asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that last year the Sudanese Government was able to round up a large number of slave-traders on the Sudanese-Abyssinian border, and thereby secure the release of 1,000 slaves destined for sale in Abyssinia; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to present a full report upon this incident to the League of Nations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) in view of the success of the work of setting free the 1,000 slaves destined for sale into Abyssinia which was undertaken by the Sudanese slavery patrol, whether it is his intention to express to the men and officers concerned the appreciation of His Majesty's Government;

(2) whether he is aware that the Sudanese Government has recently captured a large number of slave traders engaged in selling into Abyssinia persons under British protection; and if he can say whether these slave traders have been or will be brought to trial and the records of the proceedings submitted to the League of Nations?

The incident referred to occurred in 1929 when investigations by the Sudan authorities led to the arrest and imprisonment of a woman engaged in the sale of Abyssinian negroes to various Arab tribes on the Sudan side of the frontier. A number of other persons implicated were also arrested and imprisoned. These investigations led to the discovery and liberation of about 650 slaves who had been imported into the Sudan from Abyssinia. Full reports were made to the League of Nations by the Governor-General of the Sudan, and were published in the Official Journal of the League for May, 1929, page 833, and May, 1930, page 393. My right hon. Friend considers that the effective action taken by the Sudan authorities to suppress this traffic reflects great credit on all concerned.

What steps have been taken to make Abyssinia carry out her obligations with regard to slavery?

We are always doing our best to prevent the occurrence of these incidents.

Will steps be taken to convey that message to the men of the patrol?

My right hon. Friend considers, as I have already stated, that great credit is due to the patrol. But it is some time since this incident occurred, and the first report was made by the League of Nations in May, 1929, before the present Government had come into power. My right hon. Friend would be quite prepared to send such a message, as the Noble Lord suggests, but this might, more appropriately, have been done by our predecessors.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the advisability of proposing that no warship exceeding 10,000 tons displacement shall be laid down after the beginning of the World Disarmament Conference?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question by him on 18th March.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this point, among others, will receive proper consideration?

Undoubtedly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the precise terms in which the written assurance to be given to the French and Italian Governments by the British Government, in connection with the Franco-Italian naval agreement, that they themselves favour a reduction of the capital-ship gun to a maximum calibre of 12 inches and a substantial reduction in the existing maximum displacement of 35,000 tons, will be drawn up?

The precise terms in which the British Government will give the written assurance referred to in the hon. Member's question is one of a number of matters under consideration by the Drafting Committee which is now sitting in London. I am, therefore, unable to give any further information until their work is completed.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman say whether this country will recover full liberty of action in the event of the Governments of the United States and Japan not being able to accept those reductions at the next Naval Conference?

I think that we had better wait and see whether that happens.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many, and which, States have not yet ratified the Slavery Convention of 1926 and the Forced Labour Convention of 1930?

Thirty-five States have not yet ratified or acceded to the Slavery Convention of 1926. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the names in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The Forced Labour Convention of 1930 has so far been ratified only by Liberia and the Irish Free State.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the position of Russia?

The list of 36 names which I am circulating of those who have not yet ratified include the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Following are the names:

Abyssinia, Afghanistan, Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Free City of Danzig, Guatemala, Hejaz, Honduras, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Persia, Peru, Rumania, Salvador, San Marino, Siam, Turkey, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Uruguay and Venezuela.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will instruct His Majesty's Minister in Russia to approach the Russian Government with a view to obtaining permission for the entry into Russia of books printed and published in this country, except those to the entry of which exception is taken on political or economic grounds?

According to the last edition of the Tariff Law of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the possession of His Majesty's Government, books to which no exception is taken on political or economic grounds are admitted free of duty. The action suggested by the Noble Lord does not, therefore, appear to be required.

Has the hon. Gentleman received the information I sent him on the authority of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and will he look into it? Cannot he make representations through our Minister to allow Bibles which have been printed in this country to be sent to Russia?

