May I ask, Mr. Speaker, if this is the proper time to deal with my Amendment—in Clause 18, page 11, line 19, to leave out Sub-section (2).

If the hon. Member objects, we must postpone the consideration of the Bill.

I do not object to the Bill. I only wanted to give my reasons for not moving the Amendment.

Can we have some explanation for this indecent hurry over these Bills?

There is no indecent hurry. It is quite a usual form of procedure.

Can we have some explanation why it is necessary on this occasion?

It is necessary in order that these Bills may be sent to another place and receive the Royal Assent before the House adjourns. There are precedents for this procedure which I can show the hon. and gallant Member if he desires.

I am not suggesting that there are no precedents. What I want to know is why this House cannot give them due consideration.

The hon. and gallant Member has been long enough in the House to know that this is a usual practice at this time of the year.

We are still without any explanation.

It is to save time and expense to the promoters.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement about the present relationship of the great Powers to Tangier?

The protocol amending the Tangier Convention of 1923 was signed in Paris on the 25th of July, 1928. It has received the assent of all the parties to the 1923 Convention and was brought into force on the 14th of January last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the position of the United States Government in regard to this matter?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information regarding the terms of reference of the proposed committee of verification and conciliation; what it is to verify and whom it is to conciliate; and what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards it?

The general object of the proposed committee is to deal with questions which may arise in connection with the observance of the articles of the Treaty of Versailles providing for the demilitarisation of the Rhineland; to verify any allegations which may be put forward of violations of those articles; and to provide machinery for conciliating any conflicts of opinion in regard to such alleged violations. For the rest, I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 22nd of July to my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) and my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Wise).

Has my right hon. Friend seen a leading article in the "Manchester Guardian" this morning; and, secondly, if the Rhineland—

A Minister cannot be responsible for what appears in the "Manchester Guardian."

I put it in that way because I did not want to take up the time of the House in retailing the "Manchester Guardian" article. I thought it would be more interesting—

It would be quite out of order to read a leading article.

I presume that in discussing this question at Geneva—the committee of conciliation—the Foreign Minister will not commit the country to any decision without the sanction of this House afterwards?

The first part of the supplementary question is inaccurate, because I do not know that the question will be discussed at Geneva. I have been struggling for a fortnight to find a place for the discussion, and I have not got it yet.

Is it not true that we are not committed on this question? The right hon. Gentleman's reply last week was to that effect.

I have not said anything inconsistent with my last reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the question of trained reserves; and whether the Government is prepared to instruct its representatives on the Preparatory Commission to support the proposition that trained reserves should be included in the sum total of armaments to be limited?

It is too early as yet to say precisely what instructions will be issued to the British representative at the next meeting of the Preparatory Commission, for which no date has at present been fixed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is impossible to discuss or bring about any disarmament, so far as land armaments are concerned, without bringing in the question of trained reserves?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has yet been received from the Soviet Government to the Note sent by him on behalf of His Majesty's Government in Great Britain suggesting the despatch by the Soviet Government of a representative to discuss the question of the resumption of diplomatic relations; and, if so, whether he is in a position to make any statement to the House?

The reply of the Soviet Government has not yet reached me although from reports in the Press it is apparently on the way. I am consequently not in a position to add anything to my previous statements on the subject.

May we take it that, if a reply is received before Friday, the right hon. Gentleman will make a statement to the House, and, if not, that he will cause it to be published?

I do not quite gather what the question is.

May we take it that, if the reply comes to hand before Friday, the right hon. Gentleman will make a statement to this House, and, if not, that he will cause it to be published?

The invitation was to send a representative. I gather from the Press that a representative is coming. If I get the reply that he is coming, I cannot give the House any information.

May I ask whether, if the reply from the Soviet Government should be in the direction indicated in the Press this morning, the right hon. Gentleman will take exception to the words. [Interruption.]

I give notice to the right hon. Gentleman that I will repeat the question on Friday.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any person has been arrested for the killing of Thomas Hunt in Havana on 8th June last; and, if so, when it is anticipated that such person will be brought to trial?

A man is under arrest and the trial is expected to take place next month.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, since both Russia and China were signatories to the Kellogg Pact, which outlaws war, he will take steps, in consultation with other signatories to the Pact, to enforce the penalties provided against the country which commits the first act of war after relations have been broken off?

As the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, the Kellogg Pact contains no provisions for enforcing penalties against a country violating its terms, but merely states in the Preamble that

"any signatory Power which shall hereafter seek to promote its national interests by resort to war should be denied the benefits furnished by this Treaty."

