asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to state the decision of the Government with regard to furnishing to the League of Nations all information in its possession respecting the present position in regard to slavery, in accordance with the resolution passed by the Eleventh Assembly of the League of Nations?

I have been giving careful consideration to this question, and hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the contributions paid by His Majesty's Government to the League of Nations for secretariat, etc., and to the International Labour Office, respectively, for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

The contributions paid by His Majesty's Government to the League of Nations, in respect of the year ended on the 31st of December last, were as follow:

Can my right hon. Friend say why this League of Nations secretariat increases so rapidly, while the contribution in respect of the International Labour Office is not so high?

Yes, because of the extra work which is being done.

What proportion does our share bear to the total contributions?

I think it works out at about 10 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Convention on Financial Assistance will be brought before this House; and whether any funds provided under this convention by this country will come before Parliament in the Estimates?

Legislation will be required before this convention is ratified in respect of this country, and accordingly the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, an article in the convention itself provides that the convention does not become operative until the Disarmament Convention is in force. Any charge which might have to be made in the event of this country having to make any payments to implement the guarantee would fall upon the Consolidated Fund.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with regard to the forthcoming Disarmament Conference, whether any alteration is to be made in the method of election of the chairman; and what reply he has made to the Soviet Ambassador on their communication to the British Government in relation to this conference?

The Soviet Ambassador in London has been informed that Geneva has been provisionally fixed as the meeting place of the conference, and that the question of the selection of the chairman will be considered by the Council of the League at their next session.

Can the right hon. Gentleman express any of his own views on the objection raised by the Soviet Government?

I do not think that it would be for the information of the House if I stated what my personal views were.

Surely, the right hon. Gentleman has more regard for the importance of his opinion than that?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further representations have been made by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain to the Government of the Republic of Liberia in regard to the recent report of the Commission of the League of Nations on labour conditions in that country?

As I informed the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore) on 28th January, the Council of the League of Nations decided last month to set up a committee to examine how administrative assistance can best be rendered to the Liberian Government in accordance with the recommendations of the recent Commission of Inquiry. This committee, of which I am chairman, will meet on Thursday, 26th February, at the Foreign Office. No further representations to the Liberian Government are necessary at present.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps, as the representative of this country in foreign affairs, to ascertain from the Liberian Government whether they are willing to allow this change for the better in their constitution

I think the Noble Lord must be aware that the inquiry was invited by the Liberian Government. At the recent meeting of the Council of the League the representative of the Liberian Government was present during the whole of the discussion of this question, and he attended the first meeting of the committee which was set up, and over which I had the honour to preside.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that the Liberian Government will accept the proposal?

I think the mere fact that they were present and agreed to the committee being appointed, is evidence of a desire on their part to assist in every way possible.

Will any representative of the State Department of the United States of America attend the committee over which the right hon. Gentleman is presiding?

By a decision of the committee itself, the United States Government were invited to send a representative and we are hopeful that a representative will be present at the meetings of the committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the committee of three is to meet to discuss the petitions concerning the Ukrainian question; and whether it is the intention to call any witnesses?

This committee will meet next month in London, and will then consider the question of its procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state what proportion of the questions addressed to his Department since he took office have been concerned with Russia; what has been the cost of ascertaining the information given on this subject; and what has been the cost of the White Papers on Russian affairs supplied at the request of the Opposition?

Out of a total of 1,680 questions addressed to me since I took office, 562, or approximately one third, have related to Soviet Russia. I am unable to give an estimate of the cost of ascertaining the information given. The cost of issue of the three Command Papers on Soviet legislation concerning religion and labour was approximately £143.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Member of the previous Government has said that the average cost of ascertaining the answer to each question is, approximately, two guineas; and, in those circumstances, does he not consider that a move in the direction of national economy should be taken by hon. Gentlemen opposite?

