asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make any further statement with regard to the situation in Bombay; whether the hospital returns of the injured are now available; and can he give these returns?

I am happy to say that the situation in Bombay is now, and has for some days, been normal. The hospital returns of injured are:

Pathans	…	83
Other Mohammedans	…	186
Hindus	…	462
Indian Christians	…	11
Parsi	…	1
Total	…	743

Is there to be a definite inquiry or not?

I do not know. That is a matter for the Bombay Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any statistics that will show the number of Pathans who reside in British India and the number who reside in Bombay, as at the last convenient date?

No, Sir. As I explained in answer to a somewhat similar question last Monday, the Pathan population in British India—by which I take it is meant Moslem natives of Afghanistan and the North-West Frontier Province—is a floating population, very few, if any, of whom remain away from their home districts throughout the year.

Are there any statistics that will show how many Pathans are in Bombay?

No, Sir. There is no reason why there should be statistics. The case is exactly similar to that of people from the North of England, Scotland, or Palestine or anywhere else coming to London. "Pathan" is a generic term applied rather loosely to natives of Northern India. There is no more reason why there should be a return of such people in Bombay than, for example, a return of Scotsmen or Jews in London, or any other place.

Can the Noble Lord say how long these Pathans reside in Bombay?

I think the hon. Gentleman will realise why I cannot possibly answer that question. The majority of them are British Indian subjects, and they travel about the country in the same way as people travel about in this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many full-time paid probation officers, and how many part-time paid probation officers, and how many voluntary probation officers have been appointed and are at present serving in the various provinces of British India?

Though the Indian Courts have power to release first offenders on probation of good conduct, there is no general system in India corresponding to that of the probation officers provided for by the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907, and the Criminal Justice Act, 1925. I cannot therefore give the figures asked for, but would refer the hon. Member to the information in the Jails Reports of the various Provinces as to the working of unofficial Prisoners Aid Societies, particularly in Madras, and the action taken in the Punjab under the Good Conduct Prisoners Probational Release Act, 1926.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any action will be taken on the Report of the Butler Committee before its publication?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the House will be given an opportunity of considering the Report of the Butler Commission?

My Noble Friend must in the first place consider the report in consultation with the Government of India. Until he has had an opportunity of doing this, I am not in a position to make any further statement as to procedure.

Will any action be taken before publication of the Report or may we take it that no action will be taken until we have had an opportunity of considering the Report?

I am afraid that I cannot add anything to the answer I have already given. I said that my Noble Friend was in consultation with the Government of India, and therefore no statement can be made at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any appointment has been made in accordance with the decision announced by the Viceroy that an officer of the Indian civil service would be deputed to Kenya to represent the Government of India's view on the Hilton Young Report?

So far as I am aware the Viceroy has not yet nominated an officer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is yet in a position to make a statement concern- ing the terms of reference and the full personnel of the Commission which, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. H. Whitley, is to inquire into certain matters connected with Indian labour?

I am afraid that I am not yet in a position to make a statement as my Noble Friend is still in communication with the Viceroy regarding the terms of reference and personnel.

Can the Noble Lord say whether membership of this Commission is to be confined to Members of the House of Commons or to persons in this country; or will it be possible to include in the personnel of the Commission such a man as Mr. Joshi?

That is a question which at present is under consideration by the Viceroy and my Noble Friend.

Will the Commission include men who understand something about Indian problems, and not merely people in this country who are not concerned with Indian problems?

That is exactly the question which has just been put to me. This matter is now under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what steps have been taken by the Government of India, in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Indian legislative assembly, asking for an inquiry into the existing facilities for primary education in India and to make proposals for the development of primary education in centrally administered districts?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to a resolution regarding the primary education of girls in certain districts. I have no information as to the action contemplated by the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will inform the House as to the present situation in the strike at the Sewree depot of the Burma and Standard Oil Companies?

I have no recent information, but a telegraphic report has been asked for.

When does the Under-Secretary expect an answer?

