asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received any reports as to the progress made in the reorganisation of the cavalry and infantry of the Indian Army; whether the cavalry brigade trains and other units have been mechanised; and has he received any figures of the additional cost?

I am circulating a detailed reply, as it has to cover a number of particulars.

Can my right hon. Friend say how long the process of reorganisation will take?

It is exactly matters of that kind that are dealt with in the reply.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give information showing the number of students at present enrolled at the Prince of Wales's Royal Indian Military College at Dehra Dun; and if it is the opinion of the Government of India that the college has now been expanded to the limit most suitable for an educational institution of this character?

I understand that the number was 96 last December. The college is being expanded to take a total of 120, which at the present rate of development will be reached in 1932.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps have been taken to implement the resolution of the India Legislative Assembly, passed in March, 1921, recommending the restriction of direct communication between the Commander-in-Chief in India and the Chief of the Imperial General Staff to matters not involving the Government of India in financial or military obligations without the concurrence of the Legislative Assembly?

The terms of the resolution passed by the Assembly on this subject in 1921 differ in a material respect from the terms quoted by my hon. and gallant Friend, as he will see from the copy I am circulating. The principles underlying it were accepted by His Majesty's Government some years ago and have been acted on ever since.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India accepted the recommendation of the Indian Sandhurst Committee that suitable Indian students of British universities should be granted direct commissions in the Army, and that therefore the reopening of the Officers' Training Corps at the British universities should be proposed, any expense incurred in such a step being borne, if necessary, by the Government of India; whether, since the presentation of the Committee's Report, the Government of India has made any representation to His Majesty's Government in this matter; and, if so, with what result?

My hon. and gallant Friend has stated the facts correctly in the first two parts of his question. I am at present going into the whole matter in order to see what is the most profitable line of advance.

asked the Secretary of State for India why the soldiers' club and cinema at Quetta has been leased to a French subject; how many British subjects are employed in the undertaking; and whether there is no possibility of a military organisation running the club for the benefit of the soldiers?

I have no information, but will ask for the facts.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information respecting the effects of the campaign now being conducted by Mahatma Gandhi?

As the House is aware, Mr. Gandhi's march has caused a certain amount of excitement in the Bombay Presidency, particularly in the districts actually traversed, and a small proportion of village headmen have resigned—temporarily at any rate. Elsewhere little general interest appears to have been aroused. The main object of Mr. Gandhi's campaign, to defy Government by breaking the Salt Laws, has only just been initiated, and it is too early to form any opinion as to the effects.

Has my right hon. Friend seen the interview with Mr. Gandhi that appeared in the "Daily Telegraph" on Saturday, and will be not even now try to find a basis of agreement in that interview and prevent a fatal step being taken between India and this country?

The Government policy was very clearly set out in the declaration of 1st November.

Is it not a fact that His Excellency the Viceroy has done everything possible to meet Mr. Gandhi's views?

I need hardly say that the Government, and, I am sure, the whole House, have every confidence in His Excellency.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information with regard to any steps that have been taken by the Government of India to prevent mass civil disobedience?

The policy of His Majesty's Government was stated by the Viceroy in his speech on 25th January, and will be pursued, as circumstances demand, by the Government of India.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that circumstances have changed very much since that date, and that there is a growing feeling now that the law can be disregarded and authority openly flouted, and will be take steps to stop that?

That was dealt with in the words of the answer.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any further particulars of the riots which took place in Calcutta on 1st April, with the numbers killed and injured, and state whether there has been any further outbreak of rioting since that date?

The official reports that I have received add little, I fear, to the telegrams which have been published in the Press. The known casualties among rioters were three killed and 44 injured. Several of the police were also injured, three seriously. I have received no report of any further rioting. The situation is being discussed between Government and the carters' representatives and inquiries are being made into grievances put forward.

asked the Secretary of State for India the reason for the deportation from British India of Mr. D. M. Pangarkar, general secretary of the Bombay Oil Companies' Employés Union; whether he is aware that Mr. Pangarkar was born of parents ordinarily resident in British India, and owns land in British India; and for how long the deportation order against Mr. Pangarkar is to operate?

I fear I have no information on this matter beyond what I gave the House on 10th February.

Can my right hon. Friend obtain further information?

