asked the Secretary of State for India the names of the persons serving on the Central Board of Revenue appointed by the Government of India under the Indian Central Board of Revenue Act, 1924; and can he state what administrative functions are discharged by this Board?

I am circulating this information.

Can my right hon. Friend say the number of persons serving on the Central Board of Revenue, and by whom they are appointed?

I do not think that that information was asked for in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has now considered Cmd. 3451, Report of the Indian Central Committee, 1928–29, and especially paragraph 137 of Chapter 6, and the recommendation of the committee with regard to the establishment of a military college in India; and whether he can report any progress in the preparations for the establishment of such college or colleges in India for the training of suitable Indian gentlemen for Commissions in His Majesty's Forces?

I have, of course, read what is said on this matter and others in the report. I have explained to my hon. and gallant Friend the lines on which the Government of India are working, and I can only assure him that further steps will be taken as soon as the occasion presents itself.

Can my right hon. Friend assure me that the matter is being got on with without delay? Ten months is a long time.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for India what are the reasons for the congestion of work in the Bombay High Court, resulting in suits instituted in 1925 still awaiting hearing; and what steps are being taken to remedy this state of affairs?

The whole question of congestion in the Bombay High Court and other connected matters is engaging the active consideration of the Government of Bombay, and until I have received their report I shall not be in a position to make a statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of setting up a Commission to go into the whole matter, because the delay is very prolonged?

The delay is prolonged, and I will see that the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman is brought to the notice of the Government of Bombay.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now state the date when the Simon Commission Report will be published?

I have consulted the Chairman of the Statutory Commission and am now able to give the House the following reply:

The Statutory Commission's report will be issued in two volumes, with an interval between the publication of the first and the second. Almost the whole of the first volume is in the printer's hands. The second volume is not so far advanced. I hope to be able to make a more definite announcement as to dates of publication when the House resumes after Easter, but in the meantime I must point out that, after the whole Report is signed, processes of binding and production and the necessity of simultaneous issue in India and in this country inevitably involve some delay before it can be available for Parliament. I have every reason to know that no time is being wasted in the completion of a very heavy task.

Is my right hon. Friend considering the question of issuing a summary, as was suggested some time ago?

I think that that is rather a matter for the Chairman of the Commission than for me.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has been advised of the request of the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce to bring the tobacco industry in India under State control; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have no information on the subject except what has appeared in the Press. I have no doubt that if any practical proposals are put forward they will be duly considered by the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has any further information regarding the campaign of civil disobedience being conducted by Mahatma Gandhi?

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give the House the latest information available regarding the situation in India and the civil disobedience movement?

The movement initiated by Mr. Gandhi has developed generally along the lines which were anticipated. Broadly speaking, it may be said that the defiance of the Salt Law has in itself not caused much trouble. Its real significance lies in the attempt to use it as a means of rousing public sentiment to a dangerous pitch, and in one or two places the public demonstrations have, I regret to say, resulted in clashes with the police. As I said last week, it is too early yet to give an appreciation of the effects of this campaign, but I have every confidence that the steps taken by the Government of India will be adequate to deal with the situation as it may develop.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many persons have been arrested since the beginning of the campaign of disobedience for breaking the law in connection with salt and other matters?

I will gladly do what the Noble Lord desires and will ask for specific information on that point.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the case that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Chairman of the India National Congress, has been arrested to day arising from that campaign?

I have seen that announcement made in the newspapers, but I have no information officially of the arrest.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the case that the principal share markets in Bombay have been closed and that—

That matter does not arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to make any further statement on the action of the General Medical Council in withdrawing recognition of various medical degrees of India?

I regret that I am unable to add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 20th March last.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the widespread indignation caused throughout India among all parties on this question; and cannot something be done to expedite the matter?

The Government of India are fully aware of the position, and I am sure that they are dealing with it as expeditiously as they can.

Is it within the power of India to consider the withdrawal of English medical degrees in India?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India propose to accept the recommendation of the Haj inquiry committee to the effect that a centralised agency should be set up to keep the Government in close touch with the problems relating to Haj pilgrims?

