asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report since his last statement on the conditions existing in China; and can he give particulars?

No material change in conditions has taken place since the reply given to my hon. Friend on 9th March.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Nanking Government are now exercising control over the greater part of China?

No, I am afraid they are not—not over the greater part of China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give the number and names of the countries which have not ratified the Slavery Convention?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on Wednesday last to the hon. Member for Torquay (Mr. C. Williams).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects enjoy diplomatic immunity in territory controlled by the Soviet Government of Russia; and how do these numbers compare with January, 1930?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is 11 and to the second part nine.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of trade representatives, with their wives and families, who enjoy diplomatic immunity in this country, and what is the extent of the premises covered by the same privilege; and how do these particulars compare with January, 1930?

The answer to the first part of the question is two, namely, the head of the Soviet Trade Delegation in London and his deputy. Immunity attaches to the offices occupied by the Trade Delegation on the Fifth Floor, East Wing, Bush House, Aldwych, in accordance with the Temporary Commercial Agreement with the Soviet Government of the 16th of April, 1930. In January, 1930, there were no trade representatives in this country enjoying diplomatic immunity.

Does this immunity include the receipt of sealed post-bags, and, if so, is there any limit to the number of bags?

I think I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will instruct the British Ambassador at Moscow to report on the new system of payment of wages by the Soviet Government in connection with the five-year plan whereby wages and rations will depend on the quantity and quality of the energy expended by each individual workman?

If the reports which have appeared in the Press on this subject are correct, His Majesty's Ambassador will report in the ordinary course of his duties. I see no reason therefore to send him special instructions.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the importance of this decision by a great Socialist State—that work can only be carried on with a system of wage payment by results which has hitherto not been recognised by them?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that piece-rates have been general in Soviet Russia in all industries for a long time?

And is he aware that in the mining industry in this country wages are only paid on results?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state by what authority public money is handed to a certain private organisation for the relief of distress among British citizens who refuse to return to this country from Soviet Russia; and what account is rendered of the expenditure of this money?

As the hon. Member was informed on 18th February and 24th March last, His Majesty's Government contribute £120 a month to aid the charitable work of the organisation mentioned by him, which has for many years past provided relief for the British subjects still remaining in the Soviet Union. The contribution is made from Sub-head T. of the Vote for Diplomatic and Consular Services, in which provision is specifically made for the relief of distressed British subjects in any foreign country. Monthly accounts showing the distribution of relief from the total fund thus secured are furnished to the Foreign Office by His Majesty's consular officers in the Soviet Union.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the organisation is?

Is it not a fact that British subjects in Russia are unable to leave that country on account of age, and in some cases also on account of ill-health; and is it not a fact that the representatives of the Russian Government have done nothing whatever to help them?

I think that supplementary question has already been answered in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the difficulties of British traders in Abyssinia in obtaining settlement of claims upon which judgments have been obtained; and if he will make representations to secure the removal of these disabilities suffered by British traders?

Yes, Sir. This question constantly engages the attention of the diplomatic body at Addis Ababa, since the other foreign traders are as much embarrassed by the difficulty of securing the execution of judgments given against Abyssinian debtors as are their British competitors. Suggestions for the reorganisation of the Special Court at Addis Ababa and the improvement of the machinery to give effect to its judgments are at the present moment under discussion between the diplomatic body and the Abyssinian Government.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him if he is aware that the Italian and United States Governments have obtained settlements of their judgments while the British Government have not?

I was not aware of that. But if the hon. Member has any information on the point mentioned, I shall be very pleased to receive it and to look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what countries have powers conferred on the Government to restrict importation of cereals by licence, prohibition, or discriminatory tariffs, including countries within the British Empire?

As the answer to this question is necessarily long, I propose, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Control over the imports of cereals is vested in the Government by special legislation in a few countries, including the Union of South Africa, Germany, Norway, Estonia and Portgual. In several other countries a control of imports in general could be exercised by Government under powers conferred by legislation, and France, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Spain and New Zealand may be quoted as examples of countries which have in practice imposed a control on the imparts of certain cereals under such powers. In many countries, of course, general legislative powers are vested in the Executive and could presumably be used in the direction indicated. The powers possessed by the Governments of the various countries of the world to impose discriminatory tariffs on cereals cannot readily be summarised, but it may be said in general that in very many countries the Government has power to impose special duties (or even to prohibit imports) to meet special circumstances such as dumping and other forms of unfair competition and as a retaliation against discrimination abroad.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information concerning the projected commercial treaty between Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the terms of the commercial treaty recently completed between the Governments of Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia have been made public; and if appropriate measures have been taken for the protection of the interests of British trade in both these countries?

