asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Stafford, 73, Victoria Street, Barnstaple, widow of Frederick Charles Henry Stafford, late of the Wessex Royal Engineers, signal company, who has been refused a pension under Article 17b of the Royal Warant; and whether this widow's claim can be admitted?

:Mrs. Stafford is not eligible for a pension under the Royal Warrant as she married the late soldier after he had been removed from duty on account of the contraction of the tuberculosis of which he subsequently died. The circumstances of the case were, however, considered to justify the grant of a modified pension under special sanction, but I regret that no higher award can be made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the number of appeals that have been made by police officers to the Home Secretary from the decisions of the Metropolitan Police Disciplinary Board during the three years ended to the last convenient date, and in how many cases the decisions of the Disciplinary Board have been varied?

The Police (Appeals) Act came into force on 29th July, 1927. Since then 13 members of the Metropolitan Police have appealed to the Secretary of State. In nine cases the appeal has been dismissed and four are still under consideration.

:Are shorthand notes taken of the original evidence given before the Disciplinary Board, so that the right hon. Gentleman has a full note of the evidence?

:That point is not included in the question. It is a technical matter, and I should like to have notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the recent disturbances which occurred at a meeting of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, held at Caxton Hall, Westminster; if any request was made to the Metropolitan police authorities to provide adequate police protection on this occasion; and whether any police officers, and, if so, how many, were specially detailed for this duty?

:Yes, Sir. In response to the original request for police assistance, 12 police were sent, and, subsequently, on receipt of a further message, 17 more.

:Was the statement made that repeated requests for police protection were ignored?

:This point is raised on a later question, and I will defer my answer.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received representations in regard to the disturbances at the meeting of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, at Caxton Hall, on 20th June, and the alleged refusal of the police officers present to turn out the organised disturbers of the meeting unless the entire hall were emptied; whether any instructions were given to the police officers in question by his Department; and will he consider taking some steps whereby public meetings called for lawful purposes shall receive the necessary police protection to carry out the purposes for which such meetings are convened?

:The whole incident is under investigation by the Commissioner of Police, and I should prefer to have his report before saying anything further about it. If the hon. Member will repeat his question in a week's time, I hope I may then be in a position to reply more fully.

:Have any representations been made to the authorities of the College as to these unruly students?

:I am not able at the moment to reply to that question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Roman Catholic community suffer certain disabilities with regard to the structural cost of their schools; and whether it is the policy of the Government to redress their grievances in this respect?

His Majesty's Government is aware of the demand put forward by some of the Catholic community for building grants towards Catholic schools. The subject is part of a much larger one, namely, the position of the non-provided schools, as regulated by the compromise of 1902. The position of His Majesty's Government is that, if the arrangement of 1902 is to be varied, it can only be after some general agreement has been reached among all the main interests concerned.

:In view of the dilapidated state of many of these non-provided schools of all sects, is it a subject which could be justifiably referred to the Lord Privy Seal for his consideration?

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since the compromise, the position has been very radically altered by the action of himself and his predecessor, and may we be assured that the matter is receiving attention and that a compromise is being sought?

:The matter is obviously having my attention.

:In view of the urgency of this matter and the need for something being done, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider offering the Catholic population the Scottish settlement as a basis for acceptance?

:I am afraid I have nothing to do with Scottish education.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman's answer tantamount to a refusal to deal with the matter, or an invitation that representations should be made to him upon it?

:If the hon. Member reads the answer he will see that it is not an evasion.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the teaching profession and the great majority of the education authorities are against any proposed change?

:In view of the importance to our educational system of the non-provided schools, and their reliance upon the practical assurances which have been given by the late Government, will the right hon. Gentleman take it into his most earnest consideration and make an early announcement of his intentions with regard to this very important matter?

