asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the purpose of the International Tariff Commission now sitting at Peking; at whose instance it was set up; and if he will give the names of the British delegates serving on it?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the Tariff Revision Commission which is, in accordance with Articles I and IV of the Washington Treaty relating to the Chinese Customs Tariff, engaged on the revision of the Customs schedule of duties on imports into China so that the rates of duty shall be equivalent to 5 per cent. effective, as provided in the several commercial treaties to which China is a party. This Commission was, in accordance with the Washington Treaty, convened at the instance of the Chinese authorities in Peking. It met at Shanghai in the autumn of last year, and the final stages of the work are being carried out in Peking. The Commercial Secretary at Shanghai was the British representative during the earlier stages; his place has now been taken by the Acting Commercial Secretary at Peking.

I suppose the Chinese authorities are also represented and taking part?

Oh, yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the deadlock at Hankow still continues; that the Nanking Government has banned all exports to that area, and that none can tell who is in charge; and can he do anything that will have the effect of restoring to British residents the privileges and convenience that obtained when the British concession in Hankow existed?

I am fully aware of the divided authority at Hankow, of the friction between the rival militarists there, and of the general state of confusion. The area is nominally under the jurisdiction of the Nanking authorities, and I have no information showing that they are now imposing an embargo on exports to Hankow. The loss and inconvenience suffered by British residents have been due to the general state of disorder in the Yangtze Valley, and I can find no reason for assuming that they would have been any less had the concession continued to exist under purely British administration. His Majesty's Government are constantly engaged in doing all that is possible under most difficult conditions to safeguard the interests of British subjects there.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have prepared a scheme for the limitation of naval armaments by agreement through the League of Nations for discussion at the forthcoming Preparatory Commission; whether such a scheme is in existence; and whether it will be published at the commencement of the sittings of the Preparatory Commission in the same way as the British scheme for disarmament was published at the beginning of the recent Tripartite Naval Conference at Geneva?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will refer to the answer which I gave him on the 7th instant, he will see that I stated that the British representative on the Preparatory Commission has discretion to bring forward our proposals whenever he thinks the occasion propitious, and that the occasion will probably be the next meeting of the Preparatory Commission.

I quite understood that answer, but my question is whether a scheme has actually been prepared for our representative to bring forward at the Preparatory Commission; whether such a scheme is in actual existence?

I think we must wait until the Preparatory Commission meets, and, when it meets, it will be the duty of the British representative to bring forward any proposals which he may have to make.

I am not asking for details of the scheme; I am asking whether it is in physical existence? Is there such a scheme?

I imagine there is a scheme, but it is impossible at the moment to say whether it is going to be the exact scheme which a few weeks hence will be presented.

It is not for the Under-Secretary to imagine. Does he know whether such a scheme exists?

The hon. and gallant Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with reference to the application of the Portuguese Government to the League of Nations for a loan, it has signified its intention to apply any portion of this loan to Portuguese Africa?

No, Sir, but no details have yet been given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that Mr. John Harvey, a native of Cardiff, is serving a sentence of eight years' penal servitude in France for deserting from the Foreign Legion; and if, in view of the services rendered by Harvey in the British Army during the Great War and subsequently with the Foreign Legion in North Africa, he will make representations to the French Government with a view to this man being released?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the case of John Harvey, a British subject, now undergoing a long sentence of imprisonment for desertion from the French Foreign Legion; whether he is aware that an American named Doty, the leader of the five men who deserted, has been set at liberty by the clemency of the French Government; and whether, in view of the hardships which Harvey was called upon to endure in the campaign against the Druses in Syria, he can see his way to approach the French Government in the matter and to ask them to extend the same clemency to Harvey and give him his freedom?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the case of the Englishman, John Harvey, and of the American, Bennett Doty, who were convicted in July last year of deserting from the French Foreign Legion; whether, seeing that the American was condemned to death and has subsequently been released on representations being made by the American Government, but the Englishman, who was sentenced to eight years' penal servitude, is still in prison, he has made any representations to the French authorities; and what action he intends to take to secure that this Englishman shall be released?