I understand that negotiations have been proceeding between the Czechoslovak and Yugoslav Governments for a tariff agreement, which would supplement the Commercial Treaty of November, 1928, between the two countries. I have seen a statement in the Press to the effect that agreement has been reached recently, but I have received no official information on the subject. With regard to the second part of the question by the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon), His Majesty's Government will, as usual, carefully watch developments, but I may observe that the United Kingdom enjoys most-favourednation rights by treaty in both Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.

Does the hon. Gentleman propose to make some inquiries about this treaty to try to ascertain what are the facts?

I will do so.

Did the representatives of His Majesty's Government in Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia make any communications to my hon. Friend as to what negotiations were proceeding in relation to this treaty, or did he only hear about it when this question appeared on the Paper?

Oh!

I could not answer that question without notice, but I may point out that, if any treaty had come into existence, according to the terms of the old treaty we should have secured information.

When the hon. Gentleman makes inquiries will he also ask whether the reason for this treaty is not the need of self-defence against Russian dumping?

King Charles's head!

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the amount of the preference that the Egyptian Government has granted to Czechoslovakian goods entering Egypt?

I understand that Czechoslovakian goods enjoy no prefer- ence in Egypt, being merely entitled in common with other countries with which Egypt is in treaty relations, to mostfavoured-nation treatment, that is to say the duties laid down in the Egyptian autonomous tariff without surtax.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department on how many occasions a communication has been made concerning the report on the organisation of the administrative machinery of foreign trade in the Soviet Union; when the last reminder was despatched; and whether he can state the reasons that are delaying the presentation of this report?

My Department has addressed three communications to the Commercial Counsellor to His Majesty's Embassy at Moscow regarding this matter; the last one was sent on 4th December. In reply the Commercial Counsellor explained in a letter dated 4th February that the machinery of foreign trade was still in process of reorganisation and that if his report was to be up-to-date, some delay was unavoidable.

What steps does the hon. Gentleman propose to take next to get this information?

I have asked my Department to send a further communication.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information regarding the shooting without trial of four British subjects serving in the French Foreign Legion, three of whom belonged to London and one, named Masters, to Moss Side, Manchester?

I have no information regarding any such events, but if my hon. Friend will give me further particulars, I will, of course, look into the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the individual who reported the alleged shooting also stated in his letter that the Legionaries were compelled to march 100 miles in 48 hours, and that the total strength of the Legion was 500,000 men of whom 100,000 were British?

I do not know to what letter my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the administrative officer and financial commissioner appointed by the special committee of the League of Nations to proceed to Liberia have yet been selected; whether these officers will have power to give effect to the recommendations of the commission of inquiry regarding the Liberian frontier force and the district administration of the tribal areas of the interior of Liberia; whether the Government of the United States of America has waived the 20 years' embargo on any new loan to the Liberian Government under the Firestone agreement; if so, whether the League is prepared to facilitate a new loan to finance European assistance in the administration of Liberia; whether the new provisional President of Liberia has declared himself willing to accept European assistance in the government of the indigenous Africans either from the League of Nations or the Government of the United States of America or both; and whether the Government of the United States of America is co-operating fully with the League of Nations in their endeavours to improve the revealed maladministration of Liberia?

Yes, Sir. Monsieur Brunot of the French Colonial Service and Monsieur Ligthart who has had considerable banking experience in the Dutch East Indies, have been selected as experts in general administration and finance respectively. They will draw up a comprehensive plan of administrative reform for consideration by the Council of the League, and will, no doubt, take into account the recommendations of the recent Commission of Inquiry. The question of a loan to the Liberian Government will have to be considered when these experts have submitted their report. In this connection I would point out that the United States Government are not a party to the existing loan agreement between the Finance Corporation of America and the Liberian Government. The Liberian Government have applied to the League of Nations for assistance in carrying out the social reforms proposed by the recent Commission, which recommended, amongst other things, the appointment of European or American district commissioners. The United States Government are represented on the committee set up by the League to examine this question.

Is it not a fact that no loan or financial assistance to Liberia from the League is practicable until the United States Government have made a new agreement with the United States Finance Corporation waiving the embargo which exists on further loans to Liberia?