:I cannot at present say anything more than I have said.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to constant complaints from the Iver district of Buckinghamshire regarding the dumping of London refuse at Iver and Little Britain, in Middlesex; that Mr. Daws, the public cleansing inspector of his Department, reported last March that he had found these complaints on local investigation to he well founded; and whether he will see his way to take action to mitigate the nuisance from smoke, smells, flies, and rats, pending the Report of the departmental committee recently appointed to recommend permanent measures?

:I am aware of these complaints. I understand that in one case, where the district council have adopted special by-laws, conditions have improved. In the other case, the local authority have not adopted similar bylaws. I have no legal power myself to deal with particular cases of this kind; but where there is a nuisance or danger to health, the local authority can move. The general problem is now being considered by the Committee to which the hon. Member refers and any comprehensive measure must await their report.

:Has the right hon. Gentleman no powers to force local authorities in London to see that their contractors dispose of their refuse in a proper manner?

:I have no power to deal with contractors. I have power to declare certain local authorities in default, but that is an extreme measure which could only be applied where there is overwhelming proof of deliberate intention on the part of a local authority to evade its responsibility.

asked the Minister of Health whether in view of the frequent misleading of the public by the present system of grading milk as I. Certified, II. Grade A (Tuberculin Tested), III. Grade A, and IV. Pasteurised, he will alter these designations to Grades A, B, C, and D so that the purchaser may more easily recognise which is the highest grade of milk?

:I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind, but to give effect to it would involve the introduction of legislation which I cannot contemplate during the present Session.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the pollution of the River Thames, near Eynsham, which resulted in the poisoning of fish in that neighbourhood; whether he can make any statement on this matter; and whether he will take immediate steps to abate this pollution in view of the menace to the water supply of Oxford?

:I understand from the Conservators of the River Thames, who are responsible for the flow and purity of the waters affected, that the occurrence referred to by the hon. and gallant Member was due to an exceptional combination of circumstances which is not likely to recur. The Conservators also inform me that samples of water taken in the vicinity since the occurrence and analysed are satisfactory, considering the present climatic conditions, and that there is no evidence in them of anything injurious to fish or the water supply.

:Can the right hon. Gentleman state what is the cause of this pollution? Has he any knowledge on that part of the question?

:Yes, Sir. The trouble arose in connection with the Eynsham Sugar Factory. A ditch full of foul matter was inadvertently discharged, owing to the lifting of a sluice by some unauthorised person, into the river and this poisoned the fish. It is quite certain that no such occurrence is likely to happen again. It was altogether a peculiar incident which we may rest assured will not recur.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that many local authorities are ruling that hereditaments used for finishing processes cannot be listed as industrial properties; and whether he will consider the desirability of an amendment to the 1928 Act to the effect that relief could be granted to those hereditaments in which the finishing end of a manufacturing process is carried on, as long as there is no change in the ownership of the products as between the actual manufacturing hereditament and the packing hereditament?

:Yes, Sir, I am aware of the position as indicated by the hon. and gallant Member, but I cannot undertake to introduce legislation to amend the Rating and Valuation (Apportionment) Act, in pursuance of which the decisions referred to have been given.

:Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that there are many injustices, and will he not consider bringing in an amending Bill to do away with them at the earliest possible date?

:The hon. Member knows I am fully aware of that, but I am mindful of the shortage of time and the difficulty of introducing legislation on all questions on which I happen to disagree.

:Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Liberal party would support him?

:Are we to understand that contrary to the speeches of the right hon. Gentleman in the last Parliament he has no intention of amending the Act?

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses under construction, and the number authorised but not started, under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, respectively, on 1st May, 1st June and 1st July?

:As the answer involves a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

:Are the numbers rising or falling?

:The figures at present are rising, because of the desire of local authorities to take advantage of the present subsidy, which under present arrangements will come to an end at the end of this month.

The figures for 1st July, 1929, are not yet available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what limitations, if any, are placed upon the advances to local authorities from the Public Works Loan Commissioners for the erection of houses to let under the Housing Acts and also for the purpose of making advances to prospective purchasers of houses under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts and the Housing Act, 1925?

