asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give particulars of the progress that has been made with reference to the new buildings of the League of Nations?

Steady progress is being made with the work on the new League of Nations building. If my hon. Friend desires further details, I will send him a copy of the report issued last month by the Building Committee to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the architect has submitted final plans?

I believe so. The building is proceeding, and I suppose it is proceeding according to the plans.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of the contracts have been given to any British firm?

I think I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the committee of three over which he presided was aware that the negotiations between the Polish Government and the Ukrainian minority in Eastern Galioia on the subject of the Ukrainian complaints concerning the reprisals inflicted on them by the Polish Government during last autumn and other breaches of their minority rights broke down because the Polish Government insisted, as a condition for further discussions, that the Ukrainians must withdraw their petitions which they had placed before the League of Nations; and whether, seeing that such a condition is a denial of the minority rights of the Ukrainians and an infringement of the minority treaty signed by Poland, and that the responsibility for the observation of minority treaties was specifically placed on the League of Nations, the League obtained any assurances from the Polish Government with regard to the future conduct of negotiations?

The Polish Government have denied that such a condition was ever made by them. If it had been, the Committee of Three would naturally have regarded it as entirely inadmissible.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing severity of the world depression, he will extend invitations for an international conference, similar to the Genoa Conference of 1922, to consider the economic situation in all its aspects?

I would remind the hon. Member that the League of Nations is at present conducting an investigation into the causes and phases of the world depression, and that various of its organs are engaged in studying possible forms of remedial action. In these circumstances I see no advantage in attempting to initiate a further world conference independently of the League.

Is it not a fact that we shall not get any action by the Governments of the world merely having inquiries by experts, and that until we can get the political heads of all the Governments together no ultimate action is likely to be taken?

Yes, but the findings of the sub-committees of experts have to be passed in review by, I think they call it the co-ordinating committee, upon which there are Cabinet Ministers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the United States are represented on the committees to which he refers?

No.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the report is likely to be published?

I cannot say. I think there is a statement about the report in the newspapers this morning.

Have the United States been invited to send representatives?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the numbers of British professors at the Egyptian universities in July, 1929, and the number at the present date; and how many of these have been replaced by foreigners?

In 1929 there were 18 British professors at the Egyptian University. At the present time there are 19. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if His Majesty's Government intend to defer entering into a definite agreement with China in regard to extra-territorial rights until they have been able to examine the final report to the Shanghai Municipal Council on this subject by Judge Feetham, which is expected to be issued within the next few weeks?

As I informed the House on the 8th June, the negotiations between Sir Miles Lampson and Dr. Wang have reached a stage which enables them to be reported to then-respective Governments, but it is likely that some time will elapse before the proposed treaty can be signed. In the meantime, Mr. Justice Feetham s report will be carefully examined.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make Mr. Justice Feetham's report available to Members of this House—I do not ask for a general circulation, but by placing copies or one copy in the Library—and can the right hon. Gentleman say when he proposes to make his statement to this House in regard to the policy in China of His Majesty's Government?

In regard to the first part of the supplementary question, I have already informed the House that two copies of the first volume of the report are laid in the Library. The second volume is not available, but I will follow the same course in regard to it. With regard to making a statement, I made an answer, I think on Monday, that the conditions in China at the moment might cause some time to elapse before a final settlement had been reached, and under such conditions as obtain to-day I think it would be against the public interest for me to make any statement.

I do not want to press the right hon. Gentleman on the exact condition of the negotiations. What I ask is for a statement of the policy which His Majesty's Government are pursuing, in general terms.

Yes, but I regret that I could not make a statement of the policy which we are pursuing in general terms without showing exactly what was going on, and I have to keep in mind the repercussions of any public statement on the conditions which obtain just at this moment in China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an agreement has been reached by Sir Miles Lampson and the Nanking Government as a result of the recent negotiations on extraterritoriality?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given on Monday last to the hon. Member for Kidderminister (Mr. Wardlaw-Milne).

Was this agreement reached before the right hon. Gentleman had had an opportunity of studying the Feetham report?

I cannot see the connection between the agreement to which I referred on Monday and the Feetham report.

Is the question of Shanghai included in the agreement which has been made?

The information will be given on the whole subject, as I have already stated in reply to the right hon. Gentleman opposite.

