asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any indication of the date upon which the committees and sub-committees dealing with the question of Russian debts will have finished their labours?

The answer is in the negative.

Does the hon. Member realise that the Soviet representatives do not mean to settle, and that these negotiations are a fraud?

How do you know?

I know it.

Can the Under-Secretary say whether the report of the sub-committee saying that they could go no further has been considered by the main committee? It is about a week since it was issued.

The British members of the main committee held a meeting a few days ago and will meet again; I understand, shortly.

Will the hon. Member impress upon them the urgency of dealing with a state of affairs which cannot be allowed to drift on from week to week and month to month?

The members of the main committee are perfectly competent to conduct the business with which my right hon. Friend has entrusted them. Any drifting that has taken place is no doubt part of the historical process which lasted for five years when the hon. Member's Government were in office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will request His Majesty's Minister in China to ascertain the reasons why certain British employés of the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company were dismissed when that company was taken over by the Chinese National Government; and will he also ask the Minister to intimate to the Chinese National Government that one of the British employés so dismissed has not yet received the amount of salary due to him in lieu of notice, although judgment was given in his favour, with costs against the National Government, by a Chinese judge of the Shanghai Provincial Court?

His Majesty's Minister in China has taken a close interest in the affairs of this company since its reorganisation in 1928, and has made representations from time to time on behalf of certain of its British ex-employés. If the hon. Member will give me the name of the dismissed British employé, to whose case he refers in the second part of his question, I will request Sir Miles Lampson to inquire into the matter, if he has not already done so, and to take any action he properly can.

Did I not give the names to the Foreign Office? Did I not send some letters direct to the Foreign Office?

The hon. Member sent certain particulars which I was looking at this morning, but they did not contain as full information as we should need if we are to make further representations.

I will try to get all the necessary particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what the situation is now regarding the resumed negotiations as to extra-territoriality in China?

Negotiations were resumed at Nanking on Monday last after a short visit by Sir Miles Lampeon to Shanghai, and are now proceeding.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the findings of the committee set up to inquire into the working of the mate scheme?

As a complete statement on this question would be rather long, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to describe in general terms the principal features of the new scheme of promotion from the lower deck which has been approved by the Board of Admiralty as the result of the report of the committee on the mate question and to circulate further details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In the first place, it has been decided to drop the title of mate and to promote selected candidates from the lower deck to the rank of acting sub-lieutenant and acting sub-lieutenant (E). The main drawbacks to the existing scheme have proved to be the somewhat high age at which promotion is achieved and the disparity in the qualifications on promotion between the mates and officers ex-cadet.

The new scheme recommended by the committee, and approved by the Admiralty, will, it is hoped, do a great deal to remove these disabilities for those who possess the qualities and application necessary to succeed. By a system of intense tuition, both in educational and professional subjects, in the early years of a young man's naval service, it will in future be possible for a candidate to reach commissioned rank in the executive branch at about the age of 21, and about 22 for engine room artificers and rather over 25 for stokers. Those ages compare favourably with the ages of officers ex-cadet. The time now spent at Greenwich College by mates of the executive branch is three months only. In future there will be a preliminary course at the college of three months, to be followed by the full sub-lieutenant's course of six months. It is hoped by this extra time to enable these sub-lieutenants to compete successfully with other sub-lieutenants, both in their examinations for lieutenant and subsequently in selection for specialisation. The course for the engineering branch will remain as at present.

I must add that the Board have not overlooked the desire of other branches for early promotion to commissioned rank, but, after full consideration of their claims, they have reluctantly come to the conclusion that such a system is not needed in the Navy and that the present scheme of promotion at a later age through the grade of warrant rank sufficiently meets requirements both of the Service and the branches concerned.

May I ask why the writer branch have been left out? They have made numerous requests to be admitted to commissioned rank?

I can only say that that matter has been carefully examined by the committee and since by the Board of Admiralty. As I say in the last part of my reply, we have come to the conclusion that it is not needed in that case. They have quite enough outlet in our judgment for promotion to commissioned rank through warrant rank.

Is it intended to publish the report of the committee?

It is not intended to publish the report of the committee, but we shall issue a much fuller statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT than I have read to the House.

In view of the far-reaching importance of the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision, and publish the report in full? It could not do any harm, and it would be very instructive.