I am happy to be able to say that the French Government as soon as the matter was brought to their notice have given orders for the immediate release of Mr. John Harvey. I am sure that the House will much appreciate this graceful and generous act by the French Government?

Are we to understand that the release is a free release; that he is not to go back to his regiment?

I understand that it is a free pardon.

Can the Under-Secretary say how it is that the American Government at once made representations which effected the release of the man Doty, and why our Government did not take action at once?

Is it not the fact that this case has not previously been brought to the attention of the British Foreign Office; and that that is the reason why they did not interfere earlier?

I think that is the reason.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the question of signing the Optional Clause has been discussed with any of the Dominions since the last Imperial Conference; and, if so, with what result?

No, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many ships are at present in course of building, either in the Royal Dockyards or in the yards of private shipbuilding firms; and can he give the estimated expenditure separately for hulls, machinery, and labour in both cases?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the question from the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha) on the first of this month (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 732–4). I am not clear exactly what the hon. and gallant Member requires as regards the latter part of his question, since labour enters into the cost of hulls and machinery; but I would refer him to the programme appended to the Navy Estimates, 1927, which contains in considerable detail estimates of cost of ships under construction under a number of heads, including hulls, machinery, and dockyard labour.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the fact that 23 ships have been laid down in private shipyards and only 10 in Royal Dockyards; and why more work is not given to the Royal Dockyards?

The second part of the hon. Member's question is profoundly different from anything in his main question, but, if he will do the Admiralty the honour to look at the answer, he will see where the ships are and be able to count up for himself.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the increase in the American shipbuilding programme and of the reversal of their disarmament policy, he will reconsider his decision with regard to the postponement of the two cruisers?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has had under consideration the recent statement made by the President of the United States of America with reference to the naval programme of that country; and whether, in view of the contemplated expansion of the American navy, he will reconsider his decision to reduce the naval construction programme by two cruisers?

I have read the reports of President Coolidge's statement, but I find in it no grounds for departing from the decision of His Majesty's Government in regard to cruiser construction.

Has it not been the policy of His Majesty's Government to show their desire for disarmament by deeds and not by words, as opposed to the American policy of words and not deeds?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he did not abandon the two cruisers before the Conference instead of after; and does he not think that it creates a bad impression to do it now?

That question does not arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has been reached as a result of the representations made to him at an interview on 26th August, 1926, with the Association of First Class Masters of His Majesty's Tugs regarding increased pay and improved conditions of status and service for members of the association; and, if not, whether, seeing that the matter has been under consideration for so long, he can state when it may be expected that a definite reply will be given?

I am afraid that I am not yet in a position to add anything to my reply of the 20th July last (OFFICIAL REPORT, col. 386).

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in the meantime these masters of tugs are serving under conditions which are inferior to those of the Trinity House pilots? Cannot he expedite a decision?

I am aware that the hon. Member gave me that information some little time ago.

Why not make use of it?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can announce that ex-apprentices of His Majesty's dockyards are to count their service from 18 years of age for bonus and pension; and, if so, from what date will such a favour be granted?

I regret that I am unable to make the announcement that my hon. Friend suggests.

Does my hon. and gallant Friend mean that the suggestion is inaccurate or that he is not yet prepared to introduce it?

I can only give the answer which I have already given, that I am not yet in a position to make an announcement.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these ex-Government apprentices are in a worse position than outside apprentices with regard to the counting of time, and will he expedite a decision in the matter?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what sums of money, giving full details and percentages in each case, have been received by the Admiralty as their share of the profits derived from any films that have been made with the use of Admiralty property ships and naval ratings for exhibition to the public under contracts entered into between the Admiralty film-producing companies?

The amount actually received from film companies by the Admiralty up to date is £6,637. Further considerable sums are, however, expected to accrue from profits on films at present running. I am afraid I could not undertake to give the amounts in the detail asked for, as it is the invariable practice not to divulge contract prices.

Cannot the Parliamentary Secretary say the amount of money that has been received for each film?

I have given the hon. Member all the information that it is in my power to give.

