asked the Secretary of State for India whether there has been recently any addition to the number of British troops in India; if so, will he give details; and what other British troops, if any, are under orders to proceed to India or are on the way?

Apart from small fluctuations due to seasonal movements, no change in the number of British troops in India has been recently made or is at present contemplated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the present British troops in India are sufficient to keep peace and order, in view of the recent position?

In all these matters we act on advice, and I am content that the advice is good.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the memorial of the Foremen's Association of India, dated 11th September, 1929, regarding the inadequacy of pay and the grant of passage concessions has yet been received by him; and whether any decision has been come to in regard to the questions raised?

I received the Government of India's views last week, except on two points which are still outstanding. I will expedite the decision as much as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many persons were injured and died, respectively, as a result of the riots which took place at Dacca in connection with the celebration of the so called independence day; how many persons were arrested; whether complete order is now restored; whether there is an ample force of police on the spot; what military force was called out; and whether there have been any further reports of similar outbreaks?

The answer to the first part of the question is: 38 persons treated in hospital and two killed; to the second part: 249 persons arrested; to the third and fourth parts: Yes; to the fifth part: none; and to the last part: No. This disturbance was purely of a communal character.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the present position in regard to the collection of customs on goods passing through the ports in the territory of the Indian States in Kathiawar and the question of the restoration of the Viramgam customs line?

The arrangement made in 1927, under which customs duties on the goods imported into British India through the Indian States in Kathiawar are collected on the Viramgam line, is still in force.

asked the Secretary of State for India if, pending the completion of the comprehensive inquiry into Indian labour questions on which the Whitley Commission is engaged, he will consider the advisability of representing to the Government of India the desirability of introducing legislation to mitigate the evils of the truck system in India?

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that comprehensive legislation must await the report of the Whitley Commission. At the same time, His Majesty's Government is anxious to proceed, where action is advisable, as rapidly as possible. I will, therefore, bring my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion to the notice of the Whitley Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give information as to the arrangements made by the Government of India for the maintenance of the regular service of mail-carrying aeroplanes from Karachi to Delhi and for the extension of this service to Calcutta and Rangoon; if the Government of India have received and considered any proposals during the last 12 months for the establishment of a regular service of mail-carrying aeroplanes connecting Bombay to Karachi; and if he will state the present position concerning any such proposals?

The air mail service between Karachi and Delhi, which was opened on 29th December last, is being operated on the charter basis described in the proceedings of the Standing Finance Committee of the Legislative Assembly referred to in the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend's question of 30th January. The Government of India are examining the possibilities of extending the service to Calcutta, either by an extension of the charter service or as a service controlled and organised by Government, or through the medium of an Indian company. As regards the establishment of a similar service between Karachi and Bombay, I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given to the Noble Lord the Member for Horsham (Earl Winterton) on the 3rd instant.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the advocacy of a republican form of government in India is treated as a penal offence by the Government of India?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Viceroy's speech in the Assembly on 25th January.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether that speech deals with the specific question which I have put to him?

Yes, there is a passage in the speech which I think answers my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Secretary of "State for India whether he will urge the Government of India to accord to Mr. Subhas C. Bose and the 11 others recently convicted with him treatment as political prisoners, in view of the fact that their offence was purely political in character?

Discussions are now in progress as to the rules relating to "special class" prisoners and connected matters. Meanwhile, the treatment to be accorded to individual prisoners must be left to the discretion of the proper authorities in India.

Is any distinction made m India as far as political prisoners are concerned? Are they treated differently from other prisoners?

The term used is "special class" prisoners. I can only tell my hon. Friend that discussions in relation to the treatment of special class prisoners have been proceeding, and are proceeding at this moment.

Were not the remarks in question seditious rather than political?

This case is still sub judice, and I do not feel qualified, nor should I think it proper, to make any observations on it.

Is it not the case that Mr. Bose has been convicted; and, therefore, when the right hon. Gentleman speaks of the case being sub judice, does he mean that Mr. Bose is appealing?

Yes, that is so. The Noble Lord is quite right; he is appealing.

asked the Secretary of State for India the inscriptions or slogans on the banners to which exception was taken in the case of Mr. Subhas C. Bose and others, and which led to the prosecution and conviction of these men?