The Noble Lord sent me this morning a report which I have read with interest and with great regret. Whether it arises out of this question is another matter. The point at issue is the interpretation placed by the Soviet authority on what books are objectionable to them on political or economic grounds. Possibly the Noble Lord will give me time to look into the matter and consult my right hon. Friend.

Is my hon. Friend aware that men have been sent to prison for distributing in this country the Sermon on the Mount?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further steps have been taken by the Government recently to ascertain the conditions of labour in the Russian timber camps, and to carry out the obligations imposed on this country by Article 23A of the Covenant of the League of Nations?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answers given to his questions on the same subject on 23rd February and 2nd March, to which I have nothing to add.

Is the Government, therefore, of opinion that there is no need to take any further steps to ascertain the conditions?

Reliable information on these conditions would be welcome to the Government, but certain difficulties have hitherto prevented that reliable information being obtained.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why the Admiralty should no longer be using Russian timber?

That question must be addressed to the Admiralty.

Why cannot they send to Finland to examine the numerous escaped Russian prisoners?

Will my hon. Friend urge the Labour Office of the League of Nations to inquire into a very sad case of a waiter who, after 42 years' service, was discharged on a very inadequate pension by the Junior Carlton Club in London?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information about the proposed Customs union between the German and Austrian Governments; and whether this affects the most-favoured-nation or other commercial treaties in existence with this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement to the House on the announcement of the formation of a Customs union between Germany and Austria; if His Majesty's Government have been advised of the negotiations with this object in view which have been in process for some time between those two countries; and what measures have been adopted to protect the interests of British trade?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information concerning the preliminary agreement with regard to a future customs union that has been concluded between Germany and Austria?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give any information in his possession as to the suggested customs pact between Germany and Austria?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any notification of the formation of an Austro-German customs union; and whether he can give the House any information on the subject?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the agreement for a common customs union between Germany and Austria which also permits other countries to join; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to enter into negotiations with these countries with a view to similar reciprocal arrangements?

Information concerning the projected Customs Union between Germany and Austria, which has been furnished to the Foreign Office by the German Ambassador and the Austrian Minister, is being very closely studied in its legal, commercial and political aspects. No agreement between Austria and Germany has yet been concluded, but the two Governments have communicated to us certain proposals which are intended to form the subject for the future negotiation of a treaty. Whether or not a union constituted along the lines of these proposals would involve the breach of any treaty provision is a legal question which cannot be answered at this stage, but which will have to be fully and carefully examined. It is impossible to forecast the result of the proposed agreement on British trade. Much would obviously depend on the level of the duties which the proposed union, if brought into being, would impose upon imports from other countries. The House may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will use all proper means to prevent injury, as a result of any such agreement, to the trading interests of this country. His Majesty's Government have no present intention of entering into negotiations with Germany or Austria with a view to concluding a Customs Union with either or both. Any such step would involve a radical change in our fiscal policy in relation not only to foreign countries but to the Dominions and India.

Without going into political questions, may I ask if it is still the policy of the Government to encourage the breaking down of fiscal barriers in Europe?

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When did the hon. Gentleman first hear officially, from either the German Ambassador or the Austrian Minister, that negotiations were in progress for a Customs Union?

The actual text of the proposals was only communicated to us on Monday last, and it was not before Friday that we got even the first intimation, not from the German or Austrian representative in London, but from the French Ambassador, who called at the Foreign Office to acquaint us of what he had heard.

Did the hon. Gentleman make any protest against these negotiations being carried on behind the backs of the other nations of Europe without giving notice to our Government or to any other country?

I think I would prefer not to enter into further details. My right hon. Friend is in Paris and is engaged in consultation both with M. Briand and other representatives of European States assembled there. He will be in his place in the House, I hope, on Monday, and any further questions might perhaps be deferred till then.

May we take it that the Foreign Secretary will make a statement to the House either on Monday or at latest on Wednesday before the House adjourns for Easter?

