asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will incorporate in the proposed White Paper the terms of the new Soviet decree relating to labour supplies in the Soviet Republic, and providing that persons leaving their employment without satisfactory cause are not to be given work for six months?

Yes, Sir. The text of the decree is included in the White Paper, which will be available for Members this afternoon.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether those people who leave their work without sufficient cause get a dole?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if any employés in this country leave their work in an unsatisfactory way they get no unemployment pay?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with reference to Articles 4 and 6 of the temporary commercial agreement with the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, whether any negotiations have taken place for Russian trade delegations to be located in any of the Dominions?

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs informs me that he is not aware of any such negotiations having taken place.

Has the right hon. Gentleman drawn the attention of the Dominions to any advantage to he obtained from Russian trade delegations?

I think that that matter ought to be addressed to the Dominions Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will obtain from British representatives in Soviet Russia, and publish as a White Paper without delay, such information as to the relations between the Government of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics and the principal political, trading, and trade union organisations existing in Soviet Russia as is already in their possession, with a view to enabling the House to determine where official responsibility ends for acts committed by various Bolshevist organisations?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend on the 21st of January to a question by him on the same subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what methods he proposes to use in order to obtain a settlement?

If the hon. Member will consider what has already been answered on this subject, he will find that we have already intimated that the report is in preparation, and, if he cannot wait for it, we have directed his attention where he can get some information.

Will the Government consider publishing in a White Paper the relations between certain British firms affected by the Russian Government and the party opposite?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any of the questions which were outstanding between the Government of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics and the Government of Great Britain at the time when diplomatic relations were resumed have yet been settled; and, if so, what are they and what are the terms of settlement?

Of the questions set out in the Protocol of the 3rd of October, 1929, as being due for settlement on the resumption of relations, two have formed the subject of agreements which have been concluded between the two Governments, namely, trade relations and fisheries. For the terms of these agreements, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Command Papers Nos. 3552 and 3583 of 1930. As the House has already been informed, claims and debts are now under discussion by the joint committee sitting in London. As regards the application of previous treaties and conventions, negotiations are proceeding. The attitude of the two Governments towards the unratified treaties of 1924 has been discussed in connection with the negotiation of the agreements to which I have already referred.

Can my right hon. Friend state what progress was made in the settlement of British claims against the defaulting States of the United States of America under the last Tory Administration?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has never yet informed the House whether, when the pledges were exchanged, the Soviet Ambassador informed him that he did not accept the interpretation put upon the pledges by His Majesty's Government?

I may not have informed the House to the satisfaction of the hon. Member, but I have given the House information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what tests he applies in differentiating between actions for which the Government of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics is responsible and actions of unofficial organisations in Soviet Russia?

I do not think it possible or desirable to lay down general standards whereby the responsibility, either of the Soviet or any other Government, in respect of particular actions, may be decided. Every case must be judged on its merits.

When does the right hon. Gentleman intend to endeavour to penetrate this network of Bolshevist camouflage in order to get a solution of this question, and is he not perfectly well aware that all these organisations are interdependent with, and controlled by, the Soviet Government?

Speech!

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received information of the arrest of eight British trawlers, including two, the "Gaivany" and "Faraday," from Hull, by the Icelandic gunboats off Dyrafjord; if he is aware that the trawlers were lying at anchor, having been driven to take shelter by stress of weather; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Yes, Sir, I have received a report from the British Consul-General in Iceland that five of these trawlers, including, I understand, the "Galvany" and the "Faraday," have been acquitted, that three have been fined sums varying from five to eight hundred Icelandic crowns each, and that a ninth case is still being investigated. The British Consul-General, who has been in close touch with the Icelandic Government throughout the proceedings, adds that the skippers have not appealed, but that he is continuing to watch any possible further developments.

Is it possible for my right hon. Friend to have renewed representations made to the Icelandic Government against this continual molestation of our trawlers?

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what those sums mean in English money?

