asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the number of British subjects employed at the present time in Russia in the capacity of technical experts and advisers or workmen?

In February last His Majesty's Consul-General at Moscow estimated that there were between 60 and 70 British subjects employed as industrial experts, mechanics, etc., in the Soviet Union.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that something like 800 Americans are working over there, and cannot more British be encouraged to go?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any protest has been addressed to the Soviet Government with regard to the measures which have been adopted under the direction of the Soviet State Planning Commission to induce foreign workmen to obtain and inform the Soviet authorities of the industrial secrets of their employers; and whether, in this connection, his attention has been called to the specific invitation addressed to British Communists by the organisation known as the Vanguard Factory Workers, requesting them to communicate technical information to the Soviet Union?

I have seen a report in the London Press of the 20th of May in the sense suggested by the hon. and gallant Member. His Majesty's Government have, however, received no complaints from British industrialists, and no question of protest, therefore, arises.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think this is a rather invidious action to be taken by any responsible Government? Does not he think in the circumstances that it would be advisable for him to communicate with the Soviet Government in the matter and find out whether or not what is stated in the question is true?

I have informed the House that I am not proceeding to deal with other countries in that way.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many Members on this side of the House are very dissatisfied?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Prime Minister Molotov and Mr. Stalin are still members of the Executive Committee of the Third International?

According to my information, Monsieur Molotov was not re-elected to the Executive Committee of the Third International at the 11th Plenum held in April last. Monsieur Stalin, however, still remains a member of the Presidium of the Executive Committee.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made representations that, as Mr. Stalin is a member of the Government, he must be responsible for the actions of the Third International?

I am afraid I cannot draw that deduction from the fact I have stated.

Is it not the case that Mr. Stalin is not a member of the Russian Government, but secretary of the Communist party in Russia?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Stalin was made a member of the Government for the first time in eight years four months ago?

Had you not better ask the hon. Member for Leicester about it?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the figure, according to the most recent returns, of the Chinese maritime customs, showing the amount of the importation of arms and munitions of war imported through treaty ports for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, giving the total net equivalent average rate of exchange; and can he state the various countries from which these arms were shipped?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now supply for the use of Members copies of Mr. Justice Feetham's report on Shanghai?

Two copies of Volume I of the report have been placed in the Library of the House. I have considered the question of supplying copies to individual Members, but, in view of the expense which would be involved, I doubt whether this can be justified. Volume II has not yet been published.

In view of the great importance of this report, before we have a Debate, which must come very soon, ought not the right hon. Gentleman to supply Members with a certain number of copies?

It is a matter for the House, if there is a general desire that we should spend 5s. per volume for 600 odd Members. I am sure all the House will be not be so interested in the question as perhaps the right hon. Gentleman is. There are two copies in the Library.

Will these copies be on sale?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement concerning his recent conversations with the German Chancellor and Foreign Minister?

I understand that the Prime Minister is answering questions on this subject to-day, and I would ask the House to await his statement.

asked the Prime Minister when he will be in a position to make a statement on the conversations with the Chancellor and Foreign Minister of the German Republic?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make a statement to the House regarding his recent discussions with German Ministers; and whether an early opportunity will be given the House for a discussion on the present position in relation to reparations and inter-Allied debts?

As regards the scope of the discussions, I cannot add anything to the communique which was issued on Sunday evening at the close of the Chequers visit. These discussions took, as had always been intended, the form of a general exchange of views, and no conclusions or decisions were reached other than those set forth in the communique. The German Chancellor has invited myself and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to pay a return visit to Berlin. His Majesty's Government have had great pleasure in accepting, but no date has yet been fixed I do not think that in existing circumstances a debate on the present position in relation to reparations and inter-Allied debts would be helpful.

In view of the very great importance of this matter, does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that the situation will be such that it will be possible to make a rather further statement in the future?

No. I cannot anticipate any further official communique.

In regard to the latter part of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, is he aware that in this Parliament there has been no single general discussion on inter-Allied debts or reparation? Is not the matter of such importance that it ought to be discussed in this House?