I have not yet received any statement of the views of the Government of India on the recommendations of this committee.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to make a statement regarding the existence in Sindh of a traffic in girls kidnapped from the neighbouring territories of Katchh, Kathiawar, Gujrat and Marwar; and whether he can give any in- formation as to the steps that have been taken, or are contemplated, with a view to bringing this traffic to an end?

No, Sir. I am still in correspondence with the Government of India on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for India the number of Indians who have returned to India from the Union of South Africa under the provisions of the assisted emigration scheme since the scheme came into force in August, 1927; and what proportion of the persons so returned have availed themselves of the provisions of the scheme enabling return to the Union of South Africa subject to certain conditions?

I have no official figure later than that which I gave my hon. and gallant Friend on 18th November. But I have seen the report of a statement made by the South African Minister of Education in the Union Parliament in August last to the effect that between 6,000 and 7,000 Indians had left South Africa under the scheme, and only four had returned.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can furnish information about the proposed restriction of tea planting and production in India?

I have no information except what has appeared in the Press.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give the most recent information of the number of labour unions that have been registered in India?

I am sending to the hon. Member a statement containing all the information in my possession.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any of the provinces of the Government of India employ women police; and, if so, can he state what are their duties and give particulars?

No women police are employed in India with the exception of one lady inspector in the Punjab, who has the status of a police officer and whose duty is to look after female railway passengers.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is now in a position to state the nature of the inscriptions on banners which formed the basis of the recent prosecution and conviction of Mr. Subhas C. Bose and others?

So far as I am aware the case is still sub judice. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the judgment of the magistrate, which contains all the information in my possession.

asked the Secretary of State for India what proportions of the whole expenditure on salaries and expenses of the India Office is represented by the Grant-in-Aid of £106,000 in the Civil Estimates for the current year?

The estimated expenditure on salaries and expenses of the India Office for the year 1930–31 is £257,000. Towards this Imperial Revenues contribute indirectly a sum of £12,000 in addition to the Grant-in-Aid of £106,000. The total contribution, £118,000, represents approximately 46 per cent. of the estimated expenditure.

asked the Attorney-General if he is now in a position to state what action, if any, he contemplates taking against the Dutchman, named Hauser, who corrupted the two civil servants of the Enemy Debts Department who were recently convicted?

I have been asked to reply to this question and regret that I can only say that it would not be in the public interest to make any statement on this matter.

Is my hon. Friend aware this matter has been under con- sideration for nearly two months; and will he endeavour to get those responsible to come to an early decision upon it?

As far as my Department is concerned, there has been no delay whatever. I can give the hon. Member, privately, some information to explain further my answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter was known to the late Government for nearly two years?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now give the House an indication of the position of affairs in connection with the Egyptian Conference and state what points arising out of the offer set out in the White Paper are now and have been under discussion?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now make any statement as to the progress of the negotiations with the Egyptian delegation now in this country?

The proposals issued in the White Paper are still under discussion, but my right hon. Friend does not consider that it would be helpful at the present stage of the negotiations to go into points of detail in reply to a Parliamentary Question.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether we are to understand that the proposals do not go further than those laid down in the White Paper under discussion. in view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman the Foreign Secretary that these proposals were the extreme limit to which we can go?

My right hon. Friend hopes that he may perhaps be in a position to make a statement on the Adjournment on Thursday by permission of the House. Meanwhile, I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects have been dismissed from Government positions in Egypt since last July; and what pensions have been awarded to them?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British officials in the service of the Egyptian Government have had their contracts cancelled during the last six months; whether they have received adequate compensation; and is any action being taken to find them other employment?

So far as I am aware no British officials have been dismissed from the Egyptian Government Service. With regard to the number of those whose contracts have not been renewed, I would refer the hon. Member to the written reply returned to the hon. and gallant Member for Bromley (Lieut.-Colonel James) on the 11th of April. Apart from one or two exceptions, the pensionable service of foreign officials under the Egyptian Government came to an end with the enactment in July, 1923, of Law No. 28, which provided for generous compensation to the total amount of, roughly, £7,000,000. No further liabilities under this head arise.

When he states that no officials have been dismissed, has the hon. Gentleman forgotten Lord Lloyd?