While, therefore, no action in the sense suggested arises under the provisions of the Pact, I have reason to hope that the danger of war will be averted, having received through the Chinese Charge d'Affaires here an assurance from the Chinese Government that they are most anxious for a pacific solution of their dispute with the Soviet Government. They state that they will themselves take no aggressive action, and are ready for a, round-table conference with representatives of the Soviet Government, and that if the latter should resort to forcible measures—a contingency of which they have as yet no evidence—the Chinese Government will appeal to the League of Nations under the terms of Article 17 of the Covenant.

Is it not the case that the Chinese did exactly what we did in the case of Arcos in 1927?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while these negotiations are going on, the Soviet Government are issuing official slogans, "Down with the Kellogg Pact"?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Labour party still maintains—[Interruption.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the difficulty caused to English travellers to Czechoslovakia being required to have their passports visaed; if he is aware that this is only required in the case of Hungarian, Russian and English travellers; and if he will make representations to that Government upon the matter?

Yes, Sir; negotiations have long been in progress with a view to removing this difficulty. I regret that no reliable information is available as to the requirements of the Czechoslovak Government in respect of nationals of foreign states. Every effort is being made to bring the present negotiations with the Czechoslovak Government to a successful, conclusion.

Does this particular question apply only to English travellers or to British travellers?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the Government can not see their way to granting marriage allowances to naval officers, and that the pay of naval officers at present is subject to reduction by reason of any fall in the cost of living, he will consider stabilising the pay of naval officers at their existing rates?

The rates of pay of Naval officers, in common with those of officers in the Army and Air Force, are, under an arrangement approved by His Majesty's Government in 1919, subject to revision to the extent of 20 per cent. of the rates then approved according to the rise or fall in the cost of living, and I regret that I can hold out no hope of the pay of Naval officers being stabilised at their existing rates.

Will the Government deal with these officers a little more generously than the late Government and grant these allowances?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the hardship occasioned to the younger men of the Navy by the operation of the marriage allowance limit; and will he consider the reduction of the age limit from 25 to 21, at which such allowances shall be paid in future?

I am aware of the marriage allowance age limit rule, and I regret that I do not see my way to recommend any alteration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a large immediate reduction of men from His Majesty's dockyards is contemplated; and can he give an assurance that there will be no discharges during the present financial year as apart from those who may be casually employed?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; as regards the second part I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Central Portsmouth, on the 4th of July last (OFFICIAL REPORT, col. 248).

Is the answer in the negative as regards the immediate reduction or the large?

Both.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there has been any distribution of the proceeds of the Navy weeks held at the Home ports in 1928; and, if so, has this been approved by the Admiralty?

The distribution of the proceeds of the Navy weeks held at the Home ports in August, 1928, was published in detail in Fleet Order Number 45 on the 4th of January last, and a copy of the order was communicated to the Press and was reprinted for posting on notice boards in His Majesty's ships. The distribution was decided by the three Commanders-in-Chief as this notice indicates.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there has been a distribution of the surplus revenue from naval canteen trading during 1928; and what is the sum disposed of?

The distribution has not been made, as complete reports from the Fleet containing recommendations in regard to the disposal of the surplus are not yet available. The amount is £11,900.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many civilian engagements were taken by naval bands during the past 12 months; what remuneration was received for such engagements; and how much was received by the bandsmen for their personal use?

The information as regards Royal Marine bands on shore is as follows:

Engagements, 172. Payment received, £11,844, from which general expenses are met. Remuneration to bandsmen, £8,766, from which the men meet their personal expenses.

No similar information is available for bands afloat.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the length of these engagements, and whether these bands are allowed to accept engagements that under-cut civilian rates of pay?

The first part I cannot answer, but, so far as the second part is concerned, they in no case under-cut civilian bands.

Can these naval bandsmen belong to the Musicians' Union?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of his Department to issue instructions retarding the construction of the new cruiser His Majesty's Ship "Exeter"?

No, Sir. A statement on the Naval construction programme will be made later to-day by the Prime Minister.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now explain the scheme dealing with the making of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service a pensionable one; and whether the pension will be retrospective?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has been made with regard to the claim for pensions by the officers and men employed on tanker and other auxiliary services; and whether he will communicate such decision to the House?