Yes, when the time comes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, at the recent meetings at Geneva, the matter of the naval building programmes of France and Italy was discussed; what further steps the Government now propose to take in the matter of the proposed naval agreement; and whether he can now make a further statement on the present position?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position in regard to preparations for a further naval disarmament conference, especially in regard to the Franco-Italian naval agreement negotiations?

I would refer the hon. Members to the replies given by me to questions on the same subject on Monday last and also on Wednesday last.

Was the matter discussed at Geneva?

It was not discussed in the sense that there was an open discussion, but it was the subject of private conversation and reference.

What further steps are being taken?

I think I indicated that this question had been somewhat influenced by the recent elections that have taken place for the Presidency of the French Republic. The present Government has to offer its resignation to the new President on the 13th instant, and I am hoping that when a new Government is, as it were, installed under the new President, an opportunity may arise to continue the negotiations.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the names of His Majesty's ships which have visited Riga during the past 10 years and the dates on which those visits were paid?

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

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the recent visit of His Majesty's Ship "Nelson" and other vessels to the West Indies and United States, he will consider the advisability of sending one or more large warships to Canadian waters in honour of the Imperial Economic Conference at Ottawa?

I would refer the hon. Member to the announcement made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Dominions that it has been decided to postpone the Conference until 1932.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the case of His Majesty's gunboat which has recently been erected in China from material constructed in Great Britain and shipped abroad in dismantled sections, the contract was given to a British or Chinese firm; and whether the work was done in a dockyard employing solely Chinese labour or one employing British as well as Chinese labour?

The contract for His Majesty's Ship "Falcon" (gunboat) was given to Yarrow and Company, Limited, of Scotstoun, who as main contractors, are responsible to the Admiralty for the completion of the vessel in all respects and for her final delivery after re-erection and trials in China. Messrs. Yarrow elected to place the work of re-erection in China with the Kianguan Company as sub-contractors, as this firm had considerable recent experience with this special type of vessel. The Kianguan Company is Chinese-owned, but it is understood that the works are under British technical management.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in future work of this kind is given to British firms in China and not to Chines firms?

I could not give any specific undertaking of that kind: If what the hon. and gallant Gentleman has in mind is the labour employed, it is certain that British firms at Shanghai employ as much foreign labour as the others.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any timber imported from Soviet Russia is used by his Department?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply of 16th March (OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 1671) last to the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs) and to that of the 19th March (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 2147–8, Vol. 249) to the hon. Member for Brigg (Mr. Quibell) in which it was stated that no purchase of Russian timber had been made since August, 1930. This statement still holds good.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate that information to the First Commissioner of Works?

I do not think it is necessary. We deal at the Admiralty in the goods we require, having regard always to price.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many obsolete vessels of the Royal Navy are in use as targets for practice firing; and whether it is intended to make greater use in the future of this type of target?

One obsolete battleship is maintained as a target for practice firings, and the question of converting other vessels due for disposal for this purpose, which will be largely governed by the matter of cost, is under consideration; several hulls of coastal motor boats are also used as targets.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any payment was made in respect of the cost of giving refuge in British vessels to Portuguese revolutionaries; and if so, by whom?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 22nd May (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 2386) to the hon. and gallant Member for Epsom (Commander Southby).

Who paid?

The expenses were paid by the refugees themselves.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the state of construction of the cruisers and destroyers authorised by the 1930 naval building programme; how much money has been actually spent upon each vessel; and will he state what the present position is regarding the vessels of the same classes authorised by the 1931 programme?

The work on the cruisers and destroyers of the 1930 programme has been advanced to the stage of preparation of the necessary drawings and materials prior to the actual laying down of the vessels, except for the destroyers "Dainty" and "Delight," which were laid down on 20th and 22nd April, 1931, respectively. His Majesty's Ship "Achilles" will be laid down on 11th June, 1931. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of expenditure actually incurred on each vessel, but I would say that the amounts do not of course represent the full value of work done and material on order, but only payments made up to the end of May.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that no keels of ships have been laid down yet of the 1930 programme?

I have already indicated that keels for two destroyers were laid in April. As perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question is largely based upon reports of delay which have appeared in two newspapers, I may add that the whole of the work of the 1930 programme is right up to schedule and in accordance with the usual practice of the Admiralty of the day.