Certainly. A certain amount of information was given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bootle (Mr. Kinley) on the 10th February, and if my hon. Friend desires more, I shall be very glad to make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will draw the attention of the Brazilian Government to the unfavourable effect of the Brazilian 1900 tariff upon the export of British manufactured goods to Brazil, so that negotiations for adjustments can be entered upon before the Brazilian Government or any State of Brazil invites British investors to subscribe to a loan for national or coffee valorisation purposes in Brazil?

I have been asked to reply. Representations have frequently been made to the Brazilian Government in regard to the effect of the Brazilian Tariff on British trade, but, having regard to the general economic policy of that country, I see little reason to think that an attempt to open negotiations for a general reduction of duties would be likely to meet with success.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this question is based upon the specific recommendation of the D'Abernon Commission, and is he doing nothing to carry out that recommendation?

If it is a recommendation of the D'Abernon Commission, the matter will no doubt be under consideration by the suitable authority.

Will it be dealt with by the Tariff Convention at Geneva?

Has the hon. Gentleman called the attention of the Brazilian Government to the extent to which British capital has been used for the development of that great country, and will they not consider some such representation made on behalf of the Government?

I am not convinced that the present is a suitable time for making any representations on these matters.

Would the hon. Gentleman consider it a suitable opportunity when Brazil comes here and asks to borrow our money again?

I have considered that point, but I doubt very much whether that would be at all a suitable opportunity.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his Department has on its own initiative yet made arrangements either to set on foot negotiations for bringing together British manufacturers and Danish exporters who send their products to Britain or, alternatively, to send a trade mission to Denmark?

Yes, Sir; my Department have brought the importance of the Danish market to the notice of British manufacturers. The question of the desirability of sending a trade mission to Denmark is under consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman take any steps to set up a conference between himself and representatives of the Danish exporters, and is he not aware that there is a good deal of Anglo-Danish trade awaiting development?

The matter has been under my own personal attention and is still.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if his attention has been called to the pending publication of an electrification law in Yugoslavia; if he is aware that this law contemplates certain concessions for the attraction of foreign capital such as freedom from taxation and reduced railway rates, as well as monopolies over specified areas; and if encouragement will be given to the British electrical industry to participate in such new development as may take place?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. With regard to the third part of the question, the hon. Member can rest assured that everything possible will be done with a view to obtaining orders for British goods.

Will the hon. Gentleman communicate with the Commercial Attaché at Belgrade on the subject in order to keep the Department in touch with any developments that may take place?

If the hon. Member has any point on which he thinks it would be an advantage for me to do so, I will willingly consider it.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any special measures are being adopted by His Majesty's Government for the development of trade between Great Britain and Finland; if he is aware that a recent Finnish loan floated in London has been wholly employed in the purchase of manufactured articles from other countries; that the large Finnish co-operative concerns are virtually boycotting British goods; and if he will take steps to establish a more friendly understanding with trade interests in Finland?

A Commercial Secretary will shortly be appointed to Finland. His appointment will I trust lead to a further development of trade with that country and a closer relationship between Great Britain and Finland. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, but I have no information on the subject raised in the third part. I will, however, have the matter looked into.

Would the hon. Gentleman or his Department see that in the case of a loan such as that which is instanced in my question a condition should be inserted whereby the money lent by this country should be employed in the purchase of commodities in this country?

I am doubtful whether that would be possible or practicable.

Will the hon. Gentleman examine the case?

I am not convinced that it is desirable to do so.

Why did not the hon. Gentleman, before the loan was raised in England, do the very thing which he proposes to do now?

I am not proposing to do that. My information is that the goods had already been bought, and the loan was raised afterwards.

Then it comes to this, that we are finding money to buy—

Captain Cazalet.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the sale of Russian anthracite coal to Canadian importers; the period and tonnage involved; and, if so, to what extent this will displace Welsh coal?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 25th March to the hon. Member for Lancaster (Mr. Ramsbotham), of which I am sending him a copy. I have no further information.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are supposed to be 25,000 tons of this anthracite already sold? Is his Department aware of the fact and, if so, cannot they give me any reply to my question?

I have no further information beyond the answer given on the 25th.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it advisable that his Department should be conversant with what is taking place with regard to the export of coal to our own Colonies?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this coal is produced under sweated conditions at wages of a rouble a day, which is equivalent to 9d., and, if so, will he advise the Government accordingly?