Not unless I get a mathematician—[Interruption.] understood that my hon. and gallant Friend was making a joke, and I think I am entitled to reply.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker—[Interruption.]

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the last occasion on which the fishing grounds near Port Stewart, county Londonderry, were visited by a fishery-protection vessel?

His Majesty's Ship "Dart" visited the fishing grounds near Port Stewart between 4th and 6th November, 1930.

Is the hon. Member aware that the vessel was not seen on this visit by any fisherman in that neighbourhood and will he endeavour to give these fishing grounds more adequate protection during the next fishing season?

I can only conclude that visibility was bad on that occasion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the reasons why the revised pay regulations were applied to lieutenants (ex-mate) as from 1925 and not to lieutenants (ex-cadet) until 1929?

My hon. and gallant Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. I stated on the 14th May, 1930 (OFFICIAL REPORT, columns 1867–8) that new rates of pay introduced in 1925 applied only to officers who entered the Service or were selected as mates after the 5th October, 1925, including all naval cadets then at Dartmouth. They were not applied to any officers then serving. It was considered unfair to reduce the rates of pay of officers already on the list of the Royal Navy or Royal Marines and only officers subsequently appointed on leaving Dartmouth or from civil life or by promotion from naval ratings or Royal Marine ranks came under the revised regulations.

Then why is it that there are still 15 lieutenants, ex-mates, who receive £33 per annum less than their contemporaries, ex-cadets?

I do not think that applies to their contemporaries on leaving Dartmouth, but, if there are any cases in which there is doubt, I shall be glad to go into the matter, if my hon. Friend will communicate with me.

Why reduce the pay at all?

I think the reduction was made in October, 1925. I do not know whether the hon. Member made representations on the matter at that time to the then First Lord of the Admiralty.

I did.

I am not responsible for the action of my predecessor.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his atten- tion has been called to the fact that liberty men from the aircraft carrier "Courageous" at Spithead are charged 9d. each time they go ashore; and whether, as this charge bears hardly on the men, facilities can be given for the use of dockyard craft for this purpose?

The matter is under investigation, and I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

Is it not a fact that the men can always go ashore in ship's boats, but that, owing to the distance from the shore, they prefer to use private paddle steamers?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the only craft that are available from this ship are drifters which take often considerable time to reach the shore?

As the matter is being investigated, I think I had better leave it there.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether in view of recent incidents, he will consider the appointment of a judicial inquiry into the administration of naval law and, in particular, the machinery for dealing with grievances;

(2) what leave had been given to ratings on board His Majesty's Ship "Lucia" during the month ended 31st December, 1930; and why the sailing of the fleet was not deferred a sufficient number of hours so as to render it unnecessary to paint ship, &c., on Sunday afternoon?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the conduct of the officer in charge of His Majesty's Ship "Lucia" at the time of the recent incident has been considered by the Admiralty; and, if so, with what result?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether further inquiries are to be made into the cause of the discontent among the crew of His Majesty's Ship "Lucia"?

The Board of Admiralty have now had the opportunity of considering the Minutes of the Court of Inquiry held to investigate the recent incident in His Majesty's Ship "Lucia," and the proceedings of the resultant courts-martial.

The Board regret that it must be concluded from them that the conditions of contentment of the ship's company and sympathy between officers and men which unquestionably exist in His Majesty's Ships generally were very far from being realised in the "Lucia," and that this was due to some extent to want of tact and consideration on the part of the captain and executive officer and incapacity on the part of the divisional officer concerned. It is evident also that the petty officers, who should have been aware of a growing feeling of discontent among the ship's company, took no steps to check it or bring it to the notice of their officers, and further that there were certain individuals among the ship's company who fomented among their messmates.

As a result of these unfortunate conditions, an order which was necessary to meet a Service emergency, which is by no means of unusual occurrence in the Navy, and which is ordinarily met with cheerfulness by all concerned, was made the occasion of a concerted refusal of duty by a body of men—an unprecedented action, which whatever the supposed provocation, cannot be treated otherwise than gravely in a Service whose whole existence and purpose depend upon implicit obedience to orders.