Will my right hon. Friend not allow himself to be driven by the Opposition into unnecessary expansion?

Upon what grounds has the right hon. Gentleman formed his opinion that my question was based upon any newspaper report?

Only that it is significant that the question should be put down after the report had appeared.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that His Majesty's Ship "Revenge," a Portsmouth ship, is to be sent to Devonport for refit after being away for two and a-third years, and that all Portsmouth ratings aboard returning to their homes on first or second leave must pay their own railway fares; and whether some scheme or arrangement for Portsmouth and Devonport ships can be devised to assist ratings in this and similar cases?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for South Portsmouth (Sir H. Cayzer) on the 17th March (OFFICIAL REPORT, col. 1876, Vol. 249).

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that further consideration should be given to this matter in view of the poverty of ratings?

I think that the hon. Member for North Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle) knows that this is a matter which has been raised again and again and that the decision of the Admiralty has been made clear on the matter, and I do not propose to alter it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the refit will be done much better at Devonport?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether men in Portsmouth dockyard, discharged on reduction after six years and 10 months' service, are eligible to count such time for the seven years' bonus upon re-entry?

The answer is in the affirmative, provided that no service can be reckoned if a break of three complete years intervenes between it and subsequent service or if subsequent breaks in service amount in the aggregate to seven years.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the shortage in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve; what steps are being taken to obtain recruits; and, seeing that one reason for the shortage is the fact that there are not enough depots, whether an increase of the number is contemplated?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The shortage, however, is not serious and is being overcome. The recruiting methods adopted by the Commanding Officers are various:

Descriptive Pamphlets.

Press Announcements.

Route Marches, etc.

Probably the most fruitful source of obtaining recruits, however, is furnished by the men themselves after performing a period of training afloat in the Fleet. An increase in the number of Divisions and Sub-Divisions would not justify the considerable expense which it would involve.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the average quantity of sugar produced per acre of sugar-cane in Jamaica and in Mauritius?

The latest figures available from Jamaica and Mauritius relate to the crop season for 1929. In Jamaica an area of 44,034 acres was under sugarcane cultivation, in Mauritius 156,085 acres. The production was 65,596 tons of sugar or 1.26 tons per acre, and 234,276 tons or 1.50 tons per acre, respectively. The acreage mentioned is that normally under cultivation. The area actually reaped during the year is somewhat smaller.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been sent to the petitions addressed to His Majesty by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and Merchants' Exchange and the Jamaica Imperial Association relative to the sugar industry of the colony; and what further action is to be taken to relieve the difficulties of the colony?

The Governor of Jamaica was requested to inform the petitioners that their petitions had been laid before His Majesty the King, who had caused them to be transmitted to the Secretary of State for the Colonies; that the Secretary of State had advised His Majesty that his Ministers would continue to watch with sympathy and concern the difficulties which embarrass not only the sugar industry but also a number of other industries in all parts of the Empire, and would not fail to apply any remedies that may appear to them possible in the very difficult circumstances now existing; and that His Majesty had not been pleased to give any special instructions concerning the petitions. The Governor of Jamaica proposed to suspend for the year 1931–32 the annual contribution of £60,000 which the colony makes towards the cost of the War, and to apply the amount to the relief of the sugar industry during that year. His Majesty's Government have approved this proposal.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what other requests beyond the War debt matter have been made in order to relieve the situation in the colony?

I am afraid that I should require notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jamaicans have been deported from Cuba to Jamaica on account of destitution; how many have still to be deported; and what measures are in contemplation for their maintenance in their home colony?

The Governor of Jamaica has recently reported that for the financial year 1930–31 expenditure on the repatriation of distressed Jamaicans from Cuba amounted to £7,300, and that a special officer had been appointed to assist the local authorities at Santiago de Cuba in dealing with the situation. Over 2,000 persons were repatriated to Jamaica during 1930, and in July of that year it was estimated that of the 60,000 British West Indians in Cuba, 20,000 were dependent on the sugar industry and therefore likely, in view of the depression in that industry, to apply in large numbers for repatriation. The Governor is no doubt taking suitable measures to deal with repatriated persons, but no particulars of those measures have been received.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that some special action seems to be called for owing to the very large number involved in this depression?