I should have to consider that, but, as the hon. Member knows, this type of report is not usually published.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what will happen to the men who are mates? Will they have to remain as mates?

I should have to look at the point raised by the hon. Member, but my first opinion of the matter is that this scheme will apply to those who will enter under its provisions. Any necessary adjustments will be considered by the Board.

Is that scheme to take effect immediately?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of discussing this matter, which is most important for the men of the lower deck?

That is not a question for me to decide. It must be addressed to the Leader of the House.

(for Mr. THOMAS LEWIS) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as the result of the report of the inquiry into the mate scheme, a greater number than hitherto of officers commissioned from the ranks will be enabled to take the specialist courses; and whether these officers will be able to get more than one recommendation for promotion between the date of entering the zone and the date of selection for commander, observing that lieut.-commanders (ex-cadet) are able to get up to eight recommendations, that commanders (ex-mate) have been promoted at three years' seniority, and that the lower limit of the zone is now three years also?

This question, will, I think be found to be amply answered in the reply which I have given to question No. 11.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will alter the condition under which British-born lads are refused entry to the Royal Navy unless both their parents are also British-born?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the First Lord aware that there are many cases of hardship in which grandfathers and fathers, who have served in the Navy apply for their boys to be taken into the Navy but who are not admitted because of this condition?

I have had no cases of hardship brought to my notice. The present rule is founded on long experience, and I have not had brought before me any reasons which would justify me in changing the rule.

If I bring cases to his notice, will the right hon. Gentleman take them into consideration?

I shall be glad to do so.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider permitting the ratings of the wireless telegraphy branch to wear the two-piece blue jean working suit now authorised for artisan ratings?

The matter is now under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the delay in granting pensions to men invalided and to men invalided and retained for treatment in the Royal Naval hospitals; and if he will take steps for the granting of these pensions to be expedited?

I am not aware of any delay in granting such pensions, but if the hon. and gallant Member will inform me of any particular cases I will have inquiry made. I would, however, point out that invalided men who are retained in Royal Naval hospitals for further treatment are not entitled to receive their pensions until they are discharged from hospital.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will give an assurance that the recent decision to pay naval pensioners by postal draft, instead of pay order, will not involve pensioners in expense for receipt stamps?

Payment by postal draft will not involve any expense for receipt stamps.

(for Mr. ROSS) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the policy of the Admiralty that in future destroyer leaders should not be superior in fighting capacity to destroyers; and, if so, upon what considerations this policy is based?

The armament provided for each class of vessel is such as the Admiralty considers adequate for the duties the vessel is designed to perform.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the projected destroyer leaders adequately fall within the category of destroyer leaders and are not merely destroyers?

Yes, in the view of the British Admiralty, who based that view upon their experience.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that at the trial of certain persons charged under the Prevention of Crimes Ordinance before the administrative officer of the Hebron district, in Palestine, on 26th April, all entry to the Press was refused; that this was the same district court in which witnesses had been allowed to give evidence behind screens; what was the reason for refusal of entry to the Press; and whether he will issue instructions for charges made against individuals under the Prevention of Crimes Ordinance to be published?

I have no information with regard to the trial in question, but inquiry is being made.

Will the Under-Secretary give instructions to these officials that facilities for the Press should always be provided in the case of these trials?

I will consider that matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state what is the present position of the development scheme with regard to Palestine; whether negotiations are still proceeding with the Jewish Agency on this question; and whether the Arab Executive are being also consulted?

As I have stated before, both the Arab and Jewish leaders have been given an opportunity of expressing their views on the proposals of the Government with regard to development in Palestine. I hope that it may be possible before long to make a further statement on the subject; but I am not yet able to say when that can be done.

Can the Under-Secretary answer the second and third parts of my question as to whether negotiations are still proceeding with the Jewish Agency and whether the Arabs are also being consulted?

The consultations with the Jewish Agency are practically concluded. In regard to the Arab Executive, the position was that they were invited to consult with the High Commissioner on these proposals, but they said that before they could do so certain conditions would have to be observed, and those conditions made formal consultations impossible. The High Commissioner, however, consulted with a number of Arab leaders in a personal capacity and obtained their views on the proposals, so that what I have said in my answer is correct, that opportunity has been given to both sides to state their views.

Can the Under-Secretary say whether these proposals will be laid before the House?

