point of view will occur to the minds of members of the Assembly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to state the decisions of the Government with regard to the findings of the Sandhurst Committee?

Not yet, Sir, but the Government of India hope to be able to do so when the Assembly meets next year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is in a position to state the amount of money which was paid out of the revenues of India during the last financial year for the purpose of assisting in the maintenance of the Christian religion in India?

The total expenditure on the maintenance of chaplains and churches for the troops and civil servants of the Crown who are Christians is approximately 41 lakhs or, roughly, £300,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the approximate number of adherents to the Indian branch of the Anglican Church in India, both European and Indian; and what percentage this bears to the total population of India?

The approximate number of Anglicans as ascertained in the Census of 1921 was 533,180, of whom 108,759 belonged to European and Allied races. The number represents a percentage of decimal 17 on the total population of India, including the Indian States.

Can the Noble Lord now explain why he said the other day that the figures which I quoted, which were approximately these, were quite inaccurate?

Yes. It was because the hon. Member was confusing two things. He was quoting the figures given by my Noble Friend the Assistant Postmaster-General, who referred to the number of Anglicans and gave the figures correctly. The hon. Member was referring to the total number of Christians. The total number of Christians in India is between 3,000,000 and 4,000,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is in a position to give the House any information regarding the recent arrangements between Hindus and Moslems on the subjects of cow-killing and music before mosques, which subjects have been the main causes of communal disturbances?

I have no information beyond what is available to readers of the Indian Press, from which I gather that it is unfortunately somewhat premature to suppose that any generally accepted accommodation has been arrived at.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will approach the various Governments concerned for the purpose of arranging for the production locally in the British West Indies and other Colonies of the film of the battles of Coronel and the Falklands?

As I understand that the distributing rights in this film are in the hands of private enterprise, my Noble Friend will realise that it would not be desirable for me to accept his suggestion.

Are not the Government interested in the profits of this film, and would it not be beneficial for them to take some interest in the distribution of it

I do not think so. If the Colonial Office started recommending particular films to particular Colonial Governments, there would be no end to it.

Is it not a fact that the First Lord of the Admiralty stated in this House some time ago that the Admiralty were financially interested in the profits?

I am not aware of that statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the communications as to wireless, cable, and mails of the Falkland Islands: whether any steps are being taken towards their improvement; whether the installation of direct wireless communication with Great Britain or some part of the Empire can be undertaken; and what would the cost of this be?

There is no cable communication with the Falkland Islands. Mails are transmitted in either direction by vessels of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company and such other opportunities as occur from time to time. Since 1st January, 1927, there have been 17 homeward and 14 outward mails, in addition to despatches to Montevideo which have latterly been made each week. I am at present in communication with the Governor in regard to the possible provision of a small vessel to ply between the Colony and Montevideo, with a view to providing a more regular and frequent postal service. As regards wireless communication, messages from the Government station at Stanley are relayed usually via the wireless telegraph station at Cerritos in Uruguay. The Governor has recently submitted proposals for the establishment of a station capable of direct short-wave communication with the United Kingdom, at a cost which he estimates roughly at £3,000. These proposals are being examined from the technical and the financial point of view.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governments of British Guiana, Trinidad and Barbados are taking any action on the proposals of the West Indian Civil Air Transport Committee; and when the suggested services are likely to be put into operation?

The Report of the Committee to which my Noble Friend refers is now on its way to the West Indian Governments. Until they have had an opportunity of considering the Report, I can say nothing as to the action which they are likely to take.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that an economic commission appointed by the Japanese Government has recently visited Kenya and Uganda, with the object of extending Japanese trade in those Colonies; and, having regard to the loan commitments of this country to Kenya and Uganda, whether he will devise measures to safeguard British export trade to East Africa against the competition of Japan and other countries?

The anwer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, His Majesty's Government are anxious to foster British export trade to the territories concerned; and I shall be happy to consider any concrete suggestions which my hon. Friend may like to make with that object in view, bearing always in mind that it would be inconsistent with existing international obligations to extend any preferential treatment to goods of British origin imported into those territories.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the total number of articles on which a new Customs duty has been placed in the United Kingdom or an old duty increased since 1924?

