asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has requested the Brazilian Government to reconsider their import duties and bunker duties upon coal at Rio de Janeiro amounting to a total of 10s. 10d. per ton as at present?

Yes, Sir. Viscount D'Abernon discussed these duties with the President of Brazil in September last. His Majesty's representative in Rio de Janeiro subsequently again drew the attention of the President and the competent Brazilian authorities to the desirability of reconsidering the duties. I understand that the matter is receiving the attention of the Brazilian Government.

Was this one of the matters raised at Geneva by the President of the Board of Trade?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what have been the balances of the sums issued as the grants-in-aid to the Empire Marketing Board which have remained unexpended at 31st March in each year; and what was the total remaining of unexpended balances as at 31st March, 1930?

Unexpended balances of sums issued as grants-in-aid of the Empire Marketing Fund have been as follow:

		£	s.	d.
At 31st March, 1927	…	365,224	3	1
At 31st March, 1928	…	361,983	5	0
At 31st March, 1929	…	301,333	11	10

It is not yet possible to say what will be the final expenditure for the financial year just ended, and, therefore, what unexpended balance will remain available; but for the purpose of the estimate for 1930 it has been calculated that the balance may be expected to be in the neighbourhood of £250,000. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE: Can the hon. Gentleman say to what use it is proposed to put the unexpended balances when they are ascertained?

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to put down another question on that matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman give information to the House as to the probable use to which the balance will be put?

I am not asked that question.

Are these balances surrendered to the Treasury as usual, or are they carried forward to a subsequent year?

The unexpended balances up to now have not been carried over to the Treasury.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the face value of contracts entered into under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme in respect of exports to Russia during last month?

The face value of contracts entered into under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme in respect of exports to Russia during March amounted to £585,277.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the face value of contracts entered into under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme in respect of exports to all countries during the month of March?

The face value of contracts entered into under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme in respect of exports to all countries during March amounted to £999,780.

Is that any increase over last year?

Over the whole year there has been an increase, but I cannot remember the actual month.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's representative in Mexico has in the last few weeks discussed with the Mexican Government matters connected with the default of that Government's obligations to British holders of Mexican Government securities; and, if so, what was the reply received by His Majesty's representative?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's representative in Mexico City recently discussed this matter with the Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs, and is now awaiting information as to the plans of the Minister of Finance.

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that we have lost £150 millions of English money in Mexico, and does he not think that the time has arrived when we should really make a push in this matter?

It all depends on what the right hon. Gentleman means by "a push." We are doing all that we can.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that he will never get the Mexican Government to take any steps to fulfil its obligations until he makes himself unpleasant to that Government?

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that the Government will do anything in this matter?

Was not this money owing when the last Government were in Office?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will instruct His Majesty's representative at the Vatican to endeavour to obtain from the Vatican authorities any information they may have in their possession regarding any religious persecution which may now exist in Russia?

Before this question is answered, Mr. Speaker, may I submit to you that it is not in accordance with the Rules of the House? It is most improper and offensive to ask that an official request should be made to a third party to find out information regarding what is happening in the territory of that country with which we are in proper diplomatic relations. May I submit that this question is not only offensive to the Soviet Government, but also to our British Ambassador in Moscow?

If I had thought that this question was out of Order, I should not have allowed it.

No, Sir. I do not consider that it is my duty to undertake inquiries of the nature suggested.

Is it not essential that reliable information should be obtained about what is going on in Russia in regard to religious persecution, and will the right hon. Gentleman take this step to find out the true facts?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman afraid of knowing the true facts?

Will the Foreign Secretary get some reliable information from our representative at the Vatican concerning political persecution in Italy?

That does not arise on this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now say whether the present stage of the negotiations with the Soviet Ambassador will permit him to make a statement before the Easter Recess?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether suitable machinery has yet been found for the consideration of British claims upon the Soviet Government; and, if not, whether he can explain the causes of the delay in arriving at an agreement on this point?

I hope to be in a position to make a statement on my negotiations with the Soviet Ambassador in the very near future.

Will it be before the Easter Recess?

There is only a few days to the Easter Recess, and it is very difficult to deal with. We are going on as fast as we can, having regard to the other calls on our time.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he can give any details as to the house provided for His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow; if the house is a leasehold, and for what period of years, or a freehold; and what is to be the yearly rent or purchase price?

Negotiations for the lease of a house for His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow are at present in progress, but the terms of tenure have not yet been finally settled.

