asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any information respecting the no-tax campaign in the Bardoli sub-divisional district of the Bombay Presidency.

In July last year, after more than usually careful inquiry and consideration, extending over more than two years, the Government of Bombay fixed the new assessment of the Bardoli Taluka at an average enhancement of 20 per cent. on the old as compared with the 30 per cent. originally proposed by the Settlement Officer. This decision was made the subject of considerable public criticism, and in February last Mr. Vallabhai Patel, President of the Ahmedabad Municipality, opened a no-tax campaign in the Bardoli Taluka which had been the scene of Mr. Ghandi's experiment in civil disobedience in 1921. By methods which have become familiar since that date Mr. Patel has achieved a certain success in defeating the efforts of the officials of Government to collect the revenue, but, despite the interruption of communications caused by the monsoon, the law is being enforced against the tenants who have refused payment and the Government of Bombay are in consultation with the Government of India as to the steps to be taken to deal with the situation and with the gross misrepesentation to which the action of the Bombay Government has been and is being subjected.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether an inquiry has been held into the equipment and general preparedness for war of the Army in India; and whether, as a result of that inquiry, any changes are contemplated?

Yes, Sir. The Government of India, in close consultation with His Majesty's Government, are constantly examining the problem of improving the organisation and equipment of the Army in India so far as may be necessary to make good any deficiencies and to give it the benefit of the latest modern developments to bring it into line with the British Army in this country. As regards the second part, I presume my hon. Friend refers to statements that have recently appeared in the "Pioneer" newspaper to the effect that a change in the chief command in India may shortly be expected. There is no foundation whatever for such a statement, and I am glad to take this opportunity of assuring the House that the Commander-in-Chief in India enjoys the full confidence of the Government of India and of His Majesty's Government.

Is it the case that this question was raised in the Indian Legislative Assembly and that the Government of India are in a state of anxiety; and will the Noble Lord take steps to put an end to these mischievous statements in the newspapers?

I regret to say that this is not the first occasion on which the newspaper in question has published wholly inaccurate statements. It seems to share the tendency of the less reputable sections of the Indian Press whose main object is to discredit the Government of India by making misleading and inaccurate statements. My Noble Friend has taken all steps possible to have these constant untruthful rumours disproved.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the amount paid annually in pensions to British officers in the Indian civil and military services: and whether these pensions are chargeable to Indian revenues?

No separate record is kept of the amount paid in pensions to British, as distinct from Indian officers. The total payments in respect of pensions in this country during 1927–28 amounted to £3,509,438, of which approximately £75,000 has been or will be recovered from the Imperial Government or other employers in respect of the service of officers lent to them. The remainder is chargeable to Indian revenues.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons sentenced in Palestine for being in possession of Communist literature have been sentenced to deportation as well as imprisonment; and whether this additional punishment is inflicted in other cases where the same term of imprisonment is involved?

I am unable to furnish the information asked for without reference to Palestine. My right hon. Friend is asking the High Commissioner for a report.

Is this exceptional attitude towards Communism in Palestine due to inspiration from the Colonial Office here, or to obscurantism on the part of the local Government?

It is not due to either. It is due to the necessities of Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will see that, if Hogging takes place in Palestinian gaols, it shall only be for such offences as are punishable by flogging in gaols in this country?

I will consult the High Commissioner for Palestine on the suggestion made in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what new circumstances arose to cause the abandonment of the Film Quota Bill in the Singapore legislature which were not in existence when it was introduced?

No new circumstances have arisen, but the Government of the Straits Settlements, in reconsidering their draft Bill in the light of the Imperial Act recently passed on the subject, felt that similar legislation in the Straits Settlements would be premature. Their principal reasons were that the supply of British films is at present inadequate, and that American films have no monopoly in the Straits Settlements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the nature of the changes in the revised draft of the Malay States Workmen's Compensation Bill?

