asked the Secretary of State for India if any provision has yet been made for a new superior provincial service, in view of the cessation in 1924 of recruitment for the Indian Agricultural Service?

The Indian agricultural Service is to be replaced by a new superior provincial agricultural service in each Governor's Province and not by a single new superior provincial service. Special arrangements will be made for the needs of the minor administrations. New services have already been created in Burma and Bombay, and I understand that arrangements are now being made for the creation of services in Madras, Bengal and the United Provinces.

asked the Secretary of State for India if it is the intention of the Government of India to send an Indian delegation to the Malay States to investigate the conditions of the resident Indian community; and, if so, whether the terms of reference of the delegation's inquiry will enable them to investigate and make recommendations concerning the position of Indians in Malaya in the matter of political status and civic rights?

The Government of the Straits Settlements suggested to the Government of India last year that they should send a deputation to Malaya to examine the progress made in recent years in labour administration in Malaya. The Government of India welcomed the suggestion, but I have not heard whether any decision was reached. I will ask the Government of India to let me know.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India will consider the advisability of re-establishing a central bureau of education for the purpose of giving information and advice to the provincial administrations and to keep them m close touch with each other?

I will ask the Government of India for their views. The Headquarters Conference of Provincial Educational Administrators which had been held in abeyance for some years was revived in 1927 and some information regarding the Conference held in that year can be found in paragraph 562, Volume I, of the Ninth Quinquennial Review of the Progress of Education in India, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for India the amount of India's War gift to Great Britain in 1917–18, and the annual and total liability on Indian revenues on account of interest and sinking fund Services in respect of this gift?

The amount was £100,000,000. Of this liability £77,250,000, approximately, was extinguished by the transfer to His Majesty's Government of the proceeds of Indian loans. The balance of about £22,750,000 was discharged by the assumption of responsibility for British War Loan of that amount. The following table shows the interest payments made, the amounts redeemed, and the outstanding liability:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that disaffection exists in the colony of Grenada, British West Indies, over the treatment of the police force who went on strike last year; that the incidents connected with the petition by the police for an increase of pay were badly handled by the local officials; that the Governor has admitted publicly that his instructions were not carried out; that a definite promise of non-victimisation was officially given at the time of the strike settlement"; and whether he will state the reasons for antedating the increased pay to certain members, in view of the promise made?

The answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the negative, and to the second in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply returned to his question on 6th February, from which it will be evident that no victimisation has taken place.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has been reached in connection with the Report of the West Indian Sugar Commission; and, if not, when one may be expected?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Report is engaging the urgent attention of the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Malta police force is now on an established pensionable basis; and, if not, do Malta civil police officers receive any gratuities on retirement?

The Malta Police Force is under the control of the responsible Maltese Government. The hon. and gallant Member will realise in the circumstances that I am not in a position to reply to questions in regard to it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of brothels known to the authorities in Hong Kong, the number of women in them, and the age at which women are allowed to enter these houses; and if the Secretary for Chinese Affairs still passes girls and women into the known brothels in the Colony on their request and registers them as brothel inmates?

I have no recent information on these points, but my Noble Friend will call for a report from the officer administering the government of the Colony, and he proposes to review the whole question in the light of the report of the Commission of the League of Nations which it is intended to send to Hong Kong in the near future.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if, seeing that hitherto the Straits Settlements and Hong Kong have been under identical legislation in regard to brothel keeping, it is his intention to impress upon the Government of Hong Kong that it should frame its policy now with a view to making possible, at the earliest practicable date, the suppression of all brothels, as recommended by the Colonial Office Advisory Committee on Social Hygiene in the case of the Straits Settlements?

I would refer the Noble Lady to my reply of 29th January. My Noble Friend does not propose to request the Government of Hong Kong to take action upon the recommendations of a committee which confined its inquiry to conditions in the Straits Settlements.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs who are now employed as advertising agents for the Empire Marketing Board; upon what date the existing agreement expires; and when a new agreement is required what procedure will be followed in selecting the agency?

Messrs. Charles Barker and Sons, Limited, are at present employed, through the medium of His Majesty's Stationery Office, as the Empire Marketing Board's Press advertising agents. The agreement with this firm expires on 31st March, 1930, and the Board are considering what arrangements should be made subsequent to that date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to make the Empire Marketing Board subject to Treasury control?

