asked the Under-secretary of State for India the number of police that were injured in the rioting that took place at Calcutta on Friday, 3rd February, and the number of arrests that were made on this occasion?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 13th February.

Will the Noble Lord say when he expects to get the information on this very important point?

There is no further information to be given. Full information was given in the newspapers at the time. The telegram to which I have referred did not give any important information on the subject, because the newspaper report was very full.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the land prepared by the Bombay Government for the Military Department of the Government of India in the Back Bay Reclamation Scheme has yet been taken over and paid for by the military authorities?

An area of approximately 20 acres was levelled off by the middle of February, 1927, in readiness to hand over to the military authorities in advance of the rest. Some months ago the Government of Bombay anticipated that the remainder of Block 8 would be ready for transfer between March and May, 1928. My noble Friend has no later official information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether that section of the Feetham Report which recommends communal representation for municipal elections in Kenya will be legislated on prior to the reception of the Report of the Hilton Young Commission; and whether the general approval of the Report indicated by him includes this section dealing with the franchise?

I have no recent information from the Government of Kenya which would indicate when legislation is likely to be introduced or passed on this subject. The conditions on which general approval was given to the Feetham Commission's recommendations in their report relating to Nairobi did not further distinguish between sections of the Report.

May we have an assurance that the Report of the Hilton Young Commission will not prejudice this very serious point by any premature legislation on this question in Kenya or elsewhere?

Naturally that is a matter which will be taken into consideration by the Government.

Would it be possible to make that known to the Government of Kenya?

I think they fully realise its importance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that it is now some years since it was proposed to vest the land in Kenya occupied by natives in some form of trust, he is yet in a position to lay before the House the proposed constitution of this trust?

No, Sir. I am still in communication with the Governor of Kenya on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he gave me that answer two years ago? Would it not be possible now that he has come back from his tour to give a more satisfactory answer on this question, or at any rate inform the House that no more land will be taken from the natives until this Commission is definitely settled?

I know that the matter has taken rather long to consider, but we are anxious to get the most satisfactory form of trust. Negotiations have actually been proceeding all the time, and I am not aware that any land has been transferred pending the negotiations.

Is it not a fact that the natives are not making very much use of the land and that they prefer going, outside and working for the white men?

That may be the case, but I do not think it affects the desirability of having a satisfactory land trust to safeguard the interests of the natives.

Are we to understand that, pending the setting up of this trust, no more land will be alienated from the natives?

I cannot give a definite pledge on that point off-hand, but I do not think that any actual transference is taking place in native territory.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see that every month that this question is postponed means that more land will be alienated and that the whole position will be prejudiced?

I entirely agree with the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's object.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make regarding the present financial position of Palestine; the condition of trade in that country; and the latest statistics of tin-employment amongst Jewish immigrants?

According to a revised estimate submitted in December the revenue of the Palestine Government during the financial period of nine months which ended on the 31st of December was expected to be slightly in excess of expenditure excluding sums transferred from loan account. The draft estimates for 1928 anticipate a deficit of £120,742 which is accounted for by interest on the recent loan amounting to £170,000. As regards the second part of the question, the value of imports is still very substantially in excess of the value of exports, but the margin was nearly £1,000,000 less in the first nine months of 1927 than in the corresponding period of 1926. At the end of December last there were about 6,500 unemployed Jews in Palestine including persons who had less than three days work a week; the non-Jewish unemployed numbered about 2,000.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in one of the principal towns in Palestine a large proportion of the population who have been encouraged to go there are out of Work?

I think that question is covered by the answer which I have given.

Is it proposed to discourage this immigration?

For some time this immigration has been kept down.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to discourage it?

We have been discouraging it.

May I ask whether in the balancing of the Palestine Budget the amount that should be or might be contributed to the Ottoman Debt by Palestine is taken into account in the figures which he gave to the House?

I am not sure. I think that I had better have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Communist propaganda schools have been established in Jaffa and Jerusalem by Soviet agents which have for their object the revolutionary overthrow of the British Empire; and whether, seeing that in the States bordering on Palestine the Turkish, French, and other authorities have expelled all known Soviet agents from their territories, and in view of the use which is being made of Palestine by Communist organisations as a centre for their activities in the Near East, the Government propose to take steps to exclude Bolshevist agitators from that country?