I have been asked to reply. It is impossible to state in numerical form the range of individual articles which may be affected by the new or increased Customs duties imposed since 1924, but perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the new duties imposed and old duties increased since 1924. Several of these duties apply to a great number of articles which cannot be enumerated separately.

Could not the hon. Gentleman give me the total according to classes?

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the list when it has been published it will give him, I think, the information which he requires. If he does not find it there and will put down another question, I will do my best to get it for him.

Is the difficulty of giving an answer owing to the fact that the numbers run into several thousands?

No.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what is the total number of classes on the list he is going to circulate?

It all depends on how they are classified.

Following is the list:

(a) New Customs duties imposed since 1924.

1925.

McKenna Duties: Cinema Films Clocks and Watches. Motor Cars (exemption in favour of commercial vehicles repealed in 1926, and of tyres in 1927). Musical Instruments. Silk and Artificial Silk. Hops. Lace and Embroidery. Cutlery. Gloves. Incandescent Mantles.

1926. Packing or Wrapping Paper. Key Industry Duty extended to cover molybdenum and other rare metals, etc.

1927. Translucent Pottery.

(b) Old Customs duties increased since 1924.

1927. Wine. Tobacco. Matches.

1926. Key Industry Duty increased on certain articles (optical glass, etc.).

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the latest returns indicating both the extent and the recovery, if any, of the export trade in Lancashire textile goods to China?

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the exports of cotton piece-goods to China and Hong Kong registered in each month since January, 1926. This table shows that in recent months there has been a slight recovery in exports from the low level reached in the second quarter of 1927.

Following is the table: EXPORTS from the United Kingdom of Cotton Piece Goods registered as consigned to China (including Hong Kong) during each month, January, 1926 to October, 1927. — Cotton Piece Goods. Quantities. Declared Values. 1926. Thousand sq. yds. £ January 19,272 799,731 February 23,622 985,139 March 19,528 771,936 April 16,612 598,660 May 10,382 358,213 June 15,745 599,042 July 11,460 488,498 August 18,503 700,965 September 13,269 461,386 October 11,282 402,261 November 9,104 331,403 December 8,688 334,212 1927. January 18,577 766,057 February 15,952 678,746 March 10,992 409,605 April 3,966 122,066 May 5,219 163,171 June 5,538 180,264 July 5,501 206,321 August 6,671 220,973 September 6,986 236,329 October 7,529 255,490

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state in sterling the value of the total import of gold, bullion, and specie into this country since 1st January last to date; and the total export from this country for the same period?

I have been asked to reply. The values in sterling of gold bullion and coin imported and exported during the period 1st January, 1927, to 30th November, 1927, were as follow: Imports. Exports. £30,498,199 £25,986,356

asked the Prime Minister whether the Empire Marketing Board has approved a grant to the Orkney Egg Trade Association for the furtherance of the association's scheme of marketing?

I have been asked, as acting chairman of the Empire Marketing Board, to reply to this question. The Empire Marketing Board has approved a substantial grant to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for the purpose of improving the methods of marketing eggs in that country. A portion of this grant will be made available by that Department for the initial administrative expenses of marketing associations in Scotland. The association to which my hon. Friend refers has been advised by the board to communicate with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if any specific amount has been allocated to this association?

No; the Empire Marketing Board give an over-riding sum to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, and the apportionment of that sum between the various associations for initial administrative expenses is left to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the proposed directorate of Alluvial Diamonds (Gold Coast), Limited, and the presence on the board of two ex-governors and three ex-officials; and whether, seeing that this is not in accordance with Regulations based on the revised pensions scale, he will advise the governor of the Gold Coast that no concession should be granted to the company without receiving his prior sanction?

I have seen the prospectus of this company. Three of the proposed directors are ex-officials and of these two are ex-governors. Only one of them, however, draws a pension from Gold Coast funds and he has already asked the governor for the necessary permission under the Pensions Law.

