asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any figures and can state the amount expended during the previous 12 months by the Government of India on stores required for the India State railways; the percentage of these orders that went to British manufacturers and/or foreign firms; and will he give particulars?

Railway stores purchased through the High Com- missioner for India from 1st January, 1929, to date amount to £2,237,996, about 57 per cent. of which were from British manufacturers. Particulars are not available for purchases made by the Indian railway companies or stores of European origin bought in India.

Cannot something be done to try to influence greater purchases in this country?

I am glad to see purchasers coming to this country, but we are governed by a Resolution of the Legislative Assembly of 1921.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will inform the House of the total expenditure made out of Indian revenues to met the cost of erecting New Delhi; how this expenditure compares with the original estimated cost of the scheme; and what is the estimated cost of the work in connection with this scheme still to be completed?

The total expenditure up to the end of August last was 13 crores, 66 lakhs of rupees in round figures. The original sanctioned estimate was for nine crores and 17 lakhs of rupees in round figures. The estimated cost of the work remaining to be done is roughly one crore 19½ lakhs.

asked the Secretary of State for India Whether it is the intention of the Government of India to appoint a temporary representative to act for the Indian representative in South Africa until Sir K. V. Reddi, who has been compelled to return to India on sick leave, has sufficiently recovered to resume his duties?

Mr. Baring, the Secretary to the Agent of the Government of India in South Africa, will discharge the Agent's duties for the present.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India has now received replies from all the local governments with regard to the proposal to separate the judicial from the executive functions of the Indian civil servants; and whether His Majesty's Government, in consultation with the Government of India, have arrived at any decision on this matter?

My predecessor decided, in consultation with the Government of India, that any attempt to arrive at conclusions on this matter must remain in abeyance pending the results of the Statutory Commission's inquiry, for reasons which are detailed in a reply to a question put in the Council of State on 11th September, 1928, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy. I see no reason to differ from this decision.

May we hope that, after the Statutory Commission has reported, this matter, which has been under consideration for about a century, will at last be dealt with?

Certainly, I hope it will be dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for India what facts justify the difference in pensions granted to British executive officers of the Indian Army Departments who retired between 1st April, 1919, and 1st October, 1925, at a lower rate than that granted to those who retired before and after those dates, seeing that their conditions of service are claimed to have been identical; why these officers have been deprived of the Indian element to which those retiring before and after that date are recognised to be entitled; and whether, in view of the decision to allow this claim from 1925 onwards, he will take steps to fill the gap made in the pension scale of such officers between 1919 and 1925?

I am writing to the hon. and gallant Member on this matter, and as it is somewhat too involved to be disposed of within the compass of a Parliamentary reply, perhaps he will await my letter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether all the arms producing Powers have now ratified the Arms Traffic Convention governing the private manufacture of arms which was passed by the Assembly of the League of Nations?

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to the Convention signed at Geneva on 17th June, 1925, which concerns the control of the international traffic in arms and munitions of war. Up to now France and the Netherlands are the only arms producing countries of whose ratification we have received official notification. Austria's ratification is, however, imminent, and may even have been deposited by this time.

Has the British Consul in China lately made representations about arms getting into that country?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any members of the British delegation to the last Assembly of the League of Nations are now employed at the Foreign Office; and, if so, in what capacity and at what salary?

The composition of the delegation to the 10th Assembly was announced to the House on 4th of July, 1929. Two members of the delegation, Lord Cecil of Chelwood, who represents His Majesty's Government on the Preparatory Disarmament Commission, and the hon. Member for Coventry (Mr. Noel Baker), my Parliamentary Private Secretary, are at present serving voluntarily in the Foreign Office.

Do we understand that Lord Cecil is attached in some way to the Government?

Lord Cecil of Chelwood is serving in the Foreign Office in a voluntary capacity, and was appointed by His Majesty's Government to represent the Government on the Preparatory Commission on Disarmament.

Is he serving as an honorary member of the Government or as an honorary member of the Foreign Office staff?

As an honorary member of the Foreign Office staff.

Has he access to all Government papers?

Much will depend on what the hon. Member means by all papers.

I mean what I said.

What is Lord Cecil's status? Is he a civil servant, or is he there in a Ministerial capacity?