The Board, however, having given full weight to the extenuating circumstances already mentioned, have decided to reduce the punishments awarded by the Courts by substituting for the sentence of imprisonment with hard labour that of detention in the two cases in which the former punishment was awarded, and also reducing the period of detention by one-third in all the four cases. Corresponding reductions have also been made in the summary punishments.

The officers referred to will have their appointments terminated forthwith and will be placed on half pay, with an expression of the Board's serious displeasure for the regrettable state of affairs revealed by this incident, and His Majesty's Ship "Lucia" will he immediately paid off and recommissioned with a new crew of officers and men.

The Board have also carefully considered whether the facts in connection with this incident point to the desirability of any alteration of the new Regulations issued in 1929 on the subject of the procedure for preferring complaints, and have decided that there is no ground for thinking that the Regulations are in any way defective. Some of the evidence, however, showed that insufficient knowledge of the Regulations existed both among officers and men, and, in order to safeguard the position further, steps will he taken to ensure, as far as may be, that no officer or man shall be unaware of the proper procedure. It may he observed, as evidence of the fact that this procedure is not generally misunderstood that applications for redress forwarded to the Admiralty through the Commanding Officer and the Commander-in-Chief are from time to time received.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, is he not aware that the system of justice in the Navy is 100 years behind that in the Army, and will he not reconsider the necessity of going into the whole question of naval administration and procedure?

I cannot accept the interpretation which my hon. Friend gives. I have inquired very carefully during the last few days into the alterations made by the Regulations of 1929. The real purpose of the Regulations of 1929 was to bring them into line with, and in some cases, in my judgment, they are even better from the service point of view than, the Army Regulations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is still possible under the revised Regulations for a man to be punished for forwarding a complaint which is not substantiated?

It is not possible for a man to be punished for what in those circumstances would be regarded as a frivolous complaint. It is not possible in those circumstances under the new Regulations for a man to be punished.

In the event of the captain or the officers applying for a court-martial, I presume it will be granted?

I do not think the hon. and gallant Member should presume that. If any of the officers concerned ask for a court-martial, the matter will be carefully considered.

In view of what the right hon. Gentleman has said, will these men also lose their good conduct badges?

I should think that will follow in every case, but I am not certain at the moment. I think there must be some doubt in the case of the lightest punishments under the summary treatment in which a small number of men were given only seven days cells which has been automatically reduced to a smaller number of days cells, and which will not be entered on their records. I want to be quite sure about the effect of the Regulations in those cases before I answer definitely, but I should say, speaking generally, yes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the sentences of dismissal from the Service which were inflicted, are to stand?

In the case of the two who were regarded as the worst offenders, yes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the previous records of the two men concerned will not be taken into consideration, having regard to the awful punishment in view of the nearness to pension rights?

It is because those records have been taken into account, and not only the facts in this case, that the sentences have been awarded.

Is the House to understand that these officers, upon whom grave reflections have been made by the court, will have no opportunity of presenting their case and having a full inquiry made?

It is difficult to say. These officers have been treated in the same way as any officers would be treated where, as the result of a full court of inquiry which has been held, circumstances came to light which in the opinion of the Board of Admiralty rendered them unsuitable for continuing their appointments. I have already, in reply to a previous question, said that if they make a request to the Admiralty, it will be considered.

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the Admiralty Regulations issued in March, 1929, do not contravene in any way the Naval Discipline Act?

That is a rather extraordinary way to put the question to me. I am not a lawyer, but I should have thought that it was impossible for the Judge Advocate, sitting on the Committee of Revision in 1929, to assist in the drafting of Regulations which were a contravention of the Naval Discipline Act. I am perfectly satisfied that the Regulations, if they are properly understood and brought to the notice of both the officers and the men, are capable of working in a very much better way than they have done in this instance. I hope my hon. Friends will allow me to proceed in that direction.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of Dartmouth and special entry cadets entered in 1930, and the number of ratings awarded executive commissions?