As I stated in reply to questions in this House on 13th February, I am aware that Communist propaganda is being carried on in Palestine, but I am satisfied that the Palestine Government are fully alive to the position and are taking all possible steps to exclude Bolshevist agitators.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Turkish and the French authorities did take the necessary steps to turn these people out, and are the British Government going to allow them to remain there to the detriment of our people?

The Commissioner of Palestine will take good care of the situation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that in these matters in England we have rather better traditions than the Turkish Empire?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the long time which must elapse before the Committee of Civil Research can report on the rubber restriction scheme, he will issue a considered statement on the whole situation, and, if possible, include in it a declaration that no change in the present scheme can take place before 1st November of this year?

As the Prime Minister is answering question No. 47 on the same subject, perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will be willing to await that reply.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that a great deal of uncertainty has arisen on account of this unfortunate announcement from 10, Downing Street, and can he do anything to allay that uncertainty?

The Prime Minister will deal with that question in a few minutes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any communications have passed between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States of America within the past two months on the subject of the rubber restriction scheme?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister if he is has received any communication from the Rubber Trade Association with regard to allowing the present restriction scheme to remain in force until 31st October; and whether he is now able to give the assurance asked for?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second part, as my hon. Friend is aware, in accordance with the notice issued by the Colonial Office on 1st February, no change will be made in the scheme for three months from that date. When the Government takes its decision on the Committee's report, the House may rest assured that it will pay full regard, in the character and time of any public announcement, to all the British interests involved.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect the Committee may be able to report?

That question, I am afraid, I cannot answer at present.

It is because of that uncertainty that we are pressing for the date. Is the Committee likely to be able to report before 31st October?

I am not in a position to answer that question. In any matter of this kind unfortunately, there must be a certain amount of uncertainty, whatever date may be fixed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to expedite the inquiry before the whole trade passes to foreign ownership as the result of restriction?

Would it not be advisable for the Government to refuse to interfere with the industry at all?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will approach the Canadian Government with a view to a more equitable arrangement being come to as to the operation of the dumping Clause with regard to the export of silk from Great Britain since the establishment of the silk duties?

The question whether it is desirable that, in valuing goods for Customs purposes, including special or dumping duty, any amount allowed as drawback by the authorities of the exporting country should be excluded, formed the subject of a Report by a Sub-Committee of the Imperial Conference, 1926 (page 399 of Cmd. 2769). His Majesty's Government in Great Britain have invited the attention of His Majesty's Government in Canada to this Report and have inquired whether they have been able to give further consideration to the matter; but no reply has yet been received.

Will the right hon. Gentleman pursue this matter with the Canadian Government in view of the fact that it is nearly two years since the question was raised?

It is just over a year since the council considered it, and it has certainly lost no time.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the total amount contributed by India towards the expenses of the Empire Marketing Board since its inception; the number of applications for grants received by the board from Indian bodies and the amount of such applications sanctioned; and if he will give information as to the number of Indians employed in an advisory executive and minor capacity in connection with the board's educational work in this country and other parts of the Empire, and in connection with the other activities of the Empire Marketing Board?

The Empire Marketing Fund is provided wholly by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain, and no contribution to the board's expenses has been made by the Government of India or by the Governments of other parts of the Empire. Definite applications for grants for scientific research have not yet been formulated by the Government of India on behalf of Indian institutions, but I am informed by the representative of India on the board that plans for the development of research in India, to which the Empire Marketing Board will be asked to contribute are now under consideration. I am also informed that India is keenly interested in, and likely to benefit from, the results of researches in many different branches of agricultural science, which are being undertaken in other parts of the Empire with the aid of contributions out of the Empire Marketing Fund. As regards the staff employed, the services of Indians with special qualifications are utilised from time to time to undertake work of a temporary character in connection with the board's educational and publicity activities.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the grave position of the iron-steel trade; and, if so, having regard to that fact, and that the Government last Session gave special time to discussion of both the coal trade and agriculture, will he consider giving a day for the discussion of this important industry?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the north-east coast of England produces 30 per cent. of the United Kingdom's pig iron and 25 per cent. of the United Kingdom's steel; and, as there has been a serious decrease, whether he will take steps to assist and maintain the industry, in view of the growing unemployment in this area?