But the right hon. Gentleman declined to give me any information. When will the information be given?

I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that I said that I would make a statement, but that the conditions existing at present did not make any statement advisable at this moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information concerning the agreement that has been reached by the Chinese Foreign Minister with the French authorities for the reorganisation of the French Mixed Court in Shanghai; and whether the Chinese Ministry of Justice have made preparations for the establishment of a number of special courts so that the Regulations regarding China's jurisdiction over foreigners can be put into operation as from 1st January, 1932?

I understand that negotiations for the reorganisation of the French Mixed Court in Shanghai are proceeding, but I have no information that an agreement has been reached. So far as I am aware, no preparations for the establishment of special courts have yet been made by the Chinese Government.

May I take it that the right hon. Gentleman is keeping in close touch with the situation?

I should be neglecting my duty if I were not keeping in close touch with the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information from the British Ambassador concerning the new decree of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Republic to raise the discipline and productivity of labour and the new degree to stimulate the loading of timber this summer at the Soviet ports; and whether he will obtain a copy of these decrees for the information of the House?

I presume that the decrees to which the right hon. Gentleman refers are those of the Central Executive Committee, dated the 3rd June, and of the People's Commissariat of Labour, dated the 5th April. I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a translation of both these documents.

Will translations be made available to the House for our general information?

Central Executive Committee, of what?

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question, I will give him an answer.

The question is on the Paper. Will the right hon. Gentleman obtain a copy for the information of the House?

I undertook to supply the right hon. Gentleman who put the question. If there is to be a general circulation, I must consider it.

But cannot we have a copy in the Library?

The right hon. Gentleman referred to the Central Executive Committee. I ask, Of what body?

If you take question and answer, you get the information that you require.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what purposes, under what condi- tions, and to what amount His Majesty's Government propose to participate in an International Agricultural Credit Bank?

The scheme for an International Agricultural Mortgage Credits Company was decided upon as the result of discussions in the Commission on European Union. Its purpose is to make loans on mortgage, through the agency of central banks, to peasant cultivators in Central and Eastern Europe, and, in particular, to assist them to change over from wheat growing to other forms of agricultural production. It is hoped to raise in various financial centres a capital of £10,000,000, of which £1,000,000 would be issued at the outset. In addition, a special reserve fund of £1,000,000 is to be set up, to which all Governments who are parties to the Convention will contribute. The share of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom would be approximately £120,000. It is proposed that this reserve should be deposited with the Bank of International Settlements, should bear interest, and, in due course, be repaid out of the profits of the company.

What are the limits of the portions of Europe to which this is to be given? We are told Central and Eastern. Does that include the Central German States and Austria?

It certainly includes Austria.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us how this is going to benefit Great Britain?

It is not very easy —[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"] If hon. Members will wait for my reply, they will not cheer so loudly. It is not easy, in reply to a supplementary question, to answer the hon. Gentleman, but the countries that we are trying to assist in this way are customers of ours to the tune of something like £15,000,000 per annum.

And debtors of this country!

rose—

We cannot debate this question now.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can state the number of firms who have adopted the National Mark scheme for cider; and what proportion they represent of the total number of cider makers in this country?

I have been asked to reply. The number of authorised packers, namely, makers and battlers, of National Mark cider, is as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the number of allotments which have come into existence in the last 12 months; whether the 64,000 men who have been assisted with the provision of seeds and other requirements were also provided with allotments, or whether this represents a demand, and, if so, to what extent, by people who were already in possession of allotments?

I have been asked to reply. The returns which are collected yearly relate to the position on 31st December, and no information is yet available as to the number of new allotments created for the unemployed. Particulars are being obtained by the Central Allotments Committee, but until the detailed returns are received from the districts, it is not possible to state the proportion of the 64,000 assisted unemployed persons for whom plots were provided for the first time. It is known, however, that, apart from new land provided, a large number of plots which have lain derelict for some time have again been brought into cultivation as a result of the scheme.

Having regard to the failure of this scheme during the present season, will the hon. Gentleman make inquiry as to the reason why, in many districts, although land has been provided and this very generous scheme of low-priced materials has been offered, so few applications have been received?

Without admitting that the scheme has been a failure, I will see that the observation of the hon. Gentleman is conveyed to my right hon. friend.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is yet in a position to state when the first selection board under the new scheme of promotions from the lower deck is likely to sit; and when, approximately, he expects to make the first promotions to sub-lieutenant thereunder?

