asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give the House any information concerning the safety of Father Tierney?

I regret to say that Father Tierney died of illness, while in capitivity on 11th March. In his letter communicating this information, the Minister for Foreign Affairs expressed deep regret and stated that the provincial authorities had been given orders to apprehend within a fixed period the bandits who bad captured Father Tierney.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs bow many British subjects have been captured and how many have been murdered during the last two years in that part of China which is under the jurisdiction of the Nanking Government; whether he is satisfied that there is in such area adequate protection of British subjects; and whether he proposes to take any further steps in this connection?

During the last two years 15 British subjects have been captured in China, all of whom escaped or were released. Eight others have been murdered, and one has died in captivity. As I informed the right hon. Gentleman on Wednesday last, the National Government realise their responsibility for ensuring the adequate protection of British subjects, and discharge it as far as they can. Most of these outrages occurred in remote places where the Government, though they have jurisdiction, do not exercise effective control. As regards the last part of the question, the British authorities in China can be relied upon to afford to British subjects such measures of protection as is within their power. I have no reason to conclude that any further steps need yet be considered.

Is every care being taken to tell those who may be contemplating going to these districts where, as the right hon. Gentleman says, the administration is not effective, that it is unwise for them to proceed there?

It is very difficult to say what steps we can take. Assistance is given in every way in these matters.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that there might be a warning to the missionary societies and the missionaries generally?

I know that the missionary societies do not like to have any outside interference in these matters. The missionaries go as a matter of conscience and take the risk.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the negotiations regarding extra-territoriality carried on between His Majesty's representative in China and the Chinese Government have made any further progress since his last statement on the subject?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position of the negotiations on extra-territoriality; and whether he has any information concerning any new regulations prepared by the Chinese Government for governing the adjudication of foreign cases under which foreign nationals would be amenable to the various grades of Chinese courts?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any other countries are still negotiating with the Chinese Government regarding question of extra-territoriality?

The position with regard to the extra-territoriality negotiations is that agreement has now been reached on a large number of the details of a treaty providing on the one hand for the transfer of jurisdiction over British subjects in China from British to Chinese courts, and on the other hand for safeguards relating to the administration of justice, calculated to give a feeling of confidence and security to the British nationals and British interests under a new regime. A serious obstacle to the speedy and successful conclusion of the negotiations has, however, arisen in connection with certain important treaty ports, which in the view of His Majesty's Government must be excluded from the operation of the treaty until such time as necessary changes have been effected in the municipal administrations at those ports to meet the new situation created by the abolition of extra-territorial rights. This attitude on the part of His Majesty's Government was influenced not only by consideration of the chaos which must ensue from any sudden change in jurisdiction at the ports in question, but also by the fact that they could not alone decide the question, having regard to the fact that other Powers were also concerned. As a way out of the difficulty, His Majesty's Government recently suggested to the Chinese Government that they would be prepared, immediately on the conclusion of the treaty, to agree to the appointment of a special commission which would proceed forthwith to a study of the whole problem of the reserved areas with a view to finding a satisfactory solution.

Unfortunately, the Chinese Government have not seen their way to agree either to the point of view of His Majesty's Government on the question of the reserved areas or to the appointment of the suggested commission. His Majesty's Government, however, have not abandoned hope that, if time is allowed for further discussion, a satisfactory solution of this one outstanding difficulty will be found, and I need not emphasise our sincere desire to reach a friendly settlement. With regard to other Powers, I have seen a statement in the Press by the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs, but as yet I have no official information as to the final position of the negotiations between the Chinese Government and these Powers. The House will, I am sure, agree with me in recognising the devotion and ability with which Sir Miles Lampson has conducted these long and complicated negotiations.

I am sure that everyone on this side of the House will desire to be associated with the tribute which the Foreign Secretary has paid to the services of Sir Miles Lamp-son. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can now lay Papers on this matter showing the course of negotiations and the attitude taken up by the different parties? We have been afraid of pressing for this information until the negotiations had reached such a point that it was possible to give it. I hope the right hon. Gentleman will now be able to give it.

I am quite prepared to give the same serious consideration to that suggestion, but in one paragraph of my reply I have said that we are not without hope that even now we may be able to proceed to a settlement, and I will take that into consideration at the same time. If the right hon. Gentleman desires to put another question, I will give a considered reply.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of Question 8, as to whether it is a fact that the Chinese Government have made these regulations purporting to deal with the adjudication of foreign cases in their own Courts?

I have seen a report in the Press of a set of regulations which are supposed to be official, but as yet I have no official information on the point. If the right hon. Gentleman will put a question down next week I will see if we can get it in the meantime.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether Sir Miles Lampson is still detained in Hong Kong, or whether he is actively carrying on these negotiations?