As my hon. Friend the Member for Penrith and Cockermouth (Mr. Dixey) is aware, opportunity for the discussion of this subject was afforded on the Debate on the Address, and further opportunity remains by way of Private Members' Motion. In view of the state of Parliamentary business I cannot give a special day for discussion. I would also refer my hon. Friends to the answer which I gave on 10th November last in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Flint (Mr. Goodman Roberts).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to publish the result of the Board of Trade inquiry into short weight in rail-borne coal deliveries?

No formal Report is available on this matter, but the information obtained as the result of Departmental inquiries does not appear to disclose any widespread cause of complaint.

NOTE.—From and including the year 1924, the above figures exclude Imports into the Irish Free State, and from the same year the consignments from Russia represent those from the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the technicalities of the White Paper are preventing many applications under the Safeguarding of Industries Act reaching a successful issue; and will he consider amending the Act?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made in this

Are we to gather from that that we are to get no report? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that merchants' associations throughout the country are awaiting the information collected by the Committee?

For the present, no information has been gathered which will justify a report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the imports of oil into this country for the years 1913 to 1924 and each subsequent year, and the quantity imported from Russia during the same period?

The answer takes the form of a table of figures, and the hon. Member will perhaps allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the Table:

The following table shows the total quantities of crude and refined petroleum, respectively, imported into the United Kingdom in each of the years 1913 and 1924 to 1927, distinguishing the quantities consigned from Russia.

House by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12th April last. I am sending him a copy of this statement, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make any statement as to the Government's decision on the recommendations of the Irish Grants Committee?

As the House is aware, the British Government of 1922 publicly stated that they could not divest themselves of a duty to see that claims to compensation in respect of injuries to person or property in the Irish Free State in the period immediately following the Treaty were equitably met. In 1926 a Committee was set up under the chairmanship of Lord Dunedin to report whether any action beyond that already taken should be taken by His Majesty's Government. This Committee found that the persons who were entitled to rely on the above promise were those persons only who had suffered injuries in respect of their allegiance to the Government of the United Kingdom and that that Government should take definite steps to alleviate to the best of their ability such injuries in cases where compensation had either not been given or had been less than equitable. The Dunedin Committee further stated that the decision as to what grants should be made must rest with His Majesty's Government who, however, should be assisted in the investigation of claims by an advisory body.

In consequence a Committee under Sir Alexander Wood Renton was set up in October, 1926, to advise His Majesty's Government whether in cases as defined by the Dunedin Committee some further ex gratia grant should in reason and fairness be made to the claimants in addition to any compensation already awarded.

His Majesty's Government had no means of knowing with certainty, until the work of the Committee was complete, the extent of the hardship with which they would have to deal. On the other hand, it was obvious that in no circumstances could the Government assign to an advisory Committee the power of committing the Exchequer to an indefinite liability. They therefore decided in harmony with Lord Dunedin's Report that the function of the Committee should not be to make awards, but only to advise. The Government could not bind themselves to act on the advice, but would have in their minds a limit of expenditure beyond which they would not be pre- pared to go, so that, if the Committee's recommendations exceeded that amount, the Government would find it necessary to adjust the payments in each individual case accordingly.

These conclusions were communicated by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Committee at the time when it was being set up.

As the Committee has proceeded in its work it has become clear that its recommendations would considerably exceed in amount the limits which the Government have been led to assign. It was found impossible to wait until the conclusion of the whole Inquiry before taking final decisions. The position of many of the claimants was such that uncertainty as to the final awards was in itself involving hardship. The Government therefore decided in December last to extend the original limit which they had fixed from £400,000 to £625,000. It now appears from all the evidence we have been able to collect that the total compensation which may be recommended by the Wood Renton Committee, including the payments already made, may be approximately £l million. In these circumstances the Government have examined very closely the principles which have guided the Committee in making their recommendations. They have come to the conclusion that the Committee's work has been done at every stage with a due regard to the interests of the general public and that the recommendations cannot be considered excessive. They have also satisfied themselves that the drastic scaling down of these recommendations would inflict in numerous cases severe, unmerited hardship upon individuals, which hardship might reflect upon the sincerity with which the Government have given effect to the undertakings of their predecessors.