Lord Lloyd informed us that he did not consider himself—[Interruption.]

May I respectfully draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that one of the questions was mine and that I desire to ask a supplementary question?

I have called the next question.

On a point of Order—

There cannot be a point of Order.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there have been any discussions since July last between His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government concerning Italian interests in Egypt?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the composition of, and the nature of the duties performed by, the Straits Administrative Commission; whether it is a permanent body; and the total cost of the Commission to the British Government?

The Straits Commission consists of representatives of Bulgaria, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Japan, Rumania and Turkey. It is the duty of the Commission, which is a permanent body, to see that those provisions of the Straits Convention of Lausanne which relate to the passage of warships and military aircraft Are duly carried out. The total cost of the Commission to His Majesty's Government is, approximately, £1,670 per annum.

Can the hon. Gentleman say who are the representatives?

I cannot answer that question without notice. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question, we will give him a reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the present position of the negotiations for an Anglo-Soviet Russian trade treaty?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under the trade treaty now under negotiation with the Russian Soviet Ambassador, it is contemplated to give special diplomatic privileges to any trade representatives such as were previously given to the directors of Arcos, or whether it is proposed that the Soviet Government should be in the same position as other persons engaging in trade with this country?

Yes, Sir. Negotiations have been proceeding for the purpose of concluding a temporary commercial agreement to serve as a modus vivendi pending the conclusion of a full treaty. Although certain points remain to be settled, agreement has been reached on the main features of this temporary instrument. It will provide generally for the reciprocal grant of most-favoured-nation treatment in respect of trade, and of national treatment, subject to certain exceptions, in respect of shipping. It will also accord to the Soviet Government the right to establish in London a trade delegation consisting of the trade representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and his two deputies, forming part of the Soviet Embassy. The head of this delegation, and the two deputies, will consequently receive diplomatic privileges. Immunity will also attach to specified offices, occupied by the delegation and used exclusively for commercial purposes. The diplomatic privileges accorded by the agreement will not, however, be claimed in connection with any proceedings before the Courts in respect of commercial transactions entered into by the delegation in this country.

It is hoped to bring this temporary agreement, which will be subject to denunciation at six months' notice, and only valid pending the conclusion of a full Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, into operation at an early date.

Will the agreement be immediately published and made available to the House?

It will be published as a White Paper at an early date.

Can the hon. Member say whether, when any of these officials go home, they will be afforded protection against their own Government?

Arising out of Question 32, can the hon. Gentleman say how the Government propose to see that these officers are used only for commercial purposes, if they are at the same time to have diplomatic privileges?

The hon. Member has answered the question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an assurance to the House that no new trade treaty will be entered into with the Russian Soviet Government before a definite settlement has been arrived at as to the payment of private debts owing to British nationals?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr Smithers) on the 20th of March. As I have already informed the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood), the negotiations for a full commercial treaty have not yet begun. My right hon. Friend contemplates that these negotiations and those for a settlement of claims and debts will proceed concurrently.

The hon. Member has not answered the point raised in my question as to whether any definite settlement will be arrived at until an agreement has been reached as to the payment of debts to British nationals who have had their property taken without compensation?

That is covered by the reply to a question by the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Smithers) on the 20th March.

Are we to take it, in view of the statement made in reply to an earlier question, that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to enter into a trade agreement before the debts are settled?

The previous answer which I gave to the right hon. Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood) gave particulars of the trade agreement. That, as I have already informed the House, has practically been concluded. As I have stated in reply to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison), it is contemplated by my right hon. Friend that the negotiations for the full trade treaty, which is to follow the trade agreement, and for the settlement of debts and claims, will proceed concurrently.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to say whether the Anglican church in Moscow is now available if wanted for religious worship?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has ascertained that if at any time the Anglican church were required for religious worship there is no reason why arrangements should not be made for it to be so used.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what taxation will be imposed upon that church and what rates they will be called upon to pay?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet representative in England has approached His Majesty's Government for co-operation in compelling certain of its agents to return to Russia?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any representations from the Soviet Ambassador with regard to the employés of the Soviet Government in London who have been ordered to return to Moscow under penalty of death; and what action is being taken by the Foreign Office in the matter?