Those points are not contained in the question on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the tonnage of imported raw iron and steel for the 14 months 1st January, 1929, to 28th February, 1930; and the approximate aggregate number of men and boys required to produce that tonnage through its various stages calculated on the basis of the British census of production?

The answer to the first part of the question includes a table of figures, and will be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I regret that the information available from the census of production does not suffice for the calculation suggested in the second part of the question.

Would the hon. Gentleman contradict a suggestion that the import of raw iron and steel represented last year the import of the work of 100,000 men and boys, and, in view of the heavy unemployment in the iron and steel industry, will he convey the answer to this question to the Lord Privy Seal?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is now in a position to make any statement about the new Australian tariffs and prohibitions on certain imports; and whether any representations were made to the Australian Government?

I have been asked to reply. My information generally confirms that which has appeared in the Press. A Resolution passed by the Commonwealth House of Representatives on the 3rd April imposed a surtax of 50 per cent. of the duty payable under the Tariff on certain scheduled goods. A Proclamation issued on the 4th April prohibited the importation of various goods on another schedule except under licence, but the Government have authorised the import annually of certain of these goods to the extent of 50 per cent. of the quantities imported during the 12 months ended 31st March last. Some goods appear on both these Schedules. Full details based on cabled information received by the High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Australia in London will be published in the forthcoming issue of the "Board of Trade Journal." Goods exported from the countries of export prior to the 4th April are exempted from both Customs surtax and import licence requirement. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Can my hon. Friend say whether, in view of the very serious effect that this may have on British trade, any representations are to be made?

That matter is being considered by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Is that one of the matters he considered at the Geneva Tariff Conference?

No doubt my right hon. Friend will himself be prepared to make a statement.

Is this one of the first fruits of Empire Free Trade?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the present position in Peking; whether he has now received any account of the sack by Red troops of Yuanchow-Ki, in the course of which two British missionaries were carried off; and what is the present position there?

On the 3rd instant a former Counsellor of the Chinese Foreign Office called on His Majesty's Minister and stated that he had been appointed by General Yen Hsi-shan to be the head of the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the Commander-in-Chief and had been instructed to communicate to Sir Miles Lampson a telegram received from General Yen. The telegram stated that General Yen had assumed office as the Commander-in-Chief of the National forces, and announced a punitive campaign the object of which was to promote the peaceful unification of the country. He declared that foreign life and property would be protected in all territory occupied by his troops, and requested that foreigners would refrain from lending moral or material support to his opponents. As regards the situation at Yuanchow, I have received no further information beyond that given to the right hon. Gentleman in reply to his question on Wednesday last.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the statement is correct that two missionaries were captured by Red troops?

No. I have had no information to that effect.

Is it not clear that these so-called Red troops are really members of the Chinese United Empire party?

Will the British Government continue to be neutral in these quasi-military operations in China?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think there is any matter for amusement that two British missionaries have been dealt with as described?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the dismissal of many British and Canadian subjects from employment in the United States of America on the ground of their British nationality, and seeing that no provision is made for unemployment relief in America, he will instruct His Majesty's Consuls in the United States of America to provide facilities for all dismissed men who are without resources to return to their countries of origin?

Consular officers have standing authority to repatriate in suitable cases at public expense any British subject, who is a native of Great Britain or Northern Ireland and becomes destitute in his consular district, provided that there are no means of assisting the case locally. British subjects belonging to Canada can be dealt with similarly provided that the sanction of the Canadian Government is obtained. I would like to take the opportunity of stating that I have no information to show that British subjects have been treated any less favourably that other foreigners in the course of the dismissals referred to by the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to ascertain whether it is not a fact that British subjects were dismissed owing to their nationality, and before Americans who were employed by the same firms, and will he publish the names of the firms who carried out these dismissals, in order flat we in this country may boycott the firms who have been victimising British subjects?

I must take the latter part of the supplementary question into very serious consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he intends to make a statement respecting the progress of Anglo-Egyptian negotiations before the House adjourns for the Easter recess?

I am not yet able to say definitely when I shall be in a position to make a statement on these important negotiations. I am glad, however, to have this opportunity of saying that good progress has already been made in the discussion of the proposals.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the concern felt in Anglo-Egyptian commercial circles at the absence from this Conference of anybody with a special knowledge of the police force in Egypt?