The action is primarily one for the Government of Jamaica, and, as far as things have gone, they have found themselves capable of dealing with the situation. If they had anything further to suggest, of course we should be glad to consider it.

Will the Under-Secretary of State tell the House why so many Jamaicans have been deported from Cuba?

As I explained before, there is a general depression in the sugar industry in the West Indies, and Cuba, in spite of some statements to the contrary in certain quarters, has suffered quite as much depression as our own islands.

Has there been any corresponding repatriation of Cubans from British Colonies?

No, I have not heard of any.

Will the hon. Gentleman look into this matter?

I do not think that it is necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what were the circumstances in which smoke bombs were dropped from an aeroplane on the farm of Mr. Walter Duggleby, near Driffield, in the East Riding, on the 6th June last?

I regret the incident to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. It is under investigation by a court of inquiry, and I am therefore not as yet in a position to make any statement regarding it.

Will my hon. Friend let me know when he will be able to make a statement?

indicated assent.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he has considered the position of the stokers at Halton and other Air Force camps who have been declared outside the purview of the Insurance Acts by the recent decision of the High Court; and whether he has considered the possibility and desirability of making their employment regular instead of casual?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and consequently every effort is made to find other employment for these men during the spring and summer, but my Noble Friend much regrets that it is not possible to guarantee such employment.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether he thinks that it is likely that the majority of these men will be absorbed?

I am not sure about the majority, but there will be a very large number. I may add that the question of insurance is not involved in the question of continuous employment.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the damage to roads caused by last week's storm in Monmouthshire; and whether he will consider making a grant to repair the damage, as Monmouthshire is a necessitous area and has suffered on account of the industrial depression?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the damage caused to roads and bridges in Monmouthshire by the recent storm. He has informed the county council that he is prepared to consider applications for grants from the Road Fund towards the cost of approved schemes for remedying the damage.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the very great damage that was done in Devonshire, and should not there be an increased grant to that county?

asked the Minister of Transport whether the order recently issued, that the operators of public vehicles shall in future deal with lost property, applies to motor vehicles using the Metropolitan county of London?

The Public Service Vehicles (Lost Property) Provisional Regulations, 1931, only apply to property found in public service vehicles, as defined in the Road Traffic Act, 1930. That definition does not include tramcars, trolley vehicles, or vehicles of the taxi-cab type, and property found in such vehicles will be dealt with as heretofore throughout the country. So far as London is concerned, the Regulations also do not apply in the case of a vehicle which during any part of its journey is used as a short stage omnibus within the Metropolitan Police District. Property found in such vehicles will continue to be dealt with at the Metropolitan Police Lost Property Office.

Can my hon. Friend say what happens to the property found in public vehicles outside the London radius when the journey terminates within the London radius?

No, not without notice of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the representations from Oxford Street shop keepers and London taximeter-cab drivers or associations with reference to the re cent restrictions placed upon taximeter-cabs turning or stopping in Oxford Street; and can he state what has been his answer?

My right hon. Friend has carefully considered all the representations which have been received regarding the proposed restrictions on vehicles turning or stopping in Oxford Street, and in order to give the proposed experiment with traffic control signals every chance of success, he has decided that the regulations must be made in the form of which notice has been given. He proposes, however, to review the whole position after the signalling system has been in operation for two or three months.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the system will come into operation with regard to taxi-cabs?

I shall require notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to co-ordinate the varying conditions reached by various traffic com missioners in respect of the same motor coach services which pass through their areas?

The conditions to be attached to a road service licence fall to be determined, in the first instance, by the traffic commissioners concerned, having regard, amongst other things, to the traffic conditions existing in their own area. I hope that when further experience has been gained it may be possible for the commissioners to standardise such conditions as may prove to be generally applicable to a particular type of service. To these would be added such special local conditions as might be necessary.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that, owing to the varying decisions, in the same districts more or less, char-a-banc proprietors do not know whether they stand at the present time?

I am aware of that fact. The chairman of the commissioners has nominated a sub-committee to consider the whole question.

asked the Minister of Transport the approximate number of people employed by the motor coach services of the country; the amount of capital invested; and the estimated number of passengers carried in the course of the year?