Are we to understand from this that the Colonial Office approve of these ex-governors and ex-officials who have direct administration over these native territories being directors of a company which has procured concessions in those territories?

No; the hon. Gentleman is putting a very bad construction upon this. As a matter of fact, one of the governors who is to be a director has never served in the Gold Coast. The second of the officers concerned, who was an inspector of mines, resigned and has received no pension, and therefore we have no control over him in any way. As regards the third, the governor was asking permission under the Pensions Law. He was Governor of Gambia, although he had previously served in the Northern territories and the Gold Coast. I do not think it is for me to express approval or disapproval.

The right hon. Gentleman gave me a distinct answer in the House not so long ago that governors of territories were given a higher pension in order that they might not take directorships of companies on their retirement. How does this action compare with that promise?

I am afraid that they do not get a higher pension. In fact, in most cases they get a lower pension than if they had never been governors. In many cases men in the Colonial service who have never been governors get a higher pension than governors.

May I ask whether there is anything in the suggestion that ex-governors of any part of His Majesty's Dominions are supposed not to become directors of companies which may be connected with these Dominions? If so, it is very desirable that that impression should be corrected at once. I do not see any reason why an ex-governor should not be a director of any company.

It is entirely a question within the provisions of the Pensions Law. In many Colonies there is a provision under the Pensions Law that applies to ex-governors and other Colonial civil servants that they shall not, without prior consultation and approval, become directors of companies in the territory in which they have served. That is part of the rule, but otherwise, ex-governors and other ex-civil servants are free to become directors of what companies they like.

Is the hon. Gentleman the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Wardlaw-Milne) right, or am I right as to the desires of the Colonial Office in this matter? Do they or do they not approve of ex-governors of territories taking directorships of companies which deal with those territories in which they served?

It is not really a question of approval or disapproval.

Is it not undesirable that officials should use the information they gained in their official capacity afterwards to make profit for themselves?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the sources of revenue available to the Georgetown Town Council to meet the commitments in connection with the city improvements schemes of Georgetown, British Guiana, as the taxes and licences within the Georgetown municipal area are appropriated by the Colonial Government; whether the deputation from the Georgetown Town Council directed his attention to this; and, if so, with what result?

The revenue of this corporation is principally derived from rates levied on lands and buildings within the municipal area, income from its own markets and subventions from the Colonial Government. The deputation drew my attention to these facts in connection with this application for a redistribution of the burden of the Georgetown improvement schemes between the Colonial Government and the municipality. They were informed that this was a matter which, in the first instance, must be considered by the Governor.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the negotiations between the British and Iraq Governments on the question of Iraq applying for membership of the League of Nations are now terminated; and whether he has any statement on the subject to communicate to this House?

The discussions that have been taking place with the King of Iraq have been carried to a point at which a satisfactory accord has been reached. The Prime Minister of Iraq, who had to leave London some days ago, is now on his way back, and it is hoped that as soon as he returns an agreement will be signed. Pending its signature I regret that I cannot furnish the House with any detailed information on the subject.

When the signature is received, will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement in this House in the first place before anything appears in the Press officially?

I think it is contemplated that the new agreement, when signed, will either be laid as a White Paper or presented in some form. It will have to be presented to the Council of the League of Nations, and I will look up the procedure which was followed in cases of similar agreements before.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether the House will have an opportunity of discussing this agreement?

That question must be put down.

Is it anticipated that there will be a reduction in expenditure as a result of the agreement?

I must have notice of a question of that kind.

Will it relieve us of any part of our responsibilities?

I can add nothing to my reply pending the final conclusion of this agreement and its signature, and it would be very improper for me to say anything.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will undertake not to give away the concession for the Dead Sea minerals without first informing the House of the conditions and terms of the concession?

There is no question of giving away any concession for the extraction of various mineral salts from the waters of the Dead Sea. Negotiations are proceeding on behalf of the Palestine and Transjordan Governments with a view to safeguarding the interests of these Governments under any concession which may be granted. It would Dot be either practicable nor in accordance with precedent that the terms and conditions should be published before signature.