:As the answer is long and rather technical, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

There are no limitations except those necessary to secure that Government loans go to those authorities least able to borrow for themselves. Loans may be made by the Public Works Loan Commissioners under the Housing Acts to any local authority having a rateable value not exceeding £200,000 in England and Wales and £250,000 in Scotland. Loans may be made to authorities, other than county councils, with a rateable value over these limits up to the equivalent of half the gross sales of Savings Certificates in the area during the preceding 12 months. County councils may borrow a year in arrear for housing purposes up to the amount available in their area under the arrangement I have described relating to Savings Certificates, less the amount of the loans made to other authorities in the area. There are no limitations on loans under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government has made any representations to France with regard to the payment of French debts to this country; and, if so, whether he will state their nature?

:The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.

:Has the Chancellor of the Exchequer any information as to when France proposes to ratify the agreement for the repayment of loans?

:I have no information beyond what, I suppose, most of us have seen in the newspapers. The hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware that this question of war reparations and debts has recently been the subject of examination by an expert Committee. The Report of that Committee is now before the Government. An International Conference will be held for the consideration of that report, and meanwhile I would prefer to make no further statement.

:May I ask, if France does not immediately ratify this settlement, whether the right hon. Gentleman proposes to repudiate it?

:I have answered that question in the last observation I made, namely, that at the present time I am not prepared to make any further statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the economies that might be effected by closing down the activities of the Empire Marketing Board, in whole or in part?

:While I do not intend to exclude from my review of public expenditure any practicable economy, I am unable to give any undertaking as regards any particular service.

:Is it not a fact that the operations of the Empire Marketing Board have had a most beneficent influence on the sale of Empire products in this country, and have been a distinct advantage?

:I do not know that that subject falls particularly within my province. A question like that, I think, would be more properly addressed to some other Minister.

:Will the right hon. Gentleman pay particular attention to the lectures and syllabuses of lectures which are issued by this Board of a highly controversial character?

:When I am considering this particular matter the hon. gentleman and the House generally can be assured that I shall take every relevant matter into consideration.

:When the right hon. Gentleman is considering the matter, will he keep in mind the fact that Members of all parties have sat upon this Board, and that Dominion opinion also has to be considered and taken into account?

:Most certainly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to take immediate steps to abolish the Safe guarding and McKenna Duties?

:I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement which the Prime Minister made on this subject in the course of his speech last Tuesday.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in spite of that speech, there is still a certain amount of doubt as to the intentions of the Government?

:Of course, I am not responsible for any doubt that there may be, but I think that the Prime Minister's statement was sufficiently clear and explicit, and I have nothing at all to add to it.

:Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer observe that the Prime Minister made no reference to the McKenna Duties in his speech, and will he answer that question?

:I think that the hon. and gallant Member is quite wrong. The Prime Minister did make some reference to the McKenna Duties, and said that no further announcement on the question could be made before the Budget was introduced.

:If the right hon. Gentleman were to accede to the suggestion in the question of the hon. Member below the Gangway, would it not be the first act of political suicide on the part of his party?

:There is an Amendment on the Paper on this subject, and that will be the proper time to raise these questions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether representations have been made to the United States Government that tariff increases must add to the difficulties of paying the British debt to America?

:The answer is in the negative.

:Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the American Government that unless they take our goods we cannot pay our debts?

:This question is one more properly for the Board of Trade, and for the Foreign Office. Any representations that it might be advisable to make will have to be made by one or other of those Departments.

:Is at not a fact that the Liberal view is that such tariffs can only help persons in the country where the tariff is raised, and therefore why worry?

:I am not an authority.

:This subject is more suitable to a debate than for question and answer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the actual cost involved in the publication of the White Paper, Memoranda on certain Proposals relating to Unemployment, May, 1929, Cmd. 3331?

