asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is in a position to make any statement with regard to the question of the recognition by the General Medical Council of Indian medical degrees; and whether any settlement has been reached?

The present intention of the Government of India is to establish an all-India Medical Council which will regulate the recognition of medical qualifications in India. I explained the position in regard to this subject on 18th June in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Derbyshire (Major Pole).

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how any decision of the Indian Government to consider the formation of an Indian Medical Council can possibly help Indian gentlemen who may desire to practise in this country?

I should require notice with regard to special points.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been in negotiation with the General Medical Council on this matter?

The whole matter arose in connection with the General Medical Council.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the special meeting of the League against Imperialism held recently in Berlin to organise international support for the great Indian struggle for emancipation; whether he has received an application from the league to permit Mr. J. R. Campbell and Mr. R. Bridgeman, as members of a delegation of the league, to proceed to India; and whether he will state the nature and terms of his reply to such application?

The answer to the first, two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, my reply was that I was unable to recommend the grant of passport facilities for the journey to India to the members of the proposed delegation.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any figures showing the reduction of British imports and exports to and from India this year?

The latest complete figures available are those for the three months January to March, 1930. These show a reduction of 14 per cent. in the value of imports from India into the United Kingdom and a reduction of 13 per cent. in the value of exports from the United Kingdom to India as compared with the corresponding three months of 1929. Figures are available up to the end of May which cover commodities representing about 70 per cent. of the total volume of trade. On these figures there is for the three months March to May, 1930, a reduction of 14 per cent. in imports from India and a reduction of 21 per cent. in exports to India as compared with the corresponding three months of 1929.

While it may be the case that the fall in the exports to India is caused by other reasons, is it not the case that, imports into this country from India have declined in proportion to the imports into other countries of Europe from India during the same period?

That may be so, but I would like to look at the figures again before giving a precise answer.

Is it not a question of the depreciation of values?

The values are the figures that I have taken.

In view of the condition of unemployment in this country, is it not desirable to reach some settlement with the Indian people which would enable us to trade with them to a larger extent?

It is highly desirable.

The right hon. Gentleman does not imply, by his reply to the hon. Member for East Leyton (Mr. Brockway), that this decline in trade is wholly or primarily due to political conditions? Is it not also due to world trade depression?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether a conference is to be summoned in India of selected leaders of various parties to consider the present situation?

I am not quite clear to what my hon. Friend refers, but the Viceroy is of course in touch with leaders of various Indian parties.

Is not the time opportune to call a special conference so as to prevent an even more serious crisis arising?

The Viceroy, no doubt, has all these matters in mind.

Is it not a fact that the most representative leaders are in prison?

asked the Secretary of State for India why the names of the British other ranks, who were killed in the recent military operations in the North-West Frontier Province, were not officially published until several days after their deaths had occurred, although statements that there had been casualties appeared in the Press on the day following the operations?

I understand that the next of kin were officially informed immediately. Publication is another matter and if the Noble Lord desires, I will examine it.

Why has the practice been departed from, when casualties occur in any part of the Empire, of publishing the names of the casualties as soon as possible?

The Noble Lord will observe that, in order to save pain to the relatives, it is very desirable that the private information should be given before publication.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has now received further information from the Government of India in regard to the Communist propaganda in the North-West Frontier Province which was mentioned in an official communiqué in May?

Yes, Sir. The further information which I have received confirms the statements that I have previously made, namely, that though some of the agitation and disturbances in the North-West Frontier Province had certain of the characteristics of Communist organisation there is no evidence that they were directly due to the efforts of Communist agents or agencies from outside India. The Red Shirts' organisation which is affiliated to Abdul Ghaffar Khan's Youth League, is reported to be of indigenous growth and its objects, though largely political, are also partly social and religious. Its use of red uniforms and Communist emblems is probably imitative rather than directly inspired, and I have no proof of any financial support for the organisation coming from Russia.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps have been taken to stop the distribution of revolutionary literature among the tribes on the Indian border; from what source does it come; and whether he is aware that pamphlets inciting Indians against British rule with the crest of the hammer and sickle on them have been recently found at Peshawar, Rawal Pindi and other military centres in the north of India?

Such literature has been distributed, and appropriate action has been taken by ordinance and otherwise to deal with the matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps have been taken to find out from what source this literature has come?

All the information on this topic has been given to the House of Commons, as it has been received, in answer to questions.

asked the Secretary of State for India why the first assistant secretary to the Government of Bengal has been refused the benefits of the recommendations of the Lee Commission's Report on the grounds of his appointment having been made in India, and his appointment being one in which his successor could be an Asiatic, when these benefits were conceded to the late registrar of joint stock companies, Bengal, the principal of the Law College, Madras, and the deputy registrar of the high Court; and why these benefits are accorded to the superintendent of Government printing in Bengal and denied to the lawyer who drafts the Acts and ordinances which he prints?