We have telegraphed for a report, and I think it will be possible to have an answer very shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what provision if any, is made by the Government of India for legal aid to Indian labourers employed by the planters in Malaya and Ceylon in cases of dispute between the labourer and his employer?

My Noble Friend has no information as to whether legal aid has ever been given in such cases at the expense of the Government of India; but it is the duty of the Agents of the Government of India in Ceylon and in British Malaya to protect and advise Indian immigrants so far as is possible and the Report of the Agent in British Malaya for 1927 mentioned that he had given all possible help in several civil and criminal cases in which Indians were concerned.

In view of the disadvantages at which these people find they are placed in these matters, will the Noble Lord give some instructions to assist them by providing legal aid and paying their expenses?

If the hon. Member suggests that they should have their legal expenses paid, I should not be prepared to give any such undertaking, at any rate without consultation with my Noble Friend. The hon. Member does not seem to realise that they have at their disposal these agents who can advise them in all matters on which they want advice.

Can the Government of India take up the case of any native coolie who thinks that he is not getting justice, or are they limited to giving advice?

I think the right hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put down a question, but the position of the agent is that he can make representations to the local government in regard to any immigrant Indian who has not been properly treated, or where there has been a breach of the law.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if the Government will set up a committee of inquiry for the purpose of inquiring into the alleged grievances of the subjects of the Native States of India.

The answer is in the negative.

In view of the responsibility of the Government for these matters and in view of the allegations of grievous maladministration in some of these States, do the Government not accept responsibility for inquiring into these questions?

That is a question which raises constitutional points of the greatest moment, but I must not be taken as accepting the premises in the hon. Member's question. Shortly, the answer is that the Government have no power to make a general inquiry into matters which lie exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Native States.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that serious allegations are being sent round to Members of this House, and would it not be fairer to all parties to investigate these allegations?

I do not think the hon. and gallant Gentleman heard my answer to this question. I said that the Government had no power to conduct a general inquiry into matters that lie exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Native States. The matter is very complicated and difficult and cannot he dealt with in answer to a question. The mere fact that accusations or complaints have been sent to Members of Parliament is no evidence that those complaints are justified. I receive all sorts of complaints which on examination are found to have no justification whatever.

Is it not a fact that progressive rulers welcome such inquiries to clear up matters?

Do I understand the Noble Lord to say that the Government are in a position to appoint a Commission to consider the grievances of the Princes, but they are not in a position to consider the grievances of their subjects?

It is impossible to give an answer upon matters of great constitutional moment in reply to supplementary questions, and I must be excused from doing so. The Government have no power to conduct such general inquiries as are suggested in the question. If specific cases are brought to the notice of the Government or the agents, the usual practice is to advise those in charge to conduct inquiries themselves.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what precautionary measures, if any, are being taken for the preservation of law and order in India, in view of the new scheme for the organisation of volunteers throughout India and house-to-house collection of foreign-made cloth in towns and villages and its destruction in bonfires?

My Noble Friend thinks that it is not in the public interest to announce beforehand the exact steps that the authorities have in mind for dealing with possible disturbances.

Is my Noble Friend bearing in mind the fact that the last time this organisation was put into operation several thousand deaths resulted?

Yes, sir; my Noble Friend is fully aware of the evil consequences which followed from a previous organisation of the kind referred to, and for that reason, as I have told my hon. Friend, it is not considered desirable to announce what steps the Government are taking.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in eradicating hook-worm disease among the natives of East Africa; how many cases were successfully treated during 1928; and how many European medical workers are engaged in coping with this disease?

The Medical Departments of the East African Dependencies are fully alive to the importance of combating this disease. In addition to the ordinary activities of Medical Departments, special intensive campaigns against this disease have been undertaken in the past two years by the Medical Departments of Kenya and the Tanganyika Territory with encouraging results, and are still in progress. No returns of the number of cases successfully treated in 1928 are available, and such returns would in any case show only the number of cases treated at Government hospitals, and would not, indicate the scope or the success of the general efforts to control the disease. As regards the last part of the question, it is not possible to give any figure, as, while officers are from time to time deputed to undertake special work in connection with the disease, its treatment is part of the ordinary duties of all Government Medical Officers in the East African Dependencies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is considering the question of Palestine raising or guaranteeing a loan for the development of settlement in Palestine?