I was not aware that Sir Miles Lampson was at Hong Kong.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman, in answer to a question a few weeks ago, say that he was unavoidably detained in Hong Kong?

I do not remember the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the forthcoming Disarmament Conference, it is intended to appoint naval, military, and air attaches to His Majesty's Embassy in Moscow?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet Government will take part in the next Disarmament Conference at Geneva; and if he will arrange for a White Paper to be circulated to the House giving particulars, in such detail as is available, of the present strength of the army, air force, and navy of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the annual expenditure which is now being incurred on the maintenance and development of these forces?

I have no reason to suppose that the Soviet Government will not take part in the Disarmament Conference of 1932. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply returned by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Marjoribanks) on 24th February. The hon. and gallant Member will find full information in the League of Nations Armaments Year Book, and I do not therefore consider that the expense of the publication of a White Paper would be justified.

Considering the importance of this question, and the cost of issuing a White Paper, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the House is entitled to information? Is it not the fact that the Soviet Government is raising a large number of soldiers, sailors and airmen at the present time?

I am not belittling the importance of this question, but if the information is already available in the document to which I have referred, I think the hon. and gallant Member should take it into consideration.

rose —[Interruption

Does the hon. Member rise to a point of Order?

Yes. The right hon. Gentleman has referred to me. Am I in order in asking a supplementary question?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the terms of the order issued by the Soviet Russian authorities prohibiting all Soviet import organisations and trade delegations from buying goods originating in Canada or shipping goods by Canadian ships?

According to my information, the order in question, which was issued on 18th April by the People's Commissar for Foreign Trade in virtue of a decree of the Council of People's Commissaries of October, 1930, forbids all import organisations and all trade representatives to purchase any goods whatsoever of Canadian origin, and likewise forbids the employment of Canadian ships.

Does the hon. Member intend to make representations, or ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make any representations on behalf of this Dominion?

I am not aware that the Dominion desires us to make any representations.

Has not the time arrived when in the interests of this House and the nation as a whole the Government should approach Mr. Spahlinger and get some vaccine to deal with this anti-Russian complex?

asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a committee to investigate and report upon the economic difficulties which have arisen owing to the circumstances in which Russian goods are now being imported into this country to a rapidly increasing extent, and the bearing upon the problem of the different labour conditions under which these goods are produced, compared with the conditions prevailing in this country or in those parts of the British Empire with which Russia is now competing for British markets?

I do not see that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a committee of this kind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the enormous increase in the importation of goods from Russia, and considering that they are produced under conditions of labour that would not be tolerated in this country, does he not think the matter might be looked into?

That is not my information.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the facts which have led His Majesty's Government to the conclusion that the setting up of a clearing house to deal with Russian purchases and sales transactions would be impracticable?

Apart from the great practical difficulties involved in the running of a system of the kind contemplated by the hon. Member, it would be impossible to institute it without having recourse to discrimination in regard to imported goods of Soviet origin. This, as explained by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in the Debate on the Consolidated Fund Bill on 25th March last, would be incompatible with our obligations under the Temporary Trade Agreement of 16th April, 1930.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the balance of trade at the present time is very much in favour of the Soviet Union, and will he confer with the Soviet Union in order to establish some system of this sort; or failing this, will he press on this Government when the present agreement lapses—it is a temporary agreement—to come to a different agreement which will consider this matter in the light of this question?

I am aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member. The matter is constantly under consideration.

Is it not the case that the majority of the goods imported from Russia are raw materials, and that the majority of goods exported to Russia are manufactured goods?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position of the negotiations for an Austro-German Customs union?

I understand that negotiations between Germany and Austria are suspended pending the discussions which will take place at Geneva in the course of the present month.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government propose to introduce legislation for the purpose of establishing Import and/or export boards?

No, Sir, not at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to give me an answer next week?

The future is the future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the figures of the volume of production of marine motors in Great Britain for the years 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, and 1931, and the volume of retained imports of marine motors during those years; and the volume of exports?

I regret that I am unable to supply my hon. Friend with all the particulars for which he asks, but I am having the available figures extracted, and will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the admission to Dartmouth Naval College of the son of King Alfonso is subject to his undergoing the educational, physical, and other tests and examinations which cadets are ordinarily required to pass?

The admission of foreigners to courses of naval training and instruction is never subject to the ordinary tests and examinations.

May I ask whether this lad will in due course be entitled to enter the Navy and receive pay in the service of this country?

I should like to have notice of that question.

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether the man in question should be designated ex-King or Mr.?

Grossly impertinent!

