asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the use of a secret service by the various members of the League of Nations, in order to obtain information secretly about the defences and armaments of the different States forming the League, has been discussed by the Council of the League or any of its committees; and whether he will consider the possibility of the machinery of the League being used to prevent or discourage these methods of obtaining information, as its use is one of the reasons of international suspicion and friction?

I am not clear what the hon. Member wishes the League to do, but it does not appear to me that it could intervene usefully in this matter.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that so long as the system of spying on almost every country prevails, all prospect of disarmament is very remote, because the system of spying leads to mutual suspicion?

I do not think that spying is the source of armaments, or that the abolition of espionage or the Secret Service would facilitate the cessation of armaments.

Has this question ever been discussed at the League of Nations?

In the League of Nations, or, at any rate, as far I am concerned with it, it is my endeavour that it should discuss practical and useful propositions.

Has not the British Government gone as far as it possibly can to indicate its desire to assist in the reduction of armaments when it is possible to come to agreement with other countries?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Conventions have been drawn up by the League of Nations; and how many have been signed and how many ratified on behalf of or by His Majesty's Government?

Thirty-four Conventions, Protocols, etc., have been concluded under the auspices of the League of Nations. Of these, His Majesty's Government in Great Britain have signed 30, of which His Majesty the King has ratified 24 in respect of Great Britain.

Are there any other members of the League who have as good a record as that?

I should need to examine the records, or have them examined, before I answered that question.

asked the Prime Minister, arising out of the Report of the International Economic Conference of the League of Nations, whether His Majesty's Government would be willing to take concerted action with a view to promoting a tariff holiday for a period of years among European and other States?

The question of what concerted action can usefully be taken to give effect to the resolutions of the Conference is now engaging the attention of the Economic Committee of the League. I propose to await the result of their deliberations.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, whilst this country is waiting for action to be taken, other countries are constantly raising their tariffs against our exports to them?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the breakdown of the negotiations for a treaty of alliance with Egypt has in any way altered the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the two conferences proposed by His Majesty the King of Egypt for the modification of the capitulatory regime?

The only conference which has yet been proposed is that referred to in my answer to the hon. Member for Brightside (Mr. Ponsonby) on the 7th of March last. It was suggested by the Egyptian Government that the conference in question should meet in the early part of February, but, so far as I know, they have not yet named any actual date. Under the proposed Treaty of Alliance with Egypt, His Majesty's Government would have been ready to support a wide measure of capitulatory reform. As the Egyptian Government have rejected the treaty, His Majesty's Government reserve complete liberty of appreciation and action.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the present situation in China?

There has been little change in the situation since my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 19th of March. The Northern forces appear to be assuming the offensive against Feng Yuhsiang on the Peking-Hankow Railway, and have advanced to Linchang in North Honan.

Is it a fact that the Nanking negotiations have broken down?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is a very considerable extension of the movement of troops around Canton?

There are such continuous movements of troops that I do not like to trust my memory as to the extent to which troops are being removed to any particular part. I must have notice of the question. The Nanking negotiations have not yet led to a successful result, but I have not yet abandoned hopes that they will lead to a settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Convention between Great Britain, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, and Turkey respecting the free navigation of the Suez Canal, signed at Constantinople on 29th October, 1888, is still in force; and whether its provisions have been modified by any subsequent international agreements?

Yes, Sir, the Convention of 1888 is still in force, subject to the modifications made when His Majesty's Government adhered to its stipulations in 1904 and those which result from the termination of Turkish suzerainty over Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will enumerate the various important questions outstanding between His Majesty's Government and the Imperial Government of Persia, and acquaint the House with the present state of the negotiations regarding these questions?

Negotiations are at present proceeding between the two Governments, and I do not think that a public statement of the different points at issue would conduce to their success.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the experiments to ascertain the effect on a ship s structure of aeroplane bombs exploding under water have been carried out with the largest size bombs against the hulls of actual ships of modern construction; if not, whether it is intended to carry out such experiments; and can he give names of the ships used for purposes of recent experiments of this nature?

The latest experiment to ascertain the effect on a ship's structure of aeroplane bombs exploded below water was carried out against the "Monarch" with a portion of the side reconstructed to represent the most recent design of underwater protection. The charge used was 2,000 lbs., corresponding to a bomb of about 4,000 lbs.