I am afraid if I had to listen to all these criticisms we would never finish.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the personnel of the Egyptian delegation since their arrival in this country?

No, Sir.

May I ask whether any member of this delegation was implicated in the murder of Sir Lee Stack?

That question does not arise from the answer. I gave the names of the delegation to the House, and the only question I have to answer to-day is as to whether any change has taken place in the personnel and that is the only answer I am going, to give.

On a point of Order. Is there any way of preventing hon. Members from making personal attacks on members of a friendly delegation that comes to the country? Is that in accordance with Rules and usages of the House?

I do ray best to prevent supplementary questions becoming out of order, and, if the House will help me, I shall be able to succeed better.

We shall be glad to help you, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any discussions have taken place during the last 12 months, either in the Assembly or at the Council of the League of Nations, in regard to the interpretation to be placed upon Article 16 of the Covenant?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make no bilateral agreement with any other Power in respect to this matter without first of all submitting it to this House?

No, I am afraid I cannot give any such undertaking.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that before any such arrangement which affects the position of this country is made he will obtain the assent of this House?

That will depend on circumstances. I have to keep in mind that when the last arrangement was made, known as the Locarno Treaty, the assent of this House was not obtained.

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember how he complained, and is he now going to say that this country should enter into what must be an obligation without Parliament being consulted?

No, I am not saying anything of the kind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take note of the grave seriousness of suggesting any bilateral agreement in a matter in which other countries are interested?

Any bilateral agreement would be submitted to this House for ratification.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in any proposals made to the French Government with regard to the interpretation of Article 16 of the Covenant, consideration is being given to the object of effecting an agreed reduction in the French tonnage demands at the present Naval Conference?

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the public anxiety as to the Mediterranean negotiations and as to certain interpretations of our war obligations under the League of Nations Covenant, whether he can now make a full statement on the subject?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, before he comes to any decision in regard to the interpretation to be placed on Article 16 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, he will lay the matter before the Council of the League;

(2) whether he is consulting the other signatories of the Covenant of the League of Nations in regard to the question of the interpretation of Article 16?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has consulted the German Government with regard to the question of the interpretation of Article 16 of the Covenant; and, if so, whether or not the question of interpretation in any way affects the terms of the Locarno Treaties?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is keeping the Governments of the Dominions who are signatories to the Covenant of the League of Nations fully informed as to the discussions now proceeding regarding the interpretation of that Covenant; and whether he will undertake to secure their assent to any altered interpretation?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he can state what interpretations of Article 16 of the Covenant are at present under consideration; and by whom;

(2) whether any amendment or interpretation of the treaties of Locarno or of the annexes thereto is at present under consideration by any of the delegations at the Five Power Naval Conference?

asked the Prime Minister (I) whether the interpretation of Article 16 of the Covenant has yet been decided, and in what direction has it been decided;

(2) whether, in view of his declaration on 23rd December, 1929, that the question of naval policy as apart from naval strength will not be considered at the Naval Conference, he will say what is the attitude of the British delegation to the discussions which are taking place on the interpretation of Article 16 of the Covenant of the League of Nations?

I have nothing at present to add to the replies returned in this House by the Prime Minister on the 1st of April, and by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 2nd of April. The Prime Minister hopes, however, to be able to make a full statement at an early date; and, meanwhile, he trusts that the House will continue for a little longer to exercise the patience which it has hitherto shown throughout these long and delicate discussions. He is, of course, in close touch with the delegates of the Dominions and India to the Naval Conference.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that before arriving at any bilateral agreement in regard to Article 16 of the Covenant the matter shall be laid before the Council of the League?

There is no intention of arranging for anything that will be in contradiction of the arrangements that have already been entered into.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that there can be—

The hon. and gallant Member had better defer that till later.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the Kellogg Pact being of more recent date and embracing almost all nations, whether the Government will propose that it should supersede those parts of the League of Nations Covenant that envisage or contemplate war to which neither the United States of America nor Russia is a party?

As the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, in virtue of a resolution passed by the last Assembly of the League of Nations, a committee recently met at Geneva to consider the question of amending certain Articles of the Covenant of the League of Nations in order to bring it into harmony with the Kellogg Pact. The amendments proposed by this committee are embodied in their report, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. The report will come up for discussion at the Assembly in September next.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Kellogg Pact does not envisage or contemplate war, whereas, certainly, the Articles of the Covenant of the League of Nations do?

