asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the unrest and sedition which has continued in British India of recent years, he will consult with the rulers of Indian States in whose territories law and order has been well maintained as to common measures being taken against these disruptive elements?

I see no reason for suggesting to the authorities in India, who are responsible for the maintenance of law and order, that they should make any special approach to the rulers of Indian States.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received copies of resolutions passed by the Moslem Federation at Delhi and toy landholders of the United Provinces at Lucknow deploring the efforts by Congress leaders to disturb the peace of village life in India and denouncing the spirit of revolution and Communism gradually creeping over the country; what steps the Government of India is taking in the country to counteract these activities; and whether he will see that both these bodies have representation on the proposed round table conference?

I have seen Press reports of the resolutions referred to. Answers to the other questions will be found in the Viceroy's speech of 25th January and his proclamation on 1st November last.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had his attention drawn to a very successful meeting of the Moslem Federation outside Delhi, in the country, in which they exposed the propaganda of Ghandi and his people, and will he not support these loyal bodies in order to get law and order in the villages of India?

I did see a report of the meeting.

asked the Secretary of State for India what progress has been made in developing the sites acquired by the Government of India for airship bases at Calcutta and Bombay; and of the site for an aerodrome at Gaya?

As regards the first part of the question, I am still awaiting information from the Government of India. The landing ground at Gaya is already in use. It is well laid out and in order, but occasionally under water after heavy rain.

asked the Secretary of State for India what progress has been made in the consideration by the central and provincial Governments of the question of remodelling the rules of prison administration in India, especially as regards special prisoners?

I understand the Government of India expect to be in a position to arrive at a decision very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for India if any contribution is provided for in the Indian Budget Estimates for the year 1929–30 in respect of the sloop ordered by the Government of India for the Royal Indian Marine; and when it is expected that the sloop will be completed and ready to be placed in service?

The answer to the first part is 8 lakhs of rupees, and to the second, next autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for India if any figures are available in regard to the imports into and exports of private capital from British India; and, if so, if he will state what is the aggregate sum of each amount, respectively, for the period 1st July to 31st December, 1929, inclusive?

There are no such figures in existence and no means are available by which they could be estimated with any reasonable claim to accuracy. I regret, therefore, that I cannot give the Noble Lord the information for which he asks.

Is there any truth in the reports that there has been undue export of capital from India within the last few months? Has the right hon. Gentleman any information which deals with that matter?

The Noble Lord knows that it is a complicated and difficult and obscure subject, and perhaps I had better leave it with the answer that I have given.

Has it not been reported to the right hon. Gentleman as the case that since his statement in this country regarding Indian loans this export of capital has largely stopped?

I am glad to say that for many weeks past Indian credit has steadily improved.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information with regard to tribal unrest on the Indian frontier and in Afghanistan; whether the Kabul-Peshawar road is still open; and when it is expected that His Majesty's Minister will be able to proceed to Kabul?

I have been asked to reply. A certain section of the Shinwari tribe captured the Afghan frontier post of Spina Kotha, on the Kabul-Peshawar road on the 10th February, but this post was recaptured by Afghan regulars on the 13th February. Communication on the road was suspended during this disturbance, but so far as I am aware will now be restored. His Majesty's Minister left London this morning, and it is expected that he will be able to reach Kabul sometime in March.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has had any information from the Soviet Ambassador regarding the transfer of Russian men-of-war from the Baltic to the Black Sea; and whether he is communicating with the other signatories to the Treaty of Lausanne in relation thereto?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the subjects he has now discussed with the Soviet Ambassador other than those arising out of the proposed treaty?

As I have already mentioned to the House the subjects discussed with the Soviet Ambassador, I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet raised with the Soviet Ambassador the question of religious persecution in Russia?

Before I raise such a subject, I shall have to do my best to ascertain the facts.

Are we to understand that it is left to this Government to depart from the glorious tradition of Britain to protect honest men who desire to worship God in their own way?

Is the right hon. Gentleman the only man in England who does not know the facts?

Last July the right hon. Gentleman promised in this House that as soon as diplomatic relations were resumed he would take up the case of the persecution of 100 Baptist pastors and teachers, exiled or in prison, and, seeing that the facts were not in dispute in July and that names could be given, will the right hon. Gentleman implement the promise?