Would the right hon. Gentleman, without detriment to the public interest, give the result of these experiments?

No, I am afraid not.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what change has recently been made in the power of the local dockyard authorities at Devon-port to discharge employés without informing the Admiralty; and whether the Admiralty is no longer consulted in advance when discharges take place?

An order was issued by the Admiralty in December last directing that, when as many as two percent of the workmen employed in any, Department are proposed to be discharged, a special report is to be made to the Admiralty before the issue of notices, but if the discharges affect less than two per cent. of the workmen no special report need be made.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say how many discharges have taken place under this new procedure?

No. If the hon. Member wishes it I can find out, but I cannot say off-hand.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of men discharged from each of His Majesty's dockyards and Admiralty establishments, respectively, during the last three months; and what further discharges are in prospect?

I am obtaining these particulars and will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question—what further discharges are in prospect? Does he know?

It is rather difficult to give a definite answer. I will try to ascertain the information for the hon. Member. It is not very easy to say, as so much depends on the work that comes in.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the assurance given that his Department would raise no objection to the employment of industrial employés of the dockyard for vacant appointments under the Ministry of Labour as third-class officers, he will make it clear, by issuing an instruction to the local officers of the dockyards, that applications from industrial employés, if they fulfil the necessary conditions, are to be treated as other applications and sent forward for consideration?

No useful purpose would be served by issuing such an instruction as that suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, as the Ministry of Labour do not require any more candidates.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the usual mess accommodation provided on His Majesty's Ship "Concord" is for 16 engine-room artificers; that in November last 26 engine-room artificers were sent away in this vessel from Plymouth; that in addition there were other ratings on board in excess of the number for which accommodation is provided; that, resulting therefrom, those in the last relay served at meal times got little to cat, and that bath and sleeping accommodation was far from satisfactory; and whether he will ensure that in the future better arrangements will be made for extra crews being taken out to His Majesty's ships, and thus prevent overcrowding taking place?

The complement for which accommodation is provided includes 17 engine-room artificer ratings. The ship left for China last month (not last November), carrying 26 engine-room artificer ratings. The total number of ratings carried on this occasion was less than the full complement and therefore no congestion of sleeping accommodation could arise; some congestion of bathing accommodation is possible but, in a trip of this nature must be expected. I am unable to understand the suggestion that food shortage was experienced by any on board, but clearly no such result could have followed from the numbers carried. When His Majesty's ships are employed on trooping trips, it is not possible to ensure that the numbers of each separate rating carried do not exceed those provided in complement, but there is no overcrowding.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of claims for extended benefit that were granted, and the number of claims disallowed, for the last six months at the Walworth Road, Borough, Employment Exchange; and the principal reasons for the rejections of these claims?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the number of disallowed claims greatly on the increase?

The hon. Gentleman had better look at the very elaborate statement I have prepared, from which it appears that the applications numbered 6,618, the applications allowed were 4,612, and the applications recommended for disallowance were 2,006.

Is the increase in the rate of disallowed claims due to any special instruction issued by the Ministry?

I am not prepared to admit that there is an increase. That was not the question which the hon. Gentleman asked.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the hardship now being caused to certain applicants for unemployment benefit who have been informed that they cannot receive the same as they are 65 years of age, although they are refused an old age pension on the grounds that they have not reached 65; and if he can allow any temporary payment to be made until the issue is decided?

Arrangements are already in operation for the temporary continuation of unemployment benefit in cases of this kind. I am having inquiries made into the case of which the hon. Member has given me particulars.

Am I to understand that in a case where a dispute arises, and hardship is involved, a temporary payment will be made until the question is settled?

Yes, Sir. That is the answer.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Industrial Transference Board grants to miners and others transferred from one place to another financial help towards the cost of travelling and removal?

Arrangements are already made for advancing the fares of workpeople transferred through the Employment Exchanges, and, in the case of insured workers, part of the fare may be paid from the Unemployment Fund. I understand the Industrial Transference Board is considering whether any additional facilities are required.

Have any transfers already been made and, if so, to what counties?

The question does not deal with that point.

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed were signing on at the Employment Exchanges of Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Eckington, Staveley, and Bolsover at the end of February; and whether there are increases at each Exchange since February, 1927?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difference in the number of unemployed miners in Durham between the figures supplied by his Department and those agreed to by the accountants who prepare the ascertainments for the area, namely, 15,582; whether he is aware that the youths becoming available for work are equal to the removals and deaths; and whether the difference between the two sets of figures equals the number struck off the Unemployment Fund?