Until I receive the judgment in this case, I am not in a position to affirm or deny my hon. Friend's assumption that their conviction was based on inscriptions on banners, and I do not know the exact terms of these inscriptions.

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough, for the information of the House, to get the text of these inscriptions?

I expect to receive a full report of the case by mail as soon as possible.

Is not this part of the same case which is at present sub judice? The right hon. Gentleman, doubtless, will make no statement until after the appeal?

Oh, no, certainly not; but I am expecting the report of the first trial by mail.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether there has been any cessation in India of Communist propaganda by agents of the Third International and associated bodies since the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government of Russia?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is satisfied that the activities of the Third International in India have now ceased?

No breach of the undertaking as regards propaganda has been reported to me by the Government of India.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiries as to the statements in the Press regarding the activities of the Third International in India?

If the hon. Gentleman has any information of this kind, no doubt he will, as in duty bound, bring it to the notice of the authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the observations of Mr. Milner White, the magistrate who tried the case recently?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman must not ask me to enter into a trial which is at present proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that British-Indian subjects have been and are being trained in revolutionary Communist propaganda at Tashkent, in Turkistan; and whether he will give the House particulars in regard to the subsequent activities of these students in India?

I am aware that, among the persons convicted in the Peshawar Conspiracy Case of 1923, and in the Cawnpore Conspiracy Case of 1924, there were eight who were proved to have been trained at Tashkent. I have no further information as to the activities of persons trained in this school.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. D. M. Pangarkar, general secretary of the Bombay Oil Companies' employés' union, has been deported from British India to the State of Baroda; whether he will state the reason for the deportation of this British-born Indian subject; the date on which it took place; whether this deportation was in any way connected with the Meerut conspiracy ease arrests; and whether he will move the Government of India, with the view of securing the cancellation of the order for the removal of Mr. Pangarkar to Baroda, so that he may be free to return to British-India?

The action referred to took place in April, 1929. My hon. Friend is mistaken in supposing that Mr. Pangarkar was born in British India. This is a case which I must leave to the discretion of the Bombay Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on how many occasions since the exchange of ambassadors has he made or received a complaint with regard to the observation of Article 16 of the treaty of 8th August, 1924, between Great Britain and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and the nature of those complaints?

The only case, as I understand the hon. Member's question, is that which I reported to the House on the 22nd January, the nature of which was clearly stated by me on that occasion.

May we take it that the only cause of protest has come from His Majesty's Government, and that there has been no cause of protest from the Soviet Government?

No; no case has been laid by the Soviet Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that the activities of the Third International in Great Britain and the British Empire have ceased since the resumption of diplomatic relations between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in December last?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made to the House on Monday last. I do not think that I can, at this stage, usefully add anything as regards the particular point raised in the question.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman has information as to the activities of the Third International. Has he made representations on the point, and will he say what those representations are?

I cannot usefully add anything to my answer.

Is it not a fact that most of this propaganda is directed by the Tory party?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the existence of the largest of the training universities in Soviet Russia for the training of natives of Eastern races, known officially as the Communist University for Eastern Toilers; and whether he will make inquiries as to the number of British subjects there, in view of the fact that they are being trained in propaganda for the revolutionary overthrow of the existing British Government?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I returned to his question on this subject on 3rd February. The hon. and gallant Member has not yet furnished me with the data to which I then alluded.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the number of British Indian subjects at these universities, and is he aware that many of them are people who have been wanted by the police in India for many years?

I do not know of whom I am to make inquiries. I do not think it is my business to make inquiries on this point of any country with whom we are in friendly relations.

If I personally and privately supply the right hon. Gentleman with certain names, will he allow me to put down a question?

Certainly. That is what I asked him for last week.

Is it not the duty of His Majesty's Government to protect the country and the Empire from outside influences?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the subjects he has recently discussed with the Soviet Ambassador, and make a statement on the general position of the proposed treaty?

In pursuance of the decision of this House, the negotiations with the Soviet Ambassador cover all the subjects enumerated in Clause 1 of the protocol of 3rd October. It is as yet much too early to make any general statement on the progress of the negotiations.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made further representations to the Soviet Ambassador as to the religious persecution now going on—has he represented the overwhelmingly deep feeling of the people of this country on the matter?