Yes. If the hon. Member will give me any names, I shall be delighted to do all I can.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman is going to make no attempt to protect men who try to worship God according to their own consciences? Let us know definitely where we are?

That supplementary question is not justified by my answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman please ascertain what was the action of the British Government in 1906—

That question does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any joint committees have been appointed under Paragraph 4 of the Protocol of 3rd October, 1929, signed by himself and M. Dovgalevsky: and, if so, whether he can state the names of the persons appointed?

No, Sir. The negotiations have not yet advanced sufficiently to necessitate the assistance of such committees, but their formation to examine the more technical questions is under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what conversations have taken place?

I am afraid I cannot.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions have been issued to the British diplomatic representatives in the Soviet Republic as regards the granting of British visas to officials or agents of the Cheka: and whether any such visas have yet been granted to members of this organisation since June, 1929?

Applications for ordinary visas—as opposed to diplomatic and transit visas—are referred to His Majesty's Government for decision, and accordingly no instructions have been issued to the British officials in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Having regard to the nature of the organisation referred to, I am not in a position to reply to the second part of the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in any forms that they have to fill up, it is stated whether or not they are police officers of a certain category or general category?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put a question on the Paper, I will get the information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any communication has been received through the British Legation to the Holy See from the Pope in regard to the recent persecution of Christians in Russia; and what reply has been made by His Majesty's Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

Is it to be assumed that the public appeal made by the Pope was not communicated to the British Legation?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a Report from the British Ambassador at Moscow on the religious situation in Russia?

I have as yet received only a preliminary despatch from His Majesty's Ambassador who, however, is furnishing me with a Report in the near future.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to communicate to the House a summary of this despatch and exactly what the British representative has said?

To begin with, I could not lay before the House a summary, because I have been reminded already that I must lay these things before the House in full; and it must be perfectly obvious that I cannot commit myself to any course until I have received the Report.

When will the Report be published?

I have just given the answer.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to receive the Report?

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the lie direct which has been given by Russia to the statement made against her?

If this statement turn out to be a lie, will there be any protection in the future against this kind of lying propaganda?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention has been called to recent publications of the Soviet official newspaper "Pravda," containing adverse statements in relation to this country and the Government, asserting that 320,000,000 population of India were now marching under the red flag towards freedom from British rule, and that in the Near East is rapidly approaching a revolution which will make an end of the imperialistic plans of the Labour Government; and what action he has taken in the matter?

My Department has been unable to identify the article described by the right hon. Gentleman. But even if such an article has been published in the Russian Press, I do not consider that it calls for any action on my part.

Do I understand from the second part of the right hon. Gentleman's reply that the statement appeared, but that he is going to take no action whatever; and is he still going to permit the agreement to be flagrantly broken?

I have already stated the Government's position to the House. The Government must be the judge in the first instance.

Surely the Government of this country are not in a position to prevent a Russian Government paper saying that millions of workers in India are marching under the red flag, any more than they can prevent English newspapers from saying that millions of peasants in Russia are marching under the white flag.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Comintern, the executive committee of the Red International in Moscow, has recently secured the formation in this country of a body called the London Industrial Council, which has entered into an agreement with the Moscow Council of Trade Unions for securing the establishment of revolutionary factory organisation here; and whether he proposes to take any and, if so, what action in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the formation of the London Industrial Council, in view of its pledge to carry on constant propaganda and to secure the establishment of revolutionary organisations; and, in view of its connection with the Comintern, will be make this a subject of protest to the Soviet Government as a breach of the protocol of last October?

The London Industrial Council is not a recent creation, according to my information. I understand that it was inaugurated in April last, in opposition to the London Trades Council. It is not of sufficient importance to merit undue attention, or to call for a protest.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is of sufficient importance; and, in view of the fact that, at least, there has been propaganda by this body, will he consider if that is not of sufficient importance to justify a protest being made under the Protocol of last October?

I have already said that I did not think it was of sufficient importance to make a protest about it, but there might be a difference of opinion as to its value between the hon. Member and myself.