110 cadets were entered for the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, and 11 special entry cadets were entered for executive duties in 1930. Six ratings were promoted to the rank of acting mate in that year.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the capacity of accommodation for sub-lieutenants in the gunnery establishment, Whale Island, Portsmouth; and the number accommodated there during the time that five mates were undergoing their gunnery course at Devonport in 1930?

Accommodation exists at Whale Island for 76 sub-lieutenants. A maximum of 68 sub-lieutenants was accommodated during the period in 1930 when acting mates were undergoing their gunnery course at Devonport.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any reason still exists for the segregation of mates from sub-lieutenants during their gunnery training, the former being sent to Devonport while the latter remain at Portsmouth where the other courses are taken, seeing that the venue for torpedo training of mates was transferred from Devonport to Portsmouth last year?

I understand that the question whether acting mates should do their gunnery and torpedo courses at Portsmouth or Devonport is being considered by the mates' committee. Until the report of that committee is received, it is considered undesirable to alter the normal arrangement under which the courses are held at Devonport. The torpedo training was transferred from Devonport to Portsmouth last year on account of the temporary dislocation of training in His Majesty's ship "Defiance."

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can assure the House that adequate reserves of oil are available for all the necessary requirements of the fleet in the case of any unforeseen emergency?

So far as I am aware no reserves could be maintained on such a vague and undeterminate basis as that indicated in the question, but His Majesty's Government are satisfied that reserve stocks of oil fuel are adequate to meet any emergency which can at present be foreseen.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they are adequately protected against air attack?

That is not in the question on the Paper.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the reason why at this juncture a special warning has been issued to mariners with regard to unexploded mines now lying on the bottom of the ocean; whether any incidents have occurred to bring to the notice of the Admiralty the imminence of this risk; and how many of these unexploded mines have been recovered in the last 10 years?

An Admiralty notice to mariners has been published annually since the War containing a special warning with regard to unexploded mines, in view of the possibility of danger to shipping. Admiralty records show that 72 unexploded filled mines have been trawled up or washed ashore in the British Isles since 24th March, 1926, from which date records are available. This number includes nine mines during the latter half of 1930.

In view of the fact that certain definite localities are indicated, is anything being done to clear them?

The answer I have given indicates that a good deal is being done.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there is any intention of restoring the "Impregnable" at Devonport as a boys' seagoing training establishment?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the names of the battleships, cruisers, flotilla leaders, and destroyers now paid off for refit; the names of those paid off and awaiting sale or preparing for sale; and the number of ships in each class, respectively, now in full or reserve commission?

In view of the length of the answer, I will with the hon. and gallant Member's permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of motor cars conveyed on His Majesty's Ship "Repulse" when leaving England; to whom they belonged; and the purpose for which they were to be used?

I am making inquiries into the point raised in my hon. Friend's question and will communicate with him on receipt of the information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a number of men are being discharged from His Majesty's Dockyard, Portsmouth; and if any or many more men are to be discharged before the end of the financial year from that dockyard?

The men who have recently been discharged from Portsmouth Yard are casual employés who were entered for specific items of repayment work and on the understanding that they would be discharged on the completion of the work for which they were entered. There may be a few more similar discharges from the yard before the end of the financial year, but this depends entirely on the progress of the work.

Then the men discharged are only casuals?

Yes.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many of the battleships and cruisers, including battle cruisers, in commission are fitted for launching aeroplanes from their decks and actually carry aeroplanes?

One British battleship and one British cruiser in commission, are fitted for launching aircraft from catapults and actually carry aircraft. Four other British cruisers in commission actually carry and operate aircraft, but as they are not yet fitted with catapults they do not launch them in the full sense of the word.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the report of the Abo Commission of Inquiry into the disturbances in Southern Nigeria has yet been considered; and what, if any, changes will be made in the administration in the light of this report?