The language of the question seems to me to be very suitable.

Are you aware that His Majesty's Government have recognised the Spanish Republic?

Is it not a fact that this boy's father was a true friend of innumerable English men and women during the War?

On a point of Order. In view of your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, that the designation in the question is quite correct, may I ask of where is he King?

Is there no chivalry in the Labour party whatever?

The language of the question does not suggest that he is King of anywhere.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of non-British cadets at present at Dartmouth Naval College; the conditions under which they entered; and whether the college is open to all non-British people under such conditions up to the college capaciity?

Prince Juan of Spain is the only non-British subject at present at the college. With the exception of certain foreign princes, foreign subjects have not ordinarily been admitted into the college, primarily owing to considerations of accommodation and to the fact that the alternative facilities in His Majesty's Ship "Erebus," for the purely naval training generally asked for, have been found more suitable.

Are not the regulations really strict, and only British-born subjects of pure European descent are eligible for entry into Dartmouth?

That is not the position. We have precedents like the case of the Belgian Prince for admissions of this character.

Is it not the case that he is a Prince and the other is not called a Prince at all?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the findings of the committee which has been considering the question of the entry of officers into His Majesty's Navy?

The findings of the committee in question have not yet been received. I understand, however, that the committee are now engaged in drawing up their report.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of lieutenant-commanders who have taken advantage of the special scheme of retirement recently announced?

Up to the present 40 lieutenant-commanders have been allowed to retire under the scheme in question. In addition, five lieutenants have retired under the scheme.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the circumstances in which certain British vessels are visiting Kiel as the guests of the German Government; and whether it is proposed to extend a similar invitation to German vessels to visit British waters?

Following on several visits by ships of the German Navy to British ports in the Dominions, the German Government have suggested that they would be glad to welcome His Majesty's ships at their ports. An informal visit to Kiel by His Majesty's Ships "Dorsetshire" and "Norfolk" has accordingly been included in the programme of the Baltic cruise of the Atlantic Fleet, and it is hoped that visits to ports in the United Kingdom will be paid by ships of the German Navy when their programmes permit.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what has been the total expenditure on new construction for Japan and the British Empire respectively, for the period 1921–31, using sums voted for years where the actual expenditure it not yet known?

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether consideration has been given to the advisability of carrying a seaplane on board aircraft carriers which could be held in readiness to proceed to the rescue of the crews of aeroplanes reporting engine or other trouble at sea when at a distance from the parent ship; and, if not, whether he will take this question into consideration?

The suggestion of the right hon. Member has been fully considered with many others, but the Board of Admiralty is satisfied that the present arrangements are the most effective. The matter is under continuous review, and any changes proved to be effective would, of course, be immediately adopted.

Would it not have been of great assistance in the difficult situation which occurred the other day, in connection with His Majesty's Ship "Glorious," had there been a seaplane available, instead of the ship being obliged, herself, to go to the rescue?

I think that we have to take a great many other technical considerations into account, and before the right hon. Member forms a final conclusion, I would ask him to await both the full findings of the Court of Inquiry and the result of any subsequent proceedings.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that six general labourers instead of painters are being employed painting the "Unicorn" at Dundee; that the work has formerly been done under contract with a painter; that the difference in the wage rate is sevenpence per hour; that the departmental inspector reported conditions as satisfactory, although informed that 62 painters were idle; and have steps been taken to rearrange matters as desired by the painters' society?

Further inquiries are being made into this matter, and I hope to let my hon. Friend have some information before very long.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole thing is in contravention of the agreement with the unions; and has any definite action been taken?

My hon. Friend does not. I am sure, expect that I, personally, can look into every small contract for £300 or £400, before it is made. In this case, I have asked that the matter should be looked into at the Admiralty.

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that this business has been going on for some time?

I saw the papers dealing with the matter this morning, and action is being taken to inquire into it.

(for Mr. ROSS) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the recent trials of new types of propulsion machinery in His Majesty's Ship "Acheron" were successful?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any difficulty has been experienced with the metal for the turbine blades of vessels fitted with this new type of machinery?

If the hon. and gallant Member wishes for information on technical details he ought to give me private notice, but the experiments so far carried out have given satisfaction.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that leading men have always been entitled to nine days' leave with pay on occasions when they choose; and that since the week's leave with pay has become applicable to all dockyardmen the leading men have become obliged to take their leave at the fixed period; and whether he will take steps to remove the disadvantage under which they labour at present as compared with the option they previously enjoyed?