The Government have carefully considered the question of establishing normal Treasury control over the expenditure of the Empire Marketing Board, but they have decided that in view of the special constitution of the Board the change would not be desirable. Steps were, however, taken last year to give Parliament more control over the Board's expenditure by confining the annual Estimate to the actual requirements of the year, and showing details of the proposed expenditure in an appendix to the Estimate. A continuous association of the Treasury with the work of the Board is assured by the fact that the Financial Secretary to the Treasury is a member of the Board itself and of its principal Committees and has the right to send a deputy in his absence. The Public Accounts Committee in their second Report of 1929 expressed satisfaction at the arrangements made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is proposed to erect an additional trans-Atlantic wireless transmission plant at Kemback, Cupar, Fife?

The Post Office wireless station in the neighbourhood of Cupar is used for reception of trans-Atlantic telephony. There are at present two receiving sets at the station, and it is proposed to install an additional set in the near future. There is no wireless transmitting plant at the station.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the profits earned during the past year in the telephone service, he is prepared to consider a reduction in the present telephone rates, especially in rural areas?

As stated yesterday in the reply to the hon. Member for Lanark (Mr. Dickson), I am unable to propose any further reduction of telephone rates at present. The matter is, however, being-kept under review.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what have been the chief items of hydrographic work carried out by British naval survey vessels during the past three years; what is the work allocated for the coming year; and whether any of these vessels are suitable for carrying out the hydro- graphic work referred to in the first interim Report of the Sub-Committee on the Fishing Industry?

The reply is as follows: (1) The hydrographic work carried out by His Majesty's surveying ships during the past three years in home waters included surveys of the approaches to the Thames, the Downs, approaches to Yarmouth and Lowestoft, Bridlington Bay, Dogger Bank, neighbourhood of Farne Islands, several resurveys on the West Coast of Scotland, Loch Fyne, Isle of Man, Liverpool Bay, Bristol Channel, Falmouth, Portland, Spithead, Little-hampton, as well as surveys of dredged areas in the naval ports. His Majesty's surveying ships abroad have carried out extensive surveys in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Straits of Malacca, North West Coast of Borneo and approaches to Hong Kong, besides various examinations in the naval ports abroad.(2) The work proposed for the coming year is: In Home Waters—Surveys of the approaches to the Thames, approaches to Lowestoft, an area in the Wash off Skegness, Tees Bay, West Coast of Scotland, St. Ives Bay, approaches to Falmouth, the Solent, as well as surveys in naval ports necessitated by dredging operations. Abroad—Surveying in Mediterranean Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Straits of Malacca, North West Coast of Borneo and approaches to Hong Kong.(3) Careful consideration has already-been given to the suitability of His Majesty's surveying ships for carrying out the special hydrographical work required in the fishing interests, and referred to in the First Interim Report of the Sub-Committee of the Fishing Industry, but none is in any way suitable.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any of the men attacked by cerebro-spinal-meningitis on vessels of the Royal Navy at Gibraltar had recently been vaccinated, revaccinated, or inoculated; and, if so, will he give details?

I will let my hon. Friend have this information as soon as it has been obtained.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the amount of the provision made for new construction in the Navy Estimates in 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1914; and each year since 1920?

The provision for new construction for each of the years mentioned was as follows:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present cost-of-living figure on which officers' pay is based; and what is the figure on which it is proposed to base it in July next?

The average cost-of-living index figure on which the present rates of naval officers' pay are based is 74. The figure on which it will be based as from 1st July next is 70.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the average number of men borne in the British, American, and Japanese fleets, and the total tonnage of these fleets in 1914 and 1929, respectively?

The following are the approximate figures for personnel:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he proposes to publish the finding of the court of inquiry into the "St. Genny" loss?

No, Sir. It is contrary to Admiralty practice to publish the reports of courts of inquiry.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if steps will be taken to discontinue the cooking overnight of food for breakfast in establishments under the general messing system?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply following his question on this subject on 10th July, 1929.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will abolish the payment of 5 per cent. to the ship's fund on the value of goods purchased by messes from private traders, in view of this payment having been abolished for goods purchased from private traders by paymaster-commanders in charge of general messes?

