asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the telegraphic communication addressed to the President of the United States by the German Government on the subject of international indebtedness; and can he state what the terms of the message are?

The text of this message, which was confidential, has not, so far as my right hon. Friend is aware, been published.

(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make any further statement in regard to the policy of the Government for giving practical effect to President Hoovers proposal relating to reparations and inter-governmental debts?

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the House on the 22nd instant.

"His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom subscribe wholeheartedly to the principle of President Hoover's proposal and are prepared to co-operate in the elaboration of details with a view to giving it practical effect without delay."

and with the permission of the House I should like to take this opportunity to explain the steps which we have decided to take for this purpose.

The more consideration we give to the President's declaration, the more it seems to us that, having regard particularly to the history of the matter, that declaration constitutes a very great gesture on the part of the United States of America, and it will be a thousand pities if Europe does not respond to it in the same spirit. The beneficial effect of the proposal may be lost unless steps are taken by all the countries concerned to give it prompt and practical effect.

This is particularly the case as regards Germany, which, after all, is the essential difficulty. We agree with the view expressed by the United States Government that there is no time for a conference. A more prompt method must be found for putting into operation the proposal of the United States Government for a complete and immediate suspension of German payments to the creditor Governments.

The procedure which we would favour is that the creditor Governments should forthwith notify the Bank for Inter-national Settlements that they agree to the proposal for the suspension for one year of all the German payments due to them. The decision, of course, does not rest with us alone, and we are awaiting the views of the other creditor Governments; but we hope that it may be possible to secure agreement on these lines as soon as possible.

President Hoover's proposal applies, however, to "all inter-governmental debts, reparations and relief debts." His Majesty's Government for their part accept this proposal in the spirit as well as the letter. They will accordingly be ready to suspend for one year all such inter-governmental debts due to them as soon as President Hoover's proposal has been generally accepted, and, in the meantime, as from the 1st proximo they will refrain from claiming instalments that may fall due. As regards the Relief Debts, His Majesty's Government are at once taking steps to inform the other European Governments which hold Relief Bonds of their action and to invite them to co-operate.

Finally, although His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom do not regard President Hoover's proposal as directly affecting the War obligations of the Dominions and of India to the United Kingdom, which are a matter for discussion and settlement between those of His Majesty's Governments concerned, we felt that we should be interpreting the wishes of the country in deciding freely to offer to the Dominions and India the same concession as is proposed for foreign countries under the same conditions.

Accordingly, when inviting the assent of the Dominion Governments and the Government of India to the suspension of the German payments so far as regards the share to which they are entitled, we intimated that on the same principle we would readily give them the option of postponing the whole amount of their War Debt payments to the United Kingdom for the period of 12 months from the 1st July, 1931, if they so desire.

These proposals will involve a loss to the current Budget which may reach approximately £11,000,000. This is a serious sacrifice for the taxpayers of this country upon whom such heavy calls have already been made, but we hope that the step which we are taking in co-operation with the United States win be more than justified by the help it will give in reviving confidence and prosperity.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his statement, not having bad an opportunity of reading it beforehand, I will content myself with saying, for my own opinion and I believe the opinion of those behind me, that His Majesty's Government have taken a course fully consistent with the dignity and reputation of our country.

I would like to add that I am very glad that the Government have given such a clear, courageous and unequivocal answer to the very noble gesture of the United States of America.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman when he proposes to make to the House the statement, which will naturally follow the one which he has just made, in regard to our domestic finance of the present year.?

I cannot give an answer to that question just at the moment. I am afraid we shall have to wait at least for a few days, but I have no objection at once, if a question be put down, to giving a statement as to how it will affect the budgetary position of this country.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of recent developments, he will reconsider his decision not to initiate an international conference to discuss the whole question of international indebtedness?

I cannot for the present say more than that we are anxious to co-operate in bringing President Hoover's proposal into practical effect.

In view of recent developments, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is a suitable time for reopening this question?

I think it is a most unsuitable time. First of all, we must settle the matter of these proposals, and, if circumstances should eventually develop as to make an international conference desirable, no doubt action would be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information with regard to two petitions sent to the secretary to the League of Nations in April of this year by two natives of Macedonia named Andoff and Minoff, respectively, who were on a visit last year to their native town of Prilep, in Macedonia, and from which, as they allege, they were expelled contrary to the provisions of the Treaty of St. Germain; if so, whether he can state if these two petitions have been declared receivable; and, if not, the reason given for such decision?