The procedure now adopted will take some little time before it produces candidates under the new conditions. It is anticipated that some candidates will have received the necessary preliminary instruction in time to have a selection board in 1933, and in the meantime we shall continue to select candidates on the existing basis.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty upon what dates it is expected that the keels of the cruisers and destroyers of the 1931 naval programme will be laid?

Subject to the statement I made on the Navy Estimates, the ships of the 1931 programme, in accordance with the regular practice, will be ordered at the end of the current financial year and the keels will then be laid as soon as the necessary preliminary work and collection of material have been accomplished.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not say what the estimated date of the laying of keels will be?

No, I do not think it is possible for anyone to do that. Sometimes there are slight delays.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the estimated dates upon which it is expected that the various cruisers and destroyers of the 1930 naval programme will, respectively, be completed and ready for commissioning?

It is anticipated that two of the destroyers of the 1930 programme will complete towards the end of 1932 and the remaining destroyers and leader early in 1933. The cruisers are expected to complete in the summer and autumn of 1933.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the preliminary construction or the laying down of the keels of any of the cruisers and destroyers of the 1930 or 1931 naval programmes have been in any way retarded by reason of the naval agreement supposed to have been reached between France and Italy on 1st March last, or of the conversations continued between those countries and Great Britain subsequent to the breakdown of that agreement?

The answer is in the negative. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member on the 10th June (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 997), it is the usual practice not to place orders for the annual new construction programme until towards the close of the financial year.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman now realise that his statement in the House that complete agreement had been reached between Italy and France was not only premature but definitely misleading?

Most certainly not misleading. However, I do not think that that question directly arises from the question on the Paper.

But it was premature.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what financial provisions are being made for the dependants of the ratings lost in His Majesty's submarine "Poseidon"; and whether any immediate payments are being made?

Payment of a qualifying allotment and of full marriage allowance is being made in the case of widows already in receipt of marriage allowance, for a period of four weeks following the date of notification of the husband's death, and forms of application for pension have been sent to all widows. Payment of pension under the authorised scale will commence as from the date of cessation of the qualifying allotment and marriage allowance. Payment of allowances to other dependants found to be eligible for grants will commence from the day following the date of the rating's death.

How do these various pensions compare with the pensions that would be paid if these men had been killed in action?

I would like to have notice of that question. If my hon. and gallant Friend desires a comparison, I shall be able to supply the information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that if these men had lost their lives in civilian life, the amount of compensation would be vastly in excess of what their dependants will receive; and will he do his best to assist them, as some of them are, to my knowledge, in difficult circumstances?

The position is that we shall pay the same rates as we should pay for attributable pensions. Further to the supplementary question of the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy), I do not think that these rates are the same as those paid in respect of deaths attributable to the late War, as the scales have been revised since then.

I mean if they were killed in an action on a Chinese river, for instance.

We shall pay the pensions on that basis.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the scale is only 10s. to 14s. a week, which is very poor in these days?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the William James Manufacturing Company, Limited, of Willenhall, is still on the Admiralty list; and whether it holds any contract at the present time?

The firm in question is still noted as eligible to tender for certain stampings and flanges, but has no contracts from the Admiralty at the present time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this firm is endeavouring to force a wage rate of from 15s. to 20s. below the standard rate, and will he bear that in mind in placing any further contracts?

I have had my attention drawn to the dispute in which this firm is engaged at the present time, and I shall not be unmindful of any representations made to me on this matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a number of men, some of long service and War service, are being discharged from the Royal Dockyard, Portsmouth; and if this is due to lack of work or of funds, and if these discharges are to continue?

I regret that it has been necessary to discharge within the last month 116 men from the works department at Portsmouth owing to the completion of a number of works. There may be a smaller number of additional discharges for the same reason.

Would not this be a reason for expediting the new construction?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is under a misapprehension. The men discharged are not engaged on naval construction, but in the works department. For some years there has been an increase in the number of buildings and general work in operation, and that work has come to an end.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state those overseas territories which would be able to benefit by the institution of colonial broadcasting; and whether such colonies favour and are willing to help financially such broadcasting?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the attitude of the different Colonial Governments under his control with regard to the proposal to institute a system of Colonial broadcasting from this country; whether he will obtain from them a statement as to what broadcasting services from Europe are actually operating in their respective Colonies; and whether in view of the importance of the matter to trade and imperial relations, he will publish the information as a White Paper?

