asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information of any changes that have taken place during the previous 12 months in the method in which cinematograph films are censored in British India; and can he give the House particulars?

No, Sir. I am not aware that the Government of India have yet reached any conclusions on the recommendations of the Indian Cinematograph Committee, in the Report of which the existing censorship machinery was described and modifications in it proposed.

Is it proposed to adopt the suggestions which have been made by the Indian Cinematograph Committee in their Report?

That is a matter on which no decision has been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for India when it is the intention of the Government to publish the terms of reference for the conference which is to be set up under the proposals set out in the letter to the Prime Minister from the chairman of the Simon Commission and in the Prime Minister's reply, and what will be the constitution of that conference?

It would be premature at the present time to add anything to the recent statement by the Viceroy in India.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that, with the object of securing that co-operation which we all want from Indian political opinion, and at the same time of avoiding any possible misunderstanding or accusation of breach of faith, it is desirable to lay down the general terms of reference as soon as possible?

I am fully conscious of the important points which the hon. Gentleman makes, and they will be borne in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that at some period reasonably in advance of the actual holding of the conference he will make a full statement to this House, so that the matter can be discussed by question and answer?

It is always open to the House to raise a matter of this kind, and I think I should be acting in the wisest way if I said nothing at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many Indian cadets have been trained to date at the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell; how many are under training; and what facilities exist in India for training suitable Indian gentlemen for commissions in the Royal Air Force?

The answer to each part of the question is none as yet. Facilities exist for the training of Indian gentlemen at Cranwell, but as a result of the two Army and Air Force examinations so far held in India no candidate who has given Cranwell as his first choice has succeeded in qualifying for Cranwell. Indian cadets who pass out of Cranwell will not be commissioned in the Royal Air Force but for employment in a separate Indian air force.

Would the right hon. Gentleman mind answering the last part of the question?

As far as I know, there are no Indians in the Royal Air Force in India at the present time, and naturally it is desired to secure them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to train or provide facilities for the training of these gentlemen in India or elsewhere?

I should like notice before I give a specific answer to that question.

Will the cadets who pass out of Cranwell receive the King's Commission?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for India what arrangements exist for training suitable Indian gentlemen to be officers in the Royal Navy and/or the Royal Indian Marine; and what is his present policy in this matter?

Indian gentlemen are recruited only for the Royal Indian Marine, which is an Indian Service. It is intended that selected candidates for the executive branch should, after a few months' preliminary training in India in some cases, be sent to this country for two years' training with the Royal Navy; and that selected candidates for the Engineering branch should, unless they are already qualified as engineers, be sent to this country for five years' training in selected shipyards followed by a three months' course under the Admiralty. The policy is to provide the best available training wherever it is to be found.

Do I understand that Indian cadets will be sent to be trained in His Majesty's ships at home as we trained Turks and Japanese in the past?

That is answered in the reply which I have given.

Does that mean that they will be trained as executive officers in the gunroom among our own cadets?

I have prepared a careful answer, and, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will examine it, he will find that his point is answered.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether replies have now been received from all the local governments concerned to the circular letter of the Government of India, dated the 5th October, placing before them certain proposals for remodelling gaol administration in India; and whether he will inform the House of the nature of the proposed conference which is to be convened by the Government of India to consider the question of gaol reform?

According to my latest information all the replies to the circular of 5th October have not yet been received. When the local governments have completed their examination of the question, in consultation with local non-official opinion, the Government of India propose to hold a conference with representatives of local governments with a view to reaching agreed conclusions.

asked the Secretary of State for India the number of Indians enrolled in the provincial and urban units of the Indian territorial force since the reorganisation of these units following the adoption by the Government of India of the main recommendations of the Shea Committee?

As regard provincial units, the figures available do not show the numbers enrolled since the 1st April, 1928, when these units were reorganised. The actual strength on that date was 304 officers, excluding regular British officers, and 11,090 other ranks. The latest corresponding figures, up to the 1st August last, are 275 and 10,038. Urban units were first constituted on the 1st September, 1928. The strength last August was six officers and 145 other ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for India the result of the inquiry addressed to the Government of India regarding the rule made by the Bar Council of the Rangoon High Court prohibiting advocates not entered in the roll of advocates of that Court from practising in the Courts subordinate to it except with the express permission of the presiding Judge in a particular cause or matter?