Any such practice is a matter of local arrangement with which the Admiralty does not propose to interfere.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the number of established men in His Majesty's Dockyards who belong to trade unions?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Weinberg casting pen for the mechanical casting of animals prior to slaughter by the Jewish method has been recommended by a committee of experts, including Professor Frederick Hobday, principal of the Royal Veterinary College, for adoption in this country; and whether any legislation is contemplated to make this method compulsory?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the experiments which have been taking place with a mechanical casting pen, although the actual report of the committee referred to has not been forwarded to me. A proposal to insist on the use of one particular appliance would obviously need careful consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of deaths due to accidents to civil flying machines belonging to this country at home and abroad for the years ending 31st December, 1927, 1928 and 1929, respectively?

According to Air Ministry records, there were six fatal accidents to British civil aircraft involving nine deaths in 1927, 13 such accidents involving 19 deaths in 1928, and 12 such accidents involving 33 deaths in 1929. The above figures cover all categories of civil flying, and only a very small proportion of the accidents (under 10 per cent.) occurred on regular air transport services.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of deaths due to accidents that have taken place to service flying machines, at home and abroad, for the years ending 31st December, 1927, 1928 and 1929, respectively?

There were 40 fatal accidents involving 57 deaths in the Royal Air Force in 1927, 50 accidents involving 76 deaths in 1928, and 31 accidents involving 42 deaths in 1929.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware of the neglected condition of the golf course in Richmond Park; and whether he will cause an inspection to be made so that the unemployed of the district can be engaged to do the necessary work?

I am aware that, having regard to weather conditions during the past 12 months and the continuous heavy play over the courses, their condition is not perhaps quite as good as is usually the case. The permanent staff is adequate for the normal maintenance of the courses and no additional labour can be usefully employed at the present time.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the annual upkeep cost of Rotten Row, in Hyde Park, and the similar figure for the up- keep of the putting greens in Kensington Gardens; and, seeing that the users of Rotten Row do not pay for their amenity, will he consider imposing a charge, so that the riders may pay in the same way as users of the Kensington Gardens putting greens?

The annual cost of maintaining Rotten Row and the other riding tracks in Hyde Park is estimated at £2,000. The putting green in Kensington Gardens is run under contract, the only work undertaken by the Department being occasional rolling and cutting of grass at a small cost, which is more than covered by the Department's share of the receipts. I am advised that the Department has no power to impose a charge on riders using these tracks; even if such a course were considered desirable.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he proposes to issue monthly statements as to the amounts guaranteed under the export credit system, so that the taxpayers may know the extent of the liability to which they are committed and may be able to check the measure of repayment?

The statutory return published quarterly in the "Board of Trade Journal" gives particulars of the amounts guaranteed under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme, and it has been decided to publish annual commercial accounts of the operations under the scheme. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the issue of a monthly statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the number of policies lapsed by assurance companies through the poverty of the holders preventing continuance of the payment of the premium; and, if so, what steps have been taken to deal with the hardship this loss creates?

Under the Industrial Assurance Act, 1923, Section 24, free policies, or in some cases surrender values, can be obtained on forfeiture of policies on which premiums have been paid for the periods stated in the section, and under the Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act, 1929, free policies or surrender values can be claimed on certain endowment policies, after one year's premiums have been paid. In accordance with the 1929 Act printed information as to the right" of policy-holders under that Act has been circulated. I am considering whether it is possible to take any further steps to direct attention of policy-holders to their rights in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount spent on alcoholic liquors in 1913 and each of the last five years?

I regret that no official estimates of the annual expenditure on alcoholic liquors are available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Forestry Commissioners the number of men employed on Lennox Moor; the average weekly wages of those men; and what provision is made for them when the weather is unfavourable for their work?

The number of men employed by the Forestry Commission on Lennox Moor is five. The average weekly wages of these men has been 38s. 3d. When weather conditions are unsuitable for work on the moor, the men are employed on scrub clearing and brush burning. When the weather stops work entirely, the men who report for duty receive their normal weekly wage less one-twelfth.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in Breconshire and Radnorshire who are in receipt of pensions under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?

I regret that the information asked for is not available as the records of pensioners are not arranged on a territorial basis.

asked the Minister of Health approximately the total number of males and females, respectively, entering health insurance for each of the last five years, and the number joining each of the groups of approved societies styled industrial, friendly, and trade union?