The question of colonial broadcasting was discussed at the Colonial Office Conference in June, 1930, and all the representatives present at the conference were unanimously in favour of the introduction of such a service. I think that it may be assumed that all Colonial and Protectorate Governments would be prepared to assist in the cost of the service by paying over all, or a proportion of, the licence fees collected. As I stated in reply to the question put down by the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) for Monday last, a scheme for broadcasting to the British colonies and protectorates has recently been submitted by the British Broadcasting Corporation and is at present engaging the earnest attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to a Bill recently before the Tanganyika legislative council with the object of instituting road tolls in order to protect the railway traffic; whether there are any other colonies where such road tolls are in existence; whether the proposals are regarded with favour by His Majesty's Government; and whether it is proposed to take any action with regard to them?

I have been asked to reply to this question. My Noble Friend has not yet received a copy of the Bill, which has been referred to a Select Committee of the Legislative Council, and in the meantime he docs not feel prepared to express any opinion on the proposals. The hon. Member will understand that in Tanganyika both the railways and the roads are owned and maintained by the Government whose duty it is to see that no undue burdens are placed upon it by unnecessary competition between the two. I am not aware of any road tolls in existence in other colonies.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the amounts that have been paid in fees to members of commissions visiting the Colonies during the prevent two years; and will he give particulars?

I have been asked to take this question. The only fees payable to members of commissions visiting the Colonies in the past two years are as follow:

Has it been the custom in the past, where payments have been made, for the home Government to make any contribution?

I should like to have notice of a question as to the custom over a long term of years.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a copy of the report by Sir Edward Thornton on the Government European hospital at Nairobi, Kenya; and whether any action is being taken to give effect to any of the recommendations in that report, particularly as regards the accommodation of the nursing staff and the replacement of the existing buildings by a more modern type of hospital for Government officials and Europeans of small means?

I have been asked to answer this question. The Governor of Kenya has not yet forwarded the report to which the right hon. Member refers, but will no doubt do so in due course with his observations on the recommendations which it contains.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the need of increased hospital accommodation at Nairobi, Kenya, for Europeans, Asiatics, and natives; whether his attention has been called to the report of a sub-committee of the executive council which recommended that £70,000 of the forthcoming loan should be allocated to this purpose; and whether this recommendation has the approval of his Department, and if effect will be given to it at the earliest possible date?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My Noble Friend has approved of the inclusion in the schedule of further loan requirements of the Government of Kenya of a sum of £70,000, which is exclusive of establishment charges amounting to £10,500, for hospitals for Europeans, Indians and Africans at Nairobi, and he has no doubt that the provision of the facilities contemplated will be proceeded with as rapidly as circumstances permit.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory condition of the central gaol in Nairobi, Kenya, where, though there are now 600 prisoners serving long-term sentences, the gaol building only provides permanent accommodation for 350; whether he is aware that the medical authorities have called attention to the bad lighting and ventilation of these permanent buildings, that the health of the prisoners is appreciably poorer than in other colonial central gaols, and that the incidence of tuberculosis is rising; will he state how many deaths among prisoners due to this latter disease have been recorded during the past three years; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?

My Noble Friend is aware of the unsatisfactory conditions at the Nairobi prison to which the local medical authorities have drawn attention from time to time, but the fact that there had already been a general improvement and the steps contemplated to secure further improvements were explained in the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Motherwell (Mr. Barr) on the 26th of November, 1930, of which I am sending the right hon. Member a copy. Since that date approval has been given for the inclusion of a sum of £95,000 for prison accommodation in the schedule of further loan requirements of the Government of Kenya. The number of deaths from tuberculosis at Nairobi prison in 1928 and 1929 was 10 in each year. My Noble Friend is not yet in possession of the corresponding statistics for 1930, nor of the report of the special investigation which has been undertaken into the incidence of that disease.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in which of the African Colonies there are services for child welfare and African women are being trained as midwives; and what tribes these measures are reaching?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Child welfare services exist, and native women are being trained as midwives, in all the Tropical African Dependencies with the exception of Somaliland and the Gambia. These services are open to all native women, irrespective of their tribal origin; though, as the Noble Lady will doubtless understand, mother and child welfare clinics, and training in midwifery, are at present available only at the more populous centres. Reference to the local governments would be necessary if information is desired as to the particular tribes which are profiting most from the facilities provided.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many lives have been saved during 1929 and 1930 by the use of parachutes in emergencies; and if all pilots of the Royal Air Force Reserve undergoing training at civil schools are bound by regulation to wear parachutes?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether Reserve Air Force pilots are equipped with parachutes while carrying out their annual training?