Only slight alterations were made in the revised draft, and these were not of substance, but of detail. If the hon. Member desires it, I shall be glad to supply him with the text of the Amendments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the revised Workmen's Compensation Bill in the Malay States has yet been passed; and, if not, whether he can give the reasons for the delay?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to him on the 4th July, to which I am not able to add anything at present.

Cannot information be obtained in regard to this matter? I have raised it on two or three occasions within the last 12 months. Will the right hon. Gentleman see if any definite steps are being taken?

As soon as we learn what the Federated Malay States Government intend to do and when they propose to bring the matter before the Federal Council, I shall communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what directions have been drafted for the purpose of the impending visit to Canada, Australia and New Zealand of the Undersecretary of State for Dominion Affairs; whether he has been empowered to enter into any fresh migration agreements; and whether such schemes as the pioneer-settlement scheme in Canada are being held up until the conclusion of his tour?

No, Sir; no special directions have been drafted, but Lord Lovat hopes to discuss all matters relating to oversea settlement with the authorities and with representatives of private organisations in the Dominions which he is visiting, and to negotiate such further extensions of the present policy as may appear feasible. It is not intended that any schemes should be held up until the conclusion of his tour.

Will consideration be extended to the recommendations of the Industrial Transference Board?

I think all cognate subjects relating to the problem of migration will come under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of cases that have been heard by the Irish Grants Committee, and the number of cases that yet remain to be heard; and when it is expected that the work of the Committee will be completed?

2,338 cases have been considered by the Irish Grants Committee, and approximately 1,790 cases remain to be heard. It is expected that the work of the Committee will be completed during the early portion of next year.

In view of the progress which has been made, can the right hon. Gentleman now say whether the £1,000,000 will be sufficient to meet all these recommendations?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prosecutions under the Agricultural Wages Act for under-payment of agreed county rates to agricultural workers during the years 1925, 1926, and 1927, and to 30th June 1928, respectively; and the aggregate amount of such under-payments in each year, with the amount of fines imposed during the same periods?

With the hon. Members permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the particulars desired.

How are these discrepancies found out? Is it done by inspectors?

We have inspectors who look into any suspected cases and who also make test inspections.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of agricultural land changed hands in Great Britain during the year 1927, the number of separate holdings involved, and their total cost?

I regret that I have no information which would enable me to reply to the hon Member's question.

Is it not possible to obtain such information; and, in view of the Bill which comes up for discussion tomorrow, will the right hon. Gentleman not endeavour to obtain it?

We could not obtain that information without statutory authority, and, obviously, it would entail considerable cost and inconvenience.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is the duty of the Government to collect such information; and on what will the right hon. Gentleman base his arguments tomorrow if the information is not available?

I see no reason for harassing those who buy or sell land with unnecessary forms.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of boys under 18 years of age employed in the coal mines of Great Britain during the years 1925 and 1927, respectively, and the number of shifts worked by them during the same years?

It is estimated that in 1925 the average number of boys under 18 years of age employed at mines under the Coal Mines Act was 120,500, and in 1927 101,150. The estimated total number of shifts worked was 30¼ million in 1925, and 24⅔ million in 1927.

Is that a list of those under 18, or of total shifts, including everybody?

The hon. Member asked me about those under 18, and that is what I have given.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the case of a local authority carrying on or contributing to a land drainage scheme at the expense of the general ratepayer, he intends to de-rate agricultural land in respect of such a rate?

The intention is that the occupiers of agricultural land shall be relieved of any rate thereon which is a rate within the definition in Section 68 of the Bating and Valuation Act, 1925. This definition excludes the ordinary drainage rates, but in the special cases where local authorities incur expenditure in connection with land drainage works which is chargeable through such a rate on the general body of ratepayers, the occupiers of agricultural land will be relieved.

Do I understand that in the case of special drainage at the expense of local authorities the landowners who get the benefit of that expenditure are to contribute not one penny to the expenditure involved?

I should hesitate to assent to that proposition. Perhaps the right hon. and gallant Member will look at my answer, which is of rather a technical nature.