If the hon. Gentleman will allow it, I will circulate the answer to his question, as points of detail are involved.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, owing to the increasing lawlessness in Bombay, any special measures are being taken to maintain law and order; and whether there are sufficient troops in Bombay for that purpose?

Emergency measures, the nature and necessity of which I have explained to the House, have been taken in recent months in Bombay. I have no reason to suppose that the local Government is unable to control the situation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that lawlessness is increasing in Bombay, and is he satisfied that there are sufficient troops there to keep law and order?

In view of the fact that lawlessness is increasing in India, in spite of all the precautions that are being taken to prevent it, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a change in Governmental policy would be of much more importance?

May I have an answer to my supplementary question?

The Secretary of State has already answered the hon. and gallant Member's supplementary question in his reply to the question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for India what measures of Indianisation are being introduced in the commissioned and warrant ranks of the Royal Indian Marine now that it has been reorganised on a combatant basis?

Indians have not in the past been debarred from commissioned rank in the Royal Indian Marine, but until recently Indian candidates have not been forthcoming. Special steps have now been taken for the recruitment and training of young Indians, and it is hoped that henceforth it will be possible to appoint Indians in one-third of the vacancies for executive and engineer officers. It is intended also to replace the European boatswains as they retire by Indians selected from qualified and suitable deck ratings, as soon as ratings are available with the necessary qualifications. Similarly, arrangements are being made to train suitable Indians as wireless operators to replace the civilian operators who have hitherto been obtained on loan for limited periods from the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department. While this process of training is necessary, it will be supervised by ex-petty officer telegraphists whom it is hoped to obtain from the Royal Navy. In future, also, warrant writers and writers will be recruited solely from Indians, Anglo-Indians and members of the domiciled community in India.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that this Act which was so hotly opposed by the party opposite, is working very satisfactorily and carrying out the promises which were given to India?

As to the Act itself, it is quite irrelevant. I have given a very full answer to the question on the Paper.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the procedure——

General Clifton Brown.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is satisfied that there are enough troops on the Indian frontier to deal with the situation; and whether arrangements have been made for British reinforcements in the event of further risings among the Afridi and Mohmand tribes?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for India what was the original estimate of the number of copies of the Royal Commission's Report which would be available in India; how many copies were in fact ordered for India; if copies are now procurable; whether additional orders have been given; and, if so, for how many copies?

The Government of India originally estimated the number of copies of the Commission's Report required for India at 7,000 of each volume. This number of copies was despatched. In the case of Volume I, 3,000 copies should have been available for distribution about 14th June, apart from the copies made available to the Press on the day of publication and the remainder by the end of this week. In the case of Volume II, apart again from advance copies for the Press, 3,000 copies should be available for distribution by the end of, this week, and the remainder by about 11th July. In addition, arrangements have been made to despatch this week and next week 7,000 further copies of Volume I and 13,000 further copies of Volume II for sale in India.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the value of and interest in this great Report, that 7,000 copies is a meagre estimate for 300,000,000 souls? [Interruption.]

These figures were arrived at after consultation, and I have no doubt that, if more copies are required, they will be forthcoming.

Is not 7,000 copies a ridiculously small estimate, even taking into account all the illiteracy there? Surely, 7,000 copies is a ridiculous number, even for the Europeans in India who would desire to read this great Report?

If the hon. Member will read my answer, he will find that I have said that supplementary demands are to be met by supplementary supplies.

Is not this a matter of great Empires and little minds?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the translation of this Report into different European languages?

There is a further question on that point.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who pays for the copies ordered for India? Are they being ordered by the Indian Government, or do they collect the money for them?

I shall be glad to give the hon. Member those particulars if he will be so kind as to put a question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for India what steps have been taken to arrange for the translation of the Report of the Indian Statutory Commission into foreign languages; and whether arrangements are being made for a larger edition of Part II of the Report than was provided of Part I?

As regards the first part of the question, the matter is under consideration. The answer to the second part is yes.

With regard to the answer to the first part of the question, as to translation, could my right hon. Friend say if it is proposed to translate Parts I and II of the report into any of the indigenous languages of India—Hindu and so on?

I cannot say; the matter has not got past the preliminary stages of consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the fact that there are two questions, the one regarding translation into European languages, Japanese, and so on, and the other the necessity of translating the report into the leading Indian languages?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the taking of any steps to circulate Volumes I and II of the English edition of the report in the United States of America?