In view of the extremely valuable nature of this potash concession, both to this country and the world in general, and to the fact that Germany has a monopoly of potash, cannot the right hon. Gentleman take the House into his confidence first before giving this away?

There is no question of giving this away, and it is not mine to give. The negotiations are on behalf of the mandatory Governments of Palestine and Transjordania, and the question of the possible relations to the German monopoly will be borne in mind. So much exaggeration has taken place about these deposits, which are not only potash, that I must enter a word of caution in regard to them.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether we are to understand from his answer, in which he brackets Palestine and Transjordania, that the royalties which presumably will be derived from the sale of this potash will go to the Trans Jordanian and Palestinian Governments? If so, in what shares, and will this Government get any contributions from these royalties?

I really must ask for notice of that question, but I think it is premature, as negotiations have not gone very far. I certainly cannot go into the question of respective shares.

Is not the Transjordanian Government the Emir Abdullah?

No, the Transjordanian Government is the Government of the mandated territories, and its rights have to be preserved. The theory is that the frontier between Palestine and Transjordania lies somewhere down the middle of the Dead Sea.

—

This is really becoming a Debate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether negotiations for the Dead Sea salts concessions have been undertaken with Mr. Novomeysky or with Major Tulloch; and what are Mr. Novomeysky's qualifications?

Negotiations are proceeding with these two gentlemen jointly. Mr. Novomeysky is an engineer with experience in the separation of mineral salts by evaporation; and he has for some time been carrying out experimental work on a small scale on the shore of the Dead Sea.

Is it not a fact that besides being a distinguished engineer and chemist, Mr. Novomeysky is a Palestinian subject and therefore a British-protected subject?

He is a Palestinian.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the real anxiety in this country is not as to the names of the people who are to get this concession, but that the concession should remain entirely in British hands?

Article 18 of the Mandate of Palestine has to be respected.

In making this concession, will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that the terms are such that the potash will come to this country, and not, as in the case of Nauru Island phosphates, where we find the money and other people get the phosphates?

Is it not a fact that all the negotiations are going through with Mr. Novomeysky, and that Major Tulloch is taking no part whatever in them?

No; I am told that is not so. The meetings between the Crown Agents who are acting on behalf of the Palestinian Government have been attended by Major Tulloch and Mr. Novomeysky.

Instead of having the names as we have got them here, cannot we get back to the Macleans and Mackenzies who gave you all the salts you wanted?

Major Tulloch is a Scotsman.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Feetham Commission was appointed to deal with local government in Kenya Colony; and whether the Terms of Reference to the Commission have been enlarged so as to include recommendations regarding questions of general colonial administration, such as alterations in the judicial system?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. By a Commission, dated 8th October, 1926, the original Terms of Reference were extended to include an inquiry into the desirability of granting magisterial power to selected Justices of the Peace in the settled areas of the colony and the extent of the powers, if any, which should be so granted.

Are we to take it that the Government's approval or qualified approval of the Report of the Commission includes approval of the recommendation that settlers should act as magistrates

I have not received a communication from the Governor about that. All that he has reported is that he is sending this Report to the districts concerned and consulting both official and unofficial residents before letting me know his views.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the extraordinary undesirability of allowing people to be judges in labour questions where their interests are directly concerned?

I think the rule that obtains in regard to magistrates in this country where their interests are concerned will obviously obtain there.

But magistrates in this country do not get labour under regulations which they direct.

Will the Government pay as much attention to the findings of this Commission as they did to the findings of the Feetham Commission in the Irish boundary case?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are made to deal with the suppression of Communist agitation in British territories adjoining the Dutch East Indies; whether he is aware that Communist propaganda in the Dutch East Indies is stimulated by agitators using British territory as a base; and whether he can take any further steps to suppress these activities?

