asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which, if any, of the member countries of the League of Nations are in arrears with payment of their quota of expenses of the League; and can he give the amounts?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply returned to a similar question put to me by the hon. and gallant Member for Waterloo (Captain Bullock) on the 16th December, of which I am sending him a copy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether by the non-payment of expenses by certain nations our share is heavier?

No, I think not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is prepared to take the initiative in the Council of the League of Nations in proposing that an offer of advice, expert personnel, and trained administrators should be made to Abyssinia by the League to assist that country in carrying out its undertaking to the League to secure the complete suppression of slavery in all its forma and the slave trade by land and sea?

The Assembly of the League of Nations, in September last, instructed the Secretary-General to collect from the States Members of the League, and from all parties to the Slavery Convention, all possible information on the present position of slavery throughout the world, and to report to the next Assembly with a view to suitable action.

In view of the fact that there are in Abyssinia still over 2,000,000 slaves, will he use the great influence of this country in some way to bring that state of affairs to an end, through the League?

Yes, but—

Is it a fact that there are 2,000,000 slaves in Abyssinia?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is his intention to attend the meeting of the Council of the League of Nations at Geneva in January next; and what business will be before the Council on that occasion?

I propose to attend the meeting though, owing to the forthcoming Naval Conference, I may not be able to remain in Geneva until the end of the session. During the remainder of the session His Majesty's Government will be represented by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs. The official agenda for the forthcoming meeting of the Council has now been issued, and I will send the hon. Member a copy.

Will not Lord Cecil be acting on behalf of the Government?

I have already answered. I said that the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs will represent the Government in my absence.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the following European countries have diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government of Russia: Spain, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, YugoSlavia, Rumania, Hungary, and Bulgaria?

As indicated in the reply which I returned on the 25th November to a question put by the hon. Member for Newcastle, North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle), diplomatic relations have not been established between the Soviet Government and the Governments of the countries enumerated by the hon. and gallant Member in the present question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the statement which he has just made is in direct contradiction to a statement made by the Government spokesman in another place?

May I ask whether Italy, Germany, France, Portugal, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, as well as Great Britain, have diplomatic relations with Russia?

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to reconcile the divergent views of Ministers in this House and in another place?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet Ambassador has now presented his credentials; and whether he 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 Soviet Ambassador has not yet presented his credentials but will, I hope, do so on the 20th December. With regard to the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 16th December.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House of the reason for the Soviet Ambassador remaining in this country as a free lance, without presenting his credentials, seeing that he has been here for more than a week?

There is nothing unusual in a new Ambassador being in this country for a week or even 10 days before presenting his credentials. I have already informed the House that the blame does not rest with him.

Has the Soviet Ambassador been informed that Parliament has not approved the resumption of diplomatic relations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what matters he proposes to immediately discuss with the Soviet Ambassador?

The questions to be discussed are enumerated in Article 1 of the Protocol of the 3rd October.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman propose to discuss with the Soviet Ambassador immediately the grave question of religious persecution in Russia?

I have nothing to add to the answer that I have given.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is going to inform the Soviet Ambassador that only the House of Commons has approved the resumption of diplomatic relations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the detachment for service in the Dominions of members of the Diplomatic Service, he proposes to increase the establishment of that service?

The seconding of members of the Diplomatic Service for service in the Dominions has not resulted, and will not result, in any increase in the establishment of the service. These officers are provided for in the Dominions Office Vote, and the vacancies caused by their departure were filled by successful candidates in the 1928 and 1929 examinations. In the event of any such post being suppressed its occupant would return to the Foreign Office and would be absorbed on the occurrence of a vacancy.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the increase in the work of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and considering the importance of the fishing industry, he will set up a separate department for the latter with a Minister of Fisheries?

In the absence of the Prime Minister, I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the Prime Minister's reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for Lowestoft (Sir G. Rentoul) on 15th July, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many committees and commissions which have sat in the past to consider the question of the fishing industry, have recommended the setting up of such a department?

I am afraid I cannot add to the Prime Minister's answer.