It remains impossible for any Government to commit itself in a matter of this kind to a liability without limits. I therefore take this opportunity of stating that, an increased sum not exceeding £1 million will be held available as required in satisfaction of these claims.

All awards up to £1,000 will at once be paid in full. Of the excess over this figure 60 per cent. will be advanced on account immediately. The residue of the £1 million will be applied to the recommendations at the close of the Inquiry in so far as they have not been already implemented.

The House will understand the difficulty which naturally arises in reconciling a strict and fair discharge of engagements into which the State has entered with the need of protecting the Exchequer from an indefinite liability.

I should add that this decision must be taken as final so far as His Majesty's present advisers are concerned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House the number of claims that have already been heard by the Wood-Renton Committee, the number that have still to be heard, and the recommendations of the Committee in respect of those claims which have already been heard?

My hon. Friend is, I have no doubt, aware that a Supplementary Estimate on this subject is likely to be taken on Thursday next, and that, I think, will be the appropriate time to carry this discussion any further.

Will this statement alter the amount of the Supplementary Estimate which is to be taken on Thursday, or will it still remain the same; and, in the second place, when did this change of policy on the part of the Treasury take place?

The Supplementary Estimate which is to be presented on Thursday will deal adequately with any immediate requirements of finance which this statement involves.

Will it be final?

The expenditure, naturally, does not accrue at one particular moment. The Supplementary Estimate is only for that amount of expenditure which is expected to accrue within the limits of the financial year. In answer to the second part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question, I think the Debate on Thursday will be a very good opportunity to raise that point.

Does the Wood-Renton Committee agree with the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his estimate of the total sum required to meet the equitable claims of those who suffered damage?

I should certainly not answer such a question as that, either now or on Thursday next. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] Because the Commission have a certain duty to discharge, and I am not seeking to base myself upon anything which would restrict their proper discharge of that duty. It would be manifestly improper to do so. I am stating the policy of His Majesty's Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a sum of £1,000,000 would appear, on the face of it, to be entirely inadequate? Is it not the case that a sum of £625,000 is required to meet claims which have already been heard and have been reduced by 30 per cent. and 70 per cent., and that, as we understand it, practically an equal number of claims are still to be heard; and how will £375,000 meet the making good of the 30 per cent. and 70 per cent. and also meet all the other claims which have yet to be heard?

That will be a very fitting subject to raise on Thursday next. I must repeat that the decision of the Government in this matter must be taken as final.

rose —

The matter can be debated on Thursday.

This is a very important matter, and may I ask another question?

There will be an opportunity on Thursday of raising the whole subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether he can now inform the House as to the result of the negotiations between the British Government and the Government of the Irish Free State as to the ex-British civil servants in Southern Ireland, some 400 in number, who are still waiting to retire under Article 10 of the agreement for a Treaty between Great Britain and the representatives of the Irish Free State, but who 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 over two years; and whether he is aware of the hardship which this long delay has occasioned to ex-servants of the British Crown;

(2) whether his attention has been called to the decision of the judicial committee of the Privy Council in the case of Wigg and another v . the Attorney-General of the Irish Free State; and what action the British Government are taking, in connection with the Government of the Irish Free State, to secure the rights of former British civil servants in accordance with the judgment of the Privy Council?

I am sorry that at the moment I can add nothing to my answer to the question which he put to me on 13th February. I expect, however, to be in a position to make an announcement later in the week.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that there is great urgency in this matter, and that I have been asking questions for nearly a year in this House on this subject and these unfortunate civil servants of the British Crown were given special rights under the Irish Treaty which the British Government have done nothing to see carried into effect?

I know that the matter is one of importance and urgency. I had hoped to be able to give my Friend an answer to-day but I think I shall be able to answer his question before the end of the week.

Shall I put my question down again for Wednesday or this day week?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down on this day week.

Is this another case of "Wigs on the Green "?

Why has the Compensation Committee not been able to sit for over two years?

I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has taken any further steps to help ex-service men in the Irish Free State to emigrate and to give them the same opportunities for obtaining assisted passages as are given to ex-service men in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is now able to announce any arrangement whereby ex-service men from the Irish Free State can be brought under the terms of the Overseas Settlement Act?