The number of forced parachute descents by occupants of Royal Air Force aircraft was 18 in 1929 and 22 in 1930. Parachutes for the use of Royal Air Force Reserve pilots are in course of issue to the civil schools which carry out reserve training; all pilots for whom parachutes are available are required to wear them while flying.

When is it anticipated that the issue of civilian pilots will be completed?

The issues are in progress, and it is anticipated that they will be complete in August.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that no Reserve pilots are permitted to carry out their training in the air unless they are equipped with parachutes; and can he say whether Lieutenant O'Brien, who was killed on the 8th June while carrying out training was so equipped?

The answer to the first part of the supplementary question is indicated in my reply. I must have notice of the second part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if the home defence force of the Royal Air Force are to carry out day and night operational exercises during the summer; and, if so, whether he will arrange for Members who so desire to have an opportunity of visiting Royal Air Force stations in order to view the practical methods of home defence by the Royal Air Force units?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, my Noble Friend regrets that it would not be practicable, without seriously interfering with the exercises, to extend a general invitation to Members of this House as suggested by the hon. and gallant Member to visit Royal Air Force stations while the exercises are in progress.

If it turns out that only a very limited number of Members are interested, will the hon. Member reconsider the question of visits?

I will consider any applications, of course. As far as a general invitation is concerned, I must refer the hon. Member to what I have already said.

They are Liberals—preferential treatment!

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if the Air Ministry are experimenting with aero engines on the Diesel principle; if he can state the stage which such experiments have reached; and when a British aircraft will fly equipped with an engine of this type?

For some years the Air Ministry has been developing engines on the Diesel principle both for aeroplanes and for airships; the hon. and gallant Member will no doubt recall that the engines of airship R.101 were of that type. Considerable experience has been gained from experimental forms of these engines, and the stage has now been reached when a complete engine of this type is ready for trial. It will shortly be put through the full type test for air- worthiness and, if this is satisfactorily completed, flight trials will probably be carried out during the summer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of accidents to Royal Air Force machines this year; the number of casualties; and the number of deaths involved by these accidents?

During this year there have been 52 accidents to Royal Air Force aeroplanes involving casualties to personnel, the total number of such casualties being 87; of these 41 were cases of injury and 46 of loss of life.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that every possible precaution is taken?

Most certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the experiments carried out in the use of fuel oil from coal by any of the airships have now been completed; and, if so, with what result?

No experiments of the kind mentioned by my hon. Friend have been carried out with airship engines.

Are these experiments still in progress with aeroplane engines?

The question of fuel oil from coal has only reached the stage of laboratory experiments so far. The Ministry is more concerned with petrol, and everything is being done in that direction.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether In view of the disturbance to the residents which will be caused by the erection of the air target for bombing practice at Suddern Hill, Hampshire, he will cause the target to be removed and erected on a part of Salisbury Plain where the amenities are already spoilt?

The Noble Lord is perhaps under some misapprehension. There is no air bombing target on Suddern Hill nor is there any proposal for the erection of one. If, however, he is referring to the target on Easton Down in Wiltshire, which is about two miles from Suddern Hill, I would mention that the target is located within the War Office prohibited area at Porton. This air bombing range has been in use for the past four years. It may be added that efforts have been made to find a suitable alternative area that can be used for bombing practice by the Royal Air Force Squadrons stationed in the Salisbury Plain area, but without success.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the inquiry into the Fakenham, Norfolk, railway accident has now been completed and whether he has received the report on it; and what is the number of inquiries into railway accidents that have been held in camera during the previous 10 years?