May I ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that the services of naval ratings are used, as at Malta and Gibraltar, for commercial purposes, assisting in wireless telegraphy, and that these services are paid for? Why not make a business proposition of the use of naval ratings in the cinema-producing industry?

We are making it a business proposition, and that is one of the reasons why we are unable to disclose any of the details.

May I ask whether, in the case of this particular contract, the Parliamentary Secretary does not think it would be in the public interest to disclose what percentage the Admiralty are getting? It is a matter of public interest, and the British taxpayers are entitled to know.

We are looking after the interests of the British taxpayer.

Is it not the fact that a separate contract is made for each film, and is not the House of Commons entitled to know what profits are made out of these cinema contracts?

Is it true that a separate contract is made for each film?

We make our contracts and we make them in as satisfactory a manner as we can. I think the House should be satisfied with that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what cost has been incurred to date by the loan of officers and ratings, ships, and materials, for the making of cinematograph films; and what is the estimated cost of the services to be rendered for the making of the films already arranged for which His Majesty's Navy and royal naval personnel will enact scenes?

So far as can be ascertained, the expenses involved to date in connection with naval material have been less than £350 and these costs are paid for by the firms making the films. As regards royal naval personnel no extra expenses to the Crown are incurred. I am unable to estimate the cost referred to in the last part of the question, but whatever it may be it will be repaid by the firms concerned.

Should I not be right in saying that fuel is used by ships for this purpose which otherwise would be used for legitimate exercises, and that therefore the actual cost is very considerable?

The actual cost of what?

Does the Parliamentary -Secretary expect me to suggest that you can send a squadron of ships to sea burning oil fuel for a cost of £350?

All these costs are considered when the contract is made.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that enormous profits have been made by the film companies producing these films, and that for the hire of the Navy and personnel and everything else the Admiralty has received only £6,000 for twelve films?

Is not the whole object of these questions to prevent the production of British films?

Is it not a fact that the Navy are kept very tight for oil fuel, and that if they use it for film making they cannot use it for ordinary exercises?

The answer is that they do not use it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the number of officers on half pay plus civilian pay engaged at Admiralty head-quarters in October, 1913, and in October, 1927?

Four naval officers in October, 1913, and six in October, 1927, employed at Admiralty head-quarters were in receipt of naval half-pay in addition to the salary attaching to their Admiralty appointment.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to Cmd. 2983. which shows that his Department employs a lower percentage of disabled ex-service men and a lower total percentage of ex-service men than any other Government Department; the reason for this state of affairs; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy it?

The position has not materially altered since March last when, in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend, it was pointed out that, allowing for the fact that a large proportion of the Admiralty staffs belongs to the shipbuilding and engineering industries which were only allowed to volunteer for military service to a limited extent, the Admiralty percentage of ex-Service civil staff does not compare unfavourably with other departments.

Can my right hon. Friend assure me that he is making every possible effort to employ as many ex-service men as he can?

We are following the rules laid down for the Civil Service with regard to ex-service men in exactly the same way as every other department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works what progress has been made regarding the proposed new Embassy at Washington?

It is hoped that the contract for the building will be placed shortly. As hon. Members may be interested to see the design prepared by Sir Edwin Lutyens, my Noble Friend has arranged to exhibit the elevations In the Tea Room.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Walter Bewick, engine-room artificer, official number 7327, served 12 years from 25th February, 1914; that he was re-engaged in August, 1925, to complete time for pension; whether, on re-engagement, any medical examination took place; whether he is aware that he served on the China station from 1st January to November, 1926, and was in 1927 invalided with pulmonary tuberculosis; that during a period of 13 years no trace of this trouble was detected; and whether, seeing that medical opinion from the county sanatorium, Kent, attributes his complaint to service in China, he will reconsider this case with a view to augmentation of pension for such disability?

The particulars of this man's entry and re-engagement for service are as stated by the hon. Member. I will have further inquiries made into the medical aspects of the case and will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as practicable.

