asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make a further statement with reference to the Bombay-Karachi air route?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any progress has been made towards enabling Bombay to take fuller advantage of the air-mail service between this country and India by the institution of a regular air-mail service between Bombay and Delhi or Karachi; and whether any definite proposals are under consideration by the Government of India towards this end?

The Government of India hope that it will be possible to provide au air mail service for Bombay at a date not long after the inauguration of the Karachi-Calcutta sector as a State air service. The technical details involved are under investigation in India. It has not yet been decided whether the service should be operated as a shuttle service from Jodhpur to Bombay or as a more direct connection from Karachi to Bombay.

Can my right hon. Friend say what company will run the service, or will it be run by the Government?

I imagine it will be run by the Government.

Are they considering a flying boat service as well from Karachi to Bombay?

I am not sure, but, inasmuch as they have under consideration the possibility of a service from Jodhpur to Bombay, I imagine that it is aeroplanes.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will obtain and publish a report upon the picketing methods which have been practised in the chief markets of India since March last in relation to the economic boycott of British cotton goods?

The Government of India recently reported that picketing was much reduced, but that there were signs of its revival in some places; that complaints of objectionable methods were decreasing but that they were still receiving a few; and that with occasional and local exceptions the picketing was unaggressive. I shall be happy to give further information as I receive it.

Would it not be a good thing to stop picketing altogether?

There is nothing that hinders the operation of the ordinary law in India at the present time.

Then does the right hon. Gentleman know why the ordinary-law in regard to picketing is not put into force?

The ordinary law is being put into force.

Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm the reports in to-day's Press regarding the increased peaceful character of the picketing in India?

Is the same amount of picketing being exercised against Japanese goods?

I nnderstand that the movement which is in progress is against all foreign goods.

Is it against all foreign goods and not particularly against ours?

Oh, yes. I believe the discriminatory element in the campaign has ceased.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any meeting of the agency company has been held since 18th March; and whether he has any recent information which he can give to the House regarding the operations of this company?

I understand that a meeting of the committee appointed to introduce the scheme was held on the 30ti. April. The results of the meeting were reported in the "Times" of the 4th May. I have no reason for doubting the substantial correctnes of the report.

Is it a fact that the Bombay millowners have subscribed to this company more than £26,000?

There was a statement in the "Times" which I think was substantially accurate, but whether it went as far as saying that the money had been subscribed, I am not quite sure.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to find out whether that is correct or not?

All the information that I can properly be seized of I have put immediately at the service of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the resolution, a copy of which was sent to him, passed on 5th May at a meeting of members of the Manchester Royal Exchange, urging His Majesty's Government to take action in respect of the Indian boycott and the Indian import duties; and what action, if any, His Majesty's Government intend to take on these matters?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the resolution, a copy of which has been sent to him, passed at the protest meeting held on the Manchester Royal Exchange, on 5th May last, in connection with the boycott of Lancashire cotton goods in India; and whether he has consulted with the Government of India as to what steps should be taken to put an end to the picketing which is still taking place, in violation of the agreement recently made by the late Viceroy?

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has considered the resolution passed on the Royal Exchange, Manchester, on Tuesday, 5th May, a copy of which was sent to him; and if he has communicated this resolution to the Government of India?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Gandhi and the Congress party are now working to prevent British cloth from ever again being permitted to enter India, he will take steps to suppress those forms of picketing which violate the terms of the agreement made by the late Viceroy?

The resolution in question has already been communicated to the Government of India. As to the import duties, so far as was consistent with the Fiscal Autonomy Convention, action has already been taken. On the question of the boycott, I explained on 4th May that if breaches of the agreement were brought to my notice, they should be immediately investigated.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of Question No. 17, where I have asked what steps he proposes to take to put an end to the boycott.

The first step is to investigate complaints, and that is what we are doing.

But, having done that, I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has approached the Government of India to ask them what steps they propose to take to end the boycott?

When they have investigated the complaint, if there is reason to suppose that it is well founded, the necessary action will be taken.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not propose to approach the Government of India?

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will obtain and publish a report upon the effect, down to the present date, of the last increase in the Indian tariff on British cotton goods upon the importation of such goods into India?