What has been the cost to the British taxpayer of loans advanced to Russia of which there has been no repayment?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement with reference to the attack on the British steamer "Tungwo" on its voyage from Ichang to Hankow?

As I informed the right hon. Gentleman on the 11th of February, I have made inquiries from His Majesty's Minister in China regarding this reported attack, and I am now awaiting his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government in Great Britain have taken any special steps in recent months to prevent the shipping of slaves from the African to the Asiatic coast in the Red Sea?

As I informed the Noble Lord the Member for East Norfolk (Viscount Elmley) on the 8th December last, two of His Majesty's sloops are regularly stationed in the Red Sea to prevent the traffic in slaves from Africa to Arabia. Apart from this arrangement, no special steps have been taken in recent months, but the question is at present under consideration.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the evidence which has been collected by Lady Simon and others to the effect that this traffic, rather than decreasing, is increasing, and will he consider adding to the number of patrol ships in the Red Sea at least one other in order to prevent this?

I cannot commit myself at the moment to add to the number. As I have already stated the matter is under consideration; in fact, a committee is sitting on the question at present in my Department.

Has the proposal to use seaplanes to supplement the patrol received further consideration?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether other nations are co-operating with us in preventing this slave traffic?

That question was put to me as a supplementary question some time ago, and I asked for notice of the question. Advantage has not been taken of that. I repeat it now: if a question is put down, I will get the information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to reconsider the decision not to appoint a military attaché to His Majesty's Embassy at Moscow?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state the reason for this decision, seeing that the Soviet Government maintain the largest standing army in the world?

As I have answered this question on more than one occasion, I have nothing to add to the answer already given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what contribution is made out of moneys voted by Parliament to any fund for providing relief for destitute British nationals in Soviet Russia or assisting their repatriation?

Expenditure from public funds at the rate of £120 a month has been authorised for providing relief, in suitable cases, for destitute British nationals in Soviet Russia. Repatriation expenses are paid, when necessary, but no fixed sum has been sanctioned for this purpose.

Has not the time arrived when a definite, fixed sum of some substantial amount should be allocated for this purpose?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what proportion of the pay of naval officers and ratings, respectively, is based upon the cost-of-living index; what percentage reduction of standard rates is now in force; and whether he is satisfied that the cost-of-living index is a fair criterion of living costs as applicable to the personnel of the Royal Navy?

Twenty per cent. of the standard rates of pay of naval officers is subject to review periodically according to the rise or fall in the cost of living index and the percentage reduction of standard rates now in force is 7 per cent., and will be increased to 8 per cent. on the 1st July, 1931. The basic pay of naval ratings is not subject to review according to changes in the index figure but their marriage allowance is. I am not prepared to say that the cost-of-living index is entirely satisfactory as a criterion of the living costs of naval officers, but I would point out that in the absence of any more appropriate standard it has been adopted as the basis since the War of the adjustment not only of the pay of officers of the fighting Services, but also of civil employés of the Crown.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the average cost per head of clothing the personnel of the Royal Navy in 1913–14 and 1930–31, respectively?

The cost of the kit supplied to men dressed as seamen on first entry in 1913–14 was £7 10s., and in 1930–31 £12 8s. In addition, an allowance which was introduced in 1917 is now paid for upkeep of this uniform, the current rate being £6 10s. per annum.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the average cost per head of victualling the personnel of the Royal Navy in 1913–14 and 1930–31, respectively; whether any substantial changes have taken place with regard to the amount and quality of the food supplied; and whether the cost of victualling is found to coincide in general with the average increase in the cost of food as indicated by the Ministry of Labour food-price index figures?

The daily cost per head of victualling in 1913–14 was 10½.; it will be approximately 1s. 3½d. for 1930–31 and will fall to 1s. 3d. on 1st April next, an adjustment of prices being made every six months. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the third part of the question, the Ministry of Labour food-price index figures are confined to the United Kingdom, and direct comparison therewith cannot be fairly made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the committee considering the question of the present system of entry of naval cadets has finished its investigations; and, if so, when is it anticipated that it will be in a position to issue a report?