If I send the hon. and gallant Gentleman a letter on the subject, will he consider it?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will reconsider the decision against the award of a pension to Mrs. Merry, of Vigo Road, Andover, the widow of a soldier who served in Salonika and there contracted malaria, for which he was treated both at Salonika and by the pensions tropical disease clinic, in co-operation with his own medical attendant, who holds the highest medical qualifications in medicine and who during the period of the war was in charge of malarial huts at Hawick; and whether, having regard to the divergence of opinion between the man's own medical attendant, who affirms that the man's death was occasioned by war service, and the Ministry's medical officers, he will, in view of the widow's present distress, grant her an award of pension from the date of her husband's death?

The opinion of the medical officer referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend has already been carefully considered in this case, but the medical advisers of the Ministry are unable to depart from their judgment, based on the evidence as a whole, including the results of observation in hospital, that the pernicious anæmia of which Mr. Merry died was not connected with the malaria for which he was pensioned, or with his war service generally. The decision of the Ministry was confirmed lay the independent appeal tribunal to which Mrs. Merry, appealed against the rejection of her claim. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend regrets he can find no ground justifying further action in the case.

Is it not the case that the private medical officer called attention to the progress of anæmia during the man's attendance at hospital?

I do not think so. Anyhow, the independent appeals tribunal confirmed the decision of the Minister.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that certain weekly workers, especially oil millers, who, by the nature of their employment, are frequently stood off for a week or weeks at a time, count their week for wages from Monday to Saturday noon, whereas the Employment Exchange week is counted from Wednesday to Wednesday; that, as a result of this, the men on extended benefit lose benefit for one week of their unemployed period, as the first three days count in one week at the Employment Exchange and the last three days in another; and whether it can be arranged differently, so that these workmen do not suffer this disability?

These men are subject to the general rule that, save in cases of hardship, extended benefit cannot be paid to a short-time worker when his earnings in respect of the current benefit week amount to at least half a full week's earnings. I think that the saving in respect of hardship is sufficient to deal with any exceptional case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have this matter looked into, particularly in regard to this class of men, whose lot is very hard?

I have already looked into it, but if there are any fresh particulars perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will communicate with me.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that the late firm of W. Tasker and Sons, Limited, of Andover, now in liquidation, failed to stamp the insurance cards of their workmen although they deducted the money from the men weekly; that many of these men have in consequence been unable to obtain the relief to which they were entitled; and whether he will consider the adoption of some means to prevent such irregularities in future?

An inspection of this firm in 1926 disclosed that, whilst the great majority of the unemployment books of the firm's employés were properly stamped, a relatively small number were not fully stamped. So far as I am aware, however, no employé of the firm has suffered loss of unemployment benefit through failure on the firm's part to pay contributions. Every effort is made to ensure compliance with the Unemployment Insurance Acts by means of inspection and otherwise.

asked the Minister of Labour if, seeing that statistics of the number of persons who receive unemployment benefit in a particular month are not available, he will state on what figures the unemployed percentage of insured persons for the months of August, September, and October, given in the "Labour Gazette," are based?

The percentage rates of unemployment among insured persons published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette are based on a count of the numbers of unemployment books lodged at local offices, including those in the "two-months' file," irrespective of whether the persons to whom the books belong are drawing unemployment benefit. A separate count of those drawing benefit is not made for the purpose of these statistics.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 1,132,000 (approximate) persons registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges at 31st October were in receipt of covenanted or standard benefit, uncovenanted or extended benefit, and those not in receipt of benefit, respectively?

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons at work on 1st July, 1914, 1924 and 1927, respectively, in the iron and steel trades and woollen trades, and the number unemployed?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, with the consent of my hon. and gallant Friend, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

The following table shows, for the iron and steel and woollen and worsted industries of Great Britain, the estimated number of persons insured under

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Bristol men, who have been out of work for a long period, complain that preference is given by the Bristol Employment Exchange to men who have been out of work for a month or less; that, after investigation among the unemployed, this complaint was ventilated at the meeting of the main committee of the Bristol Employment Exchange, held on the 7th instant, when it was admitted that there were good grounds for the complaint, as men who had been out of work for a long period were regarded by the officials as unemployable; and whether he will cause an investigation to take place into the local administration of the Exchange?