In making inquiries about these shadow bodies, will the right hon. Gentleman try to ascertain the extent to which they are promoted by Tory influence and Tory money?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the head of the Soviet Government that it is the intention of that Government to urge the proletariat abroad to decisive revolutionary battles at once; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have seen reports of statements alleged to have been made in the Soviet Union on the lines suggested. I do not consider that any action on the part of His Majesty's Government is called for in regard to reported statements in another country.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that M. Stalin's statement is in accordance, either with the letter or the spirit of the Protocol?

There again, of course, it is a matter of debate as to whether it is of importance or not; but, as I have already said, if I had to take notice of all the statements made in this or any other country, I should be wholly employed.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this is very much more important than any preceding statement—that it is not a statement in a newspaper, but a statement by the head of the Government?

It may be that there is a certain importance to be attached to it, but not sufficient for me to make a protest.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider that a statement made by the Prime Minister of this country was of importance?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Soviet authorities have made any concessions or are negotiating any concessions to British firms in connection with the municipal authorities of the larger cities in Russia?

I have no information on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to do what was promised at the Election and advance British industry in Russia, in these respects?

We are doing a great deal to advance British industry in Russia?

Will the right hon. Gentleman be so kind as to tell us what he has been doing?

Not in answer to a question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a communication from the National Union of Manufacturers expressing the view that the Foreign Office should take a more active interest in matters relating to the extension of British trade in foreign countries and give special attention to the case of large contracts which, through diplomatic intervention, might be brought to this country and contribute to the relief of unemployment; and if the diplomatic influence of the Foreign Office will be more actively employed in future in watching over the interests of British trade in foreign countries?

I have received the communication referred to. I can assure the hon. Member that His Majesty's representatives are at all times prepared to give all proper support to the efforts of British exporters to secure contracts and orders. The question of strengthening the commercial side of the diplomatic staff in various countries is, as has already been announced, being considered by His Majesty's Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate to the House the steps he is taking to strengthen our commercial representation abroad with a view to increasing British trade?

And will he also remind the House that it was the action of the Geddes Committee, supported by the hon. Member opposite, which robbed us of our Consular Service?

I have already said, in reply to questions, that we are considering an increase of the staff. With regard to the diplomatic representatives, I have made it my business, when they have called upon me, during leave, to impress upon them the importance of giving all the attention they possibly can to the increase of British trade.

Thank you.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he proposes to post a representative of the commercial diplomatic service at San Francisco in order to push British trade in the Western States of the United States of America?

The commercial work of the Consular officers in the Western States of the United States has recently been placed under the supervision of the Consul-General at San Francisco, to whose staff an additional officer has been appointed, who will have the rank of Consul and will devote his whole time to commercial work. In view of these recent changes, I do not consider that any farther increase in commercial representation in the Western States is at present necessary.

Is it the case that the Consul-General at San Francisco has full power to act himself, or must he act under the Commercial Counsellor at Washington?

Not under the Commercial Counsellor at Washington.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the Consul-General at San Francisco can take action on his own initiative to arrange for the development of business with this country in that part of the world?

Certainly, that is my intention.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department by how many trade commissioners his Department is represented in the United States of America; and by how many such officials the United States of America is represented in this country?

His Majesty's Government are represented in the United States by a Commercial Counsellor and two commercial secretaries. The United States Government are represented in this country at the present time by an acting Commercial Attaché, an Assistant Commercial Attaché, five trade commissioners and two assistant trade commissioners. These numbers are, however, not constant.

May I ask whether His Majesty's Government will not, in commercial competition, as in naval competition, pursue a policy of parity?

That is what we have in mind, to some extent at any rate.

Will the hon. Gentleman indicate what steps he has taken to increase and to expand our commercial representation in the United States with the object of getting more business?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many invitations have been issued this year to prospective buyers from overseas to attend the British Industries Fair; how many acceptances have been received: and how these figures compare with those at a similar period last year?

49,000 invitation cards have been issued to prospective buyers from overseas to attend the British Industries Fair of 1930. In addition, 14,025 invitation cards have been sent to the Department's overseas officers for distribution. These figures were approximately the same in respect of the 1929 Fair. 573 acceptances have been received, as compared with 874 acceptances at a similar period last year, and the Department has been informed that 221 buyers have instructed their agents in this country to attend the Fair. This figure compares with 237 at a similar period last year. In addition to these figures, the Department has been informed that organised parties of business men from Denmark, Germany, and the United States of America will visit the Fair. The party from Denmark numbers several hundreds.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any reason for the falling off in acceptances?