No, Sir. In June last His Majesty's Government considered a proposal put forward by the Zionist Organisation that they should join with other Governments in guaranteeing a loan to promote Jewish settlement in Palestine. The Zionist Organisation were informed that His Majesty's Government, without finally rejecting the proposal, could not offer it any encouragement at that time. There has been no change in the position since then to lead His Majesty's Government to reconsider their decision.

In view of the fact that Sir John Chancellor has gone there from Rhodesia, and has the question of settlement very much at heart, does not this change make it possible that His Majesty's Government might also change their views on this question?

Sir John Chancellor has looked into the whole situation very thoroughly.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider asking the Government of Palestine for their views on this matter?

They are considering the whole question of settlement all the time.

The question of a loan is vital to settlement, is it not

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with the Haifa harbour works, any rules have been laid down fixing a minimum wage for skilled or for unskilled labour which shall be sufficient to enable Jewish labour to live on their pay; and, if so, what are the general rules governing wages on, this public work?

These and other questions affecting conditions of labour have been referred to the High Commissioner for further consideration, in the light of the decision that the works should be carried out departmentally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has seen the terms of the contract for the construction of the harbour at Haifa; whether it is intended that the contract shall include a fair-wages clause; and whether, in the case of the work done by direct labour, it is intended that a proportion of Jewish workmen will be engaged?

In view of the decision that the harbour works should be constructed departmentally, no question of contract at present arises. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Does that mean that the wages paid will enable the Jewish workmen to compete on fair terms as regards labour?

That is just one of the points on which, as I said in answer to the previous question, I have invited the High Commissioner's consideration, In order to see what scale he can arrange to meet the object in view.

Will he try to avoid any communal treatment of Arabs and Jews on the Haifa, harbour works; that is to say, the setting up of one rate of pay for the one nationality and another rate for the other nationality?

The High Commissioner will endeavour, if possible, to arrange the scales in such a fashion as not to lay stress on that aspect of the matter.

Not to make invidious distinctions?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that in one Colony certain surgical appointments are reserved for holders of the fellowship of a particular Royal College of Surgeons; whether this practice has the approval of the Colonial Office; and, if not, whether he will call the attention of the Colonial Government in question to the matter?

I have been informed that in one of the Colonies there is a departmental regulation that has the effect of excluding from consideration for certain surgical appointments candidates other than holders of a particular surgical diploma. I do not think that assignment to particular technical posts can fairly be based on academic qualifications alone, to the exclusion of other qualifications such as experience, skill and personal suitability. I am inviting the attention of the Colonial Government concerned to the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can yet indicate the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the recommendations of the Donoughmore Commission of Inquiry concerning the constitution of Ceylon?

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what would be the cost to the taxpayers of this country of setting up a Consul-General in Bagdad and appointing a Consul in Basra; and whether he contemplates taking any steps to establish the latter?

I have been asked to reply. A salaried consulate was established at Basra on 7th January last. It is estimated that its annual cost will be about £3,000 a year. As regards Bagdad, I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the cost of a salaried Consulate-General. On the basis of the expenditure at Basra, it is estimated that the cost would be approximately between £3,500 and £4,000 a year.

Is it intended to set up unpaid consulships in Mosul and other cities in Iraq, where the state of trade demands it?

I must have notice of any question of that kind.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of temporary ex-Service men who are leaving the Imperial War Graves Commission, France, on completion of the work in connection with the British cemeteries; what number have already been found further posts in this country by the Joint Substitution Board; and what steps are being taken by his Department and the Joint Substitution Board, respectively, to obtain further employment for these officers in this country on completion of their work with the Imperial War Graves Commission?