Is the law being changed in such a way that the beneficiaries who are at present liable to contribute by a special rate on agricultural land will no longer have to contribute?

The change, if any, is as is stated in my reply. It is difficult to deal with this matter by question and answer, and no doubt the right hon. and gallant Member will seek a further opportunity to raise the question on the Report stage of the Bill.

Is it not a fact that under the block grant the additional cost of any such schemes will have to be borne entirely by the rest of the ratepayers?

It has nothing to do with a block grant; that is dealt with in the second part of the Government Rating proposals as contained in the White Paper.

asked the Minister of Health whether property and premises used for horticultural and glass-house purposes will be freed from all rates under the rating proposals of the Government?

My right hon. Friend is advised that the definition of "agricultural land" contained in Clause 2 of the Bating and Valuation (Apportionment) Bill includes horticultural land, and that the definition of "agricultural buildings" contained in the same Clause includes both (i) glass-houses occupied together with agricultural land and (ii) glass-houses not occupied together with agricultural land, if such glass-houses are themselves market gardens.

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that his answer is in the affirmative?

I would invite my hon. Friend to look carefully at the reply, which was carefully prepared.

Will a glass-house in the London area or in a big town be exempted from rates if used for horticultural purposes?

It depends whether it comes within the definition under this Clause.

Is a glass-house used for producing tomatoes within the definition.

Yes, I think it certainly would come within the definition.

When is a glass-house a market garden and when is it not?

My hon. Friend should, I think, put that question to my hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a unanimous resolution of the Conference of Rural District Councils of England and Wales urging that, seeing the unsuitable character of domestic buildings being erected in the country districts, rural district councils should be given fuller powers of control and prevention than is permitted by the model bye-laws; and whether he will take steps to secure the needed alteration in these model bye-laws?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the resolution and proposes to confer with the Rural District Councils' Association on the subject.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, with regard to the housing estate at Dundrum, County Dublin, which was set up under the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, whether the question of permitting ex-service men resident on that estate to purchase their houses has at any time been considered?

Under paragraph 13 of the Irish Sailors' and Soldiers' Land Trust (Amending) Regulations, 1925, the Trust may, with the approval of the Treasury, make schemes enabling the tenants to purchase the freehold or leasehold of the houses occupied by them. No schemes have yet been made, but I understand that the matter is at present under the consideration of the Trust.

Seeing that this Act was passed in 1919, does the hon. Member not think that by this time some measure should have been taken to enable these ex-service men to purchase their houses?

I have just said that I understand that the matter is under consideration.

Has the Financial Secretary noticed that this Act dates from 1919, and can anything be done to assist these men?

Everything that can be done to expedite the consideration of the matter will be done, and I have no doubt is being done.

Will steps be taken to expedite the matter?

I will convey my hon. and gallant Friend's request to the proper quarter.

(for Lieut.-Colonel LAMBERT WARD) asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the action of the Filey Urban District Council who are insisting that Swedish doors only shall be used in the Scarborough Road housing scheme; and whether he will secure equal treatment for home manufactured materials in schemes on which a subsidy is paid?

My right hon. Friend received on the 4th July a letter making representations on this point and has asked the local authority for their observations.

asked the Minister of Health how many meetings have taken place of the committee appointed by him last March to inquire into the management, administration, and staffing of the London Lock Hospital, with special reference to the arrangements for the medical treatment of patients, and for their moral, social, and material welfare; and whether he can indicate when the Report is likely to be forthcoming?

I understand that the committee have held six meetings and have in addition visited a number of institutions. I am informed that the inquiry is approaching completion but that the committee are not yet able to say when they will conclude their labours.

If I put down a question immediately before the rising of Parliament, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me a date then?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will take that course. I am not able, of course, to give him a definite reply.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will give particulars showing how the amount of £120,000 is spent annually in bringing to the notice of the public the advantages of the telephone service and the facilities offered to subscribers?