A memorial to His Majesty The King in Council has been drafted embodying a scheme of retiring allowances applicable to officers holding Board of Trade certificates employed in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service. It is hoped to present the memorial at the earliest opportunity. The question of pensions for men has not arisen.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the disappointment caused in the works department, Devonport Dock yard, where a number of men whose ser vice ranges from 27 to 31 years and who are nearing the age of 50, aspire in vain to establishment; and whether, seeing that a number of skilled labourers have retired since the War and no workmen in the works department have been established in their places, he will consider the claims of these men of long service to establishment?

I am aware of the disappointment referred to by the hon. Member, but I am afraid it is common to large numbers of workmen in all departments of the Dockyards. The present position is largely a legacy of the reductions during the post-War period but I must point out that the Dockyard establishment system has never provided established places for all workmen of long service and I cannot give any undertaking to make such changes as would ensure this.

Is the ideal of the right hon. Gentleman at the Admiralty to make this service an established service as far as possible?

I have already pointed out that we have to deal with the position as we find it. We are dealing with the reductions since the War, and its quite impossible in these circumstances to keep to the old percentage of transfers of hired men to the established service.

Is the percentage of one in eight being taken into consideration?

I would prefer to have notice as to the exact percentage, but my recollection is that that is what is now being followed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in view of the fact that entries of pensioners as officers' servants at Whale Island will commence in a few days, approval can now be given for pensioner officers' steward ratings to be included in the scheme?

This question is still under consideration and the local naval authorities are being consulted.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the naval pension payable to the widow, under 40 years of age, of an able seaman who lost his life with His Majesty's submarine 47, is 10s. 6d. per week; that all naval ratings are compelled to contribute towards the widows', orphans,' and old age contributory pensions; and, seeing that the widow of a civilian who is killed whilst at his work is eligible for an award under the Workmen's Compensation Act, whether he will consider an increase to the present naval scales of pensions to widows in order to prevent the loss of the compulsory contributory widows' pension?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative, subject to the qualification that 10s. 6d. a week is the minimum rate of pension. A widow left with one, or more, of the rating's children to support is eligible for a pension of 17s. 6d. a week, with an allowance of 5s. a week in addition in respect of each child. As the hon. Baronet is aware, the principle underlying the last part of his question is one which affects all the Fighting Services, and the late Government, after careful examination, decided against this principle. I am looking into the matter but I can promise nothing.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give particulars of any contracts entered into by him with non-British firms abroad for the supply of articles for His Majesty's Navy; whether, before placing such orders, he obtained tenders from British manufacturers; and, in the event of his having done so, what were his reasons for not accepting such British tenders?

It is the invariable practice of the Admiralty to obtain tenders from British manufacturers and to give them a substantial measure of preference. I am afraid I cannot give the details asked for as to actual contracts, but I can assure the hon. Member that where adequate British competition exists contracts have not been given to foreign firms.

Were the majority of these contracts not placed by the previous Government?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in deciding on the size and equipment of the British Navy, it is the intention of the Government to rule out entirely the United States of America as a possible enemy; and whether instructions to this effect have been given to the Admiralty?

While it would not be in the public interest to give any indication as to the necessarily secret instructions which guide the Admiralty in matters of defence, I think I shall not be accused of an indiscretion if I repeat, as interpreting the attitude of the present Government, the words of the late Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who said on 8th February, 1928, that

"preparation for a war with the United States has never been and never will he the basis of our policy in anything."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the amount paid to the film company which produced the cinematograph film made on behalf of the Empire Marketing Board; and whether this film was entirely produced in Great Britain?

No sum has yet been paid to the film company which is in course of completing a cinematograph film on behalf of the Empire Marketing Board. The film has been entirely produced in Great Britain.

What is the commitment? How much are they entitled to pay?

I have answered the hon. Member's question. I have nothing further to add.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received a Report upon the allegation that gangs of girls from the ages of 10 to 16 years were called out for the collection of thatching material in the North Gem area of Central Kavirondo, involving some of them in a daily journey of 30 miles; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Yes, Sir, My noble friend is informed by the Acting Governor of Kenya that an official native headman illegally ordered gangs of girls to collect and carry thatching grass for use in the construction of certain rest-houses which were being built by the Local Native Council of Central Kavirondo District for the accommodation of elders of the tribe. This was done without the knowledge of the District Commissioner and in spite of the fact that the headman well knew that orders had been issued prohibiting the compulsory employment of women. As soon as the matter came to the knowledge of the District Commissioner, he gave the headman immediately explicit instructions to pay off the women and to complete the work with paid male labour.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in the present state of agriculture the production in the third year of 1,000 tons of potash by Mr. Novamesky's company is inadequate to the urgent needs of British farmers; whether he is aware that the British plans that were laid before the late Secretary of State for the Colonies undertook to produce 100,000 tons of potash in the first year and 1,000,000 tons within five years; and on what grounds were these plans rejected?