The grant of leave to all classes of Admiralty employés has always depended on the exigencies of the service, and the week during which the dockyards are closed is, from the standpoint of the Admiralty, the most convenient time to grant a week's leave to all employés, except those who are required to maintain essential services. The position of the leading men is not different from that of similar classes of workmen and of salaried dockyard officers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to announce the Government's decision with regard to the disposal of the R.100?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can now make a statement as to the policy of the Government in regard to airship construction?

In view of the fact that a final decision by His Majesty's Government on these matters is being postponed pending a report by the Committee on National Expenditure, I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.

As the Government seem quite incapable of coming to a decision on this matter—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—may I give notice that I shall raise the question on the Adjournment?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the further complaints made as to the nuisance and danger of low flying by aircraft, he will now consider making stringent regulations in this matter?

The subject is one to which my Noble Friend has given close personal attention, as he is most desirous of preventing any serious cause for complaint. This is indeed in the best interest of flying itself. Further orders on the subject were issued to the Royal Air Force only a few weeks ago, supplementing the stringent regulations already in force. They prohibit flight over any city or town except at an altitude which will enable the aircraft to land outside the boundaries, should any mechanical breakdown occur. They also prohibit trick or exhibition flying over a populated area and, in general, flyng in such a way as to cause unnecessary danger to persons or property on land or water. All complaints of low or dangerous flying by Service aircraft are promptly and carefully investigated by the Air Ministry and strict disciplinary-action is taken whenever the facts justify it. Where civil pilots are concerned, the institution of proceedings is a matter for the police, but the Air Ministry investigates any complaint brought to notice and is ready to co-operate with the police as necessary.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the great inconvenience caused to the ordinary householder who happens to live on the direct line between London and Paris, by this low flying?

I am aware of all the difficulties, but I think that my answer covers that point.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many towns in Great Britain have established municipal aerodromes?

Eight towns have established municipal aerodromes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of experimental types of civil aircraft owned by the Air Ministry; the uses to which such aircraft are put; the ultimate purpose for which they are to be utilised; and if any further experimental civil aircraft are to be constructed for the Air Ministry during the present year?

There are at present no experimental types of civil aircraft owned by the Air Ministry, but five aircraft of such types are now under construction to the Air Ministry's order. These aircraft—a large float seaplane, a freight-carrier landplane, a flying boat, a monoplane landplane and a biplane landplane—are intended to achieve definite advances in design over existing types. On completion they will be flown experimentally under operational conditions, and the ultimate use to which they will be put will depend upon the results of these experiments. The question of selecting and placing orders for further experimental types of civil aircraft is under consideration.

Among these types of experimental construction, is there any aeroplane on the auto-gyro principle?

Not in those to which I have referred.

Is it intended to experiment with one?

I cannot anticipate any future experiments. I have answered the question fully as to existing experiments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps have been taken during the past 12 months to ensure that all potatoes supplied for the Royal Air Force have been home-grown?

Potatoes required by Royal Air Force units at home are not purchased by the Air Ministry. Purchases for airmen's messing are made by the units themselves from the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, and I understand that, with the exception of early potatoes and a few cases where home-grown potatoes are too expensive, all potatoes so supplied are home-grown.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any new auxiliary Air Force squadrons are to be formed during 1931; and, if so, whether he will consider one for the county of Kent?

No new auxiliary Air Force squadron is being formed during 1931.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he can make any statement as to the result of negotiations between the Air Ministry and the Electricity Commissioners regarding the guarding of aircraft from danger of contact with overhead high-tension cables by means of lighting of pylons or some other means?

Meetings have taken place between representatives of the two Departments, and the technical aspects of the subject are under active consideration. A programme of experiments is being drawn up.

If I put down a question again in a month's time, will the hon. Gentleman be able to give me any more information?

I anticipate that an answer can then be made.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the large amount of flying over the Downs of Sussex and the great danger there is, on the testimony of pilots, owing to the existence of these pylons?

We are aware of these conditions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the proposed railway electrification, precautions are to be taken against injury to stock and human beings at existing railway farm-crossings and others where protecting gates are not installed?

The hon. and gallant Member may, I think, rest assured that in carrying out any future electrification all necessary precautions against risk of injury at level crossings will be taken.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in fact the electrification will be overhead or by means of live rails?

I think the Weir Committee report assumed that the best system would be overhead.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in the construction of the Manchester-Liverpool road; if any part of it is completed and in use for public traffic; and when it is expected that the whole of it will be completed and ready for use?

The part of the Liverpool-Manchester road two miles in length, which lies within the Liverpool County Borough has been completed and opened to traffic since April, 1929. No portion of the work in progress within the administrative county of Lancashire has been completed, but the contract provides for completion by-November, 1933.

Can my right hon. Friend say if the time given for completion is the time that was understood in the contract?

