asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received any information as to the number of employés at present idle through the strike at the mills in Bombay; whether there have been any incidents occurring between the strikers and the police which have resulted in fatalities and, if so, how many; and has he received any Report from the Commerce Member of the Government of India on the depressed state of the industry and the causes of the strike?

About 145,000 workers are idle as the result of the strike. There was one fatality on the 23rd April—as regards which I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 10th May to the hon. Member for North Battersea (Mr. Saklatvala)—but none has occurred since. The Indian Tariff Board investigated last year the depressed condition of the cotton industry, and on its Report certain remedial measures were taken. From reports which have been received from the Government of India, it appears that the strike is in a large measure due to the introduction of new systems of work recommended by the Tariff Board.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the mills are closed on account of the strike?

Not without notice.

Has the Noble Lord's attention been called to the statements about moneys from Communist sources, both in this country and Russia, being used for the accentuation and prolongation of the strike?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he has any information regarding the release of a man named Bannerjee, under sentence of five years' rigorous imprisonment, by the Punjab Government; and whether he has any statement to make on this point?

I have no information beyond what has appeared in the Press.

Is the Noble Lord aware that it is believed in the Punjab that this man was employed in the rule of agent provocateur, and will he make inquiries to find out if such is or is not the fact?

No doubt my Noble Friend will in clue course receive information from the Government of India as to what has happened in this case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he lie has now received any report of the magisterial inquiry into the shooting of railway men in the Lillooah district at Bamangachi; and whether the superior European staff was called out to take part and did take part, in shooting the Indian workers on strike?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the report of the district magistrate of Calcutta that on 28th March, during the occasion of disturbance in connection with a labour dispute, the officer in charge of armed forces engaged in restoring peace ordered his men to fire on selected persons in the crowd; that no warning was given before firing and no order was issued that the men should fire low; that the two men alleged to have been shot down as selected persons were not stone throwing hut were actually behind those who were attacking the police; and whether, in view of these charges, he will order a full public inquiry into all the circumstances Connected with the disturbance, and especially into the charges made by the district magistrate against the British officer in charge of the soldiers and police?

I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement on this matter to-day as the reply from the Government of India to my Noble Friend's telegraphic inquiry has only been received within the last half-hour and has not yet been deciphered. Perhaps, the hon. Members will repeat their questions later in the week.

Are steps being taken by the authorities in India to mediate between the disputants in order to avert this sort of happening?

I think the hon. Member had better put down a question upon that point. Efforts are being made to bring the parties together, but the matter is complicated by a great many considerations, including Communist activity within and without India.

If I put down a question for Thursday or Monday, will that be too soon?

If the hon. Member would like to put down a question for to-morrow or Wednesday, I think I should be in a position to answer it.

Is not this railway a Government concern, and are not the Government themselves the employers?

I do not think that question has any bearing on my answer. I said that efforts are being made to bring the parties together.

Would it not be impossible for the Government if they are the employers, to act as mediators between the parties?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received any information as to the purchase, or attempted purchase, of land by a foreign Power in the neighbourhood of Singapore naval base and wireless station: if any of the land in question is in the possession of the Sultan of Johore; and if be is considering the question of the foreign ownership of land within gunshot range of the naval station?

A statement has come to my notice that foreign companies have made offers to His Highness the Sultan of Johore in regard to an island in the Settlement of Singapore which he holds on lease from the Colonial Government, and I am making inquiry into the matter. The further question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend will not be overlooked.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total number of British officials now fulfilling either administrative or judicial functions or acting in an advisory capacity in the British mandated territory of Iraq: whether the salaries of these officials are borne by His Majesty's Government or by the Government of Iraq: and what is the amount of those salaries?

Excluding military and subordinate personnel the total number of British officials in the employment of the Government of Iraq at the present time is approximately 130. Their salaries, of the exact amount of which I am not aware, are paid from the Iraq Treasury.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the Solomon Islanders who have been in prison since last October awaiting trial have died; whether he has now received the Report of the High Commissioner on the matter; and whether he proposes to take any further action?

A telegraphic report of the 2nd April gives the number of deaths as eight. I have since received a despatch by mail giving a report up to the 8th March, by which date five deaths had occurred—two from dysentery and three from causes other than dysentery. Many of the prisoners were undernourished and emaciated when they were brought in, all were kept under close observation by the senior medical officer, and their general health improved in a very marked degree as the result of regular and substantial diet. Apart from the outbreak of dysentery, there had been little illness among the prisoners, and admissions to hospital bad been few. I am expecting a later report by the next mail.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is proposed to bring these men to trial?

I think I answered a question on that point the other day.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give this House particulars as to the accidents which occurred in the mines of Amiandos, Cyprus, on 28th March, 1928, as a result of which one worker was burned by electricity and two others killed by falls of rock, and of the accident which occurred in the mines of Skouriatissa, Cyprus, on or about 20th March, 1928, where one worker was killed and two injured by electricity; if he is assured that necessary safeguards are being taken by the inspector of mines for the Colony to prevent the recurrence of such disasters in the future; and whether any steps are contemplated to institute a code of laws and regulations governing working conditions in the island of Cyprus?