Among the several tenders submitted to the late Government at different stages there was one that contemplated an annual output considerably greater than the minimum production laid down in the concession as actually granted. The tenderers were, however, unable at the time to furnish the evidence required as to their financial resources.

Will the hon. Member give the House the assurance that nothing will be done during the Recess to ratify this agreement, before we have a chance of debating it?

I cannot give any assurance upon such a matter.

Are we then bound under this to a world monopoly of this syndicate for the next 75 years?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should blame his own Government.

I have done so.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration that the only ingredient in artificial fertilisers likely to cause a rise in price is potash?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we discussed this question in the closing days of the last Parliament?

It was not properly discussed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when the despatch of the Governor of Ceylon on the recommendations of the Donoughmore Commission will be published; whether he will now state the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to reform of the constitution of Ceylon, or, if the Secretary of State is still considering the matter, will he give an undertaking that no action will be taken before Parliament reassembles after the Recess; and whether steps are being taken to prolong the life of the existing legislature in Ceylon?

The Governor's despatch is now under consideration, and it is the intention that it should be published in due course with the Secretary of State's reply, when the latter is in the Governor's hands. Steps are being taken to prolong the life of the Legislative Council, which otherwise would be dissolved in September. It will clearly be impossible for any constitutional change to be carried into effect before the House reassembles.

Do I understand that the Governor's despatch and the reply of the Secretary of State will probably be published during the Parliamentary Recess?

I cannot say that at the moment.

But we are certain they will be published?

I cannot give any guarantee just now, but, if the right hon. Gentleman puts down a question to me, I will give him an answer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Report of Sir Samuel Wilson on the agreement reached by him at Nairobi regarding constitutional changes in East Africa will be published; whether these proposals have received the support of the Governors of Tanganyika and Uganda, as well as of the acting Governor in Kenya; and when the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to these proposals will be declared?

My Noble Friend is not yet in a position to say exactly when Sir Samuel Wilson's report will be made public, but he hopes that it will be possible for it to be published early in September simultaneously in this country and in East Africa. The right hon. Gentleman will no doubt agree that pending publication it would not be appropriate to reply to the second part of the question. A statement as to the action which His Majesty's Government propose to take will be made in due course after the publication of the report, but my Noble Friend is not able at the moment to give a more definite reply.

Am I to gather from the last part of the reply that this statement of the Government's intentions will be made in Parliament, or outside?

I am not in a position to give a definite statement, but I think I may say that it is likely to be made in Parliament.

Is it not the fact that the ex-Secretary of State for the Colonies said in this House that Sir Samuel Wilson had no power to reach any agreement whatever regarding constitutional arrangements?

I do not think I have said anything contrary to that opinion in my reply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Colonial Office has yet approached the directors of the big copper-mining companies in this country interested in the opening up of the new copper-field in Northern Rhodesia regarding the provision of hospitals and schools and the technical staff required for each of such institutions at the mining camps; and whether the companies have agreed to make such provision, either themselves or on a basis of partnership with the Government.

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given on 8th July to the hon. and gallant Member for St. Albans (Lieut.-Colonel Fremantle). No such action as he suggests has been taken. The Secretary of State considers that in the first place the views of his Advisory Committees and of the Protectorate Government should be obtained. This is being done.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, as very large contracts are now being entered into in this country for the development of this new property, it is most essential that it should not be left to the Government of Northern Rhodesia, which is not in touch with the principals concerned, to make the definite arrangements regarding these matters'?

I agree with the first part of the supplementary question, but before any action is taken or any definite statement made, we must have further information from the Governor.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the undertaking to exempt investors not resident in British Guiana from Colonial Income Tax in the prospectus of the British Guiana loan issue attaches the same meaning to the expression "resident" as the United Kingdom and Irish Free State Inland Revenue does; and, if not, will he have the word defined in order that investors may be freed from possible misapprehension?

The law of British Guiana which determines what constitutes "residence" for Income Tax purposes is closely similar to the law in force in the United Kingdom and the Irish Free State. I am sending the hon. Member a note of the exact provisions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can see his way to enlarge the African Liquor Control Committee by giving representation to temperance organisations interested in the promotion of temperance among native races?