He is a voluntary worker in the Foreign Office and represents His Majesty's Government on the Preparatory Commission on Disarmament.

Will he answer for the Government in another place?

Oh, no. He has not been appointed to answer for the Government in any place.

May I have an answer to my question? Has he access to all Foreign Office papers?

I cannot do other than give the answer that I have already given. I do not know what the hon. Member means. If he means relevant papers, yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will request His Majesty's Minister in Mexico to inquire whether the president elect of Mexico has made a statement, and, if so, its terms, with regard to the default of obligations towards holders of Mexican Government securities?

I have observed in the Press a statement that the president-elect of Mexico referred, in the course of an interview at the end of last month with the representative of a foreign newspaper, to his plans with regard to the foreign indebtedness of Mexico. The remarks made by the president-elect are being reported by despatch from His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Mexico City. As soon as they are received, I shall be happy to inform the hon. Member of the terms of the statement.

I will put a question down later on.

When is the right hon. Gentleman expecting to have the information—before we adjourn for Christmas or after?

I cannot say when the despatch will arrive.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information regarding the Spanish proposal to construct a tunnel between Tarifa and the territory of the Tangier international zone?

The Spanish Government have appointed a commission to study the possibility of constructing a tunnel between Spain and Africa, but so far as I am aware it has never been proposed that the African end of the tunnel should be within the international zone.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to an article in the "Pravda," the official organ of the government in Russia, on the British coal industry, containing statements derogatory to His Majesty's Government, and to a booklet published by the Komintern in regard to Egypt, which is in parts offensive to King Fuad and hostile to Great Britain; and, in view of these publications, will he communicate with the Soviet Government and insist that Article 7 of the Protocol of 3rd October, 1929, and Article 16 of the Treaty of 8th August, 1924, are observed?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statement recently appearing in "Pravda," the official organ of the Russian Soviet Government, on the British coal industry, and stating that the next few months are to be spent in in- creased agitation among the British miners and in preparation for the battle in April; and whether he proposes, in view of the undertaking recently given as to propaganda, to call the Soviet Government's attention to the matter?

I have seen an article by L. Berg published in the "Pravda" of 4th December, dealing with the coal industry in this country. This article, to which I presume the hon. Member refers, is not such as to call for notice on the part of His Majesty's Government. As regards the reported publication of a pamphlet on Egypt, I have at present no information beyond what has appeared in the Press, and must, therefore, refrain from expressing any opinion.

When the right hon. Gentleman sees serious statements like this appearing in an official organ, threatening trouble in the mining industry in the future, is he not going to take some action?

Will the right hon. Gentleman pay any attention to articles against Russia appearing in the "Daily Mail"?

In view of the resumption of diplomatic relations, does the right hon. Gentleman think the statement that the British Government is a capitalist tout friendly?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet Ambassador has presented his credentials?

I received the Soviet Ambassador informally this morning, but the formal presentation of his credentials has not yet taken place.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the reason for the delay in the formal presentation of his credentials?

I should have thought that the hon. Member was aware that this is not a matter which rests with members of the Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, who has apparently seen this gentleman unofficially, tell us what is the reason for the delay? There must be a reason.

Perhaps I can satisfy the hon. Member by saying that the delay is not on his side, but on our side.

Is it not a fact that this delay is due to the fact that the Dominions have not yet sanctioned his appointment?

Oh, no.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the arrival in London of a diplomatic representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether such representative has signified agreement on behalf of his Government with the interpretation placed by, the British Government on the pledge with regard to propaganda contained in Article 16 of the Treaty of the 8th August, 1924, referred to in paragraph 7 of the Protocol of the 3rd October, 1929, especially as regards the activities of the Third International?

The diplomatic representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics arrived in London on the 12th December. With regard to the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I made to the hon. Member on the 3rd of December, and to previous replies on the same subject.

Has the right hon. Gentleman informed the House that pending the signing of the Memorandum referred to in the Protocol, the Soviet representative, or any representative of the Soviet Government, would be entitled to instigate propaganda, and is he assured that he is not doing so, pending the signing?

I am afraid that I have nothing to add to the answer that have just given.

Is the Soviet Ambassador capable of transacting or allowed to transact any official business before he has presented his credentials?