I have no information respecting these accidents. In 1925 a Mines Regulations Law was passed to make provision for the regulation and inspection of mines in order to ensure safety and proper working conditions, and for the payment of compensation to injured workmen. A Government Inspector of Mines was appointed to enforce the provisions of the law, and I think the hon. Member can rest assured that all practicable measures are being taken to prevent accidents. With regard to the last part of the question, I may add that in addition to the Mines law a law was recently passed regulating the hours of employment generally; and I understand that a Bill is to be brought before the Legislature at its present Session, to regulate the employment of children and young persons in industrial undertakings.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to obtain information about these accidents, as it may have a bearing on the carrying out of the laws in that part?

I have given the hon. Member all the information in my power, and at present I believe that everything is being done to watch over the possibility of accidents there.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any arrangement has yet been made in regard to the proposed incorporation of the Tati concession in Southern Rhodesia?

I discussed this matter with a deputation of the settlers in the district during my visit to South Africa last year, but after careful consideration I came to the conclusion that I could not see my way to arrange for transfer in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that, when the Municipal Council of Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, undertook to erect in native areas, for the habitation of natives, a certain number of native dwellings, it was decided to reject any tenders unless native bricklayers and plasterers were prohibited from taking any part in building these native dwellings; and whether, in view of the provisions in the letters patent as set forth in the Paper [Cmd. 1573] of 1922, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have seen references to the matter in the Southern Rhodesia Press, but I have no other information on the subject. The question does not appear to be one regarding which I have the power to take any action under the provisions of the letters patent.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this colour bar was enforced under pressure from the Rhodesian Labour party?

I do not know at all. It is purely a municipal matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is now in a position to give the House any information regarding the three boys who were executed in Southern Rhodesia and referred to in Command Paper 3076?

I have addressed an inquiry by despatch to the Government of Southern Rhodesia, but some weeks must elapse before a reply can be received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he contemplates any alteration in the pay and allowances of the West African police force?

No proposals for any alteration in the emoluments of the various police forces have been put before me.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the pay of these officers in the West African force is considerably less than that of any other Government officials in the same area and is quite inadequate to meet the needs of the situation?

I will look into the matter, but I am not aware that any complaint has arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) what was the number of persons in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland presenting themselves to the Canadian doctors for medical examination with a view to emigration between 1st January and 30th April, 1928, and the number of such who were rejected on medical grounds;

(2) what was the number of persons in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland requested by the Canadian emigration officials to present themselves to the Canadian doctors during the first four months of the present year and what was the number who actually responded; and what was the number who gave distance, inconvenience, or expense as a reason for their inability to respond?

During the period 1st January to 30th April, 1928, 30,451 persons were requested by the Canadian authorities to present themselves for medical examination with a view to their settlement in Canada. Of these, 29,209 were actually examined. The remainder will probably be examined during the coming months. The numbers rejected on medical grounds, or unable to attend for examination for the reasons mentioned by my hon. Friend, are not yet known.

Is my right hon. Friend keeping in touch with the Canadian authorities on this matter and using his influence to see that no able-bodied men or women who desire to proceed to Canada are deterred from going?

We are doing everything we can to keep the matter before the Canadian authorities.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a Bradford firm who delivered goods valued at £1,041 17s. 2d. to a Dutch manufacturer in January and February of 1920, which goods were subsequently refused, and that an action was commenced in the Dutch Courts in December of the same year; and whether, as no decision has been made, he will make representations with a view to it being expedited?

I have made further inquiries in regard to this case and understand that the Dutch Tribunal dealing with the matter will give a decision this month.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can state the result of the investigation that was made in Essex regarding the failure to pay wages in accordance with the orders made under the Agricultural Wages Regulations for the weeks in which Good Friday and Easter Monday fall?

Legal proceedings were taken on the 11th May against a firm at Chelmsford for failure to pay the minimum rates of wages during the week in which Good Friday fell. A fine of 10s was imposed, and the arrears of wages were ordered to be paid.

Do I understand that, now that the decision is given, the right hon. Gentleman's inspectors will take in hand the other cases?

Yes. This being in the nature of a test ease, I hope there will be no further legal actions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department is aware of the large quantities of immature herrings and other fish which are being landed at the present time or being destroyed at or near various fishing ports; whether he will ascertain the amount of damage done by the catching of these immature fish to fishermen as a whole; and whether he can take any steps, by legislation or otherwise, to prevent the landing of immature fish at British pores?

I am aware that considerable quantities of fish are taken by present-day methods of fishing at a stage at which their commercial value, if any, is low. The extent to which fishing by present-day methods is likely to injure the stock upon which the prosperity of the fishing industry depends has for many years past been receiving the serious attention of my Department. Prohibition of the landing of fish on account of immaturity or for any other reason would involve legislation which would inevitably be highly controversial, and I can hold out no hope of its introduction.

Have any steps been taken to regulate the size of the mesh, which trawls up undersized fish?

We have been carrying on experiments with trawls, with a view to finding a mesh that can let the immature fish escape, but, as the hon. baronet knows, fish vary greatly in shape, and, so far, we have not reached any final conclusion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the conservancy board of the River Coquet have applied for powers to charge a licence of £150 on the fishing rights at the Warkworth and Morwick dams on that river; and whether he has caused any public inquiry to be made into this application by the conservancy board?