That may be correct, but before I could give an official answer I think I would require to have notice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if full inquiries were made on the navigation capacity of the Panama Canal before His Majesty's Ship "Nelson" entered the waterway; and whether, in view of the risks this vessel ran of injury during her passage through portions of the canal, the Admiralty will, in future, refrain from sending ships of this size through the canal?

All the necessary information as to the capacity of the canal is available in the Admiralty. The Admiralty do not consider that there is any risk of injury that would justify a general prohibition of ships of this size proceeding through the canal.

Is it a fact that at one stage in her progress through the canal, this ship had only one foot of water to spare?

The Navy is quite accustomed to difficult jobs.

Is not the remedy to enlarge the canal?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that casual workers in His Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport, are discharged on a notice of two hours; and whether, seeing that many men are employed on a casual basis, he can arrange for them to be given a longer period of notice?

The facts stated by the hon. Member are incorrect but, as pointed out to him in answer to his question of the 18th March (OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 2004–5, Vol. 249) if he will let me have any specific instances where he deems insufficient notice to have been given, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a week or two ago a number of employés were dismissed in the manner described in the question?

I have no information to that effect, and I can find no justification for that suggestion in the records. The shortest notice which I have seen recently was one given at noon on the 27th to the effect that the worker's services would not be required after the evening of the 28th.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that Italy is building 19 war vessels for foreign Governments in her State dockyards and this country is building none, something can be done to secure similar orders in this country?

So far as I am aware there are no war vessels being built in Italian State dockyards for any foreign country, but there are a considerable number under construction for foreign Governments in private yards in Italy. I have reason to believe that every effort is made by British firms to obtain similar orders when opportunity occurs.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to show that the private yards in Italy receive a Government subsidy?

As to subsidy, I have no definite information.

Does the Admiralty give any assistance to private firms here to secure orders for foreign warships?

Yes, of course—derating.

The Government always render to British traders what legitimate assistance they can.

Is it not notorious in shipbuilding circles in Germany, France and Italy that the Governments give heavy subsidies to shipbuilding yards?

There are rumours that subsidies are given by Governments but we have no official information to that effect.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to the performance and efficiency of the pocket battleships of the German fleet; and whether, as a result of this information, any modifications are proposed in the basis of British battleship design?

No information is as yet available as to the performance and efficiency of these ships.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the rates of remuneration and conditions of service for medical officers in the Royal Navy?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Appendix to the Navy List, of which I am sending him a copy. Full particulars of the pay, etc., of naval medical officers will be found on pages 7, 35 and 43, etc., and the conditions of entry and service both of permanent and short service officers on pages 147 and 150 respectively.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the grounds, other than compassionate, upon which a naval man, prepared to purchase, may be given his discharge?

Discharge by purchase is a privilege at the discretion of the Admiralty. Where discharge is asked for on other than compassionate grounds, or indeed in any case, the Admiralty consider simply the convenience of or inconvenience to the Service involved.

Do the Admiralty never take into account the fact that a man who asks for his discharge, and is willing to pay for it, is going to better himself?

All the facts are taken into account, but we must have regard to the convenience or inconvenience of the Service for which the man definitely enters for a given period.

Can my right hon. Friend tell me what inconvenience one leading supply officer can possibly cause to the Navy?

Everything depends on what is the actual state of the roll of the Service at the time, and we must have regard to that; it is also fair to point out that, when it is a question of a man leaving a service of this kind, the fact that there are unemployed men looking for work has to be taken into consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the area of Crown land granted, freehold or leasehold, to Africans in Kenya Colony from 1900 to 1st October, 1930, and from 1st October, 1930, to 1st January, 1931, respectively?

The area of the native reserves in Kenya as gazetted is 48,296 square miles. This figure, of course, does not include the Northern Frontier Province and Turkana, which together cover about two-and-a-half times that area. As regards individual holdings by Africans of land conveyed by grant of Crown land, inquiry will be made of the Government of Kenya, but the number is undoubtedly very small at present.

Is it a fact that the land already reserved for the natives of Kenya is sufficient to meet all native requirements?

I am not sure that that is so as regards the future, but I think it is so as regards the present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the subsidy of £108,000 to be paid by the Kenya Government to European maize growers is to be found out of the ordinary revenues of the Colony to which non-Europeans have contributed or out of funds contributed by Europeans alone?