Will the Minister convey to the right hon. Gentle- man the Prime Minister the fact that the tendency at present is that the fishing industry should receive less consideration than it did before?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the amount contributed separately by Hong Kong, Federated Malay States, and New Zealand towards the expenditure incurred with reference to the proposed naval base at Singapore; and whether any compensation has to be paid by the Government for the non-fulfilment of any contracts entered into by any previous Governments?

The amounts contributed to date by Hong Kong, the Federated Malay States and New Zealand towards the expenditure incurred on the base at Singapore are £250,000, £1,200,000 and £250,000 respectively. Of this total of £1,700,000, £1,294,000 has been appropriated by the Admiralty in relief of expenditure falling on Navy Votes; the balance of £406,000 has been credited to Army and Air Votes in relief of expenditure falling on those Votes. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given on the 20th November (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 463) to the hon. Members for East Willesden (Mr. D. G. Somerville) and Kingston-upon-Thames (Sir G. Penny).

Has the hon. Member now ascertained that there is no break clause in any of the contracts made by the British Government?

All information will be found in the replies that I have given.

May I ask whether, in view of the answer which he has now given, it may be taken for granted that His Majesty's Government will see that these moneys are returned to the Dominions and Colonies who advanced them under false pretences. [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer!"]

It rests with the hon. Member as to whether he will give an answer or not.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty to what extent vessels under his charge gave assistance to ships of the Mercantile Marine during the recent gale; and whether he will give instructions that every possible assistance shall be given in similar circumstances?

I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a brief record of the assistance given by His Majesty's ships to ships of the Mercantile Marine during the recent severe weather. As regards the second part of the question, it is a standing instruction that His Majesty's ships should afford every possible aid to vessels in danger or distress, and is so laid down in Article 896 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions.

Can the hon. Member tell the House whether there is any reason to suppose that this instruction is not being carried out?

No; on the contrary, the Navy is glad and willing to give every assistance.

Will not the hon. Member admit that such an instruction is quite unnecessary?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is prepared to grant allowances to married naval officers of over 30 years of age, such as are now provided for Army and Air Force officers under existing regulations?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for North Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle) on the 8th of July.

May I ask whether the hon. Member recollects that a committee set up by the Admiralty reported in favour of marriage allowances for officers in the Navy; whether that proposal was not subsequently carried unanimously by this House, although it was taken away at a later date. Cannot the hon. Member see his way now to restore it?

Will the hon. Member also remember that the provision of marriage allowances for the Navy must certainly result in reduced efficiency.

Will he also remember that the Navy will be put in a very unfair position in comparison with the Army and the Air Force?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the question of providing adequate travelling allowances for naval personnel proceeding on leave, and also for their families, when, as the result of the exigencies of the service, they are compelled to transfer their homes from one port to another?

I regret that it is not possible to make a contribution from public funds towards the travelling expenses of naval personnel proceeding on leave. All men of the Royal Navy participate in a concession granted by the railway companies whereby return tickets are issued for journeys on leave at the cost of a single fare and a third. Naval ratings are not compelled to transfer their homes from one port to another to meet the exigencies of the service and I am unable to entertain the suggestion that travelling expenses in such cases should be a public charge.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the St. Budeaux housing scheme for dockyard and naval employés, whether he is aware of the condition of the houses and of the danger to health caused by the inadequate protection afforded by them against bad weather; and if his Department is taking any steps to safeguard the interests of the tenants, all of whom come under the aegis of his Department?

Certain complaints have been made unofficially, but the Admiralty have no responsibility for these houses, which were erected by the Devon port Dockyard Employés Housing Association, Limited, on land given by the Admiralty.

Will the hon. Member be good enough to look into this question, seeing that many employés of the Admiralty are in a very serious plight and that the medical officer of health has reported that their accommodation is not fit for habitation?

I must repeat that the Admiralty have no responsibility in the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will reconsider making A. F. O. 674a, dated 16th March, 1928, retrospective, seeing that hardship is felt by ex-apprentices who retired from the dockyard service before 31st December, 1927, and are consequently not included in the concession?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what reason His Majesty's Ship "Repulse" is not giving Christmas leave from her home port, Sheerness; and whether, seeing that a welfare request by the lower deck that all ships should return to their home ports for leave was granted by the Admiralty, he will consider, when exceptions are by necessity made, of granting to the ship's company their going-on-leave free railway facilities to their home ports?