The Fishery Board have applied for approval to a determination of a licence duty under which the existing licence duty payable for each and every draft or hang net used only in private waters in the part of the river referred to would be increased from £5 to £150. As the Fishery Board have not complied with my request to furnish me with a prima facie case justifying the increase, I do not consider that it would be proper to proceed further in the matter and put the parties and the country to the expense of a public inquiry.

In case the Board increase their fees, will the right hon. Gentleman have an inquiry?

If I think that there is a prima facie case, but not otherwise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that practically everyone in Northumberland thinks that there is a prima facie case?

For increasing the licence duty to £150?

Not necessarily, but increasing it beyond £5.

I think that I had better wait until I get information before I commit myself, but in no case is there any licence duty of more than £10 in force.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when it is proposed to open for the use of the public the large plot of grass immediately opposite the Rima sculpture in Hyde Park; why this plot has been fenced off for such a long period; and whether he will arrange with the Home Office for police protection to be given to this piece of sculpture without excluding the public from the lawns in its immediate vicinity?

The fencing in of this area has nothing to do with the Epstein sculpture; the grass was much worn and the fencing was necessary in order to carry out restoration, and it will be removed during the summer.

Is my hon. Friend not now in a position to realise the dislike of the public generally to this statue, and will he consider the question of removing it to a museum, where it will not be frightening, either to birds or to lovers?

I went to see the piece of grass in question this morning, and I did not notice that the London sparrows were in any way disturbed.

Are we to understand that this statue is so bad that even the grass will not grow?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can report any further developments between His Majesty's Government and the Persian Government on the outstanding questions under discussion; and what prospect is there of the Persian Government lifting its veto on British aeroplanes in flight over Persian territory?

A Treaty regulating the commercial relations between this country and Persia was signed at Tehran on the 10th of May by His Majesty's Minister on behalf of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and all other parts of the British Empire which are not members of the League of Nations, and of India. The Treaty, which has been concluded for a period of eight years, provides for the abrogation of all provisions of existing Treaties which limit in any way the right of Persia to settle her Customs tariff autonomously. It provides that, on condition of perfect reciprocity, British and Indian goods imported into Persia shall not be subject to higher duties than are the goods of any other foreign country. By this Treaty, the minimum rates in the tariff approved by the Persian legislature on the 3rd of May will be applied to British and Indian goods. It is also provided that if at any time the rates of the minimum Persian tariff are reduced on any frontier, British and Indian goods shall benefit by those reductions, by whatever frontier they are imported. In a protocol attached to the Treaty, the Persian Government reserve the right to increase the rates of the minimum tariff in the event of the duties on the chief Persian articles, other than oil, imported into Great Britain or India being increased. In an exchange of Notes, it is agreed that the Treaty shall provisionally enter into force at once pending formal exchage of ratifications, and that goods consigned to Persia before the 10th of May shall not pay rates higher than those in the 1920 Tariff.

Further Notes were exchanged at the same time maintaining in force, with a view to the conclusion within a year of a full Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, those provisions of existing Treaties which do not limit Persia's tariff auto- nomy. In particular, reciprocal mostfavoured-nation treatment of subjects and trade and the status quo in regard to the national treatment of shipping are to be continued. Other Notes exchanged regularised the position with regard to the Dominions.

As regards facilities in Persian territory for the proposed air service between Egypt and India, the Persian Government have formally stated their readiness to enter into negotiations with a representative of Imperial Airways Limited, regarding the conditions on which such a service should be operated.

With regard to the abolition of the capitulations in Persia on the 10th of May, the Persian Government have addressed to His Majesty's Minister a list of the safeguards which they are prepared to extend to British nationals in Persia; and steps are being taken to bring these safeguards to the knowledge of British nationals concerned. These safeguards are in complete accordance with the relevant provisions of Persian law as recently amended.

Finally, the Persian Government have agreed formally that missionary enterprises in Persia shall be authorised to carry on their charitable and educational work on condition of not contravening either public order or Persian laws and regulations.

In conclusion, I am happy to take this opportunity of expressing the satisfaction of His Majesty's Government at the energetic collaboration which the Persian Minister of the Court has shown in reaching this comprehensive agreement with Sir Robert Clive, of whose efforts I have already expressed my appreciation.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the reply, may I ask if it would be convenient to him to say whether the Persian Government agrees to recognise the Government of Iraq?

I shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice of that question. I could give a brief answer, but I would like to give a considered reply.

I will put it down for Monday.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of the forces available at Tientsin for the protection of the British community there in the event of the city being occupied by Nationalist troops; and whether any arrangements have been made for strengthening such forces without delay should necessity render such a course advisable?

The following troops are at present at Tientsin:

United States of America	758
United States of America	3,000*
British	1,623
French	2,008
Italian	401
Japanese	462
	8,252
* Marines.

300 Italian and 700 Japanese reinforcements are being sent, but have not yet arrived. Artillery at Tientsin consists of 46 guns and 11 mortars; the United States of America have also 1 section of engineers, 5 tanks and 12 aeroplanes. There are also 1,684 troops, of the above nationalities, at Peking, with 16 guns and 8 mortars, and Italian and Japanese reinforcements, totalling 240, are being sent. 909 additional troops are distributed along the railway between Tientsin and Shanhaikuan. His Majesty's Government are closely watching the situation at Tientsin, and should it be necessary to strengthen our forces there, there would be no difficulty in doing so.