I have no doubt if the right hon. Gentleman or any of his friends will put down a question that my right hon. Friend will give the fullest answer that is possible. I know that he attaches considerable importance to this question from what we have heard at the Foreign Office since his departure. I suggest that the most convenient course would be for a question to be put down for Monday.

That is the reason why I asked the date of his return the other day.

Did the German proposals communicated to the Government contain a general invitation to other Powers to join the union or not?

There is a clause in the proposals indicating that the German Government would be willing to conclude a similar union with any other State that was willing to do so.

In view of the fact that there has been no discussion in this Parliament at all of our economic relations with European countries arising out of the Treaty of Versailles and other treaties, will there be an opportunity of discussing this matter in relation to the broader question at an early date?

That question had better be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now give the composition of the board of trustees appointed under the China indemnity settlement to carry out the disposal of the funds in question?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to state the names of the British members of the Chinese Government Purchasing Commission; and whether any representative of the British steel industry is included in their number?

I hope to be able to make an announcement at an early date regarding the selection of the British members of the Chinese Government Purchasing Commission and of the Board of Trustees.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the inclusion upon this board of an engineer having full knowledge of the manufacture of railway materials?

Yes, Sir. We have been giving a good deal of consideration to obtaining suitable names to submit to the Chinese Government, with whom the final selection rests, for both these bodies, and I hope that when I am able to make an announcement to the House, there will be general satisfaction that the various interests concerned will be duly represented.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what

Comprehensive education schemes are in force in the training establishments. In the general depots, all new entries receive special instruction.

In boys' training establishments, Very special care is taken to ensure adequate

reduction there has been in the incidence of contagious diseases in the Navy during the last six years; and what steps are taken especially to bring entrants and lads in the training establishments under the influence of intensive and comprehensive educational schemes with a view to the prevention of such diseases?

As the answer contains a table of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not a fact that the rate of reduction of these most serious diseases has stopped during the last six years, and that the Admiralty are taking no special steps in order to deal with the situation?

No; I think that the hon. and gallant Member will find that that is not quite borne out by the information.

Are the Admiralty taking full steps to avail themselves of the offer of the British Social Hygiene Council to give them help, which has been so useful elsewhere?

Following is the answer:

I presume that by "contagious diseases" the hon. and gallant Member refers to venereal diseases. The reduction (or increase) in the incidence of these diseases in the Navy, during the last six years, is set forth in the following table:

and suitable instruction in sex hygiene. This instruction forms part of the general scheme of moral training, and is carried out, in close co-operation, by the divisional executive officers, the chaplains and medical officers of the establishments concerned.

Moreover, thorough instruction, especially with regard to venereal diseases and their dangers, is imparted to those boys before they are drafted to sea-going ships.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the name of the firm whose tender for 50 tons of sisal was recently accepted by the Admiralty; the price at which the sisal was purchased and the estate marks on the bales supplied against the contract; whether delivery has been completed; and whether the sisal in question was shipped by British steamers?

Delivery of the sisal has been completed. It is not customary nor is it in the public interest to publish prices and details of Government contracts.

Will the hon. Gentleman say why this sisal was purchased from a company which is registered in Jersey in order to avoid the payment of British Income Tax, when it could be purchased from British controlled estates in Tanganyika, Kenya or Nyasaland at an economic price? May I have a reply to that question, Sir? Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, or rather his failure to reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment of the House at an early date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what will be the estimated total tonnage of British destroyers and leaders in a year's time; and of that tonnage how much will be under 12 years of age?

The answer to the first part of the question is 172,581 tons and to the second part 45,471 tons.

Seeing that we have only 45,000 tons and are allowed to have 150,000 tons, does not the hon. Gentleman think that some more destroyer building is necessary?

No. I think the hon. Member will find that we have our full quota, taking into consideration the completion of the 1929 building programme and allowing for the scrapping programme of 1930–31.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what will be the estimated total tonnage of British destroyers and leaders on the completion of the 1931 building programme and, of that tonnage, how much will be under 12 years of age?