The committee is still sitting, and I am not in a position to say when the report will be ready. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that there will be no avoidable delay.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that before any substantial alterations are made in the present system this House will have an opportunity of discussing the question?

The House always has an opportunity of discussing naval matters on the Navy Votes. As regards any additional opportunity, that is a matter for the Leader of the House.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of weeks in 1930 during which cadets were actually undergoing training in His Majesty's Ship "Forres" and "Carstairs," in harbour and at sea?

During 1930, cadets spent 18 weeks in His Majesty's Ship "Forres" under training at sea and 16 weeks in His Majesty's Ship "Car-stairs." There were no periods of harbour training.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any special monument has been erected, or is to he erected, to commemorate those who served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during the Great War?

I am not aware of any existing memorial to the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as a whole, though I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that of those who lost their lives at sea the names are commemorated on the memorials at the Naval ports, while the Royal Naval Division memorial in London is a tribute to the services of those who fell serving in the Royal Naval Division. I understand that plans are under consideration to erect a commemoration trophy at the Crystal Palace.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in the Navy a man is required to serve again after he has completed the period necessary to entitle him to a long service pension unless such pensioner has joined the reserve?

All naval pensioners are by Statute liable to be called up for active service in emergency.

Will my right hon. Friend say under what Act that is?

The Naval Volunteers Act, 1853.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the technical advances in aircraft and other modern weapons of war and the high cost of the building and maintenance of the largest types of surface war vessels, any new inquiry into the question of the most efficient and economical size of warships is to be undertaken?

The question of the most efficient and economical size of warships is continuously under review by the Admiralty. The factors mentioned are amongst those carefully considered in this connection. No special inquiry is contemplated.

Are we to understand that the present attitude of the Board is that 35,000 tons—the size put forward, I understand, at the Naval Conference—is the most economical size?

No. I thought the hon. and gallant Member would be aware that, as a matter of fact, this country put forward a much smaller tonnage figure than 35,000 tons.

Then why did we agree to 35,000 tons?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is in a position to make a statement regarding the action of His Majesty's Ship "Veronica" in connection with the recent earthquake in New Zealand?

His Majesty's Ship "Veronica" arrived at Napier shortly before the earthquake took place. The ship was lying alongside the pier, and although she was somewhat badly stressed by the shock, the commanding officer, Commander H. L. Morgan, landed all available officers and men and rendered all possible assistance in dealing with the situation. The Commodore of the New Zealand Division in His Majesty's Ship "Dunedin" with His Majesty's Ship "Diomede" arrived the following morning, having proceeded from Auckland at full speed. His Majesty's Ship "Veronica" has since been docked. She has sustained no extensive damage, and should be fit for service by the end of this month.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a specified time can be laid down in which officers' stewards and cooks who have been permitted to turn over to continuous service could count their previous non-continuous service, good conduct, and recommendations for promotion, observing that, under the existing King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, they date seniority from the date of turning over to continuous service, and in some cases this means that a man would become time-expired for pension before reaching the top of the roster?

Generally speaking, non-continuous service officers' stewards and cooks who transferred to continuous service are allowed to count all their non-continuous time for advancement and pension. The only instance in which a man transferred to continuous service does not count his non-continuous service for advancement purposes is if he is transferred after a break in service of five years or more.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty from what funds the Britannia beagles are maintained?

The beagles are maintained entirely from the sports fund which is subscribed by parents of cadets for all sports and games, including the beagles.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the extent of the current naval building programmes of Great Britain, France and Italy, respectively?

As the reply is in tabular form, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the reported reasons for the abdication and flight of the Emir of Sokoto, Northern Nigeria; whether this Emir is now in French territory; and whether a successor has been chosen in Sokoto and recognised by the British authorities?