New business is sought chiefly by personal canvassing conducted by a specially trained staff of over 500 men, and the wages and commission paid to them account for the bulk of the £120,000. The work of the canvassing staff is supplemented by the distribution throughout the country of pamphlets, leaflets and other advertising literature and by the exhibition of posters in post offices and elsewhere. In addition, telephone exhibits have been arranged at industrial fairs and exhibitions in London and the Provinces. The cost of printing and delivering the advertising literature or of the telephone exhibits could not be ascertained without considerable difficulty and expense, but its estimated cost is included in the sum quoted.

Does not the Noble Lord consider that a great deal more business might be done in this line if special facilities could be afforded to the farming community, especially in the outlying districts of Scotland?

That is rather a different question. As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, we do give telephones in country districts at unremunerative rates. I know that my agricultural friends would like those rates to be still lower, and the Postmaster-General desires that they should be as low as possible, but that is rather a big question.

Is my Noble Friend aware that those facilities given to the agricultural community are at residential rates and not at business rates?

That is not raised by the question on the Paper.

asked the Attorney-General whether the committee set up in 1921 to investigate and report upon matters bearing on litigation as between Crown and subject has made a report; whether any draft Bill has been prepared; and can he hold out hopes of early legislation?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce the Bill prepared by the Committee appointed to investigate the position of the Crown as a litigant?

The terms of reference of the Committee to which my hon. Friend refers were altered in 1924; the Committee reported in February of last year under its altered terms of reference, and their Report was presented to Parliament in April of that year and is Command Paper No. 2842. The Report is largely composed of a draft Bill. I cannot hold out any hope of early legislation upon the subject.

Do the Government recognise the great urgency of getting this matter attended to? Is it not a practically non-contentious matter, and could not a short Bill dealing with it be brought forward with the consent of all parties?

The Government certainly recognise the importance of the question, but, if my hon. Friend will make inquiries, I think he will find that it is far from being a non-contentious matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. William Hazelby was sent to London by the Nantyglo Employment Exchange, was met by officials and conducted to the Brixton Employment Exchange, where a job as sandwich-board carrier was offered him; will he say who pays the expense; what was the cost of such transference; and why this job was not given to an unemployed man in London?

Mr. Hazelby came to London under the arrangements which were explained in a reply to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley last week. Pending more permanent employment being found for him he was offered work as a sandwich-board man, which he stated he was willing to try. Employment as a painter's labourer was found for him later in the week, which he was to take up to-day. Mr. Hazelby's fare was £l 0s. 3d., of which he will be liable to repay 126. 2d. by instalments, the balance being paid from the Unemployment Fund. The job of painter's labourer was offered to him under the arrangements to which I have already referred.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether this man has lost any benefit, and will he answer the last part of my question?

He has lost no benefit at all. When he gave up the job of sandwichman, which he did after a very few hours, he was paid benefit to the end of the week, and he lost no benefit at all. I am not sure whether the hon. Member is referring to the job of painter's labourer or to the job of sandwichman, but, so far as I know, there was no application for the job of sandwichman.

Is it not a fact that it is not necessary to make application for the job of sandwichman?

The job of sandwichman is rather different from other jobs. This man was not deprived of benefit because he did not take it.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary approve of bringing miners 150 miles to carry sandwich boards and then leaving them stranded because they refuse such a degrading occupation? Is this done with the authority of the Minister?

It is not a question of the approval or otherwise of the Parliamentary Secretary.

On a point of Order. Am I not allowed to elucidate this point by a supplementary question?

Anything bearing on the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary can be elucidated by a supplementary question, but not matters of opinion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept my word that I will find him 200 painters' labourers out of work in London?

I will accept the hon. Member's word for anything he cares to tell me, but, even so, in my view and in that of my right hon. Friend, it is only right that unemployed miners congregated in large numbers in congested areas, where there is no work at all, should have an opportunity of having these jobs.

Is this new policy of giving miners jobs in this way the result of the recommendations of the Transference Board?

The question of the publication of the Report of the Transference Board is still under consideration, and I must ask the hon. Member to await the decision.