That is exactly what the committee is looking into.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has had any recent Communication from the British Ambassador as to whether the decree of the Soviet Government of 8th April, 1929, in relation to religious associations, still remains in fore?

Nothing has been received from His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow to show that the decree is not in force. As I informed the hon. Member for Gravesend (Mr. Albery) on the 17th March, the decree, so far as I am aware, is still in force.

Having regard to the fact that this decree is still in operation, and to the statements recently made by the Archbishop of Canterbury and other eminent people, does the right hon. Gentleman still maintain that there is no persecution of religion in Russia?

I do not know that I have ever maintained that.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say to me that he preferred to call it pressure, and not persecution?

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the letter in the "Daily Herald" by G. B. Essipof?

Mr. Smithers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Anglican Church in Moscow is now available if wanted for religious worship?

I am making further inquiries upon the point which the hon. and gallant Member has raised.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will have special inquiries made into the case of Mr. Robert Willey, of 114, Stanley Street, Grimsby, with a view to this man's claim for treatment in a Ministry of Pensions hospital, under the regulations as set out in Circular No. 70, entitled applications for pension in respect of disablement claimed more than seven years after discharge, being further considered?

This case has been carefully considered in the light of all the available evidence and the report of a recent medical examination, and I am advised that the man's present condition of disablement cannot be certified to be the result of his war service. In the circumstances the Ministry has no authority to provide the treatment required.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man was wounded twice in France; that for 6½ years he had to be treated for discharge from the wounds, which included small pieces of bone; that the medical report is to the effect that his present disease can have been caused by a diseased bone in the body; further, that he was admitted to a Ministry of Pensions hospital in 1927 and discharged and has been ill ever since; and, in view of these circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman have a further examination made by independent doctors?

. The report to which I refer is from a recent medical examination, but, if my hon. Friend will give me the additional facts with which he is acquainted, I will have them carefully looked into.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can state the number of cases where pensions have been reviewed under the Correction of Errors Regulation in each of the past five years; and the number of such cases where an increase of pension has been awarded in the same years?

Cases which have been reviewed and an increase of pension awarded numbered about 1,800 in each of the financial years 1926 and 1927; about 1,600 in 1928, 1,100 in 1929, and about 1,500 in the financial year just ended.

The right hon. Gentleman has not dealt with the last part of the question, dealing with the number that have been considered as well as the number that have received particular grants.

That information does not appear to be available, but I will look into the point raised by the hon. Member.

Can the right hon. Gentleman make the information available to the House, because there is a lot of feeling about the working of the Awards Department at the moment?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, whether he can state the number of British unsalaried consular officers who are not British subjects?

There are 145 unsalaried Consular officers who are not British subjects.

Has the hon. Gentleman received any complaints that these unsalaried Consular officers do not receive the same sympathy and support from British traders as salaried officers?

I have heard it suggested that occasionally they have other interests which prevent them giving more time to British interests.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many of them devote their whole time to consular duties?

I cannot say without notice.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that when a British subject is available a foreigner will not be appointed?

That has always been our custom.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will give the names of the members of the council which advises him respecting his duties and state the terms and periods of their appointments?

The Council of the Duchy of Lancaster consists of the Receiver-General of the Duchy, Sir Frederick Ponsonby, and the Attorney-General of the Duchy, Sir Herbert Cunliffe, who are ex-officio members, Lord Bledisloe, Lord Buckmaster, Lord Leconfield, Lord Lovat and Sir Herbert Mitchell. Members of the Council, not being ex-officio members, are appointed under Royal Sign Manual Warrant. The more important questions of policy arising out of the administration of the Duchy estates for which I am responsible, are from time to time laid before the Council for their consideration and advice.

Is the hon. Baronet not aware that Lord Bledisloe is on his way to take up the appointment of Governor-General of New Zealand?

I am aware of that situation. Under the terms of Lord Bledisloe's appointment, I do not deem it my duty to tender any advice.

Have any of the Members of this Council assisted the hon. Baronet to frame the Memorandum on "How to solve the unemployment problem"?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether appointments to fill vacancies that may occur amongst the staff of his Department are made through the Civil Service Commissioners?