The Prime Minister explained the position to my Noble Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon) in his reply on the 19th December, and I regret that I am not in a position at present to add anything to that reply.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether anything has been done in the meantime, and is he aware that certain of these soldiers came forward voluntarily during this country's need, and now are left as no man's children?

The matter has been discussed both with the Irish and with the Canadian authorities, but we have not yet been able to arrive at any satisfactory scheme.

Did the right hon. Gentleman discuss it when he was in Canada?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominions Affairs whether the salary of the British liaison officer in New Zealand will be borne on the Dominions Office or the Foreign Office Vote; what is the salary fixed for the post; and to what Department in London will the official in question report?

It is contemplated that, as from the 1st April, provision for the emoluments of the officer in question should be included in the Dominion Services Vote. The scale of emoluments is that appropriate to an officer of his seniority serving abroad. It is not anticipated that he will report formally to any Department of His Majesty's Government in Great Britain, though he will no doubt correspond informally with the Foreign Office and the Dominions Office as occasion may arise.

Is it not a rather curious precedent to send out a British civil servant to the other end of the world without his being under any obligation to report?

No, Sir; I think there have been a good many precedents for loaning British civil servants to Dominion Governments. This officer is being loaned to the Prime Minister of New Zealand for his purposes, and not as a representative of any Department of the British Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether Mr. Novamesky has given satisfactory assurances that he has sufficient capital behind him to work the Dead Sea salts concessions; and whether such capital is British?

I am not at present in a position to answer this question.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this concession is likely to become a scandal worse than the Rutenberg Concession, and that it is causing a great deal of feeling among the Arabs, as witnessed by the attack on an hon. Member of this House the other day at Bagdad?

The hon. and gallant Member's supplementary question does not seem to be quite relevant to the question on the Paper.

May I point out that it is all connected?

I should like to see a question of that kind in writing.

Is it quite Parliamentary language to describe the Rutenberg Concession, which it was sought to use as a whip for the previous Government, as a scandal?

That is just why I should like to see such a question in writing.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, if, in view of the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease impeding the export of pedigree and other cattle from this country, he can say when any quarantine stations for the export of animals from this country will be open; and if he has any statement to make as to the objects of these stations?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present state and prospect of completion of the quarantine stations for the export of pedigree stock; where such stations are being established; and what delays or difficulties, if any, are being encountered?

A quarantine station, through which pedigree stock intended for export to the Dominions will pass immediately before shipment, is in course of erection at the East India Dock, London, and is expected to be ready for the reception of animals in April. This station is being established under the management of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, at the charge of the Empire Marketing Fund, and is designed to enable the export of pedigree stock to the Dominions to proceed without the interruptions hitherto caused by outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Great Britain. Negotiations are also proceeding for the establishment of a similar station at Glasgow under the management of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, at the charge of the Empire Marketing Fund. A suitable site has been selected, and it is expected that the erection of this station will not be long delayed.

Who is providing the site, and how will the expenses be met?

The Empire Marketing Board is meeting the expense. There has been a good deal of difficulty in finding a suitable site, because, of course, it has to be kept away from animal landing places or places where foodstuffs might be contaminated. The Port of London Authority is co-operating with us in finding a suitable site.

Will these quarantine stations be used for the importation of cattle from the Argentine?

No; it is a matter of exporting British pedigree stock; there is no trade in live cattle from any part of the world where there is foot-and-mouth disease.

Which fund will be responsible if there is any loss?

The Empire Marketing Board will contribute towards the upkeep, but those who make use of these stations will, naturally, pay expenses.

If there is any loss, will it fall on the Empire Marketing Board?

The cost of running these stations will be borne by the Empire Marketing Fund, because it is held to be of great importance that the Dominions and Colonies should have the advantage of the very best British stock as foundation stock for their livestock industry.

Could the Minister give a little more definite information in regard to the actual bringing into operation of the London quarantine station, as there is a great deal of anxiety, among both exporters and officials in the Dominions as to when it will begin its work?

I can only say that it is being pressed on as quickly as possible, and we are assured that it will be opened in April.

In view of the nature of the Empire Marketing Board's grant, and the inadequate control of the finance that we have here, can we know whether the control of the expenditure in this matter will be with the Royal Agricultural Society?

They are going to manage it, and, naturally, will submit details to the Empire Marketing Board.