For ordinary industrial vacancies notified to the Exchange, applicants are submitted according to their industrial qualifications without reference to the length of time they have been unemployed. In regard to relief works, however, at the request of the authority responsible for the relief works preference may be given to those who by reason of a long period of unemployment or domestic circumstances may be suffering distress. I see no necessity for any special investigation as suggested.

the Unemployment Insurance Acts at July of 1924 and 1927, the numbers of such persons recorded as unemployed at the end of June in those two years and the differences between these figures.

How is it possible for a man to obtain work if his long period of unemployment is regarded as a penalty which will place him behind men who have recently had jobs?

I am not accepting the statement that a long period of unemployment is regarded as a penalty. The Exchange in every case, quite rightly, has to consider what are the industrial qualifications of the people. If they did not do that, then in filling the places we should not be able to exercise the proper functions of an Exchange.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Employment Exchange at Bristol has admitted that where the qualifications of two men are equal the person with the longer period of unemployment has to rank after the man who has recently been employed?

I shall make inquiries and see if it is the case or not, tout in any event what I have said really answers the case. They have to try to judge industrial qualifications in the ordinary event, and if it is a question of relief work, of course preference is given to the men who have had a long period of unemployment.

Is it not a fact that the practice at Bristol exists elsewhere, especially in Walworth?

Perhaps the hon. Member will tell me of instances in Walworth, or communicate with me regarding them.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has yet fixed a site for the new Central Exchange in Glasgow; where the site is situated; when the work of building is likely to commence; and if any time limit has been fixed as to when the building will be finished?

A site has been purchased for this purpose at the corner of Waterloo Street and Douglas Street, and, subject to the necessary financial provision, I hope that the erection of the building may start sometime in the next financial year. It is not proposed to fix a time-limit but there will be no avoidable delay.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is taking steps to have the Employment Exchanges altered in construction to meet the requirements of the new Act in so far as the meetings of Courts of Referees are concerned, and to secure that no more waiting or overcrowding than is unavoidable will take place, particularly in the carry-over period?

I am endeavouring as far as possible to anticipate the requirements of the new Act in the direction indicated, and the position is being specially reviewed towards that end.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received the resolution passed by the Plymouth Council of Social Service urging the Government to provide facilities for training in agriculture and subsidiary occupations for suitable boys and girls who have just left school, in order to fit them for settlement within the Empire; and what action he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir, I have received the resolution and I shall be making some suggestions to the council whereby they may co-operate in a scheme for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the reason for the estimated excess cost of airship R101 increasing from £100,000 on 16th November to £165,000 on 7th December?

The hon. Member appears to have misconstrued the replies in the House on 16th November and 7th December; there has been no such increase as that stated in the question. The £100,000 quoted in the earlier reply is the amount by which the original estimate (£300,000) is likely to be exceeded; the £165,000 quoted in the later reply is the amount which will probably be required in addition to that which has already been expended (£235,000). The total estimated cost is the same in either case, namely £400,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if, as a graceful interlude in the process of airship development, he will train his expert staff at Cardington in the community singing of that beautiful old English ditty: That's the way the money goes; Pop goes the gas bag.

I must ask the hon. Member to give me notice of that very interesting question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many times since May 1924 he has revised the estimates of cost, quantity, lift capacity, and structure of airship R 101; and if he is confident that the present working designs are satisfactory and final?

As regards the first part of the question, R. 101 is an experimental type of aircraft designed on novel principles. This being the case, it was inevitable, as is the case in almost every new field of enterprise, that estimates made while many of the factors were still unknown should be provisional and a reasonable degree of elasticity allowed in the programme. It has followed that those originally made have had to be revised from time to time; but to state on how many occasions some item or other of expense has been varied would clearly be impossible. As regards the second part of the question, I would certainly not rule out the possibility that, as the work of assembly progresses, or as a result of trials, some further minor modifications may be found advisable— indeed in experimental development of this character excessive rigidity would obviously not be conducive to true economy or the production of an efficient article—but it is not expected that any major alterations will be necessary.