The figures asked for in the first part of the question cannot be accurately forecast so far in advance. The answer to the second part of the question is 68,646 tons.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with that, seeing we are allowed 150,000 tons and in view of the very large amount of submarine tonnage allowed to Continental Powers?

Yes. We have to have regard to this as being tentative, and we have to bear in mind that there might be considerable modifications. Having regard perhaps to the position of French submarines and our own submarines, we might have to make some different arrangements with our destroyers.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that in the absence of such modifications the position will be very unsatisfactory. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] On a point of Order. May I ask for your guidance, Mr. Speaker. I seem to be very unfortunate in getting stopped when putting my second question on naval subjects.

These questions were discussed on the Navy Estimates about a week ago.

May I point out that these questions were asked on the Navy Estimates, and they were not answered.

I cannot help it if the hon. Member is not satisfied with the answers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is satisfied that the number of ratings borne in the sick-berth branch is sufficient to allow of proper nursing arrangements and attendance for the sick in hospitals and sick quarters, when sick-berth ratings are on passage to foreign hospitals and are on foreign service leave?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the cost to this country of the battleship "Nelson" transiting the Panama Canal in order to pay a formal call on the United States fleet at Bilbao?

The regulated canal charges for the passage both ways amount to 36,407 dollars.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that in the interests of economy, which is so necessary at the present time, this expenditure was considered desirable, particularly in view of the reductions which are being made in the salaries of ex-service civil servants?

On the whole, I think that it was desirable that the full programme should have been carried out.

May I ask whether the word "transiting" is a word which is acknowledged in the ordinary English dictionary?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position in regard to the resignation of the Indian members of the Fiji Legislative Council and the subsequent refusal of the Indian community in the colony to nominate candidates for the seats vacated, on account of the dissatisfaction felt by the community with the electoral system introduced under the recent constitutional reforms in the colony whereby the electoral roll for the Legislative Council is divided along racial lines?

So far as the Secretary of State is aware the situation has not changed. The absence of Indian members from the Legislative Council is regretted, and the Governor is prepared to issue writs for an election of Indian members as soon as there is an indication that candidates will be forthcoming.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons an order of the Director of Education in Cyprus has been issued recently prohibiting schoolmasters and schoolmistresses and, generally, all teachers from publishing or editing any paper, or contributing to it anonymously, or even expressing any views by articles or letters to the Press on any matter of political or administrative nature?

My Noble Friend has not heard from the Governor that such an order has been issued, but as teachers have recently come under Government control in Cyprus, they are presumably subject to the usual Colonial Regulation regarding communications to the Press by Government servants.

Have any particular instructions been issued by the Governor in this respect, and, if so, is it possible for this House to be supplied with a copy of them?

I shall be very pleased to give the hon. Member a copy of the Colonial Regulations which deal with this matter.

I asked whether special instructions were issued by the Governor, and, if so, could we be supplied with a copy?

I have said in my answer that we have no information, but, if there have been instructions, certainly I shall be very pleased to supply a copy.

Will the hon. Gentleman make an inquiry as to whether any special order has been issued, or whether the regulation is the same as that which applies to all other colonies?

Yes, Sir, I am quite willing to do that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms of the State guarantee given to the Agriculture Bank of Cyprus; at what rate of interest it provides loans to the co-operative credit societies; at what rate of interest these societies provide loans to the peasants; and whether the Government is prepared to consider the establishment of a State Bank of Cyprus to provide loans direct to the farmers without profit-making?

The Cyprus Government has guaranteed a net profit of 4 per cent. on the £50,000 capital of the bank and interest up to £10,000 in any one year on bonds amounting to £200,000 issued by the bank. The rate of interest on loans to the co-operative credit societies is 8 per cent., and these societies under their rules provide loans to the farmers at not less than 1 per cent. nor more than 2 per cent. above that figure. The suggestion contained in the last part of the question has been considered, but, in view of commitments which have been entered into, it is not practicable to adopt it at present.