I understand that the inquiry into this railway accident has not yet been concluded, and I, therefore, have not yet received the report. As regards the point raised by my hon. Friend in the last part of his question, it has been the practice to hold inquiries in private in so far as that might be necessary to enable those giving evidence to give it without fear of prejudicing themselves or others in any subsequent criminal proceedings. I am not, however, able to state the exact number of occasions on which evidence has been taken in private.

Does my right hon. Friend think the reasons he has given apply to this inquiry?

I understood that that was so from the report of the proceedings in the Press.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes taking any action with regard to the utilisation of foreign broken stone, in view of the fact that there is an adequate supply at a comparable price already quarried in this country?

I have already informed the hon. Member that every effort is made to secure the use of British materials, including broken stone, on road works in this country. I understand that the importation of foreign road stone is confined to those parts of the country where by reason of freightage charges its use is economically justifiable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why foreign stone continues to be used in spite of his efforts?

I think the hon. Member will find on a comparison of the figures that the amount is relatively small considering the total consumption by local authorities.

But why is the amount really big, according to the figures he has given?

The figure is very small compared with the total used by local authorities.

Could the names of the local authorities which use this stone be published?

I am not sure whether it would be practicable to publish them, or, if they were published, whether that would help the hon. Member for Torquay (Mr. C. Williams).

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the London and North Eastern Railway Company have discontinued the practice of having the main-running lines examined on Sundays in the Darlington district; and if, in view of the danger of accidents being caused through this lack of inspection, he will take up this matter with the railway company?

The responsibility for the proper and safe maintenance of the permanent way rests entirely with the railway company, over whom, in regard to this matter, I have no jurisdiction. I have, however, been in communication with the company in the matter, and am informed by them that ordinary Sunday length inspection in a large portion of the North Eastern Area of their system, which does not, however, include their main line from Shaftholme to Berwick, has been discontinued since early in 1925, and that there has been no change in practice in this area except that the inspection on Sundays of two additional short sections has been discontinued during recent months. The company state that they are advised by their responsible engineer that the present arrangements are adequate, and I see no reason to question their view.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will issue regulations making compulsory the use of mechanical and illuminated signalling arms on heavy mercantile and passenger-carrying vehicles?

The Highway Code describes fully the hand signals that drivers should give when intending to stop, slow down or change direction, while stating at the same time that where the appropriate signal can be given effectively by a suitable mechanical or electrical device there is no objection to its use. I do not think I should be at present justified in making the use of such mechanical or electrical devices compulsory in the case of any particular class or description of vehicle.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state how many people have already been killed at level crossings this year; and what steps are being taken to eliminate level crossings throughout the country?

During this year nine persons have been reported to have been fatally injured at accidents at public road level crossings of railways, and 14 at occupation and footpath crossings. As regards the second part of the question I have impressed upon local authorities the desirability of taking every favourable opportunity of securing the abolition of level crossings on important roads, and have indicated that I am prepared to enter- tain applications in suitable cases for grants up to 75 per cent. of the net cost of constructing bridges in lieu thereof.

asked the Minister of Transport what are the arrangements for requiring foreign visitors bringing motor cars to this country for short periods to be insured against third party risks?

The special arrangements for foreign visitors as regards insurance against third party risks will be found set out in Part II of the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Risks) Regulations, 1930, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

I am much obliged to my right hon. Friend, but is it the case under the regulations that a foreign motor car must have a third party insurance policy?

I am speaking from memory, but I fancy foreign visitors' cars must have an insurance in respect of the country from which they come. It is not compulsory to have a policy with a British insurance company. Those regulations are reciprocal. But I am taking risks, because I am speaking from memory.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) the present state of negotiations regarding the proposed Dartford-Purfleet tunnel; how many county councils are subscribing towards the cost; the proportions of their contributions compared with the national quota; and whether any county councils are making it a condition of contribution that a proportion of their unemployed shall be employed on the constructional work of the tunnel or its approaches;

(2) how many approach roads have been planned in the counties of Kent and Essex in connection with the proposed Dartford-Purfleet tunnel; and whether it is proposed that any part of the foreshore of Dartford Creek can be dredged, deepened and embanked during the process of construction?

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

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether British materials are being used for the construction at the present time of the Legation buildings in South America; and seeing that the use of British materials will do much to emphasise the benefits of the recent British Trade Exhibition, whether he will see that only such materials are used?