I shall be glad to make inquiries and to give the right hon. Gentleman the information when I receive it.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman not to allow the question of expense to stand in the way, but to regard it as quite a secondary matter?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give particulars of the improvements that have been made during the previous 18 months in the medical service at Chakrata United Province; the number of soldiers' wives and children for whose health the Royal Army Medical Corps are responsible at this station during the hot season; and is he satisfied that the hospital in this particular district is now properly staffed both in regard to doctors and nursing sisters?

As the result of an inquiry held in India in September, 1928, to investigate certain complaints with regard to medical treatment and arrangements at Chakrata, the Government of India made changes in the medical staff and provided a permanent increase in the nursing staff during the summer months. They were satisfied that these measures would prove adequate, and I have had no reason to question their conclusion. I could not answer the second part of the question without reference to India.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the present medical officers there have any knowledge of Eastern diseases?

I should imagine so, but perhaps my hon. Friend would put that question down.

Was not that one of the complaints previously?

I have explained to my hon. Friend that that complaint was investigated two years ago, and satisfactory measures were taken to put things right.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India and/or the provincial government have issued orders warning Government servants against attending public meetings; and, if so, what are the terms of such orders?

I have no information on this specific point, but the conduct of civil servants in India is governed by rules comparable to those in force in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received information of orders which have been issued in India, under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prohibiting the holding of any meeting for the boycott of foreign cloth; and, if so, whether he will recommend to the Government of India the desirability of revoking such orders?

I have no official information on the point raised, but, if my hon. Friend desires, I will make inquiries. I should add that Section 144 has no relation to boycott, but is of general application when danger is apprehended, and is made operative on the decision of the district magistrate empowered by the local government.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the boycott of foreign cloth is illegal, or only intimidation against those using foreign cloth?

The operation of Section 144 is described in the Section, and, if I send my hon. Friend a copy of it, I think that that will clear up the doubts in his mind.

Cannot my right hon. Friend say whether the boycott of foreign cloth is illegal in itself?

I think that legal questions, to one who is not a lawyer, should be put on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any and, if so, what resignations from the Legislative Assembly have taken place since 1st April, 1930; whether the reasons for such resignations were stated; and, if so, what were they?

Twenty-four elected members of the Legislative Assembly have resigned since 1st April. Two gave no reason for their resignation; 10 resigned as a protest against the passing of the Cotton Textile Industry Protection Act; eight as a protest against the action taken by Government to deal with the civil disobedience campaign; and two in order to join that campaign. Two Europeans resigned owing to absence in Europe.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a letter dated 23rd May, 1930, issued by the Brigadier-General Staff, Southern Command, India, endorsing a leading article appearing in the "Poona Star," dated 22nd May, 1930, criticising the Bombay Government; and if so, whether he proposes to take any action, in view of the irregularity of this conduct, which is contrary to the King's Regulations?

I fear I know nothing of this matter; but, if my hon. Friend will let me have particulars, I will examine the case.

Has it not been published all over the country? Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the article in the "Poona Star," and the letter, signed by Major Turner, regarding this matter?

I shall be grateful if my hon. Friend will supply me with those very particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give the House the latest information he has as to the conditions in India?

I am circulating a statement giving an appreciation of the situation by the Government of India up to 21st June:

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can now state what is the total number of members and ex-members of the Legislative Assembly who are now in gaol in connection with the nonviolence civil disobedience movement in India, together with the total number of members of provincial councils from each province now in gaol?

I have asked for figures as to the numbers of members and ex-members of the Assembly and Provincial Councils who have been sentenced, and I will supply them to my hon. Friend on their receipt from the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government proposes to declare a general amnesty for all political prisoners in India now interned, after or without trial, as an act of grace preparatory to the summoning of the proposed round-table conference next autumn?

In the present circumstances, I fear this suggestion cannot be entertained.

Not a single syllable of that answer was audible in any part of the House. May we know what the answer was?

In the present circumstances, I fear this suggestion cannot be entertained.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the action of the Portuguese Government in differentiating against British shipping; and whether he intends to make further representations in the matter?

As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Fain-ham (Mr. A. M. Samuel) on 26th March, His Majesty's Ambassador at Lisbon was instructed in February last to address urgent representations to the Portuguese Government on the subject. The Portuguese Government have recently replied to the effect that they are considering the whole question of flag discrimination, and that they will give full consideration to the views of His Majesty's Government. His Majesty's Government will not fail to continue to press the Portuguese Government to modify the present system, which is so detrimental to British interests.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of denouncing the commercial treaty which confers on Portugal the sole right of the sale of port wine in this country if the Portuguese Government do not see their way to give fair treatment to our shipping?