I am speaking from recollection, but it appears to be part of the original contract. I am not, however, certain.

asked the Minister of Transport how many persons are employed on the construction of the Manchester-Liverpool road at the present time; what is the greatest number employed upon it at any one time; and can he state at what period the highest number will be employed upon it and what that figure will be?

The approximate number of persons now employed directly on the construction of the road is 1,128. The maximum number employed at any one time was 1,300. It is not anticipated that the number of men now employed will be increased in the future.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Oxford Street traffic control signals will be in operation; whether these installations are of foreign manufacture; and what is the reason for the delay in their completion?

I hope that traffic control signals will be in operation in Oxford Street by the end of June. Many authorities had to be consulted and the preliminary arrangements have taken some time, but since the order for the material was placed there has been no delay either in delivery or in the work of erection. The signalling apparatus (as distinct from poles, cables, etc.) is to be of foreign manufacture because, when the question of controlling traffic in this way in Oxford Street was first investigated, no British firms were manufacturing or had any experience of the type of signals required. I am glad to say that in this respect the position has improved and in connection with future installations importance is attached to encouragement of British manufacture so far as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that in future only British firms will be allowed to supply these signals?

I have indicated to the hon. Gentleman to-day, as I have before, that every endeavour will be made to secure signals of British manufacture, but I cannot go further than that.

Will my right hon. Friend not consider the safety of the public first?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that signalling apparatus of the highest efficiency is now being made in Birmingham?

asked the Minister of Transport the total number of installations of automatic traffic control signals which have been approved for grants by his Department; how many of these are of foreign and British manufacture, respectively; and what is the average length of time taken by his Department before approval is given?

The total number of installations approved for grants up to 30th April is 333. Of these

87 were of British manufacture;

226 were manufactured by American firms who claim that their equipment is mainly of British manufacture;

in 20 cases the selection of the equipment has not yet been decided.

When the question of installing these signals first began to be considered, British firms had had little experience in their designs and manufacture, but I am glad to say that the position has altered in this respect and preference is now given to home manufactures where possible. Taking the applications which had been received since the beginning of August last, the average length of time which has elapsed from the date of application to the date of the issue of grant has been 11 weeks.

asked the Minister of Transport what action has been taken to carry into effect the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Transport that the bridge-building programme be speeded up at a 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 the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Walker), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can report any progress with the London County Council and the Port of London Authority in respect of the Millwall dock bridge providing better facilities for vehicular traffic and pedestrians getting over the bridge without so much delay as at present?

I understand that the negotiations between the London County Council and the Port of London Authority respecting the reconstruction of Millwall dock bridge are making satisfactory progress, and I hope that an agreement will be reached at an early date.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider issuing to registered medical practitioners special road passes, or whether he will authorise the attachment of special signs, horns, or lights to the cars of registered medical practitioners so that police officers on point duty shall give them special facilities through traffic in cases of emergency?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on this subject on 25th Feb- ruary to the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha), of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this has become a matter of public controversy since then, and is he also aware that Canada has adopted this system, that it has worked well, and that I believe the terms for penalties in the case of improper use have also worked well, and will he look into the matter, in view of Canadian experience?

I have carefully considered the matter, but the number of priorities which would have to be issued would be so large that I am afraid it would involve serious interference with the free flow of traffic.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the Canadian experience and see how it has worked?

asked the Postmaster-General the average amount of money deposited in the Post Office in 1930 under the direction of the court dealing with the allocation of the sums awarded under the Workmen's Compensation Act; the amount of interest paid on it; and the rate of interest?

The average amount of the deposits made in the Post Office Savings Bank in 1930 as awards under the Workmen's Compensation Acts was £218, namely, 3,916 awards totalling £852,710 in the aggregate. The amount of interest paid cannot be ascertained without considerable inquiry. The usual rate of interest, 2½ per cent. per annum, is paid.

Is the rate of interest fixed, or does it fluctuate?

The rate of interest is fixed, at 2½ per cent.

Will my hon. Friend let this be known to the persons who have money put out in that way, as there is a lot of discontent about it?

I thought it was generally known, and that the information was generally available.

My hon. Friend may be right in that, but the applicants do not know about it, and I would like them to get to know.

asked the Prime Minister whether he, or any other Member of His Majesty's Government, proposes to make an official visit to India during the present year?

I would refer the hon. Member to what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said in the course of the Debate of 12th March last, to which I have nothing to add.

Cannot the Prime Minister give a plain, straightforward answer to this question?

Withdraw!

asked the Secretary of State for India whether a medal will be given to the troops who have taken part in recent operations on the North-West Frontier?