The Malayan authorities are fully alive to the dangers of international Communist agitation, and I have recently approved of steps being taken to bring the local law into line with that of this country, which will, I believe, assist in dealing with the difficulty.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the results of the use of Yorkshire powders in warding off lamb disease; whether he is aware that for some years they have practically eliminated the disease wherever and for as long as they have been used on a farm; whether the Farmers' Union of England and Scotland has reported on the matter; and whether his Department has investigated the matter, and with what result?

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

Following is the reply:

The right hon. Gentleman himself called my attention to the use of Yorkshire powders in May last. I consulted the Lamb Dysentry Research Committee, who reported on 27th June as follows:— "(1) The Committee attaches primary importance to investigations bearing on 967 the cause of the disease and the means by which it is spread, but considers that it is desirable wherever possible to test the actions of suitable drugs. (2)Having regard to the considerable variations which may occur in connection with the incidence and virulence of the disease, no reliance can be placed on the apparent success of the therapeutic measures unless these measures have been applied under more carefully regulated conditions with suitable controls. (3) With regard to the so-called "Yorkshire Powders," the evidence at present is quite inconclusive for the following reasons: ( a ) There have been many reports of apparent success attending their use, but in few, if any, of these instances have suitable control lambs been kept untreated. ( b ) In a number of reported instances serious mortality has occurred in spite of the use of these powders, which have appeared to exercise no beneficial influence whatever.

For these reasons the Committee feels that it is not in a position to express any opinion as to the possible value of these powders."

As lamb dysentry only occurs in the spring, the Committee have nothing more to add to their views.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the railway charges falling on agricultural produce; and, if so, whether he is in a position to make any proposals which might result in lower charges and better transport facilities for the most perishable articles concerned?

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the Railway Rates Tribunal was set up under the Railways Act, 1921, to deal with such questions as railway charges for agricultural produce. I understand that agricultural interests were represented and heard by the Tribunal in connection with the proceedings precedent to the fixing of the new charges which come into force on 1st January, 1928. If my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind any particular directions in which he considers transport facilities might be reasonably improved, I would suggest that he should send particulars to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, as I have no statutory power in matters of this kind.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will explain why he has refused his consent to the Lancashire County Council to purchase four farmhouses and buildings and 283 acres of land which they required for the establishment of cottage and smallholdings; and will he state in what particular the proposed purchase differs from other transactions conducted by the Lancashire Smallholding Committee?

I have not refused consent to the purchase of the property to which the hon. Member refers. The position is that the price proposed to be paid by the council is considerably in excess of the value placed on the property for smallholdings purposes by the Ministry's professional advisers, and the council have accordingly been asked to try to negotiate the purchase at a lower figure.

Is it not the case that the price proposals were on the basis of values calculated by the right hon. Gentleman's own Department?

No; what is a reasonable price in our view is considerably lower than that which has been put * forward by the local authorities, and I feel bound under the Act to see that this land is not acquired at any figure above, what is reasonable.

Are we to understand from that answer that the proposal is not definitely turned down, and that if a suitable price can be arranged, this proposal can be proceeded with?

Oh, most certainly. I believe negotiations are proceeding on that basis.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will publish a statement giving the statutory requirements, so far as they are administered by his Department, governing the production and manufacture of milk in this country, including the requirements in respect to wages paid by dairy farmers, in parallel columns with the corresponding statutory obligations existing in all countries from which condensed skimmed milk is imported into Great Britain, showing in each case the measures taken to enforce such statutory requirements?

The statutory requirements governing the production and manufacture of milk in this country are administered by the Minister of Health, and I observe that my hon. Friend has addressed a question for answer tomorrow on the subject to my right hon. Friend. As regards the wages regulations in other countries, I am not in a position to supply this information, but I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that work in connection with the development of agricultural co-operation, formerly done by the Agricultural Organisation Society with the aid of public moneys, is mow being carried out by the National Farmers' Union at the expense of its members; whether he has received representations from the union in regard to the manner in which such development is impeded by reason of the unlimited liability under the existing law of members of farmers' co-operative societies; and whether he can give any assurance that a Government Bill will be introduced without delay in the next Session of Parliament to amend the Industrial and Provident Societies Act so as to limit the liability of members of societies registered under that Act?