It is estimated that during the five years 1924–28 the number of new entrants averaged rather over 1,000,000 a year, divided almost equally between men and women, the figures, in 1926, being somewhat higher than the average owing to a special accession of voluntary contributors under the Contributory Pensions Act, 1925. I regret that no information is available as to the number of persons joining each of the groups of approved societies referred to in the latter part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that speculative builders who are dissatisfied with the decision of a local authority have a right of appeal to him under the Town Planning (General Interim Development) Order, he will take steps to have a similar right conferred upon owners of property who are affected by a local authority's decision under the Order?

The right of appeal is not confined to speculative builders, but extends to any person desiring to undertake the lawful development of land pending the preparation and approval of a town-planning scheme and wishing to be secured in his right to compensation in the event of his development being subsequently interfered with under the scheme. Very careful consideration has already been given to the question of allowing appeals against the granting of permission for development under Interim Development Orders. I do not think that this alteration of the procedure would be in the general interest.

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to be in a position to notify to the Bromley Rural District Council his approval of the town-planning preliminary statement and map No. 2 submitted by the council in 1925; whether he is aware that since the submission of these documents to his Department the Park Langley area of the rural district has in fact been developed upon lines fundamentally different from those contained in the documents; and whether this divergence received his approval?

I am not able at present to state when I shall be in a position to approve the preliminary statement of the Bromley Rural District Council's town-planning proposals. Some modifications of the original proposals affecting the Park Langley estate have been submitted to me for inclusion in the preliminary statement to be approved, but my approval is not required for development in the meantime.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, having regard to the existing law in relation to overcrowding, he will state the ground upon which he has sanctioned the policy announced by the Director of Housing for Scotland agreeing to the construction of 40 per cent. two-room houses and 60 per cent. three-room houses under the 1923 Act (Improvement and Reconstruction Scheme) and the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1924?

No such policy as is referred to has been announced by the Department of Health for Scotland, and in fact I have sought persistently to reduce the proportions of two-roomed houses sanctioned in recent years. My predecessors allowed a maximum of 60 per cent. of two-roomed houses in Scottish housing schemes. I have sought to make the normal proportion of such houses not more than 25 per cent.; but in one or two instances where the circumstances were exceptional I have agreed to 40 per cent., subject to restrictions for the prevention of overcrowding and for securing the necessary separation of the sexes.

asked the Minister of Health whether, on account of the public concern and uncertainty regarding the cause and effect of cancer, he will consider having this disease made notifiable, thus enabling the Cancer Research Council to obtain extra data and assisting local practitioners to obtain specialist advice in the earliest stages of treatment?

I do not think that compulsory notification of cancer, which would probably entail legislation, would be effective in securing early diagnosis, which, I am advised, is the first essential.

asked the Minister of Health whether, before his Department agrees to the maintenance of lunatics in cottage homes in rural areas, he will ascertain the opinions of the county councils, in view of the effect such a proposal would have in many villages?

All relevant considerations will, of course, be borne in

asked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that, in con-

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increase of deaths from psittacosis, it is his intention to place any embargo on the importation of parrots?

I am not at present in a position to add anything to the answer given on this subject on 27th January to the hon. Member for Royton (Dr. Davies).

asked the Minister of Health the total number of deaths from diphtheria registered in each of the years 1920 to the latest date for which the figures are available in each of the following countries: England, Wales, Scotland, Canada, United States of America, and Germany?

The particulars required, so far as they are available, are as follow:sequence of the Paignton Council employing 50 per cent. of workmen from South Wales on the cliff restoration, scheme, it has been found necessary to discharge five local men each week; that the discharged men are local men sent by the Employment Exchange; and whether she will take action to prevent the local men from being discharged?

The fact that 50 per cent. of the labour employed on this scheme consists of men transferred from the depressed mining areas of Wales has no bearing on the discharges in question. When the local men recruited to the scheme had had six months' employment upon it, the Paignton Urban District Council, which is the employing local authority, thought it desirable to discharge them in batches of five, and to replace them by other local men who had been continuously unemployed. I am glad to learn that the 15 men so far discharged under this arrangement have all been placed in other employment.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is his intention to take any and, if so, what steps to find immediate employment for the workmen ordinarily engaged in shipbuilding, ship

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the removal of shrubberies in Regent's Park and the disafforestation of islands which have served as bird sanctuaries is being carried out with the object of finding work for the unemployed; and, if so, whether he will attempt to find activities less detrimental to the landscape values which have been the characteristic charm of that park?

