asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the names and particulars of British subjects who have been kidnapped by Chinese bandits during the previous three months; and have any of these British subjects been released by their captors?

Early in June the town of Shekichen, in south-west Honan, was captured by brigands, who made prisoners of the local missionaries of the China Inland Mission comprising Mr. and Mrs. E. Weller, Mr. and Mrs. J. Walker (with their baby) and Miss Brook. The missionaries are reported to have been well treated by their captors. They were all released, with the exception of Mr. Weller, after some ten days' captivity; Mr. Weller was set at liberty four or five days later.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether ransom was demanded or whether they were released unconditionally?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give the House the latest available information as to the situation that has arisen between the Chinese and the Soviet authorities and as to the ultimatum delivered by the Soviet Government with regard to the Chinese Eastern Railway?

I regret that I can add little beyond what is appearing in the press to the statement which I made on July 15th in reply to the hon. Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Mr. Harris). His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo reports that, owing to the cutting of the telegraph line, news from Harbin is very scanty. I have telegraphed to His Majesty's Minister at Peking asking for the latest information.

Do not these events give further evidence of the unwillingness or the inability of the Soviet Government to carry out their agreements?

The hon. Member is giving information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Shanghai municipal council is proposing to sell their electricity undertaking for about £10,000,000, of which under £4,000,000 represents book value and over £6,000,000 goodwill, and that this goodwill is largely the result of expenditure borne by the British taxpayer; and whether, if the sale proceeds, he will invite the council to contribute £3,000,000 to that expenditure?

The ratepayers of the International Settlement at Shanghai have approved the proposal of the council to accept an offer of 81,000,000 taels (approximately £10,000,000 sterling) for the municipal electricity undertaking. I have no information as to how much of this sum is represented by book value and how much by goodwill, nor what part, if any, of the goodwill value is the result of expenditure borne by the British taxpayer. I sympathise with the view that the residents of Shanghai should bear a proper share of the cost of their own defence, but it would obviously be improper for an international municipality on Chinese soil to contribute towards the cost of the British Army.

Has not the Shanghai Defence Force, which was sent out by the previous Government at the request of the International Municipal Council, been responsible for giving that security which made for this goodwill, and ought they not, therefore, to contribute something towards it?

Do the Government party now realise that the sending of this expeditionary force to Shanghai was necessary?

Not necessarily.

A good many supplementary questions have been put from time to time which are quite out of order. I would remind hon. Members that there are very strict Rules regarding the putting of supplementary questions, and I shall have to apply the Rules more strictly if such questions continue to be put.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government is prepared to propose that the Suez Canal shall be placed under the control of the League of Nations?

Free navigation of the Suez Canal is already provided for by the Convention of 1888. His Majesty's Government see no reason to propose the modification of this arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the increasing unrest in the Balkans, with its menace to European peace, he will, in accordance with Article XI of the Covenant of the League, use his position as a member of the Council of the League to get a conference of the Balkan nations, with a view to the settlement of the major outstanding problems between those countries?

If my hon. Friend has had in mind the recent tension along the Yugoslav-Bulgarian frontier I prefer to assume for the present that the two Governments concerned will be able to remove it by direct negotiations without the intervention of the League.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it forms any part of the policy of the Government to establish naval bases in the Caribbean Sea?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the position with regard to our proposal, now supported by the American Government, for the illegalising of the submarine by mutual agreement; and whether he is considering the renewal of this proposal at the next conference on naval armaments?

The position is that the declaration of the British Empire delegation made during the Washington Conference, 1921, and since confirmed, remains the opinion of His Majesty's Government, but that, until other nations accede to this opinion, no agreement is possible. As regards the second part of the question, the possibility of reaching agreement on this matter is constantly borne in mind by His Majesty's Government, and a re-statement of His Majesty's Government's opinion will be made at the first favourable moment.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to discontinue, for the present, the laying down of any fresh submarines?

In the present state of international opinion on the subject, the answer is in the negative. As the hon. Gentleman knows, His Majesty's Government have repeatedly offered to discontinue the use of submarines if other Powers would agree, and they still occupy that position.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the amount allocated to yard wages in the Chatham Dockyard during the years 1928–29 and 1929s–30; and what number of discharges will result owing to the reduction approved by Parliament in March last?