Would the hon. Gentleman say how long these commitments are to stand?

This arrangement was made under the previous Government and has only been running for a year or two, and after such a short time it is hardly suitable to consider an alteration.

At an early moment, in view of the high rate of interest charged to the peasants, would the hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter?

It does seem a high rate of interest, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the ordinary rate, apart from this, has been about 12 per cent.; and the rate charged is a good deal less than the peasants have been in the habit of paying. It certainly seems high, but the rates of interest in all these countries are higher than they are in this country.

Is it not a fact that the normal rate of interest charged by the only other sources available to these agriculturists is more often 7 per cent.?

That is not my information.

Is it not a fact that this arrangement was instituted by the Government of Cyprus with the approval of the Secretary of State, in order to rescue the Cyprus peasantry from lawyer moneylenders who were charging usurious rates?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to recent disturbances in the Middle East, resulting in the death of Captain Draper, commanding the mobile desert motor patrol?

Some statements have appeared in the Press recently regarding alleged unrest in Transjordan. My Noble Friend has made inquiries from the High Commissioner who reports that he recently visited Transjordan and found the situation tranquil. No British officer has been killed, and I cannot identify the particular incident to which the question refers. Possibly the reference may be based on an inaccurate version of the following occurrence. On the night of the 7th of March on the Amman-Es Salt road the ex-Chief Minister of Transjordan, Hassan Khalid Pasha, and Flying Officer Domvile, R.A.F., were fired on, but neither of them was hit, although their motor cars were struck by several shots. The incident is believed to have been a mere act of brigandage. The police have made two arrests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that an average of more than 1,300 bodies of dead children are picked up in the streets of Hong Kong each year, he will call for a report from the Governor of Hong Kong as to what verdicts have been given at the inquests held upon these children; and what administrative steps are being taken to bring to trial those who are alleged to be responsible?

My Noble Friend inquired into this matter some little time ago. In a despatch dated the 22nd May, 1930, the Governor informed him that every abandoned corpse is removed to the public mortuary for post mortem examination, but in almost every case no cause is discovered for suspicion that the death resulted from other than natural causes. Every case is reported to the coroner, but the Governor states that in no single instance in 1928 did the coroner see any necessity for a formal death inquiry. In the circumstances, my Noble Friend does not propose to call for a further report of the nature suggested by the hon. Member.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether, whatever may be the causes, he cannot assure the House that some steps will be instituted and prosecuted which will put an end to a state of things which, without exaggeration, can be described as appalling?

I quite agree that it is very unsatisfactory. I understand that in the main these happenings are due in some cases to fear of inquiries under infectious disease orders, and in other cases to save the expense of burial. My Noble Friend has gone into the matter and drawn the Governor's attention to it, and I believe that everything possible is being done in the matter.

Surely, the hon. Member will take some steps to stop this economy. The answer with regard to economy over burial is a dreadful answer.

I do not think so. It is no reflection on the Government of the Colony at all. Arrangements are made for burial to be free, if necessary, but probably in many instances that is not known.

Can the hon. Member give us the assurance that these children were not placed on the streets dead, as the result of violence?

Yes, I have stated that in practically every case the result of the post-mortem examination showed that death was due to natural causes. There is certainly a very high infant mortality there.

Surely the hon. Member does not accept the official view in this rigid answer. Surely, there is some heart in administration of this kind.

I do not understand the vehemence of my hon. Friend. I have given a clear answer, that these bodies were found in the streets and that they had not gone through the ordinary process of burial. Arrangements are in existence whereby they could get burial free of charge, but for the reasons that I have stated these were not taken advantage of. I would remind the hon. Member that in the last year for which figures are available in the Metropolitan Police District in London over 700 bodies were found in one year.

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We cannot have any further supplementaries on this question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state what is the latest information about the situation in Palestine?

I understand that the situation continues unchanged, and no incidents of special significance have been brought to notice. The police action usually called for at the season of religious celebrations will, of course, be taken.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that suitable precautions are being taken in view of the approach of Easter?