Apart from the fact that a very short period has intervened since the Indian tariff on cotton goods was last increased, I doubt whether it would be possible to disentangle the effect of the tariff from other disturbing causes.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now-state the names of the proposed Federal Structure Committee; the terms of reference, if any, and when it will be meeting?

Not yet, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend give any indication when he will be in a position to make a statement on this point?

Naturally, the moment that our plans are more mature and ready for publication, the House will be informed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman bearing in mind the very special reasons for including women in the Federal Structure Committee?

The question of the personnel is being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any censorship was exercised on the first reports that were sent to the Press of the Cawnpore riots; and, if so, for what reasons it was imposed?

I am grateful to the hon. Member for North Paddington (Mr. Bracken) for his courtesy in postponing a similar question from last Wednesday. This has given me time to make careful inquiries. The Collector of Cawnpore exercised his discretion to cut out from two telegrams addressed to local newspapers or organisations passages of an alarmist nature. No message to this country was affected in any way.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that the earlier telegrams minimising the severity of the events in Cawnpore were in no wise affected by Tress censorship at all?

I have answered the question most specifically. No message to this country was affected in any way.

asked the Secretary of State for India if the inquiry into the recent outbreak at Cawnpore has now been concluded; and when the report will be available for this House?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will take all possible steps to accelerate the progress of the commission of inquiry upon the Cawnpore riots in preparing their report, in order to prevent the dissemination of unfounded accounts of the events?

I am informed that the Commission of Inquiry has completed the taking of evidence and will submit its report to the Local Government, it is hoped, in about 10 days. As to the latter part of Question 26: My attention has been called to many extracts from letters and other sources giving the accounts of eye-witnesses of the disturbances in Cawnpore. I have no means, at this stage, of judging the truth of the statements made, but I would point out that the proper course for the persons concerned was to submit their evidence to the public inquiry. It will be impossible to express any reliable opinion either as to the facts or the causes of the riots until the report of the commission has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is intended to form an Indian Air Force on a military basis; whether an all-Indian force is contemplated; and what is to be its proposed strength?

What is contemplated is the creation of an Indian Air Force as a new and separate service. It will be formed on a combatant basis under the command of the Air Officer Commanding in India, with the prospect that in due time it will share responsibility for the air defence of India with the Royal Air Force establishment in India. It will be manned exclusively by Indian officers and airmen, although provision will be made for the attachment of Royal Air Force officers and non-commissioner officers to supervise and assist in the development of the force in its early stages. It will consist of one flight, with a small headquarters' staff, in the first instance, with the prospect of expansion to a full squadron later.

I am much obliged. May I ask whether, in connection with this force, it is proposed to start a college in India for the training of these Indian air officers?

That is a rather separate question, of which I should like to have notice.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that with the present rate of recruitment of Indian officers at Cranwell it will be a very long time before this corps can be efficiently manned?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are being taken by the Government of India to issue information to the people of India as regards their policy and intentions so as to counter the propaganda spread by Congress and Communists all over the country?

On a point of Order. May I ask for your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, on the reference in the latter part of this question, in which the Congress and the Communists are so linked together as to imply that the Indian National Congress is a Communist body, or, alternatively, that the Communists are working side by side with the members of the Indian National Congress for this purpose?

I saw nothing irregular in the question.

Might I suggest that these insinuations might do incalculable harm in India at a time when peaceful negotiations are going on, and whether this question might not be—

Order!

I do not think any insinuation is made.

On the point of Order. Is it not perfectly true and well known that the Congress has issued many seditious pamphlets?

It is the policy of the Government of India and of the Provincial Administrations, to which they give effect in accordance with the requirements of the moment, both to make known Government policy and to correct misstatements.

Is it not possible by means of aeroplanes to drop literature in the vernacular in the villages, or otherwise to put the Government case in the way that others are allowed to put their case?

I think the best propaganda is to push forward with the implementing of British pledges.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been directed to the policy dictated from Russia, and published in the "Pravda," of—

Speech

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can give information in regard to the result of the inquiry made by the Government of India as the result of the complaints made by the Indian Match Manufacturers' Association alleging price-cutting by the Swedish Match Trust?

No, Sir, I have no information.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that certain local governments in India applied to the Government of India to issue an ordinance empowering them to withhold monetary grants-in-aid in order to check seditious activities by district boards and municipalities; and for what reason this suggestion was not adopted?