Appointments to the staff of the Duchy of Lancaster, the expenses and salaries of which are not chargeable to the Consolidated Fund, are for this reason not governed by the rules affecting entrance to the Civil Service, but are made at the discretion of the Chancellor. The only appointment to the Duchy staff which I have been called upon to make was made through the Civil Service Commissioners.

Are special facilities granted to the "P" men to enable them to became established civil servants? Are they considered at all? Apparently, the hon. Baronet is not aware what permanent "P" ex-service men?

Certainly. they will have the usual consideration.

We want more than the usual consideration.

asked the First Com missioners of Works (1) whether he is aware that the offices provided for His Majesty's Inspector of Taxes and staffs at the Birkenhead third and fourth districts, at 12, Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, are administratively inconvenient, owing to 24 officers being housed in no fewer than nine rooms on four floors, and are defective as regards heating, lighting, lavatory acommodation, and absence of lift; and whether it is proposed to obtain alternative accommodation of a more suitable nature;

(2) whether he is aware that the office accommodation provided for His Majesty's Inspector of Taxes and staff at Birkenhead, second district, situated at 61, Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, is unsatisfactory owing to the staff being scattered in small rooms on four floors, with consequent difficulties both as regards internal supervision and interviewing of callers; and whether it is proposed to secure alternative accommodation of a more satisfactory nature?

I am aware that the premises referred to do rot conform to modern requirements, and efforts have been made for some time to secure suitable alternative accommodation. Negotiations, which I hope will result in the provision of suitable premises, are now in hand and are being actively pursued.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many different schools visited the Imperial Institute, and be total number of school children who came in those groups, during the last three years calculated to the most recent convenient date?

The numbers of school classes and children attending were as follow:

			Classes.	Children.
1927	…	…	2,118	52,950
1928	…	…	3,208	80,200
1929	…	…	3,060	76,500

Of these numbers, approximately 84 per cent. were from elementary schools, 13 per cent. from secondary schools, and the balance from geographical societies, technical institutions, etc.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of actions that have been brought under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1927, for failure to report outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland; and whether in any of these actions the maximum penalty has been imposed?

Only one action for failing to report with all practicable speed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has been brought in Scotland since the passing of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1927. The maximum penalty of £50 was not imposed, the owner having been fined £5 with the alternative of 20 days' imprisonment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the occupier of certain lands at Barton Stacey complied with the notices served on him in July last to cut and destroy injurious weeds growing on the lands; and, if not, what is the present position of the matter?

Six notices were served on a Mr. McCreagh, the person who was believed to be entitled to the occupation of the lands in question. These notices were not complied with, and prosecutions were instituted for offences under the Corn Production Acts (Repeal) Act, 1921, before the local Justices, as a result of which a fine of £20 was inflicted on each of six summonses. The Defendant appealed against the convictions on points of law, but his appeals were dismissed with costs by a Divisional Court on the 26th March last, and the convictions will consequently stand.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the nuisance has been abated?

If action had to be taken in regard to weeds this year, it certainly would be taken in spite of the expenditure.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that action will be taken this summer in time to prevent the weeds from spreading all over the countryside?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what amount of long-term credits has been advanced to date under the provisions of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1928?

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

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation have refused to consider applications for loans under Part I of the Agricultural Credits Act on the ground that Mort- gages involving large sums of money cannot be entertained; whether under the Act any limit is fixed as to the amount which may be advanced to any person or company; and what action he proposes to take in order that every application may be considered on its merits?

Part I of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1928, fixes no limit as to the amount which may be advanced to any person or company. The decision as to whether a loan is granted by the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation and the amount of such loan, are matters entirely within the discretion of the Directors.

Seeing that no limit has been fixed in the Agricultural Credits Act with regard to the amount that may be advanced, may I ask whether the Department or the right hon. Gentleman has any power to instruct the Mortgage Corporation to give consideration to any application that is made irrespective of the amount involved?

No, Sir, the Minister has no power to interfere.

Seeing that the sum of £750,000 of public money has been granted to this Corporation free of interest, are we to understand that the Minister of Agriculture has no control whatever over the money once he has parted with it?

We are bound by the terms of the Act of 1927.

