asked the President of the Board of Trade how many occasions has his attention been drawn to persons infringing Part I of the Cinematograph Films Act; whether in any specific instances the advisory committee appointed under this Act have advised against prosecution; and in how many cases have prosecutions taken place?

Apart from minor irregularities discovered in the examination of renters' record books, six specific instances have come to the notice of my Department in which there were grounds for suspicion that an offence had been committed under Part I of the Act. In four cases prosecutions were launched, and in two, further investigation did not reveal grounds for prosecution. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these prosecutions were against renters or exhibitors?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what foreign countries place restrictions on the employment of seamen other than their own nationals in merchant vessels flying their flags; and to what extent is this carried out?

According to the latest information available, which was compiled early in 1925, a number of countries require a proportion of the crews of their merchant ships to be nationals. The requirements vary in the different countries, and I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a summary of our information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total number of British seamen of all categories at the present time unemployed?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Sandham) on 28th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is not the unemployment of British seamen mainly due to the extent to which the home market of this country is open to competition from abroad?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of lascars and Goanese, respectively, who are employed on British-owned ocean-going liners?

Of the total of 52,445 lascars (i.e., Asiatics and East Africans, whether of British or foreign nationality, employed under agreements for natives of Asia or East Africa which open and terminate in Asia) employed at 31st March, 1928, on sea-going steam or motor vessels registered in the United Kingdom, 26,951 were employed on passenger vessels. Separate information regarding Goanese is not available.

In view of the fact that many of these ships concerned are employed under Government contract to carry mails, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will approach the owners of such ships with a view of seeing whether they could not be induced to employ British sailors?

I will certainly undertake to make inquiries on that point.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what is the annual tonnage of British-owned shipping habitually using ports in Great Britain which undergoes dry docking or other repairs in neighbouring foreign ports?

I have made inquiry and regret to find that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the reason for the delay since July last in clearing off the balance of 5s. 6d. in the £ on accepted proved claims by British nationals against Hungary; and whether, in order to close down and prevent further administrative and staff expenditure at the Anglo-Hungarian branch of the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts, he will request the Hungarian Government to accelerate the remittance of the instalments agreed by that Government?

Under an agreement concluded with the Hungarian Government in October, 1925, the sum necessary to discharge the accepted proved claims by British nationals against that country is being paid by Hungary in fixed half-yearly instalments, and dividends are paid by the Clearing Office as and when these instalments are received.

The Hungarian Government has punctually discharged its obligations under that Agreement, and I see no grounds on which at the present time I should be justified in suggesting any modification of the agreed arrangements.

In view of the fact that this Department has been winding up for eight years, can the right hon. Gentleman take steps to expedite the closing down?

That is another matter. If the hon. Member will give me notice, I will inquire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the latest export figures for Great Britain and Germany to foreign countries, after deducting coal exports on the ground that they belong to the capital of the nation, and also bullion?

As the answer contains a table of figures, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply :

The following table shows the total value of the domestic exports of merchandise from Great Britain and Northern Ireland and from Germany to all countries during the first 10 months of 1929, distinguishing the exports of coal from those of other merchandise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the consumption of raw silk in Great Britain in the year prior to the silk duties, the consumption in 1928, and the consumption for the available period of 1929, respectively?

As the answer is long, and contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the consumption of raw silk has more than doubled?

The figures certainly indicate a substantial increase.

Following is the reply :

The following table shows the weight of the net imports of raw silk and thrown silk into Great Britain and Northern Ireland, registered during the years 1924 and 1928 and the first 10 months of 1929.

The figures for thrown silk have been included, since it appears that in 1924 some thrown silk may have been erroneously declared to the customs authorities as raw silk.

A small proportion of the thrown silk manufactured in the United Kingdom from imported raw silk was exported.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to contraventions of the order under the Merchandise Marks Act dealing with pumps; if he has received representations from the British Semi-Rotary Pumps Manufacturers' Association; if he is aware that certain merchants selling pumps are openly evading the order; and if he will state what steps he intends to take?