I do not think the conclusion which the hon. Member seeks to draw from these figures is well founded, but as the matter is one of some intricacy I should be glad to discuss it with him.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that 150 men and boys were suspended from work by the Tilmanstone Colliery, Kent, four weeks ago; that the men have been signing on at the local Employment Exchange for 20 days, but up to the present have received no unemployment pay; and why there is such delay in settling claims?

Inquiries are being made and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

Will the hon. Gentleman invite the attention of the local Employment. Exchange to this case, because if the Motion of the hon. Member for Kennington (Mr. G. Harvey)—

"That this House asks the Government to give consideration to the question of

I shall certainly do what I can to have the inquiry expedited as much as possible but I would remind the hon. Member that I only got the reference to this matter yesterday, and it would be unreasonable to ask me to give the result of the inquiries to-day.

Will the hon. Gentleman bring to the attention of these officers the arrangements made in other coalfields? They should have some knowledge of the arrangements made in every coalfield.

As I have said, I will do what. I can to expedite the inquiries which I have already put in hand.

asked the Minister of Labour the reason for which sanction has been given for the admission to this country of a number of Germans to fill, positions as waiters; on whose application this permission has been given; and whether the German authorities have given leave for a corresponding number of English waiters to go to Germany?

These permits were for head waiters. Before granting them my right hon. Friend satisfied himself that there was a shortage of men of the necessary skill and experience. The permits were granted to the intending employers, Messrs. Lyons and Company, who, I may say, make special efforts to train and employ British waiters as far as possible. As regards the last part of the question, I have no information as to the number of British waiters who have gone to Germany, but I have no reason to suppose that the German authorities interpose any unnecessary restrictions.

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that a large number of English waiters are out of employment; and does he think it advisable in the circumstances that foreigners should be allowed to come into this country and take work that would otherwise be allotted to Englishmen?

In what quarters did the Minister make his inquiries as to the shortage in this country? Was any inquiry made from the trade union of this industry?

I rather think there is some misapprehension with regard to this question, and the answer which I have given. The question relates only to the very limited class of head waiters. It does not apply to the general body of waiters who do not come within that category. I may say that my right hon. Friend is most anxious to do the best he can in the interests of the waiters generally, and he thinks a very limited number of experts from other countries might be of advantage in training English waiters.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that this question could be adequately dealt with by a poll tax on all foreign employés in this country?

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to give the House the names of the authorities from whom he made inquiries?

My right hon. Friend has made inquiries from all quarters where he thought he could get information, and I have stated the conclusion at which he arrived.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of building trade workers now unemployed in the City of Glasgow and the total for the same date last year; and the list of the various trades involved, with the numbers of each trade?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour how many miners were registered as unemployed in Yorkshire on 1st January, 1928; and on the latest date for which figures are available?

The number of insured persons classified as belonging to the coal-mining industry recorded as unemployed in Yorkshire at 19th December, 1927, was 13,346 (including 5,516 temporarily stopped from the service of their employers) as compared with 21,893 (including 12,434 temporarily stopped) at 20th February, 1928.

Will the hon. Gentleman bring these figures to the notice of the Transference Board and invite them not to transfer miners to Yorkshire, where there are already over 20,000 miners out of work?

It is not for me to advise the Transference Board what recommendations they will make, but I will take care, in deference to the request of the hon. Member, that these particular figures are brought to the notice of the board.

Is it not an understood thing with this new Department that the first chance of employment given to miners should be in a coalfield?

That is a question that I could net answer in a supplementary answer, but, broadly speaking, what the hon. Member says is true.

Can the hon. Member say exactly what he means by "temporary stoppage"?

Is it not owing to the unfortunate action of many hon. Members above the Gangway that we have this large amount of unemployment in the mining world?

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the fact that the divisional controller of the Ministry of Labour for the Welsh division has retired and that an official without any knowledge of the Welsh language has been appointed to succeed him, why an official without any knowledge of the Welsh language has been appointed to a post where a thorough knowledge of the Welsh language is essential in order to enable him to carry out his duties efficiently and satisfactorily?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction at the appointment of a non-Welsh speaking official as divisional controller of the Ministry in Wales; and whether he will make the necessary arrangements to appoint to the post someone who is conversant with conditions in Wales and who possesses knowledge of the Welsh language?