With reference to the first part of the question, it was necessary for His Majesty's Ship "Repulse" to go to Portsmouth for docking and other work. In view of the uncertainty as to the date she would be able to leave Portsmouth and the very considerable amount of extra work which would have been involved in steaming the ship to Sheerness in the middle of the Christmas leave period, it was felt that it would be to the advantage of the ship's company that she should remain at Portsmouth during the whole leave period. With regard to the latter part of the question, I am not aware that any such welfare request was granted, and I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer given him on this subject on the 20th November.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the pay and conditions of masters and mates of vessels in Admiralty establishments, serving under D. 13 articles of agreement, are very much below those obtaining in vessels engaged in similar work in mercantile marine ports; and, if so, can he indicate how soon a return will be made to the previously established policy of securing for Admiralty employés rates slightly better than those paid by the best private employers?

I would draw the attention of my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha) on the 11th December. The rates of pay awarded to masters and mates of yard craft are in accordance with the awards of the Industrial Court dated 16th May and 4th July, 1928, and it is not proposed to depart from these awards. The policy of the Admiralty has been to abide by the findings of the Industrial Court.

May I ask whether these men were represented at the Industrial Court?

In view of the tremendous discrepancy between the amount paid by outside employers and the Admiralty, will the hon. Member go further into the matter?

Is the hon. Member aware that the men in question made many attempts to redress this grievance through the ordinary channels, and, in the light of that, cannot the Admiralty see their way to re-open the matter?

This matter was the subject of a decision by the Industrial Court as late as July of last year, and it is impossible for the Admiralty to interfere with a decision of the Industrial Court.

Is the hon. Member not aware that the men were not represented, and are not represented directly on the Whitley Council?

Oh, yes, they are.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that only 10 per cent. leave is being /granted this Christmas in the torpedo tube shop, Portsmouth dockyard; and if, as over 37 per cent, has been given in previous years, he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to increasing the percentage now allowed to something like its previous level?

I am unable to admit the correctness of my hon. Friend's comparison. This year, for the first time in history, six days' leave with pay has been granted to the general body of workpeople employed by the Admiralty and Boxing Day will be a holiday with pay.

May I ask whether the hon. Member will have inquiry made into some of these complaints?

Inquiries have already been made, and, as I have stated, Boxing Day will be a holiday with pay. Last year it was not a holiday.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of men employed in the Reserve Fleet working party, Portsmouth dockyard, who receive less than 4s. 5d. a day, the rates they receive, and the reason for the difference?

The answer to the first part of the question is one, and to the second part 3s. a day. As regards the third part, this particular pensioner has been out of the Service for more than five years, and consequently cannot count his previous service towards progressive pay and good conduct badge pay. I may add that this payment is exclusive of victualling, accommodation, etc., which are additional.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that 3s. a day is sufficient pay for a man working proper hours?

My hon. Friend apparently did not hear the whole of the reply. There are other things that have to he taken into account, and the effect is that these men are on precisely the same footing as ordinary ratings.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the number of executive mates and mate engineers, respectively, who have been compulsorily retired under special retirement schemes?

The answer is 54, including officers promoted from mate, and nil, respectively.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what would be the saving in Naval Estimates in each of the next three years if it was desided not to replace any battleships now in commission; and what would be the additional saving if half the number of battleships now in commission were scrapped?

As the answer is somewhat long, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies by whom compensation is payable in the case of persons claiming for damages sustained in the recent disturbances in Palestine?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the fund out of which it is proposed to pay such compensation as may be awarded in respect of damage arising from the late disturbances in Palestine?

I would invite reference to the reply given on the 16th of December to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelmsford (Colonel Howard-Bury).

I know the answer given then, but can the hon. Gentleman assure us that under no circumstances will there be any charge on the British taxpayer for this service?

I can only say that I do not contemplate that there will be any such charge.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in a position to state whether the 16 or 17 Jewish colonies which were still in possession of their arms in sealed armouries under the colony defence scheme at the time of the recent outbreak will be allowed to retain them, at any rate until other and adequate means of defence are provided by the Administration; and whether, pending a final decision as to the means of maintaining order in Palestine, the arms will be restored to those colonies which have been deprived of them during the last five years?