The amount voted by Parliament for dockyard wages in the home yards for 1929 is £98,700 less than in the previous year, but, in allocating the total amount between the various yards, the Admiralty have assigned to Chatham rather more than in the previous year. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Will the First Lord of the Admiralty look severely on the over-spending which has resulted in so many dismissals from these yards?

That question is receiving the attention of my right hon. Friend.

I have been asked to postpone this question. May I put it down for Wednesday of next week?

I would rather reply to it now, as I propose, with the permission of the hon. Members concerned, to answer with it Question No. 28 and also Question No. 45, addressed to the Prime Minister, to which I have been asked to reply.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to carry out the full naval programme of 1928 as regards all classes of vessels?

asked the Prime Minister what modifications he proposes in this year's war-shipbuilding programme, in view of the forthcoming conference on naval armaments?

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha) on the 10th July [OFFICIAL REPORT, col. 855]. No submarines of the 1929 building programme have yet been laid down.

Will my right hon. Friend say definitely when he expects to be in a position to make a further announcement, if I repeat the question later?

It is difficult to give an actual date. The Prime Minister intends to make an announcement on the whole question, including the naval programme and other matters, and I could not give the actual date without consultation with my right hon. Friend.

I will put a question down when my right hon. Friend is in a position to answer it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will see, in the event of discharges taking place in Devonport dockyard, that every step is taken to provide the men concerned with alternative work?

The whole question of future work in all the Royal dockyards is being carefully considered by the Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of discharges that have taken place in Devonport dockyard since the 31st May last; and whether further reductions are contemplated in the near future?

The number of workmen who have been discharged from Devon-port dockyard since the 31st May is 30. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the First Lord gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Portsmouth (Captain W. Hall) on the 4th July (OFFICIAL REPORT, col. 248).

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, at the same time that these discharges have been taking place, a certain number of miners have been imported into Devonport; and will he, in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour, survey the whole unemployment situation, so that men are not discharged from Devonport at the same time as other people are imported into the town?

That, of course, depends upon the trade of the men transferred. It certainly will receive the attention of my right hon. Friend.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many dependants are left as a result of the recent submarine disaster; and what arrangements his Department is making for the pensions to which they will be entitled?

It is not yet practicable to state how many dependants are left as the result of the recent submarine disaster, but the necessary forms of application for pension were despatched to the widows of the officer and all married ratings on the 10th July. Up to date, pensions have been awarded to the widows of 14 ratings, and the remaining cases will be dealt with immediately the forms are returned to the Admiralty with the necessary particulars. I may remind the hon. Member that, in order, so far as practicable, to avoid undue hardship, payment of a qualifying allotment and of full marriage allowance is made to the widow of a rating already in receipt of marriage allowance for a period of four weeks subsequent to the death of her husband.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the further construction of the battleship base at Singapore; and, if not, when such decision may be expected?

I have nothing to add to the reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 499–500) given by the Prime Minister on 8th July to the hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. Malone).

When may a decision be expected?

I think the Prime Minister explained on the 8th that there were very important and difficult matters to be taken into account because of the way matters have to be arranged, and it is hardly fair to press for a date, especially when the right hon. Member considers that the Dominions have to be consulted.

Will the decision be made before the Summer Recess?

I certainly could not say that on behalf of my Department. It affects other Departments as well, and I could not give a date without consultation with them.

Will it not cost as much to abandon the dock as to carry it out?

asked the Secretary of State for War the total estimated cost of the military defences necessitated by the construction of a battleship base at Singapore; and the estimated number of the garrison for which these estimates provide?

All questions in connection with the Singapore Base are at present under the consideration of the Government, and, pending a decision, I would prefer, with the right hon. Member's permission, to postpone a statement on the point.

Has the right hon. Gentleman answered the question on the Paper: what is the total estimated cost of the military defences?