The functions of the Committee in question are merely to advise upon the quality of gin when it is sought to add any particular brand to the approved Schedule of admissible brands of patent-still gin, and in the circumstances it is difficult to see what advantage would be gained by adding representatives of organisations which can have no practical experience of gin manufacture or marketing. I might add that the Committee now very rarely meets, as applications for adding any new brands are infrequent.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in 1920 there were 125,000 gallons of spirits imported into the Gold Coast and that in 1928 there were 1,164,000 gallons imported, and does he not consider that an unsatisfactory state of affairs?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information about the working of the postal ballot at elections in the country districts of Australia; if so, whether this information can be made available for Members; and, if he has not the information, will it be possible to obtain a Report upon the matter?

Information on this subject will be found in the Australian legislation relating to electoral matters, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a list of the Acts in question with references to the relevant Sections, and also certain Returns and Reports which may be of interest to him.

Do these Reports contain any opinions on the working of the system?

I am afraid I have not digested them myself.

asked the Prime Minister whether the question of two-Member constituencies will come within the scope of the proposed electoral reform inquiry?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to the terms of reference, but I can assure the hon. Member that his point will be borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the inquiry into the franchise law, he will include in the subjects for consideration the question of compulsory voting on the lines already in force in Australia?

I do not think that the question of compulsory voting would properly come within the scope of the proposed inquiry.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, if everyone who had a vote used it, we should get a much fairer idea as to the views of the electorate?

asked the Under- Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many men went to Canada last year under the Canadian harvesting scheme; how many have returned to this country; and whether it is his intention to put that scheme into operation this year?

The number of men who went to Canada as harvesters last year was 8,449, and the number who returned to this country was 6,444, leaving 2,005 who remained in Canada. It is not proposed to put any scheme of this kind into operation this season.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether openings exist in the Dominions for women immigrants; and, if there is a demand overseas for women from this country, what steps are being taken to meet the demand and to encourage migration, by financial assistance or otherwise, in this particular connection?

Yes, Sir, and there is every indication that the demand especially for single women trained for household employment is practically unlimited. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom is keenly alive to the importance of the migration of women. Free or assisted passages to the Dominions are available for women as well as men. Through the Women's Branch of the Oversea Settlement Department and local migration committees information is freely available, speakers for meetings are supplied, and free literature distributed. The Government has also co-operated in establishing domestic training centres in this country, and further centres are being opened. Arrangements are made in co-operation with the Governments, voluntary organisations and private residents in the Dominions for the reception and aftercare of women. I am considering further methods of drawing attention to the openings for women, and the most effective means of stimulating this particular branch of migration.

Can my hon. Friend give comparable figures for men and women since the passing of the Empire Settlement Act, 1922?

Since the passing of the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, 105,000 odd men have sailed and under 85,000 women.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his Department has information as to the cause of the latest German rigid airship's failure to cross the Atlantic; and whether the engines of the two experimental airships are considered perfectly suitable in all respects for the forthcoming trials, or whether new-engines of greater horse-power should be installed in these airships before extended trials to Egypt and India are made?

The answer being unavoidably of some length, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

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

The hon. Member's suggestion will be considered when the trials of the airships are approaching completion.

Will the hon. Gentleman give special consideration to the Opposition in the first trials?

When are the trials expected to take place?

About the end of September.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the increased noise in the neighbourhood of the Waddon aerodrome occasioned by the low flying and noisy exhausts of the aeroplanes and to the increasing disturbance caused by week-end low flying; and whether he can take steps to reduce the nuisance for those who live in the vicinity of the aerodrome?

Complaints have been received from, time to time, but some increase of noise is the inevitable consequence of the increase of traffic to and from this very busy air port. In so far as it is due to the two causes mentioned by the hon. Member, I may say that experiments are being made with a view to the reduction of the noise of engine exhausts, and that dangerously low flying over houses renders a pilot liable to prosecution by the police. I am afraid that it is difficult to do more to meet the hon. Member's object, but I am open to receive any practical suggestions.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of introducing legislation to deal with the matter, and, in the meantime, will he use his personal influence with the authorities to mitigate the nuisance, which is having a great effect on the health of the adults and of the children of the district?

As much as can possibly be done is done to mitigate the nuisance.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation during the present Parliament to end or mend the House of Lords?

We have not considered the question.