My right hon. Friend has received no information as to the submission of these two petitions to the Secretariat of the League of Nations, but he is making inquiries.

Is a reply expected soon?

We may not get a reply very soon, because there is a certain regular procedure which has to be gone through, but as soon as we get a reply I will let my hon. Friend know.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can inform the House as to the present state of the negotiations opened by the Chinese Government for selling the Chinese Eastern Railway to another Power?

My right hon. Friend understands that negotiations for the purchase by the Chinese Government of the Soviet Government's share in this railway have been opened, but he has no official information on the subject.

Can the hon. Gentleman find out whether there have been any proposals for Customs reductions on the Manchurian frontier where this railway touches?

This is, of course, primarily a matter between the Chinese Government and the Soviet Government. We have no locus standi in the matter, but we can inquire whether any such proposals have been made. These negotiations are not being conducted openly, but we may be able to get some information about this point.

Will the hon. Gentleman find out whether these Customs reductions will operate against British goods in view of the fact that the goods will come from the Russian side?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question on the subject.

Do not these negotiations show rather a bad record?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Canton Government have now seized the Customs at Kowloon, Lapfa, Kongmoon, Samshui, Kiungshow, Pakhoi, and Hoihow; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has seen statements in the Press to this effect, but he has received no official reports on the subject. In any case, no action by His Majesty's Government seems to be called for.

May I ask whether the Foreign Secretary proposes to make any inquiries in this matter?

I do not think that is necessary. Sir Miles Lampson has kept us fully informed of what has been happening in Canton, and, if there be any truth in these Press allegations, no doubt he will let us know.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether His Majesty's Government have considered, or are considering, the advisability of increasing the cruiser and destroyer building programmes of this country, in view of the increased naval building programmes of France and Italy and the continued failure of those countries to reach agreement, and having regard to the special provisions of Article 21 of the London Naval Treaty?

The building programme has been continually under consideration throughout the Franco-Italian negotiations. As it is hoped that an opportunity may soon arise to continue these negotiations, His Majesty's Government do not consider that the situation at present warrants any increase in the building programmes already approved by Parliament.

What exactly does the right hon. Gentleman mean by soon? How soon?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the position with regard to naval shipbuilding in France following on the action taken on the naval programme?

I have no information other than that which has appeared in the Press, from which it would seem that the French naval programme for 1931–32 is still under consideration.

Does not the Press report show that the French anticipated programme is not to be proceeded with? Has there not been some considerable reduction?

I think the Press reports show the programme as having been referred back, and, therefore, for the time being part of the credits which have been made have been withdrawn.

Does not that mean that, whereas the French Government were going to construct a 23,000-ton ship, this will not be proceeded with for the present?

I should like to await confirmation of that after the further consideration by the French Government.

Is it not a fact that a considerable increase is foreshadowed?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there is any expectation of His Majesty's Submarine "Poseidon" being salved and eventually rejoining the Fleet; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to replace this submarine by a new vessel in accordance with Annex I, Section III of the London Naval Treaty?

All salvage operations have been definitely abandoned, as the submarine was reported to be rapidly sinking into soft mud at a depth of 120 feet and the exposed position seriously hampered the work of divers. The question of the replacement of the tonnage represented by the loss of "Poseidon" will be considered at the proper time.

Would it not be better to await the result of the conference in the hope that submarines will be abolished by international agreement?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any further statement in regard to the circumstances in connection with the loss of the submarine His Majesty's Submarine "Poseidon"?

No further details are available, and it will probably not be possible to make any statement until the full report of the circumstances is received from the Commander-in-Chief, China Station.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the incidence of tuberculosis amongst naval ratings serving with His Majesty's vessels at sea; and whether he has any information as to the circumstances in which 13 new infections were notified in His Majesty's Ship "Warspite" since the vessel was recommissioned?

The answer to the first part of the question is approximately three per 1,000. In spite of careful investigation, no definite reason has been ascertained to account for the relatively high incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in "Warspite" during 1929. It can only be assumed that it was due to fortuitious circumstances which is borne out by the fact that in 1930 only one case occurred in this ship.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that investigations are proceeded with in order to arrive at some solution of this matter?