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the hon. Member for the University of Wales (Mr. E. Evans) on 22nd March. My right hon. Friend does not see his way to alter the arrangements already made.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a very large proportion of the work which this officer has to do is in the Welsh language, and would he advise the appointment of a Welshman over an area in England; and is it not possible for some justice to be done to an integral part of the Kingdom, instead of ignoring it in this fashion on every opportunity?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman need not be in the least afraid that any injustice will be done. I have no doubt it is perfectly true that a knowledge of the Welsh language is a qualification, but it is not the only one. I have no doubt it would apply also, for instance, to a Welsh Member of Parliament.

Is the Minister willing to consider applications from Welshmen who cannot speak English, for positions in England?

Each application will be considered on its merits when it comes.

Is there any reason why Welshmen should not learn to speak English?

None.

Is it not the fact that the Divisional Controller found it of very great assistance to him, in making his decisions, that he was conversant with the Welsh language?

No doubt, as I have already said, it is a qualification, but it is not the only one, and all the circumstances were taken into account by my right hon. Friend when he made the appointment.

Is it not a fact that very few people who speak Welsh are much good at anything else?

On a point of Order. My point of Order is that although the question on the Paper is not mine, as a Welsh Member I am vitally interested in this matter——

called the next question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of land valuers who were employed immediately prior to the ending of the Land Value Duties, and what was the total amount of their salaries at that time and the number and salaries of the land valuers at present employed in the Inland Revenue Department; will he state the number of land valuers, with their salaries, who have been transferred to other Departments during this interval, and the nature of the duties at present carried out by the land valuers; whether any of these duties had been previously carried out satisfactorily by other branches of the Inland Revenue Department; and was this supplementary staff required to perform these duties?

As the answer to this question is long and contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Are these civil servants in profitable employment, or will they be supernumerary to establishment?

If these officials were done away with, there would eventually be a loss to the revenue.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount of reduction of wages suffered by the workers of this country since the Government took office till the present time?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a Statistical Table summarising the available information as to increases and decreases in rates of wages since November, 1924.

Can the hon. Gentleman not tell us the total amount of loss of wages since the date mentioned?

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman had better look at the tabular statement which I have prepared, and he can then add up the amounts.

Is it not a fact that the industries which have been safeguarded are those in which the rates of wages have been maintained, or in some cases increased?

Could the hon. Gentleman's Department not add up the amounts? I asked for the total.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give the

The hon. Gentleman will find that the statement in tabular form is very exhaustive. I take it he regards the question as a serious and important one; therefore, I have done my best to give him the information he desires.

Can the hon. Gentleman state the decrease in unemployment since the Government took office?

This flight is being carried out as a routine exercise of the same nature as the corresponding flights undertaken in 1926 and 1927. Four Fairey III.F aircraft with Napier Lion engines left Cairo on 1st March. One machine was damaged when taking off at N'dola in Northern Rhodesia on 16th March; the personnel sustained no injuries. The remaining three aircraft proceeded on the flight and reached Cape Town without forced landings en route on 25th March. The flight is due to leave Cape Town on 31st March, and will be joined at Pretoria by a detachment of the South African Air Force, which will accompany them as far as Khartoum. The combined flights will carry out co-operational exercises with the local forces at Tabora and Nairobi. The Royal Air Force flight is expected to return to Cairo on 3rd May.

Can the hon. Baronet say the reason for the forced landing of one of the machines?

No. I have not had any details.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will furnish a list of names of firms with whom contracts exceeding £2,000 in value are already made for the supply of works or materials in connection with the Cardington-Howden airship scheme?

The list for which the hon. Member asks is of some length, and I propose, therefore, with his permission, to circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the sanitation of many rural districts is unsatisfactory; that local authorities are seldom able, for financial reasons, to exercise the powers they possess; that consequently the Public Health Act of 1878 is to this extent a dead letter; and whether he will introduce legislation to modify the Public Health Acts as they affect villages and afford local authorities financial help from the Exchequer?