The attention of the Department has been called from time to time to cases in which it appeared that imported semi-rotary pumps were not being properly marked or that an indication of origin was not being given in advertisements. Satisfactory assurances have been obtained from the firms concerned. I shall be glad to look into any similar cases if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any evidence to show whether direct shipments of China tea to Russia have been interrupted by the disturbances in China; and whether there has been any material increase in the export of British Empire tea to Russia during the last three months?

The data at present available are insufficient to show the effects of the dispute between Russia and China on the imports of tea into Russia. The trade statistics of the United Kingdom show that, during the three months August-October, 1929, the re-exports to Russia of tea imported into the United Kingdom from British India and Ceylon were substantially greater than in the corresponding period of 1928 or 1927. On the other hand, the Indian and Ceylon trade figures show that, during the three months July-September, 1929, the exports from India and Ceylon to Russia were substantially less than in the corresponding period of 1928.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what increase in trade has taken place between Great Britain and Russia during the period May to October, 1929, both months inclusive?

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

Following is the answer :

The following statement shows the total declared value of merchandise imported into and exported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, consigned from and to the Soviet Union (Russia), registered during each month May to October, 1929.

As regard the imports, I should point out that an increase during the autumn months, as compared with the spring months, is a normal feature of the trade, being due to seasonal causes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has taken steps to inform the Government of the United States of the injury that their proposed new tariff is likely to inflict on our export trade to that country; and whether he has brought his suggestion of a tariff holiday, which he made at Geneva to the nations of the League, to the notice of the Government of the United States of America?

No formal intimation was made to the United States Government as to the effect which the proposed increases in the United States tariff were likely to have upon the export trade of this country; but certain memoranda relative to the trade in specific commodities, which had been submitted to His Majesty's Government by trade associations or firms in this country were communicated to the United States authorities. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 27th November by the Foreign Secretary. I may add that the Resolution of the Assembly on the subject of a tariff truce contemplates that both members of the League and non-member States should participate in the conference to be held early next year.

Arising out of the second part of the answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will undertake some direct steps to communicate with the Government of the United States of America in regard to a tariff holiday?

The matter is under consideration, but I should not like to give the House any specific assurance this afternoon.

May I ask whether any correspondence has passed between the Government of the Dominion of Canada and the Board of Trade in relation to this matter?

That point does not arise on this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any of the two Governments of the Dominions have expressed dissent from the proposal for a two years' tariff truce?

No communication has been received from any of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions as to their attitude towards this proposal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to make a statement to this House on the progress which is being made with the proposals which he submitted on 9th September at the tenth assembly of the League of Nations for the consideration of a tariff truce for a period of two years; and if he will give the text of the formal request made to members and non-members of the League following upon the recommendation of the second committee?

The proposals were embodied in a resolution of the Assembly which contained an invitation to members of the League and non-member States to attend a conference. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of the relevant parts of this resolution. I may add that His Majesty's Government in Great Britain have already accepted the invitation.

Apart from His Majesty's Government in Great Britain, has any other State throughout the world accepted the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion made at Geneva?

I am not quite clear as to whether or not the hon. Member is referring to the proposed invitation. If so, I have not the least doubt that many States will accept. If he is on the question of the proposed tariff truce, we must await the deliberations of the conference.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the conference is likely to take place?

Towards the end of January, or round about that time, according to present arrangements.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that he will not commit this country to any definite line of action before this House has been consulted?

I cannot give any undertaking of that kind, but I can assure the House that the whole object of our efforts in this Conference is to be of definite assistance to British industry and commerce.

I must put a definite question then. If we are not to have an undertaking, that we shall be consulted in this House, before this country is committed—

What about your rise in the price of tea?

to a very definite and important course of action, can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that there will be no commitment at the forthcoming Conference before this House reassembles?

On that point, there will be discussions and, I imagine, afterwards, inquiries as to whether the way can be prepared for a draft Convention. Of course, that must occupy a certain time, and I imagine that, apart from any undertaking that I might give, and I propose to give none, in the ordinary course, the subject would, in fact, be discussed one way or another, probably on several occasions, before we finally put our signatures to anything.

Were the Dominions approached before the League of Nations?