No representations have been received, and consequently no action has been taken.

Will the Government prevent the policy of persecution in Russia from extending to their subjects in this country?

I think that is a rhetorical question.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance as to the rights of asylum being granted to these persons here, seeing that diplomatic representatives are being compelled to return to their country, on pain of death, for no alleged crime?

That question is hypothetical, and, if it were not, it should be addressed to the Home Office.

Will the hon. Member prevent the persecution of these people in this country?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are certain Soviet subjects in this country who, by their refusal to re- turn to Russia, have incurred the death penalty in their own country; and whether these Soviet subjects, on the expiration of their permit to reside in this country, are to be given asylum in this country or are to be deported to Russia?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for East Lewisham (Sir A. Pownall) on the 10th instant. I can at present add nothing to that reply.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when these permits expire, these men have to leave this country?

That question asks me to anticipate any decision which later I may be justified in reaching.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these Russians contemplate this as a lovely land to live in?

asked the Home Secretary what limits or conditions are placed upon the continued residence of citizens of the Soviet Union in this country, apart from the Soviet Ambassador and his suite?

Soviet citizens, like all other aliens, are subject to the provisions of the Aliens Order, 1920. All who come to this country for business, for employment by Soviet organisations, or for other purposes, and who are given leave to land, have definite time conditions imposed on this leave. They are required to leave the country within the period specified unless they apply for and, obtain an extension of time from my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information of cases in which British women and girls are subjected to medical examination on arrival at foreign ports; and can he give particulars?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend has received no particulars of individual cases of the examination of British women abroad.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position in China and the date of the last communication he has received from the British representative in China?

In North China the forces of the coalition against the Chinese Government have advanced into Shantung and Honan, encountering little, if any, resistance. In South China Government troops have recaptured the town of Yuanchow, which had been captured by bandits. On the other hand, four North River districts in the province of Kwangtung have been captured by insurgents. The Canton Government is finding difficulty in dealing with this new threat, since nearly all their troops are engaged against rebels on the Kuangsi front. My right hon. Friend is in daily receipt of reports on the situation from His Majesty's representative in China.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the entire cost of regular naval and military guards on British ships to afford protection against piracy is to be charged to the shipping companies or only the additional cost incidental to their special service?

As stated in my reply to a question by the hon. Member on 26th March the cost of any regular guards supplied after the 31st March will be charged against the shipping companies in full.

Why are British ship-owners treated worse than the Egyptian Government in this matter?

I have no reason to believe that they are treated worse.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that the Egyptian Government are only charged the extra cost of British troops stationed in Egypt and not the whole cost?

That is an entirely different matter.

Is it not the traditional British policy to afford our ships protection against piracy?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what fees were collected duriag the last 12 months through issuing passports in London; and how many such passports were issued?

182,423 passports were issued in London during the year ended the 31st of December, 1929. The total amount of fees collected curing this period by the London Passport Office in respect of all services rendered was £91,240.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many pension cases outside the seven years' limit have been brought to his notice since the official statement on Government policy with regard to this limit; how many have been allowed how may are old cases; how many of these latter have been refused in spite of furnishing fresh medical evidence; and in how many cases the private doctors concerned disagreed with the findings of the Ministry's medical board?

In the absence of my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Pensions, on official duties, I have been asked to reply. During this period, I am informed, some 9,500 fresh applications have been received and about 2,500 applications have been revived. Altogether 227 claims have been recognised by the Ministry during the same period, either by way of pension or treatment, though naturally it has not yet been possible to investigate more than a proportion of the recent applications. I understand that the records of the Ministry do not enable the information asked for in the last two parts of the question to be given, but that in the majority of cases no fresh material medical evidence has ordinarily been produced in support of revived claims.

Can the hon. Member say in what respect the policy of the present Government varies from that of their predecessors?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his Department have under consideration a series of exhibitions in the leading cities of the Dominions and Colonies for the purpose of promoting the purchase of British goods in the same manner as the British Industries Fair which is organised in England; can he say whether the trade commissioners appointed by his Department have received any instructions to further this object; and will he give particulars?