Will the hon. Gentleman be prepared to lay upon the Table or in the Library the instructions which his Department has sent to managers of Employment Exchanges in industrial areas requiring them to take as many as 10 single miners from these starving areas for stated periods of one week?

That question is identical in form with one which is down in the name of the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) to-morrow, when I will answer it.

Will the hon. Gentleman say why all these miners, who have not had employment for more than a week, have been brought down from the mining areas, and will the number be given in the Report?

I must ask the hon. and gallant Member to be good enough to wait until a decision has been arrived at in regard to the publication of the Report.

To what extent is this principle being acted upon that unemployed men outside London should be brought in to fill these jobs, when thousands of men have been unemployed in London for many years?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman means how many men are being placed, roughly speaking, in pusuance of the policy to which I have referred, it was at least 100 last week.

In view of the fact that the recommendations of the Transference Board are being put into operation before the publication of the Report, may I ask when we are likely to have it?

That is a question which was addressed to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister the other day, and he expects shortly to be able to give an answer. I understand that there is a question on this very point to-day.

Is it too much to ask that it should be published, and should it not have been published some time ago in view of the fact that the recommendations have been put into operation?

That is the question which I understand is on the Paper to-day.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention of his Department to arrange for the issue to the public of the book prepared by his Department and the Juvenile Advisory Council as a guide to employment for boys and girls; and will this book be available to Members of the House of Commons?

The "Guide to Employment for London Boys and Girls," compiled by the London Advisory Council for Juvenile Employment, to which no doubt the hon. Member's question refers, has now been issued as a sale publication by the Stationery Office at the price of 2s. Members can obtain a copy by applying to the Controller, His Majesty's Stationery Office, in the usual way.

Is there any possibility of this book being published at a cheaper price than 2s., and will the attention of the people engaged in the various industries be called to this publication?

The first supplementary question should be addressed to the Treasury. With regard to the second, I have read the Report, and it is a publication of the greatest possible value, and I hope that the utmost possible publicity will be given to it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the area of land which has been acquired on the farm of Scarristaveg for the purpose of forming small holdings and enlarging existing holdings?

The area of land on which it is proposed to constitute new holdings and enlargements of existing holdings comprises the whole farm of Scarristaveg, and extends to 1,682 acres or thereby.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the new small holdings and enlargements of existing holdings on Scarristaveg farm have yet been allocated; and, if so, to whom?

The allocation of new holdings and enlargements of existing holdings from the farm of Scarristaveg has not yet been completed, but the proprietor's proposals, to which I have agreed, are that the enlargement will be shared by the holders in the adjoining township of Northton, and that the new holdings will be assigned to Miss Hannah Macleay, Mr. John Macleod and Mr. John McCuish.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how many years the three persons who have received the new holdings have had their applications before the Board?

I cannot without notice

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that, when these three new holdings were being allocated, the claims of two men who have had their applications in since as far back as 1912 ought to have been considered favourably?

No, Sir; these claims are submitted to the proprietor, and the proprietor has a right of expressing a view in the matter.

Are we to understand that the Scottish Board of Agriculture have no right, if the proprietor says that certain individuals are to go upon the holding, and that their list of applicants is not to be considered at all?

The hon. Gentleman has been repeatedly informed that this scheme is one which the Board of Agriculture cannot enforce, and it must be done voluntarily with the assent of the proprietor.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to send me particulars of the arrangement that has been entered into between the proprietor of this estate and the Scottish Office?

Until the whole scheme has been completed it is not possible to supply full details, but the hon. Gentleman can put down a further question.

The right hon. Gentleman has already informed the House that the new holdings have been allocated, and that they have been allocated according to the wishes of the proprietor: I wish to know if he can give the terms of the arrangement by which these new holdings have been allocated?

I have told the hon. Member the terms on which they have been allocated.

asked the Lord Advocate the number of days served in prison by Neil Macdonald and Ewan Maclennan before their release was ordered by the Court of Session?