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, and have the matter under consideration.

Is there any prospect of the Bill being introduced soon? This is a matter which has been under consideration for a long time.

I think it was brought to our notice only at the end of the summer, and it is a very complicated matter. As the hon. Member knows, I shall be very glad to consult with him and get his assistance as to how the matter may best be dealt with.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the matter has become very serious ever since the appeal and that development has been held up?

A Bill is in draft, and I shall be very glad to consult with the hon. Member about details.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received, the resolutions unanimously passed at a conference of agriculturists held at Lincoln on 10th and 24th October, 1927; and if he has any statement to make on the subject?

I have been asked to reply. I have received and carefully considered the resolutions in question. I have at various times made statements in regard to many of the points mentioned in the resolutions, which cover a wide field and cannot be suitably dealt with in answer to a Parliamentary question.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will issue, for the information of the House, a tabular statement, in continuation of that given by him on the 10th December, 1924, relating to the withdrawal of judges from judicial duties, and bring such information down to date?

The answer to this question is in the affirmative. I will circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Attorney-General the number of occasions upon which the services of His Majesty's Judges of the King's Bench Division have been requisitioned for extra-judicial duties since the Address for the appointment of two additional Judges was moved in 1924; and, seeing that the present 15 members of the Bench constitute its full statutory strength, what special reasons exist for a further increase in the number at the present time?

I will circulate the information asked for in the first part of the question in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In reply to the last part of the question, the reasons for the appointment of additional Judges in the King's Bench Division have been stated by my right hon. and Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor in moving the Address in another place, and will be given to

In addition to the foregoing, some of the Judges have sat on various Committees outside judicial hours.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Federation of League of Nations Societies, at its plenary congress at Berlin in May, 1927, urging on the Assembly of the League of Nations the necessity of instituting an inquiry at the earliest possible moment, with a view to framing an international convention upon the conditions, including conditions of prison labour, to be observed in all civilised countries in the treatment of persons under arrest or in captivity: and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has asked me to reply. He has seen a copy of the resolution. The matter alluded to is engaging: the attention of the International Prison Commission and. as at present advised, he does not propose to take any action.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign

this House when a similar Motion is discussed.

Can the hon. and learned Member say whether it is not a fact that a Judge earns for the country in fees more than enough to pay his salary?

Following is the information:

Affairs what instructions have been given to our delegates with regard to the disarmament proposals of the Russian delegates at Geneva?

No notice of the terms of the proposals put forward by the Soviet delegation was given before the opening meeting of the Preparatory Committee, and the British delegation, consequently, left this country without instructions on the subject. The work of the Preparatory Committee at its recent session was limited to setting up the Security Committee, and therefore no discussions took place on the Russian proposals.

Did not the British delegates cable home to report this proposal and to ask for instructions?

The hon. and gallant Member must remember that the Committee sat for, I think, only four days, and it has been arranged that a Security Committee and a Disarmament Preparatory Committee shall sit within a very few weeks, and I take it that in that case these particular proposals will come under consideration.

Are not His Majesty's Government well aware that the sole object of the Russian Government in putting forward these proposals was to bring the whole question of disarmament into ridicule?

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that His Majesty's Government are going to give this proposal the consideration which its importance warrants?

That particular point is raised in a later question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now received the proposals of the Russian Government regarding universal disarmament; whether the Government is considering these proposals; and if, in view of their importance, he can give an assurance that the British delegates at Geneva will not be authorised to negative them without an opportunity having been afforded for their discussion in the House of Commons?

Yes, Sir. The text of the Russian declaration corresponds substantially with the telegraphed versions which have appeared in the Press. The Preparatory Committee decided that they could not at their recent session do more than organise the work of the Security Committee which they had been directed to constitute, and the question of sending instructions to the British representative did not therefore arise. The Russian proposals do not appear to have been regarded by the Committee as a practical and helpful contribution to the problem and there would accordingly be no advantage in discussing them in this House.