Yes, Sir. The High Commissioner is fully aware of the position, and I can assure the hon. Member that every necessary precaution is being taken.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information about the report which has been published in this country of an act of brigandage of somewhat serious import?

No, Sir; we have had no official news.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether unemployment is increasing or decreasing among the Arabs?

I believe there is a considerable amount of unemployment, but I am sorry that I cannot give definite information about increase or decrease.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement as to the situation in Palestine since the publication of the Prime Minister's letter to Dr. Weizmann; and if he has any information as to the causes and extent of the Arab boycott?

As regards the first part of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham South (Mr. Knight). As regards the last part of the question the High Commissioner has reported that the Arab Executive issued on the 13th instant a manifesto calling upon all Arabs to adopt within certain limits a commercial boycott of the Jews. No information has been received as to the extent to which the boycott has yet been put into practice.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that never at any time has the tension been so high as it is to-day, and, in view of the urgent need for co-operation between the Jews and Arabs, will not the Government endeavour to bring this about by altering the terms of that letter?

We are always endeavouring to bring about co-operation between the two parties, as the hon. and gallant Member knows. He also knows that it is a difficult task, but it is one which we certainly intend to pursue.

Is the hon. Member not aware that the letter written by the Prime Minister to Dr. Weizmann has had exactly the opposite effect?

I know that it has been criticised, but I am afraid that I am not prepared to take the hon. and gallant Member's view of it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will state what is the cost of the seaplanes, engines, propellers, and other flying equipment for the forthcoming Schneider trophy race; whether the whole of this money is being found by private subscription; and whether these seaplanes, etc., will remain the property of the Air Ministry or His Majesty's Government after the race?

As regards the first and second parts of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave him on the 16th instant. It is hoped that the whole of the extra expenditure will be covered by private contribution, but it would not be expedient to make public the amount of expenditure on the purchase and reconditioning of technical equipment for the race. As regards the last part of the question, I have no doubt that in due course it will be possible to come to some commonsense arrangement as to the utimate disposal of this equipment.

In regard to the last part of the hon. Member's answer, if these aeroplanes are to be kept by the Air Ministry for a certain period for training purposes, will Lady Houston be allowed some part of the cost for the hire of them?

All I can say upon that matter is that, if we think it necessary to retain these machines permanently, my Noble Friend will consider the question of some rebate on the cost.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is yet in a position to make any statement with regard to the proposal of the London and North Eastern Railway Company for the electrification of the old Great Northern suburban system?

The London and North Eastern Railway Company have now submitted to the Development (Public Utility) Advisory Committee an application for a grant in respect of a revised scheme for the electrification of the Great Northern suburban lines. The application will receive careful and immediate consideration.

In view of the long delay that has taken place in bringing about this scheme of electrification, will the right hon. Gentleman urge the company to bring it into operation without delay?

I am very anxious that this scheme and other schemes of electrification shall be brought into operation without delay.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can now make any further statement as to when the report of the Committee on the Severn River Barrage may be expected; and what State funds have already been spent in connection with this project?

This inquiry is being conducted by a Committee of the Economic Advisory Council, which has appointed an expert co-ordinating committee for the supervision of the detailed work involved. I understand that the latter body hopes to be in a position to submit a further confidential report later in the year. As regards the second part of the question, the expenditure to date on this investigation amounts to £41,535.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an additional reason for seeing that there is no delay in finding out whether the Severn Barrage is a good scheme, and that is the increased cost of coal at the present time?

I am very anxious that there shall be no undue delay.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement defining a major and minor road referred to in the Highway Code?

I think that the terms referred to by my hon. Friend are sufficiently clear. The Code enjoins caution on all drivers at cross roads even if they are on a major road. If a driver is doubtful when approaching a cross road whether the road on which he is travelling is a major or a minor road he should act as though he were on a minor road.

asked the Minister of Transport how many local authorities during the past year have exercised their powers to acquire toll roads and bridges in the United Kingdom?