Have any arrangements been made for creating a new neutral zone outside Tientsin?

I must have notice of that question; I cannot answer exactly.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the reports in the papers to-day that these troops are not being used for the protection of the international settlement at Tientsin, or the concessions, and are forming a line right outside the city?

I cannot answer exactly, but, so far as my know- ledge goes, the troops are only being disposed where the military authorities of the different Powers concerned think that they can best protect the lives of foreign nationals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the position in China; and whether any special steps have been taken to ensure the protection of the British communities there, both in North China and elsewhere?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the latest information in his possession as to the situation in Shantung; whether His Majesty's Government is making any efforts to prevent a state of war arising between the Japanese and Chinese Nationalist troops; and whether any cognizance of the situation is being taken by the Council of the League of Nations under the covenant of the League?

On the 9th of May Chang-Tso-Lin sent a circular telegram to all provinces stating that he had instructed his troops to cease hostilities, and adding that on the question of national politics he would accept a fair and impartial decision agreed to by the Chinese people. In accordance with these overtures, his troops are withdrawing on all fronts and no fighting is reported anywhere. Owing to the interruption of communications, I have no direct news from the Consul-General at Tsinanfu, and such information as I possess regarding the situation in Shantung is derived chiefly from Japanese sources.

A report from the Japanese Consul at Tsinanfu dated the 5th May gives an account of the commencement of the trouble. It states that the Northerners withdrew from Tsinanfu on the night of 30th April, the Southerners entering peacefully on the following day. On 2nd May there was no sign of disorder, and the Southern Army requested that the Japanese should remove the protective safeguards that had been set up. This was agreed to, and the protective devices were removed by the Japanese at 11 p.m. On 3rd May, at about 10 a.m., two Japanese police were despatched to a Japanese house on receipt of news of looting. They found the house completely looted, with five Chinese soldiers belonging to the Seventh Battalion of the Third Division of the Fortieth Army still there. The soldiers abused the police and threatened them. One policeman returned to the police station to report, and at this stage five Chinese and six more Chinese soldiers joined the first party, armed with revolvers. They shouted, "Kill the Japanese," and assaulted the police. A party of about 30 Japanese soldiers arrived under a lieutenant, whereupon the Chinese ran away and took refuge in a Chinese military depot with the flag of the Seventh Battalion, Third Division, on it. The Japanese soldiers pursued them, and when they reached the gate of the depot were fired on by Chinese soldiers from inside. To this fire they replied, and fighting then spread. At the time the Japanese General in command of the Division was making a round of calls and the Japanese Consul was having an interview with General Chiang-Kai-Shek. The Japanese Consul was of the opinion that the affair was due to systematic provocation by unruly elements among the Southerners and was the result of Communistic intrigue. Outrages on Japanese civilians, both men and women, are also reported.

The Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs informed His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires that as a result of these incidents the Japanese military authorities had demanded Chinese withdrawal to 20 li (about seven miles) from Tsinanfu and from either side of the railway within a time limit of 12 hours. These demands were presented on 7th or 8th of May. There were also other demands, but the withdrawal and punishment of the guilty parties were the most important. The Chinese did not reply, whereupon Japanese troops proceeded to clear the Southern troops from the town, inside and outside the walls. According to a further report by the Japanese Consul at Tsinanfu, as a result of an agreement made between him and various local guilds, all Southern troops in the city were allowed to evacuate unarmed between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on 11th May. The city is now entirely in the hands of the Japanese and order is being maintained by the local Chinese authorities, backed by the Japanese military. I am glad to say that all British subjects in Shantung appear to be safe.

Neither of the parties involved in the trouble in Shantung has indicated that the intervention or mediation of His Majesty's Government would be acceptable, but a telegram bearing the name of General Tan Yen-kai, then chairman of the Political Council at Nanking, has been received by the Secretariat-General of the League of Nations and circulated to States members of the Council. This telegram requests the summoning of a meeting of the Council and urges that the League shall request the cessation of hostilities on the part of the Japanese troops and their immediate withdrawal from Shantung.

British warships have been sent to Chinwang-tao, Wei-hai-wei, Chefoo and Tsingtao. Elsewhere in China normal precautions are being taken. A British warship is stationed at practically every port along the coast, and on the river wherever there are British residents.

Is the communication of the Nanking Government going to be considered by the Council?

I cannot say.

Have the British Government any view on the subject of whether it should be considered?

I am not prepared to make any statement on that matter at present. If I am to be asked a question of that kind it is one on which I am entitled to and must demand the right to notice.

On a point of Order. Without wishing to be in the least bit discourteous to the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether in the event of long official replies occurring two or three times in the course of Question time you have any means by which you can safeguard the rights of other hon. Members who have questions on the Order Paper?

I think this is a matter for the House. The House, I thought, desired to hear those statements. I do sometimes ask for statements to be made at the end of Questions.