The possibility of holding the fair, or sections of it, at centres outside this country, and the possibility of organising a travelling fair either in ships or trains, are questions which have been referred to the Chelmsford Committee. Pending the receipt of the Committee's report, no instructions have been sent to trade commissioners.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what are the duties of the Bureau for Limitation of International Exhibitions; what is its composition; where is it situated; and what proportion of the total cost is represented by the contribution of £500 contained in the Civil Estimates for the current year?

The functions of the International Exhibitions Bureau will be to see that the provisions of the Convention relating to International Exhibitions, signed at Paris in November, 1928, are duly carried out. The Bureau will not be set up until after the Convention itself comes into force, which it will not do until it has been ratified by at least seven of the signatory countries. (Hitherto only one country has formally ratified the Convention.) The Bureau will be controlled by an administrative council composed of members appointed by the contracting countries who ratify the Convention. The seat of the Bureau is, by the terms of the Convention, to be fixed at the first meeting of the administrative council, which is to be convened at Paris by the French Government in the year following the coming into force of the Convention. The budget of the Bureau has been provisionally fixed at £4,000 sterling.

In view of the hon. Member's reply, may I ask what useful purpose is being served by the continuance of this bureau?

One of the principal advantages is to try and secure, if it is possible, that there shall not be so many of these exhibitions.

Does the hon. Member think that it is worth the money we are paying for it?

We are not paying the whole of this £4,000.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the hydro-electric power development scheme on the St. Francois River, in Quebec, designed to meet the growing requirements of the eastern townships of that province; and if he will take steps, when the plans are approved by the Quebec public service commission, to endeavour to secure that the contract for the necessary machinery may be placed in this country?

Various reports relating to this project, which is known as the Beauharnois scheme, have been sent to my Department which, in conjunction with His Majesty's senior trade commissioner in Canada, has already made and will continue to make every effort to secure that as large a proportion as possible of the orders for the necessary plant and material shall be placed in this country.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman's Department is keeping in touch with the senior trade commissioner on other matters of a similar character?

I have no doubt that is the case, but I cannot actually say.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the nature and extent of the assistance which the Imperial Government contemplate, in co-operation with the Government of Jamaica, for the development of the citrus fruit industry in that Colony and also for the promotion of the silk and other industries of Jamaica?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As the answer is long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Yes, but I must ask the hon. Member to indicate the policy of his Department towards the development of these islands. Are they sympathetic towards this project?

Yes. The hon. Member, when he reads the reply, will find that that is the case.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the import duty on motor cycles imported from this country into Czechoslovakia has been increased as from 1st April last by 17½ per cent., and that, before this increased duty was imposed, the import duty on these articles was no less than 41 per cent.; whether he has any official information showing that the French manufacturers of motor cycles are receiving special perferential treatment in Czechoslovakia as against Great Britain; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the Czechoslovakian Government with a view to the modification of the new duties as against Great Britain?

I am not aware of any change in the Customs Duty on motor cycles imported into Czechoslovakia. By a recent decree there has been an alteration, as from 1st April, in the assessment of the turnover tax levied on the importation of certain articles. Motor cycles are now taxed at 250 crowns per 100 kilos gross weight instead of the former rate of 2 per cent. ad valorem. I am not aware that French motor cycles receive preferential treatment. Steps have already been taken by His Majesty's Commercial Secretary to secure, if possible, that the new taxation shall not apply to goods in transit or in customs warehouses. I am endeavouring to obtain some further information in regard to the tax with a view to approaching the Czechoslovakian Government on the subject.

Will the hon. Member, in approaching the Government of Czechoslovakia on this important point, call their attention to the fact that the balance of trade between their country and ours is £7,000,000 in their favour, and will he ask them to make some concession on this matter.

Is not this very important to our export trade and will the hon. Member convey this information to the President of the Board of Trade as an indication of the result of his interference at the Geneva Conference?

We are still awaiting information, and, when we have it, we shall consider the possibility mentioned by the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon).

May I ask whether these duties have been put on as a result of the Tariff Truce?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent tendency towards the creation of monopolies and rings in industry and trade; and whether he will consider the appointment of a Departmental Committee to inquire into the effect of such monopolies and rings upon the price of important commodities which are averse to the interests of the country?