I am afraid I cannot.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is in a position to give the names of the members of the Committee which His Majesty's Government have set up to examine certain matters affecting the organisation of the British Industries Fair; and whether the Committee has yet met?

Yes, Sir, the following gentlemen have accepted the invitation of His Majesty's Government to serve on the Committee:

• The Right Hon. Viscount Chelmsford (Chairman).
• The Right Hon. Lord Barnby.
• Mr. John Beard.
• Alderman Sir Percival Bower.
• Sir John Corcoran.
• Sir Robert Donald.
• Sir William J. Larke.
• Mr. Guy Locock.
• Sir Sydney Skinner.
• Sir Gilbert Vyle.
• Mr. Robert Waddington.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask them to expedite their report, so that it may be in the possession of hon. Members in plenty of time to make arrangements for the next Fair?

I think there will be plenty of opportunity—probably more than hon. Members will require.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any applications under the export credit scheme, as applying to Soviet Russia, have been refused by his Department?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Has the hon. Gentleman any evidence to show that this scheme is resulting in increased employment in this country?

The usual figures are published, which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has no doubt seen, and they indicate that it is increasing.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why any applications have been refused when the risk is always the same, there being only one importer into Russia?

In most cases it was a question of the length of period for which the advances were wanted.

Is it not a fact that, while credits have been refused by the Advisory Committee of the Overseas Trade Department, these long-term credits have been given, and that 1,800 tractor orders have recently been placed with Ellis's of Milwaukee which might have gone to Vickers, of Crayford, on the same basis?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, seeing that there is a surplus of £17,000,000 in credits from the exports of Russia to this country over the imports from this country into Russia, he will take steps, by establishing a clearing house for Anglo-Russian trade, so that this £17,000,000 can be used to finance our exports to Russia instead of its being used to finance exports from Germany and the United States of America to Russia?

It rests with the Soviet Government alone to decide from what countries to purchase their imported requirements. I fear that the steps proposed by the hon. and gallant Member are not feasible.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these arrangements are very one-sided? The Russian Government regulate imports and exports, and can he not come to some arrangement by which the £17,000,000 surplus in this country will be used to benefit our own people and our own manufacturers?

The most effective way is to increase our exports, and that is taking place.

Why do the Russian Government require credit under the export credit scheme, having regard to the credit balance which they have in the country already?

Has the hon. Gentleman studied the system pursued in Germany with regard to Russian exports to Germany and German exports to Russia?

I shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Member can give me any information which may be useful.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the fact that money can be borrowed for short periods upon Soviet bills of exchange on the security of the British Government's guarantee given to the Soviet's trading organisation under the Export Credits Scheme, he will introduce such modifications into the Scheme as will bring it into conformity with the Foreign Secretary's statement of 6th January to the effect that a British Government guarantee of a loan raised by any foreign Government would be contrary to the policy of His Majesty's Government?

No, Sir. As I explained to the House on the 5th February during the Debate on trade with Russia, I entirely dissent from this view.

If that is so, why have the Government refused to grant facilities to enable the Soviet delegation to buy 3,000,000 pairs of footwear from Northampton manufacturers; and is the hon. Gentleman aware that a delegation from Northampton waited upon the Chancellor of the Duchy and that he refused to give the guarantee of Soviet credit? What is the reason?

The hon. Member should put that question to my hon. Friend.

But it comes under the Overseas Trade Department. Do I understand the hon. Gentleman knows nothing whatever about this export business?

I am not aware of the actual proposals to which the hon. Member is referring, but if he will give me information, I will look into it.

May I send the hon. Member information as stated by Mr. Gribble, late Labour candidate for Northampton, upon this matter?

I shall be delighted to have it.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether His Majesty's Government has during the past six months, guaranteed the credit of any foreign Government or any foreign Government's trading organisation other than that of the Russian Soviet Government?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Can we know the names of the other Governments?

No. It would not be advisable to make a public announcement.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the entire abolition of the seven-years' limit regulations for war pensions or if he intends to continue to rely on the administrative discretion allowed for dealing with these cases in the regulations as at present in force?