I think the medical authorities of the Navy have already made all possible investigations. As I have pointed out, these cases seem to have been more or less unavoidable in that particular year. The following year there was only one case in the whole ship.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any additional leave has been granted to the sick-berth staffs of Haslar, Stonehouse, and Chatham Royal Naval Hospitals, to compensate them for the extra duty entailed by long leave last Christmas; and, if so, what additional leave has been granted?

I am having inquiries made, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that His Majesty's Ship "Renown" is not to be refitted until after her second leave, he will consider the possibility, in order to give the crew longer time with their wives and families in Devonport, of arranging for her to go to Devonport first and give leave from there and then proceed to Portsmouth for refit?

I regret that it is not possible for His Majesty's Ship "Renown" to visit Devonport to give leave before proceeding to Portsmouth for refit, as the vessel is to be taken in hand on arrival at Portsmouth on 17th July. The extent of the rent precludes any delay in the commencement of work.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that great privation is put upon families now, especially with the marriage allowance reduced, in having to pay these railway fares from Portsmouth to Devonport?

That is a very old question which has often been answered before, and I am unable to revise the previous decisions. The hon. Member also seems to think that it applies only to people who happen to live in the port where a ship is commissioned. There are always people on board ship who have to go all over the country to see their relatives. There is no greater hardship in the case of the hon. Member's constituents than there is in the case of ratings who live in other places.

Then why cannot the Admiralty pay railway fares wherever they live?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the reduction by 23, during the months of April and May, in the number of established men employed in Devonport Dockyard was due to their retirement on pension; and whether the numbers are to be made up?

Reductions in the numbers of established workpeople were caused by death, superannuation and invaliding; except in those grades, to which appointment carries establishment, transfers of hired employés to the established list are made in the proportion of one appointment to six posts vacated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the reasons for the discharge of 487 hired men from Devonport Dockyard during the months of April and May; and whether any further reductions are contemplated?

During April and May, apart from temporary or casual employment, 65 workpeople were entered at Devonport Dockyard and 15 were discharged on reduction, and there was a natural wastage of 43.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make available for Members the recommendations of the Mauritius Committee on Poor Law administration?

The report of the Commission has not yet reached the Secretary of State, but it is expected in a few weeks, and my Noble Friend will then consider the suggestion in my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will make available for Members the Report on Mauritius by Kunwar Maharaj Singh?

A copy of the report was placed in the Library of the House in February, 1927.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when the report of the Cyprian Committee will be completed?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the committee which has been appointed to consider economies in the Cyprus Estimates. My Noble Friend is not in a position to say when the report of that committee will be received.

Can my hon. Friend state whether the report will be made available for Members of the House?

I shall be glad to consider that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons for the proposed increase of licence fees on motor lorries in Kenya, and the difference in amount between the old and the newly proposed fees?

My Noble Friend is asking the Governor of Kenya to report upon the matter. I will communicate with the hon. Member when the report has been received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state the result of the inquiry by the Commission appointed to inquire into recent disturbances in the Carib reserve in Dominica?

The Commission commenced its sittings on or about the 11th May. No report of its proceedings has yet been received in the Colonial Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what reason has been given by the leaders of the Indians in Jaffna and the northern provinces of Ceylon for their boycott of elections under the new constitution; and what steps will now be taken under the new constitution to secure some representation of the Indian community in Ceylon on the legislative council?

I presume that the right hon. Gentleman refers to the fact that no nomination papers were handed in for the four constituencies in the Jaffna peninsula, where the population consists predominantly of Ceylon Tamils, who are not regarded as Indians. I understand that the reason given by the persons responsible for this step was that the new constitution marks no advance towards self-government. With regard to the last part of the question, I would point out that under the new constitution, which follows in this respect the recommendations of the Donoughmore Commission, all communal representation has been abolished. No steps are contemplated for giving special representation to the Indian or any other community.

Is it not a fact that the principal reason why the Tamils in the Northern part of Ceylon have boycotted the election is because they have been deprived of communal representation and put on the common roll with other races?

No, Sir. I do not think that that is an accurate statement. As a matter of fact, there are other Tamil candidates standing at the present time, and there are over 46 constituencies which are open to representatives of all races.

is it not a fact that the Tamil population in the north are Hindus, and does not the same condition affect Tamils in the Western Province?