No. He is only in the position to hold an informal conversation such as we had this morning, and I am arranging as speedy as possible for the presentation of the credentials.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, since the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government, any members of the staff of Arcos have been granted privileges not usually accorded to nationals of other countries?

No such privileges will be granted.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has received any request from the Soviet Government for permission to establish branches of Arcos and other Soviet trading organisations in British Colonies;

The answer to both questions is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the newly re-established diplomatic relations with Russia, he is prepared to urge the rights of English claimants upon the Soviet Government and press for a recognition and settlement of the debts due to them?

The subject of debts due to British claimants is included in the list of subjects for discussion with the Soviet Government.

Is it posible for the right hon. Gentleman to have official communication with the new Ambassador before he has presented his credentials?

I do not think that that matter arises on this question.

May I point out—[HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] May I ask—

The matter really does not arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in view of the situation arising from the importation of Russian timber into this country, whether he will obtain from the French and German Governments copies of the sworn affidavits of the French and German nationals who have passed through Helsingfors from the Soviet Russian detention camps as to their being forced to cut and load lumber and as to the prison labour employed on this work?

I have no information on the statements contained in the hon. and gallant Member's question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman act on the information that these nationals, both French and German, have made statements to the effect mentioned in the question to the Consuls at Helsingfors, and it is quite possible to obtain the sworn affidavits?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman cares to see me and put up any suggestion, I will see how far it can be put into operation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what is the present position in Manchuria; and whether the negotiations between the Chinese and Soviet Governments have yet been concluded?

According to Press reports, an agreement has been reached locally on the immediate issue. I have no official confirmation as yet.

Has fighting ceased?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has been any increase in the staff of his Department since 1st July; and, if so, what is it?

The establishment of the Foreign Office has been increased since the date referred to in the hon. and gallant Member's question by the appointment of an additional Assistant Under-Secretary of State, a post for which Treasury sanction was obtained by my predecessor in April last, and by the creation of one post of Principal Clerk.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman going to do something to deal with the deficiency that arises through sending members of his office to the Dominions? There must be several vacancies waiting to be filled up.

I did not know the hon. and gallant Gentleman wanted me to increase it. I will look into the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why an advertisement was inserted in the daily Press on 12th July, 1929, for a junior translator (woman) for the Air Ministry; why permanent women civil servants were not given the opportunity of applying for the vacancy, seeing that numbers of them have the qualifications that were required; and if he will give an undertaking that in future permanent women civil servants shall be given the opportunity of applying for transfer to his Department when vacancies occur before the post is advertised in the daily Press?

The advertisement referred to was in respect of a vacancy in an unestablished post for which the pay and conditions of service differ from those for permanent women civil servants. In view of the relative rates of pay and of the loss of pension rights involved in transfer from permanent to unestablished status, the post in question would hold no attractions for the permanent staff.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of P-class ex-service clerks transferred on redundancy prior to 1st March, 1928, who were not allowed removal expenses on the scale laid down for that class in Treasury Circular of 21st March, 1928?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. and gallant Member is not available and could not be obtained without a very large expense of time and labour which I do not think would be justified.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many conscientious objectors in the Civil Service will benefit by the recent concessions regarding pensions and increment made by the Treasury; and what is the approximate cost of this concession?

The number of conscientious objectors in the Civil Service to whom the concessions apply is estimated at about 200. But I am obtaining actual figures from Departments concerned together with estimates of the cost involved for my reply to a similar question from the hon. Member for the Gillingham Division (Sir R. Gower) with a copy of which I will furnish the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total numbers of women who resigned from the Civil Service on marriage during the years 1926, 1927 and 1928, showing the grades in which they were employed immediately prior to resignation, together with the total number of women employed in each grade?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT such information as is available in reply to this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position in Nanking and Shanghai; what British warships and forces are now available for the protection of British nationals; and what defensive forces have been provided by America and other Powers?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any further statement to make with regard to China?

So far as my information goes, the forces opposed to the Nanking Government have been defeated near Canton, and have made no further progress on any of the other main lines of attack. The situation at Nanking and Shanghai appears to be quiet. The naval forces available for the protection of British nationals in case of need consist of five cruisers, one aircraft carrier, eight destroyers, five sloops, and 18 gunboats. The available military forces consist of three battalions at Hong Kong, two at Shanghai and two at Tientsin, with small detachments at Peking and Wei-hai-wei. Other foreign Powers have an aggregate naval strength in China waters which is approximately the same, and about 8,000 troops, mainly at Tientsin and Shanghai.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the women and children who took refuge on British warships have now been allowed to land again?