There are still 240 temporary ex-Service men in France and Belgium who will be leaving the Commission before the establishment is on a permanent basis. Of those who were employed in France and Belgium and have already left the Commission's service, 55 have been found work by the Joint Substitution Board. To supplement the assistance given by the Board, which does not deal with industrial or gardening staff, the Commission set up in 1924 a special departmental committee which has already met with considerable success in finding work for discharged employ és.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any decision has yet been reached regarding the Imperial Conference this year; and, if not, when it will be considered?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle, North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) on the 17th December last. At present I am not in a position to add anything to that reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what subsidy or other assistance is available to the migrant or his family from this country who desires to take up work other than agricultural work in Canada; and whether there is any difference in the granting of such subsidies to the individual who proceeds to take up a definite occupation or who desires to proceed to Canada in order to find occupation.

All British migrants proceeding to Canada for the purpose of permanent settlement are eligible for the new £10 ocean passage rate which has been arranged with the steamship companies. The answer to the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if, in any scheme of Empire development, he will consider the advisability of pressing for some agreement with the Dominions that migrants' national insurances (health and unemployment) shall not lapse but become operative in any of the Dominions so long as contributions are continued, giving the settlers similar benefits as obtain in the mother country?

I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to paragraph 24 of the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee appointed to consider the effect on Migration of Schemes of Social Insurance a copy of which I am having forwarded to him.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, seeing that at the Imperial Conference of 1926 it was agreed that where one part of the British Empire entered into negotiations with another country, when the negotiations were likely to affect other parts of the Empire all parts of the Empire should be duly advised, he will state why Canada was only informed of the Anglo-French naval compromise after some of the Governments of Foreign countries had received formal notification through our embassies?

As has already been explained in reply to previous questions, in accordance with the procedure agreed at the Imperial Conference, 1926, for adoption in cases of this kind, the Dominion Governments were informed in advance of the intention of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to enter into conversations with the French Government, with the object of adjusting the divergencies of view which were blocking progress in the Preparatory Commission on Disarmament. The telegrams announcing the result of these conversations were sent to His Majesty's representatives abroad and to Dominion Governments on 30th July and 1st August respectively.

Has my right hon. Friend seen the speech of the Prime Minister of Canada, in which he stated that foreign Governments were informed of the results of the negotiations before the Dominion of Canada?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will study my answer more closely, he will see that the information was conveyed in the one case on the 30th July and in the other on the 1st August. I am sorry that there was an interval of a day or two between them.

Were the telegrams to the Dominion Governments sent for the purpose of asking for their observations, or simply to inform them that agreement had been reached?

I should require notice of that question, but I think it was to inform them that only a provisional agreement had been reached, subject to the agreement of all the other Governments concerned.

Were the Dominion Governments informed by telegraph?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs why interest is not to be paid on the amount of the compensation awarded to ex-British civil servants in Southern Ireland from the date of their retirement, seeing that such compensation has, in accordance with the judgment of the Privy Council, been wrongfully withheld from them for a prolonged period and that they have lost the interest on the sum involved in many cases for several years?

The point raised in my hon. Friend's question was examined before I replied to his question on the 20th February, but, after full consideration of all the relevant circumstances, the conclusion was reached that we should not be justified in making provision for the payment of interest on the additional sums now to be awarded by way of compensation to certain transferred Civil Servants in the Irish Free State.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of these ex-British Civil Servants retired as long ago as five years, and for that time have been kept out of their money to which the Privy Council held them to be entitled?

As my hon. Friend will be aware, the actual sums in most of these eases are quite small.

Is not that a very good reason why this grievance should be met, and interest paid on the money from the date of their retirement?

Is there any precedent for the refusal of interest for five years?

I think that, on the contrary, in all these cases interest is not paid.

May we take it that this decision of the Government is always subject to reconsideration by the Cabinet?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the estimated amount which the British Government have agreed to pay by reason of the refusal of the Free State Government to pay the compensation which the Privy Council has held that ex-British Civil Servants in Southern Ireland are entitled to receive on retirement in accordance with Article X of the Anglo-Irish treaty?