In view of the intention of the Government to introduce at an early date legislation for the establishment of a Consumers' Council, and of the recent appointment of a Committee to inquire into certain trade practices, I do not think the appointment of a further committee is necessary at present.

Is it not the case that there are already masses of material on this point in the possession of the Department and that what is wanting is authority to use it?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total acreage in England which is urgently in need of arterial drainage; when the last survey was made; and will he give particulars?

It was estimated by the Ministry in 1927 that 1,166,000 acres of land in England were urgently in need of arterial drainage. This estimate was based on information supplied by drainage authorities and county councils and by officers of the Ministry, and on the experience of the Ministry, as the result of drainage operations for the relief of unemployment carried out during the years 1921–1926. More recent information which is in the possession of the Ministry as a result of the surveying work which is proceeding in connection with the Land Drainage Bill indicates that the figure given in 1927 must now be regarded as an under-estimate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres were under cultivation for cereals and potatoes, respectively, for the years 1928 and 1929 in England and Wales?

The areas under cereals and potatoes in England and Wales in 1928 were 4,493,071 acres and 498,019 acres respectively, and in 1929 the corresponding figures were 4,479,714 acres and 518,808 acres.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prosecutions which have taken place during the past six months under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act; the total amount of arrears of wages which have been recovered; and the largest individual amount?

The number of prosecutions undertaken during the six months ended 31st March, 1930, under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, for failure to pay wages at not less than the minimum rates was 100 in respect of 170 workers. The total arrears of wages awarded by the courts in these cases was £2,013, the largest amount ordered to be paid by an individual employer being £119 17s. 6d. for six workers. The largest amount received by an individual worker was £64 15s. 3d.

Can the Minister of Agriculture say how many farm workers have been dismissed because arrears were to be paid?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down that question on the Order Paper?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will obtain and issue the information and particulars of the schemes recently adopted in New Zealand, Switzerland and Norway, under which the home farmers secure a first claim on the home market at a stabilised price, and the balance of the home requirements are obtained from abroad?

I am taking steps to supplement the information already in my possession regarding the schemes referred to by my hon. Friend, and when my information is complete in detail I will consider whether any useful purpose would be served by publication.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many meetings of the Agricultural Conference have taken place; when it met last; and when he anticipates it will have concluded its abroad?

The Agricultural Conference has held 10 meetings, the last taking place on Friday, 21st March. The Conference is holding itself in readiness for further meetings, but I am not at present in a position to give the date of the next meeting.

Why has the Conference not met in the last few weeks?

The Conference is awaiting the result of the technical examination of proposals before fixing an exact date.

Did the right hon. Gentleman adjourn the Conference?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the purport of the representations he has received from a mass meeting of 1,200 landlords, farmers, and farm workers of Wiltshire and surrounding counties, held at Salisbury, in regard to the plight of the agricultural industry and the present price for cereals; and what steps the Government propose in order to relieve the situation?

The representations in question expressed concern at the position of agriculture and asked that measures should be taken to assure farmers a remunerative price for cereals. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Members to previous replies to similar questions, to which I have nothing to add at present.

In view of the large and representative character of this gathering, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that he should do something to accelerate matters?

In view of the cheapness of wheat, what is the explanation of the present price of bread?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to take any steps, and, if so, of what nature, to ensure the use of a greater percentage of flour made from British-grown wheat in bread sold to the British public?

I would refer the hon. Member to the last part of the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for South Edinburgh (Sir S. Chapman) on the 7th April, of which I am sending him a copy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consult the Leader of the Liberal party on the proposal for the prohibition of bounty-fed cereals?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the increasing cases of bankruptcy among farmers, he is able to fix a date when he proposes to introduce any Measure remedial of their present condition?

The hon. Member appears to be incorrect in his premise. The number of bankruptcies and receiving orders among farmers in 1929 was the lowest recorded for the last eight years, with the exception of 1926. The figures for the first three months of this year are the lowest since 1926.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an hon. Member sitting behind him has said that unless effective measures are taken very soon, nothing but calamity awaits the agricultural industry?