I must have notice of that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that chambers of commerce have for some months past been protesting against this discrimination, and will he suggest to the Portuguese Government that it is within our power to double the duty on their wines?

I have stated that we are continuing to press the matter on the Portuguese Government.

The matter has been going on for some five years. Is there any other pressure which we can bring, even if the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman opposite is not taken?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department when he expects to receive a report from the Chelmsford Committee in connection with the future policy of his Department regarding trade exhibitions?

The Committee expects to finish taking evidence before the Summer Recess, and it is anticipated that the report will appear in the autumn.

Do I take it that the arrangements for next year's British Industries Fair will not be held up for the report of the Chelmsford Committee?

No. The recommendations of the Committee will not affect next year's Fair.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many of the signatory Governments have declared their intention to ratify the Con- vention relating to international exhibitions, signed in Paris in November, 1928?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many, if any, countries have ratified the Convention of Paris of 22nd November, 1928, on the control of international exhibitions; and what is the position of His Majesty's Government in the matter?

The British, French and German Governments have notified their intention to ratify the Convention, and the Swedish Riksdag have passed a Bill authorising ratification.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can make any statement regarding the results being achieved at the British section of the Antwerp Exhibition?

The British Pavilion and exhibits have received many friendly and eulogistic references in the British and Belgian Press. Private reports from exhibitors indicate that they are very well satisfied with the results so far obtained. It is estimated that well over 1,000,000 people have visited the exhibition, of whom at least 1,000,000 have passed through the British Pavilion.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the British section was one of the only two principal exhibits ready on the opening day when I was there?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can now indicate the nature and extent of the organisation in progress in connection with the projected British trade exhibition at Buenos Ayres in March and April of next year; and if he is satisfied that everything possible is being done to secure the success of this undertaking?

Since I answered the question by the hon. Member for Willesden East (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on this subject on 26th May, the number of applications from British firms wishing to exhibit has so increased that it has proved necessary to provide a further 100,000 square feet, making nearly 250,000 square feet in all of covered space. In reply to the latter part of the question, I am endeavouring to see that everything possible is being done to secure the success of the exhibition.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any special effort is being made by his Department to develop British trade in Mexico, which is now in a comparatively prosperous condition, and the percentage of Mexican imports which have been supplied by the United States, Germany, and Great Britain in the year 1929?

My Department has recently called for special reports for circulation to British firms, on the market in Mexico for commodities in which the United Kingdom is in a position to compete. In December last it co-operated with the aircraft industry in sending a special representative to Mexico City for the Mexico aviation week with the object of bringing the qualities of British aircraft and aircraft material to the notice of the Mexican aviation authorities both civil and military. As regards the second part of the question, the latest figures published are those for 1928, in which year the percentages of Mexican imports supplied by the United States, Germany and Great Britain were respectively 67.5, 9.1 and 7.3.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House who at the moment is in charge of the commercial interests of this country?

We have a Consul in Mexico, but no commercial representative.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it is proposed to extend British Government credit for the sale of Cuban sugar to the Russian Soviet Government, and what are the details of the proposal; and whether any similar use of British credit is being made for the benefit of the distressed sugar-growing Colonies of the British Empire?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether a credit has recently been granted under the export credits system to enable a transaction to be completed with the Soviet Government in respect of a purchase of sugar; and, if so, whether he can state upon what terms the business was completed?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in any further guarantees which he may authorise in connection with the export credits scheme regarding the exportation of sugar to foreign countries, he will insist that only sugar grown within the Empire and refined in Great Britain should receive the benefit of the scheme?

It is not the practice to give particulars of individual transactions carried out with the assistance of the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme, but facilities have been given in connection with the export to Russia of sugar refined in this country. The object of the scheme being to assist British exporters, no conditions as to the origin of the raw sugar employed are made.

Do I understand that it is a fact that any proposal affecting the sugar colonies in the West Indies will receive at least equal treatment?

Yes, Sir. The Committee will always give any proposals that are in order the most careful attention.

Is not the Advisory Committee thoroughly representative of the Conservative party?

In view of the condition of the West Indian sugar industry, and the need of every assistance being given to it at the present time, is it not advisable that the present Government should insist that only British sugar should be exported under this credit scheme?

It is very difficult for the Advisory Committee to impose terms of that kind. Naturally, they would only be too pleased to support proposals put before them on the lines suggested by the hon. Member, but I believe that it would be quite impossible to make it an absolute condition.

Will the hon. Member request the Advisory Committee to see that His Majesty's Government are not guarantors of Soviet paper to such an extent as will hamper our policy when the inevitable break arises?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of furnaces in blast as at 1st June, 1930, and the number as at 1st April, 1930; and will he also give the monthly average production of pig-iron for the year 1913 and the monthly average for the first five months of 1930?