The amount to be refunded to His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State in respect of additional compensation to certain transferred civil servants under the agreement referred to in the reply which I gave my hon. Friend on the 20th February is estimated at £31,000 in the present financial year. This represents payments in respect of those officers to whom awards of compensation have already been made: the question of what further sum will be payable will depend largely on the number of future awards of compensation which may be made in respect of officers giving notice of retirement before the 1st March next, and cannot, therefore, be precisely estimated yet.

Then I understand that on all the claims that have been received so far the amount payable by the British Government is some £31,000.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that there is a concerted effort in the new Turkey, both by the Government and by the people, to develop air communications to the fullest extent; whether any Turkish orders for aircraft have been placed in this country recently; and will he, through his Department, exert efforts to secure aircraft orders from that country?

The answer to the first and third parts of the bon. Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I have no definite information, though I understand negotiations are proceeding.

Will the hon. Gentleman endeavour to obtain the information?

I have obtained much information, which has been transmitted to the various interests concerned, and I might also add that our manufacturers are very ably represented.

Is it not the case that, whenever questions are put to the hon. Gentleman in connection with trade, he is never able to give us a definite answer?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has received any Report from His Majesty's Trade Commissioner in Canada respecting the change in the percentage of the cost of production required on British goods in order to obtain preferential import rates; and, if so, whether such Report has been given publicity in the Press?

His Majesty's Senior Trade Commissioner in Canada has reported that no further change has been made in the conditions governing the entry of goods into Canada under the British preferential tariff. The whole matter is, however, still under discussion between the High Commissioner in Canada for the United Kingdom and the Canadian Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the figures of imported ladies' shoes from France, Germany, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia for the years ending 1926, 1927, and 1928, numbers and value?

The answer has been prepared in tabular form, and my hon. Friend will perhaps agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Member draw attention to this question of "imported ladies"?

asked the Minister of Agriculture why the National Mark Committee has had to withdraw permission to use the national mark for eggs from certain individuals or depots?

In only one case has the National Mark Committee taken action in the direction referred to by my hon. Friend. This was the case of a packer who had infringed the conditions of the scheme both in regard to grading and the nature of the packages used. His certificate of authorisation has not been revoked but has been suspended until such time as the National Mark Commit- tee is satisfied that he is in a position to carry out satisfactorily all the requirements of the scheme.

Does this mean that the right hon. Gentleman's Department is keeping a close watch on the whole scheme and seeing that the national mark is not abused?

Oh, yes. Both the Department and the Committee are doing everything in their power to keep up the reputation of the national mark by seeing that the grading and packing is guaranteed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if his attention has been drawn to the schemes for the reconstruction of the American cotton-spinning trade in Lancashire; and if he will state what he is prepared to do in respect of the various schemes and proposals before the country in regard to assistance for the American cotton-spinning trade in Lancashire?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the various schemes of amalgamation which are being discussed in connection with the American section of the cotton trade. The Government are watching with great interest all such developments and are glad to think that one scheme has already been launched. It is, I think, a most hopeful sign that it has been found possible to establish the Corporation in question without any financial assistance from the Government.

Will the Government assist, financially, or in any other way, any agreed proposals between employ és and employers in the American section of the cotton trade?

I cannot give any guarantee about financial assistance. I have already indicated our satisfaction that the scheme has been launched so far without any financial assistance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how the production of British artificial silk yarn in 1928 compares with that in 1924?

The artificial silk yarn produced in the United Kingdom and chargeable with Excise Duty in 1928 amounted to 50,388,000 lbs. The output in 1924, as ascertained by the Census of Production, was 25,654,000 lbs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many agricultural labourers were unemployed on 1st February, 1929; and what steps, if any, have been taken to find employment for such men?

No statistics are available of the number of agricultural workers unemployed. Instances have been reported to me but they are few in number and do not warrant special steps to provide temporary employment. If the hon. Member is aware of any cases of particular hardship I will have inquiry made as to whether any useful local action can be suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that unemployment among agricultural workers is becoming more and more acute, and, in view of the fact that these men are outside the Unemployment Insurance Schemes, does he not think that some regard should be taken of the position and that some assistance should be given?