The question raised by the hon. Member is at present, with other questions of local government, engaging the attention of the Royal Commission under the Chairmanship of Lord Onslow. My right hon. Friend must await the result of their deliberations, though he may say that he could hold out no hope of Exchequer assistance towards purely local obligations of this kind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when those deliberations are likely to be made public?

No.

Will the right hon. Gentleman try and expedite the matter?

Yes.

Are the Commission also considering the question of small villages with a water supply quite beyond their scope?

I will inquire.

Is it not already part of the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on Local Government? Will they not deal with this question?

I have already made that answer.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Inter-Departmental Committee of Inquiry into the effects of petrol doped with lead tetraethyl has yet been set up; if so, of whom it consists; what are its terms of reference; and how soon he expects the Report, especially that part of it affecting the health of the general public and the users of this fuel?

The composition of the Committee on ethylated motor spirit is now practically complete, and it is hoped to make an announcement in the course of this week. The terms of reference are

"to inquire into the possible dangers to health resulting from the use of motor spirit containing lead tetraethyl or similar lead containing compounds, and to report what precautions, if any, are desirable in connection with the use or handling of such motor spirit."

On which day of the week does the right hon. Gentleman propose to make that announcement? If I put a question down for Friday, will he be able to answer it then?

I hardly think that Friday would be a suitable day.

To-morrow?

I cannot say. We are waiting for some answers to invitations sent out.

Will the whole of the Report be published, or portions?

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman must wait for the Report.

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to say if the whole Report will be published?

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the recurrence on a large scale of the destruction of sea birds through floating oil; and whether he proposes to investigate such cases with a view to police court proceedings?

A White Paper, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend, was issued last May showing the extent of oil pollution round the coast. The complaints received since then do not suggest that the evil is increasing, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any definite information, I shall be pleased to consider it. Proceedings under the Oil in Navigable Waters Act are taken by local authorities and persons, not by the Board of Trade.

Is there any real progress yet in the use of separating machinery on board ship?

I am afraid I shall have to ask for notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what the import of rubber into this country has been for each of the last six weeks, and for the corresponding period of last year?

Figures as to imports of rubber are not available for periods other than calendar months. The total imports of crude rubber into Great Britain and Northern Ireland registered in February, 1928, amounted to 19,900,000 lbs., valued at £1,300,000, and in February, 1927, to 27,500,000 lbs., valued at £2,200,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the introduction of such amendments to the Finance Act, 1927, as will enable existing firms engaged in the cotton-spinning trade to amalgamate without payment of capital and transfer duties?

Representations on this subject have already been made to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and are receiving his consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of inspectors who are employed in the inspection of ships at home ports, and the number of ships involved and total tonnage; and the same figures for 1914?

The Survey Staff of the Board of Trade, which is responsible for the inspection of ships, numbered 191 in 1914, and 198 in 1928. All ships, British and foreign, in United Kingdom ports are liable to inspection.

Can the hon. Member give me the figures of the total tonnage involved?

It is almost impossible to give a satisfactory figure on that basis, because the same ship may come into a home port on several occasions, but all ships are liable to inspection.

Can the hon. Gentleman give me the number of British ships involved in this inspectorate?

All British ships are involved.

Can the hon. Gentleman say the increase in the tonnage in 1928 as compared to 1914?

Off-hand I cannot, but, broadly speaking, as far as I can make it out, the inspectorate has increased in proportion to the increased tonnage of ships.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if no British ships sailing for foreign ports sail under some breach of the Regulations and whether the Consular officers have similar powers of inspection to the inspectors in this country?

Notice should be given of that question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether recent investigations still support the opinion of his Departmental Committee, set up in March, 1925, to inquire into the conditions of the export-trade in horses from Great Britain to the Continent, to the effect that everything possible is being done for the comfort and well-being of horses on sea journeys?

Yes, Sir. Only 25 fatal casualties occurred during the sea passage out of 30,930 horses shipped to the Continent during the years 1925 to 1927 inclusive, which is a better record than that for the three preceding years upon which the Departmental Committee commented favourably. In accordance with the recommendation of the Committee the carriage of horses is not allowed when there are reasonable grounds for anticipating adverse weather conditions likely to cause injury or suffering to the animals.

Is this export trade in horses increasing or diminishing?

It is decreasing.

asked the Secretary for Mines what reports have been received from his officers regarding the condition of tin mines in Cornwall, especially the effect on the health of the workpeople?