That scarcely arises out of the question.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman, in his own interest, is going to reply to a grave matter of this kind?

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue one of his mild rebukes?

Has it not always been the pride of this country that we protest against religious persecution in every land?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects there are now in Russia; whether any of them have made application for passports in order to leave Russia; and whether the attention of the Foreign Office has been drawn to certain cases where the Soviet Government have refused permission to British subjects to leave Russia?

In 1927 there were some 340 registered British subjects in Moscow and the provinces. No later figures are available. His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow has been approached by some 12 persons for assistance to leave Soviet territory. Four of these cases are now under discussion with the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs. The remaining eight applicants possess both Soviet and British nationality and thus, in accordance with the accepted principles of International Law, are not entitled to British protection in Soviet Russia.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the position of the children of British subjects born in Russia who object to remaining there under present conditions and who, as British subjects, appeal to this Government to assist them to leave the country?

I am always open to conviction, but I do not think that can arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since 1926 I have been pressing him to get out of Russia, a British subject who is kept back by the Soviet and prevented from joining her step-father in England?

I am afraid the hon. and gallant Gentleman has not been pressing me.

I have been pressing the right hon. Gentleman ever since he has been in office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman correct in saying that, according to usage, whatever may be the nationality law of a foreign country, the British Government does not protect British subjects who happen to have also under those laws a foreign nationality?

I am informed by my Department that that is the law as applying to these cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British Consuls there are in Russia?

A Vice-Consul is shortly proceeding to join the staff of the Embassy in Moscow. Further consular appointments in Russia are still under consideration.

Why has there been such a long delay in making these appointments?

I do not think there has been any undue delay. Negotiations are going on, and, if we had acted precipitately, we should have been questioned on that ground.

Before these people working for the British Government go to Russia, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House some assurance of their religious freedom in that country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a public decree of the central executive committee of the Soviet Government raising Tadjikistan to the rank of an autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic, in order to provide at the gates of India a contrast to the colonial bondage in the capitalist camp; and what action he proposes to take?

The Commissariat for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics informed His Majesty's Embassy in December last that Tadjikistan, hitherto an autonomous republic within the boundaries of the Uzbek Republic, had from 5th December, 1929, been constituted an independent republic federated with the Union. This modification in the constitution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is not a matter which calls for any action on the part of His Majesty's Government. I should add that the decree of 5th December, 1929, by which the change in the status of Tadjikistan was effected, contains no reference to India.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended to increase the staff at the Foreign Office?

Though I think it is recognised that the work of the Foreign Office has shown a decided increase in recent months, it is not at present intended to make any increases in the staff beyond those mentioned in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Gainsborough (Captain Crook-shank) on the 16th December.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's complaint last week of the heavy strain placed on his Department, when he mentioned that 100 questions on a certain topic had reached the Department in the last three months, does he not think that he ought to increase the staff?

No, Sir; the Five-Power Conference is not going to sit for ever.

Are the services of any officials of the Foreign Office available to Lord Cecil of Chelwood?

That does not arise out of the Question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department when the appointments of diplomatic commercial representatives to the republics of Brazil and Colombia will be made?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether ho is yet in a position to give detailed information of the new appointments foreshadowed by the Lord Privy Seal to the trade commissioner or other overseas trade service?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to give the information asked for. The question of recruiting for the new overseas posts of the Department is at present under consideration. While for any appointments that may be made special consideration will be given to members of the Consular Service and the Civil Service generally, it has been decided to advertise for applications from outside the Services. This will naturally cause delay in the making of the appointments. I hope that it may be possible to make a further announcement shortly.

Will all these new appointments be in respect of residence abroad or in this country?

It is proposed to increase the staff at home, if that is what the right hon. Gentleman is asking.

Will the business qualifications of these candidates be taken into consideration by the Government before the appointments are made?

I understand that the hon. Gentleman is referring to oversea appointments. If so, we are proposing to have a Consultative Committee representative of the various interests in making these appointments.

Is not the difficulty in getting these candidates the small salary which is offered?