As regards the first part of the question, so fax as I have information the colonies referred to still retain their arms. As regards the second part, I am not yet in a position to make any statement as the nature of the future defence of the colonies is at present under consideration.

Does the hon. Gentleman hope to be able to answer the question about this protection before the House rises?

I am sorry that I could not say that. I do not think it is likely.

Has my hon. Friend communicated with Palestine and asked them the question by cable?

We are in constant communication on this and other matters.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give the House any account of the circumstances in which the assassination of Dr. Berqovitch was attempted some days ago; why it was necessary for the district officer at Safed to provide a police escort, for the doctor attached to the Scottish Mission at Tiberias who was summoned to Safed to attend Dr. Berqovitch, and what measures are being taken to restore order and give adequate protection to law-abiding citizens in the district?

The High Commissioner reported on the 4th December that Dr. Berqovitch was shot at and wounded on the previous afternoon while motoring to Rosh Pinah, and that his condition was serious. He further reported that 10 minutes later at the same place an Arab mounted Customs officer was shot at, and his horse wounded, and that the assailant in both cases was unknown. I have received no report as to the provision of a police escort for the doctor, but if the local authorities thought this precaution desirable, I am not disposed to question their view. Every effort is being made to preserve order and to protect law-abiding persons.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can say whether the commission of inquiry sent to Palestine is likely to complete its investigations into the causes of the recent happenings in that country in time for its Report to be presented to the House before the Christmas adjournment; whether he is satisfied that the local administration in Palestine is now capable of ensuring security of life and property pending the consideration of the Commission's Report; and whether, in any event, he will make a statement in the House concerning the existing conditions before the adjournment?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Commission is expected to conclude its inquiry in Palestine before the end of the month, but I am unable to say when its report will be available. As regards the second part, the Secretary of State is satisfied that the Palestine Government is capable of maintaining order in the country, but it is, of course, impossible to guarantee, in Palestine or elsewhere, that isolated cases may not occur of offences against life or property. As regards the third part of the question, I do not think that it would be in the public interest to make a general statement on the situation at the present juncture.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information concerning the reported trouble and violence at a place called Mestha, near Mount Tabor, and will he kindly make inquiries about it?

I have no information, but I shall be very glad to make inquiries.

Do the terms of reference of this Commission include inquiry into the causes of the disturbances in Palestine?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the figures for the number of crimes in Palestine in 1920 and 1928; and whether he can account for the increase in the figures?

It is difficult to make the comparison desired. In 1921, the first year for which figures are available, the number of crimes classified as "heinous" was 650. In 1928, 944 crimes occurred which were classified as "serious." But in the interval—apart from the increase in population—there had been much legislation affecting the number of indictable offences, and in particular the later figure includes no less than 356 cases of "malicious damage to property," a category which first appears in 1926.

Does not this malicious damage to property arise out of the Arabs being dispossessed of their ancient lands?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended to move the agricultural department of Uganda from Kampala to Entebbe and, if so, why, and what is the estimated cost; whether he has received any representations against the proposal; and whether the proposal has received the sanction of the Secretary of State for the Colonies?

The Governor of Uganda has informed my Noble Friend that it is proposed to move the headquarters of the agricultural department from Kampala to Entebbe for reasons of general administrative convenience, but no estimate of the cost has yet been reported. It is understood that the question has been debated in the Legislative Council in the Protectorate and the Governor has been asked for a report which has not yet been received. Representations against the transfer have been received from the East African Section of the London Chamber of Commerce and from the Joint East African Board, and have been communicated to the Governor. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the decision of the Governrnent as to the recommendations of the committee on the closer union of British territories in East Africa relating to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika?

I would refer the right hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Leyton, East (Mr. Brockway) on 11th December.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the decision of the Government as to the recommendations of the committee on the closer union of British territories in East Africa relating to Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia?

I can add nothing to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the Noble Earl, the Member for Horsham (Earl Winter-ton), on 27th November, except to say that that reply may be taken as applying to Nyasaland as well as to Northern Rhodesia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any and what progress has been made in the direction of securing the automatic registration of British designs for cotton goods in His Majesty's African colonies, dependencies, and mandated territories?