May I put it to you, Sir, that the answers given by the right hon. Gentleman deal with matters affecting British interests and British trade to a considerable extent and that it is necessary for the House to have authentic information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any and, if so, what British consular or civilian premises in China are occupied by Nationalist troops or officials; whether any protest has been made in the case of any such occupation; and, if so, what reply has been received?

My most recent information regarding Chinkiang and Nanking was given in my replies to my hon. Friend on 2nd of April last. There are also mission premises in other parts of China that have been similarly occupied from time to time, but I am without full particulars. No further occupations have been reported recently.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Japanese Government has made any demarche or explanation or representation to His Majesty's Government with reference to the military operations now being conducted in the province of Shantung, as agreed upon under the terms of the Washington Agreement of 1921; and, if so, what are the terms of such communication and of his reply?

I am almost afraid of the length of this answer.

The Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs informed His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Tokyo of the intentions of the Japanese Government on 20th April and 8th May. Similar communications were made by the Japanese Chargé d'Affaires in London to the Foreign Office on 23rd April and on 10th May. At the first interview the Japanese Chargé d'Affaires stated that he had been instructed to inform me that his Government had decided to send 5,000 troops to Tsingtao. In connection with this information he was to emphasise the following two points:

(1) That the despatch of troops again to Shantung Province was an unavoidable measure of self-protection, by no means implying anything in the nature of unfriendly intentions towards China and her people, or interference with the military operations of any of the Northern or Southern forces; and

(2) That, as soon as the Japanese Government considered it no longer necessary to maintain the troops for the protection of the Japanese residents in the affected area, the troops would be immediately withdrawn as on the last occasion.

At the second interview the Japanese Chargé d'Affaires left an aide-mémoire, the text of which I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The Japanese Chargé d'Affaires briefly confirmed these statements to me at an interview on the 10th of May. I expressed my sympathy with Japan in the troubles with which she was now confronted and my hope that later information would not confirm the horrible account of outrages on Japanese nationals, and particularly on Japanese women, which I understood had been contained in the first reports received by the Japanese Government. I further expressed my satisfaction at the assurance that the Japanese troops would be withdrawn as soon as the safety of Japanese lives and property was assured.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, in view of the fact that the Government of the Irish Free State have declared that they contented themselves with expressing pleasure that Great Britain and Egypt were in negotiations, and the hope that an amicable agreement would be reached, an official statement was made that the Treaty had received the concurrence of all Dominion Governments?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a question on this subject asked by my Noble Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon) on 5th April last. That answer stated that the concurrence of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions was sought in the proposal to present the Treaty to the Egyptian Government. The reply of His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State was to the effect stated in the hon. Member's question. It does not appear to me that this reply is at variance with the statement referred to above which, I assume, the hon. Member has in mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in despatch No. 6, of 24th November last, the statement was made that the required concurrence had been obtained, and is he also aware that the Deputy representing External Affairs in the Dail stated that concurrence was a bad word, and that concurrence had not been obtained?

I think my answer covers that point.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman's answer refer me to an answer given on 5th April and not refer at all to the statement made in the White Paper No. 6 of November last?

But I think the answer covers that point also.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to what progress has been made with regard to the British national claims in Turkey by the Assessment Commission in Paris, and when they expect to finish their consideration of the claims?

The Inter-Allied Commission for the Assessment of Damage 'Suffered in Turkey has completed the examination of about 11,500 claims (including about 3,400 claims by British nationals). The Commission expect to finish their work by the end of 1928, so far as they can at present judge.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many are employed in the Branch of the League of Nations in London; and what is the cost to the League of Nations of the Branch?

The League of Nations budget for 1928 provided for a staff of six persons at the London sub-office. The salaries of these persons amount to £1,105. In addition to this, provision is made for the sum of £1,966 in respect of property account and general office expenses. The total estimated expenditure for the London Branch is, therefore, £3,071.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what are the objects of this office, and whether they could not be equally well carried out by Reuter's Agency?

Oh, No, Sir; I am quite certain that they could not. I cannot say offhand what are the particular duties which are carried out by this office. I am not a Minister of the League of Nations, but a Minister of the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the negotiations in connection with the Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty which expires on 4th June next?

The draft arbitration treaty to replace the Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty of 1908 communicated by the United States Government does not in all respects meet the particular requirements of His Majesty's Government in Great Britain. In view of the complexity of the questions involved and of the necessity of fully consulting His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions, further time will be required before a decision can be reached on the reply to be returned to the United States proposals. In the circumstances, it has been suggested to His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions, with the cognisance of the United States Government, that the present Root-Bryce treaty should be temporarily extended, although there is now some doubt whether the United States Senate will be able to consider this question before their forthcoming recess.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the cost of treating one cwt. or one ton of coal by the Bergius system of extracting oil from coal?

The Bergius process is still in the experimental stage and no plant of a commercial size is in existence in this country, so that it is impossible to give even a rough estimate of the cost of the process. Much more work is required on the details before the cost of working, or the conditions giving the lowest cost of working, can be stated.

Are we to understand that the technical men running this test have not measured the hydrogen or the coal that is being treated, and have not, in fact, made any measurements? Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman suggest that that is the case?

I do not suggest anything but what is contained in my answer.

If the hon. Member had been answering the question he could not say that, and he is avoiding the question.