My right hon. Friend is not in possession of the information desired by the hon. Member.

Will it be possible to obtain the information?

Yes. The information can be secured under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, but it will take some time to collect the facts.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the uncertainty which exists all over the country in respect of motor-coach services, he proposes to take any steps to expedite the investigations of the traffic commissioners; and whether he will consider the desirability of allowing all existing motor-coach services to continue during the present summer, with the object of avoiding unemployment and enabling the public to know exactly what holiday facilities exist, it being understood that the recommendations of the commissioners will only become operative in the autumn?

Under the provisions of the Public Service Vehicles (Transitory Provisions) Order, an applicant for a road service licence who was operating a service on 9th February, 1931, can continue to run that service pending the grant or refusal of his application by the Commissioners. Similarly a seasonal service operated during the 12 months ended 31st March last can be run during the corresponding period or periods of this year. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend sees no reason for taking action on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider setting up a committee to inquire into the financial conditions under which railways and road transport systems operate, particularly as regards the extent to which they are respectively called upon to contribute to national and local expenditure, and to advise whether, in the national interest, some readjustment should be made as regards the burdens and disabilities to which railway transport is subjected?

The subject to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was examined in its wide aspect by the Royal Commission on Transport and their observations and recommendations are now receiving my right hon. Friend's consideration.

Are the Government contemplating any alteration in regard to the rating of the railway companies owing to their depressed condition and the large amount of money invested in them by all classes?

I cannot say what the Government are contemplating, but the whole circumstances are receiving consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any decision has yet been reached in regard to the committee on main-line railway electrification?

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will state what steps he intends to take in respect of the electrification of the railways, having regard to the view taken by the Weir Report as to the amount of work which would be provided by it and the beneficial effect it would have on the distribution and the cost of electricity throughout the country;

(2) whether he will take steps to induce the railway companies immediately to take in hand the electrification of the suburban services round our great cities and more especially round London, seeing that the Royal Commission on Transport in 1905 recommended that course and having regard to the success of the Southern Railway?

As my right hon. Friend has already stated, he has asked the principal railway companies to consider the report to which the hon. Members refer, and to furnish him with their observations upon it as soon as they can. It will be remembered that the commercial success likely to result in certain circumstances from carrying out schemes of suburban electrification is one of the matters to which the report refers.

In view of the very great importance of this question, will the hon. Member endeavour to have the matter expedited?

I can only say that urgent representations have been made to the railway companies to take the matter into consideration.

Will the hon. Gentleman submit to the Minister of Transport that, if State assistance is to be given for the electrification of the railway service, it should be nationalised?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can make any statement as to the Government's intentions in the matter of the use without charge of lorries for such purposes as workpeople's outings and school treats?

asked the Minister of Transport what decision has now been reached with regard to permitting the use of motor lorries without charge for the purpose of carrying parties of children, boy scouts, girl guides, and cricket and football teams?

The Government have carefully considered the representations which have been received as to the hardships which may be caused by the fact that Sub-section (3) of Section 61 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, does not permit of the use without charge of lorries for the conveyance of cricket or football teams, or of passengers on such occasions as workpeople's outings, school treats and camps. I am afraid it is not practicable to provide special exemption for occasions such as these, and the Government have reached the conclusion that on the whole the balance of advantage lies on the side of repealing the Subsection altogether, although this course will legalise the use of lorries for the conveyance of passengers on less desirable occasions and for less worthy purposes than those indicated in the question, so long as no payment is made for the use of the vehicle. My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to arrange for the introduction in another place at an early date of a one Clause Bill providing for the repeal of the Sub-section on the understanding that the Bill is to be regarded as non-controversial.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, can he assure us that, if the Bill is passed, these lorries can be used for outings and school treats not only, as was said in the "Times" yesterday, from village to village, but from the cities to the countryside?

That is the purpose of the Bill being introduced.

While thoroughly appreciating the fact that the Government have taken this decision, may I ask them to expedite the Bill as much as they possibly can, as the health of tens of thousands of young people depends upon its passage?

My hon. Friend may rest content that no time will be lost.