On what grounds is the amount of £10,000 being spent on this house before any agreement has been come to?

There is no money being spent on the house. We are taking a Vote for that sum of money in the event of the money being used.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, previous to any money being expended, send the Permanent Secretary over there to have a look round and to advise the right hon. Gentleman?

I am not at all sure that it would not do the hon. Baronet a very great deal of good to go and inspect it himself.

I have been there many a time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the negotiations now in progress with the Egyptian representatives, arrangements are being made for trade commissioners?

There is already a commercial secretary at His Majesty's Residency in Cairo, and provision for an Assistant Commercial Secretary has been made in the Estimates of the Department of Overseas Trade. This matter has not been discussed in connection with the present negotiations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the negotiations now in progress with Nahas Pasha, any steps are being taken to ensure the stategical security of the Sinai Peninsula and of the Sollum Province?

The situation with regard to the Sollum Province is in no way affected by the present proposals. The stategical security of the Sinai Peninsula will in all probability be enhanced by the presence of British forces in the immediate vicinity of the Suez Canal.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that troops are to be stationed on the Sinai Peninsula; and is he aware that, for our interests in protecting the Canal, it is most important that we should have possession of the Sinai Peninsula?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Acting First Secretary to His Majesty's High Commissioner in Egypt is paid by the Egyptian Government; and how long this arrangement has been in operation?

The arrangement in question has been in operation since the middle of January. British officials in the Egyptian service have on several occasions in the past been thus lent by the Egyptian Government to the Residency, and the arrangement has proved to be in the public interest.

Has the gentleman in question been brought to this country to advise the Foreign Office or to advise the delegation; and, if to advise the Foreign Office, can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why the judicial adviser employed by the British Government should not have been brought over?

Yes, one very substantial reason is that he has been there for 10 years; he knows the local position well; he is an Englishman whom we can trust, and the High Commissioner placed such reliance upon his experience and judgment that he requested that he should be allowed to accompany him.

I take it that the right hon. Gentleman's reply does not suggest that the Judicial Commissioner is not equally reliable, but, assuming that that is so, is it not strange that the person who was previously in the employment of the financial adviser in Egypt, and who was refused re-employment by a British official in Egypt, should now be brought here to give advice to the Foreign Office?

That may be so, but I was guided in this matter by the judgment of the High Commissioner.

Are we to understand that the Foreign Secretary is always guided by the advice of his representative in Egypt?

The hon. and gallant Member must understand nothing of the kind.

Why this distinction between the present adviser of the Government and Lord Lloyd?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Foreign Governments have addressed representations to His Majesty's Government in regard to the protection of the civil rights and liberties of their nationals in Egypt in the event of the proposed agreement as laid down in the White Paper being carried into effect?

Since my reply to a similar question by the Noble Lord the Member for Aldershot (Viscount Wolmer) on the 19th December last, an exchange of views has taken place between His Majesty's Government and the French Government regarding the modifications to the capitulatory regime in Egypt which are contemplated in the present proposals.

May we understand from that reply that no action will be taken by the British Government to ratify the proposals put before Egypt without consultation with other Governments; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Italian Government is very interested, having twice as many nationals in Egypt as we have?

I daresay the Italian Government will look after their own interests—

They will. [Interruption.]

I have already answered the question on the Paper, and, if the hon. Member wishes for further information, he must put another question down.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see considerable dangers in these foreign Governments looking after themselves in Egypt?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information concerning the death at Peitaiho on Wednesday last of Mr. Eric Yorke Scar- lett, the late treasurer of I he Anglo-Chinese college at Tientsin; and who is in control of this district?

I have, as yet, no information beyond that contained in my reply to the hon. Member for Willesden East (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on Monday last. But I have telegraphed instructions to His Majesty's Minister in China to make all necessary representations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had any recent information concerning the safety of Mr. and Mrs. Porteous, who were captured at Yuanchow?

His Majesty's Minister at Peking reported on the 6th of April that the China Inland Mission in Shanghai had received a demand for ransom for Mr. and Mrs. Porteous to which they were not replying. They were instructing their representative at Changsha, after consulting His Majesty's Consul, to proceed as near as he safely could to the spot and to urge the Chinese authorities to procure the release of the captives. Stir Miles Lampson is continuing to press the central and local Chinese authorities to take immediate and effective action.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the amount demanded for their ransom?