As I have already informed my hon. and gallant Friend, the legality of the rule is, I understand, to be tested in the Courts, and I am therefore unable to make any statement on the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that Indian members of the Bar of England will be given all the facilities that are open to all members of the Bar?

That covers rather wider ground than this question.

asked the Secretary of State for India the number of provincial congress officials who have been prosecuted under Section 124a of the Indian penal code; and whether any such prosecutions have taken place since the publication of the Viceroy's statement?

I regret that I am not in possession of the necessary information to enable me to answer the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I am not aware of any new prosecution having been instituted since the publication of the Viceroy's statement.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will lay upon the Table of the House such evidence as he possesses respecting the activities of the Communist International and other Communist organisations in India?

I answered this question when put by the hon. and gallant Baronet the Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) on 8th July.

Is there any reason why this information should not be given to the House?

If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the answer, he will find reasons given there.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now state whether the Soviet Government has agreed to the request of the Dominion Governments that the guarantees against propaganda should be made applicable to them?

I am not yet in a position to make a reply except to state that the Norwegian Government have been requested to make a communication on the subject to the Soviet Government.

Does that mean that a communication has been made and not yet answered, or that it has been refused?

No, it means just what I said.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as soon as the new Russian Ambassador has presented his credentials, he will take the earliest possible opportunity to clear up the differences of opinion that exist between the two Governments on the question of the Third International?

The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the object of His Majesty's Government in renewing relations with the Government of the Soviet is to ensure improved relations and a better understanding between the two countries in all directions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the earliest opportunity of clearing up this very obvious misunderstanding?

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement of the Minister of Justice in the Union of South Africa that this trouble is directly due to the Third International—[ Interruption. ]

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that if the new Ambassador refuses to accept responsibility for the—[ Interruption. ]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, seeing that the Mexican Bondholders' Committee was appointed at the wish of the Government, he can say if it is still functioning; how many meetings were held during the past year; what was the date of the last meeting; is there any Report as to progress and present position available; and, if not, will he ask for one and lay it upon the Table of the House;

(2) whether, seeing that 11,000,000 pesos were handed by the Mexican Government, in respect of debt, to the American Bankers' Committee, he will state what has been done with this money?

As regards the first part of the question, it would be accurate to state that the International Committee of Bankers on Mexico was appointed with the cognisance of His Majesty's Government but at the wish of the bondholders, which was evidenced by over 90 per cent, of the bondholders depositing their bonds with the Committee. The Bankers' Committee are understood to be in constant touch with the Mexican Government with a view to re-opening negotiations for a new settlement of the debt.

I have no information as to the number of meetings which were held during the past year, nor as to the date of the last meeting. The hon. Member will understand that His Majesty's Government, having no locus standi, cannot demand that the Committee shall furnish them with information as to these negotiations, or with reports on progress. So far as I am aware, no report on the present position has been issued. The decision as to publishing any such report is, in the first place, a matter for the Committee, and it would evidently be improper for His Majesty's Government to lay a report unless the Committee desired that it should be made public. If the hon. Member desires further information I will place him in touch with the secretary of the British section of the Committee.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman and the Government will do all in their power to get these just claims acknowledged and paid as soon as possible?

I am afraid that we have not very much power, but, as I have said, if the hon. Gentleman desires it, I will put him in touch with the official, and he will see what he is able to do.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the report of this committee has, in fact, been published in America for some months past, and cannot he make representations to the British Ambassador that at least the Government should be furnished with copies?

I am afraid that I cannot add to the answer which I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the interest on the Mexican National Packing Company's bonds, which was guaranteed by the Mexican Government, has been in arrears since 1914; that the property of the company has been seized by the Mexican Government; and whether he will make representations to that Government in respect of these matters?

The answer to the first two parts is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, His Majesty's Government are considering, in consultation with the representative of the bondholders, the advisability of making official representations on the subject to the Mexican Government.

Is it the case that the Mexican Government have seized the whole of this property and are working it and making profits, but are paying no interest on the bonds?

I am afraid that I must have notice of that question.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman interfere to protect British subjects in this matter and leave an International Commission to protect British subjects in other matters in the same country?

There is nothing about that in the original question. If the hon. Gentleman desires the information and will give me notice, I will ascertain it.

Are we to understand that we are to look for protection of British subjects to international com- missions rather than to His Majesty's Government?

Hon. Members are asking for replies to questions which do not arise out of the question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information to the House in relation to the present fighting in Manchuria between the Soviet and Chinese forces?