Will the Bill include provision for altering the law in other respects to which the Minister's attention has been called?

No.

asked the Minister of Health what was the ratio of rates to taxes in the cost of the maintenance and construction of highways in England and Wales in the last financial year; and whether the cost to the rates in the country districts shows a higher ratio to taxes than in towns and cities?

The information for which the hon. and gallant Member asks is not available in respect of the last financial year.

Is it available for the year before?

I have no doubt that I can send the hon. Member such information.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the recent level-crossing accident near Lewes, he will suggest to the railway companies that they should display at some distance from each level-crossing a night-illuminated sign, which would under any circumstances attract the attention of motorists?

The erection of the authorised road warning sign, indicating approach to a level-crossing, is a matter for the appropriate highway authority rather than for the railway company. My Tight hon. Friend is in communication with the highway authority on the subject of the need for warning signs at the crossing where the accident in question took place.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received the report of the conference held last April between the Central Electricity Board and the Scarborough District Joint Town-planning Committee regarding the proposed route of electrical pylons between Pickering and Whitby; and whether, in view of the protests from the inhabitants of the North Riding of Yorkshire, he will recommend the adoption of an alternative route that will not disfigure the natural beauty of the countryside?

My right hon. Friend has not received any report of the conference referred to and the Central Electricity Board have not yet applied for his statutory consent to erect the overhead line referred to. When such application is made he will consider the relevant matters.

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to the second part of my question?

I cannot reply to the second part when no representation has been made and the Board have not asked for consent to erect the pylons.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the village of Painswick, near Stroud, is not yet supplied with electricity from the West Gloucester Power Company; and whether he will draw the attention of the Electricity Commissioners to the need of this supply being given?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the village of Painswick, near Stroud is not yet supplied with electricity by the West Gloucester Power Company. The lack of supply has been the subject of correspondence and discussion between the Electricity Commissioners and the Company, and he is informed that the Company, as a result of detailed inquiry, are of opinion that the demand for electricity in this District is at present insufficient to ensure a revenue sufficient to meet the cost of supply, etc., apart from any return on the capital required.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will expedite the preparation of a scheme for demonstration purposes for the electrification of the Vale of Towey; and what towns and villages it is proposed to include?

The Electricity Commissioners are in communication with interested parties with regard to the preparation of a comprehensive scheme of electrification in a suitable district in South Wales. The development of such a scheme for the Vale of Towey presents certain difficulties since there is no existing undertaker authorised to supply electricity within the whole area of the Vale, but the possibility is being examined.

asked the Minister of Transport the revenue per unit of electricity sold for lighting and domestic purposes by the Notting Hill Company, the South London Company, the South Metropolitan Company, Woolwich, St. Marylebone, and Wimbledon Borough Councils?

The average revenue per unit received during 1929–30 for lighting and domestic supplies, including lighting of business premises, was over 4d., in the case of the first three undertakings referred to, and under 2d. in the case of the last two.

Can my hon. Friend explain why the charge of private companies should be practically double that of public authorities?

The hon. Member had better put down a further question on that matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider calling a conference of the Powers interested in international settlements with a view to the mutual cancellation of obligations on the largest possible scale?

The attitude of this country in regard to War debts is well-known and action on the lines suggested would not, in present circumstances, serve any useful purpose.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider washing down the stonework of all new Government buildings at regular intervals to prevent their disfigurement by soot and smoke?

I have recently given consideration to the desirability of washing down the stonework of Government buildings, but, in the present financial stringency, it has not been practicable to allocate funds for the purpose.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the principle of keeping Government buildings clean?

Yes, but the necessary money must be available.

Are there not many persons unemployed?

asked the First Com missioner of Works whether his attention has been drawn to the dangerous way in which motor lorry drivers drive their lorries under the arches from Palace Yard; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The control of traffic within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster is not in my hands. I will, however, draw the attention of the responsible officers to the matter.

Can my right hon. Friend say who is the responsible officer in this matter? Is he aware that on one or two occasions some hon. Members of this House have almost met with what might have been a serious accident. [HON. MEMBERS: "Name!"] Your humble servant, at five minutes past eleven last Monday.