The subsidy which is repayable and which may not reach the maximum figure of £108,000, is being found by advances out of the general surplus balances of the Colony. I would remind my hon. Friend that there is no racial discrimination in the grant of this assistance.

Are we to understand that all these advances, whether to African natives or to Europeans, are regarded by the Kenya Government as recoverable?

Yes, on maize reaching a certain price.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there has been any spread of weeds or pests as a result of the increased growing of coffee by natives in Tanganyika territory?

There has been no suggestion of this in any of the agricultural or other reports received from the Government of Tanganyika by my Noble Friend.

Will the experience of Tanganyika in this respect be taken into account when the question of coffee growing by natives in Kenya Colony is considered in future?

Yes, I have no doubt that this consideration is before the minds of those responsible in Kenya.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can communicate to the House the details of the act of brigandage in Palestine which took place on Sunday night, the 22nd instant, between Jerusalem and Haifa; and what measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence of crimes of this character?

Yes, Sir; the following are the details. Twenty-three persons in eight cars were held up three kilometres south of Jenin at 5.30 p.m. on the 22nd March, by three armed brigands, who had blocked the road with stones. The victims report that they were robbed of money, clothes, and watches, valued at £500. One traveller was shot and slightly injured. The police were informed at 7.30 p.m., and immediately started in pursuit of the brigands. All three brigands were arrested on the 25th March by the police in conjunction with the Arab Legion at Irbid, Trans-Jordan. Police patrol activities have been increased with a view to preventing any recurrence of the incident.

Is the hon. Gentleman now quite satisfied that the police organisation in Palestine is sufficient to meet any requirements?

Yes, I think the police organisation in Palestine is now excellent. As the hon. Member knows, following a report of Inspector-General Dowbiggin, of Ceylon, the whole force has been reorganised.

Have the brigands been adequately dealt with?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the question of constructing oil-pipe lines from the Iraq petroleum fields to the Mediterranean has now been settled; what route will the pipe lines follow; and which port or ports will be used for the seaward end?

Details of the new agreement which, I am informed, was signed on the 24th March between the Iraq Government and the Iraq Petroleum Company, have not yet been communicated to me; but I understand that it contemplates the construction of two pipe line systems from a point of bifurcation in Iraq, one terminating in the Bay of Acre and the other in the vicinity of Tripoli.

Will the hon. Gentleman let me know when he has actual details?

Yes, but the question of publication is a matter of arrangement between the Iraq Government and the Iraq Petroleum Company.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the oil will go to one port or the other?

I am sorry, but I cannot.

Why is there not a report on this matter, seeing that it has been debated in the French Chamber?

This is an agreement between the Iraq Government and the Iraq Petroleum Company, and, while we have been kept generally informed, we have not details of the arrangement.

Will the hon. Gentleman let me know when I can put another question on the matter?

Certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made in applying the undertakings contained in the Saint Germain Liquor Traffic Convention of 1919 to B and C mandated territories?

The undertakings in the Convention of St. Germain-en-Laye have been applied to all British mandated territories in Africa by local legislation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will give particulars of orders issued by his Department to limit in future the occasions on which live ammunition is carried by the Royal Air Force aeroplanes during training exercises over inhabited areas in or near London?

The King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions, paragraph 776, prohibit the carry- ing of live bombs and small arms ammunition in aircraft in time of peace. The only exception is when aircraft are actually going to or returning from ranges or practice bombing targets, and on these occasions the orders are that thickly populated areas will be avoided.

Is it not a fact that they carry machine guns and live cartridges, and is it not possible to have practice over the country instead of over populated areas?

The information I have given is based on instructions issued as recently as December, and they are quite specific.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what it is proposed to do with the airship R100?

As the hon. Member is aware, the report of the R100 Inquiry has only just been received. I am not yet, therefore, in a position to add anything to the replies which I have given on several occasions during recent months, to the effect that until this report has been carefully considered in all its bearings, no decision will be made regarding the future of the airship R100.

Will the hon. Gentleman give some indication of the policy and as to the utility or otherwise of airships?

In view of the value of the skill of the men who have been engaged on the R100 and R101, will not the Ministry retain their services as a matter of economy, rather than discharge them, as they are doing, for purposes of so-called economy?

That question does not arise.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended, in the reconstitution of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, to make provision for the representation on that body of the taximeter-cab trade?