On 17th November six Soviet aeroplanes bombarded Mutantsiang, 125 miles west of the Eastern frontier of Manchuria, and did considerable damage to the Chinese aerodrome. On the Western frontier, a passenger train proceeding east was hit by Soviet gunfire some 35 miles from Manchouli, and was looted with considerable loss of life. The Soviet forces have now captured Manchouli and Chalai Nor. Tsagan, about 50 miles east of the western frontier, has been evacuated by the Chinese forces, and the railway is now functioning only to Hailar, on which Soviet forces are alleged to be advancing.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the allegations that the Soviet forces, by destroying the pumping machinery at the mines, have caused the loss of life of a number of civilians?

I have no official information. I have seen a statement in the Press.

Are not these actions a distinct breach of the Kellogg Pact?

In view of this militarism and these war-like preparations against a civilian population, is the right hon. Gentleman still determined on behalf of the Government, to recognise the Soviet Government?

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to call the attention of the League of Nations to this matter as being an infringement of the terms of the Covenant?

The information on which this question is based only appeared in the Press this morning, or over the week end, and I have had no time even to consider what action should be taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider what action the Government might take?

Will the right hon. Gentleman at all events give this House an assurance that he will investigate immediately such a serious breach?

I will treat this matter just as I would treat a similar matter if it were between two other nations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why all motor cars supplied for the use of His Majesty's Ambassadors and Ministers abroad are not of British make; and will he give the necessary instructions to ensure that where there is a motor car which is not made in Great Britain it shall be replaced by one of British make at the first convenient opportunity?

It has always been the policy to supply British cars whenever this is practicable, but difficulties with regard to service facilities and the supply of spare parts occasionally render this course impossible. This is also the reason why I must regretfully decline to give any undertaking that in all cases foreign cars shall be replaced by cars of British make.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that for our accredited representatives to foreign countries to have foreign cars is a very bad advertisement for the cars of our own country?

I think I have admitted that in the answer, but we cannot do the impossible.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the number of Under-Secretaries of State in the present House of Commons is in excess of the number permitted by the Secretaries of State Act, 1926; and, seeing that the Under-Secretaries of State for Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Dominions, Colonies, Air, India and Scotland are individually liable to a fine of £500 for each day on which they have sat or voted during the present Parliament, what steps does he propose to take in the matter?

Yes, Sir. A Bill of Indemnity will be required. There are several precedents. It will be introduced at once, and a settlement of the present situation is being sought in the meantime.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the mistake arose, seeing that the Attorney-General is supposed to advise the Government?

All these matters can be raised on the Second Reading, but I may inform the hon. and gallant Member that the mistake arose because the authority consulted had given his opinion before 1926.

Has the right hon. Gentleman picked out the Under-Secretary who was particularly liable?

I am the responsible person.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the office accommodation at No. 1, Peckham Road, S.E.5, provided for His Majesty's inspector and staff of the Camberwell Income Tax district, is seriously defective and prejudicial to health as regards lighting, heating, ventilation and lavatory accommodation; and whether it is proposed to secure new and satisfactory offices?

I am aware that the office accommodation provided for the Camberwell Income Tax District at No. 1, Peckham Road, S.E.5, is defective as regards heating, ventilation and lavatory accommodation. Steps are being taken to hire suitable alternative accommodation but it has not yet been possible to secure suitable premises.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he will give the House more information regarding the arrangements made for securing the assistance of independent advice in over seven years' cases from medical experts nominated by the Presidents of the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons; whether the advice of the experts will be accepted and acted on by the Ministry; and whether all cases recommended, after investigation, by local war pension committees where he is not able to agree with the Ministry decision will be referred to the independent experts;

(2) what is the method he intends to adopt in order to ensure that applicants for pensions outside the seven years' limit are given explicit opportunity to produce evidence;

(3) whether, in view of the fact that it is proposed to make use of the statutory powers of the local war pension committees to hear and investigate causes of complaint from dissatisfied applicants in connection with the over seven years' cases, he will take steps to ensure that the fullest possible information is placed at the disposal of the war pension committees, especially where their recommendations are not accepted by headquarters, in order that the committees may be in a position to deal with and investigate cases of complaint?