There is a distinction between the Indians and Ceylon Tamils, and the boycott has been confined to the four constituencies in the Jaffna district.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the petitions addressed to his Department from the civil servants in Hong Kong with reference to their payment on a dollar basis have been considered; and, if so, what action is being taken?

My Noble Friend has requested the Governor to inform the petitioners that he is unable in the meantime to revert to the former method of payment, but that he will review the position in the light of the Currency Commissioners' recent report, when the representations made by the petitioners will be carefully borne in mind, although no promise can be made that the decision will be varied.

As I understand that the petitions have been received, cannot they be laid on the Table of the House?

I will convey that request to my Noble Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what preparations are being made for the survey of air-travel routes throughout the British Empire; and whether he will initiate a series of such surveys with a view to the consolidation of the means of air transport within the Empire?

The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the subject of Imperial air routes is kept in view as a comprehensive whole. Surveys of this nature necessarily entail cooperation between the parts of the Empire involved and, so far as the United Kingdom is concerned, are made when there is evidence that a new route has become practicable and desirable. The cost of carrying out a series of surveys in advance of a probable demand would not be justified.

Would it not be better to increase our endeavours, seeing that other countries are constantly carrying out surveys with a view-to establishing routes over our territories?

All the same, I think that the hon. and gallant Member knows that this year we shall be in advance of other countries as far as Imperial air routes are concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Indian Government have placed obstacles in the way of aircraft flying over Indian territory unless they are Indian machines with Indian pilots; and what steps he is taking to secure the uninterrupted development of air-routes throughout the British Empire?

I am unaware that the Indian Government have placed obstacles in the way of flight over Indian territory. In regard to air transport services, however, I understand it would be contrary to their policy to subsidise any company other than an Indian Company with rupee capital and Indian personnel. As regards the second part of the question my Noble Friend is fully alive to the importance of continuous development of air routes throughout the Empire and the policy of his Department is directed towards this end.

Has the attention of the hen. Member been called to a recent statement made by Mr. Scott that the Indian Government placed every obstacle in the way of establishing air routes between Australia and this country, and does he think that that statement is true?

I think that the question is one for the India Office rather than for me.

Has my hon. Friend seen the report in the "Times" to-day, that all expenditure on civil aviation in India is to be suspended, and is that true?

I have not seen the report in the "Times," but I will look it up and see if there is anything I need say to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of his warrant authorising the abandonment by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company of a total length of five miles or thereabouts of the St. Helens Canal and of his Order, dated 21st May, 1931, ordering that the company shall be released from all liability to maintain the said portion of St. Helens Canal and from other statutory obligations he has made or proposes to make any Order preserving the responsibility of the company or imposing on any other person or authority responsibility for damage by escape of water through, under, or over the canal banks, or for accidents owing to the unprotected state of the canal, or the ruinous state of locks, or for other injuries arising in consequence of such abandonment?

I have no power to make any Order with regard to the matters to which the hon. Member refers in the last part of his question.

Did the right hon. Gentleman consider, when he made his Order of the 21st May, 1931, the danger it would cause by leaving five miles of canal without anybody being responsible for keeping it in order. Is he not aware that there has been a considerable amount of apprehension about it in the neighbourhood?

I understand that to be so, but I have no power in the matter. I am informed that disputes in regard to the matter referred to would fall to be determined, if necessary, by the courts.

Are we to understand that a stretch of a canal of this character is to be left as part of "no man's land," and that any damage which may arise will not fall upon the present owners?

I cannot say that it is to be presumed that any particular decision would be come to by the courts.

Is not this necessarily the result of the Order made by the Minister?

I do not think that that should be assumed, or that it necessarily follows.

asked the Minister of Transport why, although the council of an urban district with a population of under 20,000 has volunteered to make a contribution towards the cost of the improvement of a county road in its area, he has refused to make a grant in respect of this contribution; and whether he will reconsider his decision?

My reason for declining to consider as grant-earning expenditure contributions from urban district councils of a population under 20,000 towards the cost of the improvement of county roads in their areas involves a long explanation which is fully set out in a letter which I caused to be addressed to the County Council's Association on the 11th of this month. I am sending a copy of this letter to the hon. and gallant Member.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman, but does he realise that in regard to a seaside town, where perhaps the census is taken in the winter, the population is very often below 20,000, whereas in the summer they have to cater for a much larger number? Will he take that fact into consideration?