Provision for the re-constitution of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee is made in the London Passenger Transport Bill now before Parliament, and I propose, when the time comes to consult the bodies representing the interests of persons providing means of transport, including the taximeter-cab trade, before coming to a decision as to the representation of such interests on the committee.

Will my right hon. Friend make a special effort in this matter, seeing that there are 8,500 taxi-cabs in London and that the traffic regulations concern taxi-cab drivers as well as the travelling public?

I will bear that point of view in mind.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the opportunity afforded by the low price of rubber, he will, where possible, direct and elsewhere recommend that the roadways immediately around urban hospitals be covered with a rubber surface?

I understand there has been a considerable reduction in the price of rubber paving blocks, but that the cost is still relatively high. Local authorities are in the best position to judge of the circumstances which should govern the choice of paving materials, and I do not think it would be appropriate for me to exert pressure on them in the direction which the hon. Member suggests.

Supposing the local authorities in London or elsewhere do wish to have rubber roadways, will the right hon. Gentleman favourably consider the appropriate grants from the Road Fund?

We will consider the cases on their merits, including the question of economy which would be involved.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with his right hon. colleague the Minister of Health?

asked the Minister of Transport the present position with regard to the proposed Dartford-Purfleet tunnel?

I regret that I am unable at present to add anything with regard to the position of the Dartford-Purfleet tunnel scheme to the answer which I gave in reply to a similar question by my hon. Friend on the 16th March, beyond stating that negotiations are being pressed forward on all outstanding questions, but that it will necessarily take some little time before final arrangements can be made for inviting the first tender.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, under the London Passenger Transport Bill, it is intended that the same basis of compensation should be adopted in regard to the acquisition of private transport undertakings and those owned by local authorities which have been acquired and operated on the security of the rates; and, if not, will he state what distinction is proposed to be drawn as regards the terms of purchase in regard to these two classes of undertakings?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Directions as to the basis on which the various undertakings are to be transferred to the London Passenger Transport Board are contained in the Bill and were explained in my speech on the Second Reading (OFFICIAL REPORT, 23rd March, cols. 60–62).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these small owners are rather worried as to how they may be dealt with in the matter of compensation? Their position is quite different from that of the big transport undertakings, because they are small men, with only one or two omnibuses.

I am not sure whether "worried" is the right word to use, but we are all worried in a matter of this kind; both the people who are going to be paid and the Board, who have to pay, are concerned. The hon. and gallant Member may be sure that every reasonable consideration will be taken into account.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in erecting plant to supply the Crinan Canal and the harbour at Ardrishaig with electric light and power, he will arrange for sufficient surplus to be provided to enable the inhabitants of Ardrishaig to get power and light at a reasonable price to them and with a resulting profit to the Ministry of Transport?

A proposal of this nature from the Ardrishaig Village Improvement Association has already been considered but its adoption was found on investigation to be impracticable and the association were informed accordingly.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is rather unreasonable that this small town should have to provide its own current when he has a station near from which he could spare the little extra current they would require? It would bring him in some revenue.

There are technical difficulties and objections in the way. The hon. and learned Member's question suggests that there is money in the matter, but I am advised that there is not. I think his supplementary question indicates that he thinks there is not, but that there are other aspects at the back of his mind.

Is it not a fact that the Act of 1926 would prevent what the hon. and learned Member for Argyllshire (Mr. Macquisten) is asking for, and that it is not a question of any technicalities but the protection of profiteers?

I am not sure that that is so; and, further, in this case, there is no authorised undertaking in that village.

Is the Minister not aware that his answer proves what I was saying?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now take steps to have brought into effect the recommendations of the Mackenzie Committee in reference to trawling in inshore waters?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply of the 12th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Caithness and Sutherland, in which I stated that the outstanding recommendations of the committee are being borne in mind with a view to action being taken when suitable opportunities occur.

Is it not a fact that nothing has been done, and that the people on the island who rely for their food on the fish now find it destroyed year after year?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those recommendations were made nearly 10 years ago?

In reply to the hon. and learned Member for Argyllshire (Mr. Macquisten), it is not correct to say that nothing has been done. While we were in office in 1924 two additional fast cruiser vessels were put into service, one on the west coast and one in Shetland Waters. Again, in 1924, while we were in office, a motor launch was commissioned and attached to the "Vigilant" on the west coast, and since we came into office, again in 1930, a motor launch was commissioned for service in the Moray Firth. Therefore, it is not correct, as I have already said, to say that we have done nothing.