In the absence of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions, through indisposition, I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Hexham (Colonel Clifton Brown) on 26th November last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if there is any difference at all between the policy of the present Government and that of the last Government?

The hon. and gallant Member had better put down another question to the head of the Department.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether there is any difference in the treatment of the widow of an ex-service man dying more than seven years after discharge and the widow of a man dying within that period; and, if so, whether he proposes to make any alterations to bring the two cases into line?

The terms on which pension may be granted in the two types of cases referred to are, contained in Articles 11 and 17, respectively, of the Royal Warrant of December, 1919, as amended by the Royal Warrant of 1924. I am sending the hon. Member copies for convenience of reference. No alteration in these Articles is in contemplation.

asked the Minister of Pensions why ex-Sergeant M. O'Connell, late 1st battalion Irish Guards, discharged 27th November, 1917, and still under treatment for wounds received in action, has no disability pension?

My hon. Friend has been misinformed. Mr. O'Connell is in receipt of a permanent disability pension awarded under Article 1163 of the Army Pay Warrant, 1914.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Miss Ethel M. Hurley, an orphan, formerly dependent upon her two brothers, who supported her out of their Army pay until they were both killed in action, and who is now existing on the charity of a community of nuns and is liable to be discharged at any time and to become destitute; and whether he will see his way to grant her a pension under Article 22 (i) of the Royal Warrant of 1919, as amended by Article 3 of the Amending Royal Warrant of 1923, in consideration of the fact that Miss Hurley was a person eligible for a separation allowance and is in need, and absolutely incapable of self-support?

A claim under Article 22 (i) can only be admitted if it is established that the claimant was dependent upon the soldier before the War or before his enlistment if later; that separation allowance was paid by and on behalf of the deceased soldier or that the claimant was eligible for such allowance; and that incapacity for self-support and pecuniary need existed at the time of the death of the soldier. As these conditions are not shown to have been fulfilled at the time of the soldier's death it is regretted that Miss Hurley is not eligible for an award of pension.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will confer with the Dutch and German Governments for the purpose of carrying out a joint policy of resting or preserving or restocking the nearer demersal fishery grounds, which have become less productive between the latitude 60 degrees north and 50 degrees north, and between the longitude 20 degrees west and 10 degrees east?

The subject of the economical exploitation of the fisheries is being constantly studied by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, of which not only the two Governments named, but the Governments of all the countries fishing within the area specified are members. The possibility of limiting fishing operations in certain areas of the sea has been considered on the suggestion of the Council but an the opinion of His Majesty's Government the practical difficulties, including the cost, of the enforcement of such a limitation, rule out the possibility of its adoption. The Council are, however, examining the possibility of avoiding the wasteful destruction of small fish by means of modifications of the fishing gears at present in use, which, if they could be shown to be satisfactory, might be generally adopted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no modifications are made in fishing gear which might add enormous burdens to the trawling industry; and further, will he consider in more detail setting aside certain grounds as, for instance, the Firth of Forth for preservation?

That arrangement will certainly be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is framing suitable regulations, to be enforced by law, to ensure more hygienic methods at sea for handling and packing trawled fish so as to retard what is technically known as autolysis and to reduce contamination by bacterial infection?

Although the Report on the Handling and Stowage of White Fish at Sea was only published by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research very recently, steps are already being taken by some owners to equip their vessels with the apparatus necessary for carrying out its recommendations. It is not yet clear to what extent the recommendations can be adopted in commercial practice, but I am confident that legislation will not be required to induce trawler owners and fishermen to take advantage, to the limit of practicability, of the information furnished by the Report.

What about framing regulations to discourage or prevent the landing of stale fish?

A question should be put down on that point.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that large quantities of foreign butter are passed off in the English markets as British butter: and whether he will take steps to see that all butter is labelled with its country of origin?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps, if any, he proposes to take to prevent proprietary brands of blended butter, containing a high percentage of foreign butter, from being sold under names calculated to make a purchaser suppose that the butter is of entirely English origin?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the selling of blended butter in various proprietary brands, embodying the names of counties or districts which are known to be important agricultural or dairy areas in England; and whether he will take action to ensure that all butter sold to the public shall be so marked that the buyer will not be misled in regard to the origin of the product, and thereby be induced to pay a price substantially in excess of its value?