As regards the automatic protection, in the African dependencies, of designs registered in the United Kingdom, there has been no change in the position indicated in the reply given to the hon. Member s question of the 11th November.

Does the hon. Gentleman intend to pursue this question in regard to designs of cotton goods?

It has been very thoroughly gone into, and it is the view of the Government that the present arrangement is quite fair. It is in agreement with the views of the colonies concerned. As far as I can state at present, we have no intention of proposing any alteration.

Does the hon. Gentleman know that at the present time there is no arrangement at all.

No, Sir, I do not know anything of the kind. The arrangement is—and I think the hon. Member got the information the last time he asked the question—that quite a number of colonies give automatic protection, and in others there is registration by local deposit and a certain charge is made. I understand that part of the criticism is about this charge.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the Council of Jamaica has just ordered 40 railway cars in the United States for delivery in 1930, British firms tendered for the order; and whether they could deliver equally promptly and, if not, for what reason?

I understand that tenders were received from British firms. They were, however, unable to guarantee equally prompt delivery, owing principally to the fact that whereas cars of the type required can be delivered from stock in America, they require special manufacture in Great Britain.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Empire Marketing Board will refrain from giving publicity to the goods of those Dominions which restrict the import of British manufactures?

The principles on which the Empire Marketing Board works have been publicly specified on many occasions, and would not be consistent with a policy of discrimination such as that which, if I understand rightly, the hon. Member has in mind.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider it a reasonable proposition that we should be spending the money of this country endeavouring to persuade ourselves to buy the goods of a Dominion which does everything possible to prevent our goods going there?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will suggest to the Empire Marketing Board that, following upon their advertisement of British beef on the Board's hoardings and elsewhere, a similar advertisement should be made of the nutritive value of liquid milk?

The Empire Marketing Board have already undertaken an extensive advertising campaign on their hoardings and elsewhere in favour of liquid milk, when special attention was drawn to its nutritive value. I cannot say when the Board will again undertake special advertising of milk.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total amount received by his Department on account of charges to Imperial Airways, Limited, for housing of aircraft and office staffs, landing fees on Government landing grounds and terminal airports, wireless and meteoro- logical services, and the cost to his Department for the supply of these services, and the basis on which such charges are made; and if the Air Ministry are willing to supply similar services on the same terms to any unsubsidised air line which may contemplate starting in competition with Imperial Airways?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is in a position to say what progress has been made in developing the Cairo-Cape air route?

The proposals for this service have been agreed in principle with the various Governments concerned and have also been accepted by Imperial Airways, Limited; and various preparatory details for the organising of the service are in hand. The survey party referred to in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hull Central (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on 30th October has forwarded a first report, from which it appears that satisfactory arrangements have been made with regard to ground organisation within the Union of South Africa.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us the latest news of the two officers on this route?

I am afraid that I cannot give any news at the moment.

When is it expected that the first section of the route will actually begin to be operated?

It is expected that it will begin to be operated in June, 1930, and the latter half about six months after that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what alterations are being made to airship R 101; when she will be ready for further flights; when she will make her projected flight to India; and when the trials of airship R 100 will take place?

As regards the first part of the question, the work in progress on R 101 consists of minor modifications which the trials have shown to be desirable and practicable, such as the enlargement of the gas bag wiring and the removal of equipment and fittings which the trials have shown not to be required. In addition, it is proposed further to increase the efficiency of the airship by the insertion of an additional bay. As regards the second and third parts, the airship will resume flying as so-on as these alterations are completed; I am not, therefore, as yet in a position to give a definite date for her first flight to India. As regards the last part of the question, R 100 was flown successfully from Howden to Cardington on Monday, and her flying trials from the Cardington tower have commenced.

Has my hon. Friend made any arrangements for a further Parliamentary trip?

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea of what the additional cost of these alterations is likely to be, approximately?

Are these alterations in any way going to reduce the factor of safety for which the airship has been designed?

Certainly not; quite the contrary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he can state the average flying lifetime of an aeroplane; and what are the methods employed by his Department to ensure that no aeroplanes are retained in commission to the prejudice of safe flying?