I do not think that there is any difficulty in getting candidates. The difficulty probably is that there are far too many.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what Departments will be housed in the new Government offices to be built in Whitehall; and whether he will consider the transfer to the new offices of the staff now at Sanctuary Buildings so as to terminate the occupation of Sanctuary Buildings?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will give particulars, in connection with the contemplated new construction and rebuilding in Whitehall and on the Embankment, of the proposed new building line on the Embankment frontage?

asked the First Commissioner of Works what progress, if any, has been made with the scheme for a new Government building on the Whitehall site?

The question of the erection of a new building to house departmental staffs on the Whitehall Gardens—Montagu House site is still under consideration but no decision has yet been taken on this proposal or on the proposal to vary the building line on the Thames Embankment. Until a decision has been reached on this question it is obviously impossible for me to state what Departments can be housed in the building.

Will the right hon. Gentleman place a plan of any proposed variation of the frontage of the Embankment in the library and tea room before any steps are taken, so that hon. Members may have an opportunity of considering the matter?

It is certain that no alteration can be made in the building line without the permission of the House, and whoever is in charge of the Department will take the steps suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the First Commissioner of Works (1) whether, in the interests of more economical organisation, he can arrange to house more closely the office staff at the Office of Works, Storey's Gate;

(2) whether he will invite a committee of three Members of the House of Commons to investigate on the spot the accommodation and distribution of the staff at the Office of Works, Storey's Gate, with a view to making greater use of the space available?

I am satisfied from personal inspection of the accommodation occupied by this Department that there is no justification for reducing the standard by a closer distribution of the staff, and that no useful purpose would be served in appointing a committee to investigate this question as suggested by the hon. Member.

Has the light hon. Gentleman made any inquiry with a view to comparing the housing of this office staff with other Government Departments, and, if he has not done so, will he do so at the earliest possible moment?

Yes, I am very well acquainted with the facts and I have taken a good deal of trouble to ascertain them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is about half the staffing of this Department: compared with other Departments, and will he take the earliest steps to see that this matter is put in order?

I think the hon. Member is completely misinformed.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the office accommodation provided for His Majesty's inspector of taxes and staff at 43, Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, is inadequate and unsuitable; and whether it is proposed to secure alternative accommodation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; in regard to the second part, negotiations are at present in hand for the provision of alternative accommodation.

asked the Minister of Pensions the date of the appointment of the last two members appointed to the Dartford War Pensions Committee; by whom were they nominated and what qualification have they for such work; and whether the various branches of the British Legion in the area were consulted or invited to nominate?

In the absence of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions, through indisposition, I have been asked to reply. The last two members of this committee were appointed on 29th November and 16th December last. The persons appointed were proposed to my right hon. Friend by the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association, and are actively connected with the voluntary work of the association. As the two vacancies to be filled were those of representatives of voluntary associations, required to be appointed under Section 1 (3) (e) of the War Pensions Act, 1921, consultation with the British Legion was not called for.

asked the Minister of Pensions why Mrs. Jessie Campbell, of Invercreran, Creagan, Argyll, whose sons, John, Ewan, and Donald, were all killed in the War, and who was in receipt of a needs pension, who has now lost her husband and whose daughter has had to return home to look after her mother in her enfeebled health, has had her needs pension reduced to 10s. a week so soon as she reached the age for, and obtained, the old age pension, in consequence whereof she and her daughter have only £l a week to live upon; and whether, seeing that this pension is based on the assumption that her three sons, had they survived, would have been in a position to contribute, and would have contributed, no more than 3s. 4d. a week to the support of their mother, he will have her pension restored to the former figure?

I am informed that it would not be possible to issue a pension to Mrs. Campbell at the rate which was applicable during her husband's lifetime. The pension now in issue is based on need and is the maximum permissible when regard is had, as it must be, to the other income which Mrs. Campbell is drawing.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it a very shocking state of affairs that the Government should appropriate this poor old woman's old age pension?

The hon. Member will understand that I am not competent to reply to a supplementary question of that character. I suggest that he should address it again to the Minister.

Will not the hon. Gentleman make representations?

I will undertake to see that that is done.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has been able to come to any decision on the claim made by Mr. and Mrs. Woods, of 46, Gilbert Street, Runcorn?