I think it will be convenient if I answer the hon. and gallant Member's three questions together, as all three relate to the procedure of application in this class of case. It is not in my judgment practicable or desirable at this stage to define minutely the procedure on points which experience alone can properly determine. I may say, however, that all applicants will be expressly invited by the Area Offices of the Ministry to state their own cases in writing and to furnish evidence in support of them. Free use will be made of the advice of the independent medical experts alluded to in all cases where there is material conflict of evidence, including cases recommended after due investigation by war pension committees, and the fullest weight will be given to their advice, though I am naturally unable, consistently with my own responsibility in the matter, to bind myself to accept their opinion in every case. War pension committees will, as far as possible, be made acquainted with the grounds for rejection of any case recommended by them after investigation where they may find this information necessary in order to assist them in dealing with renewed applications.

Is the right hon. Gentleman really satisfied that the net result of this is very different from the procedure under the late Government?

Yes, Sir; if I were not so satisfied, I should not have taken the responsibility of giving the answer that I have given.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in what way this is different from the procedure under the late Government? To most of us it seems the same.

I believe I answered that particular question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he could get the British Legion to supply the information?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have already felt the effects of this change in cases which he has had before him?

Have any arrangements been made as to how medical experts will be selected for Scotland?

Perhaps my hon. and learned Friend will give me notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Pensions the terms of the instructions issued to pension committees on the subject of the waiving of the seven years' limit, indicating any variations between the proposals in this document and the previous practice of the Ministry of Pensions?

The instructions which are in preparation will indicate both the manner and the object of the investigation to be applied by War Pensions Committees in regard to any case submitted to them by a dissatisfied applicant who may prefer to use this method of approach to the Ministry.

As no instructions on this subject have previously been issued to War Pensions Committees, the latter part of the question would not appear to arise.

Is it not the fact that it was admitted by the statement of the right hon. Gentleman to the ex-service men last week that there is really no material difference between the position under this Government and the late Government?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the two main points in his recent answer, namely, complaints of local War Pensions Committees and the granting of War pensions on production of adequate evidence, were in operation under the late Government?

I do not think my right hon. Friend's supplementary question comes within the scope of the answer which has been given. I was asked whether this makes any material difference and whether I was not misleading ex-service men. My answer is that if I thought I were misleading ex-service men I should not hold this position.

In view of the statement that he was not misleading ex-service men, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman why he informed the House that a number of cases had been considered by the late Government when the actual facts are that some hundreds of cases had been granted?

I have still to be convinced that that supplementary question comes within the scope of the last answer; it belongs to the first one; but I have not the slightest objection to answering it. I said in my answer last week that I was proposing to extend and amend the regulations which had been adopted by my right hon. Friend, and if he will look at my answer I think he will see that that is the case.

asked the Minister of Pensions by what authority ranker officers, who have voluntarily retired from the Army and have been sub- sequently awarded disability pay, have been required to refund their service gratuities?

Under the terms of Article 1A of the Royal Warrant of the 2nd July, 1920, as amended by that of the 9th November, 1923, an officer who retires voluntarily is eligible only for either the service award appropriate for his voluntary retirement or for the disability rate proper to his disablement, unless he is pronounced to have been permanently unfit for general service on retirement, in which case an addition for disablement may be made to his service award.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider the question of extending applications for alternative pensions where the applicants were not aware of the dates that applications closed, in order to prevent undue hardships existing?

Full information as to the alternative pension and the procedure for claim was given to every pensioner individually and was also widely advertised in the Press, and I should have no authority to adopt the course suggested.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department on what grounds His Majesty's Government decided not to participate in the International Exhibition at Barcelona; whether this exhibition was considered to offer less opportunity for increasing the sales of British goods in world markets than the international exhibitions at Paris and Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1925; and whether it is proposed to participate in the forthcoming exhibition at Stockholm?

In reply to the first two parts of the question I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my predecessor to a question put on 17th December, 1928, a copy of which I am sending him. In reply to the third part of the question I am informed that the forthcoming exhibition at Stockholm will be confined to Swedish products.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give any information concerning a reduction by 50 per cent. of the duties on fabrics and artificial silk imported into the Argentine Republic from Great Britain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 21st November to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Sir J. Power) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the importance of the question of Empire trade, he will consider giving a day for its discussion?

I regret that, owing to the state of Parliamentary business, of which the House is well aware, I can hold out no hope of time being given for the discussion of this subject.

In view of the importance attached by the Lord Privy Seal to his scheme, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it proper, having regard to the need for a remedy for unemployment, that we should have a thorough discussion of this matter?

That is not a question that can be answered now.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether in the trade agreement now being negotiated with the Argentine, any provision will be made to prevent the importation from that country of bounty-fed cereals?