The Acting-Governor of Nigeria reports that the ex-Sultan was proved to have used his authority to procure two gross miscarriages of justice, in which one person was sentenced to three years' and four persons to one year's imprisonment. At the time when he abdicated, inquiry was also being made into the following charges: issue of compulsory loan at usurious rates, compulsory sale of goods to minor officials, and interference for his own benefit with the free sale of corn and goods in the market. He shocked and offended his subjects and Mohammedans generally by dealings with sorcerers. He is now in French territory. His successor has been chosen by the traditional electorate and approved by the Acting-Governor.

asked the Under-secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps have been taken by the Government of Nigeria to implement the findings of the Aba Commission of Inquiry as regards the officers responsible for the orders to open fire during the disturbances in south-eastern Nigeria in November and December, 1929?

The report of the Commission was referred to the Secretary of State with the comments of the local authorities. My Noble Friend's decision, in regard to the findings in question, is expressed in paragraph 4 of his despatch to the Acting Governor, which has been recently presented to Parliament, and from which it will be seen that, whilst various proposals for reform have been accepted for early adoption, no ground has been found for disciplinary action against the officers commanding the detachments of troops concerned.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give information showing which of the recommendations relating to the Indian population now resident in Mauritius, made in the report of Kunwar Maharaj Singh in 1925 and commended by the Government of India to the Government of Mauritius, have since been given effect to by the local Government?

The recommendations made in the report of Kunwar Maharaj Singh for the improvement of the conditions of the Indian population in Mauritius were in the main aimed at the general improvement of social conditions; for example, the improvement of housing facilities and the restriction of the sale of liquor. Improvements of this nature, which of course could not be confined to the Indian population, are continuously under the consideration of the Colonial Government, and various improvements have been effected in directions recommended in the report. It is impossible to give details within the limits of an answer to a question, but I may mention that my Noble Friend last year approved the draft of a Workmen's Compensation Bill to be introduced in the local Legislature. If my hon. and gallant Friend desires information on any specific point, I will endeavour to obtain it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has official cog- nisance of the petition presented to the British representative on the occasion of the Abyssinian coronation by the sultans, sheikhs, and akils of the Somali people regarding the lack of educational facilities and their wish to be regarded as Asiatics and not as African natives; and what action, if any, it is proposed to take in regard to it?

Yes, Sir. There has not yet been time to give it full consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now state the result of the consideration of the British-Canadian proposals for the development of the hinterland of British Guiana; and what is the nature of these proposals?

Having regard to the financial position of the Colony, acceptance of the proposals originally submitted by the interests concerned could not be recommended, and the Governor has been so advised. The hon. Member will appreciate that in these circumstances the disclosure of the details of these proposals might prejudice the possibility of further negotiations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if the proposed loan to British Guiana is intended for the ordinary purposes of administration or to assist in the development of the resources of the Colony?

If the Noble Lord refers to the proposed loan of £50,000 to the Government of British Guiana, provision for which is included in the Supplementary Estimate for Colonial and Middle Eastern Services, it will be seen from the details under Sub-head A.8 of the printed Estimate that this loan is in aid of the expenses of administration. It does not include provision for development, towards which assistance is being provided from the Colonial Development Fund.

In view of the fact that this Estimate is soon to be discussed, will the hon. Gentleman say where official information on the administration of the country is to be found? I inquired at the Vote Office, and I was told that they had no record of a report for the last two years.

I am afraid that I cannot give a definite answer to that question, but very full information has been given in two Command Papers published recently on the West Indies, and I shall be very glad to supply the information to-morrow.

The information is required before the Debate takes place, and cannot the hon. Gentleman arrange to have one of the ordinary administrative reports published, as is done in the case of other colonies, and put in the Vote Office?

I shall be glad to look into that matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the present condition of the finances of Cyprus, the desirability of remitting the contribution of £10,000 to Imperial defence has been considered?

The answer is in the negative.