The net cost of printing and paper was £67.

:Does the hon. Gentleman intend to apply for a refund from the headquarters of the Conservative party?

:What about the Liberal Fund?

:If the hon. Member desires an answer, he must put that question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour what decision has been arrived at in connection with the application for unemployment benefit by men customarily employed at the Binley Colliery pits, Nuneaton; and whether, if no decision has been arrived at, steps can be taken to expedite a decision?

:The insurance officer has given his decision to-day and it will reach the local office to-morrow. I am informed that the effect of his decision is that the workers, with some few exceptions, are disqualified under Section 8 (1) of the Act of 1920 from the 18th June. They have a right of appeal to the Court of Referees against this decision, and arrangements will be made to expedite the hearing of any such appeal.

asked the Minister of Labour if it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to increase the unemployment benefit payable to young men and girls?

:I have this point under consideration, together with the other provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, with regard to the rates and conditions of benefit, but I am not at present in a position to make a statement on the matter.

:Is the House to understand that the right hon. Lady is dissatisfied with the proportion of benefit recommended by the Blanesburgh Committee?

:I am afraid that the hon. Member must be satisfied with what I have said.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present indebtedness of the Unemployment Insurance Fund to the Exchequer?

:The present debt of the Unemployment Fund to the Treasury is £36,620,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many special recommendation certificates have been issued to ex-service men appointed to posts in the Civil Service; how many men there are now serving holding such certificates; and what is the present position of those officers to whom special recommendation certificates were originally issued but who no longer retain their appointments on the basis of those certificates?

:As the answer to the question involves a table, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

The above table shows the numbers of special recommendations that have been issued annually under the Order in Council of 22nd March, 1918, in favour of ex-service candidates for posts in the Civil Service. A large majority of the officers for whom special recommendations are issued retain their appointments, when their recommendations expire, under Modified (War) Certificates. The numbers of such certificates that have been issued to former holders of special recommendations are shown in the return. In such cases establishment is reckoned from the date of issue of the recommendation. When, in a small minority of cases, the Civil Service Commissioners are unable to issue a Modified (War) Certificate after a period, however extended, of employment under a special recommendation, the holder of the recommendation is appointed to the "P" Class, provided he is a candidate for a grade in which that class is incorporated. It cannot be assumed that the number of men now serving under special recommendations is the difference between the first and second totals in the foregoing return. Apart from the men whose recommendations have expired and to whom Modified (War) Certificates have not been issued a small number of cases have occurred in which Departments have found it necessary to terminate appointments without reference to the Commissioners.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can give any information respecting the probable date of the open competitive examination for appointments in the executive class of the Civil Service; and, in view of the hardship now imposed upon candidates by the narrowing of the age limit, will he take such steps as will ensure that this and similar examinations are held at regular intervals and that the longest possible notice is given?

:I am not in a position to forecast the probable date of the next open competitive examination for appointments in the Executive Class of the Civil Service. But the estimated Departmental vacancies in the immediate future are not such as to require an examination for these appointments in the current calendar year. As regards the latter part of the question, the hon. Member may rest assured that, subject to the requirements of the Public Service, the considerations therein advanced will be kept in mind

:Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are hundreds of members of the grades below the Executive Class in the Civil Service who have demonstrated their fitness for promotion to executive posts, and can he say that before any question of resuming open competition for the executive grade arises, he will receive representations from the associations that represent the lower grades that desire promotion?

:I am always open to receive representations, but if there is some fresh question which the hon. Member has raised, perhaps he will put it down.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the abolition of the railway passenger duty in return for which the railway companies are spending the equivalent capital value in modernising their equipment, any arrangements are being made to secure a public Return of the different directions in which this money is being employed; and, if not, whether he proposes to take steps to that end?

:I have been asked to answer this question. I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion after the proposals which the railway companies have undertaken to submit have been submitted.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the fact that the prices obtainable for wheat and potatoes do not provide a livelihood to the producer in this country; and what steps he proposes to take?