I have for several weeks past, through the officials of the Ministry and other agencies, made special inquiry into this matter, and the result does not hear out the statement of the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Member not aware that in certain parts of Yorkshire where agricultural workers have been dismissed workers from other industries are being imported making the position of the agricultural workers more and more acute every week?

No, I was not aware of that fact.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House where agricultural labourers are unemployed?

In Cambridge, Norfolk, Suffolk, and the East Riding of Yorkshire there are a few agricultural workers out of employment, but I understand that it is not very much more than takes place in most years.

asked the Minister of Labour how many workmen have been transferred to work upon the land as agricultural labourers since the Transference Board has been in existence?

A number of men from the depressed areas have had agricultural employment, and particularly in the beet sugar industry, but complete statistics as to the number who have been effectively transferred into agricultural employment are not available.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it would be possible to obtain the information sought in the question, and, if so, when ought a question to be put to him?

The hon. Member will realise the difficulty that exists. A man may be transferred into agriculture, and he may quite easily have gone into some industrial occupation on his own account and therefore the difficulty arises as to which men have remained in agriculture and which men lave gone into other industries.

Is an effort being made to transfer to agricultural operations?

I say in my answer that a number of men have been transferred from distressed areas to such employment.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of miners who have been transferred to the city of Birmingham under the transference scheme up to the end of January; the number of those placed in work; and the number placed in training?

The number of men from depressed areas who have been transferred direct through Exchange machinery to employment in the Birmingham area, from the Prime Minister's appeal up to the 25th January, 1929, is 209. During the same period 378 men from depressed areas were admitted to the Birmingham Training Centre, and of those who have completed training 101 were placed in employment in the Birmingham area.

Can the hon. Member say how many unemployed working people have been transferred from Birmingham during the same period?

No Sir, not without notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount the Treasury has saved in its payments to the Unemployment Fund under the Economy Act, 1926 The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Arthur Michael Samuel): The saving to the Exchequer is estimated to amount to £14. millions up to the 31st March next.

Is the hon. Member aware that the debt on the Unemployed Fund is increasing and that this amount to a large extent would wipe off that debt?

I was not aware that those facts are as stated, but I will take note of the hon. Member's observations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to cancel any part of the debt owing to the Treasury in respect of advances to the Unemployment Fund?

No, Sir. The Exchequer contribution to the unemployment insurance scheme is made by direct grant fixed by statute.

In view of this heavy burden, may I ask whether some consideration will not be given to relieving industry and wages from this heavy payment?

I do not think that has anything to do with the question put to me.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, how many men are employed by the Office of Works; how does this figure compare with the same or near date last year; and what useful works of national importance has His Majesty's Office of Works initiated during the last few months in order to provide employment?

No figures are available of the number of men employed by contractors working for the Office of Works. If the hon. and gallant Member's question refers to industrial staff, 3,103 were employed on 1st January, 1928, and 3,047 on 1st January, 1929. Early in January, however, certain relief works were beginning in the Royal Parks, to give temporary employment to about 700 additional men, of which number about 600 have a] ready been engaged.

Can the hon and gallant Gentleman say whether his Noble Friend will consider starting building operations again, and is he aware that this policy was very successfully carried out when Lord Melchett was First Commissioner?

asked the Minister of Agriculture which counties have created any small holdings under the Smallholding and Allotments Act, 1926, with the figures for each county separately?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many smallholdings in the West Riding of Yorkshire have been set up since 1926?

Two schemes; nine holdings.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has given further examination to the possibility of granting credits to the fishing industry either by some such scheme as that introduced for agricultural credits or by other suitable methods; what form of inquiry has been made into this matter; and what are his conclusions?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Sir R. Hamilton) on the 13th February, a copy of which I am sending to the hon and gallant Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that does not quite answer the second part of the question, and that in that reply he said that the Hull Trawlers' Association passed a resolution that credits were neither needed nor desirable?