Will the Argentine Government be prepared to give export permits to cattle from these quarantine stations to enter the Argen- tine, even though there were at the time areas in Great Britain scheduled under the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Orders?

I am afraid I could not answer that question without notice.

In the event of any questions arising in regard to the management of these stations, to whom should such questions be addressed? Is the management to be controlled by the Highland and Agricultural Society, say, in Scotland, without reference to any Department, or should questions be put down to the Secretary of State for the Dominions, or to the Minister of Agriculture himself?

By all means, let questions be put to the Minister of Agriculture, as responsible for the Regulations concerning animal diseases in both England and Scotland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he is likely to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendation of the recent Drainage Commission; and, pending such legislation, what steps is he taking to deal with special area problems?

I am afraid I cannot at this stage add anything to the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the Isle of Ely (Sir H. Lucas-Tooth) on 13th February.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give some idea as to when the bigger scheme is likely to be prepared, so that legislation can be introduced, and will he state what steps are being taken in special areas?

We are carrying out the arrangements that were on foot for special areas, such as the River Rother, in the Rye area, the Arun Level near Littlehampton, the Welland outfall, and two large grants in the Ouse area. As to the question of general legislation, the hon. Member will realise that there is a great deal of work to be done before that can possibily be introduced, and that work is being pressed on.

Did not the Minister announce in 1926 that a general Drainage Bill would shortly be introduced, and can he give the reason why it has been dropped?

It was announced subsequently that we felt that this question was so complicated that we should have to base our legislation on the findings of a Royal Commission. That Royal Commission has now reported, and it is suggested that certain questions should be further explored, and at this stage we cannot say exactly how we shall deal with general legislation, or when we shall be ready to introduce it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of legislation during this Session to deal with this very urgent problem?

No, Sir; it is quite certain that it cannot be ready this Session.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that during the past year floods have created a specially difficult situation for the agricultural community in this country, and will he try to hurry up any legislation that he wishes to bring in?

Is it not also true that the Royal Commission reported that there are 365 drainage authorities, and that, therefore, it must take time to come to some settlement?

Did not the Royal Commission—

This is becoming a Debate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the large area of land laid derelict in the Don Valley, South Yorkshire, due to lack of drainage; that this area has been scheduled for priority treatment; and what steps have been taken or are intended to deal with this problem?

The area to which the hon. Member is presumably referring has been the subject of investigation by a special Commission, whose report is, I understand, about to be published. Until I have had an opportunity of examining the Commission's recommendations and their bearing on those of the Royal Commission on Land Drainage, I am unable to say what steps it may be possible to take in connection with the drainage of this area.

Are we to understand that there is no likelihood of even this area being dealt with during this Session?

I should think it is quite certain that we shall not be able to consider a report which we have not yet received in time for legislation this Session.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it possible to deal with this very urgent problem while the land is still privately owned?

Most certainly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that Yorkshire does not have preferential treatment at the expense of Lincolnshire?

Is there any fund available out of which grants can be made to county councils to assist them in carrying out schemes?

Grants can be made to drainage authorities. They will more generally be available to other authorities than county councils, who have very little power.

Where county councils have become drainage authorities will grants be made?

Yes. Grants can be made towards works of a permanent character.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department say that there are no grants available at present?

asked the Minister of Agriculture when Government proposals in respect of long-term agricultural credits will be laid before the House of Commons?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to say when the Government proposals with regard to agricultural credit will be laid before the House.

Is it not a fact that this item was in the King's Speech two years ago, and that they have not had time yet to prepare their proposals?

The hon. Member is quite misinformed. This item appeared for the first time in the King's Speech for this Session, which means that it will be introduced in due course.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a reference was made to the likely provision of agricultural credits in the King's Speech two years ago and nothing has been done until this moment? Further, is he aware that there is a reason which he has never explained to the House why funds are not provided?

The hon. Member is basing his question on a misapprehension. There was no mention whatever of agricultural credits in the King's Speech two years ago.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of including horticulture in the provision of a grant?

asked the Minister of Agriculture in how many instances his approval of schemes for the provision of small holdings or cottage holdings, under the Act of 1926, has been deferred or refused on account of the price proposed to be paid being more than in his opinion was justified; and if he will give particulars of such cases?