As reported by the National Federation of Iron and Steel Manufacturers, the number of furnaces in blast in the United Kingdom was 141 at the end of May, 1930, and 157 at the end of March, 1930; the production of pig-iron averaged 855,000 tons monthly in 1913 and 631,400 tons monthly in the first five months of 1930.

Do not these facts reflect that we have imported 3,000,000 tons of iron and steel in the last 12 months?

I do not know whether that is the case or not.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prosecutions instituted during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date against farmers who have failed to comply with the provisions of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, in respect of the non-payment of minimum rates of wages; and can he state the amount that has been awarded by the courts in arrears of wages?

During the 12 months ended 20th June, 1930, 164 employers were prosecuted for failing to pay wages at not less than the minimum rates fixed under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, and the Courts awarded arrears of wages amounting to £3,357.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any proceedings have been brought against people refusing to give the necessary information to the investigating officer?

I am afraid that I should require notice of that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House when he proposes to do something for the farming industry to enable the farmer the better to pay those wages?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that bulls rejected in Ireland as scrub bulls unfit for breeding purposes are being sold in the cattle markets of this country; and whether he will initiate legislation to prevent all such bulls from being sold over here except for slaughter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am considering the practicability of taking legislative action which will deal not only with the rejected bulls from Ireland, but with the elimination of scrub bulls generally.

Does not that prove that the Irish Free State Minister of Agriculture looks after his industry?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take every possible care to see that no unfair embargo is placed upon the importation of Irish bulls into this country?

Is it not a fact that some of these Irish bulls which have been rejected over there with the mark on have had the tab taken out of their ears and been sold in these markets, and the farmers have not understood that they have been rejected?

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made with the composition of the non-party agricultural conference; and whether all questions germane to the agricultural industry are to be discussed and considered by the members of the conference?

As I have already stated, I have received a favourable reply from the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George); and I have received over the week-end a negative reply from the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition. It was my intention to bring under review, had the consultations taken place, all questions germane to the agricultural industry.

And for us to take the responsibility out of your hands?

Are we to understand that the conference is going on still with the two parties?

The three-party conference is not going on, but the two-party conference will very likely go on.

Who will answer for this two-party conference? Will it be the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George)?

"Beaverbrook," and "Rothermere!"

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the House any information about the shipments of subsidised French grain reaching British ports; and whether he proposes to take any steps to assist British produce in face of this competition?

My information is to the effect that the total imports of French wheat into the United Kingdom have shown a very marked rise during recent months. As regards the latter part of the question, I can add nothing at present to previous statements by myself and my predecessor on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is having a very deleterious effect upon the arable farmer, and can the arable farmer look to the present Government for any help in his very serious position at the present time?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has exact figures in regard to the first part of the question, and, if so, in view of the great importance of the subject to the agricultural districts, will he give the figures?

There are many figures, but I will give the Noble Lord the important ones. In the first five months of 1929 the flour imports were 63,000 cwts., and in the same period in 1930 627,000 cwts. Wheat has gone up from practically nil to 1,713,000 cwts.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to consider an application, under the Merchandise Marks Act, for an Order in Council applying to blended butter and to recommend the Government to promote legislation to deal effectively with those forms of misleading labelling of butter that cannot be dealt with under the Merchandise Marks Act?

This matter is receiving my careful consideration, and I hope to be able to inform the hon. Member of my conclusion at an early date.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any estimate has been prepared by his Department of the loss of agricultural labour caused by the withdrawal of over 1,000,000 acres from arable cultivation in England and Wales since 1913?

Comparable figures for the number of agricultural workers are not available for the year 1913. Since 1921, the number of workers has decreased by 99,000. During the same period the arable acreage has been reduced by 1,670,000 acres, but there are also many other factors operating.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he intends to extend unemployment insurance to the agricultural workers?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received complaints that limitation of the purchaser's powers under the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1926, in respect of samples taken after the goods have left the seller's premises, to civil remedies has proved ineffective and has failed to give adequate protection to the farmers; and whether he will consider amending the Act so as to restore to local authorities the power to take criminal proceedings in such cases?

I have received a resolution on this subject passed by one county council and supported by three others. I cannot agree that the Act has proved ineffective. An amendment of the nature indicated would be contrary to the unanimous recommendation of the Departmental Committee on whose report the Act was based.

asked the Prime Minister which Minister will particularly deal with the relations of industry to the unemployment position and engage himself in the work previously carried on by the present Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when he held the office of Lord Privy Seal?