Will the Minister explain why up to the end of the present financial year he is spending over £40,000 in drawing office salaries alone; and if any sort of limit is going to be placed on this indefiniteness, since he did not know what he was doing in the first place and apparently, does not know now?

In the first place, a Socialist Government was in office, and I certainly was not responsible for that. In the second place, as to the actual figure, I would ask the hon. Member to give me notice of that question. The amount I am spending is strictly limited, and I hope it will not be greatly exceeded.

Would it not have been very injudicious, in the construction of an airship of this nature, to have had any fixed programme, in view of improvements which are bound to come along as the construction develops?

The right hon. Gentleman, for the third time, has suggested to me that this is a legacy to him from somewhere else.

"Order!"

It has often been laid down that this is not a time for speeches.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman then, if he is not conscious of the fact that a half truth is the meanest form of mendacity of which anyone can be guilty?

asked the Secretary of State for Air approximately what sum in excess of the contract price (£350,000) the Airship Guarantee Company will require to complete the construction of Airship R100 now building at Howden?

No, Sir, the matter is one entirely for the Airship Guarantee Company, and I have no information on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if the Airship Guarantee Company have asked for an extension of their contract prices; and, if so, is it proposed to grant one?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

Since the right hon. Gentleman has said that this was a legacy from a previous Government, is it not true that the minutes prove that the previous Government, namely the Labour Government, rejected the original airship scheme, as submitted by their predecessors?

Does this matter arise out of the present question?

In answer to the right hon. Gentleman I would point out that the hon. Member behind him asked me a question about this programme, and I was not dealing with anything else.

asked the Minister of Health the amount, if any, of South American meat which has been condemned in this country as unfit for human food during the last three years for which statistics are available, giving where possible the reasons for such condemnation?

I regret that the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available in my Department.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any of this meat has been condemned on account of being contaminated with foot-and-mouth disease?

That is another matter. I should require notice of that question.

If I apply to the Ministry of Agriculture, will they be able to give the information?

I think the hon. Gentleman should put down a question.

asked the Secretary for Mines what action has been taken under Section 22 of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, with reference to the qualifications of mine managers?

Action under this Section involves, as the hon. Member knows, many important and difficult considerations. Considerable discussion with the various bodies and persons involved has taken place, but I am not in a position to make any announcement on the subject at present.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many joint pit committees have been set up under the provisions of Section 21 of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, since the passage of the Act; and where these committees have been established?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. W. Paling) on 29th November, and to the hon. Member for Merioneth (Mr. Haydn Jones) on 15th June.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the House the latest information with regard to the explosion which occurred last night at the Haig Pit, Whitehaven?

I regret to inform the House that an explosion occurred in this pit last night in which, according to my information, the lives of four men have been lost. Three of the bodies have been recovered but a fire which is raging prevents further exploration for the recovery of the body of the fourth man who was killed. Operations are now in progress to seal the fire off. The Divisional Inspector left Newcastle immediately for the scene of the explosion and the Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines left London this morning to watch over the safety of these operations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Trade on shipping and shipbuilding reported on the efficient forges that had been closed in England prior to the War, and stated that this dumping was deliberately arranged for under German selling agencies and the cartel system; and what steps he is taking against similar dumping by the European cartel?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which the Prime Minister gave to a similar question by him on 12th December.

asked the Prime Minister if he has under consideration the bringing to this country of Nauru and Ocean Island phosphate rock, under the terms of the British Phosphate Commission agreement of 1920; and, if not, will he institute full inquiries as to its being made available to British phosphate manufacturers?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture received a deputation on this subject yesterday, and the matter is now being considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has yet come to any decision as to what aid, if any, he is prepared to give to the sugar refining industry?

I can at present add nothing to the answers given to previous questions on this subject.

When will the hon. Gentleman be prepared to give an answer? He stated, some time ago, that this question would he settled at an early date, and I would like to know if any date can be stated.