Approval has been deferred or refused in two instances. One of these was the South Lathom Estate in Lancashire, a property of about 288 acres which, as I informed my hon. Friend in reply to a question on the 17th instant, has now been acquired by the county council at the figure which I was prepared to approve. The other instance is a small property of under half an acre with a cottage which the Surrey County Council proposed to purchase for the purpose of providing a cottage holding. I was advised that the proposed purchase price was excessive, and that if the council acquired the property at a fair price the scheme would be self-supporting.

Any statement that the Ministry are obstructing the operation of the Act by administrative action would be quite unfounded?

Quite unfounded. The only result of the delay we imposed in the first instance has been a saving of £2,000 to the public funds.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to a proposal to erect experimental grain-storing and conditioning silos, with a view to popularising the system, the encouragement of arable farming, and co-operation among farmers; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the Development Commission and the Empire Marketing Board to proceed with the project?

Yes, Sir, but I am advised that the national organisations representing farmers, merchants and millers respectively have recently intimated that they do not, at present, regard a system of elevator storage for English grain as practicable. In these circumstances, I am doubtful of the wisdom of proceeding with experiments of the kind referred to, but I will have the proposal further examined.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether sugarbeet pulp has been exported recently; if so, in what quantity; whether the factories are arranging or have arranged for export; if so, in what quantities; what is the price at which the pulp is offered to British farmers; and, in the case of export, what is the price to foreign buyers at the factory?

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

In view of the fact that sugar-beet has a subsidy attached to it, can steps be taken to prohibit export?

We cannot prohibit export, but we will do all in our power to induce the factories to meet the case of those farmers who have not been able to get supplies. The factories are anxious to dispose of their beet pulp in this country, but in some cases, owing to the difficulty they had in disposing of it last year, they may have oversold themselves early in this season owing to the unexpected short crop of beet.

Following is the reply:

Sugar beet pulp has recently been exported by the factory companies and delivery is being made of contracts entered into last year. The quantity of dried bees pulp exported from the 1927 beet crop was 20,745 tons out of the total dry pulp production of 87,658 tons. In the previous year 36,760 tons were exported and 62,800 tons produced. As far as I am aware no new arrangements have been made for export. Under the contract between the grower and the factory the grower has the option of receiving from the factory, at the price of £5 a ton, dried beet pulp equal to 5 per cent. of the total weight of his beet deliveries, provided his option is exercised in writing before the 1st August in each year. Hitherto growers have not taken full advantage of this option, although the amount taken up under this option has increased from year to year. Certain factory companies in 1927 made the growers a special offer of £5 delivered at growers' station. I understand that the f.o.b. price of pulp exported abroad in 1927 ranged from about £5 to £5 15s. a ton. The price at the factory would be 10s. to 15s. a ton less.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the serious effect the Order prohibiting the importation of animals from any part of Ireland will have upon the cattle breeders and traders of Northern Ireland, he can give any additional information regarding the outbreak which necessitated such drastic action, and whether he will consider modifying the Order so as to free Northern Ireland from the ban, in view of the fact that no outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred in that country, and that all animals are carefully inspected before leaving, and that they are kept in quarantine for some time after arrival in Great Britain?

At 8.15 p.m. on 16th February the Ministry was informed by the Government of Southern Ireland that foot-and-mouth disease had been reported on premises within one mile of the town of Wexford. As a precautionary measure, the Ministry instructed all port inspectors to hold animals from Ireland in the 11 landing places at which Irish animals are imported into this country. When disease was definitely confirmed, the Ministry passed an Order suspending all shipments of animals from Ireland. As soon as full reports are received from the Irish Free State Government the Ministry will be able to settle from which ports in Ireland animals can be accepted for. slaughter within 96 hours at those ports at which there to slaughtering accommodation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that, as soon as these restrictions can be safely withdrawn from Northern ports, they will be withdrawn, in view of the fact that there are now no imports from the Free State to the North under the Order?

We have no evidence at present to show whether this Wexford outbreak is the original one or not. The Irish Free State Department of Agriculture are tracing the suspected animals and, of course, these restrictions will not be kept on any longer than is necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether any body or Committee has examined, or is examining, further into the proposals for reforming the House of Lords; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation to this end?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Does the fact that there is no mention of this in the King's Speech mean that the Government have given up all intention of proceeding further with their plan of last year?

Not necessarily.