These men served 13 days' imprisonment from the date of their sentence till the date when interim liberation was ordered by the Court of Session.

Has it now been definitely established that these men were illegally detained?

No, the matter is under appeal.

Has not the Court of Session already decided that they were illegally detained, and have expressed a view accordingly?

No, Sir.

Is it not the case that the Court of Session ordered the release of these men?

It is quite true that they ordered their release, but they did not decide the question which was before them.

Colonel Howard-Bury.

rose——

I have called upon the next question. The hon. Gentleman has had a full share of the time for questions.

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman——

We cannot go back now.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the names of the 30 passes that are open to tourists and climbers along the Swiss-Italian frontier, and which are the passes and mountains which are forbidden territory?

I doubt the use of supplying the hon. and gallant Member with the list of those passes which were open last September, as I do not know that this list is still accurate and complete, but I am asking His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome whether the Italian Government would be willing to supply him with a complete up-to-date list of all those passes on the Swiss-Italian frontier which are at present open. Meanwhile, I can but repeat the suggestion my right hon. Friend made in answer to a question on the 25th of June, namely, that British subjects in Switzerland who contemplate an ascent which may take them across the frontier would be well advised to ascertain from the nearest Italian Consular Officer whether the route which they propose to follow is open.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the retiring Chinese Northern troops carried off 6,000 goods wagons and 300 locomotives, practically half of the rolling-stock of the railways north of the Yangtse; that two British firms are owed over £1,000,000 for rolling-stock towards which nothing has been paid since 1922; and that large sums of money are also owed to British firms for railway material; and can he state what steps he proposes to take to protect the British interests concerned?

I have no information regarding the first part of my hon. Friend's question. As regards the second and third parts, his information is substantially correct. Constant efforts have been made by His Majesty's Minister in the past to secure the payment of these debts by the Chinese authorities, but, owing to the fact that the railways are the chief instruments of the civil war, it is impossible to expect any result until some form of unified control emerges. Nevertheless, His Majesty's Minister's efforts to secure payment of these commercial debts will not be relaxed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made as to the truth or otherwise of the statements in the first part of the question, and make any representations where it is considered necessary?

I know they have carried off a great deal of the rolling stock, though I cannot say exactly what proportion, but I do not think that inquiries would help us at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is yet in a position to state when His Majesty's Government intends to sign the American Peace Pact?

No, Sir. Everything possible is, however, being done to hasten the despatch of a reply to the latest note from the Government of the United States of America.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government's procrastination in this matter has caused considerable disappointment throughout the country, and does he not see the need, for the good repute of this country, of signing this Pact at the earliest possible moment.

That would appear to be rather an expression of opinion than of fact, but in my view it is more important that His Majesty's Government should be careful when undertaking new engagements not to break their old ones than to proceed without reference to the serious nature of the questions involved.

Is there any truth in the telegram from Paris this morning that Great Britain and France are to sign the Treaty and couple it with a protocol embodying reservations? Further, is it not a fact that our Dominions are prepared to sign without any protocol or reservation?

I am not prepared to answer without notice as to the attitude of the Dominions, as to which I am not yet fully informed—our consultations with them are by no means complete—and I think it would be convenient that I should postpone any account of the British reply, or the likely character of the British reply, until I am in a position to lay Papers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an approximate date when His Majesty's Government are likely to sign the Treaty?

I cannot say. All I can undertake is that there shall be no unnecessary loss of time.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether during these negotiations he is taking any steps to stop America herself from carrying on her war with Nicaragua?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of oil was imported into this country from Russia during the year 1927 and for the six months ended 30th June, 1928?

During the year 1927 the imports of refined petroleum from Russia were 93,054,000 gallons; during the first five months of this year they were 44,973,000 gallons. Figures for last June are not at present available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Argentine Government is proposing to give effect to the provisions of the Mitre law, which prescribes the rates of freight which shall be charged on the Argentine railways in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the British investors concerned; and will he call for a Report on the matter?