Can the Minister of Agriculture take any steps that would ensure that due consideration would be given to every application

No, Sir, I do not think the Act gives us any power in that direction.

asked the Minister of Agriculture in what areas the national mark scheme has been introduced in respect of beef and flout?

The national mark scheme for beef is, at present, limited to the London and Birmingham consuming areas. The national mark flour scheme is operated by some 150 millers and flour packers, and supplies are available in most parts of the country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the extension of this scheme to other districts?

Yes, Sir; we are constantly considering the matter, and we hope to extend it.

When is the right hon. Gentleman going to get any one of the larger northern towns—

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any steps have been taken to ascertain the destination of dumped German wheat and oats; and the percentage which is used in the manufacture of bread-making flours by the millers and the percentage used by farmers and poultry farmers as food for stock and poultry?

Special inquiry regarding the ultimate destination of German wheat and oats imported into this country has not been made As regards wheat, however, of which the imports from Germany in recent months have been negligible, so far as I am aware the bulk has been purchased by millers, but I am not able to say how far it has been used for bread-making flour. As regards oats, I understand that, of recent imports, practically none has been used for the manufacture of oatmeal. It may be assumed, therefore, that the bulk has been used for feeding to livestock.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amount paid in subsidies in England and Wales under the Corn Production Acts during each year they were in operation?

Payments in connection with the guarantee of minimum prices under the Corn Production Acts were made only in respect of wheat and oats produced in 1921, and amounted, so far as England and Wales were concerned, to a total sum of £13,983,135.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much of that amount was for oats, and how much for wheat?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question with regard to that point.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received complaints as to the accuracy of reports supplied by the Ministry's crop reporters and published by his Department; whether this has been investigated; and will he state the procedure adopted in order to ensure that every report published by the Ministry as to stocks held by farmers is substantially correct?

As regards the general information furnished by crop reporters, criticisms are occasionally made, and invariably receive the fullest investigation. Generally speaking, I am satisfied that the information provided by crop reporters, and published by the Ministry, is substantially correct, but, if the hon. Member has any specific case in mind, I shall be glad to give the matter careful consideration. If the hon. Member's question refers solely to the estimates of stocks remaining on farms on 1st January and 1st April, I am not aware of any complaints as to their accuracy. Every care is taken to ensure that the crop reporters employed are fully qualified to submit reliable estimates.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the acreage of land in the parish of Barton Stacey, in Hampshire, upon which tithe is not being paid?

The Ministry has no jurisdiction and is not concerned with the collection of annual tithe rent-charge, but I am informed by Queen Anne's Bounty, the tithe owners, that tithe rent-charge is not being paid in respect of some 1,500 acres in the parish of Barton Stacey, while the tithe rent-charge on a further 600 acres is in arrear and is being recovered with difficulty after application to the County Court.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the uncultivated land in the parish of Barton Stacey largely coincides with the area upon which tithe is not being paid, and that this is an instance of the deterrent effect of tithe on the cultivation of arable land?

I am aware of that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the present price of potatoes in Lancashire, which has fallen to the lowest figure ever recorded; and whether, as this price does not repay cultivation, he proposes to take any steps, and, if so, what, to guarantee an economic price to the growers?

I am fully aware of the very low prices ruling for potatoes in Lancashire and throughout the country. While it is not part of the Government's policy to guarantee a price for potatoes, I am of opinion that the present difficulties can largely be avoided in future if growers will organise on national lines for the orderly marketing of the crop, for securing the general adoption of the statutory grades, and for the disposal of below-grade and surplus potatoes, and I shall be most happy to provide any advice or assistance in my power to growers and merchants in the task of improving the position.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the application to this crop of the economic principles contained in the Coal Mines Bill?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the result of any negotiations between his Department and the National Farmers' Union relative to an agreed scheme for the marketing of agricultural produce, and particularly the marketing of potatoes; and whether he is now prepared to make an announcement upon the details of the Government's marketing proposals?

My Department is in close and constant touch with the National Farmers' Union on marketing questions, but, apart from proposals for extending the application of the national mark, no negotiations have recently taken place with that body in regard to any agreed scheme for the marketing of agricultural produce. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

When may the House expect the details as to marketing proposals with regard to agricultural produce to be put before them?

I am not able to say.

When does the Minister propose to lay before the House his own agricultural policy?

That does not arise on this question.