I think the hon. and gallant Member has been misinformed. No ordinance with the object indicated in his question has been under consideration; nor, I understand, would an ordinance be required to secure that object.

asked the Secretary of State for India the total import of iron and steel into India during 1930; how much was from English and how much from foreign sources; and how these figures compare with those for 1913?

As the reply contains a statistical table I am circulating it.

asked the Secretary of State for India what progress has been made with the subjects left over for further discussion and necessary action from the last Round Table Conference, and particularly the establishment in India of training colleges for the Army?

The Government of India have appointed a committee to work out the details for the establishment of a training college for the Army, as recommended at the Conference. As regards other matters, the Government of India intend very shortly to issue a comprehensive statement of the preparatory work now in progress or in immediate contemplation, and it would be convenient if my hon. and gallant Friend would await this.

asked the Secretary of State for India the latest information in regard to the armed rising in Burma; how many casualties have occurred to date among the armed forces of the Crown and the rebels, respectively: and how many rebels have been taken prisoner?

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will make a full statement on the present situation of the rebellion in Burma; and if he can say how far local disturbance has originated from the activities of the General Council of Burma Association?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether in view of the persistence of revolutionary movements in Burma, with their accompanying loss of life, he will consider the desirability of organising larger-scale military operations to re-establish tranquility?

I am circulating a statement giving my latest information up to the week end.

With regard to the second part of question No. 8, the Headquarters of the General Council of Burmese Associations have not been directly implicated in the rebellion.

As to Question No. 23, troops are being posted at Meiktila, Shwebo, and Yenang Yaung as a precautionary measure.

Another battalion of Infantry has been summoned from India and will arrive this week. It will be utilised according to the developments of the situation.

On a point of Order. When these questions are put down separately, would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to answer specifically each one, instead of reading the answers together?

It is a valuable saving of time to answer them together.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer the second part of Question 21?

In order to save the time of the House, I am circulating a rather long statement—[HON. MEMBERS: "Let us have it."] I will gladly do so, but it is a very long statement.

The number of rebels killed since the beginning of the rebellion is not accurately known, but is probably over 1,000. About 2,000 have been captured. This total includes villagers rounded up on suspicion, of whom the majority have been released. Casualties on the Government side are being collected and are not yet known with complete accuracy. One District Superintendent of Police, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and an Inspector have been killed or are missing, believed killed, and one District Superintendent of Police, two British officers, one surgeon, one Subadar wounded, of other ranks about 15 have been killed and small number wounded. The number of headman and villagers killed by rebels is probably about 100. The only European killed was Mr. Austin, the District Superintendent of Police.

In view of the fact that, between Whitsuntide and the end of the Session, the Government will be asked to give a discussion on this matter and Cawnpore, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is possible, through the medium of a dispatch from the Government of India, to have a full and detailed account of this rebellion or outbreak, and the reasons which the Government ascribe to it, so that the House may be in possession of full information before the Debate?

In deference to the House, I sent rather long telegrams, and I have had long replies, but I am grateful to the Noble Lord for his suggestion, and I will consider getting a full written account for the information of the House.

With regard to the latter part of Question 23, does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate intensified trouble out there in view of further armed forces moving?

When the right hon. Gentleman is making his inquiry, will he examine whether there are economic and political causes for these events?

Certainly, that will be closely examined.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can yet make any statement as to the carrying on of the proposals of the Round Table Conference for the future government of Burma?

No, Sir. The matter is still under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is nearly five months since a decision was made by the Government, and will not many of the difficulties experienced in the last few questions be avoided if this matter can be hastened?

Haste is very desirable, but so, also, is judgment.

asked the Secretary of State for India the aggregate amount of the loans raised in this country at the instance of the Government of India as at the latest appropriate date; if all those issues have been devoted to the purposes of development in India without any restriction or condition; and if any proposals for further loans are now pending?

The total amount of the debt incurred on behalf of the Government of India in this country and outstanding on the 31st March last, was £387,900,000. Of this amount, £265,500,000 has been allocated to productive development in India—mainly railways—while the balance represents debt incurred for the general purposes of the Government of India. I must decline to furnish any information regarding the last part of the question.