I answered a question the other day in which I said that some of them had been brought to Shanghai.

Can the right hon. Gentleman now say whether it is not a fact that this rising was caused by Soviet propaganda?

I have no information as to that.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when he mentioned other Powers, he included Japan or not?

I must have notice of that question.

When the right hon. Gentleman mentioned the fact of foreign naval forces being equal to British, does he mean that the whole of the British Naval Forces in China are at least as great as the whole of the foreign Naval Forces put together, including Japan?

I think I was dealing with a comparison of military forces.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has made representations to the Chinese Government with regard to the increase of piracy along the Chinese coast; and whether he is taking any steps to ensure the safety of British commerce?

Representations have repeatedly been made to the Chinese authorities with regard to the increase in piracy along the China coast in recent years, and His Majesty's Minister has instructions to keep the matter before the Chinese Government with a view to their taking effective suppressive measures. There has not, so far as my information goes, been any deterioration in the situation in recent months. The problem of securing the safety of British commerce in this respect is one which is constantly in view. The hon. and gallant Member will have noticed that in the recent case of the Steamship "Haiching" two of His Majesty's ships were instrumental in saving the vessel.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had any communication from the Egyptian Government with regard to the proposed draft treaty submitted by the British Government; and what is the present position with regard to the said proposed treaty?

No, Sir, and I de not expect to receive any further communication on this subject until after the Egyptian elections and the restoration of the parliamentary régime.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the statement made by a member of the Government in another place, that these proposals are not to be considered as a draft treaty but merely outline proposals?

They never were intended as a draft treaty. They have not been initialed. They were merely proposals submitted to be negotiated subsequently by any Government elected by the Egyptian nation.

Were they not the extreme limit to which the Government would go?

And I have not said anything inconsistent with that.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will cause regulations to be so amended that subsistence allowances shall be payable to men from Crewe and district who are absent from home for periods over five hours when attending such centres as Manchester or Liverpool for medical examination or treatment on the instruction of the Ministry?

I fear that I could not advisedly recommend so large a departure from the existing Regulations, and one which would also affect the practice of other Departments, but I am looking further into the question.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will instruct area officers to grant the right of re-appeal for a renewal of pension, under the procedure for the correction of errors, where the ex-Service man claims to be suffering from deterioration following a final award?

I would point out that it is open to any pensioner in receipt of a final award to apply for treatment for a condition due to war service. If, as a result of such treatment, the award is found to have been seriously erroneous as an assessment for permanent purposes, a further grant can be made.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many new claims and how many appeals against previous assessments for war pensions, made to his Department before 1st October, remain unsettled?

The records of the Ministry would not, I fear, enable me to give the information required without a more laborious investigation than would be justified by the results.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether instructions have yet been issued to local war pensions committees regarding the manner and the object of the investigations to be applied by such committees in regard to cases submitted to them by dissatisfied applicants in connection with claims outside the seven years' time limit?

Yes, Sir. Such instructions have been issued.

Will these committees meet more than once every two months?

They will have power to deal with this matter by way of Sub-Committee in accordance with regulations, which will give them that power.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will give the date from which pension will be payable in those cases of claims submitted outside the seven years' time limit and dealt with under the scheme recently announced by the Minister; and will the pension be payable from the date on which the claim is first submitted or from the date on which the Ministry obtains special sanction for payment from the Treasury?

Payment will normally, as hitherto, be made as from the date of the application which is successfully established.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, having regard to the fact that a large number of ex-service men have emigrated since the War, he will say what steps it is proposed to take to give publicity in the Dominions to the scheme announced last month regarding applications outside the seven years' time limit; what steps it is proposed to take to enable claimants resident overseas to have their claims and complaints considered by a voluntary committee, similar to the war pensions committees in this country; and whether, in view of the fact that there are no Ministry of Pensions committees in the Dominions, he will consider the possibility of inviting the recognised ex-service organisations overseas to assist the Ministry in this connection?