I should be grateful if my hon. and gallant Friend would put that question on the Paper.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at the Conference do his utmost to commit this country definitely to a policy of Free Trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that a million American motor-cars may be dumped on the European market next spring owing to the financial depression in the United States, and that a conference is to be held in Brussels on 10th December to try and establish a quota system for the import of American cars into the various European countries, he will take steps to be represented in this conference, seeing that such measures do not violate the most-favoured-nation clauses and will prevent many thousands who are employed in the motor industry in this country from being thrown out of work?

I assume that the conference at Brussels, to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, is the regular meeting of the conference of various associations representing the motor manufacturers in various European countries. I am informed that British motor manufacturers will be represented there, and no question of participation by His Majesty's Government arises.

In view of the fact that other countries have already realised this danger, is the right hon. Gentleman not going to take some steps to prevent it happening in this country, even the commonplace step of setting up a committee to go into the matter?

I am somewhat doubtful at the moment as to whether the dumping of motor cars on this scale would in fact take place. I can only say to the House that I have the matter fully before me, and, within the fiscal policy of the Government, any representations we can make will be made.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is within the fiscal policy of the Government to use the anti-dumping legislation, which still exists under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to prevent this market from being flooded with dumped goods?

That question, and many others, really raises the problem of a duty of some kind. The Government have made it perfectly clear that they are not prepared to support protective duties of any character.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the suggestion which I have made, that other countries are adopting a quota, does not affect the matter of Protection or Free Trade, but will prevent the import of these goods into this country?

May I ask whether this country is going to be the dumping ground for this American industry to the detriment of our own working classes?

If American motor car manufacturers choose to give a million people a motor car each, has my right hon. Friend any objection?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to assisting the British motor car industry and reducing unemployment, he can now reconsider the present attitude of the Government and make a statement as to the Government's intentions with regard to the existing import duties?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to a similar question asked by the right hon. Member on the 18th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to increasing employment in the British motor car industry, he has had under consideration the adverse effect of the existing form of taxation on the production of cars with high horse-power?

This and all other relevant matters will receive due consideration, but I cannot say what the result of that consideration will be.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the success of the recent economic mission to South America, it is proposed to send similar missions to other parts of the world?

The question of sending economic missions to other parts of the world in due course is under consideration, but I am unable to make any statement at present.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not feel that he will have the general support of the House in continuing this excellent policy initiated by the late Government?

Fortunately, this is not a party matter. At the moment the question of a delegation to different parts of the Empire and to other countries is under consideration. What I cannot do this afternoon is to anticipate any decision which may be reached.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will draw the attention of the German Government to Article XII ( d ) of the Treaty of Commerce between the United Kingdom and Germany, ratified on the 8th September, 1925; and if he will request the German Government to desist from allowing their import licences for the import of cereals to be treated as negotiable instruments to the detriment of the interests of British agriculture and in direct contravention of that article?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Article XII of the Anglo-German Treaty deals solely with licences issued in respect of goods the import or export of which is prohibited or restricted. Neither the import of cereals into Germany nor their export is prohibited, and the import certificates to which the hon. Member refers are not, and have nothing in common with, the licences referred to in Article XII.

May I ask whether there is any prohibition or restriction in the trade in Great Britain and in Germany?

The hon. Member is really raising a wider issue. I shall be glad to have notice of the question. On the question which he has put to me, my information is that these licences are really revenue certificates.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what have been the imports of potatoes into this country during each month since October, 1928, and the proportion for which each exporting country is responsible?

I am sending the hon. Member a statement showing the particulars asked for.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for preparing figures, may I ask whether, when opportunity offers, he will confer with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and find out whether there is any possibility having regard to the disastrous condition of this industry at the present time, of anything being done to prevent a similar blow to the industry again.

Certainly, if the hon. Member desires, I will promise to consult my right hon. Friend again on this subject.

But is it not the case that it is difficult to get anything out of the Minister of Agriculture?