The only Legation building under construction in South America at the present time is at Lima, and in this case British materials and manufactured goods are being supplied to a substantial extent. As regard" the latter part of the question, circumstances vary to such an extent that each scheme has to be treated according to its needs. For reasons of urgency and cost, both as regards initial construction and subsequent maintenance, it would not be desirable to adopt the rigid demarcation suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.

Is it not a fact that in this case the steel construction work is being imported from Luxemburg and not Great Britain?

I am not sure about that, but, if the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question, I will ascertain.

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out if that is the case, and, if so, will he put a stop to that practice?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put a question down, I will send him the information direct.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether British water is being used to mix with the cement?

Will the right hon. Gentleman, at the same time, try to arrange that only Empire wines and tobacco shall be supplied to hon. Members above the Gangway?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has now decided to arrange for a commission of inquiry to visit Russia and to examine and report upon trade prospects with this country?

In view of the State monopoly of foreign trade in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and of purchases being made according to plan, I have come to the conclusion that a commission of inquiry would not serve the same useful purpose as in other countries.

Has the hon. Gentleman not considered the value of a personal visit, and what are the difficulties in connection with it?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the large numbers of cattle in Canada waiting shipment to England for which there are not enough ships available for transport, if he will bring this matter to the notice of shipowners who own and control the ships lying idle in British ports?

I am informed that shipowners are not satisfied that the proposals in regard to increased shipments of cattle are such as would justify them in incurring considerable expenditure in fitting out extra ships for the trade. It is understood, however, that discussions are taking place between representatives of the shippers and the shipowners on the subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive representations from the Merseyside organisation which has taken many steps to develop this avenue of employment?

I have no doubt whatever that my right hon. Friend would be ready to receive any representations on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the finance, public health, and architectural departments of the Essex County Council, which were situated in different parts of Chelmsford, were connected by telephone and their telephone numbers were inserted in the telephone directory free of charge; but now that these departments are housed in one building these numbers are no longer allowed to be inserted in the directory free, but a charge is to be made; and whether he will look into the matter?

As stated by the hon. and gallant Member, the various departments of the county council were formerly served by separate telephone lines with different numbers, while under the new conditions they are served by extensions from a switchboard and all have the same telephone number. The necessity for separate entries in the Telephone Directory has thus disappeared, and I regret that in these circumstances I cannot allow additional entries without payment of the normal charges. I may add that the rental charge for a number of lines led to a private switchboard is less than that for the same number of lines to different premises.

Are not these absurd restrictions and petty charges one of the reasons why, in this country, there are fewer telephones per head of the population than in almost any other country.

I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to appreciate the fact that separate numbers are unnecessary.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the 2,700 miners who were employed in the Bedwas Colliery, Monmouthshire, who ceased work on the 18th November, 1930, have declined to return to work on the same terms, customs and conditions as prevail in neighbouring collieries working similar seams; that the men when applying for unemployment benefit were refused by the local representative of the unemployment insurance authorities; that the matter was then referred to a referee in London who granted the unemployment benefit; that several meetings with the men have since taken place at which matters have been agreed, and that subsequently the men have refused to return to work; if he can state what is the present position; and, seeing that all terms have been offered to the miners such as operate in similar collieries, what further action he now intends to take?

I am informed that further discussions took place last week between the parties and that, on their joint invitation, a representative of the Mines Department continued to attend in a mediatory capacity. While many outstanding matters have been settled there are still certain points on which agreement has not been reached, but I understand that there is reason to hope that joint discussions will again be resumed shortlry.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this is only a repetition of what has transpired ever since the beginning of December; will he take steps to expedite this matter, and see that these men get back to their work instead of drawing unemployment benefit?

I understand that negotiations are going to be resumed shortly.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that a referee generally and usually only makes an award in relation to unemployment benefit when the terms are not similar, but worse, than are operating generally in the district?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government have now completed the detailed examination as to the possibilities and potentialities of British coal as a source of production of motor fuel and other oils and by-products; and is he now able to submit definite proposals to the House of Commons?

I regret that I have nothing to add to the answers which have recently been given on this subject, the last of which was given on 21st May in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy).

How much longer will the Minister wander along before submitting definite proposals?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the data from which the report of the Committee of Council on Education, 1930–31, states that 11,346 pupils left school unqualified during 1930–31 from primary schools or primary departments; and what steps are proposed to be taken in future to supply this lack of education?