The necessary instructions are in preparation for circulation overseas. In regard to the last part of the question ex-service organisations already advise and assist ex-service men in regard to their applications. Apart from this, applicants will have the same opportunity as in this country of submitting evidence direct to the Ministry, through the local offices and agents of the Ministry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, while he is prepared to issue these instructions that he is anxious to reconsider sympathetically any case, he will make it perfectly plain that the seven years' limit has not been abolished?

I think that that is perfectly plain in so far as the repeal of the Statute goes, but in so far as the seven years' limit goes all cases can now be reconsidered.

Is not that exactly the same procedure that was adopted by his predecessors?

Answer—

Is there any difference between the attitude the right hon. Gentleman has taken up and that of the late Minister of Pensions?

I should be very glad to give an explanation to any hon. Member who cares to come to me. [HON. MEMBERS: "Give it now —"] An explanation in regard to general procedure cannot properly be given by way of question and answer.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that it is really lamentable for him to try to make this a party question?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what arrangements were made to ensure that British productions should have adequate representation at the international exhibition at Barcelona; how has the present collection of exhibits been made; and have any official representations been made to his Department regarding the inadequate character of the British exhibit compared to that of other countries?

As regards the first and second parts of the question, the organisation of an exhibit of British productions at the international exhibition at Barcelona was undertaken by a company specially formed for the purpose, known as "The Barcelona Exhibition (British Section), Ltd." which collected exhibits from British manufacturers. As regards the last part no official representations have been made to my Department. I understand, however, that as in the case of most exhibitions there have been comments both of a satisfactory nature and otherwise regarding the exhibits.

Does there not exist an exhibition Department, and why is it that when there is an international exhibition that Department cannot see that British exhibits are properly displayed?

There is an exhibits section of my Department, but I understand that it was decided that the Department should not be officially represented at this exhibition. It was left to this company to represent British trade so far as the exhibition was concerned.

Is the hon. Member aware that many orders which would have come to this country have gone elsewhere, owing to the entire futility of the way in which we were represented?

I think it would be an advantage, and I have decided to appoint a Committee, consisting of some of the members of my Department and those representing business interests, to give advice to the Department as to the desirability of the Government taking part in any foreign exhibition, and of advising on the general question.

May I ask whether the decision not to be represented was come to prior to the General Election, or since?

Prior.

Does not the hon. Gentleman recognise his personal responsibilities, rather than pass them on to a Committee?

I think I made it quite clear that it was only in an advisory capacity. It is obvious that the final decision must remain with the Government of the day.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department in how many commercial treaties at present in force between Great Britain and foreign Powers there are clauses which would preclude the establishment of an imperial customs union?

None of the commercial treaties in force between this country and foreign Powers contains any such clause.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is anticipated that the new Turkish tariff will adversely affect the importation of British goods into Turkey?

The general level of duties is higher under the new Turkish tariff, which came into force on 1st October, than under the former tariff. Many of the increases were admittedly imposed for protective purposes, and I fear it must be anticipated that some adverse effect on our trade with Turkey is inevitable.

Have the present Government any means of protecting British producers from the arbitrary raising of tariffs in other countries?

The hon. Member is aware that this new Turkish tariff is due to the fact that a former Convention lapsed, but at the present time we have a modus vivendi for the most-favourednation treatment of this country, and a new commercial treaty with Turkey is now being negotiated.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the proposals dealing with the site of the Geological Museum in Jermyn Street, Piccadilly, after the museum has been transferred to Exhibition Road; has any offer been received to hire or purchase the site; and will provision be made in any case to allow of the eventual widening of Jermyn Street?

The site, being under the management of the Commissioners of Crown Lands, will be dealt with by them and will probably be let on building lease in accordance with their usual practice. They will not be in a position to entertain applications until it is known more definitely when the site will be available. The question of the widening of Jermyn Street is primarily one for the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now make any statement regarding the Report on the Royal Veterinary College?

The Report is receiving my careful consideration. Discussions are proceeding with other Government Departments concerned, and with the governors of the college.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement before Christmas?

I should hardly think that will be possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an announcement as soon as possible in regard to this very important matter, because it is a national disgrace, and something ought to be done?

I realise that it is of very great importance, but there are several Departments to be consulted.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the policy of the Government to undertake land drainage 'and reclamation; if so, to what extent has this policy been carried out since the Government took office; and what is the extent and cost of the schemes, if any, already approved?