Is it not the case that from the point of view of all concerned exhaustive tests are being made?

Is it not possible for the Secretary for Mines to tell us what is the cost of the experimental operations which are being carried out?

The hon. Member will realise that the carrying out of these operations involves laboratory experiments, and the costs vary with each experiment.

asked the Secretary for Mines what amount of pressure is used upon the hydrogen gas in the Bergius system of extracting oil from coal?

The pressures of hydrogen used in the experiments at the Fuel Research Station and those in Germany of which the Government has information, have varied from 2,500 to 3,700 lbs. per square inch. The optimum pressure appears to depend on the individual coal being treated, the temperatures used, and, of course, on commercial and engineering considerations.

asked the Secretary for Mines what amount of coal is used in treating one ton of coal in the Bergius system of extracting oil from coal?

The coal consumed in hydrogenating one ton of coal may be divided into three parts, that used for power, that for heating, and that for manufacturing hydrogen. As power, heat and hydrogen can all be obtained by electricity produced in hydro-electric plants, it is possible that in some circumstances the answer might be "none" If, however, coal is used for all these purposes, then the answer depends on how the process is organised. Dr. Bergius, in a paper read at the International Conference on Bituminous Coal held at Pittsburg in 1926, showed how the hydrogen might be obtained from the gas evolved in the process, and if this were done he estimated that eight cwt. of coal would be required for treating one ton of coal, in an efficient large scale plant. I have no evidence to show that this is unduly optimistic, though the amount of coal used in the experimental plant is naturally much greater.

Are we now to understand that the only information that is to be had is from Professor Bergius, and that all our technical men in this country have no information to give, despite the fact that they have been experimenting in our laboratories?

May I ask whether it will not be possible in future to deal with such answers as these by circulating them in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

That might meet the ignorance of hon. Members generally.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the announcement that the London Master Bakers and Confectioners' Protection Society intend to raise the price of the quartern loaf; and whether he has any information as to the reasons for this advance of price?

The reason is the recent increase in the price of flour.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what estimate has been made as to the relief in rates which it is expected will be received by the chemical trade in October, 1929, under the Budget proposals;

(2) what figure has been arrived at as the amount of relief which is expected to come to the artificial silk trade in October, 1929, under the Budget proposals, and what will be the amount for the silk trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether relief of rates to marine engineering was included in his recent estimate of the relief to the engineering industry; and, if not, what estimate has been made as to the relief of rates which the marine engineering and shipbuilding trades will receive under the proposed Government scheme?

Comprehensive information regarding the amount of direct relief from local taxation that each trade will obtain, is not available, but for a few trades some approximate estimates have been made. As has already been stated in the House, the direct relief for the engineering industry, including marine engineering, will be from £2,000,000 to £2,500,000 a year. For shipbuilding it will be about £400,000 a year; for the chemical industry about £600,000. For coal the direct relief is estimated to be about £2,500,000 a year; for cotton spinning and weaving about £1,500,000 a year; for wool combing, spinning and weaving about £750,000; for the heavy iron and steel industry about £550,000; for breweries and distilleries about £400,000. In respect of other trades the amount of information available is not sufficient to justify an estimate of the amount of relief which will be obtained.

Are these figures based on the total establishments concerned in each trade, or do they distinguish between those parts of the establishment which are used by manual labour and those parts where the office staffs are working?

The estimates are approximate.

May I have an answer to my question as to whether the estimates which have been made are actually based upon the rates paid by the whole of these properties or on parts of the properties, and are they divided between manual labour and the office?

As the Valuation Ascertainment Bill is not yet law, those data are not accessible, and no answer can be given to the hon. Member's question?

Then what use are these estimates at all?

They have the same high value that all my estimates have.

When presenting these figures will some definition be given to enable us to understand which are the Departments concerned, and What are the limitations of the particular industry—for instance heavy or light chemicals?

I think we had better wait for the Bill.

Do the investigations which have already been made enable the hon. Member to say if the dyeing and cleaning industry is included as a producing industry?

That is a question which can be dealt with when we discuss the Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to say when the Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland, the Report of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, and the Annual Report of the Scottish Board of Health for 1927 will be published?

The Annual Report of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for the year 1927 will be published next week. It is hoped that the Annual Reports of the Scottish Board of Health and the Fishery Board for Scotland will be published at the beginning and in the latter half of June, respectively.

asked the Prime Minister when the Report of the Imperial Conference on Cable and Wireless Services is likely to be in his hands; and how soon publication will be possible?

I find on inquiry that it is not possible to forecast when the Report of the Imperial Wireless and Cable Conference will be available. I understand that the deliberations of the Conference will not be concluded for some little time. As soon as I am in a position to do so I will make a statement.

Can the Prime Minister verify the statement that the negotiations of this Conference are still being carried on, seeing that at least one member of the Commonwealth Conference sailed for home on the 4th inst?

I understand from the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is keeping in close touch with this Conference, that the gentleman referred to is the technical adviser.

Can the Prime Minister give the House an assurance that nothing will be done in this matter until the Report has been published, and Parliament has had an opportunity of discussing it?

I should want notice of that question.

In view of the importance of this question, and the public interest taken in it, will the Prime Minister give a very early opportunity for a Debate upon it?