I cannot say definitely, but I hope it will not be long.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the date of the design of the life-saving parachutes now used in the Royal Air Force; at what minimum height they are considered to be effective; whether any new or more efficient parachute is under consideration; if so, at what height it is effective; and whether it is intended to supply the new type to the Royal Air Force without delay?

I am glad the hon. and gallant Member has put this question as it enables me, on behalf of my Noble Friend, to deny emphatically the allegation, which has appeared in a certain newspaper, that the parachutes used by the Royal Air Force are obsolete and are not safe under 800 to 1,000 feet. As regards the first three parts of the question, the parachute now used was originally designed about 1922 and is standard equipment in the air forces of at least 17 countries and is extensively employed in civil aviation. It is difficult to state definitely the minimum height at which it will certainly be effective as this depends, among other things, on the velocity at which the aircraft itself may be falling; hut on two occasions these parachutes have saved life in drops from as low as 150 feet. The Air Ministry is always alive to the possibility of an improved type of parachute, but in its existing form the present standard type is more efficient and effective than any of the other types which have been examined since its introduction. The last two parts of the question do not therefore arise.

Has the attention of the Under-Secretary been specifically called to the new type of parachute which was recently tried at Brook-lands?

The statement made in the newspaper to which I have referred is the only one of which I have heard recently, and that was dealt with by the Air Ministry over 18 months ago and turned down.

There was a test of a parachute recently at Brooklands. That is what my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind.

I am not referring to newspaper reports.

May I ask whether it is compulsory to wear these parachutes in the Air Force?

Yes.

Can the Under-Secretary assure the House that new types are being constantly experimented with and tried?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the expense and inconvenience caused to the travelling public by the circuitous route through small English villages which forms the only road at present between North and South Wales; and whether he has under consideration any proposal for a main direct trunk road between these two areas wholly within the principality?

My predecessor caused a special survey to be made with a view to determining the most satisfactory line for an improved north and south route through Central Wales, having due regard to engineering and financial considerations. As a result a line has been chosen in co-operation with the highway authorities concerned which follows for the most part existing roads in Glamorganshire, Carmarthenshire, Breconshire, Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire. Various improvements of the roads embodied in this route have been accepted under the Trunk Road Programme.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any grants have been made from the Road Fund towards the cost of maintenance of the automatic traffic signals either in the Metropolitan area or the provinces; and will he give particulars?

The total number of installations of traffic control by automatic coloured light signals approved up to the 30th April, 1931, for the purpose of maintenance grants is 333. Contributions from the Road Fund towards the maintenance cost of approved signals are payable at the end of each financial year upon submission and approval of claims in respect of the actual expenditure incurred in that year. Up to the present the claims of two authorities for the year 1930–31 have been submitted and are receiving consideration.

Can the Minister say what is the amount of the grants in these cases?

I could not say without notice, but, if my memory serves me right, the percentage grant is 60.

Is this system being urged upon the local authorities?

Yes, representations have been made to the local authorities, making clear the facilities given by the Ministry, and the divisional road engineers are co-operating with the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that an omnibus which is licensed to carry 26 passengers and which at any time carries 27 becomes uninsured and that the passengers are automatically not covered, he will take steps to alter this position, and for the benefit of the passengers who may become involved in an accident, to enable them to remain insured?

If the owner of an omnibus, which is insured whilst carrying not more than 26 passengers, allows the vehicle to be used to carry a greater number of passengers, the vehicle is thereby uninsured and the owner commits an offence under Section 35 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, whereby he renders himself liable to substantial penalties. I understand that it is possible to obtain insurance policies which cover the carriage of additional passengers and it is incumbent upon the owner of an omnibus to take steps to see that his insurance policy covers all passengers who may be carried on the vehicle for hire or reward.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Act at present is visiting the sins of the omnibus drivers upon the unfortunate ordinary public who have no redress?

The responsibility is with the omnibus owners to see that they are properly covered by insurance.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair that if one extra person is carried the whole of the people on these omnibuses should not be insured?

The operator must always see that the passengers whom he carries or may carry are covered. II he does not do that, I am not sure that he is fit to be running a public service vehicle.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the present position of works of main-road construction in and about Newcastle-upon-Tyne with State assistance; how many persons are employed thereon; the average wage paid; and the probable duration of the employment?