Do the figures given by the right hon. Gentleman represent the nominal value, or the present market value?

I imagine that it is the nominal value.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now given further consideration to the proposal of appointing a committee to take the evidence of certain persons who have lately been in Russia in regard to labour conditions prevailing in the Russian timber trade; and whether he can give any information to the House on the present conditions?

As I stated in my reply to a similar question by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Wood Green (Mr. G. Locker-Lampson) on the 11th of February last, no useful purpose could or would in my opinion be achieved by the appointment of such a Committee. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiries and put the House in possession of the facts regarding the present situation?

I have been giving the House all the information at my disposal; I will go into this question as fully as I can.

Would the right hon. Gentleman turn down an inquiry under the Merchandise Marks Acts for the reasons he has given?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that Lord Goschen and the other British members of sub-committee B of the Anglo-Soviet Joint Committee, which is considering the claims of British citizens against the Soviet Government, at their meeting on Tuesday last, the 5th May, decided that further progress was impossible in view of the attitude adopted by the Soviet delegates; if he has received any report indicating in what way the attitude which the Soviet delegates adopted with reference to British claims makes further progress impossible; and what action the Government now propose to take in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the breakdown of negotiations on sub-committee B of the Russian Debts and Claims Committee, and in view of the fact that the British representatives are unpaid, he will now dissolve this committee and release the British delegates from their duties on it; and will he consider reducing the staff at Cornwall House who are dealing with this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position of the negotiations in regard to the settlement of the various debts outstanding between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Great Britain?

The debt negotiations are still proceeding. I am glad to have this opportunity to correct misapprehensions which appear to have arisen from a statement published in certain organs of the Press on the 7th of May regarding Lord Goschen's Com- mittee. The committee decided at the outset that no information should be given to the Press by either side except in the form of agreed official communiqués. The statement of the 7th of May was unofficial and inaccurate. I am informed that sub-committee B is reporting the present position in their work to the main committee, which will meet shortly. I uderstand, after consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, that no question arises of reducing the present staff at Cornwall House, who are dealing with Russian claims; they are few in number, and are largely employed in correspondence with persons interested in Russian debts and claims.

In view of the fact that some £250,000,000 of British money is concerned, and that this committee has been sitting for eight months, does not the right hon. Gentleman think the House is entitled to know whether the Soviet representatives have agreed in principle to the payment of compensation?

I have already tried to give the hon. Gentleman an answer to his question.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman denies that this sub-committee have already decided that further progress would be impossible in view of the attitude of the Soviet?

Yes, I deny it so far as the information at my disposal goes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman employ some of the staff dismissed from Arcos?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the recent disturbances in Egypt; and whether any special precautions have been taken for the protection of British interests?

During an attempt to hold a political demonstration at Beni Suef on the 3rd of May, a clash occurred between demonstrators and the police. Fifteen police were in- jured, and six of the demonstrators were killed and three wounded. No special precautions have hitherto been necessary for the protection of British interests.

May the House take it for granted that the European Bureau of Public Security is functioning as usual?

As far as I am aware it is, but, if the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question, I will get full information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has contributed or is contributing to the Nile irrigation schemes; if so, how much; what is the total cost of the scheme; and when it is anticipated it will be completed?

His Majesty's Government have not contributed, and are not contributing, to any Nile irrigation scheme.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any negotiations are in progress between His Majesty's Government and Abyssinia regarding the waters of Lage Tsana?

Surely I must have notice of a question like that. It does not arise out of the answer.

Oh!

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a further statement concerning extra-territoriality, and particularly as to the action of the Chinese Government concerning fresh regulations governing the adjudication of cases in which foreign nationals would be amenable to Chinese courts?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay papers relating to the negotiations on extraterritoriality with the Chinese Government?

Since my statement last Wednesday, Sir Miles Lamp-son reports that the Chinese Government issued on the 4th of May a mandate applying unilaterally certain arrangements for the exercise of jurisdiction over foreigners to take effect as from the 1st of January, 1932. The mandate has not yet been officially communicated to His Majesty's Minister, and I have not received the authentic text. As I anticipated might be the case in my statement of last Wednesday, negotiations are still in progress, and, in these circumstances, I feel sure that the right hon. Gentleman, the Member for West Birmingham (Sir A. Chamberlain), will agree that it would be inadvisable to lay papers at this juncture.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the issue of a mandate makes a difference in the situation, which would justify him in laying before the House the information that he has with regard to past negotiations?