I have no knowledge of any toll roads or bridges having been acquired by local authorities and freed from toll during the past year, but I understand that seven schemes for freeing bridges from toll are under active consideration by the authorities concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman bringing any pressure on local authorities in this matter?

I do not like the word "pressure," but we have drawn the attention of local authorities to the new powers conferred by the Road Traffic Act, in connection with which I am thankful for the assistance of the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company have decided to close down the railway lines for passenger traffic between Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Nuneaton and Burton-on-Trent and Nuneaton via Measham; that this action will deprive some 20,000 people of any passenger service from their own town or village; and, in view of the inadequacy of the alternative omnibus service proposed, whether he will represent to the company that they should make effective connections with the neighbouring towns of Derby and Leicester, to avoid the delays at present caused to passengers and to encourage business?

The railway company have informed me that in consequence of the diminution in passenger traffic between Donisthorpe and Nuneaton they have decided to withdraw the railway services, but that arrangements have been made with the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company, Limited, with which they are associated, for the improvement of the omnibus services. The company state that in their opinion the revised omnibus services will adequately provide for the limited amount of traffic at present conveyed by railway, but that full consideration will be given to any specific representations which may be made to the effect that the proposed service between any particular point is inadequate.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the failure of this branch line of the London Midland and Scottish Railway is due to bad management; and does it not point to the need for the nationalisation of the railway system?

asked the Minister of Transport whether the actual material which is used in the construction of the steel pylons for the electricity grid system is of British manufacture in every case?

I understand that the whole of the steel used in the construction of the towers to which the hon. Member refers is of British manufacture.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state what is the farthest point in West Wales to which it is proposed to take the grid; when it is anticipated this point will be reached; and what steps are being taken at present for the supply of electricity to the rural districts of Carmarthenshire?

With regard to the first portion of the question, it is not contemplated that the "grid" system will be taken farther west than Llanelly or that the construction of this line will be completed for another two or three years. Supplies can be made available from the existing generating station at Llanelly for the development of surrounding areas. Three applications for Special Orders to authorise the distribution of electricity in the unoccupied portions of the counties of Carmarthen, Cardigan and Pembroke are at present under consideration by the Electricity Commissioners.

Is it possible to hasten this scheme?

Anything connected with the Ministry of Transport is always hastened.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that foreign electric meters are being put by the Electric Supply Corporation into council houses in spite of the protests of the town council of Chelmsford; and whether he will take steps to see that British meters are used?

This matter, which had not previously been brought to my notice, is not one in which I have any jurisdiction, but I will make inquiries and inform the hon. and gallant Member of the result.

At a time of great unemployment in this country, surely it is the duty of the Minister of Transport to see that British meters and not foreign meters are installed? Cannot he use his influence with this corporation?

It must be appreciated that we are not the owners of electricity undertakings. I am quite sure that among the directors of these undertakings are a lot of excellent Conservatives, and that they will have every regard to the policy of their party in this matter.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that his representative, on 20th January, accepted the view of the Liverpool corporation that the Office of Works were liable for the reinstatement of the Custom House School of Cookery after damage by fire; and, in view of the fact that no work has been done and that inconvenience is being caused, whether he will take steps to have the work put in hand without delay?

In regard to the first part of the question, I am assured that no liability was admitted by my representative. In regard to the second part, I understand that the matter may become the subject of legal proceedings, and, in these circumstances, I would prefer to make no further statement.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has yet received a report on the organisation of the administrative machinery of foreign trade in the Soviet Union?

The answer is in the negative.

When does the hon. Member expect this report?

I understand that several reminders have been sent out in regard to this matter.

When was the last reminder sent?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received the report from the Committee which has been considering the law relating to patents; and whether he proposes to publish such report?

The report of this committee has now been received and steps are being taken to publish it forthwith.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she will state to the House the wages paid to operatives engaged in the rubber shoe industry in this country and the number of hours in the working week; and the corresponding figures for Czechoslovakia and Germany?