I should not subscribe to that view for a single moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the unemployment in the hat industry of Lancashire and Cheshire; if he is aware that large importations of Italian and Foreign goods are coming into this country in competition made under conditions inferior to those allowed by the trade unions of this country; and what steps he intends to take to deal with this situation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a previous question which he addressed to me on the 26th November.

The right hon. Gentleman, in his reply, has not dealt with the last part of my question, as to what steps he intends to take to deal with the situation?

The previous reply gave my hon. Friend some information, but, again, quite plainly, he is on the question of a protective duty, on which subject I have already given a reply.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is not aware that my question does not refer at all to a protective duty. I ask what steps he proposes to take?

Does it matter very much what hats Members of the Opposition talk through?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the proposed revision of the Australian tariffs; if he has considered their effect on hosiery and other industries; and if he has sent any communication to the Commonwealth Government in this regard?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to proposed alterations in the Australian tariffs and their effect on British industry; and if he is taking any action in the matter?

Certain particulars respecting the changes in the Australian tariff, which took effect on 22nd November, were published last week in the Board of Trade Journal. Further information has since been received, and I hope to publish a statement of the principal changes, with a comparison between the old and new rates, in the same Journal next Thursday. The question whether any communication should be addressed to the Commonwealth Government on the subject is under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman enter into con- sultation with the Commonwealth Government with a view to finding out (1) if it is possible to set up a committee of business men to examine the whole question of these tariffs, and (2) if he will endeavour to find a means of meeting the aims of the Australian Government without killing industries in this country?

I will certainly bear those points in mind in my discussions with the Secretary of State for the Dominions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representation with regard to the hosiery trade which seems to have been singled out for specially severe treatment, and make representations in order to see what can be done?

I think there are several questions on this subject, but in discussions of this kind, plainly, every industry affected must be taken into account.

Is it not a fact that the Government's position as regards Imperial Preference has caused these duties to be imposed?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the importation of cheap foreign bricks is adversely affecting the brick-making industry in this country, he will consider the desirability of a tax on foreign bricks, or, alternatively, the introduction of Regulations which will make it obligatory for all foreign bricks to be marked with the name of the country of origin in order to safeguard the interests of British brick-makers and enable the people of this country to know when they are not getting British bricks?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, the Standing Committee under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, have already under consideration an application for an Order in Council under, the Act to require imported bricks to bear an indication of origin.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shortage in the demand for British bricks is now such that many brickyards are manufacturing for stock, and that the result will be unemployment during the winter months?

I am afraid that is a very debatable point in this connection, because the figures before me indicate that the home manufacture of bricks is about 5,000,000,000 and that the number of bricks imported is only about 250,000,000.

Is it not the fact that a royalty is paid on home-manufactured bricks to-day?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that nothing is done to increase the price of bricks and give us an opportunity to hold up the brickyards for a time until they bring down the prices?

My hon. Friend the Member for St. Helens (Mr. Sexton) should give notice of his question. With reference to the other supplementary question, that is decidedly one of the important considerations which we must bear in mind. Anything which raises the price of this commodity increases the whole cost of building.

Is it not a fact that the shortage in the demand for English bricks is due to the high prices charged by the brick rings?

Is it not a fact that there is considerable room for improvement in the methods of manufacturing bricks employed in certain brickyards in this country?

In view of the general expression concerning the question of Protection from my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, may I ask if it is the intention of the Government at the earliest possible moment to abolish the McKenna Duties?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government are preparing any steps calculated to prohibit the importation into this country of goods manufactured by sweated labour?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply the Parliamentary Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Penrith and Cockermouth (Mr. Dixey) on 27th November.

Do the Government adhere to the policy enunciated by the Prime Minister at Scarborough, or the policy enunciated a few days later by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; or have they an altogether new policy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the desirability of referring all the transactions of the Enemy Debts Department to a Select Committee of this House?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a recent prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Acts showing serious lack of control in the clearing office in the Ex-enemy Debts Department of the Board of Trade; whether he will set up a committee of the House of Commons to examine the whole organisation and administration of this Department; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take?