The Ministry is prepared to make grants towards the cost of carrying out approved schemes promoted by drainage authorities or county councils. Financial assistance is also available through the Unemployment Grants Committee. Since the present Government took office, 33 schemes have been approved for grants from the Ministry's funds, the total grants being estimated at £31,000, while 12 schemes are under consideration, the grants involved being estimated at £10,000. In addition, 12 schemes, have been approved or accepted in principle by the Unemployment Grants Committee, the total estimated cost being £577,000, and four other schemes, estimated to cost in all £183,000, are under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these schemes were on the stocks before he came into office?

These represent new schemes, but there were several schemes in operation before.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many men it is estimated that these schemes will employ?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put down that question upon the Order Paper.

Is it part of the right hon. Gentleman's policy to settle smallholders upon the land?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, during the present rainy season, he has taken or is taking any steps and, if so, of what nature to schedule flooded districts suitable to be dealt with under the promised Land Drainage Bill?

The Ministry has been engaged during the last 18 months in carrying out a survey in connection with the legislation recommended by the Royal Commission on land drainage. This survey is still proceeding and the recent floods have afforded additional information to the staff engaged thereon.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government intend to assist the passage of the Live Stock Clubs Bill?

I regret that the Government cannot undertake to provide facilities for this Bill.

Are we to understand that the Government have no agricultural policy of their own and are not prepared to consider anything put forward from this side?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is still the policy of the Government that land should come under public control?

Yes, Sir.

What steps have the Government taken since they came into office to carry out this important Election pledge?

What kind of land must we get ready to hand over?

May I ask for an answer to my question?

I have answered the question upon the Order Paper. There is no present intention of introducing legislation, because the political situation forbids it.

Should not the Minister of Agriculture be brought under some form of public control?

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the Government intends to introduce its agricultural proposals?

If the hon. Member refers to legislative proposals, the answer is that I propose to introduce a comprehensive Land Drainage Bill early in the new year. If he refers to administrative proposals, I would remind him that the Government has already announced, and in many cases set on foot, a considerable number of proposals of this character for the benefit of agriculture, including grants for field drainage and water supply schemes; assistance for the extension of county educational activities beyond the limits set by the late Government; development of national institutions for agricultural education and research, for which and other purposes a sum of £500,000 has been paid into the Development Fund; the initiation of a farm management survey; more active administration of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924; the provision of an additional £20,000 for assistance by way of loan towards the erection of village halls; easier conditions for loans to cooperative enterprises; and the provision of £12,000 a year for the investigation of the organisation aspect of the agricultural marketing problem.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a growing opinion in the House and in the country that the present Government, like the late Government, have no effective agricultural policy?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider introducing measures to regulate the water-logged state of the Ministry of Agriculture?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will include barley within the scope of the proposed scheme for a grain imports board with monopoly powers of import, but will limit the operations of the board to feeding barleys so as to stop the further import of barley required for brewing and distilling purposes?

The scheme referred to by my hon. Friend is being investigated by my Department. Pending the results of this investigation I am not in a position to give any undertaking?

In view of the fundamental importance to the country of this scheme, will the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication when he will be in a position to announce whether or not the Government have adopted the hon. Member's scheme?

That question hardly arises on the question on the Paper. If the Noble Lord will put a question down, I will give him an answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that bread is more important than beer!

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the total quantity of barley imported into this country during the last completed year; what amount of this, and what amount of home-produced barley, was used for malting purposes; and whether he has any figures showing to what extent the cost of production of beer would be increased if only home-produced barley were used?

The imports of barley into the United Kingdom during the 12 months ended November, 1929, amounted to 611,412 tons. On the average, imports furnish about 45 per cent, of the total supplies of barley available for consumption in this country apart from seed requirements. Statistics are not obtained as to the proportion of imports or of the home crop used for malting in any particular year, but in a report which will shortly be published by the Ministry on the Agricultural Output and the Food Supplies of Great Britain, it is estimated that "on the average slightly less than one-half of the total home crop of barley and approximately one-half of the net imports are malted." I am quite unable to estimate to what extent, if at all, the cost of production of beer would be increased if only home-produced barley was available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to obtain these figures as to the effect on the price of beer?