I regret that I am not in possession of the desired information, either for this country or for Czechoslovakia or Germany.

But surely the hon. Gentleman can get the information. Is he aware of the unfortunate condition of the rubber shoe industry to-day because of acute foreign competition? Cannot he give the House the facts?

The facts are not available in respect to such employment in this country, to say nothing of the other countries referred to. There are no collective agreements in that particular industry. As the hon. Gentleman knows, there are employers who do not care too much for investigation.

But this is a very serious Case. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one of these rubber shoe factories in Edinburgh is about to close down and to place 700 workpeople on Unemployment Insurance benefit for a week or so?

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, whether he is aware of the overcrowding on the Paddington estates of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners; what representations have been made to the commissioners in regard thereto; and whether the commissioners, as large property owners in the borough of Paddington, are willing to assist the borough council in ameliorating the housing conditions of the working classes in the borough?

The commissioners' attention has been drawn to overcrowding in Paddington not solely or particularly on the estate of which they are ground landlords and on which, moreover, they are not owners of the houses. The commissioners will gladly give their encouragement as ground landlords to any approved scheme made by the local housing authority.

May I ask whether the Ecclesiastical Commissioners now agree that the housing conditions in this particular area are really shocking?

The report that has been received on that particular area is certainly disquieting, but as they have no immediate power over the question the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have not examined it with that particularity which they would have done if they had had any power to deal with it.

asked the Secretary of State for India if the company that has been formed for the export of foreign cloth held in stock in Bombay and other places in India is to handle all foreign cloth held or only British-made cloth; and whether this project is covered by the terms of agreement between the Viceroy and Mahatma Gandhi?

My information is that the scheme covers all foreign cloth. There appears to be nothing in the agreement that precludes the formation of this company.

asked the Secretary of State for India the rate of maternal deaths per 1,000 confinements in British India during last year or for the most recent year for which figures are available?

Figures are not available for the whole of British India. But to take a few illustrative cases, the ratio of maternal deaths per 1,000 live births in 1927 was 12 for Madras Town, and 5.3 for Madras Presidency; 5 for Bombay City and 5.4 for the Presidency. When copies of the Public Health Commissioner's report for 1928 are received I will have one placed in the Library.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to think that these figures can be complete in view of the statement of the representative of public health in Madras that 20 per 1,000 is a very moderate estimate of the number of maternal deaths?

I have given the figures, and I have no doubt that they are accurate.

Can the Secretary of State say how these figures compare with those in England and in other countries?

The figures I have given are not the percentage over the whole of India.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Joshi Report gave the result of an extremely careful study of 7,000 confinements, which showed a rate of over 17 per 1,000?

I have given the hon. Lady the official figures in my possession, and I have no doubt as to their accuracy. I have also drawn attention to the fact that they do not cover the whole ground.

asked the Secretary of State for India what provision is being made for the representation of women on the reconstituted Federal Structure Committee?

As I informed the House on Monday last, I am in consultation with the Governor-General on the composition of the reconstituted Federal Structure Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for India what replies were given by the provincial Governments to the proposal to suspend the provisions of the Sarda Act, which was circulated to them last summer by the Government of India; and whether any further action in that respect is contemplated?

The correspondence between the Government of India and local Governments on the subject of the Sarda Act was of a confidential nature. So far as I am aware it is not the intention of the Government of India to take any action to suspend the operation of the Act.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement in the Press this week by Mr. Brailsford, that the Government have circulated a proposal to amend the Act by reducing the age of marriage to 12 and by allowing conscientious objection?

The hon. Lady will find the answer to that question in the answer I have already given.

In view of the great importance of this question and the interest taken in all parts of the House, will the right hon. Gentleman get definite information as to whether any action is or is not contemplated? He said in his reply, "So far as I am aware."

Those precautionary words did appear, but I have no doubt that the statement is accurate.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the agreement which includes provision involving a State subsidy to be paid in respect of grand opera has yet been completed?

No, Sir.