Representations have been received from time to time that the wording on wrappers containing blended butters is sometimes misleading, in that it may lead purchasers to believe that the contents are British. No case has, however, yet come to my notice in which it would be possible to take a case successfully under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, for the application of a false trade description as to the country of origin. I would remind the hon. Members that it is open to any substantial interest to apply for an Order in Council under Section 2 of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, to secure the marking of all imported butter with an indication of origin. The initiative cannot be taken by the Ministry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some 80,000 tons of this foreign butter comes into this country, is blended in small packets, is sold with a local label, and is really an impudent fraud on people, because they believe that it is British butter, whereas it is mostly foreign butter?

The question of applying a national mark to butter is being considered, and I hope that it will prove to be effective.

Is this butter bought by foreign people residing in Britain, or by British people?

If the right hon. Gentleman has not powers to deal with this matter, does he not think that it is of sufficient importance to justify him asking Parliament for further powers?

No, I think that the right remedy is by means of a national mark.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the dissatisfaction with the losses to poultry farmers caused by foxes, he is prepared to support active steps for the destruction of foxes; and, if so, what are the steps he will so support?

I do not think that Governmental action would be appropriate in regard to the destruction of foxes. Farmers throughout the country are well aware that they can legally kill foxes if they see fit, and in many districts they act accordingly when their interests demand it.

Has the Minister of Agriculture ever thought of engaging well-known poachers who are unemployed; they could clean up the foxes right away?

Has the right hon. Gentleman a report in his office on the investigations made into damage done by foxes and fox-hunting?

No, no special report.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had an investigation made?

No; I have only received reports from the National Poultry-Council.

Is it not a fact that a great deal of damage is done to poultry by dogs, just as much as by foxes?

asked the Minister of Agriculture of he will introduce legislation to encourage agricultural co-operation?

With a view to encouraging the co-operative movement in agriculture, I have already taken action in the direction of easing the terms governing loans to marketing societies, and in setting on foot a series of investigations into the special problems of business organisation as affecting the selling side of the industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the comparative price of British wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes at the present time and at the same period last year?

The average price of British wheat last month was 9s. 6d. per cwt. as compared with the same figure for January, 1929. The figures for barley were, in January, 1930, 8s. 7d. per cwt., in January, 1929, 10s. 1d. per cwt., and for oats 6s. l1d. per cwt. as compared with 9s. 2d. per cwt. The average prices per ton at certain wholesale markets in England and Wales of Arran Chief and King Edward potatoes were £3 13s. 6d. in January, 1930, and £5 in January, 1929.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that potatoes are now selling at an average of about £1, and given to pigs?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the need for better land drainage in the 4,000 acres of land leased by the Crown Lands Commissioners between the rivers Ure and Swale, in the North Riding of Yorkshire; whether ho will inquire into the drainage conditions of this area; and whether he will make

I have given the official prices for January.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the acreage of arable or corn-growing land which has gone down to grass or out of cultivation in the county of Norfolk during the last four years?

As the reply consists of a number of figures, I propose, with the permission of my hon. Friend, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL RFPORT.

Having regard to the gravity of the crisis in arable agriculture in this country, will my right hon. Friend press the need for early legislation?

That should be the subject of a separate question.

In issuing the figures, will the right hon. Gentleman state how much of the decrease is due to the great decrease in autumn ploughing that took place last October and November in consequence of the absence of policy of the present Government?

I am aware that serious flooding has taken place in this district on many occasions, and in the last three years the Commissioners of Crown Lands have spent £1,700 on repairing and strengthening the river banks and improving the drainage of the land. I am inquiring into the possibility of making better provision for the prevention of floods, and will communicate the result of my inquiry to the hon. Member.

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has ample money at his disposal for such expenditure?

No application has been made for a grant.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any further information to give to the House as to the progress of negotiations with the Canadian Government with reference to the embargo on the importation of British potatoes into Canada?

I am afraid I am not in a position to make any further statement on this subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make a statement, as this is a very urgent matter at the present moment in many parts of the country?

The Canadian Government has its own reasons for its decision in this matter, and we cannot deny it the right to take action to safeguard itself against disease.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say he is not yet in a position to make any further statement? Can he tell us when he will be able to give an answer which has any bearing on the previous question?