No, I think that it would be highly undesirable. I hinted last Wednesday that I thought the negotiations had not been finally broken off. I have already given the House an undertaking that, if the proposals result in a treaty, a full Debate will be opportune when it comes up for ratification.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire how this important statement affecting a large number of nationals of other countries was communicated to the Press, but not to the various foreign secretaries, like himself, who were concerned?

I do not know that I can interfere with how another Government give out their information.

Is that a friendly way of dealing with another country?

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that before ratification is made we shall have a general Debate?

I have already answered that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information with regard to recent regulations affecting the status of girl slaves in China?

The hon. Member will find some information on this subject on page 71 of Command Paper 3424 of 1929. No more recent information has reached the Foreign Office.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry into the authenticity or otherwise of the' statement in the "Times" newspaper last week to the effect that two edicts abolishing the state of slavery in China had been issued?

That information has not reached me, and I am afraid that I cannot give myself up to following these newspaper statements.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department which three countries were the largest importers of Soviet produce in 1930 and from which three countries the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics imported most goods?

According to the trade returns of the Soviet Union, the countries to which exports from that country were greatest in value were the United Kingdom (£29,600,000), Germany (£21,700,000), and Persia (£6,400,000), and the countries from which imports were greatest in value were the United States of America (£28,000,000), Germany (£26,600,000), and the United Kingdom (£8,500,000).

Have the Soviet Government expressed their gratitude to this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the new decree of the council of people's commissars limiting the trading rights of foreign firms and companies within Soviet Russia and, particularly, that all contracts made by British and other firms without the permission of the commissariat are invalid; and whether he proposes to make any representations in the matter to the Soviet Government?

I have seen references to this decree in the Press, but have not yet received a copy of the full text. It is only on receipt of this that it will be possible to judge whether any action is called for on the part of His Majesty's Government.

Will the hon. Gentleman make some inquiries, so that he may, perhaps, be able to give me an answer?

I will inquire again shortly as to whether the decree has been received.

Would not this be a breach of the Trade Agreement, if the facts are as stated in the question; and does not the hon. Gentleman think it urgent that representations should be made?

I cannot say anything until I have seen what the decree is.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, whether any overseas Governments outside the British Empire exercise contract preferences in favour of British goods?

I am afraid I have no information on this point.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the committee which, in pursuance of the recommendation of the Chelmsford Committee, is to be appointed to consider the acquisition of a site and the erection of permanent buildings for the London section of the British Industries Fair has yet been formally constituted; and, if so, whether he can announce the names of its members and the terms of reference?

A committee has now been appointed to consider and report how permanent accommodation for the London section of the British Industries Fair could be provided and financed on a self-supporting basis, and to formulate definite proposals.

The constitution of the committee is as follows:—

• Sir Gilbert Garnsey, Chairman.
• Mr. John Beard (formerly President of the Trades Union Congress General Council).
• Lord Bethell.
• Sir Robert Donald.
• Mr. F. W. Hunt (Valuer to the London County Council).
• Mr. Wm. Leitch (Assistant Secretary, His Majesty's Office of Works).
• Mr. G. H. Locock (Assistant Director of the Federation of British Industries).
• Sir Sydney Skinner (President of the Incorporated Association of Retail Distributors).
• Mr. Claude Taylor (Department of Overseas Trade, and Secretary of the British Industries Fair).
• Sir Gilbert Vyle (Past President, Association of British Chambers of Commerce).

The secretary of the committee is Mr. G. H. Meadmore, Department of Overseas Trade.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the first meeting will be held?

I do not know the exact date, but I understand that the chairman hopes to put the whole proceedings through as rapidly as possible?

Will the hon. Gentleman consider adding to this committee a representative of the co-operative movement?

I am afraid it is too late to do so. It would delay the meeting of the committee.

asked the Prime Minister the names of the organisations from whom he has received communications during the past 12 months urging a greater measure of protection for British industry?