I cannot for the moment give a date, but I can say that the position is actually under examination, and obviously I am not in a position to say anything until the examination is concluded.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that to-day one of the Ministers is asking for £900,000 to subsidise sugar-beet?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the correspondence with the Southern Rhodesian Government relating to the Native Control Bill, he will draw the attention of that Government to the importance of securing that offences shall not be tried nor penalties inflicted by those who have made the charge against the alleged offender?

It is presumed that the hon. Member refers to Section 17 of the Act. The Native Commissioners on whom the powers in question are conferred are judicial officers. In any event it is provided that the proceedings of all cases tried under this Section shall be reviewed by the Chief Native Commissioner, who is an officer of high standing and with wide experience of natives, and further, that all natives convicted under the Section shall be informed that they have the right of having their conviction brought by way of review or appeal before the High Court.

In view of the importance of this question, I propose to raise it to-morrow night on the Adjournment, or at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that sanction was given to the legislation for the indenturing of native children in Rhodesia prior to the receipt by the Secretary of State for the Dominions of the last Report of the Chief Native Commissioner of Rhodesia, he will invite the Rhodesian Government to consider the advisability of submitting to His Majesty's Government periodic reports upon the working of the system of child labour in Rhodesia?

It is presumed that the hon. Member refers to the observations in the last report of the Chief Native Commissioner of Southern Rhodesia on the wages paid to native labourers in the mica fields. The report deals, however, with a period before the Native Juveniles Employment Act came into operation. Prior to the Act the employment of native juveniles was wholly unregulated, and the object of the legislation is to bring such employment under proper control and to enable the Native Commissioners to prohibit the employment of juveniles where it would be contrary to the interests of such juveniles. Information as to the working of the Act will no doubt be given in future reports of the Chief Native Commissioner.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the services rendered by Captain Pryce Thomas when in charge of the United Salvage Company's steamer "Rescue"; if he is aware that Captain Thomas picked up an S.O.S. from the German steamer "Elberfeld," whilst anchored at Gibraltar, and, notwithstanding the heavy weather, went to the assistance of the "Elberfeld," and, after strenuous efforts, the crew and one of the passengers, who had taken to lifeboats, were saved; and if the Board of Trade propose suitably to recognise Captain Thomas's services?

The attention of the Board of Trade had not previously been drawn to this case, and they will gladly obtain further particulars with regard to it. I should explain that in cases of this kind the question of recognition is usually left to the Government of the country to which the ship in distress belonged.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Standing Committee on Mineral Transport, appointed in February, 1927, has made any Report; if so, what are its recommendations and what steps are being taken to give effect to them; and, if not, when may a Report be expected?

I understand that the Standing Committee on Mineral Transport are still engaged on the collection of data necessary to the consideration of the matters remitted to them. They have not yet presented a Report, and I am unable to state how soon they may be in a position to do so.

Can the Minister give an approximate idea whether the Committee will have finished its labours by the end of the year?

I am afraid that I can give no date.

Are we to understand that this problem is not quite so simple as the Samuel Commission thought it was?

It looks like that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Carlisle and district State management has entered into competition with local manufacturers of temperance beverages, some of whom have already been forced out of business; whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent such competition; whether he is aware that the State management are competing with private interests in the general unlicensed catering trade; and whether such trade was considered in the State management scheme originally?

The Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) in 1916 acquired four licensed businesses in the city of Carlisle, which, in addition to the manufacture of beer and the blending and bottling of spirits, etc., carried on business as aerated-water manufacturers. These businesses were almost immediately concentrated in one building. There has been no change in the policy of supplying food and non-alcoholic refreshment in the same premises as intoxicating liquor in Carlisle, and it seems to my right hon. Friend that that policy is clearly right.

Is it not within the knowledge of the hon. and gallant Gentleman that they are tendering now for catering contracts, and is it not a fact that that was never contemplated when the original control over liquor was given to the State?

May we be assured that the Conservative Government are still in favour of the principle of competition?

Is it or is it not a fact that hon. Members opposite are constantly stating that every State undertaking is a failure, and does he not think the hon. and gallant Member who puts this question is justifying State enterprise?