:I am aware that agriculturists in this country are facing difficulties arising from economic causes which are affecting agricultural producers all over the world. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, this situation is not a new one, and it is only possible at present for me to say that it is receiving my serious consideration. I might add that the situation illustrates the need for improved marketing methods, which are the subject of study by the Ministry's marketing branch.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Eastern Counties things are so serious that if something is not done quickly many farmers and small holders will become bankrupt?

:Did not the difficulties referred to in the question exist during the tenure of office of the late Government, and can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps the late Government took to meet the situation?

:I am not aware of the steps taken to meet the situation.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is one of the items about which the Cabinet of which he is a member is thinking?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the attacks of mangold fly on sugar beet in this country; and what steps he proposes to take?

:Reports of damage caused by the mangold fly reached my Department early last month and suggestions for mitigating the damage were broadcast on the 14th June. This information was subsequently circulated to the Press, and I will send a copy of the note to the hon. and gallant Member for his information.

:Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this information was taken advantage of, and with what results?

:I ascertained that the information was widely circulated, and I know that in many cases it was taken advantage of.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if it is proposed to introduce legislation to deal with the Report of the 1927 Committee on Land Drainage?

:This matter is under consideration, and I will make an announcement as soon as possible.

:If I put down a question a week or a fortnight hence, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me a reply?

:I do not want to commit myself, but it will be as soon as possible.

( for Captain CROOKSHANK) asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the great losses incurred by potato growers in Lincolnshire through the abnormally large importation of new potatoes from foreign countries; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

:I am aware of the difficulties experienced by some growers in disposing of the remainder of last year's potato crop. This state of affairs, however, is attributable to the exceptionally high yield of last year's crop rather than to the effect of foreign importations which have been well below the average of recent years. In reply to the last part of the question, I do not propose to take any action with a view to restricting imports.

:If the right hon. Gentleman is unable to persuade his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to allow him to give British meat to the British forces, can he possibly persuade him to allow them to have British potatoes?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that after the deduction of re-exports of manufactured goods the net imports of foreign manufactures into this country were just over £125,000,000 sterling for five months, he can state what volume of employment such a figure represents had these goods been manufactured in this country?

:I regret that I am unable to give an estimate such as the hon. Member asks for. I would point out, however, that a large part of the imports of articles classed in the trade returns as wholly or mainly manufactured consists of materials for industry; and any restriction of the supply of such materials would increase unemployment in the industries using them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Report of the Committee on Safeguarding Woollen and Worsted Textiles is to be published; and what is the nature of the Report?

asked the President, of the Board of Trade whether the Committee considering the case of the York shire woollen industry for Safeguarding Duty has yet reported; and whether he can state the terms of the Report and what action the Government propose to take with regard to it?

:I would refer the hon. Members to the statement made by the Prime Minister on this subject last Tuesday. The Report will, I hope, be available on Monday next.

:In view of the fact that the demands for this Committee came from the trade union leaders concerned, is it to be the first act of the Government to flout those trade union leaders?

asked the First Commissioner of Works if his attention has been called to the absence of adequate conveniences in the Royal park at Greenwich and the lack of shelters and free seats; and if steps can be taken to deal with the matter without delay?

:The conveniences in Greenwich Park have been added to in the course of the past year, and the Department is prepared to consider the need for providing further conveniences. There is free seating accommodation for 900 people and it is intended gradually to increase further the number of free seats. The Department is considering the provision of a shelter for children near the playground.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the purchase price paid for the Government hutments at Welling and at Woolwich and the date of sale; whether the purchasers were informed of the 2s. 6d. reduction granted in 1918; and whether any steps were taken to protect the tenants from any further increase of their rents?