Can the Prime Minister state if his opinion on this question is the same as that of Lord Cushendun who disposed of these momentous proposals with the simple statement that they were out of order

I have not seen that statement, but of course, as my hon. Friend said a few minutes ago, it will have to be considered when the Disarmament Conference meets.

Now that the Prime Minister has the proposals, which we have only seen in the Press, may I ask him whether it is a fact that Russia offered to lead the way in one year if we would follow in four years?

When my right hon. Friend returns from Geneva, I shall have all the particulars.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say in reply to the hon. Member for Dundee, that he had received those proposals?

No, we have had no official document of any kind yet in London.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of industrial employés in His Majesty's Dockyard, Portsmouth, who belong to trade unions and the number who do not belong to trade unions; and whether, in order to secure uniformity in matters of representation, he will set up a separate committee for the benefit of non-trade unionists and thus secure for them an equal measure of representation with Whitley Councils?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available; apart from Whitley Councils, all employés or groups of employés, whether trade unionist or non-trade unionist, have the right to make representations to the Departmental officers and if necessary to the Admiralty concerning any matter relating to the conditions of their employment. As far as I know, no request from men in Portsmouth Dockyard who do not belong to trade unions for a separate committee has been made.

asked the Postmaster-General if proposals are now being considered by the Government for protecting the State-owned and privately- owned cables against wireless competition; and whether the payment of a subsidy by the taxpayer is being considered?

The question of cable and wireless communications is under consideration by His Majesty's Government and I can say nothing further at this stage.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the revenue of the Pacific cable has suffered any diminution through competition with the beam system of telegraphy; and whether any steps are being taken to increase the efficiency of the system of operating this cable?

I have been asked to reply. The revenue of the Pacific Cable Board has undoubtedly suffered during the past year owing to the competition of the beam service and the lower rate it charges. The Pacific Cable Board are taking steps to effect economies in their administrative expenditure, and their experts are continuously engaged in improving the methods of working. I may add that the new cable is one of the most efficient in the world, having a capacity of about 1,200 letters a minute as against a maximum of about 260 on the old cable.

Is there any truth in the report that there is going to be a certain amount of co-operation between the cables and the beam system?

I have no knowledge of the report to which my hon. Friend refers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that co-operation of that kind does not result in the public not getting the benefit of the cheapness of the beam system?

asked the Postmaster-General the total cost to date of the Rugby Wireless Station; the annual expenditure, including depreciation and amortisation of capital; and the total revenue for the last complete year?

The total capital cost up to 31st March last of the Rugby Wireless Station, including site, buildings and telegraph and telephone plant, was approximately £490,000. The telegraph services conducted at the station are only in an early stage of development, and the telephone services have not yet been running for a complete year. It is, therefore, difficult either to give accurate figures or to draw deductions from estimates. With this reservation, I estimate the present annual expenditure, including interest, depreciation and amortisation of capital, at about £123,000 and the annual revenue at about £57,000.

Is it not a fact that this department of the telephone service is highly profitable?

I have already told the House that the telephone service at present covers working costs, but not depreciation and amortisation.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children who left school on attaining the age of 14 during the last educational school year?

Excluding those pupils who proceeded to secondary schools or other institutions for further full-time education, the number of pupils who left public elementary schools during the year ended 31st March, 1927, after attaining the age of 14 was 510,542. Of these, 63,958 had remained at school for a period after reaching the normal age of exemption.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of troops at present stationed in or on their way to China?

There are now nine battalions in China in addition to approximately half a battalion of marines and to the normal establishment of three battalions. No battalions are on their way to China.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether it is contemplated reducing the strength of this force in the near future?

I can give no further information on this point.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has yet come to a decision with regard to the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Mines, and Department of Overseas Trade, respectively; and when he will be in a position to make a statement?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 8th November.

In view of the fact that it is eight months since the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in this House the immediate abolition of these three Departments does it not seem extraordinary that eight months after we are not able to get a date when the decision will be given as to whether these Departments are going to be abolished or retained?