I have no official information on this matter, but if my hon. Friend will supply me with any information in his possession I will consider it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the increasing importation of hosiery latch needles; and if he will give the figures of such imports for the years 1926 and 1927 and for the first five months of this year?

The imports of hosiery latch needles, by weight, were 51,910 lbs. in 1926, 57,717 lbs. in 1927 and 28,393 lbs. in the first five months of the present year.

In view of the ever-increasing importations of these needles, a key industry in this country, and in view of the fact that the Committee which has already sat has recommended an increased duty, will the hon. Gentleman see that the necessity for this duty is again brought to the notice of the Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received more than one memorandum from members of the Enemy Debts Department asking for inquiry into one aspect and another of the administration of the Department; and, if so, what action was taken in each case?

Besides the memorandum which has been the subject of the hon. Member's previous questions, a few complaints have been received in the past in regard to the conduct of the Clearing Office. These were fully investigated at the time and suitable action was taken as necessary.

Does the statement that "suitable action was taken" mean that the charges were not proved and that the people did not have any punishment for what are termed the misdeeds mentioned in the charges?

I do not think anything in the nature of grave charges have been made at any time. I have in mind one case in which two members of the staff were admonished for doing something which was thought to be undesirable.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, excluding the inspectorate, there are no women either in the children's division or in the police division of the Home Office; and whether, in view of the desirability of associating women with this work, he will take steps when future vacancies occur to secure the appointment of women by promotion, transfer, or otherwise to responsible posts in these divisions?

I assume the hon. Member refers to the administrative staff, as women are employed on clerical duties in both the divisions referred to as well as in the inspectorate. The administrative staff, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, is recruited by open competitive examination, for which women are now eligible on the same footing as men, and in the event of a woman being appointed to the Home Office, I would certainly consider employing her in one of the divisions mentioned.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to a recent case of embezzlement and falsification of accounts by a collector of Income Tax in a parish of the City of Westminster; whether he is aware that the collector had to collect about £1,000,000 a year for a remuneration of £750, out of which he had to provide an office, pay a staff, and meet incidental expenses; and whether, having regard to the responsible financial position held by collectors of Income Tax, he will consider making them established civil servants and providing for their offices, staff and expenses out of public funds?

I am aware of the facts stated in the question. But I would remind my hon. Friend that the total sum collected by a collector does not in itself afford any reliable index either of his difficulties or of his responsibiity. The largest remittances are usually the simplest to deal with and afford the fewest opportunities for fraud; and the collector in question had to deal with single payments ranging as high as £250,000. I agree with my hon. Friend that it is desirable to reorganise the collection service by substituting, as far as possible, established civil servants under the Board of Inland Revenue for the existing system. But this is a big operation for which adequate statutory powers do not at present exist. The Board of Inland Revenue are already carrying it out so far as circumstances and the present law permit.

May I ask the Financial Secretary whether collectors of Income Tax have to provide out of their remuneration an office and staff and meet incidental expenses as stated in the question?

I could not answer that question accurately without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is now in a position to state when the Report of the special committee set up in 1923 to investigate various problems relating to mental deficiency will be ready; and whether it is proposed to issue the Report as a public document?

My right hon. Friend hopes that the Report will be available before the end of the year and that it will be published but he cannot, of course, give an undertaking at this stage.

asked the President of the Board of Education if the Board have in contemplation the reference to the consultative committee, or any other committee that may be set up and the consideration of problems connected with junior schools for children between the age of seven and 11 years, regard being given to the new developments in education foreshadowed in Circular 1397 and the Board's official publication, the New Prospect in Education?

My right hon. Friend has already asked the Consultative Committee to consider a reference on this subject in the following terms:

"To inquire and report as to the courses of study suitable for children (other than children in infants' departments) up to the age of eleven in elementary schools, with special reference to the needs of children in rural areas."

asked the President of the Board of Education how many libraries under the direct or indirect control of the Board of Education are chargeable to the Education Votes; how many volumes are there in these libraries; whether they are accessible to the members of the teaching profession and the general public; what are the hours of admission for teachers and the general public; and how can admission be obtained?