That is so. I have to determine the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929, which mentions the figure of 20,000 population arrived at, I believe, by the census.

is it not in order for these authorities to make grants to the County Council?

I am advised that it is not competent for me to accept the offer of the urban district council and to make a grant in that respect. The matter is one of some complication, and the hon. and gallant Gentleman will receive from me a copy of a three-page letter on the subject which sets out the pros and cons.

Is this the first evidence of the Department of the right hon. Gentleman that no further expenditure is to be incurred in this road development?

No, Sir, I do not think it relates to that. It relates to the provision of the Local Government Act, 1929.

asked the Minister of Transport the total quantity of broken road stone used annually by local authorities?

I have no information respecting the total quantity of broken road stone used annually by Local Authorities. It may be stated, however, that the total tonnage of road stone conveyed over the railways in Great Britain during the year 1930 was little short of 9,000,000 tons, to which must be added materials conveyed by other means of transport.

How does the right hon. Gentleman know that the foreign proportion is very small?

I should require notice of that question. I am satisfied that the proportion which the local authorities are using from foreign sources is in fact very small.

The right hon. Gentleman informed the House the other day that it was very small, and now he says that he does not know what is the total amount.

The hon. Gentleman must distinguish between my satisfaction that the proportion is small, and my capacity to give a precise figure.

Is it not a fact that the figures of foreign imports are easily available to the right hon. Gentleman?

No, Sir, they are not easily available in precise form.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is yet in a position to state when the first report will be received from the joint committee of producers and users now considering the supply of, and demand for, granite kerb?

I under stand that a further meeting of the committee is to take place on the 1st July, but I cannot say how soon a report will be presented.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman hurry up this matter, seeing that there is a shortage of labour?

We always hurry up things, but I am not in complete control of the deliberations of the committee.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman hurry quickly instead of hurrying slowly?

asked the Minister of Transport if ha has any estimate of the amount of the cost already incurred for legal and similar charges and expenses in promoting and opposing the Humber Bridge Bill to date; and how and in what proportion these costs are to be met and by whom?

I am not in a position to furnish an estimate of the costs for legal and similar charges and expenses incurred to date by the promoters of the Humber Bridge Bill, and I have no knowledge of the similar expenses incurred by the parties opposing the Bill. A grant of 75 percent. has been indicated from the Road Fund in respect of the total approved expenditure on the bridge scheme, including the legal, etc., costs incurred by the promoters. The remaining 25 per cent. will be defrayed partly by the contributions which certain local authorities have undertaken to make, and any balance remaining will be raised by means of tolls.

If the right hon. Gentleman is defraying 75 percent. of the legal charges, has he no check on the amount of those charges?

Once a Bill is before a Committee of Parliament the promoters cannot very well control the expenses to which they are put. The expenses must depend upon the amount of opposition. The Committee could, if they were so minded and if they were unanimously agreed, decide that, if the opponents were frivolous, the whole of the expenses of the promoters should be charged against the opponents, but there are few precedents for that course.

Would it be possible to obtain these figures for the edification of the public?

I doubt it, but I agree that it would be an edification if they were secured.

How did this information get to the hon. and gallant Member, seeing that the Committee only gave their decision on this ease yesterday?

On Monday.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the rubber roadways laid down near Blackfriars Bridge and Old Kensington Road have proved satisfactory; if so, whether he will see that further rubber stretches are laid down in various parts of London; and will he state if he has any evidence that rubber horseshoes have proved satisfactory where tried?

I am watching the experiments to which the hon. Member refers with interest in the hope that before long some definite opinion may be formed as to the durability and general merits of rubber as a surfacing material, relative to its cost. I am prepared to consider applications from competent highway authorities for an extension of these experiments in suitable localities. The information in my possession does not enable me to express an opinion upon the merits of rubber horseshoes.

May I ask whether experiments are not being made in the laying of roads in Malaya, and, bearing in mind the great distress prevailing among the planters there, will the Minister keep in close touch with regard to the results of this experiment?