I have been asked to reply. The assistance which the Government are offering to schemes for the promotion of economic development and the reduction of unemployment will be available for these areas equally with other areas suffering from unemployment, but it is for the local authorities and public utility undertakings concerned to submit schemes in the first place.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons registered at Saffron Walden, Dunmow, and Halstead, Essex, during the month of January in 1930 and in 1929?

The following table shows the numbers of persons on the registers of the Employment Exchanges at Saffron Walden and Halstead:

Certain works have been put in hand this winter in all the Royal Parks with a view to giving some extra employment. In Regent's Park the rank weeds are being grubbed up on one of the islands and decayed trees are being removed, flowering shrubs being planted instead. The other two islands were similarly treated a few years ago. It is hoped that what has been done will make the islands more attractive to the birds. One or two unpleasing shrub- beries, mainly of privet and laurel, have also been removed. A considerable amount of planting of flowering shrubs and roses has been done in their stead. I cannot agree that any of this work is in any way detrimental to the park.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether unemployed men are being found work in any Government schemes for the excavation of ancient ruins; and, if so, in what place and to what extent?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to a similar question by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton East (Mr. Mander) on 25th November last. At the end of last month, 695 men were employed on such works in various parts of Great Britain.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is the policy of his Department to raise no objection to men on the Poor Law lists being employed on schemes of road repair and maintenance, towards which a Government grant is given, in cases where the local authorities consider this labour suitable?

No objection would ordinarily be raised to such a course being adopted by highway authorities provided that it does not conflict with any special condition which may be attached to the grant in respect of the recruitment of labour.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of workpeople employed in or about the collieries of Great Britain who receive annual holidays with pay?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 26th November last, when I informed the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) that no definite information on this subject is available. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of that reply.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal mines at present being worked in the Fifeshire coalfield and the number of miners at present employed there; and if he can supply the comparable figures for each of the past five years?

The figures are a follow:

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of accidents which have occurred in the Fife coalfield during the past year and the number of persons killed and injured?

The particulars are as follow:Accidents at Mines under the Coal Mines Act in Fife and Clackmannan in 1929.

asked the hon. Member for Carlisle, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, if the amount of royalty rents received by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners from coal mines in Durham for the years ended December, 1928 and 1929, and the price per ton charged for such royalties?

The Commissioners' rental year ends 31st March, and figures to 31st December last are not available. For the two years to 31st March, 1928 and 1929, respectively, the coal royalty rents from the County of D Durham were £271,300 and £271,600, and the rates per ton 5⅓d. and 5⅛d.

asked the Prime Minister whether he contemplates proposing a- reform of the House of Lords?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 24th July in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton East (Mr. Mander).

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider recommending to all local authorities that a white line be made down the centre of all main roads?

The policy of my Department with respect to white lines is set out in a circular issued to highway authorities in January, 1926. Experience has shown the desirability of confining white lines to points where guidance to traffic is specially called for. A wide extension of the use of white lines, as suggested in my hon. Friend's question, would tend to defeat the object which he has in view.

asked the Minister of Transport when he anticipates introducing the projected London Traffic Bill?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on Wednesday, 29th January, to the hon. Member for South West Bethnal Green (Mr. Harris) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the matter of the proposed road-bridges across the Tay and Forth, he will now consider the advisability of his Department making investigation as to the advantages that Scotland would derive from the project in comparison with any less costly scheme suggested to so far meet the public requirements involved?

Before reaching a decision as to the merits of the various schemes which have been put forward, I shall have regard to the points raised by my hon. Friend. I have already urged that the conference which is shortly to be convened at Edinburgh shall consider the problem of the Forth crossing in its broadest aspects.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, owing to the rapid de-acceleration of electric tramcars when braking, a considerable number of road accidents are caused; and if he will consider introducing a regulation which would ensure that when a tramcar's brakes are applied a small electric triangular danger sign would automatically be lighted at the rear of every car?

As at present advised, I am not satisfied that it would be desirable to compel tramway undertakers to comply with the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion, but I am watching the result of certain experiments which are being made in this direction.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the advisability in the Road Traffic Bill of making it obligatory for all stationary vehicles on country roads at night to be turned the way traffic is going so that overtaking vehicles will see a red rear-light instead of white head-lights, which on misty nights are apt to be mistaken for an on-coming vehicle?