The report has been very carefully considered, and a despatch conveying my Noble Friend's decisions has been sent to the Acting-Governor. As soon as that despatch has been received in Nigeria it will be published in this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received any report from the Governor of Nigeria upon the advisability of punishing persons in that Colony by putting them in the stocks?

No, Sir. The Acting-Governor will no doubt have felt it desirable to consult his legal, administrative and other advisers, and some little time may be expected to elapse before his considered views on this subject can be received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will state the number of civil servants employed at the Air Ministry on 1st January, 1930, and 1st January, 1931; whether any posts previously held by Royal Air Force serving officers have during the year 1930 been allotted to civil servants; and if any further action in this direction is contemplated during 1931?

The numbers of civilian staff employed at the Air Ministry on 1st January, 1930, and 1st January, 1931, were 1,706 and 1,719, respectively. During the year 1930 seven civil servants were appointed to posts previously held by Royal Air Force serving officers. Several similar replacements are now under consideration and will probably be made during 1931.

Is there any set policy with regard to certain appointments on the Air Staff side being maintained permanently by serving officers?

There is a certain policy for the substitution of civilians for officers in places where the particular qualifications and experience of service officers are no longer required.

asked the Minister of Transport how many of the new chief commissioners of transport under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, are in receipt of a pension; and what is the exact amount in each case?

The holders of six out of the 13 such appointments are in receipt of pensions based on previous public service. I understand that three of these receive pensions of £466 and £833 a year in respect of police service; two, pensions of £395 and £683 a year in respect of Army service; and one, of £750 a year in respect of Colonial service.

As there are about 2,500,000 persons unemployed in this country, could not my right hon. Friend find six men of sufficient administrative capacity to fill these posts?

Is not real efficiency and fitness for the post the sole criterion in these appointments?

Perhaps I had better make this position clear. The appointment of 13 traffic commissioners was not intended to be a solution of the unemployment problem. When the House conferred this discretion upon me, I gave assurance after assurance that I would use my discretion to appoint the best persons available. That I have done, and in every public appointment which I make I shall always do that, whatever criticism I may receive. I had to have a certain number of chief constables who have been doing this work for many years past. The appointments are temporary; they are for a limited number of years. No pension attaches to them and the House could not expect a chief constable to give up his pension rights to come over to me; and therefore this was the only thing to do. I entirely agree with the general principle of my hon. Friend, but I could not have applied that principle exhaustively unless I had definitely appointed people who, in my judgment, were less effective for this service than the people whom I have appointed. I promised the House that I would appoint the best people. That I have done, and that I shall do in all future appointments.

May I give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment at an early opportunity?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that he has appointed Mr. Riches, ex-chief constable of Middlesbrough, to be chairman of the Traffic Commission for the northern area, he will state the amount of salary he will receive and the amount of yearly pension for past services in the police force?

Mr. Riches' salary as traffic commissioner is £1,000 a year, and I understand that in accordance with the usual scale he will be entitled to a pension of £666 a year in respect of his police service.

Are we to understand that there were no applicants without pensions for this position?

There were other applicants, but in my judgment their qualifications were definitely inferior to those of Mr. Riches. Mr. Riches is a case in point. He has been co-ordinating the activities of about 20 licensing authorities in North-East England, and he therefore had the experience that I want, and for me to have denied myself his services would have been contrary to the public interest.

Can my right hon. Friend say what qualifications the chief constable of Middlesbrough had in traffic affairs?

Certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, with regard to the proposed agreement between Imperial Airways and Pan-American Airways, Incorporated, for an Atlantic air service, any subsidy has been applied for or is contemplated; and whether the use of British aircraft will be a condition of the granting of any subsidy from public funds?