No, Sir.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to treaty restrictions, we are unable to do anything with regard to Germany, and will he see that those circumstances cannot possibly occur in the Argentine?

No bounty is paid in the Argentine at the present time, and there is no likelihood of any being paid in the near future.

Yes, but is the hon. Member not aware that, when the German treaties were signed, there were no bounties paid, and it is because of those treaties that we are unable to contest them?

I am afraid that I can add nothing to the answer which I have already given.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information as to any system of bounty, drawback, export licence, or similar assistance whereby wheat and/or flour may be exported to this country from France?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Government of France has, in consequence of large surplus stocks of wheat in that country, just elaborated measures to assist the wheat export trade; and whether he is able to assure the House that steps will be taken to meet the danger of the export of wheat to this country under similar conditions to those complained of in regard to German wheat?

I am making inquiries, and will communicate the results to the hon. Members as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the amount now being imported is in excess of the usual quantities?

That is another question which hardly arises on this question.

In view of the fact that a fortnight ago the Minister of Health described the position as appalling, and in view of the fact that the Cabinet of Germany have apparently decided to increase the bounty, what action is he going to take?

I think that ought to be the subject of another question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the interests of farmers in this country in view of the terms of the agreement made with the Argentine Republic whereby exports of agricultural products from that country are to be guaranteed every facility for entry into this country in exchange for corresponding facilities for exports of textile goods from this country?

As my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has already explained in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Sir J. Power), the decree by virtue of which the Argentine duty on British artificial silk goods is reduced will become effective on receipt of a declaration, on behalf of His Majesty's Government in Great Britain, that it is not their intention to impose duties or restrictions, except those that may be necessary on sanitary grounds, on the importation of certain Argentine food products. This declaration would express the policy of the present and of the late Government, and does not create any new situation

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the British farmer from bounty-fed cereals, should they come?

That is a hypothetical question; no new situation has arisen.

In view of the vague term "any restrictions," may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Dominions —Canada, Australia, New Zealand—have been consulted in regard to the possible effects of this convention upon the Imperial Economic Conference?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down another question; it hardly arises on this one.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Argentine Government imposes an export duty on shipments of pastoral and rural produce?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that a large amount of the wheat which is being imported into this country from Germany is being produced as the result of the labour of women and girls who work for nine hours a day for 3d. per hour; and if he will consider taking steps to prohibit the importation of wheat into this country which is produced under labour conditions of this description?

I regret that the information at my disposal does not enable me either to accept or to deny the statement in the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question. As regards the second part, it is not proposed to take any action on the lines suggested.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries on this matter?

Yes, certainly.

Considering that the British farmer has to compete with the importation of wheat produced under the terms referred to in the first part of this question, may I press the right hon. Gentleman to make inquiries, and either refute or confirm the statement in the first part of my question? It is only fair that we should know.

I shall be very glad to secure any information that can be secured.

I beg to give notice that I shall put the question down again, in the hope that the right hon. Gentleman will be able to make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if the importation of hay into this country from the Argentine is prohibited in view of the prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease in that country?

The importation of hay into Great Britain from the Argentine Republic is prohibited by the Foreign Hay and Straw Order of 1912, which was made by the Ministry to prevent the risk of the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease by that material. The Order exempts from the prohibition hay which at the time of importation is being used for packing merchandise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, apart from the general agricultural policy of the present Government, he intends to take any special and immediate steps to relieve the present distress in that industry?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the apprehension of the farmers and farm workers of East Anglia at the failure of His Majesty's Government to announce any part of their agricultural policy, he will say whether the Government intends to introduce any proposals dealing with the agricultural industry of this country?

I cannot accept the suggestion that the agricultural industry on the whole is in such distress as to demand special and immediate relief measures. While I view with great regret the depression in some sections of the industry, I would remind hon. Members that in other sections no depression exists. The Government have already announced a number of proposals for the benefit of the industry including comprehensive legislation to deal with arterial land drainage, the framing of a scheme of unemployment insurance for agricultural workers, the active extension of the movement for the better marketing of agricultural produce, and the provision of a capital grant of £500,000 to the Development Fund, of which approximately one-half will be for agricultural purposes.

Is the Minister of Agriculture prepared to consider taking some measure to help those areas where there is great depression?

The measures which I have announced as being part of the Government programme will undoubtedly be of great help to those districts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that very considerable depression exists in East and North East Anglia which is a corn-growing country?