Would it be possible to reconsider the amount of this contribution, seeing that only half a company is kept in Cyprus, particularly when the conditions in Cyprus, compared with those of Malta, are so much different?

This contribution is the result of an arrangement made about three years ago which conferred a financial benefit on Cyprus of £32,800. The arrangement at the time was received with very great approval by the Legislature of Cyprus, and I think that the hon. Gentleman will agree that this is a difficult time in which to consider an increase.

As at least 50 per cent. of the revenue of the country is spent on salaries, could not the hon. Gentleman make the most effective saving there?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when the new commission that is to go out to Palestine will start; and who are to be the members of the commission?

The commission is already at work. It consists of Sir Samuel O'Donnell (Chairman) and Mr. H. Brittain of the Treasury.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that Palestine has had a surfeit of commissions, which have already reported on all relevant subjects, and that there is no need for this commission, and can he see his way to stop it.

I am dealing with this matter more fully to-morrow, and perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will not mind my reserving my comments until them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Belgian authorities have, in satisfaction of a private claim against the railways, taken possession at Port Kasenyi, Lake Albert, of a Kenya and Uganda railway lighter, which was towed to Kasenyi by the lake steamer "Robert Coryndon"; and what action the British Government proposes to take in the matter?

My Noble Friend has seen a report in the Press, but no communication on the subject has been received from the authorities in East Africa. If the report is correct, reference will no doubt be made in due course to my Noble Friend, and the question of action can then be considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Church of Scotland mission in Kenya makes it a condition that no teacher in its employ shall belong to certain political associations; and whether he will issue instructions that no grants from public funds shall be made to that mission until it withdraws its claim to influence the political affiliations of such of its employés as are paid, in whole or in part, from such funds?

No, Sir. I am not aware that this is so, but my Noble Friend will inquire of the Governor of Kenya as to the position, and on receipt of the Governor's reply, I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the point is dealt with in the report for 1929 of the Director of Education in Kenya, and, in these circumstances, will he draw the attention of certain Free Church representatives in this country to this acceptance of what is apparently public money by a Protestant church without public control?

My hon. Friend does not perhaps realise that his proposal is rather a dangerous one. If the lever of educational grants is used for a question of this kind, it might be used in some directions that my hon Friend would not approve. The main consideration for these grants is the educational efficiency of the institutions to which they are given.

Is it not a fact that the cause of the difference of opinion between the Church of Scotland Mission in Kenya and one of the political associations in the Kikuyu country is connected with a particularly barbarous practice affecting outrages on women?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the commissioner of the Kavirondo province, during a visit to Songhor, endeavoured to persuade the natives of the district to accept work for private employers at a reduction in the standard rate of wages from 14s. to 12s. a month; and whether His Majesty's Government approve this action?

My Noble Friend has seen a report in the East African Press which indicates that the provincial commissioner of the Kavirondo Province visited Songhor in order to explain to the natives the reason for a proposed reduction in wages for farm labour; but he has no official information on the subject. The Governor of Kenya is being asked for a report, and on receipt of this I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has received any recent complaints about the activities of low-flying aircraft on Sundays; and whether complaints have been made to his Department as to the breach of regulations under the Air Navigation Order?

One or two such complaints have recently been received. In my reply to a question by the right hon. Member for Hendon (Sir P. Cunliffe-Lister) on 2nd July last, I outlined the action which the Air Ministry has taken to minimise the inconvenience to residents and to prohibit any avoidable low-flying.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that these complaints are real complaints against low flying, and are not merely due to machines taking off?

Is not any flying on Sundays a breach of the Lords Day Observance Act?

I am satisfied that these complaints are properly gone into, and we are doing everything we can to minimise inconvenience.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is yet able to state over what course the Schneider Trophy Race will be run this year, and on what date the race is to be held?

No, Sir; these questions are still under consideration by the Royal Aero Club, in consultation with the Air Ministry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will give figures to show the difference in the annual costs to the Air Ministry of an active regular day-bomber squadron and an active auxiliary Air Force squadron?