It would be improper for me in any way to anticipate the result of the proceedings referred to by the hon. Member for Newcastle North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle). As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Rochdale (Mr. Kelly) on the 13th November, no grounds have been disclosed which call for further inquiry, but if the hon. Members have definite and specific information which in their opinion renders further investigation necessary, I suggest that they should adopt the usual course of communicating it to me in order that it may be considered.

May I ask whether the result of the investigation which took place during last year into the affairs of this Department is available to Members of the House, and whether there is not sufficient evidence in that investigation to warrant action of the kind suggested being taken?

If my hon. Friend has in mind the report of the departmental committee, that cannot under any conditions be available for publication. I would suggest to hon. Members who have specific information which requires investigation that they should give me notice, and I will have investigations made.

In point of fact, has not the administration of this Department been carried on efficiently?

I should not like to pronounce one way or the other. No doubt the statement of the hon. Member is true.

In view of the facts already disclosed, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the closing down of this Department?

I should not like to reply to that point this afternoon. The House is perfectly familiar with the circumstances of this Department, but, as to the conclusion of its work, I should not like to make a statement to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider expanding and reorganising the Government Statistical Departments on the lines of that section of the American Ministry of Commerce which collects statistical information, showing probable future demands for goods, and which supplies this to manufacturers and producers concerned with a view to preventing gluts and shortages?

I am always willing to consider suggestions for increasing the value of official statistics to industry. I would, however, remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the whole field of official economic statistics in this country was recently reviewed by the Committee on Industry and Trade, who made certain definite recommendations on the subject in their Final Report. Action has already been taken with a view to carrying out some of those recommendations, and the remainder are receiving sympathetic and active consideration.

Do I understand that my right hon. Friend is familiar with the very extensive organisation which exists for this purpose in America, and the way in which it works?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to business forecasts and statistics designed to that end. That is part of the material which I had in mind and which is covered by the last part of the question.

Will this proposal prevent gluts arising out of the dumping of goods into this country?

I do not think, in reply to the hon. Member for Farnham (Mr. A. M. Samuel), that the preparation of statistics one way or the other would prevent gluts or shortages; but I think he will agree that, in so far as they are thoroughly prepared and on sound lines, statistics may do a great deal to remove those violent fluctuations from which industry suffers.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Royal Charter granted to Jersey in June, 1562, provided immunity from taxation to the inhabitants of Jersey, and that persons resident in Jersey who are employed by the Crown are being charged to British Income Tax in respect of their official salaries; and whether, in these circumstances, he will state what action he proposes to take?

My hon. Friend is, I think, under a misapprehension. Under the provisions of the Income Tax Acts emoluments of any officer of the Crown paid from British funds are assessable be British Income Tax, whether the duties of the office are performed within the United Kingdom or elsewhere. This liability is not affected by the Charter to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in connection with clerical classes competitive examinations, he will state the reason for the extension of the successful list from the 200th candidate to the 500th candidate, as announced by him?

The successful list for the last Clerical Class Competition has been extended in order to meet the urgent staff requirements of the various Departments of State.

Is it not a fact that some of the P-class men are blocked in regard be the clerical class, and will he consider the possibility of establishing some of these P-class men before putting on the new entrants?

The fact is that this list does not interfere with the rights of any temporary or P-class men.

May I press the hon. Gentleman on this matter? Will he inquire into the suggestion which I have made, that these P-class men are blocked in regard to this clerical class, and will he consider the point that I have made, in view of the extraordinary amount of service that these P-class men have given to the State?

Will the hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the claims of the men in the limited competitions already in the Civil Service?

All these points will be taken into consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will amend Treasury Circular E, of 10th September last, so as to prevent any conscientious objector from being reinstated or appointed to any post in the Civil Service whilst ex-service men are unemployed?

No, Sir. The Government's object was to remove the embargo imposed in the War period on the candidature of conscientious objectors for posts in the Civil Service. Subject to this the position of the ex-service candidate is not affected by the Circular.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any conscientious objectors have been promoted, since the Treasury Circular of 10th September last, over the heads of civil servants who served in the Forces during the War; and, if so, how many and in what Departments?

I have no information on the point and it could only be obtained by circularising the Departments. If notwithstanding the hon. Member attaches importance to the matter, I will have inquiry made.