I think the answer I gave really covers that point The right hon. Member asks the total estimated cost of the military defences necessitated by the construction of a battleship base at Singapore. Surely the estimated cost will depend on the size of the base and the policy adopted with regard to it.

Are not the figures in the Army Estimates?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the number of the garrison?

I do not think that arises out of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the growing unemployment amongst musicians, he will prohibit for the time being naval bands accepting civil engagements?

Article 776 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions ensures that there is no unfair competition with civilian bands, and I am not prepared to prohibit Naval bands from accepting civil engagements which do not interfere with their Service duties.

Will the hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation from the men who are suffering so heavily if one is appointed to wait upon him?

I am advised that there is no very great suffering now. I think I ought to refer to King's Regulation 776, which gives the terms and conditions on which these bands are now engaged. I will send a copy to the hon. Member.

Do these naval ratings receive any extra pay for the work they do?

I have been advised that a portion of the amount that has been set aside goes towards what is called the band fund, and the remainder of the money is distributed among the musicians.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there has been any disposal of the balance of the Naval Prize Fund; if so, what was the amount; when the distribution took place; and to whom such grants were made?

Since the passing of the Naval Prize Act, 1928, grants amounting to £142,000 have been made from the residue of the Prize Fund to Naval and Marine Charities. Details of the grants are given in Admiralty Fleet Order 590 of 8th March, 1929, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. In addition a sum of £15,632 has been settled in trust to establish a scheme for medical assistance to the wives and families of members of the Fleet at Malta.

Does that dispose of the whole of the fund?

My hon. Friend is probably aware of the discussions which took place last year when the Bill was passing through the House. There is a very small surplus in hand which it would be unwise to dissipate until we are certain that we shall have no further claims.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to recover from the Treasury the amount taken over by them and place it to the credit or at the disposal of the Naval Benevolent Trust and other charities?

I am not sure that that strictly arises. When the money was paid over the Treasury also accepted liability for any other payments. If the hon. Member is anxious to know about the future of that particular money, he had better apply to the Treasury.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any new instructions have been issued by the Admiralty regarding redress of wrongs and remarks or criticisms on superiors; and if copies of such instructions are available to Members of this House?

As promised to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Central Hull by my predecessor, in answer to his question on 25th March last (OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 2057), the revised instructions on this matter were published to the Fleet on 28th March. They were made available to the Press, and were quoted in full in some journals and commented upon freely in the public Press generally. I will send the hon. Member a copy for convenience of reference.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the order as to the reduction of port establishment of leading seamen and petty officers will effect a reduction in the numbers voted under Vote A, Naval Vote?

The answer is in the negative. The reduction in petty officers and leading seamen is the result of the reduction in this year's Vote A as compared with last year's Vote A.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that for the calendar year 1928, 1,081 ratings were invalided from the Royal Navy and only 130 were found to be attributable to service, he will approve of the institution of an independent appeal tribunal where ratings who are invalided and who consider that their invaliding disability is attributable to service may state their case?

As the hon. Baronet is aware, very careful consideration was given to this question by the late Government and a very detailed reply was given to the hon. Baronet Himself by my predecessor on 18th February, 1926. No evidence has been submitted to me that the decision then made was not well founded.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the) late Government granted certain important concessions but not an independent tribunal? Will he improve on that state of affairs?

May I remind the hon. Baronet that he asked the First Lord on that date whether a decision had been reached regarding the independent appeal tribunal?

No answer was made to the question.

If the hon. Baronet has any more evidence than was submitted to the Admiralty in 1926 he had better send it to them.

Does the right hon. Gentleman completely identify himself with the policy of his predecessor in this respect?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the payment of 5 per cent. to the ship's fund on the value of goods purchased from the shore for general messes has been abolished; whether he is aware that this rule was enforced when petty officers and men were victualled themselves on the standard-ration system; and whether, in view of the fact that it only costs 1s. 4d. per day to victual ratings on the general messing system, he will re-impose the 5 per cent. in order that the ship's funds shall not be at a loss through the paymaster in charge of general messes refusing to deal at the naval canteens?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is not proposed to depart from the decision which was arrived at after full consideration of all the circumstances.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that during the recent visit of British warships to Oslo Communist leaflets were distributed among the crews urging men to join in the revolutionary demonstrations which are being organised by the Communist International in a number of cities on 1st August, International Red Day; and whether any Report concerning the incident has been received from the officer in command of the visiting fleet?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Flag Officer's Report has not yet been received.