Is it not a fact that if this State management paid Income Tax, Corporation Profits Tax, and Super-tax—[ Interruption ].

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that large numbers of the supporters of the Government are bitterly opposed in any shape or form to the nationalisation of any trade?

May we take it that the support of this policy is an indication that the Government are assisting the Temperance party to blockade Prohibition?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the existence, in London and elsewhere, of clubs, which have sprung up since the imposition of the Betting Tax, where illegal betting is taking place with consequent evasion of the tax; and whether he proposes to take any steps to ensure their suppression?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the number of registered clubs has increased of late years, and no doubt betting takes place in certain classes of club, but he is not in a position to say that clubs have been formed for the purpose of avoiding the Betting Duty. The detection of illegal betting in clubs is a matter of some difficulty, but the police are alive to the practice, and wherever possible proceedings are taken.

Has the Home Office received any submission from any other Departments in regard to these clubs?

I should like notice of that question.

Is it not a fact that at some of these clubs betting certificates are issued?

I am not aware of that, but, if the hon. Member has any facts to give me, I shall be glad to receive them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that ready money betting is now taking place on licensed bookmakers' premises in respect of which an entry certificate has been issued; and will he explain why duty is collected on this form of illegal betting and not upon betting through a wholly illegal business such as street betting or solely ready money betting taking place upon unlicensed premises?

There have been several prosecutions by the police for illegal betting such as that described in the first part of the question. In reply to the second part, a bookmaker who conducts illegal betting renders himself liable, not only to police prosecution for contravention of the law relating to betting, but also, if he does not pay duty on the bets, to Revenue prosecution as well.

May I ask if the authorities are endeavouring to collect the duty upon all betting, whether it takes place in a legal or an illegal form?

Yes, that is so. All illegal betting, if discovered, is punished, and the Revenue tax imposed. The Finance Act provides that all betting, legal and illegal, shall be taxed, and the authorities try to enforce the law.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House the number of prosecutions that have taken place?

No, Sir; not without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any further Reports from the Iraq Government of the impending attack or the movements of Sheikh Feisal-ed-Dowish; and can he give the particulars?

The Acting High Commissioner for Iraq reports the receipt of a message from the King of the Hejaz and Nejd to the effect that serious trouble has broken out in Nejd and that he has heard, to his regret, that a force of Akhwan is marching north contrary to his orders. He wished the Iraq authorities to have warning of this movement. The latest reports show that Akhwan raiding parties have recently been active in the neutral zone, which is between Iraq and Nejd territory. On the 9th December a British aeroplane reconnaissance was fired upon, one wireless operator being wounded. Later on, the same day, British aircraft located a strong raiding party in this area and attacked them with good effect. There is also a report of a raid by Akhwan further north in Iraq territory, but this is not yet confirmed.

Could we know whether the raiding parties are in very large numbers?

Not, I gather, very large, but it would seem that loot and marauding were the main objects of the raids.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps have been taken to construct a bridge over the Zambesi River?

I am not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that two Javanese Communists, named Alimin and Moeso, who have been for some time past engaged in revolutionary movements in Dutch East India under the directions of the Moscow Communist Internationale, were recently arrested at Singapore and subsequently released; and whether these persons were prosecuted?

Before this question is answered, may I ask whether a question affecting some other Government which states an apparent fact is quite in order?

To what is the hon. Member referring?

I refer particularly to the phrase where it states that for some time past these persons have been engaged in revolutionary movements under the directions of the Moscow Communist Internationale.

In all these questions, the Member asking the question makes himself responsible.

I am responsible, and I accept the responsibility.

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the arrest and release of these men. They were arrested under the local Banishment Ordinance, but after full inquiry the Governor was advised that in the existing state of the law further proceedings against them were impossible, and they were accordingly released. As I informed the hon. Member for Blackpool (Sir W. de Frece) on 5th December, steps are now being taken to bring the local law into line with that of this country.

Are we to understand that these two persons did not break the law in the territory referred to?

As I understand it, they did not break the existing law in the Straits Settlements, and therefore, they were released.