I cannot say.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the shipping companies interested in British trade in Chinese waters have now returned replies to the Government proposals to sanction a further extension of the provision of regular naval and military guards on their ships for a definitely limited period; and, if so, will he state the nature of the replies received?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the replies received accept the Government proposals in principle.

Do the Government, in connection with these proposals, propose to charge shipowners with the total cost of these armed guards, or with the additional cost due to the special services that they render?

I should have to have notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can furnish information as to the members of the Piracy Committee, which, under the Governor of Hong Kong, is studying the question of piratical outrages on British ships in Chinese waters; and whether the officers of British ships trading in these waters are adequately represented on this Committee?

The Anti-Piracy Committee, the nature of whose functions was explained in the answer to the hon. Member on the 26th March (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 398), consists of the Commodore, Hong Kong, who acts as chairman, three naval officers (including the Anti-Piracy Officer), one Royal Marine officer, one Army officer and a naval secretary. Each shipping firm concerned has appointed a representative to deal direct with the Anti-Piracy Officer, so that a constant liaison is maintained between the Committee and the companies.

Do I understand that there are no representatives of the merchant marine on this Committee, but only that they are allowed to send representatives in the sense of offering advice or evidence?

The hon. Baronet has missed a part of my reply. I said:

"Each shipping firm concerned has appointed a representative to deal direct with the Anti-Piracy Officer, so that a constant liaison is maintained between the Committee and the companies."

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the duties performed by the bureau at Brussels for the control of the liquor traffic in Africa; and the nature of the services rendered to Great Britain in return for its contribution of £15 in 1930?

The duties of the Central International Office established under the Convention of St. Germain-en-Laye are to collect and distribute documents exchanged by the High Contracting Parties with regard to the importation and manufacture of spirituous liquors under the conditions referred to in the Convention. Each of the signatory Powers sends an annual report showing the quantities of spirituous beverages imported into, or manufactured in, the African territories for which they are responsible, and the duties levied under Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention in those territories to the Central International Office, who in turn communicate copies of these reports to the other signatory Powers and to the League of Nations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the amount of £15 was arrived at as a contribution to this bureau?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government are proposing to embody in any agreement arising out of the Five Power Naval Conference the policy of the unanimous resolution of the Eighth Assembly of the League of Nations, 26th September, 1927, that the principal condition of success in the reduction of armaments is that every State should be assured of not having to provide unaided for its security by means of its own armaments and should be able to rely also on organised collective action?

I have nothing to add to the statements made in this House by the Prime Minister and myself on Monday last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French Government have addressed any representations to His Majesty's Government on the subject of the letter addressed by the Arab Mufti of Jerusalem to the President of the Moslem Council in Beyrut inciting the Syrian Moslems to resistance against the French authorities; and, if so, whether any reply has been given?

The reply is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet taken any action on the subject of the Mufti of Jerusalem's letter addressed to the President of the Moslem Council in Beyrut inciting the Syrian Moslems to resistance against the French authorities?

This matter has been dealt with by the High Commissioner. The Secretary of State does not propose to pursue it further.

Is the hon. Member aware that the French Government realised the justice of this law and ordered those schools that were closed to be re-opened?

The hon. and gallant Member is answering questions.

Where there is an inaccuracy, may I not contradict that inaccuracy?

This is the time for asking questions and not for giving information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the members of the Palestine Commission were given the opportunity of examining an accurate copy of the correspondence which passed between Sir Henry McMahon and the Sherif Hussein in 1915 and 1916?

No, Sir. As the Commission have pointed out, it clearly did not fall within the scope of their inquiry to examine and comment upon that correspondence.

Is the hon. Member aware that on page 194 of the Report the Commission states that they saw this correspondence and that it gave an inaccurate version, and that it was withdrawn on the instruction of the Commission? Why should the Commission have to put up with an inaccurate version when it is within the province of His Majesty's Government to give an accurate version?

I would point out that the Commission made it quite clear that all they were concerned with was the interpretation put upon this correspondence, and not with the merits of the correspondence.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the publication of the Report of the Palestine Commission, he will reconsider the question of publishing the correspondence which took place between July, 1915, and January, 1916, between Sir Henry McMahon and the Sherif Hussein?

The answer is in the negative.

In view of general feeling among the Arab population of Palestine that this correspondence promised the Arabs their independence, will the hon. Member reconsider the question and publish the correspondence, so that we may know whether or not the Arabs were promised their independence?

This question has been before the House on many occasions and has been considered by various Governments, and it has been decided more than once that it is not desirable to publish this correspondence. I must adhere to that decision.