I have given the exact figures regarding bankruptcy.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the small number of bankruptcies is due to the fact that farmers cannot afford to make anyone bankrupt?

The hon. Member who put the question asked for the facts in regard to bankruptcies, and I have given them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has received an application from the Teifi Fishery Board for permission to increase the cost of licences to the fishermen; and what his decision is in this matter?

Yes, Sir, and I have given instructions for a public local inquiry to be held into the application.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce legislation which will so adjust financial and fiscal conditions in this country as to give workers, particularly in the agricultural and textile industries, the opportunity of having their products sold at an economic level?

No legislation has yet been discovered by the wit of man to secure this at any given time and under any conditions.

May I ask whether it is not the fact that workers cannot have their products sold at an economic level until the currency is brought into real relation with individual productive capacity?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will undertake to obtain the assent of this House before concluding any Three-Power agreement as a result, of the Naval Conference?

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made on Thursday last, to which I would refer the hon. and gallant Member.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he has departed from the policy set forth in his broadcast message to the United States to conclude an agreement, not between three or four Powers, but between the whole five Powers?

My statement was that I would do everything in my power to get a Five-Power agreement, and I have done that.

asked the Prime Minister whether the White Paper promised in connection with the Naval Conference will contain the points of view of France and Italy with respect to the reduction of naval strength?

The White Paper will set out only the agreements which concern us.

Will the Prime Minister inform the House when we are likely to receive the White Paper?

I hope to have the first draft to review some time to-day. It will be a day or two before it will be published.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a full statement with regard to the suspended 1930 naval shipbuilding programme, which was held up pending the result of the Five-Power Conference, and give particulars of the vessels with which it is intended to proceed?

I have been asked to reply. I have nothing to add to the statement on this subject on page two of my Statement Explanatory of the Navy Estimates (Command Paper 3506).

Is any instruction to be laid down by the right hon. Gentleman?

I think the hon. Member is rather too eager. We have not yet finished the Naval Conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether negotiations for the interpretation of Article 16 of the Covenant are still proceeding; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

The answer is in the negative.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has any intention of reopening this question?

asked the Prime Minister if it is proposed to take the Second Reading of the Grey Seals Protection Bill before the Easter Recess?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister if he has yet decided whether he intends to proceed further with the Coast Protection Bill?

I can add nothing to what I have already said in reply to questions on this subject. The position is still unchanged.

Is it to be assumed that the Government have now dropped this Bill?

The statement was that, if there was to be a cessation of the opposition to the Measure, communication would be made through the usual channels. No such communication has been made.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been reached to proceed with the construction of a tunnel between England and France; whether this will be a dual rail and road tunnel; and whether a direct East-Coast road and rail route has been considered so as to obviate or relieve the congestion of London road and rail traffic?

As regards the first part of the question, the matter is still before the authorities concerned, and, though there will be no unnecessary delay, time must be given for a very thorough final consideration of a project of such importance; the other parts do not therefore at the moment arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the continued export of broken down horses for slaughter; if he is aware that a weekly contract is still continuing at Vaugirard; and whether he can promise early legislation to deal with this problem?

The export of broken down horses is already prohibited and the question of further legislation to deal with this problem does not therefore arise. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Ilford (Sir G. Hamilton) on the 20th March, of which I am sending him a copy. I have no knowledge of any weekly contract for the supply of horses to Vaugirard.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to investigate the allegation that this export is continuing?

Certainly. We are constantly following the facts, and our inspector is frequently travelling for the purpose.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that he is satisfied with the condition of this trade?

Does the right hon. Gentleman still maintain that the answer which he recently gave in the House, that no British horses are slaughtered in Vaugirard, is in accordance with the facts?

The only new fact that I have to add, since I last answered a question, is that seven horses have been sent to Vaugirard, but they were all killed by shooting.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he now in a posi- tion to make a statement as to a siite for the Macclesfield Employment Exchange?

Plans are still under discussion, and until they have been settled it cannot be determined whether the proposed site is suitable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that nearly every fortnight for nearly nine months I have put a question to himself or to the Minister of Labour on this subject, and will he take steps to see that someone gives it attention quickly?