I have already said that I deeply regret that there are corn-growing districts in which depression exists, but it would not be correct to describe that depression as being general.

What steps has the right hon. Gentleman taken, in conjunction with the Prime Minister, to see whether anything can be done to relieve the agricultural industry from the imposition of a bounty on imported foodstuffs; and will he consult his right hon. Friend as to whether a tax on a bounty is not entirely different from a tax on food?

That ought to be the subject of a separate question, and it hardly arises on this one.

Think it out!

When shall we know from the right hon. Gentleman what really is his agricultural policy?

In view of the chances of the ballot I should have thought that some Members of the party opposite would have brought forward a Motion dealing with this subject.

Does the Minister of Agriculture really mean that he is going to depend upon the chances of the ballot in order to announce his policy?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider the advisability of offering a prize to the research workers of the world for the purpose of eliminating foot-and-mouth disease or, alternatively, to set up a research department of the Ministry, with all available data that can be obtained through international medical research?

I do not think that the offer of a prize, however large, for the discovery of an effective means of controlling foot-and-mouth disease would be likely to advance that object. As regards the latter part of the question, a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Committee, consisting of eminent scientists in both human and veterinary pathology was appointed by myself in 1924 to conduct research into this question. The Committee has already published three progress reports, and their investigations are continuing. This Committee takes full cognisance of all available data obtainable from any part of the world.

In reference to the latter part of the question, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure more continuous services of research workers on foot-and-mouth disease than the report shows to have been the case?

The services ought to be continuous and assiduous, and eminent men are engaged in them.

Does not the report show that a great many research workers have left that particular research work a few months after starting it?

Has the Minister of Agriculture had his attention drawn to the reported success of measures taken against foot-and-mouth disease, I think, two years ago in India?

Yes, they have been very carefully followed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the spread of foot-and-mouth disease is, in the opinion of many farmers affected, caused by foxes, hares and other game; and whether he will consider isolation as a definite experiment in combating the next outbreak?

The possibility that foot-and-mouth disease may be spread by foxes, hares or other game is always borne in mind in the inquiries instituted in connection with every outbreak of the disease, but no evidence has been obtained connecting them with any outbreak. The adoption of isolation of affected animals as an alternative policy to that of slaughter was carefully considered by the Departmental Committee on Foot-and-Mouth Disease which reported in 1925. That Committee came to the conclusion that until a preventive agent has been discovered isolation could not be regarded as an alternative to the present policy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received any complaints of lack of care by the railway companies in the handling of eggs packed in cardboard containers; and whether he is aware of the great advantage to poultry keepers of the use of cardboard containers provided that due care is exercised during their transit by rail?

Complaints have, from time to time, reached my Department concerning the handling on rail of eggs packed in cardboard containers. I am fully alive to the advantage to the egg industry of this type of container, which is one of the standard types of non-returnable package specified in the National Mark Egg Scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the average retail price of British eggs in London, for each month, since the introduction of the egg-marking scheme?

I regret that this information is not available.

Can it be procured?

The Ministry of Labour collects information as to retail prices, but not separately of British prices.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that Army horses are being fed upon imported bounty-fed German oats; and, if so, will he make representations to the Secretary of State for War that in the interests of the farmers and farm workers of the United Kingdom only home-grown oats should be purchased?

All current Army contracts are for the supply of homegrown oats. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether, looking at the serious state of agriculture and in view of the fact that the remedy of standardised prices receives support, not only from agriculturists but also from Members of different parties in this House, he will give an opportunity for debating this matter?

I would refer the right hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 7th November in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Eye (Mr. Granville).

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are considering this question or not?

I think that, if the hon. Member will turn to the answer to which I have referred, he will find that that point is covered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will present the proposed Land Drainage Bill, so that the text may be available to Members before the Committee stage of the Coast Protection Bill is taken?

I am afraid I am unable to give the undertaking desired.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, under the Coast Protection Bill, fresh authorities are set up, and the same authorities have in many cases to deal with both drainage and coast erosion, and therefore the Drainage Bill will have a material bearing on the Coast Protection Bill?

The new Drainage Bill involves highly complicated work, and I am afraid it will not be expedited to the extent desired by the hon. Member.

Is it proposed to go on with the Coast Protection Bill in view of the opposition raised?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the heavy additional expenditure incurred by the farmers of Little Thetford since 1919 on extensive repairs to banks and the installation of a new pumping plant and drains, steps will be taken to lighten the drainage taxes which, in that district, amount to nearly 30s. per acre, as has been done in the case of Booking-ham?