Do not the Government want to play fair by the Arab population?

Is it not very unfortunate that we have not a clear view of this correspondence, and would it not be better to have it published in black and white so that everyone would know what did happen?

Is it not desirable that this unfortunate feud should not be perpetuated by the asking of supplementary questions in this House or by any further correspondence?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment of the House at an early date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the figures of non-Jewish immigrants into Palestine from 1921 to 1929 and what percentage they bear to Jewish immigrants?

I have no figures for the period prior to the 3rd June, 1921. From that date to the end of 1929, some 6,400 non-Jewish immigrants entered Palestine. The number of Jewish immigrants during the same period was approximately 89,900. The proportion of non-Jewish to Jewish immigrants works out at about 7 per cent.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Haj Amin Effendi el-Husseini, who is in receipt of a salary of £600 from the Palestine administration, is an official of that administration and under the control of that administration?

Yes, Sir. As President of the Supreme Moslem Council the person in question is a salaried officer of the Palestine Government.

Is it not correct to say that the Palestine Government only acts as the intermediary, and that his salary comes from fees from the Moslem courts, which the Palestine Government collects and pays to him?

Is the hon. Member aware that the Palestine Government paid out of the Palestinian funds for the furniture in the office of the Supreme Moslem Council?

I am aware of all the facts of the case. The position, broadly, is that the Supreme Moslem Council has two functions, one, that of looking after religious endowments and the other the religious courts, and it is in virtue of these judicial functions that these payments are made. It is true that the fees of the courts are returned to general revenue.

Is not this the gentleman who has been engaged in propaganda against His Majesty's Government? Is that part of his religious duties?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, having regard to the fact that the salaries of the members of the Supreme Moslem Council and of the sharia courts in Palestine are paid out of the Palestine treasury, whether the fees received by the sharia courts are paid into the Palestine treasury?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government have now decided on the names of the three persons to be appointed as members of the Commission to inquire into the question of the rights and claims of the Jews and Moslems with regard to the Wailing Wall; and whether the names have been submitted to and approved by the Council of the League?

No, Sir; the names are not yet definitely settled, but active steps are being taken to expedite the appointment of the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information about the seizure of the Hull trawler "Commander Evans" for alleged fishing in territorial waters and the imposition of a fine equivalent to £694, together with the confiscation of the catch and the fishing gear of the trawler, by the Court at Reykjavik on 4th April; and whether he will consider making some protest against this fine and punishment?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the arrest and conviction of this trawler, and I have requested His Majesty's Consul-General in Iceland to send me a full report on the case, together with a translation of the Court documents. In the absence of more detailed information, I cannot say whether there would be any justification for protesting against the sentence.

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to let me know when the report is received?

Yes, Sir.

Have His Majesty's Government found in the past any justification for the Danish or Icelandic authorities' action in this matter?

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to say if it is intended to scrap the four ships of the "Hawkins" class as a result of the deliberations of the Naval Conference?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister on the 31st March (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 889–90) to the hon. Member for Chester (Sir C. Cayzer).

As these are four of our best and most efficient cruisers, will the hon. Gentleman be able, if I put this question down again in a week's time, to give me a definite answer?

That I cannot promise; it will depend upon the discussions that are now going on.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider, in certain eventualities, re-arming these ships with 6-inch guns?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of lieutenants (ex-mates) promoted since the regulations were revised in 1920; the number who have specialised in gunnery, torpedo, navigation, war staff duties, signals, wireless telegraphy, and antisubmarine branches; and when the first one will be due for promotion to lieutenant-commander?

Of the 55 ratings promoted to Mate under the 1920 Scheme, 50 remain on the Active List. Of these, 30 have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. The remaining 20 are not yet due for promotion. The first of the above officers is due for promotion to Lieutenant - Commander on the 1st October, 1931. The following have specialised, or are under training to specialise:

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the inquiry into the mate scheme is to be opened?

Not without notice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what requirements have to be fulfilled before a naval rating is awarded a commission?

As the reply is rather long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can now state what steps are being taken to ensure that hired employés of long service in His Majesty's dockyards shall have pensions on retirement; and if he can give the nature of the scheme?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to him on the 2nd April (OFFICIAL REPORT, col. 1258). I have nothing to add to that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a decision has been reached with regard to the award to dockyards men, who are superannuated or pensioned before the 4th August, the date on which a week's annual leave with pay begins, of a week's leave with pay or of a week's pay in lieu before their retirement?