As regards the first part of the question, no formal proposals for subsidy for a trans-Atlantic air service have as yet been submitted to the Air Ministry by Imperial Airways, Limited. As regards the second part, the point mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member will be borne in mind if and when any such proposals are received. The point is observed in existing agreements.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any practical results have been obtained from the experiments undertaken with a view to giving buoyancy to the all-metal machines used by the Royal Navy for long-range flights at sea?

The experiments undertaken have been successful and an order has been given that the all-metal Fleet Air Arm aircraft are all to be equipped with a new form of emergency flotation gear. A large proportion of the aircraft are now being equipped, and in the case of new types, buoyancy is being included in the design.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) if he will take steps to ensure that a public inquiry should immediately be held on every commercial air accident, as is the case in rail and steamship accidents;

(2) if he will in future, after investigation by competent authorities, publish the cause, or probable cause, of all fatal air accidents to British machines; and, if the investigation is necessarily prolonged, will the Air Ministry give the public a definite assurance that such an investigation is being held and that a full report will be published at the earliest opportunity?

The whole subject of the investigation of aircraft accidents is being carefully considered by the Air Council and I am therefore not in a position at present to make any statement of policy on the points raised in the Noble Lord's questions. As regards the second question, however, if the Noble Lord has in mind the Meopham accident, I would point out that the Air Ministry notified the Press in September last during the Recess that an investigation was in progress by an authoritative expert body and that the report of that body, when received, would be made public. An interim report was, of course, issued by the Aeronautical Research Committee in November.

In view of the fact that the hon. Gentleman has said that his Noble Friend is considering this question, when will he be able to give an answer?

I am not able to say when the question can be answered, but no time will be lost in considering the question.

When are the Air Ministry considerations likely to be put into practice?

I should imagine that, if the Air Ministry decide on a certain policy, it will automatically be put into practice at once.

asked the Prime Minister if he is able to state when the Motion will be taken in the House for accession to the general act of arbitration and conciliation and judicial settlement?

I hope that it will be possible to find time before Easter, but I am not yet in a position to name a date or to make a binding promise.

In view of the fact that the whole of the British Empire is united on this question, and there is practically no opposition, will the Prime Minister take it as early as possible?

As early as I possibly can. If the unity of feeling will express itself and is complete, I will take it at once.

If the Liberal party clear away the Trade Disputes Bill today, would there not be more time?

asked the Prime Minister if he intends to take any steps to reform the House of Lords?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 24th July, 1929, in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton East (Mr. Mander).

May I assume that the Prime Minister is completely satisfied with the position on this question, particularly after the Dyestuffs (Import Regulations) Act?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider including in the highway code advice to cyclists to have a properly lighted red lamp at the rear of their bicycles for their own safety in areas where motor traffic is dense?

Parliament had this question under review so recently as 1927, and then came to the decision embodied in the Road Transport Lighting Act of that year. I do not, therefore, feel able to include in the highway code the advice suggested in the hon. Member's question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these cyclists carry reflectors which it is practically impossible to see? Is there any standard of illumination?

I am not disposed to disagree with the hon. and gallant Gentleman s point, but the Act of 1927 was passed by the previous Parliament, and, in view of that fact, I do not feel that I ought to impose on the Statute action by administration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring the matter up at the conference he is shortly holding?

In 1927 Parliament took certain action, and it is a doubtful constitutional practice for a Minister by administration apparently to make an Act of Parliament nugatory.

Is it not the fact that the difficulty of keeping a rear lamp alight makes it likely that the disc is more satisfactory?

I understand that all these points were argued and considered by my predecessor. I am content to have left the trouble to him.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether, before bringing into effect the proposed regulations for restricting motor coaches in Central London, he will consider the advisability of such alternative methods of improving the traffic flow as the widening of certain streets, the reorganisation of Covent Garden Market, and the restriction of short-stage omnibus services at slack periods of the day;

(2) whether the London Traffic Advisory Committee has received any specific complaints as to the congestion caused by motor coaches in London; and, if so, from what sources these complaints emanated;

(3) whether, with regard to the proposed regulations restricting the use of motor coaches in Central London, it is intended to deal only with the coaches of those companies which have been in existence since a certain date or with coaches which perform a particular type of service?