May I ask if the hon. Gentleman will have inquiries made, as great importance is attached to this matter?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is great feeling among ex-Service men?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether Civil Service officials, required by their duties to remain in attendance in the official gallery of the House after the hours at which ordinary means of transport are available to take them to their homes, pay for taximeter cabs out of their own pockets or are allowed to claim the fares from their Departments?

It is within the discretion of the Department concerned to refund fares reasonably incurred in the circumstances described.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider whether the same facilities and the same provisions could be given to Members of this House who do not own cars and who, when kept at late sittings, are unable to get home?

That does not arise out of the question.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that it would be a shameful thing for Members with at least £8 ft week to supplement their own allowances while rejecting the claims of much poorer sections of the community?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the average price per quarter of British wheat and the price of the four pound loaf in London in July, 1914, and the average price of British wheat and the four pound loaf in London today?

The average retail price of the four pound loaf in London, as compiled by the Ministry of Labour, was 5½d. in July, 1914, and 8½d. at 1st November, 1929. According to the statutory returns received by the Ministry of Agriculture, the average price per quarter of British wheat in London was 34s. 11d. in July, 1914, and 42s. 2d. in the week ended 16th November, 1929.

Since bread is manufactured from two raw materials. flour and water, and since water has not increased in price and wheat has increased in price less than 20 per cent., how is it that the price of bread has increased by 50 per cent.?

My hon. Friend's question rests to some extent upon misapprehension. My information is that the proportion of British wheat in the London loaf is small compared with the proportion of foreign wheat. The hon. Member's supplementary question is very much nearer the truth.

Is it not a fact that the Yeoman variety of British wheat will manufacture—

That question does not arise.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who regulates the selling price of bread in London?

It is subject to the review of the Food Council. I would like my hon. Friend to put down a question if he requires further information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any money still due to the Government on account of the purchase of reparation vessels; and will he give particulars of the amount owing and the names of the companies owing this money?

The total sum due to the Government on account of the purchase of reparation vessels is £360,000, excluding interest. The number of firms concerned is two. It is not usual to publish the names of firms in cases of this kind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether all the past repayments of capital have been made?

I understand, without committing myself finally, that that is the position.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount it is anticipated that the Exchequer will receive on account of reparation and Allied War debt payments during the year 1933–34?

During the year in question His Majesty's Government should receive £17,868,000 from Allied War debts and £19,912,000 from German reparations under the Young Plan, making up together the sum of £37,780,000 due by us to the United States in that year. In addition, the Exchequer should receive approximately £l½ millions cash under the agreement reached at The Hague.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will ask the suitable authorities to devise some process of registration and issue of share certificates under the Companies Act which will make it impossible for a company to issue fraudulent shares bearing identical numbers, thereby duplicating and even triplicating the share issue?

I shall be happy to consider any practicable proposals which would make impossible the fraudulent practice referred to, but as the hon. and gallant Member is doubtless aware it is already a felony punishable with penal servitude under the Forgery Act, 1913.

Are we to understand that the Board of Trade is opposed to any measure designed to do away with the numbering of shares?

I cannot in reply to a supplementary question commit myself in any way this afternoon, but I can give this assurance, that we shall take the firmest steps possible to see that there is no method of facilitating fraud.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the lack of opportunities of promotion in the Army Educational Corps; and whether any reorganisation of the corps is contemplated so as to give better chances of promotion to those who have rendered good service?

It is proposed to reorganise the Army Educational Corps. When this organisation is completed a system of time promotion for Lieutenants to Captain will be introduced.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this change is going to be made?

No. There are certain difficulties and details, and the principle, that have to be settled, and I do not think I shall be able yet to state anything as to the date.

Is this proposed reorganisation intended to include the granting of corps pay to officers of the Army Educational Corps?

I think my answer to the Noble Lord's Supplementary Question, will answer that question also.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the sale of a Victoria Cross in a London sales room; and whether he will consider the introduction of a short Bill making the sale of Victoria Crosses illegal?