As the hon. Member knows, it would require legislation.

May I ask whether the announcement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer eight months ago that these three Departments were to be

The annual shipments since the Nauru Island Agreement Act was passed have been as follow: — — United Kingdom. Australia. New Zealand. Tons. Tons. Tons. 1920–21 … … … … 16,784 265,127 17,066 1921–22 … … … … 16,178 171,881 38,706 1922–23 … … … … — 202,979 51,965 1923–24 … … … … — 318,690 60,687 1924–25 … … … … — 336,800 99,508 1925–26 … … … … — 274,183 98,160 1926–27 … … … … — (say) 464,825 (say) 130,000 32,962 2,034,485 496,092

abolished is still the policy of the Government?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 8th November.

asked the Prime Minister whether any borings have been made to ascertain the total amount of phosphate rock available for shipment and the phosphate contents in the Nauru and Ocean islands; what is the proportion allotted to Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, respectively; and the annual shipment to each of these countries since the mandate was granted?

As the reply to this question involves a considerable number of figures, I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

I understand that numerous borings have been made to ascertain the amount of phosphate rock available at Nauru and Ocean island and that it is estimated that these two islands (together) contain over 100,000,000 tons of phosphate (of a quality containing from 85 per cent. to 88 per cent. tribasic phosphate of lime).

Under the existing arrangements the three Governments are entitled to an allotment of the phosphate produced in each year in the following proportions:

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that some 400 ex-British civil servants in Southern Ireland are still waiting to retire, under Article 10 of the agreement for a treaty between Great Britain and the Irish Free State, but are unable to obtain the pensions to which they are entitled, as the compensation committee set up to hear their applications has not sat for some two years since Mr. Justice Wylie resigned the chairmanship; and whether, having regard to the delay in dealing with these ex-British civil servants' claims he will make representations to the Irish Free State in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies on the 9th November to the right hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. T. P. O'Connor), to which I have nothing to add.

Does the Prime Minister recognise the special claims which these men have that the British Government should look after their interests, considering that they were British Government servants, and will the right hon. Gentleman say if anything can be done to expedite the settlement of their claims?

If the hon. Member will refer to the reply which I have given to this question, he will see that the whole matter is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister how many ex-service men are now resident in the Irish Free State; and what steps are being taken by the Government to co-operate in efforts for the amelioration of the conditions under which a number of these men now live?

As regards the first part of the question, I have no definite information. As regards the second part, assistance in various directions has been given by His Majesty's Government from time to time to ex-service men in the Irish Free State, and is, indeed, still being given. It would be difficult within the limits of a Parliamentary answer to supply full particulars, but, if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me know the precise points on which he desires to obtain detailed information, I shall, of course, be glad to help him as far as possible.

Could they be brought under the assisted passages scheme for the Dominions?

I have nothing to add to what I have said.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of including in any Bill that provides for votes for women at 21 years of age Clauses ensuring that no person in receipt of any sort of public relief shall be entitled to vote?

As I have repeatedly announced, it would be premature to make any statement on this subject at present. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 14th November to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cardiff South (Captain A. Evans), of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is probably more demand for the reform stated in the second part of this question than for that stated in the first part?

asked the Prime Minister whether he now intends to introduce legislation next year for the alteration of the constitution of, or other reform of, the House of Lords?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 21st November in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Thanet (Mr. Harmsworth).

asked the Prime Minister whether, in considering legislation to equalise the political position of men and women, he is considering the position, as hereditary legislators, of peeresses in their own right?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Act for the indenturing of native juveniles in Southern Rhodesia has received His Majesty's formal assent; whether notification of this assent was made by the Governor by speech or message to the legislative bodies or by Proclamation in the Gazette; and, if so, on what date?

The notification that it was His Majesty's pleasure not to disallow the Southern Rhodesia Native Juveniles Employment Act, 1926, was made by a Proclamation of the Governor dated the 16th June last, and published in the Southern Rhodesia Government Gazette.

Is the Prime Minister aware that this means that within the British Empire slavery of little children is being permitted?