Before making any regulations which would have the effect of restricting the operation of motor coaches within the central area of London, I will carefully consider all representations received within the statutory period of 40 days which must elapse after the publication of the draft regulations. This statutory period expires to-day, and the suggestions which the hon. Member has been good enough to make will be borne in mind. Specific complaints as to the congestion caused by motor coaches have been received from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as well as from private individuals. No distinction is made in the draft regulations between companies which have been in existence since a certain dale and other companies. The Draft Regulations apply generally to public service vehicles other than contract carriages or stage carriages plying for hire by short stages as defined in the Road Traffic Act, 1930.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been called to the large number of half-empty motor omnibuses to be seen at certain hours of the day in the West End of London; and if he will give special consideration to the advisability of further restricting those services rather than penalising services such as the motor coaches, which the public have shown that they appreciate and desire, and which bring a great deal of money to London? I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman—

Speech!

Does not the remedy lie in the erection of proper coaching stations, in the same way as railway companies have to provide railway stations?

Partly, that is the case, and I have no doubt the policy which we are pursuing will encourage that to be done. With regard to the point of the hon. Member for Brixton (Mr. Colman), I do not know that it is directly related to the particular problem which I have to meet, namely, the tendency for an ever-increasing number of long-distance motor coaches to come in and congest the central area.

Will the Minister collect statistics as to the relative number of accidents due to this kind of traffic, namely, coaches, as compared with other traffic, before he makes decisions?

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the number of motor enterprises which would be ruined by this proposal?

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the danger to motorists and cyclists arising from the overloading of lorries with sugar-beet and the consequent scattering of beets on the roads in certain areas; and whether he will take some action in the matter?

My attention has been drawn to the danger arising from articles falling off motor lorries owing to faulty packing, and I have dealt with the matter in Regulations which came into force on the 15th of this month. The Regulation prescribes that the distribution, packing and adjustment of the load of a motor vehicle or trailer shall be such that no danger is caused or is likely to be caused to any person on the vehicle or trailer or on a road.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the dilapidations of many unclassified roads in rural areas, especially where sugar-beet haulage has broken through the surface; and whether he will recommend a grant on the same scale as now available for Class 1 roads, provided the same percentage of unemployed workers are given employment thereon?

I am aware of the stress imposed upon rural roads by the haulage of sugar-beets and large grants have been made from the Road Fund for the purpose of improving such roads. I am not in a position to make grants for the maintenance of unclassified roads in rural areas, as the contribution from the Road Fund towards expenditure on work of this character is included in the General Exchequer Grants made under the Local Government Act, 1929. Where, however, it can be shown that such unclassified roads have definite traffic value I am prepared to consider a contribution from the Road Fund to a maximum of 50 per cent. of the approved estimated expenditure on works of improvement, as distinct from maintenance.

What was the old percentage of grant?

It is a little difficult to say, because it is now all mixed up with the block grant and the general Exchequer contribution, and it is a fixed sum, as the right hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, from the Road Fund. I am afraid I could not give that percentage.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the roads or the sugar-beet industry as being of the greater importance?

asked the Minister of Transport if he has any information as to how many persons are employed on the London underground railways as a result of the London Electric Railways Act, 1930; and what amount of money has been advanced from the Exchequer?

The latest returns furnished to the Ministry of Labour record 971 men as directly employed on 19th December, 1930, on works on the London Electric Railways and the Central London Railway assisted under the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929. The figures take no account of the indirect employment afforded. Under the terms of the grant made to the undertakers the first payment in respect of interest is due to be made on 1st October, 1931. No money has, therefore, yet been issued by the Treasury in respect of these schemes.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can give any estimate as to the amount of granite kerbing which will be required in the course of the next five years, so that British manufacturers may make full arrangements for developing their activities so as to fill this demand with- out any need for importations from foreign countries?