It is not possible to give a definite answer to the first part of the question. The flying lifetime of an aeroplane depends upon the type of machine, the country in which it is used, and the manner of its use and other variable factors. As regards the second part, elaborate instructions in regard to the maintenance, inspection and testing of service aeroplanes are laid down in the King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions. They provide for a daily inspection of all machines in use, for further periodical inspections after a given number of hours' flying, and for complete overhaul or reconditioning after other stated periods. The system in force should make it impossible for any machine to be retained in commission if it has become unsafe for flying.

Is the hon. Gentleman making every possible effort to ensure that aircraft 12 years old in design will not be used—war-time aircraft?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will request the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to furnish him with a further report on the most modern devices and controls tried or adopted in different countries for dealing with the problem of dazzling headlights on road vehicles in time for publication before the House of Commons is asked to deal with the Road Traffic Bill?

So far as I am aware, the elimination of dazzle has not been the subject of investigation by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The problem involves practical as well as scientific considerations and the technical officers of my Department are in constant touch with all modern developments.

Is the hon. Gentleman quite sure that he has sufficiently full powers under that Act and will not require further legislation to compel the adoption of particular types of glass, if his technical officers advise him that modern discovery shows that they are practicable?

Yes, I think I may say that I am satisfied that the existing powers under the Act of 1927 would be sufficiently comprehensive.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is now in the position to make his promised statement on the construction of the Lower Thames Tunnel?

Negotiations are still continuing with the various interests concerned, and I am not at present in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider extending the time at present allowed on parking places in the West End of London?

I see no reason for extending the time at present allowed on parking places in any part of London, and would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for the Eye Division (Mr. Granville) on 27th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is garage accommodation for only about a quarter of the vehicles that use the West End of London and that want to park, and that even when they do go into garages, the price is exorbitant for the poorer man?

I am not satisfied, on the information before us, that that is the case. In any case, we have to have some cognisance of the danger of our spending large sums of public money on street widenings and then having them, in turn, turned into free garage accommodation.

Will my hon. Friend consider having erected at different parking centres signs similar to those in use on the Continent so that motorists will know where they can definitely park?

asked the Minister of Transport the number of persons now employed on the Liverpool-Manchester road which is in course of construction; what will be the maximum number; and when it is expected the road will be completed and ready for use?

The number of men employed on the Liverpool-Manchester road during the week ending 12th December was 528. At the beginning of November the number was 823; the reduction has been due to bad weather. It is anticipated that the maximum number of men to be employed at any one time will be in the neighbourhood of 1,600. The date fixed for completion of the works is 30th November, 1933, and it is hoped that the whole length of the road will be ready for use by that date. As sections are completed they will be opened to traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, before announcing the Government's plans for dealing with London traffic, he secured the agreement of the London County Council to the scheme so far as it affected their property?

The announcement to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was a. general statement of the Government's policy in regard to the co-ordination of London passenger transport, and its terms were not discussed with any of the interests concerned.

Does the hon. Gentleman think it right to make public announcements about taking over the property of these public authorities without even consulting the existing owners?

I think the course of action which the Government have taken is perfectly right in the circumstances of the case. I have no reason to believe that the London County Council consider that they have been treated with any discourtesy, and discussions will proceed with them as soon as we have reached the necessary stage of detail.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it would be better, instead of entering upon these long and doubtful negotiations, to reintroduce the London Traffic Bill?

Not only do I think that would be wrong, but the House of Commons has rejected those Bills.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has referred to the London Traffic Advisory Committee to consider and advise as to the steps to be taken to deal with the congestion of traffic caused by the development of central sites like Devon- shire House and Grosvenor House, Westminster, and Hereford Gardens, Marble Arch, so that several hundred families are housed where few were housed before without any corresponding provision of adequate road-traffic space?

The London Traffic Advisory Committee have considered and advised me on the general problem raised in the hon. and gallant Member's question. Representations have been made in individual cases, but I am advised that the powers of the London County Council are not sufficient to enable them to deal adequately with the traffic problems created by developments on sites such as those referred to by the hon. and gallant Member. I am conferring with the representatives of the London County Council with a view to seeing whether further powers could with advantage be sought.

Is it not possible to consider the question of bringing in Hyde Park close by for a larger development of Park Lane?

If it is a question affecting the extent of the Park, that is a matter upon which it will be necessary to consult the First Commissioner of Works.