As the answer to the first part is in the affirmative, and as 1st August is so very near at hand, may I ask what steps the right hon. Gentleman is taking to obtain a report from the flag officer?

We have taken the usual steps of requesting the flag officer's report, and our request will, no doubt, be treated with the usual despatch.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let me know when he gets it?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether His Majesty's Government proposes to increase the number of existing subsidies given to civilian flying clubs; and whether it will take into consideration the grant of financial assistance towards the establishment of aerodromes in the chief industrial and commercial centres of the country which do not possess them at the present time?

As regards the first part of the question, the financial provision voted by the House for 1929 for grants to light aeroplane clubs would not allow of the number of subsidised clubs being increased. As regards the second part, a governing motive of the scheme under which grants are to be made to National Flying Services, Limited, is the provision of aerodromes at a considerable number of centres throughout the country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, if an opportunity can be afforded to Members of this House to participate in the trial flights of the airships R 100 and R 101?

I am advised that it is undesirable that other than official passengers should be carried on the trial flights of the airships.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether in view of the fact that there are no nearer aerodromes to Sheffield than Cranwell, Manchester, Nottingham, and Leeds, he will consider the possibility of granting financial assistance towards the establishment of an aerodrome at Sheffield, especially in view of the constitution of a flying club in the city and of the value which such an aerodrome would be to the commercial development of the town?

Many towns are giving active consideration to the provision of aerodromes for public use without financial assistance from the central Government, and I am not aware on what grounds Sheffield could claim exceptional treatment. I agree that an aerodrome should prove of value for the commercial development of the Sheffield area, and I should hope that this will lead the city council to provide the necessary funds.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the delay at the Balloch railway station level crossing and the consequent hold up of traffic; and what action he proposes to take to deal with the matter?

The attention of my Department has been called to the delay caused to traffic at the Balloch railway station level crossing. I understand that the delay occurs mainly during a short period in the year when long excursion trains are run, and that the railway companies are endeavouring to find a way to overcome this difficulty. I may add that I am prepared to consider whether assistance can be given by a grant from the Road Fund towards the cost of any definite scheme for the elimination of this level crossing which the highway authority may wish to submit.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in the Government's proposal for unemployment relief schemes, it is intended to include proposals for the closing of level crossings, particularly those situated within town and city boundaries; and whether it is intended that any cost incurred in providing alternative routes (by bridges, etc.) shall be borne out of the Road Fund?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on 9th July to the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Freeman), of which I am sending him a copy.

Will the hon. Member take into consideration the claims of Hull in this matter, as it has suffered more than any other place from this grievance?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of private tolls on main roads and all other roads in the country; and what action, if any, he proposes to take towards their abolition?

The latest particulars regarding toll roads and bridges are given in paragraphs 59–61 of the Annual Report on the Administration of the Road Fund for the year 1927–28, where the number of toll roads is given as 55 and the number of toll bridges as 88. Local authorities can look for assistance from the Road Fund towards the expenditure they propose to incur on approved schemes for freeing or superseding toll roads and bridges, and several negotiations of this character are now in progress.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that trains upon the Underground Railway frequently run with the doors open; and if he will take immediate steps to remedy this danger by making it compulsory for the railway company to instal guards upon these trains or any other means to safeguard the travelling public?

I believe it occasionally happens that railway carriage doors are left open, but my information is that the railway companies concerned already adopt measures to secure that doors left open are closed as soon as possible. If, however, the hon. Member would give me any specific information he may have of failure in this respect I will look further into the matter. I may say that so far as I have been able to ascertain no accidents from this cause are known to have occurred recently.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the number of road accidents which have recently happened to public service vehicles; and whether he will consider advising all local authorities to make it a condition of licensing public service vehicles that they are fitted with an equipment of first-aid outfits?