We have always been prepared to afford an opportunity for a Debate as soon as we get the Report of the Conference, but until we get the Report it is very difficult for us to arrange for a Debate.

Are we to understand that Mr. Lenton, the representative of South Africa at this Conference, is no more than a technical adviser?

I cannot answer that question, obviously, without notice, but I will look into it.

May I respectfully ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he remembers that I have been putting questions to him on this subject for two or three months, and the answers have been that these matters were under consideration, while the fact is—

Speech!

Arising out of the Prime Minister's reply that until we have the Report it is exceedingly difficult to debate, may I ask if that does not justify the action taken by the Scottish Members last week?

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to hold a conference with regard to the ex-civil servants in Ireland; and whether the British Government, the Free State Government, and representatives of the Irish ex-civil servants will take part in this conference?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, this matter continues to engage the attention of both Governments with a view to finding a satisfactory solution; but, as at present advised, there is no intention of any formal conference, as is suggested in the question.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that, while the negotiations are still going on month after month, these unfortunate people are receiving no income, although they had a unanimous decision of the Privy Council in their favour more than a year ago?

Cannot they go out and find work?

No, they cannot.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any payment out of surplus prize funds has been made to the Royal Naval Division Benevolent Fund; if so, what amount has been paid to this fund; and, if no donation has been made, if he will consider making one, in view of the fact that the members of the Royal Naval Division drew no prize money, although many of them originally enlisted for sea service?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The question whether the Royal Naval Division Benevolent Fund is eligible for participation in any future distribution of the balance of the Naval Prize Fund will be considered; but, as at present advised, the Admiralty are inclined to think that the personnel dealt with by this benevolent fund is also covered by other larger funds.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the number of men of 65 years of age who have been discharged from their employment in consequence of receiving a pension of 10s. per week under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925; and, in view of the fact that many of these men have paid into the Unemployed Insurance Fund for many years and would be entitled, if unemployed, to 24s per week for themselves and their wives, he will consider, particularly in cases where 10s a week only is drawn, as is the case where the wife has not attained the age of 65, the desirability of introducing legislation enabling a man of this age to exhaust his benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act?

I have no information as to cases of this kind. The old age pension is, on the whole, a more valuable right for persons over 65 than unemployment benefit, and I cannot undertake to introduce legislation to substitute the latter for tilt% former in particular cases where it may happen to be more favourable, temporarily, to the claimant.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a workman named Holness, engaged for 22 weeks out of 25 by the Corporation of Redcar, has been declined unemployment benefit on the ground that he was not genuinely seeking work; that another workman named Place, who had 57 stamps for the past two years, has been similarly dealt with; and that a third workman named Campbell, with 38 stamps for the past two years, excluding the period during which he was on compensation, has also been informed that the chief insurance officer had refused his application; whether it is the settled policy of the Department to draw a distinction between work provided by corporations and that organised by private firms; and whether an inquiry will be instituted into these three cases with a view to seeing whether any injustice has been created by the refusal?

The decision on these claims is a matter, not for the Department, but for the independent statutory authorities. I understand that the matter is still sub judice. I will let my hon. Friend know the final decision.

May I ask my hon. Friend what constitutes genuinely seeking work?

That is the very question which the statutory authorities will have to decide.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the particulars upon which the cost of administration of the Ministry is stated to be 5d per £ of benefit include the sum provided for pensions of all ranks awarded for life; and, if so, what is the cost per £ of benefit, eliminating the sum provided for life pensions during 1920 and the current year?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I fear that it is not practicable to make the interesting distinction suggested in the second part of the question, since, even in the case of awards of life pension, some expenditure on current administration is necessarily involved—for example, in connection with the machinery of payment, the adjustment of allowances in accordance with changes in family circumstances, the provision of treatment, and other matters—the cost of which cannot he separated.

asked the Minister of Health how many junior clerks have commenced work in the Ministry during the past six months?

No new entrants of the junior clerical class have been recruited for my Department during the last six months. I may, however, add that 39 members of the ex-service "P" class clerks have been promoted within the Department to the permanent established clerical class.

asked the Minister of Health how many temporary ex-service clerks are at resent under notice in the Ministry; and what is the rate of discharge?

Two hundred and twenty-eight temporary ex-service clerks are at present under notice in my Department. In the case of 169 of these officers the notices do not take effect until the middle of June. Sixty-two officers have been discharged during the last six weeks, but the rate of discharge necessarily varies from week to week.

asked the Minister of Health whether overtime is still being worked in any of his Departments; and, if so, to what extent?

Seventy-nine members of the staff of my Department are at present employed on overtime, of whom 33 are messengers or typists, 24 are employed in regional and provincial offices, and 22 at headquarters.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why it is found necessary to dispense with the services of so many men when overtime is being worked in his Department?

Because, obviously, they are not engaged on the same class of work.

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to consider transferring men from one department to another when they are engaged on clerical work?

All these matters have been considered.

If they have been considered, is it the policy of the Government to dispense with ex-service men who are employed by the Department without regard to their future prospects?

No, Sir.

Has my right hon. Friend noticed that certain trade unions object to people being transferred from one class of job to another?

asked the Minister of Health if the Sale of Food and Drugs Act is administered by the health authorities in any county, and, if so, in how many?