To furnish the information asked for by the hon. Member necessitates inquiry. I will communicate the result to him in due course.

Will the right hon. Gentleman facilitate this inquiry as soon as possible?

The Ministry of Transport always does that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the mobile motor police have instituted any proceedings against crawling taximeter cabs in the London area; and, if so, how many convictions have been secured?

Motor patrols have reported 16 drivers of whom 10 were convicted; in one case no action was taken; three drivers were cautioned; one driver is dead and one case is pending.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to secure that where the Electricity Commissioners obtain wayleaves over a farm for the high-tension grid provision shall be made whereby the farmer may be provided with suitable power at a reasonable cost?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the high-tension lines of the Central Electricity Board, to which he presumably refers, are necessary for the purpose of interconnecting the principal generating stations and for technical reasons they are not available for connections to individual consumers. These lines, however, form part of the system which will afford supplies to the local undertakings which are responsible for the low tension distribution to consumers, and will facilitate the provision of supplies wherever a remunerative demand exists.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the present position in regard to schemes for the North-East of England under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1926; whether the material being used is British and so far as possible produced within the area; how many persons are employed; and from what areas they are drawn?

I understand from the Central Electricity Board that the scheme for North-East England under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1926, is progressing favourably. The materials being used are all British, and, so far as possible, produced within the area. Mo useful figures can be given regarding the numbers of persons employed, since these vary from week to week, in accordance with the actual work being carried out. The unskilled labour required is drawn, so far as possible, from within the area.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that although in these public schemes the material being used is probably British, in a number of other schemes of private enterprise foreign goods are being imported by supporters of the party opposite?

asked the President of the Board of Trade which were the two countries from which we imported the largest volume of wheat for the period 1st January to 14th May, 1931, inclusive; and what were the weights in hundredweights?

Figures respecting the period up to the 14th May cannot readily be furnished, but during the period from the 1st January to the 16th May, 1931, inclusive, the greatest volumes of wheat imported into the United Kingdom were registered as consigned from Canada (8,005,760 cwt.) and Australia (7,888,537 cwt.).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the French Government will be asked to embody the most-favoured-nation principle in a new agreement in such a form as to enable the French Government to make concessions in favour of British goods in return for the free market accorded by Great Britain to most French goods which is not accorded by other countries to French goods?

Proposals for tariff reductions in favour of United Kingdom goods have already been submitted to the French Government and are under the consideration of that Government. No new agreement, however, that could be concluded between this country and France would enable the latter country to withhold from other countries which have treaty rights in France the advantages which she might be ready to accord to us.

Will the hon. Gentleman convey to the French Government, in connection with the making of any new trade arrangements, that the favour which we are told we enjoy from France is of no use to us on the present principle?

Is lace included in these proposals?

Do they include fish?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum of money the Death Duties brought in the first year of their inception; what amount it had grown to 10 years after; the amount in 1921 and in 1930: and will he give the corresponding percentages to the Budget total?

With my hon. Friend's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the receipt of Death Duties for the years 1894, 1904, 1921 and 1930 and the corresponding percentages to the total receipts from taxes of the year.

(for Mr. WEST), asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Ecclesiastical Commissioners will have the privilege of exemption from the proposed Land Tax in addition to exemption from Income Tax?

The Finance Bill as introduced does not provide for exemption of land belonging to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons classified as belonging to the building industry recorded as unemployed in Great Britain at the last convenient date?

At 27th April, 1931, there were 156,028 insured persons in the building industry classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of rulings by umpires within the last year to the effect that the payment of unemployment benefit is justified in the case of workers abandoning their employment on the ground of the payment of inadequate wages; and the circumstances of each case on which such ruling was given?

To extract the particulars asked for by the hon. Member would involve the detailed examination of many thousands of decisions, and I do not think I should be justified in asking the Department to undertake this. I may explain that all decisions of the umpire which are of general importance are published and placed on sale. A summary is also published in the "Analytical Guide to Decisions"; pages 155 to 158 deal with the point, mentioned in the question.

Before young women are sent to domestic service at the seaside are inquiries made as to their hours of labour and wages?

asked the Minister of Labour how many schemes for the relief of unemployment have been submitted to the Unemployment Grants Committee by the Droylsden Urban District Council, Lancashire; the combined cost; the amount of the Government contribution; and the number of persons found employment by the schemes from 1st June to the latest available date?