Following representations made by the representatives of the men at the last meeting of the Admiralty Industrial Whitley Council, it has been decided that workpeople who are eligible for the grant of annual leave with pay, and who will be discharged on account of age before the week's annual leave with pay begins, may be granted leave with pay on the basis of half-a-day for each month served during the leave year.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is his intention to utilise the opportunity presented by the presence of the Dominion delegates to the Naval Conference in London to discuss the question of revising the contributions of the Dominions to Imperial Naval defence?

No, Sir. A question of this nature would seem to be more appropriate to the agenda of an Imperial Conference.

May we understand that the real reason is that the Government do not think that it would be tactful to raise this question, considering that they have "pinched" all the contributions for Singapore?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the nature of the services rendered by His Majesty's ships in Indian waters in return for which the Government of India pay £100,000 annually; and upon what date the agreement respecting this payment was made?

A subsidy of £100,000 has been paid by the Government of India since the year 1891, when the agreement was made, towards the cost of maintaining a squadron of His Majesty's ships in Indian waters. Apart from the defence of India and the protection of trade in Indian waters generally, the services rendered include the policing of coasts and measures in connection with piracy, slave trade and traffic in arms.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any ships in the American Navy have been fitted with mooring masts for airships; and whether any experiments have been carried out in the American Navy in this direction?

The United States Ship "Patoka" has been fitted with a mooring mast, and the airships "Shenandoah" and "Los Angeles" have both moored to her.

Will the hon. Gentleman represent to the proper authorities that we in this country have only one mooring mast, in view of the fact that there are two airships, and probably more building?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has decided to request the High Commissioner for the Malay States to appoint a commission to inquire into the preservation of the wild life of Malaya; if so, who have been suggested as members of the commission, and what terms of reference have been proposed?

My Noble Friend has requested the High Commissioner to appoint Mr. Theodore Hubback, lately honorary game warden in Pahang, to report on the whole question of the wild fauna of Malaya. It is contemplated that a high official of the Federated Malay States Government should be associated with him as assessor. As the suggested terms of reference are of some length, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attentioh has been drawn to the complaints that, since the introduction of the standard wage on the estates in Malaya, a system of payment to the rubber tappers by the number of pounds of dry rubber contained in the latex brought out by each tapper has been introduced; and if he has now received any information from the High Commissioner in Malaya in regard to the extent to which this system of payment by results now obtains on the estates?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to his question of the 23rd January. The High Commissioner has been asked to supply the desired information, but his reply has not yet been received.

Will my hon. Friend be good enough to let me know when the report is received from the High Commissioner, and the purport of that report?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will publish the memorial received from the Turkish members of the Legislative Council in Cyprus relating to the terms of the memorial presented to the Secretary of State by the recent delegation?

No, Sir. It is not in contemplation to publish the memorial.

As the memorial presented by the Greeks has already been published, will the Government publish the Turkish memorial?

No, Sir; the Turkish memorial was in opposition to the views set forth in the Greek memorial. As the Greek petition was not granted there seems no reason now why the whole question should be raked up again by the publication of the Turkish memorial.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what part of the expense of the West Indian Sugar Commission is to be borne by the West Indian Colonies themselves; and whether he will consider relieving them of this expenditure if the recommendations of the Commission are not carried out?

As regards the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave to the right hon. Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore) on the 29th of January and to the hon. Member for Camberwell (Dr. Morgan) on the 5th of February. I am not in a position to reply to the second part of the question, which is hypothetical.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any reply has yet been sent to the representations of the Governor of the Leeward Islands drawing attention to the distress and destruction of the sugar indutry which will result if His Majesty's Government is unable to give effect to the recommendations of the West Indian Sugar Commission; what was the nature of the reply; whether any further communications have been received from other Governors in the West Indies; and what has been their nature and the reply sent in each case?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My Noble Friend has received through the Governor of Barbados a telegram embodying a message from the Barbados Legislature. The message, which is too long to quote here, appeared in the Press on the 4th of April. No reply has yet been returned.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state who are to be British delegates to Geneva for the next meeting of the Preparatory Commission for Disarmament?

As the House has already been informed, as at present arranged Lord Cecil will represent His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister what course the Government now proposes to adopt with reference to the Channel Tunnel project?

The question will be considered by the Committee of Imperial Defence when reports which have been called for on various technical questions involved are received.

Is the matter likely to take some time?

Will it be expedited?