Figures of total expenditure for each type of squadron cannot be given with precision, but as a rough estimate the annual cost of a regular single-engine day-bomber squadron may be stated as about £100,000, and that of an auxiliary Air Force squadron as about £50,000.

asked the Minister of Transport the approximate number of holders of driving licences issued during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, and the revenue received in respect of such licences; and how many persons have had their applications for driving licences refused through their inability to comply with the recent legislative conditions?

The number of driving licences issued from 1st December, 1929, to 30th November, 1930, was 2,809,583, and the revenue received therefrom was £702,396. I have no information as to the number of applications for such licences which have been refused.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to introduce legislation or to make the necessary grants to carry out the proposals of the Royal Commission on Transport with regard to the reconstruction of weak bridges at the rate of not less than 1,000 bridges a year?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 2nd February to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Newport (Mr. Walker), of which I am sending him a copy.

Can my right hon. Friend say when this work is likely to be actually started?

A great deal of this work is already being done.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the traffic congestion that would be caused by these bridges being constructed at the same time?

That is a practical point, which I agree should be kept in mind in this matter.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that any money which his Department has available would be more wisely spent on new projects like the Humber Bridge?

asked the Minister of Transport how many schemes of bridge-widening or replacement have been submitted and how many approved in the county of Kent since May, 1929; and whether any level crossings are included in these figures?

Since May, 1929, my Department has received six applications for grants from the Road Fund towards the cost of schemes for the widening and replacement of bridges in Kent. One scheme has been approved and the remaining schemes are under consideration. No proposals affecting level crossings have been submitted since that date.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received a report from his inspector upon the condition of the Bardney Fen Road; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

I have now received a report on the condition of the Bardney Fen Road, from which I learn that on certain sections the surface is broken. The road is an unclassified county road, and the responsibility for its maintenance rests upon the county council. Should the council propose to carry out works of improvement on the road, I should be prepared to consider an application for a grant from the Road Fund towards the cost.

asked the Minister of Transport how many prosecutions, in each category, have taken place during 1930 under the order relating to noise of road vehicles; and whether he is satisfied that excessive noise is being stopped by this Order?

I have no information as to the number of prosecutions of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend which took place in the country as a whole during 1930 but I understand that the figures for the Metropolitan Police District are:

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider extending to new tramcars and trolley vehicles the regulations under which motor vehicles must be fitted with safety glass?

As regards trolley vehicles, I propose to make requirements in this matter similar to those applicable to motor vehicles. As regards tramcars, I have in general no power to propose such requirements and while I should favour the use of safety glass in the case for example of vestibule fronts when these are fitted, I doubt whether it is necessary at present to lay down any absolute rules in the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his well-known persuasive powers to get legislation to require vestibule fronts to be so fitted?

When I am satisfied that this should be done, I will do so.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the number of accidents to cyclists riding without rear lights or with inadequate reflectors, he will con- sider taking such steps as may be necessary to make the use of efficient rear lamps compulsory for bicycles?

Cyclists are permitted by the Road Transport Lighting Act, 1927, to use red reflectors instead of red rear lamps. The point was fully debated at the time of the passing of the Act, and I do not feel justified in taking steps to secure the repeal of this provision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question has been raised on many occasions previously but that nothing effective has been done, and that very serious accidents have taken place all over the country in consequence of the neglect of the regulation?

Is it not a fact that an adequate reflector gives absolute safety and that it is only when there is an inadequate reflector that there is danger?

I think that is true, but it has to be confessed that in a number of cases adequate reflectors are not provided. I have some sympathy with the hon. Member who has put the question, but, as Parliament decided this very controversial matter so recently as 1927, I do not think I can walk into trouble in 1931.

Will the right hon. Gentleman urge his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to ask the police to enforce the law?

Is it not possible to indicate the desires of the Ministry of Transport to the manufacturers of bicycles, so that when they are placed on sale an adequate and efficient reflector is a part of the machine?