:It is not customary to disclose the price paid for Government property without the consent of the purchasers. If my hon. Friend wishes, I am prepared to ascertain if their consent would be forthcoming. The conveyance of the estates at Welling was completed on the 29th October, 1928. The sales of other estates in the Woolwich area took place on the 28th September, the 11th October and the 19th December, 1928. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative. The estates were sold subject to all existing tenancies and the rights and claims of the tenants thereof by statute or otherwise.

:Are we to understand that Government property affecting the lives of thousands of these tenants can be secretly disposed of and the purchase price kept secret?

:I have informed the hon. Member that it is not usual to disclose the price, without the consent of the purchaser, but if the hon. Member desires, I will certainly inquire whether the purchaser has any objection or whether he will allow us to disclose the terms of contract.

:Do I understand that the provisions of the Rent (Restrictions) Act will apply to these houses, or is it the fact that the tenants of this former Government property will be deprived of the protection of that Act?

:I should be glad if the hon. Member would give me notice of that question.

:If it has been the rule hitherto that the purchase price of such property should not be disclosed, would not this be a good opportunity of making a change in the practice, and publishing the purchase price?

asked the Minister of Labour the terms of the announcement made at Geneva with regard to the ratification of the Washington Convention, and details of the precise nature of the obligations which they have entered into?

In putting the question, may I offer congratulations to the right hon. Lady?

:The statement made by the British Government Representative at the recent International Labour Conference was in the following terms:

"I am authorised to state that His Majesty's Government in Great Britain propose to take the necessary steps to ensure at the earliest possible moment the ratification of the Washington Hours Convention. That statement requires no further explanation and would only suffer at this moment by further elaboration. I should, however, add that I understand that in introducing the hours legislation necessary, His Majesty's Government will take account both of the Washington Convention and the London Agreement."

I have nothing at present to add to that statement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether an application has been made to the Ministry of Transport by the London and North Eastern Railway Company for an order under the Harbour, Docks, and Piers (Temporary Increase of Charges) Acts, 1920 to 1922, with the object of authorising the company to increase the existing rates, dues, and charges in operation at Lowestoft harbour and other places; and whether, having regard to the effect of such an increase upon the fishing industry of Lowestoft, he will decline to issue such an order?

:In accordance with the provisions of the Acts to which the hon. Member refers I have referred this application to the Rates Advisory Committee for advice, and persons affected will have an opportunity of being heard at the inquiry which the Committee is opening on the 16th July. I must await the report of the Committee before coming to any decision.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many cases have occurred of houses and shops near main roads being destroyed by fire caused by sparks from passing engines; and whether he will issue an order making it compulsory for these engines to be fitted with spark-preventing devices?

:Accidents caused by motor vehicles are not systematically reported to me, but I am, of course, aware that sparks emitted from road locomotives may in some cases constitute a danger to property adjoining the roads. At present I have not the power to require the fitting of spark-preventing devices to all classes of steam vehicles, but the point will be borne in mind in connection with any legislation that may be introduced dealing with the regulation and control of road vehicles generally.

:Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the county areas there are many thatched cottages and that this matter is urgent? Will he propose immediate legislation on the subject?

:I am aware of the difficulties which have arisen, but the existing law on the subject is somewhat uncertain and ill-defined, and while I will make all possible use of existing legislation, the matter cannot be really satisfactorily determined except by means of new legislation which is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Electricity Commissioners have yet arranged a standard form of way-leave agreement or whether they are still considering a draft form of agreement with interested bodies; and, if so, what are the associations whom they are consulting?

:The Electricity Commissioners have been for some time past, and still are, in communication with the Law Society with a view to the provisional settlement of a draft of a proposed standard form of way-leave agreement, and they propose to submit the draft when provisionally settled for the consideration of representative associations of the electricity supply industry, and of landowners and farmers, and other interested parties.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any scheme for the supply of electricity has been drawn up for the area comprising Carmarthenshire; and, if so, when is the scheme expected to be completed?