I am not aware that there has been any noticeable increase in the number of accidents to public service vehicles. It might be regarded as unreasonable to make the carrying of first-aid outfits compulsory for all public service vehicles, as, for example, in the case of omnibuses in large towns, and in any case the matter is one for consideration in connection with general legislation rather than with the conditions to be attached to licences.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider suggestions of the local authorities that this method be adopted instead of making it compulsory?

Certainly. I am always willing to consider suggestions of local authorities.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of having safety glass in these public vehicles?

I shall be pleased to consider any relevant suggestions which may be advanced.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, owing to the post-War railway amalgamations, certain ports and harbours may be considered by the management of such railways to be redundant and that the artificial diversion of traffic from one port to another, however desirable in the interests of economy, is nevertheless threatening the livelihood of local workmen, shopkeepers, and hotel proprietors; and, in view of the danger to the property and occupation of people other than those employed by the railway companies, will he consider legislation to make decisions of this character public, subject to ample notice and the approval of the appropriate Government Department?

I am not altogether clear what the hon. Member has in mind when he refers to artificial diversion of traffic from one port to another, or in what respects he considers that the choice of ports for particular traffics should be controlled. If, however, he will give me further details of his proposals I will consider them.

Does the hon. Member consider it wise thus by legislation to entrench vested interests?

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the slippery condition of some of the tarred roads in Breconshire and Radnorshire, particularly on steep hills; and, in view of the many accidents of a serious nature that have occurred recently, can steps he taken to improve the condition of these roads?

I am not aware that exceptional conditions prevail in these two counties. In March last my Department issued a Circular to all local authorities tendering advice and recommendations on the subject of slippery roads and I am forwarding a copy to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider initiating an efficiency test before motor-driving licences are issued; and can he state whether any other country in Europe issues such licences without a driving test?

I have no power to make applicants for drivers' licences submit to an efficiency test. Information as to the practice in the principal European countries is being collected but is not yet available.

Will the hon. Member receive a deputation on this grave subject?

It depends whence the deputation comes. If it is a responsible deputation, I shall be pleased to receive it.

Does not the hon. Member appreciate that a great hindering effect on the traffic problem of London is not only the nature of the traffic, but the inefficiency of many drivers? Will he not initiate steps to see that the drivers are forced to pass a test?

From my own experience, I am quite aware of the inefficiency of other drivers.

Cannot the hon. Member get power to make these tests?

That point can be considered in connection with any road traffic legislation.

Will the hon. Member consider an oral examination on the rules of the road before licences are granted?

That will be considered, but my experience is that oral examinations have not much relevance to what happens on the road.

Does not the Minister consider that it is more important to find out whether the applicant has all his physical powers?

That question does not arise.

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the growing importance of the ferry service between Graves end and Tilbury, if he will endeavour to secure better landing and loading facilities on the Gravesend side, especially as regards motor vehicles and goods; and whether, in view of the large and increasing number of workers who have to cross the river daily at this point, any steps can be taken to secure cheaper fares?

The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company, to whom this ferry belongs, state that they have placed in commission during recent years two new ferry steamers specially adapted and equipped for the expeditious handling of motor vehicles, and I understand that in their view the present facilities are reasonably adequate for the traffic. Representatives of the Ministry recently made a local inspection of the ferry and its approaches, at which the possibility of improving the road approaches on the south side was discussed with representatives of the Gravesend Corporation and the railway company. I understand that the Corporation are now considering the matter, and when their proposals are received the question of the ferry facilities will be further considered. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed by the railway company that the present fares, which are in most cases below the statutory maximum, were last revised in 1923 and have since been reviewed on several occasions. The company do not consider that a further reduction of fares could be made at present.

When the hon. Member's representatives inspected the Gravesend side, did they also inspect the landing stage, which is quite inadequate as compared with those on the other side of the river, and will he again give consideration to the question of fares, in view of the large number of workmen who daily cross the ferry to earn their living?

I cannot at present give information in reply to the first part of the question. In regard to the second part, if representations were made to me, particularly from the local authorities concerned, I should be prepared to give them consideration.