I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the provisions of Clause 48 of the Road Traffic Bill under which it would be an offence to permit a vehicle to remain at rest on any road in such a position or in such condition or such circumstances as to be likely to cause danger to other persons using the road.

asked the Minister of Transport the regulations concerning British visitors to France with a motorcar, especially with regard to the deposit required in lieu of customs, and any recent alterations in the amount of the deposit or the regulations?

Under the International Convention of 1909 a British visitor to France can obtain an International Travelling Pass in respect of his motor car. This document gives the visitor the right to display British number plates on his car in lieu of French number plates, and also serves as a licence to drive. The detailed Regulations are contained in Part I of the Motor Car (International Circulation) Order, 1910. British visitors on entering France with a motor vehicle have also to obtain a "Laissez-Passer," the maximum validity of which is 60 days. The charge for this document is 10 francs a day, plus 3 francs 60 centimes stamp duty. British visitors who are not members of the Royal Automobile Club or the Automobile Association must on entering France deposit an import duty amounting to 45 per cent. of the value of the car, plus luxury tax; making in all a deposit approximately equivalent to 60 per cent. of the value of the car. This deposit can be recovered if the vehicle is exported within 12 months. The motor associations referred to guarantee the payment of import duty in the event of the vehicle not being exported from France within the 12 months, and arrangement" have been made for their members to obtain a triptyque or a "Carnet de Passages en Douanes," the production of which relieves the visitor of the necessity of depositing the import duty. I am not aware of any recent material alteration in the Regulations.

asked the Minister of Transport if Dutch potatoes used in the manufacture of potato crisps, when conveyed from British ports to manufacturers' places by railway, are being carried at the preferential railway rates prescribed in the Local Government Act, 1928?

I assume that the hon. Member's question refers to the rebates from carriage charges to be allowed by railway companies under the Local Government Act, 1929. Such rebates are allowable on all potatoes conveyed by rail except new potatoes.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that the recent use of Carters Hill, Rooks Hill, and similar steep hill roads in the Sevenoaks area for reliability trials for motor cars and bicycles has involved frequent breach of the law relating to dangerous driving, he will recommend that special watch be kept on such trials by the police so that offenders may be brought to justice?

If the law relating to dangerous driving is broken as suggested by the right hon. and gallant Member, the matter is one for the police, but I will bring the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in certain cases where the Unemployment Grants Committee have agreed to give assistance to the extent of paying 50 per cent. of the interest for half the period of the loan, the period of the loan not exceeding 50 years, on loans raised for the purposes of some kinds of works for the relief of unemployment the Income Tax authorities have received instructions to charge the undertakings with Income Tax on the amounts received by them by way of assistance from the Unemployment Grants Committee, so that the undertakings referred to will only benefit to the extent of 80 per cent. of the grant given instead of 100 per cent. which they anticipated and based their arrangements upon, and that certain particular Government grants given for maintenance purposes are now being treated by the Income Tax authorities as taxable revenue; and by whose authority and when were the instructions given to the Island Revenue so to act; and will provision be made in the next Finance Act for negativing the powers of the Inland Revenue in this respect so that authorities in receipt of grants in relief of interest from the Unemployment Grants Committee or grants given by other Government Departments may receive the full benefit of all such grants?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave on 12th November last to a similar question. I am sending him a copy of that question and answer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the issue of letters from the West Ham area of tax collectors threatening a warrant of distress and levy upon the household goods of persons due to pay amounts as low as 12s.; and whether he will consider issuing instructions to discontinue this practice?

I have no information as to any particular cases. If, however, my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case in which it is alleged that a collector of taxes is carrying out his duties in an unreasonable manner, I will gladly cause inquiry to be made and communicate the result to him in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any statistics exist to show the number of British subjects whose incomes would render them liable to Income Tax were they regularly resident in this country but who have left the country during the last 10 years and who now either have no Income Tax claims sent to them or claim exemption on the grounds that they have spent less than six months of the year in Great Britain?

This information is not available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many times the Imperial Communications Advisory Committee has met since it was set up; what recommendations have been put forward; and what recommendations, if any, have been accepted?

The Committee referred to is a body on which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom is not exclusively represented, and my hon. Friend would doubtless agree that in such circumstances publication of the proceedings of the Committee in the form now suggested would be inappropriate.