I have received communications from various bodies and persons from time to time on the subject of protective duties, and so, no doubt, have many of my colleagues, but I do not think that the expenditure of time involved in getting out a list as suggested by the hon. Member would be justified.

May I ask whether any of these communications have come from the trade unions?

Well, I could not answer that question definitely, but to the best of my knowledge, no.

Is it not true that the more these names change the more they are the same thing?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what foreign countries encouraged their agricultural exports by means of differential freight rates; and what is the nature of the traffic thus assisted?

The Board of Trade have no information as to differential shipping freights arranged by foreign Governments on agricultural exports, but, if the hon. and gallant Member has definite instances in mind and will let me have the details, I shall be prepared to make 6Uoh inquiries as are possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when it is proposed that the scheme now being prepared for the development and co ordination of veterinary medical research shall be put into operation; and whether an opportunity will be given to the House to discuss it before the details are finally decided?

The scheme is still under consideration and I cannot yet say when it will be put into operation. The subject can of course be raised when the appropriate Vote is before the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to defer the announcement of his proposals to put cereal growing on an economically sound basis until after the Ottawa Conference; and whether he will give an undertaking that the announcement shall in any case be made before the end of September, in order that farmers may be aware of its terms before they sow their crops?

I regret, but I have nothing to add to previous statements on this subject.

Cannot the Government give any indication at all when they are going to make this announcement?

That is just what I have said.

In view of the Government's unsatisfactory answer, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the total acreage of allotments in the county borough of South Shields, and the area of the land owned by the borough council for this purpose?

The total acreage of allotments in South Shields, as reported by the council at the end of last year, was 110½ acres, exclusive of any railway allotments, the figures of which are only available for the country as a whole. No land is owned by the council for allotment purposes, but an area of one and a-quarter acres belonging to the council was being used temporarily for allotments at the date mentioned.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to make proprietary private schools subject to inspection by the Board of Education and the Ministry of Health?

My right hon. Friend, who has been asked to reply, regards this as a matter for consideration when a report has been received from the departmental committee which was appointed by his predecessor last December to consider the position of all schools not in receipt of grant from public funds.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary ascertain the opinion of the London County Council on this matter, and is he aware that a school has been started in this country not only as a Soviet centre—

Mr. Ede.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I explain that I put a question about a particular school, and I understand that there is no Government Department at present responsible for the inspection of such a school; therefore, I asked the Prime Minister whether legislation can be introduced in order that such a school can be inspected. That is the only way in which I can ask such a question, and may I put that question to the Prime Minister?

I do not raise any objection to the question, but to the supplementary question. The supplementary question does not arise out of the question on the Paper. Supplementary questions must have some bearing on the question on the Paper.

If I had been able to put my full supplementary question, I think I could have shown that it arises directly out of the question of a particular school, of a scandalous nature, which is subject to no inspection at all.

The adjective the hon. Member is now using is not allowed either in questions or in supplementary questions.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has any statistics, or will make inquiries, as to the number of nursery schools at present established in Germany compared with that of Great Britain; and can he state the number of new nursery schools that have been approved during the previous 12 months; the number at present under construction; and the average present cost per place to provide a new nursery school?

My right hon. Friend has no statistics as to the number of schools established in Germany which could properly be regarded as comparable with English nursery schools; but he has some information as to the provision made in some German towns for children under school age, which he will be pleased to communicate to my hon. Friend. The number of nursery schools in England and Wales at present recognised by the Board of Education is 44, of which 14 have been recognised during the last 12 months. Final plans have been approved for 13 schools which are believed to be at present under construction. The average cost of building a nursery school is approximately £36 per place.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information as to the compulsory age for attendance in these schools?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, for the purpose of facilitating communication in the interest of trade and commerce, he is prepared to re-introduce penny postage at any early date?

The reply is in the negative.

Does the Post-master-General not think that the State and the community would be best served by conferring this benefit on the United Kingdom and the British Empire rather than continuing the present system?

What would it cost?

That is a subject for discussion.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state the number of complaints he has received with regard, respectively, to delay in the delivery of letters or to opening of letters between this country and the Irish Free State; and what action he is taking to prevent delay in the future?

I am unable to state the exact number. There has been no increase in the number of complaints as regards delay; and those as regards opening letters are very rare. The need for any special action does not, therefore, arise.