:I understand that an electricity scheme for South-West England and South Wales, including Carmarthenshire, is at present being prepared by the Electricity Commissioners in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the Act of 1926, and that the Commissioners expect that the scheme will be ready for transmission to the Central Electricity Board before the end of the present year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the population of the Indian and European communities in Fiji; what is the respective representation accorded these communities in the legislative council; and whether the introduction of communal electorates in Fiji was effected with the approval of the Government of India?

:At the 31st December, 1928, the Indian population in Fiji was estimated to be 70,996, the European population 4,591. The Letters Patent provide for the election of six European and three Indian members to the Legislative Council. The question of communal representation for Indians in Fiji was discussed with the Government of India, who acquiesced in its introduction.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of Sir Samuel Wilson to an Indian deputation in Kenya that the question of a common electoral roll cannot be reopened; if he is aware that this statement is in conflict with the view of the Hilton Young Commission that the ideal to be aimed at is a common roll on an equal franchise with no discrimination between the races; and if the Government will give full con- sideration to the views of the Indian community in Kenya before coming to a decision on this question?

:I have seen the statement in the public Press, but my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has had no opportunity as yet of discussing it with Sir Samuel Wilson. I would remind my hon. Friend that the Hilton Young Commission made it clear that a common roll on an equal franchise with no discrimination between the races, could be realised only by consent locally In reply to the last part of the question, my hon. Friend may rest assured that the Government will give full consideration to the views of all the communities concerned before a decision is reached.

:Will the hon. Member consider the advisability of discussing this matter with the Rt. Hon. Srinivasa Sastri, who was specially sent out to Kenya by the Government of India to consider this and similar matters?

:The Department will hear all views and all sides upon this question before coming to a decision.

:May we be assured that there will be no action to modify the Hilton Young Report as a result of Sir Samuel Wilson's visit without the India Office here having Sir Samuel Wilson's Report before them?

:I hope my right hon. and gallant Friend will postpone that question for a little time until the Government have had an opportunity of considering what their policy is going to be in regard to East Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as the War Office has leased the foreshore off Fort Cumberland beach, Southsea, to a contractor for the purpose of charging hire for chairs, and as such agreement also includes the right to charge 1s. per day to those pitching tents on the beach, and as this is a popular resort for working-class residents, he can see his way to rescind the contract as soon as possible in order that tents may again be erected free?

:I have been asked to reply. The foreshore in question is under the charge of the Commissioners of Crown Lands. The agreement with the contractor expires on 31st October next and the Commissioners cannot rescind the contract before that date. Negotiations are now proceeding with a view to letting the foreshore to the local authority after the expiration of the existing agreement.

:Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the conditions which were attempted to be imposed on the local authority on the last occasion are not imposed this time?

:I understand that the proposal is to grant a lease to the local authority leaving them great latitude of action.

:Is there anything in the contract to prevent the contractor increasing his charges for seats up to 6d. and 1s.?

:Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been drawn to the arrest of Mr. Ramanand Chatterjee, editor of the " Modern Review," on the 6th June; and whether he will state the exact nature of the charge against Mr. Ramanand Chatterjee?

:Yes, Sir. Mr. Chatterjee is being prosecuted for an offence under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code as publisher of a book entitled "India in bondage." The matter is now sub judice.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the first edition of this book was published in December, 1928, and that no action was taken? After the first edition was sold out the second edition was published in May of this year, and then this wretched man is arrested six months after the book had been first published?

:Can the Secretary of State for India take any steps to put a stop to these many prosecutions in India which were instituted under the regime of the late Government?

:That is going far beyond the question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the number of passports granted by Great Britain to ladies employed in the theatrical or variety professions for the purpose of accepting engagements abroad for the three months ended to the last convenient date?

:Yes, Sir. During the three months ended the 30th June last the number of British passports thus issued at the Passport Office in London and the branch Passport Office in Liverpool was 62.