My right bon. Friend is taking a keen interest in these matters, and he is watching all the experiments which are taking place.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that there are many people unemployed in the granite set industry in this country, and will he always give consideration to that industry?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the contents and purpose of H 3 Schedule, and when it was instituted by the Scottish Education Department; how many were issued and completed last year; whether the results of the schedules are brought under the notice of members of education committees; and whether he will publish these results?

Form H 3 states the results in the separate subjects of the leaving certificate examination, and is addressed to the official correspondent of the school. It was first used in 1896, and in 1930 it was issued to 219 schools. In the case of a school conducted by an education authority it is for the authority to decide whether the results should be brought to the notice of members of the education committee. My right hon. Friend does not consider that publication of the results by the Department would serve any useful purpose.

Does the hon. Member not understand that if the members of education committees and the public do not know the results under Schedule H 3 they are working very much in the dark?

I have already pointed out that an education authority can itself determine when the members shall have the reports before them.

Do these schedules show what number of pupils qualify for the entrance examination?

Schedule H 3 merely gives the details as to the separate subjects passed by the students.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the sentences passed on Edward Linn, Bernard Coyle, and William McKelvie, all aged about nine years, at the Glasgow Southern Court on 18th June of a fine of 7s. 6d. or five days' imprisonment for playing football on the streets; and, seeing that the parents have only either unemployment insurance benefit or Poor Law relief and cannot pay this fine and that they have been warned that they will be arrested on the 25th June failing the payment of the fines, whether he will review the whole circumstances of this case with a view to mitigation of the sentences on these boys and the relief of the parents also from the consequences?

My right hon. Friend is informed that these children were not charged with playing football on the street-s, but with wilfully and maliciously breaking seven panes of glass in a shop window, and two panes of glass in another window, with atones or other missiles, and that they all pled guilty. He is informed that the parents have not been warned that they will be arrested on the 25th June. In view of the discrepancies between the information supplied to him and the statements in the question he is having further inquiry made.

I am informed that it is the fact that the children were playing football and that the windows were broken, but in view of the fact that the children are only nine years of age, that the parents cannot pay the fines and that it will involve starvation on the families, will the hon. Member ask that the sentence and fine shall be reviewed? If the fine is enforced, it means that the brothers of these children must starve.

I have given an assurance that we are having further immediate inquiries made with a view to satisfying ourselves that it is possible to accept the suggestion made by the hon. Member in his supplementary question.

Were these children using the shop windows as goal posts? Would it not be better to have playing-fields, untaxed?

Will the Secretary of State for Scotland use his influence that where there are no playing-fields in the crowded areas to see, while they are in the process of providing the playing-fields, at least——[Interruption.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Food Council have yet made a report on the new scale of the price of flour?

No, Sir.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he will have the information?

As I have informed the right hon. Gentleman on a previous occasion, the council met on the 19th instant, and I understand that the report is in process of preparation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps or proceedings are being taken with a view to the marking of foreign doors and joinery with an indication of origin under the Merchandise Marks Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on the 16th April. No application for the marking of imported doors and joinery has been received by the Board of Trade.

Will the hon. Member ask his right hon. Friend to be prepared for an application in the near future, very heavily backed by the trade?

The Board of Trade is always prepared.

But will always be prejudiced.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state which foreign Governments give credit facilities to their nationals for the building or sale of merchant ships?

The following are the principal foreign countries in which there are State credit facilities for shipbuilding: France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and the United States. I am not aware of any case in which State credit facilities exist for the sale of secondhand merchant ships abroad.

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps are being taken to make use of talking films for educational purposes?

Experiments with sound film apparatus have recently been made in a number of schools in Middlesex, but my right hon. Friend is not aware that any other steps are being taken in the matter.

Do I understand that the Board of Education is generally sympathetic towards the development of sound films for educational purposes?

Yes, the hon. Member may take it that we are watching this experiment with great interest, but before sanctioning any expenditure the question of suitability must be determined.

May I ask whether any real advance has been made in the use of cinematograph films for educational purposes?

As far as I know, the Middlesex experiment is the only one that has been made.

Are we to be encouraged to understand that the Board of Education will aid the production of suitable films for this purpose, or are they only buying the apparatus?

We must get satisfactory information as to the suitability of the sound apparatus before we discuss the question of the purchase.

Is the hon. Member aware that the difficulty is in finding suitable films because the market is so restricted that the producers will not produce films that are suitable?