Is the matter being examined? Is it still before the Cabinet?

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill making amendments in the licensing law during the lifetime of the present Parliament?

During the present short Session of Parliament there will be no opportunity to deal with so controversial a question as the amendment of the law relating to the sale of intoxicating liquor. At this stage His Majesty's Government are unable to make any statement with regard to the legislative programme for next Session.

asked the Prime Minister whether in the next General Election it will be open to officers and men of the fighting services to exercise their electoral rights by attending political meetings, asking questions of candidates, and when in mufti advocating their political opinions and the redress of such grievances as affect them and their families as citizens, all of which rights were exercised without restraint until the Representation of the People Act, 1918, when members of the fighting forces were given votes as such, and which from that date until the year 1924 were freely exercised?

Officers and men serving in the fighting, forces are required to refrain from active participation in meetings held for party or political purposes, and active prosecution of the interest of a Parliamentary candidate. The observance of this rule does not impose any unreasonable restriction upon officers and men serving in the fighting forces, and I think that it is better to leave the interpretation of this general rule to the good sense of those concerned rather than to attempt to lay down a number of hard-and-fast detailed Regulations.

Would it not be far more sensible to let these men know exactly what their rights may be, seeing that they have hitherto exercised them without any restraint? I have asked a number of particular questions in order to clarify the issue. May I know whether they may attend political meetings and ask questions of candidates? They are entitled to know that.

I do not think doubts and difficulties exist in the minds of these officers and men so much as in the minds of their representatives. I think they are perfectly familiar. There has been no alteration in the Regulation, which has existed for many years, it is causing no trouble, and the fighting services have tried by means of definition to ease their position in the direction the hon. Member would undoubtedly desire to go. If he has any particular point at any time that he wishes to bring up, of course he can put down a question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, with respect, whether he is not entirely mistaken in this matter and that up to 1924 no restriction whatever was placed upon the free exercise of political rights; whether in 1918 there was not an order restricting those rights which was subsequently withdrawn, and that the rights have been freely exercised up to the last general election?

I am not aware of any difference in the situation to-day from the situation as I have known it ever since I have been a Parliamentary candidate.

In view of the Fleet Order, can my right hon. Friend say whether it has been settled what is the position of half-pay officers in the Navy?

That does not arise out of the question. If my hon. and gallant Friend puts down a question I will try to answer it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the amounts of foreign or Colonial meat purchased by the War, Navy, and Air Departments?

The total quantity of foreign and Dominion meat purchased for the Navy, Army, and Air Force in the calendar year 1927 was approximately 22,750 tons.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware of the complaints from members of the public at the disfigurement caused to the amenities and beauty of the eastern end of Hyde Park by reason of the erection of a block of flats on the site of Grosvenor House; and whether he will introduce legislation to secure that no building adjoining a royal park shall be erected to a height beyond the statutory 80 feet from street level unless plans have first been submitted and approved, showing that the amenities of the district and the enjoyment by the public of the adjoining open space will not be prejudiced?

The Department was consulted in regard to this block of flats under Section 48 of the London Building Act of 1894, and saw no sufficient ground for entering an objection from the point of view of the amenities of the park. While the First Commissioner fully realises the importance of preserving to the public their enjoyment of the open spaces under his charge, he considers that at the present time there is no need for him to seek special powers for the protection of this or of the other Royal parks.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the amenities of St. James's Park have been largely destroyed by the erection of Queen Anne's Mansions, and does he not think that he ought to do something in regard to Hyde Park to protect it from a similar outrage, and is he aware, further, that a large sum of money is now being raised from the public in order to purchase Dorchester House. When large sums of money are being raised in order that Hyde Park may remain beautiful, is it not rather absurd to allow this sort of thing to go on?

That sounds rather like a manifesto.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this building is very like a factory building?

If my Noble Friend had to adjudicate on matters of art, his position would be a very difficult one.

Has my hon. Friend not recently appointed a Fine Arts Commission in order to decide on questions of taste, and does he not think that this is a very good matter to refer to them?

The Fine Arts Commission has nothing to do with questions of private property as far as I know.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the number of free seats available to the public in the Royal parks in the London area?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question on 7th December last. It has since been decided to provide additional accommodation for 20 persons in Green Park and 40 in Richmond Park.