While I give the right hon. Gentleman full credit for the things which he has carried out in his Department, may I ask him if he is not aware that the penalties have not been increased, and that they are so trifling that a trawler does not care whether he is caught or not? The penalty is only £100 for taking £1,000 worth of fish.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the work of erecting and reconditioning the various piers in urgent need thereof in Argyll is to be begun?

I have received the report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Piers and Harbours on the north-east, north and west coasts of Scotland, and, as there is a considerable number of such piers and harbours requiring attention, I am at the moment considering the question of priority.

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to accelerate the progress? Has he not observed the statement that certain companies which have provided beautiful new ships are afraid to let them call at a number of these piers, because a single touch from a ship would crash them into ruins; and will he try to see that some of these piers are put right?

I have already informed the hon. and learned Member that I am giving this matter my attention.

Will the right hon. Gentleman visit the locus, and bear in mind that it is piers that we want, and not attention?

Will the right hon. Gentleman fulfil his promise, made to me some time ago, that he will give serious and earnest attention to the piers on the East coast?

Is it intended to publish the report of this inquiry?

I have no intention of publishing the report, but hon. Members may rest assured that, as I have just said, the matter is receiving my attention. May I also add that more has been done for the fishing industry, and in regard to putting piers and harbours into order, since we entered into office in 1929, than was done by any previous Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what amounts have been paid to the Montrose Estates, Limited, and to the Earl of Ancaster, respectively, in connection with the purchase by the county council of Perth-shire of the road from Aberfoyle to the Trossachs; what were the annual rate-able values of such roads; and how much Government grant has been paid in respect of this arrangement?

I am informed that the arrangements to be made for the acquisition of lands and rights by the county council of Perthshire for the road works in question have not yet been settled. No grant has yet been paid in respect of the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the claim to compensation following a breakdown in health due to War-time service in a munition factory of Miss M. Wilson, of St. Kilda, Bishop-briggs, Lanarkshire, has been brought to his notice; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

As I have already explained to my hon. Friend, Miss Wilson's disability is not such as would qualify her for an award under the terms of the Workmen's Compensation Act, and I regret that I am, therefore, unable to sanction any payment.

Is the Minister aware that the doctor attending this lady gives me a signed certificate, and her friends give a unanimous opinion, that her health was undermined by her munition service; and is there no special fund, or any means whatever, by which she can be compensated?

Unfortunately, I am helpless in the matter. I can only carry out the law, and, unless the Compensation Act gives compensation, there is nothing that I can do. In this case the Compensation Act cannot be applied. I will see if I can meet the hon. Lady in the way she mentions, although at the moment I know of no fund that can help in this case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is now the number of persons employed in the clearing office for enemy debts; what was the number of persons similarly employed a year ago; on what date the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal (Germany) ceased to meet; and whether he can state the probable date upon which the clearing office for enemy debts will be closed?

The staff of the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts) now numbers 245, as compared with 368 on the 1st April, 1930. The Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal ceased to be in continuous session on the 1st March, but will re-assemble in July to dispose of the few cases still outstanding. Every effort is being made to bring the work of the Clearing Office to an end, but much legal and intricate accounting work still remains to be done, and it is not yet possible to state a probable date for the closing down of the office.

In view of the fact that accounting work only remains to be done, has not the time arrived when this business should be taken back into the Department of the Public Trustee, to save expense?

The position is being closely watched, but we think it better to leave the Department where it is for the time being.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Sudan Cotton Corporation still receives a subsidy from the British Government; and what proportion of its cotton output is exported to Japan?

No British Government subsidy has been or is being paid to the Sudan Plantations Syndicate, which is presumably the body to which my hon. Friend refers. In 1929, the latest year for which information is available, practically the whole of the exports of cotton from the Sudan were to this country.

asked the Postmaster-General the present position of the negotiations concerning the agreement which includes provision involving a State subsidy to be paid in respect of grand opera?

This matter is still under discussion in connection with an application by the British Broadcasting Corporation for a revision of the financial terms of their existing agreement

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Postmaster-General is hopeful that this agreement will soon be concluded.

The Postmaster-General is doing his utmost to speed up the matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether smaller amounts will go to the credit of the Exchequer as the result of this agreement?

In view of the fact that negotiations have been reopened, could not the opportunity be taken to get the matter dropped?

Can the hon. Member not do something to allay the anxiety of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood)?