The Ministry has already made grants amounting to £1,550 towards the cost of installing new pumping plant, and the improvement of drains, in this district, and is prepared to make a further grant of 50 per cent. of the cost, estimated at £1,200, of completing the scheme of works which the Drainage Commissioners have in view.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed to utilise the large area of land fronting Stockwell Road tube station, Clapham Road, which was acquired by the Commissioner of Crown Lands for dwellings for working-class tenants; and can he state when the commencement of the erection of these dwellings will take place?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to a similar question on the 25th July last, to which I have nothing to add. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the answer in question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the plans are being prepared for this housing scheme?

Yes, I believe so, but they are being prepared in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport which is chiefly responsible.

Is the Minister of Transport responsible for housing in this particular district?

That question should be addressed to the Minister of Transport.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what was the total amount paid by the Holbrooks Housing Estate, Coventry, for the land (acreage) and the hutments (number) standing thereon; whether the sum of £8,000, shown in the published Reports of the Select Committee on Accounts dealing with these Office of Works transactions represents the total amount paid by the purchasers; and, if not, what other amounts were paid for the land and hutments in question and now in the possession of the Holbrooks Housing Estate Company?

The estate was sold in three parts in 1928. About eight acres of land with 230 houses were sold for £8,000 as stated in the Appropriation Accounts for 1927. About three acres of land, with 89 houses, were sold to the Coventry Corporation and I understand that my hon. Friend has information as to the price paid. The remainder of the estate (147 houses and a factory) was sold by the Secretary of State for War, to whom my hon. Friend will perhaps direct inquiries.

asked the Prime Minister whether the conference on electoral reform has now been constituted and the names of the members; and whether any intimation has been given to the conference as to the order in which, and the time within which, it is desirable that consideration should be given to, and a report made upon, the several issues falling within the purview of the conference?

I understand that invitations will be issued to the selected Peers and Members of the House of Commons very shortly. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister if he can give an assurance that no decision has been taken to close the minor naval bases of Bermuda and Jamaica and that, before any such decision is taken, this House will have an ample opportunity of discussing the matter?

I have been asked to reply. As regards the first part of the question, no decision has been taken of the nature indicated, and there is no intention of taking such a decision. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of a general desire on the part of petty officers and men of the Royal Navy, as expressed in a general welfare request, he will amend the present dress Regulations to read that for lower-deck ratings medals be worn only at inspections and on ceremonial occasions, when No. 1 or No. 6 dress is worn, and on all other occasions and when proceeding ashore on leave medal ribbons to be worn?

The wearing of medals on Sundays in harbour and on week-end leave is regarded by many as a privilege, and I am not inclined to withdraw it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the naval and marine pensioners who have relieved active-service ratings as officers' servants at Whale Island and His Majesty's ship "Vernon" naval establishments are insured for unemployment, observing that active-service officers' servants are included in the scheme for unemployment like all other ratings?

As the employment of these pensioners is of the nature of domestic service, they are excepted from unemployment insurance under Part II ( b ) of the First Schedule of the Unemployment Insurance Act of 1920.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that naval and marine pensioners are being entered at Whale Island and His Majesty's ship "Vernon" naval establishments as officers' servants in lieu of active-service ratings and that the weekly wage is £2 2s.; and why this is done, in view of Item 53 of the Report of the Jerram Committee, which says that pensions shall not be taken into account when pensioners are employed by the Admiralty, observing that the pay of an unskilled labourer in His Majesty's dockyard, who works considerably less hours, is at a higher rate?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The wages mentioned by the hon. Baronet are without taking into account quarters and uniform, which are provided free of charge. When these items are taken into account, the emoluments of these mess servants are not lower than those of labourers in His Majesty's dockyard. Pensions were not taken into account in fixing these rates of pay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are not any married quarters, and that most of these men are family men?

The whole of the circumstances, including quarters, are taken into account, but I can assure the hon. Member that in fixing the rate of pay pensions have not been taken into account, and that the rate of wages is quite fair.

Is it not a fact that they get their food in addition?

asked the Prime Minister whether, as a consequence of the decision to exclude the question of the freedom of the seas from the purview of the forthcoming Five-Power Naval Conference, he can assure the House that the suggestion that ships conveying food shall not be subject to the laws of blockade is also excluded?