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the regulations with regard to these reflectors force the public to carry efficient reflectors?

Will the right hon. Gentleman judge by results, and the results are an increasing number of accidents?

The regulations are all right, but I think there is room for more energetic co-operation on the part of cyclists in this matter, and I am quite sure the police will do what they can to enforce the regulations.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the law that third-party insurance does not benefit any person injured by a motorist who may himself be killed in the accident, he will consider arranging with the insurance companies a different form of insurance which will embrace persons injured in the circumstances specified?

This question was before Parliament only a few months ago, and I cannot see my way to introduce the legislative proposals which would be necessary to carry out the hon. Member's suggestion. The position was explained on the 10th April last by the Solicitor-General when the Road Traffic Bill was under consideration by Standing Committee C, and is set out in column 678 of the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the very defective state of the law and the hardships involved, does the Minister think he is justified in sitting still and doing nothing in the matter?

That is the only thing one can do if there is not, Parliamentary time to put it right.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to introduce legislation to carry into effect the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Transport with regard to the setting up of public trusts to acquire and amalgamate the Cross system of canals and in other respects?

The recommendations made in the Final Report of the Royal Commission on Transport on this and other matters are now under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to say what action it is proposed to take in regard to them.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the question of taking the initiative in this matter by calling a conference of all the parties interested?

I think the hon. Member has rather exaggerated the recommendation of the Royal Commission. It was that, failing the submission of voluntary schemes, the Government should take action, and I would point out that the Grand Union Canal have recently announced that they have arranged to acquire three further canals.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to set up the committee on economy; and whether he can state the terms of reference?

I cannot at present add to what I have already said in reply to questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will introduce a resolution expressing the grateful appreciation of this House for the eminent services rendered by the chairman and members of the India Statutory Commission in discharging the duties laid upon them by Parliament?

There is in fact no precedent for the course suggested by the hon. Member, and it might possibly prove embarrassing in the future if one were now created. At the same time, at the final meeting of the Round Table Conference and again in the Debate on 26th January I took the opportunity of expressing the high appreciation felt by His Majesty's Government and shared I know in all quarters of the House of the eminent services rendered by the Statutory Commission.

Does the Prime Minister not understand that there is in this House a custom by which Members who have rendered pre-eminent services to the State are thanked by the House? It is an ancient usage—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] Does the Prime Minister think that a few casual compliments from him and other distinguished persons is sufficient return for the great services rendered?

Will the Prime Minister not be paying this Commission the highest compliment by following its advice?

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will undertake that the horse in the amended model of the Haig statue shall be a replica of an English thoroughbred?

As the First Commissioner of Works informed the hon. Member on the 4th instant, the commission has been given to Mr. Hardiman. He cannot, therefore, give any such undertaking.

Will the hon. Member convey to the First Commissioner of Works, and ask him to convey to the artist, the very strong feeling there is against this course, and, in view of the fact that it tends to bring ridicule on the memory of Lord Haig, will he convey the view in this question and other strong representations to Mr. Hardiman?

I will convey the hon. Member's observations to the First Commissioner of Works.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether any decision has been reached in connection with the erection of Government offices in Edinburgh; and what arrangements are being made for the accommodation of the Departments it was intended to house on the Calton Gaol site in the proposed building which has been abandoned?

The question of further provision of accommodation for Government Departments in Edinburgh is, as the First Commissioner of Works informed my hon. Friend on the 26th January, under consideration. It is impossible at present for a definite statement on the subject to he made.

Will my hon. Friend indicate to the First Commissioner of Works the necessity that is felt in Edinburgh for getting ahead with this work in order to take men off the list of the unemployed?

Yes.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the contract for cleaning the windows of buildings in Taunton under his Department has been taken from a local firm, which had for a number of years given satisfaction, and let to an Exeter firm; and if he will state the reason for this change in administrative policy?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There has been no change in administrative policy, which is to invite tenders for window-cleaning contracts at intervals. The local firm to which the hon. and gallant Member refers held the contract from 1927 until they recently lost it in competition.