Yes, Sir. In some counties the Public Health Committee or the Medical Officer of Health, or both, take part in the administration of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts. I regret that I cannot state the number of such counties.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the practice of his Department in a contract, where a fair-wage clause is inserted, for the building of houses which have been subsidised from public funds, and in which the contracting party has paid less than the established district rates to his employés, to take any steps to compel the offending party to pay to his present and past employés who have been, or who are still, engaged upon, the specified work, such moneys as may be due to them as a result of past work being paid for at less than the specified district rates?

The Housing Act, 1924, lays down as one of the conditions of eligibility for subsidies under that Act that the local authority shall undertake that the contract for the erection of houses shall contain a Fair Wages Clause. The enforcing of a contract between a local authority and one of its contractors is a matter entirely for the authority, and the action taken by the authority in the event of any breach of contract will depend upon the terms of the contract in the particular case.

Are we to understand that the local authorities have taken no action, even where flagrant cases have occurred?

The Ministry has no power to do so, as it is not a party to the contract.

Are we to understand that, where local authorities do not 'take any action, the Fair Wages Clause is of no value whatever?

No, Sir, that must not be understood.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that one of the cables to Lerwick is interrupted; when it is intended to repair this cable; and what steps have been taken to meet a possible interruption of the remaining cable during the fishing season?

I am aware that one of the Lerwick cables is interrupted, and I am taking all possible steps to have it repaired. If the second Lerwick cable should go out of service, wireless communication would be established with as little delay as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General the cable and wireless communication rates for Government messages to and from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Union of South Africa, respectively?

The rates for British Government telegrams to all parts of Canada are the same by cable and wireless, the rate to Ottawa being 4½d. a word. To Australia the rate is is. 0½d. a word by cable, and 10d. by the Post Office wireless service. To New Zealand the rate is 1s by cable; no wireless service is available. To the Union of South Africa the rate is 10d by cable, and 8d by the Post Office wireless service. All these rates apply to Government telegrams in both directions.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of pupils on the register of elementary, special, and secondary schools at the last convenient date, giving the age and sex of the pupils, showing each classification separately?

I would ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the volume of Educational Statistics for 1927, which will, I hope, be available to-morrow or the following day.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the reported statement by the chairman of the Darlington Education Committee that, in the proposal to re-establish the preparatory department in the girls high school, the committee were carrying out recommendations of His Majesty's inspector contained in the last report of the school's inspection; whether this is in accordance with the present policy of the Board; and if the advice was given with the knowledge and approval of the Board?

My right hon. Friend's attention has not been called to the reported statement in question. The last report on the school contains no recommendation that the junior department should be revived. The only reference to the matter occurs incidentally in the section of the Report relating to the premises and accommodation of the school, and is to the effect that for the present the accommodation is quite adequate, and that, even if it were decided to revive the junior school in the present buildings, this would not necessitate any immediate extension of the premises.

Is the Noble Lady aware of any reason, other than that of snobbery, why these schools should be kept in being, seeing that the elementary schools do the work very much more successfully than any others?

I think that, it' the hon. Member discussed the question with the heads of secondary schools, he would find that frequently there are reasons other than the very inadequate one which he has suggested.

Is the Noble Lady aware that the matter has been discussed by the heads both of secondary schools and of elementary schools, and that one cannot get past examination results, which show that the elementary schools are better fitted for doing this work?

That can be discussed on Wednesday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is proposed to hold an inquiry into the evidence that was given in a case heard at the Marlborough Street police court on Wednesday, 2nd May, wherein the magistrate ordered the police to pay the sum of 10 guineas costs?

I am inquiring into the matter myself, and am unable to make any statement at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is going to be a public inquiry into this matter, and, if there is going to be an inquiry later, whether the police officers concerned will be represented?

I cannot say more than I said on the last occasion. I am inquiring personally into the matter. I may decide that a prosecution is necessary, in which case, of course, the whole case will be inquired into, or I may decide that a public inquiry is necessary; but I have come to no conclusion.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement with regard to the position of tenants in Northern Ireland whose holdings will not have been dealt with under The Northern Ireland Land Act, 1925, within four years of the passing of that Act?

Yes, Sir. As the statement is somewhat long, I propose, with my honourable Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I have sent him a copy.

asked the Home Secretary whether Mr. Browne, a prisoner under sentence of death at Pentonville Prison, is allowed to be visited by his relatives; whether he has expressed a desire to see certain of his relatives; and on what grounds Mr. Finch, a brother-in-law, has been refused permission to visit Browne?

Yes, Sir. Arthur Finch, the prisoner's brother-in-law, visited him on Thursday and Saturday last.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the same person to whom the reward of £2,000 has been paid in connection with the Police-constable Gutteridge murder case wrote to the defending solicitor offering to give information for the defence at an early stage in the proceedings; and if he will make full inquiry into all the circumstances?

An appeal is pending, and I regret that I cannot discuss matters connected with this case.

I regret if I am infringing the Rules applying to appeals in putting this question down. My reason for putting it is to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will make full inquiries into all the circumstances affecting the getting of evidence for this case as they raise matters of grave concern.