Instructions are now being issued for an award of pension at the rate of 7s. 6d. a week.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the net area available, the net area applied for, and the net area allotted to exhibitors at each section of the British Industries Fair to be opened on 17th February at Olympia and Birmingham; and how these figures compare with the 1929 figures?

The net area available at the Birmingham section of the British Industries Fair in 1929 was 200,000 square feet, the whole of which was allotted, the applications having amounted to 210,000 square feet. This year the net space available is 214,000 square feet, all of which has been allotted, applications having amounted to 217,000 square feet. At the London section at the White City last year applications for space amounted to 319,000 square feet, and that area was allotted. The net area available at Olympia for this year is 251,000 square feet, the whole of which has been allotted. Actual applications have exceeded that amount by some 10,000 square feet, but the excess would have been far greater had not manufacturers been informed some months ago that the whole of the available space had been applied for. The current year's programme of extensions at Olympia were fully completed by due date, and when the contemplated extensions are finished the net area at Olympia will amount to 320,000 square feet.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the amount of Russian business insured in policies signed under the exports credits scheme in December, 1929, and £120,411 and £194,568, respectively?

Contracts entered into under the export credits guarantee scheme during December, 1929, and January, 1930, in respect of exports to Russia covered goods to the value of £120,411 and £194,568, respectively?

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with that increase?

We are not.

Were any applications refused, or were they all aceepted?

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.

Why is the amount so small?

Although I asked for notice of the hon. Member's question, it is quite likely that a certain amount has probably been refused because they wanted a longer term than we can give them.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the total liability incurred by the British Government in respect of guarantees to exporters in this country to Soviet Russia?

Up to the 8th February the Export Credits Guarantee Department had entered into contracts in respect of exports to Russia on which their maximum possible liability amounted to £364,442.

Can the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department tell us how that corresponds with the unemployment benefit paid in the engineering industry in the Dartford Division of Kent for one month?

What has that to do with it?

It has very much to do with it.

Can the hon. Member say why since the Russians have already, by their exports to this country, got a large credit in this country, they cannot make use of that credit in purchasing what they need?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the Prime Minister if he will give an undertaking that an opportunity will be given for a full discussion before any agreement relating to a tariff truce is entered into?

As was stated on the 23rd December in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs), any international agreement which may be signed on this subject will be laid before Parliament before ratification. Moreover, I understand that it has been agreed through the usual channels that this question of a tariff truce agreement shall be discussed in Committee of the Civil Vote on Account.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the very proposal of a tariff truce is already doing an immense amount of harm to our manufacturers?

My information is to the opposite effect.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Resolution has been passed by the Chambers of Commerce to that effect?

Does Parliament in this case mean the House of Commons or both Houses?

When the right hon. Gentleman is answering a question

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the growing dissatisfaction of poultry farmers at the damage they suffer from the existence and preservation of foxes; if any computation has been made of the annual amount of such losses; and will he consider making it illegal to take action tending to restrain farmers from destroying foxes?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in each of the last five years; and the number of animals affected in each outbreak?

As the reply consists of a number of figures, I propose, with the permission of the hon. and gallant Member, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the country is free from this disease at the present time?

It would be too rash to say that we are free, but there has been a very satisfactory decrease.

In reply to the last part of the question, it would not, I am afraid, be practicable to restrain by legislation action of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend. I have received evidence of growing dissatisfaction felt by poultry farmers owing to loss incurred through foxes, but it is not possible to make a computation of the annual loss from this cause. I may say, however, that it is regarded as a handicap to the growth of the poultry industry through its influence in preventing people from taking up poultry farming.

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel that a poultry farmer on finding a fox on his land is justified in killing it?

That is a hypothetical question and entirely a matter of opinion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the worst offender in the preservation of foxes is the Forestry Commission who find them useful for keeping down rabbits?

Is it not true that the right hon. Gentleman has had a report made to him upon the damage done by fox hunting? Will he have that report issued as soon as possible?

I have had several reports from the National Poultry Council, and I will consider whether there is any matter for report.

Is it not true that the right hon. Gentleman had a report made by an officer of his own Department, and will he not issue that as soon as possible?