It is very difficult, but I will inquire again.

And will he always bear in mind the brewers' profits?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will examine the provisions for giving security to the producers of food contained in the American Farm Bill, with a view to rendering similar help to home production in Britain?

I have carefully studied the provisions of the United States "Agricultural Marketing Act" and am following with interest the activities of the Federal Farm Board set up under the Act. Apart from other considerations, agricultural conditions in this country do not sufficiently re- semble those obtaining in the United States to call for legislation on the lines recently passed in that country. I am, however, at present examining various proposals designed to render more secure the position of producers of food in this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the fact that an emergency committee has been appointed to deal with the crisis that has arisen in the potato industry; and whether his Department proposes to co-operate with this body especially with regard to the restriction or limitation of the importation of foreign potatoes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am glad to provide such assistance and advice as may be in my power to any responsible organisation which is concerned to improve the marketing of any home agricultural produce. I am not, however, prepared to introduce legislation restricting or prohibiting the importation of articles of food.

As this is largely an experiment in marketing, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making a grant for an experiment in this industry?

I do not think the Ministry have any legal powers to make a grant, but we have strongly recommended a scheme not only for grading, but for marketing which I hope will be adopted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a recommendation to the Empire Marketing Board to that effect?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider including potatoes in the investigation he is making into the stabilisation scheme put forward by hon. Members below the Gangway?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can give any estimate of the increase in monetary return to egg producers from the working of the national mark scheme?

It can be calculated that the difference between the monthly average prices for home-produced eggs at country markets in England and Wales from February to November, 1929, inclusive, and those ruling in the corresponding months of 1928 represents an increased value of, roughly, £1½ million spread over the total output. Various factors have no doubt contributed to this result, but I am satisfied that the national mark egg scheme has materially influenced the market in favour of the home producer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an increasing movement to try and stop the success of this scheme for the national marking of eggs; and is his Department alive to the necessity of taking steps to protect a policy which has received his support?

It is not an increasing movement and it certainly will be defeated.

May I ask whether the success of the scheme is that it will raise prices to the home consumer to the extent of £1,500,000?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the large importation of foreign turkeys, many of which are described and sold as Norfolk turkeys; and whether he will, to insure their identification, make an order that all turkeys imported from abroad shall have one foot removed before their entry into this country?

I have received no specific complaints that imported turkeys are being mis-described in such a manner as would enable action to be taken under the Merchandise Marks Acts. In any case, fresh legislation would be required to give effect to the hon. Member's suggestion. I should add that I am hopeful of being able to introduce next year a scheme for the grading and marking of home-produced poultry which may largely serve the purpose which the hon. Member has in view.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to carry out the wish of the Opposition by seeing that all potatoes that come from abroad have their eyes taken out?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to prohibit the importation of potatoes from countries in which potato disease exists?

The importation of potatoes from certain countries is already prohibited, and it is only allowed from others under strict conditions. These measures have so far proved effective in preventing the introduction of potato diseases. If there should be any serious outbreak of potato disease in any country from which importation is now allowed, I should of course at once consider the question of prohibition.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will circularise county councils with regard to the desirability of their exercising their statutory powers for acquiring land for letting to smallholders at a fair rent wherever there is a demand for such land?

As I informed the hon. Member for South-West Norfolk (Mr. W. B. Taylor) on the 12th December, in reply to a similar suggestion, the question of issuing a circular letter to county councils is a matter which is receiving my careful consideration.

In view of the fact that so much land is going out of cultivation every year, cannot the county councils be reminded of the powers that they possess?

I am issuing a circular, and I have pointed to their duties by answers in this House.

Has the Ministry of Agriculture ever exercised the powers vested in it by the Act of 1908 of procuring smallholdings for applicants in default of the county councils exercising their powers?

I regret to say that those powers were repealed by the late Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up a committee for the purpose of advising the Government as to the removal from the Statute Book of those laws which, being repugnant to modern thought, are no longer effective but still remain unrepealed?

I fully appreciate the point which my hon. Friend has in mind, but I cannot imagine any committee likely to report on such a subject with a sufficient amount of unanimity to be of any service to the Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is a committee sitting at present for the purpose of consolidating legislation?

I do not think there is, but, if the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper, I will give him a definite answer.