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that, according to the official statistical yearly report of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, the telephone conversations, telegrams, and pieces of first-class mail per capita are 230.7, 1.9, and 137, respectively, and the corresponding figures in Great Britain are 30.6, 1.2 and 131, respectively, he can say what steps he is contemplating for the improvement and extension of the telephone service in this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply of the 23rd of March to the hon. Member for Cardiff East (Mr. Edmunds)

Was the reply to the effect that something was being done or that the matter was under consideration?

The reply was to the effect that my hon. Friend has already given consideration to ways and means of speeding up the telephone service.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the extensive use of the post for the dissemination of birth control literature; and if he will take further steps to prohibit such use of the post?

My attention has been drawn to the fact that such literature is sent by post, but I am advised that, unless the language used is indecent or obscene, I have no power to prohibit the transmission of such matter by post.

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases the powers vested in him by Clause 75 of the Housing Act of 1925, and Clause 52 of the Housing Act of 1930, with regard to defaulting local authorities have been exercised?

There has been no such case. Local authorities have invariably preferred the alternative of themselves carrying out the necessary works.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Irish Sailors and Soldiers Land Trust have prepared the scheme for ex-service tenants to obtain their cottages?

I am informed that the preparation of the purchase scheme referred to is nearly complete.

asked the Minister of Health if he will issue a White Paper showing which parts of the Town and Country Planning Bill are the consolidation or re-enactment of existing legislation, which parts amend the present law, and which parts introduce new proposals?

My right hon. Friend will consider the issue of a White Paper, which will give these particulars, though he fears it may not be practicable to do this before the Second Reading of the Bill.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Kent County Public Assistance Committee are claiming and receiving the whole of the disability pension of Mr. Charles Amber in respect of the maintenance of himself and his wife and children; and whether any portion is set aside for the man to be returned to him on discharge?

My right hon. Friend has no information but is making inquiry.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any claims are accepted by him in respect of disabled pensioners who, by reason of destitution, are compelled to enter public assistance institutions; and whether the whole of the pension can be so claimed, or does the Ministry retain any portion for the man's use on resuming employment?

Claims made by local authorities in respect of institutional assistance to disabled pensioners are entertained under the provisions of the Royal Warrants. The amount repayable out of the pension would be determined within the rates prescribed by the extent of the assistance given and the circumstances of the particular case; but the residue, if any, of the pension would be handed to the pensioner when payment of pension is resumed on his discharge from the institution.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Dartford Public Assistance Committee are retaining the whole of the pension payable to this man in respect of his wife and children; and, if I send my right hon. Friend the papers, will he go into the question?

Certainly.

asked the Prime Minister if he is yet in a position to state the intention of the Government with regard to the repeal or amendment of the Trade Disputes Act, 1927?

The Prime Minister has nothing to add to the reply which he gave to the hon. Member on the 9th March.

If I put the question down after Easter will the Prime Minister then have made up his mind?

I am quite sure the Prime Minister will be ready to answer any question.

May we be assured that there has been no change in the policy of His Majesty's Government?

If, as I gather the anxiety of the hon. Member is that he feels that there is an injustice to the trade unionists, I agree with him.

asked the Prime Minister if he is yet in a position to state the policy of the Government in connection with the state of the betting laws; and if he proposed to find time after the Easter Recess for legislation dealing with this matter?

The present policy of the Government, in view of the highly controversial nature of this topic, is to examine carefully all proposals to vary the law in one direction or another. Unless and until specific proposals have been formulated, the second part of the question cannot arise.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Government will make up their mind and not appoint a Royal Commission?

There is no doubt about the Government making up their minds. The difficulty is the varied opinions of the other side.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has approved the map and constituted the board of the Ancholme and Winterton Beck catchment area; and if he will give the reason for the delay and the date on which the board will be constituted and commence to function?

The map of the catchment area and the Order constituting the catchment board have now been definitely settled and will be sealed almost immediately, and it is hoped that the first meeting of the board, of which 14 days' notice has to be given to each member, will be held before the end of April. Any delay in this case has been caused by the necessity to give careful consideration to the objections put forward to the map and the Order and to a number of intricate legal points peculiar to this catchment board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the difficulties caused to certain owners and occupiers of land within the internal drainage boards through their being unable to make the application contemplated by Section 21 (3) of the Land Drainage Act, 1930, and having to bear expenditure which should be met by a contribution from the catchment board of the Ancholme area; and will he state what is the present position?