I will consider whether anything can be done.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1), whether, in view of the report of the Council of Agriculture for England that no extra cost would be entailed by supplying bread to the Forces with 25 per cent. of all-English flour in it, he will consult with the Ministers responsible with a view to giving effect to their recommendations;

(2) whether, in view of the unanimous recommendation of the Council of Agriculture for England that a scheme should be tried of supplying the Army, Air Force and Navy (when in Home ports) with graded home-killed meat for six months in the year, he is prepared to take steps to give effect to that recommendation; and, if so, whether he will give farmers due notice so that they can prepare to meet the demand?

In regard to home-killed beef, while the Government will, of course, give due consideration to the recommendation of the Council of Agriculture, I am unable to add to previous replies which have been given on this subject. In regard to flour I am glad to be able to say that the Secretary of State for War has already given instructions that National Mark All-English flour shall be given a trial for purposes, other than bread-making, at stations where there are Army bakeries, and where consequently flour is required in comparatively large quantities. In the case of other stations where requirements are smaller, and where flour for cooking purposes is usually obtained from the bread contractor, it has been arranged that, as supplies of National Mark flour may not always be obtainable at or near the market price, alternative quotations for National Mark flour and for other varieties shall be invited, and that those for the former shall be accepted, if the price is not higher than that of any other variety.

May I ask why the right hon. Gentleman limits his proposal to flour for baking other than bread? Does he realise that it would have been a very interesting experiment and would have shown us what popularity it would have in the Army to have this loaf baked with all-British flour?

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, it is not possible to guarantee that a loaf made of 100 per cent. English flour would be always satisfactory, especially in a wet season. That is the reason why it is not feasible to insist on 100 per cent. English flour for baking, while it is feasible in the case of cooking flour.

The question deals with a proposal worked out by the late Government for 25 per cent. of English flour in the Army loaf. Can the right hon. Gentleman answer that point?

This is the best arrangement that it has been found feasible to make in the present circumstances.

Does it amount to anything? Is it not already the case that British flour from soft wheat is found to be the best flour for biscuit-making? What we want to know is what can be done for making bread?

Can we have sample loaves so that Members of the House of Commons can experiment as to the value of this bread?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the dumping of bounty-fed cereals into this country, he will take steps to purchase (either through a hoard or otherwise) such cereals at the lowest possible price, to retail them at a reasonable market price, and to apply the resultant profit to the benefit of British agriculture?

My hon. Friend's proposal raises the general question of an import board, a matter which, as I informed the hon. Member for Southampton on the 27th January, is being examined by the Departments concerned. I am not in a position to add to that statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many persons have been accepted as tenants of small holdings by county councils since 1st January, 1919; and how many are now in possession of their holdings?

The total number of applicants settled on small holdings or cottage holdings by the councils of counties and county boroughs in England and Wales between the 1st January, 1919, and the 31st March, 1926, was 24,319, of whom 18,915 were still in possession of their holdings at 31st March, 1926. Since the passing of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926, a further 2,274 applicants had been settled up to the 31st December, 1928, the latest date for which figures are available. At that date, the total number of tenants in possession of council holdings was 27,662, but these include the tenants of pre-War holdings, and it is not possible to say how many of them were men settled subsequent to the 1st January, 1919.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that, in the absence of any Government declaration of their policy with regard to the continued importation of subsidised Continental wheat, a large proportion of the existing arable acreage will be seeded down next month to permanent or semi-permanent pasture, he will take an early opportunity of making a declaration on the subject?

I am unable to add to previous statements on this subject. I would refer the hon. Baronet to my reply to the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. O. Lewis) on the 22nd January, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is it not a fact that there is no time for further delay, seeing that the diminution of the arable area of this country will be very considerable in the next month?

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

Then you do nothing.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to complaints as to the ventilation of the Houses of Parliament; when the present system was installed; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

The existing system of ventilation in the House of Commons dates from 1892, and has been under consideration at various times since that date, notably by a Select Committee in 1913 and by the National Physical Laboratory in 1920. I do not contemplate any immediate action, as there is no evidence that the existing system is prejudicial to the health of Members; on the contrary, the health of the staff whose duties lie mainly within the debating chamber and in the room above, which draws its air from the chamber itself, is remarkably good.