Can the hon. Gentleman promise that all the equipment required will be manufactured in Britain?

May I ask whether any instruction has been sent or whether the Department is bringing to the notice of directors of education the desirability when new schools are being built of making provision for projectors and screens, so that this type of education may be developed?

The question of suitability must first be determined before we embark on an expenditure of that kind.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will issue regulations to the effect that no masters or teachers of schools under his Department's control shall obtain leave of absence in term time in order to engage in political propaganda or take part in political meetings; and whether he is aware that such a case occurred in the recent Ardwick by-election when the headmaster of St. Patrick's school, Carlisle, left his own school during a working week for the purpose of canvassing, among other school teachers and of speaking at party meetings in Ardwick, Manchester?

It is for local education authorities or governing bodies, whose servants school teachers are, to deal with applications from teachers for leave of absence during term time, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to interfere with their discretion in this respect. He has no information of the case to which the hon. Member refers, beyond the statement in the Press.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease being traceable to Irish cattle imported into Great Britain, he will institute inquiries as to the present system of inspection of Irish cattle before shipment and consider as to the appointment of British veterinary officers at the Irish ports to inspect all shipments of cattle from Ireland to British ports?

All animals brought to Great Britain from Northern Ireland or the Irish Free State are required to be shipped from specified ports only and to be accompanied by a certificate of a veterinary officer appointed by the respective Government to the effect that the animals were inspected by him immediately prior to shipment and found free from disease. My right hon. Friend is satisfied from the inquiries which he has made that the animals which were responsible for the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease into this country on the 11th June showed no clinical evidence of foot-and-mouth disease when examined either at the ports of shipment in Ireland or at the landing places in this country.

Will the hon. Member convey to the Minister the fact that there is a strong feeling that the general system of inspection should be reconsidered with a view to further precautions being taken?

Certainly.

Does not this show the necessity of having a proper period of quarantine so that our herds shall not be infected from the lower-class herds in Ireland?

That is beyond me.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the latest developments in connection with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland; the number of districts affected; the number of cases in which the existence of the disease has been confirmed; and the number of animals destroyed?

Since ray right hon. Friend's statement in this House on Monday, two further outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed in Scotland, one at Scone and the other at Kinrossie, both in the county of Perth and Kinross. Fifty-five cattle, 127 sheep and six pigs have been destroyed in connection with these cases. No extension of the existing infected areas in Scotland was necessitated by these further outbreaks.

Do I understand that these are later figures; or is the hon. Member simply repeating what was stated on Monday?

My reply says "Since my right hon. Friend's statement."

asked the Prime Minister if he is prepared to introduce legislation for the abolition of the House of Lords?

The Government certainly hope to bring the question of the House of Lords to an issue and when the time comes will ask for power to do so.

In view of the recent performances of that House——[Interruption].

That has nothing to do with the question on the Paper.

And in view of the fact that, owing to recent decisions, four-fifths of this party are committed to this issue, will the right hon. Gentleman confer with the other fifth of the party to see whether they are in favour?

May I ask whether formal notice is to be sent to the House of Lords of the decision of the Government?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the total number of persons who were placed in close confinement during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1930; the number of such persons confined for three days and under, four to 13 days, 14 to 20 days, 21 to 27 days, and 28 days or over, if any; the main causes for such treatment; whether he is satisfied with the necessity for dealing with them in this way; and whether he has any evidence that this form of treatment has the effect of curing the delinquents of their undesirable tendencies?

The information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available, but in each annual report of the Prison Commissioners there is a return of the number of punishments imposed at each prison and of the number and kind of offences; and this return shows the number of cases of close confinement. The number of prisoners who have to be punished for prison offences is comparatively small—about 4 per cent. of the total; but some methods of enforcing prison discipline are necessary and it is not practicable to dispense with the method of close confinement. For example, if a man refuses to work or disturbs a workshop by disorderly behaviour, he cannot be left in an associated working party and must be confined in his cell for a time.

Is it not a fact that prisoners in convict prisons have to pass the first month of their confinement, and every additional punishment for breaches of prison discipline, in solitary confinement and are not allowed to speak to any other prisoner?

I think the hon. Member is misinformed.

Will my hon. Friend make inquiries to ascertain whether it is not the fact. Is this not the only country which adopts this system of solitary confinement?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is yet in a position to state when the Civil Service Commission's Report on the conditions and pensions of workers in His Majesty's Dockyards will be available?