The figure referred to is compiled from the statistics supplied by education authorities, relating to the attainments of the pupils leaving each school. As to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to his similar question on 6th June, 1930; and I may point out that the improvement therein referred to has continued during the past year. The problem of simplifying the curriculum without loss of real educational values continues to engage the close attention of the Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the figures on which the statement is arrived at in the report of the Committee of Council on Education for 1929–30 that 60 per cent. of the children leaving day schools have failed in various degrees to reach the normal goal in education; and what is the corresponding percentage for the year 1930–31 and the figures on which the last-mentioned percentage is based?

The figures on which the statement referred to is based are to be found in Tables V (a) and V (b) of the summary statistics, which are appended to the Department's report for 1929–30. The corresponding percentage for the subsequent year, namely, 57.9, is indicated on page 21 of the report for 1930–31 recently published; and the relevant figures are given in Tables V (a) and V (b) of the summary statistics annexed to that report.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the serious state of Scottish education if 57 per cent. of the pupils in the primary schools fail to reach the normal goal in education?

I also realise that 57.9 is 2.1 per cent. better than it was last year.

May I ask my hon. Friend what is the normal goal in education?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many schools a qualifying examination in reading, writing, arithmetic, history, and geography is held and in how many schools no such examination is held, showing the respective areas of such schools; how many pupils have reached the age of 12, and how many of these were not put for ward for a qualifying examination at that age; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that all pupils in primary schools or primary departments shall in future be submitted for qualifying examination with uniformity of test, to which attention has been called by His Majesty's chief inspector of schools?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 6th June, 1930, to his question as to the character and number of the schemes for the promotion of scholars who have satisfactorily completed the work proper to the senior division. At the end of the school year 1929–30, there were 70,257 scholars of 12 years of age. Under the approved schemes of promotion, the qualifications of all those who had completed the work of the senior division would necessarily receive appropriate consideration. The schemes of promotion have been framed by the education authorities with due regard to the conditions prevailing in their area, and the operation of the schemes is reviewed from time to time by His Majesty's inspectors of schools. My right hon. Friend does not consider that the institution of a general qualifying examination with uniformity of test is desirable.

asked the Minister of Health from what number of working-class organisations or units the inter departmental committee of inquiry into the Rent Restrictions Acts took evidence?

I am sending my hon. Friend a list of the organisations of this kind from which evidence has, as I understand, been taken.

Did any of the organisations give any evidence in regard to the extraordinary amount of key money that the landlords demanded for these houses?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the projected discussions with the French taxation authorities on the question of double taxation, any steps are to be taken by His Majesty's Government towards inviting the German taxation authorities to entertain similar discussions, having regard to decisions in the German courts taxing foreign companies holding majority or controlling interests in German companies?

If the hon. Member will let me know more precisely the decisions of the German courts to which he refers, I will have the matter examined.

Are any further discussions on double taxation at home going on with the Government's Liberal supporters?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the lowest payment made for a full week's work to adult civil servants employed in the offices of the Departments of State in London and the provinces, in the Post Office service in London, and the provinces, and in Employment Exchanges in London and the provinces, respectively?

I assume that my hon. Friend intends to refer to non-industrial civil servants. I am having inquiry made, on this basis, of the various Departments concerned, and will let my hon. Friend know the result in due course.

Can the Financial Secretary give any indication as to when this information will be available?

Not at the present moment.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps the Government are taking in order that the provision of the Unemployment Convention of 1919, which lays down that operations of the various national systems for finding employment for workers by public exchanges shall be co-ordinated by the International Labour Office by agreement with the countries concerned, shall be carried out?

It has not hitherto been practicable to take any definite steps in this direction. The question of such co-ordination by the International Labour Office is referred to in the report made by the Director recently to the International Labour Conference at Geneva. The hon. Member will find the passage on page 35.

asked the Minister of Labour the position with regard to the dispute in the Willenhall drop forgings industry affecting the firm of the William James Manufacturing Company, Limited?

A joint meeting was held last week under the auspices of my Department, but no agreement was reached. The services of the Department remain at the disposal of the parties.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the men in this dispute have been refused unemployment benefit because they have declined to accept employment at from 15s. to 20s. a week less than the standard rate; and will he take action to see that they get it?