We have made inquiries, but not altogether of a formal nature. We have opportunities in the Ministry of finding out the real needs of fishermen for credit.

Will the right hon. Gentleman now have a formal inquiry made through his Department?

I do not think that that is necessary.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment on Monday.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive representations from any section of the fishing industry, and if they come with a scheme, will he consider it?

Yes, I will gladly go into any proposal that may be brought forward, or any case that may be set before me.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to propose to Parliament the setting up of a Sessional Joint Committee to scrutinise all Statutory Rules and Orders issued by His Majesty's Privy Council or by public departments and, if deemed necessary by the Committee, to report thereon to Parliament?

I appreciate the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind and I have noted his suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of experience of Standing Order No. 27a giving powers to the Chair to select new Clauses or Amendments in the House and in Committee of the Whole House, and in view of difficulties experienced on Standing Committees, he will negotiate through the usual channels in order that a Resolution may be expeditiously passed extending these powers to Chairmen of Standing Committees?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford University (Sir C. Oman) on the 18th May, 1927.

asked the Prime Minister (1), the names of the members of the Radium Sub-Committee of the Committee of Civil Research and the date of their appointment;

(2) how many meetings have been held by the Radium Sub-Committee of the Committee of Civil Research; what was the date of the last meeting; and whether he has now been informed when their Report will be completed?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Report of the Civil Research Committee's investigation of radium resources in the British Isles or elsewhere within the British Empire has yet been received; and, if so, whether the results will be made public and when?

It would be contrary to established practice to give particulars.of the compostition or proceeding of sub-committees of the committee of civil Research I understand that the sub-committee hope to submit their Report within the next few weeks, when it will at once be considered by the Government.

May I take it that the names of the personson who serve on theis committee?

No, that is a matter of practice, never given either in regard to that or to the Committee of Imperial Defence. They are both regarded as sub-committees of the Cabinet.

Will their report be published?

In the same way, the reports are not published, but, of course, in a matter of this kind which is of very great interest to the House, I will take care by whatever may be the best means to communicate to the House the general results.

When the Government consider this matter, will they also consider the proposal which I brought before the Ministry of Health that the whole question should be brought before the League of Nations?

Is the Committee considering the sources of supply in these Islands?

I should require notice of that question. I understand that the hon. Member's constituency might have something to say to that.

Does this Committee take evidence with regard to this country and particularly with regard to the radium bearing districts of Cornwall?

I think that it is a very competent Committee, and I do not think they are likely to overlook any sources of information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the attention of the Committee was drawn two months ago to the possible sources of supply in these islands, and that beyond the acknowledgment of the communication nothing further has been heard?

I honestly cannot see what the hon. Member would expect at this moment. I am much obliged to him for drawing attention to it.

asked the Minister of Health when the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Poisons and Pharmacy Acts will be available, as its finding are essential to certain improvements in the interests of public convenience and health matters generally?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I understand that the Chairman of the Committee expects that the Committee's Report will be submitted to the Lord President of the Council in the spring or early summer.

asked the Minister of Health if he can state what steps he is taking to deal with cases of early rickets in the distressed mining areas of South Wales and Monmouthshire; and if he is satisfied that these measures are adequate for all possible needs in the near future?

The measures taken to prevent the onset of rickets 'and to deal with such cases as arise are a matter, in the first instance, for the maternity and child welfare authorities of these areas. My right hon. Friend is advised that the authorities are alive to the importance of this matter, 'and he has recently sanctioned increased expenditure on the supply of milk to expectant and nursing mothers and young children in these areas.

Is this milk deducted by the guardians from the amount of relief given to the families?

No, Sir. There is no deduction in these areas.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that rickets persist after the end of five years, and will he communicate with the authorities, to see that these cases are followed up after five years?

I will look into that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a report submitted by the South Wales Mining Association it is definitely stated that the departmentally appointed Commissioners were responsible for a reduction in the amount of benefit for Poor Law relief, and that that has contributed to a large number of cases of rickets?