Every precaution will be taken to prevent any accident to my hon. Friend, and he may rest assured that the proper authorities will be communicated with.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if it is still the practice of his Department only to place orders for goods with firms which are enrolled on the King's Roll?

The principle laid down in the Resolution of this House on the 16th February, 1926, is still followed by my Department.

Is the First Commissioner of Works aware that recently an order for joinery tools was placed with a Birmingham firm who are not on the King's Roll, and that the offer of other firms who are on the King's Roll was not entertained?

If the hon. Member will give me particulars, I will have the matter investigated?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what the attitude was of His Majesty's Government to the suggestion of M. Litvinov at the session of the Commission of Inquiry for European Union on 18th May, at Geneva, that the States represented on the Commission should adopt a joint declaration, subsequently to be converted into an international convention, making it compulsory to sell on the home market at prices not higher than on the foreign market?

While M. Litvinoff did indeed foreshadow, at the meeting of the Commission of Inquiry for European Union, a proposal on the lines indicated in the question, the draft resolution which he submitted to the Commission was of a different character, and I am circulating its text in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The Commission decided to refer this resolution to its Economic Co-ordination Sub-Committee, which will meet at a later date.

As this is a proposal to stop dumping will not the Government do all they can to support it?

I have not the slightest doubt that the matter will receive consideration.

Is it not the case that Russia at this conference offered to do away with dumping entirely, just as they offered to disarm if the rest would disarm?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider introducing legislation to require that all goods imported into this country shall be accompanied by a statement of the labour conditions under which they were produced, and to provide for returns to be submitted to Parliament from time to time of such imports with particulars of the wages paid to and the hours worked by the persons employed in their production?

No, Sir.

Do the Government consider that the information referred to in the question is of such importance that they do not think it necessary to give an answer?

The answer is that the suggestion is quite impracticable.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has recently received any communication from the Irish Free State in relation to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council; and is he now in a position to communicate to the House the present position?

I am not in a position to add anything to the previous replies which I have given on the subject.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to answering the first part, as to whether he has received any communication?

That is covered by my answer.

asked the Minister of Health the number of insured women under the National Health Insurance Act who are entitled to additional benefit, No. 9 (dental benefit), under the valuation schemes of approved societies for the second Valuation period, and the number of insured women who are, or will be, entitled to such benefit under the third valuation schemes?

The number of insured women members of approved societies and branches in England having schemes of dental benefit following the second valuations was approximately 4,250,000. The complete results of the third valuation are not yet available, but my right hon. Friend regrets to say that from the results already received it is evident that there will be a considerable reduction in the number of women entitled to dental benefit.

asked the Minister of Health if at is proposed to issue any report or paper showing how the transference of Poor Law administration from the boards of guardians to the county councils and county borough councils has worked and is working?

This subject will be dealt with in the annual report of my Department, now in course of preparation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that persons doing test work under the public assistance committees of the London County Council are employed on the destruction and reconstruction of buildings, and the making of mattresses, furniture, boots and uniforms, for which work the return is relief of 10s. a week and less; whether his attention has been drawn to the complaints that this work and its conditions interfere with trade union standards; and whether he is prepared to issue Regulations in relation to this matter?

My right hon. Friend has been in correspondence with the London County Council on the whole question of test work, and has made it clear that his approval of any such work proposed is subject to the condition that it does not cover work which forms part of necessary maintenance or upkeep and would otherwise be done for wages. Inmates of an institution may, however, properly perform work connected with the institution. My right hon. Friend is advised that work on the destruction and reconstruction of buildings appears only to be carried out at residential institutions, and generally that any products of the work are used solely for the purpose of the centres or the persons attending them, and no displacement of outside labour is involved.

As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend has more than once explained, both in this House and in reply to complaints of the kind in question, that the criticism is based on a misunderstanding. Work performed under Article 6 of the Belief Regulation Order, 1930, as a condition of the grant of relief, is not work for wages, the amount of relief being determined not by the work performed but by the needs of the applicant's household. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

Is it not the case that a payment of less than 10s. is made for a full week's work of this character, and cannot the Government issue regulations which will prohibit this forced labour under sweated conditions?