:May I ask whether any further safeguards have been taken to prevent lady artists, especially those of a tender age, being allowed to go abroad and accept engagements on the Continent which are not bona fide?

:That question should be addressed to another Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of the undertaking given to the Dominion Governments relative to the question of the resumption of diplomatic relations with Russia?

:I fear that I cannot say more at present than that we are in communication, with the Dominions. I am not yet in a position to make a statement, but I hope to do so at an early date.

:May I ask whether the question of resuming relations with Russia is subject to the approval of the Dominions or not?

:I think an undertaking was given at the Imperial Con- ference that we should not resume negotiations or resume normal relations without acquainting the Dominions. That is what we have done up to now, and we do not feel that we should depart from that undertaking.

:May I ask the right hon. Gentleman specifically whether it is a question of merely notifying the Dominions or of receiving their approval?

:I do not think I can go further than the answer I have given.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement as to the conditions submitted to the Dominions as the basis for discussion concerning the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government in Russia; and whether the subject has been discussed with representatives of the American Government?

:I have been asked to reply. No suggestion has yet been made to the Dominion Governments as to the conditions on which diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government should be resumed. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

:Will the Government consider discussing this matter with the American Government, in view of the fact that the Soviet Government maintains a common propaganda in favour of revolution in all countries?

:Would it not be possible to raise this question in the course of the negotiations that are about to take place with the United States, in order to see whether it is not possible to co-operate with that Government politically and economically in regard to future dealings with Russia?

:Does my right hon. Friend not think that the last Government left him sufficient other matters to discuss with the American Government?

:That does not arise out of the question on the Paper. Mr. Walter Baker.

:Question No. 50, to the Prime Minister.

:May we not have any answer to the supplementary question on No. 48?

:I waited some time for the Foreign Secretary to reply.

rose —

:On a point of Order. Would you, Mr. Speaker, give this same treatment to back-bench Members if you had called another question to be answered and someone on a back bench rose to put a supplementary on a previous question.

rose —

:Order, order!

:I do not think hon. Members quite understand what the situation is. I think there was some misunderstanding as to what the supplementary question was. I fancy that the Foreign Secretary did not understand that a supplementary question had been asked.

:On that point of Order. The object of my intervention was that I understood the Foreign Secretary was about to give a reply to the supplementary question, and certainly the House would like to hear it.

:As the Foreign Secretary did not reply, I called the next question.

asked the Prime Minister the decision of His Majesty's Government as to British adhesion to the Mutual Guarantee Treaty of October, 1925, between this country, Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy?

:I have been asked to reply. The Treaty of Mutual Guarantee initialled at Locarno on 16th October, 1925, was signed in London on 1st December of the same year by the five Powers named. Ratifications were deposited at Geneva on 14th September, 1926, since which date the Treaty has been in force. His Majesty's Government having been an original party to the Treaty, no question of their adhesion to it arises.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to set up a Royal Commission to inquire into the Civil Service; and, if so, whether the question of the retention of married women in the service will be included in the terms of reference?

:The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, an announcement will be made in due course as to the composition and terms of reference of the Royal Commission. It may, however, be taken as certain that the reference will be so framed as to bring all matters of general importance affecting the Civil Service within the scope of the inquiry.

:Will the Royal Commission be set up before the House rises at the end of July?

:The House knows that the setting up of a Royal Commission is a matter that causes just a little delay, but I can give an assurance to the hon. Member that no delay is being caused in the setting up of this particular Commission. Whether it will be set up before the end of July I should not now like to say.

:May I take it that the opening of the Diplomatic and Consular Service to women on the same terms as to men will also be considered?

:I cannot go further than to say that all matters of general importance affecting the Civil Service will be within the scope of the inquiry.

asked the Prime Minister when it may be expected that the Report of the Commission instituted to report upon the Channel Tunnel will be published?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received the Report of the Committee as to the economic aspects of the Channel Tunnel; if so, when he proposes to publish it; and what action the Government intends to take?