As the reply to this question is rather long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of civilian employés at Weedon and Didcot in June, 1926, 1927, and 1928?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in appointing Lord Byng the Chief Commissioner of Police, he issued any special instructions to him to investigate the conditions now prevailing at Scotland Yard and to report what steps might be necessary to reorganise the Department and the rules on which it is at present run?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what was meant by "a stem call to duty" if nothing in the nature of special instructions were given?

I think the hon. and gallant Member may be contusing "a stern call to duty" with "a call to stern duty." I made a stern call to Lord Byng to carry out this great duty.

If the need for the appointment of Lord Byng is so urgent, why wait until November for the appointment to take effect?

The Commissioner does not retire till then.

May we understand that the present Commissioner is not able to deal with the matter which Lord Byng is called upon to deal with?

Not at all. The Commissioner is unable to deal with the duties of Commissioner after 1st November, because he is retiring on that date, and I have to find a new Commissioner to take over all the duties of Commissioner as from that date.

If the facts are as stated, would it not have been possible in the interval to have made inquiries to see whether there was not a man out of work who would have been—[Interruption]—whether there was not a capable man for this position available in the country without going to a gentleman who at least is retired and fairly comfortably well off?

I do not understand the hon. Member's suggestion. He is out of work.

Will the present Commissioner have complete control until November?

The Commissioner will be in such control as he always is, but, of course, as the hon. Member knows, the Commissioner is subject to the Home Secretary, who is subject to the House of Commons. I am responsible, and shall be responsible, for the actions of Sir William Horwood until his retirement?

May I ask if the Commissioner is not already getting on with the job of dealing with this mysterious business which demands such a stern call to duty?

Why is it necessary to give so many months' notice of the appointment of a successor? It is not usual.

I really think I might defer answering these questions until Wednesday, when a Debate is taking place. I will make a full statement then.

asked the Home Secretary how many years Sir William Horwood has occupied the position of Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police; what was his salary on appointment; what increases, if any, have been given him during his term of office; is it his intention to recommend a pension to this officer on his retirement; if so, what the amount is to be; and is Sir William Horwood in receipt of a pension from any other Government Department, and has he been in receipt of such a pension, if any, during the period of his service as Chief Commissioner?

Brigadier-General Sir William Horwood was appointed Commissioner of Police on the 20th April, 1920. The salary was then £2,000 a year, rising to £2,500 after five years, but was increased four months later to £3,000 a year, with retrospective effect from the date of the appointment, on the recommendation of a committee under the chairmanship of the late Lord Oxford and Asquith, which reviewed the emoluments of all the principal posts on the civil establishments. Cost-of-living bonus was payable in addition until August, 1921. The pension on retirement at 60 will be £1,000 per annum. Sir William Horwood has no pension from any other Government Department.

Do I understand that the increase dates from the time of the Chief Commissioner's appointment, so that he will be paid £3,000 a year for the whole period of his appointment; and he receives a nice little bonus for the cost of living? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] I wish to know the amount of bonus paid to this gentleman. According to the report of the committee, he should have been paid £3,000 a year from the time of his appointment. I want to know what is the amount of the bonus?

It is the difference between £2,500 and £3,000 a year for four months, that is one-third of £600.

How many workers in this country have had their wages raised at the same rate during the same time?

Is not this the best possible testimony to Sir William Horwood's efficiency?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that refiners have refused to give to buyers the full reduction of duty according to polarisation on low-grade sugars in bond at the refinery at the date of the Budget proposals; and will he say if his agreement with the refiners contained any provision for differentiating between high-grade and low-grade sugars?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any case he has in mind I will have inquiries made. As regards the second part, the undertaking given by the sugar refiners contained no provision for differentiating between high-grade and low-grade sugars. I am informed that the price of low-grade sugars was, in fact, reduced by at least the amount of the reduction of duty according to polarisation.