I cannot say what the hon. and gallant Member has in mind when he uses the word "expedited.".

I am referring to the decision of the Government. Will they go carefully into the matter and let us know whether they are in favour of the Channel tunnel?

I have already said that the matter will be considered when the report has been received.

And I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it will be expedited in order that a decision may be arrived at at an early date.

It will be time to take a decision when we have seen the report.

If the Channel tunnel is to be proceeded with, will it not be a case of excavation rather than expediting?

Has this matter been brought to the notice of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and have, they considered it?

asked the Prime Minister, whether, in the interests of economy and efficiency, the question of placing the Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry under a Minister of Defence has been considered; and whether he is in a position to make any announcement as to this proposal?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many migrants to Canada have gone out under the £10–passage scheme in the last three months?

The total number of British migrants proceeding to Canada in the three months ending 28th February last (the latest date to which figures are available) was approximately 2,849. The number proceeding at the £10 rate was approximately 1,464.

Is it the intention of the Government to continue this excellent scheme?

The £10 passage agreement terminates at the end of this year. Some 37,140 persons went to Canada during 1929 under that agreement, and we are hoping to be able to make arrangements for its continuance after this year.

Do all these migrants go out to agricultural occupations, or are these cheap passages open to migrants seeking other occupations?

Those who go under the Empire Settlement Act usually go for work upon the land, but the £10 rate is provided for either industrialists or land workers.

Can my hon. Friend say whether any more advantageous terms can be arranged?

I wish they could be.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many migrants have gone to Canada and to Australia, respectively, with assisted passages, under the Empire Settlement Act, during the last three months; and how many applicants are approved for migration in April, May and June?

The number of migrants proceeding to Canada and Australia, respectively, with assisted passages during the last three months was approximately 2,500 and 1,200. Applicants approved for assisted passages to Canada are provided with warrants on which they book their own passage. Outstanding warrants available to the end of June cover 914 persons. Assisted settlers booked for Australia to the end of June at present number 67.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to make a statement of policy with regard to Empire migration and settlement?

No, Sir. His Majesty's Government do not anticipate that they will be in a position to make any general statement on this question until after the forthcoming Imperial Conference.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether they have taken into consideration the possibility of modifying the fifty-fifty basis of the Empire Settlement Act?

The whole question of the Empire Settlement Act and any arrangements that can be made to, facilitate migration are now being considered, and the Oversea Settlement Committee have decided upon a special meeting for the purpose of providing material for the Imperial Conference when it takes place.

May I take it from that that communications are being carried on with the Dominions regarding the discussions which must take place at the Imperial Conference?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the cost, based on the average weekly consumption, for petrol used by the Royal Air Force?

I think my hon. Friend will find that the information which he requires is given at page 49 of the Air Estimates, 1930, where the cost of petrol for the financial year is shown to be £580,000.

Can my hon. Friend say how much petrol was used by the Air Force?

Is the fuel which is used pure petrol or is there any British made benzol?

I am afraid that I am not a technical expert upon that question. If a question on the subject is put down, I will give an answer.

Arising out of that answer—

Nothing arises out of that answer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any useful data have been obtained from the flights of the R 100 and R 101; and to what purpose these vessels will now be put?

As the answer is somewhat long, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Do the Government intend to give Members of this House another opportunity for a flight?

That question will have to remain in abeyance for the present.

Will the hon. Gentleman extend the invitation to the Soviet Ambassador and his suite?

Following is the answer:

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is difficult within the space of a Parliamentary answer to enumerate the data established by the flights. Some information upon this subject, as well as upon that referred to in the second part of the question, regarding the future use of the airships, was given in my Noble Friend's Memorandum accompanying the Air Estimates, pages 6 and 7, as well as in my remarks upon this subject during the introduction of the Air Estimates on 18th March. To what was then said I need only add that the two airships, essentially experimental in their nature, were built with a primary regard for safety and in conformity with a stringent set of airworthiness requirements. In this respect the design has fully come up to all expectations, and both airships have attained or exceeded the performance predicted for them on the basis of model experiments. The preliminary trials are now complete, and both airships have shown themselves to be thoroughly stable and easy to control. The experience has taught us how to design a safe airship, and we have also learned that it is possible to achieve a reasonable degree of passenger comfort without undue cost in weight.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make a statement with regard to the negotiations that are proceeding for the construction of a by-pass road at the Elephant and Castle?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement as the matter is still under discussion with the London County Council.