I am doubtful whether legislation on the lines suggested would be desirable. The Army Act already provides against the sale of decorations or medals without lawful authority to persons not authorised to use them, but the War Department has been advised that this does not prevent bonâ fide sales to collectors and similar purchasers.

In view of the obvious distress that must exist in any family before this coveted decoration is sold, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the attitude of the Government, or the right of the Government, to search out these homes and ensure that their need is recognised, and that £75—

Speech!

That question goes far beyond the question on the Paper, and I would prefer to see it in definite form.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that any man who has earned a decoration of this kind is entitled to do what he likes with it?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that recently War Office contracts for cloth have been placed with two firms in the Dewsbury and Batley area of the West Riding of Yorkshire who do not pay trades union rates of pay; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter so as to secure the observance of the Fair Wages Clause?

I am not aware that any firms holding War Office contracts for cloth are not complying with the requirements of the Fair Wages Clause in Government contracts, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with the names of the two firms to which he refers, together with any information that he may have to show that less than the current rate of wages is being paid, I will have the matter inquired into.

I shall be glad to forward privately to the hon. Gentleman the information which he desires.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether instructions have been given by the War Office to the military authorities in Colchester which will prevent them from organising a tattoo in conjunction with the annual Colchester Carnival next year; and, if so, whether he will take steps to vary such instructions in order that the military hospitals as well as the various civilian hospitals may not be deprived of the sums which are raised by this annual display?

It is not proposed to hold a military tattoo at Colchester in 1930. But the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, has arranged for two military bands to play during the carnival and also for a musical ride by a cavalry regiment and a musical drive by the Royal Artillery. I understand that the organisers of the carnival have stated that they are entirely satisfied with these arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his Department has any information concerning Sapper Salter, No. 1853904, 56th Company, Royal Engineers, who disappeared at Shanghai on 15th November, 1928; whether he has any reason for believing that this soldier is still alive; and whether he is aware that Sapper Salter's wife and children are without resources, as the wife is unable to obtain any allowance either as wife or widow?

Sapper Salter was one of a shore party at Hong Kong from the transport "Somersetshire" en route from Shanghai to England. He obtained permission to leave the rest of the party on private affairs and did not report when the party re-embarked. A court of inquiry found that he was illegally absent from 15th November, 1928, and no further information has been received by the War Office regarding his whereabouts. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that Mrs. Salter is not eligible for the grant of any pension from Army funds, but I understand that the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation are assisting her.

How can this man be illegally absent if he is dead?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, for the financial convenience of ranker officers at Christmas-time, he can see his way to authorise the drawing of their retired pay on 21st December instead of the 31st December?

I regret that I am unable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the suggestion would be a very easy one to comply with and would make a very great deal of difference to the comfort of those who are not very well off?

It is not an easy matter to deal with.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of subsidised houses in Glasgow which are partly sub-let or in which lodgers are boarded?

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information asked for is not available, but he is informed that, so far as houses erected and let by the Corporation are concerned, a prohibition is included in the missives of let against either subletting or keeping lodgers.

Has the hon. Gentleman looked up the voters' roll to see if that regulation is being adhered to by the Corporation of Glasgow?

The voters' roll does not in any way answer the question put by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses are being built in Glasgow under the Small Dwellings (Acquisition) Act?

My right hon. Friend is informed that the Corporation of Glasgow have granted advances under the Small Dwellings Acquisition (Scotland) Acts amounting to £355,875, in respect of the construction and purchase of 665 houses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of subsidised houses built in Glasgow during the last 10 years; and how many are occupied by owners of motor care?

My right hon. Friend is informed that the number of subsidised houses built in Glasgow during the last 10 years is 24,746. The information asked for in the latter part of the question is not available.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if this is not available on the register of motor cars, as the names of those who keep motor cars are on the register?

Has the hon. Gentleman any information as to the number of owners of motor cars who own those cars as a result of having been building contractors for subsidy houses?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the debts of the Scottish fishing harbours; and what, if any, remissions of debt the Government proposes to make?

I would refer the hon. Member to the White Paper issued to-day.

Will the White Paper be available for Members to-day? I have inquired at the Office, and I am told that it is not yet presented.