Has the hon. Member any information as to whether the employés of the Exeter firm are receiving standard rates of wages?

I have no information on that point, but I will convey the hon. and gallant Member's request for information to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether junior clerical officers employed in the prison establishment are eligible for promotion to higher clerical posts in the Prison Commission at the Home Office?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the satisfaction given by Post Office clerks appointed to the clerical class through competitive examinations, he will consider giving appointments to the 270 Post Office clerks who qualified at the 1926 competitive examination for entry into the clerical class but to whom posts were not allocated?

Perhaps I may refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Crewe (Mr. Bowen).

asked the Postmaster-General upon what ground a telegram addressed by the London branch of the Indian National Congress to Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, president of the Indian National Congress, on 31st January, 1931, was refused transmission?

The telegram in question was duly forwarded to India, and a service message was subsequently received intimating that it had been detained under a provision of the International Telegraph Convention which relates to objectionable telegrams.

Is it not a fact that the Indian National Congress, being now a legal body, is perfectly entitled to send these telegrams, and was it the nature of the telegram opened that was objected to?

I have nothing further to add to my answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will furnish to the House in the form of a White Paper the communications he has recently addressed to France and other countries proposing tariff reductions; and whether he has yet received any reply to such communications?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give particulars of the request made by the British Government to the German Government to make reductions in their tariff on certain imports from this country; and in what respects the British Government are prepared to impose a tariff in the event of the German Government refusing this request?

As regards the substance of the proposals which His Majesty's Government have addressed to certain foreign Governments I can add nothing to the reply returned yesterday to the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon). These proposals were submitted for the confidential consideration of the Government concerned and clearly cannot be made public at this stage. No replies have yet been received. As regards the second part of the question by the hon. and gallant Member for Clitheroe (Sir W. Brass) it is impossible within the limits of question and answer to discuss the entire fiscal policy of this country.

Can the hon. Member state when the President proposes to make a statement on this matter?

I have no information on that point.

Can the hon. Member assure the House that no promise has been made by the Government to maintain Free Trade principles in this country for any length of time in the future?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state for the year 1930 the home production of oats in Great Britain; the amount imported, specifying imports from Germany; the amount exported; and the average price per hundredweight?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The production of oats in Great Britain in 1930 amounted to 1,988,000 tons. The imports of oats into the United Kingdom from all sources during 1930 were 483,000 tons, of which 153,000 tons were received from Germany. The average declared value of the former was 5s. per cwt. and of the latter 5s. 7d. per cwt. Exports of oats from the United Kingdom were 14,000 tons with an average declared value of 8s. 7d. per cwt. The average price of British oats in England and Wales in 1930, as ascertained under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, and the Corn Sales Act, 1921, was 6s. 2d. per cwt. The average price in Scotland was 5s. 6d.

asked the Home Secretary whether the petition of the ratepayers of the Barnes Urban District for incorporation has been considered by the Privy Council; and, if so, what is the decision?

My right hon. Friend is informed by the Lord President of the Council that the petition has not yet been considered. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any information as to when it is likely to be considered, because this is a matter which entails no additional expense to the country or the ratepayers?

asked the Minister of Labour if she is aware of any industry or business in which there is at present an unsatisfied demand for labour?

Apart from resident domestic service and certain cases where there may be a shortage of specialised work-people at the height of the season I am not aware of any general difficulty on the part of the Employment Exchanges in filling any demands notified to them.

Has the difficulty of getting machinists in the tailoring trade been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Labour?

I am not sure that the attention of the Ministry has been drawn to this particular matter, but I am aware that there is some difficulty in getting young girls as learners.

Is it not true that there is a serious shortage of labour in the ranks of Lord Beaverbrook's Crusaders?