Will the Prime Minister consider removing this picturesque relic to the British Museum?

Withdraw!

Hon. Members must not make disrespectful remarks about the other place.

asked the Prime Minister if he can hold out any hope that time will be found this year for the consideration of legislation to amend the Rent Restrictions Acts?

This question will, of course, receive the very careful consideration of the Government, but, in view of the other urgent items of our programme, I cannot hold out any prospect of amending legislation during the present year. I may say, however, that it will be proposed in the autumn to provide for the continuance of the Rent Restrictions Acts in their present form by including them in the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the weakness of many of these provisions, many persons are deprived of the advantages of the Acts, and will he consider the introduction of a short amending Bill?

Such a Bill would have to be included in the general programme of the Session's work. At the moment, we do not see any chance of getting fresh legislation passed, but I should be glad to take an opportunity if it were afforded.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to set up an economic advisory committee to advise the Government on economic matters; and whether he can make any statement as to the powers and functions of this body and name the persons he intends to invite to serve on it?

I propose as necessity requires to refer general economic questions of major importance to the Committee of Civil Research. That body is a Committee under my chairmanship, and I propose that in future it should consist of a nucleus of Cabinet Ministers, to whom will be attached men and women who can best assist with whatever business is before it. Much of its work will be done by sub-committees, a number of which have already been constituted. When I have a little more leisure, I propose to consider how best to make this Committee useful as part of our machinery of government.

In view of the very valuable work that a body of this nature has carried on in Germany during the past two or three years, in promoting schemes for the rationalisation of industry, can the Prime Minister say whether this Committee will be empowered to function in a similar capacity in this country?

Yes, I hope so. I think this Committee, properly constituted, and with proper terms of reference, would be one of the most useful parts of our machinery of government and administration.

May we take it that the idea of establishing a separate, permanent, economic general staff has been abandoned by the Government?

No, not necessarily. That is covered by the last sentence of my reply.

When the recommendations of these committees are made, will he carry them out, or will he ignore them, as in the case of the Balfour Commission?

The case of the Balfour Commission is not a case in point, but the Balfour Commission Report has not been ignored. Quite obviously, the reports and recommendations of all these commissions and committees must be brought before the Government for the exercise of their judgment.

Will the Prime Minister say whether this Committee will be in permanent session to deal with economic matters generally, or whether it will be merely appointed for the purpose of ad hoc inquiries?

The Committee itself will be in permanent session, if you like to use that term, just as the Committee of Imperial Defence is in permanent session, but the work of the Committee will be suggested, I hope ultimately, and given to it by the Departments and Ministers, including myself. It will be a very great convenience in government, and it will, therefore, not be a rigidly working Committee.

Does the Prime Minister intend to put economists as well as Ministers on this Committee?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to continue the appointment of secretary to the Cabinet Office; and, if so, whether it is proposed to make any alteration in his duties?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.

May I ask, if it is the case, then, that the secretary of the Cabinet Office still attends Cabinet meetings and makes out the minutes?

I am very much obliged for the supplementary question. The statement appeared in some newspaper the other day, and it is absolutely without foundation.

On a point of Order, may I draw your attention to the fact that I put down a question to the Prime Minister about disturbances of public meetings, and that it duly appeared addressed to the Prime Minister on the Blue Paper yesterday, but that it has since been transferred without notice to myself to the Home Secretary, and is at the bottom of the Paper. In view of the importance of the question, may I ask it to-day? If not, I should like to postpone it until tomorrow.

I should like to see the question first.

It is on the Paper, No. 105.

Then the answer will be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT in the usual way, unless the hon. and gallant Gentleman gives notice that he wishes to postpone it.

Yes, but I wish to postpone it.

It is a case of a question having been altered. There have been several cases recently.

These questions are transferred from the Minister to whom they are addressed at the request of the Department, so that they can be answered by the Minister who is really responsible and who will give the reply.

Is it not a general custom for the Member concerned to be advised of the proposed action and his permission asked?

If notice is received from the Department in time, the Member will be advised that the question has been transferred.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air on what grounds an Order suppressing references to the manufacture of aircraft gas bombs was brought into operation at Woolwich Arsenal; and whether such Order is continued with the approval of the Government?

The Order to which this question refers concerned a type of bomb previously designated as "gas bombs." As this type is not exclusively intended to be filled with gas, the new nomenclature was introduced in order to avoid giving a false impression.

Can my hon. Friend say whether these gas bombs are poison gas bombs or not?