I cannot yet add anything to the statement which I made on the 2nd June in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Crewe (Mr. Bowen).

asked the Minister of Labour what additional inspectors have been appointed since the present Government took office in connection with the administration of the Trade Boards Acts?

Nine additional inspectors are so employed at the present time.

Is the hen. Member aware that there are a large number of breaches of the Trade Boards Act, and, as a result, thousands of people are suffering loss of wages to which they are entitled; and will he consider the appointment of many more inspectors to put an end to this scandal?

I am not aware that there are a large number of breaches of the Trade Boards Act, and, if the hon. Member has any cases in mind, the Minister of Labour will be pleased to have them investigated. As a matter of fact, the inspections for 1930 were considerably more than those of the previous year.

asked the Minister of Labour what action she proposes to take with regard to the resolution passed at a meeting of ratepayers at Brighton on the 14th of June, and sent to her by them, protesting against men being transferred from other areas to Brighton to carry out work, so that the Brighton unemployed should have the opportunity of doing this work?

My right hon. Friend has received the resolution referred to. She does not propose to take any action in the matter.

Will the hon. Member say why not?

I have investigated this matter very closely, and I am sure that the meeting was not a representative meeting; and I am also sure that the hon. and gallant Member would agree with me if he knew the whole of the facts.

I do not agree.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she can give the House any information which she has at her disposal in relation to the present rates of money wages as compared with the cost of living, giving, approximately, the amount by which the fall in the cost of living exceeds the reduction in the present rate of wages?

During the past 12 months, the official index figure relating to changes in the average level of working-class cost of living has fallen by about 6 percent. The average reduction, during the same period, in rates of money wages for a full week is estimated to have been about 1 percent.

Is it not the case that since 1920 working-class wages have been reduced by 30 per cent. on account of the cost of living and that these reductions are still in force? Will the hon. Member put it to the Cabinet that they should turn their attention to those who lent money to carry on the War and who are now drawing their profits? There bas been no reduction in their payments.

(by private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he could give any information regarding the stoppage of seven pits employing 2,000 men in the Shotts area of Lanarkshire?

I regret that in the short time at my disposal since my hon. Friend announced her intention to put this question it has not been possible to ascertain the facts. If my hon. Friend will put a question on the Paper, I will endeavour to answer it.

In thanking the Secretary for Mines for that reply, may I ask him if he is aware that a public statement has been made by the Coltness Iron and Coal Company that the reason for the stoppage was the working of the quota system? Will the Secretary for Mines issue an official reply to that statement?

Certainly, when we have investgiated the causes of this stoppage and have ascertained whether there is any truth in the allegation made by the company.

(by Private Notice) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is in a position to give any further information concerning the explosion at Holton Heath Naval Cordite factory?

I much regret to have to inform the House that an explosion occurred in one of the nitroglycerine houses at the Royal Naval Cordite Factory, Holton Heath, at 10.43 a.m. on Tuesday and caused the death of 10 persons; 19 minor injuries were reported, three of which were fractures and were sent to hospital; the remainder were cuts and small fractures, shock and one acid burn. Very considerable damage was caused as the explosion in the nitroglycerine house followed down the gutter ways by which the nitroglycerine is conveyed to other houses in the course of its treatment, and this resulted in the demolition of three other houses and damage to another. Damage was also caused to an acid pipe, which resulted in a large quantity of mixed acid flowing down the hill where the tanks are situated, making it difficult to deal with small fires at various points.

This nitroglycerine house was reconstructed last year, when opportunity was taken to raise some of the traverses in order to give better protection against a possible accident of this kind. These traverses proved very effective in reducing the general effect of the explosion. The houses are purposely of light structure for greater safety, so that their destruction by such an explosion was to be expected.

Every possible step was taken at once by the factory fire brigade and staff to deal with the situation and extinguish fires. The probable cause of the explosion has not yet been definitely reported, but is already under investigation locally and will be the subject of an official inquiry as soon as possible. The nitroglycerine mixing houses are necessarily a dangerous point in the factory, but every possible precaution both in the layout and manner of working is taken to minimise risk. I am sure the House would wish to express sympathy with the relatives of those who lost their lives, and with the injured.