asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that martial law has been declared in the Peking and Tientsin area and that the Manchurian authorities are requisitioning military supplies; and whether he can make a further statement as to the position in China generally?

Martial law was declared in Peking and Tientsin on the 20th of July. My right hon. Friend has no information that military supplies have been requisitioned by the Manchurian authorities. There has been no further material change in the general situation in China since my reply on Wednesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the names of the British subjects who have died in captivity during the previous throe years while under the jurisdiction of the national Government of China; and can he state what instructions are given to the British authorities in China as to warning British subjects of the dangers in visiting the remote districts of China?

Apart from Mr. Thor-burn, whose fate is still unknown, six British subjects have died in captivity in China during the past three years, namely, Mr. D. F. Pike, Father Leonard, Mr. Scarlett, Miss Nettleton, Miss Harrison, and Father Tierney. The British authorities in China have standing instructions to give advice and warning to British subjects who reside in, or wish to proceed to, districts where there is known or believed to be danger.

Did any of the persons mentioned receive these warnings before they proceeded inland?

Warnings would almost certainly have been given to them.

Has any compensation been given to the relatives?

I think not, but, if my hon. Friend will put a question on the Paper, I will make inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now give the House any further information concerning the safety of Mr. John Thorburn, who has been missing at Shanghai since 3rd June last?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any further information as to the results of the representations which he has been making to the Chinese Government with regard to the disappearance of Mr. John Thorburn?

Sir Miles Lampson left Peking yesterday morning by aeroplane for Nanking with the object of delivering the message of His Majesty's Government personally to Marshal Chiang-Kai-Shek. No further report from His Majesty's Minister can be expected for some days, in view of the fact that the Marshal is at present conducting military operations in the Province of Kiangsi.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether Mr. Thorburn received warning that he was residing in a dangerous locality?

Mr. Thorburn was residing in Shanghai until he set out for Soochow. It is not likely that any special warning would have been given him with regard to Shanghai.

It will be the Parliamentary Recess very shortly. If the Secretary of State receives any communication from Sir Miles Lampson will he see that it is published, so that Members may know exactly what has happened?

In view of the interest very naturally and rightly taken in this case, I am sure that my right hon. Friend will give publicity to any further developments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, for the benefit of British tourists in Russia, he can inform the House as to the official intimation which has just been made in the Russian Press by the Commissariat for Foreign Trade, stating that the inducements offered for tours in Russia in the way of reserved hotel and railway accommodation by the Russian State Tourist Agency as published in this country are without official sanction and cannot be carried into effect?

My right hon. Friend has seen a statement to this effect in an organ of the British Press. He is inquiring from His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow whether it has any foundation in fact.

I take it that the result of this inquiry will be published, so that British citizens intending to go on these tours, which are so extensively advertised, may have the information?

Until we get information that it is true, I think we had better, and may perhaps more safely, assume that there is nothing in it, because up to the present time, the In-Tourist, the organisation which is referred to, have conducted a number of these tours, and many people have been out, and, although conditions are not luxurious—nor, I think, are they advertised as such—these people have returned reasonably content with what they have found.

Are British tourists in Russia required to comply with the same conditions as Russian tourists coming to England?

Will the hon. Gentleman get a report from the hon. Member for Sutton (Viscountess Astor) and from Mr. Bernard Shaw when they return?

Ask her yourself.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet Government still require passengers from the East coming to Great Britain via the Trans-Siberian Railway to purchase the equivalent of £6 per person in roubles to cover their alleged expenses on the way; and what is the result of the recent representations made by the British Ambassador to the Soviet Government in this respect?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My right hon. Friend has received a report from His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow stating that he has been informed by the Commissariat of Foreign Affairs that the regulations in question, so far as they apply to passengers in transit, have now been withdrawn, and that such passengers may consequently now take out with them from Soviet territory as much foreign currency as they bring in without deduction.

With regard to the particular case to which I drew the Foreign Secretary's attention, and other similar cases, will the substantial sum of £18 be restored to the persons from whom it was taken?

We will keep in mind the possibility of getting these regulations made retrospective, but, so far as our information goes up to the present, it merely is that they were withdrawn early in the present month, and that they will not apply as from that date. The question of their application in previous cases is another matter. We will bear it in mind.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in previous cases they had no notice, even on inquiry at Cook's office in Moscow, that any such charges would be made?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received a reply from the Soviet Ambassador with reference to the telegram which he sent to the Soviet Government regarding the failure of the Soviet representatives on the Anglo-Soviet Debt Committee to submit any proposals to the joint committee?

There has been no further development since I replied to the hon. Member the day before yesterday.

Will the Foreign Secretary bear in mind that this matter has been under consideration for nearly two years, and will he see that no further delay takes place?

Has the Foreign Secretary received any communication from the chairman of this Sub-Committee B?

There seems no necessity for any further supplementary questions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an agreement has been reached with the Portuguese Government with regard to the discrimination which has been practised against British shipping in Portuguese ports?

The Portuguese Government decreed the abolition of discriminatory maritime and quay dues on the 2nd of February, and regulations putting the decree into effect were promulgated on the 1st of July. A few days later the Portuguese Government decided to abolish progressively, over a period of years, flag discrimination in the form of Customs rebate on goods carried in Portuguese bottoms. The text of the decree which is to give effect to this decision has, however, not yet been rceived.

Why is it that, in view of the constant help that we have given to the Portuguese Government in the past, any discrimination at all should be exercised in relation to our shipping?

I hope that we have now arrived at a stage, as a result of representations both by the late Ambassador and by his successor, by which this discrimination may be removed, or at any rate an undertaking given that within a very short period of time it will be removed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the difficulties recently experienced by British commercial houses doing business with Germany owing to the various financial restrictions in force in that country; and what steps have been taken, or are in contemplation, to assist British traders with Germany while in no way weakening the necessary measures taken by the German Government?

No difficulties of this nature have been brought to my notice, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have any specific cases I will have them examined.

Will the hon. Gentleman look into the question of the important re-export trade in fruit to Germany, which is very much hampered?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me information.

(for Mr. SINKINSON) asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of imported tin from foreign countries and from the Empire, respectively, for the years 1929 and 1930, respectively?

As the answer involves a table of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPRT.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the White City section of the British Industries Pair will be brought into line this year with the Olympia section as regards allowing exhibitors to make their own arrangements for hiring stands or to utilise stock stands which they possess for exhibition purposes?

At the request of the British Textiles Exhibition Committee, arrangements have been made to ensure that the decoration and stand construction of the Textile Section of the Fair shall maintain the standard which was a feature of the British Cotton Textile Section of the Fair in February last. In these circumstances the Department is unable to agree to stands being erected in next year's Textile Section of a different standard from that which the industry, as represented by the Committee in question, desires.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty which of His Majesty's ships have now installed sound-film cinematograph apparatus; and will he give particulars?

None, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether anything has been done with the apparatus installed in the ships which have already shown cinematograph films?

A new type has been tried experimentally on a recent cruise. Reports on that experiment are being considered by the Admiralty, and the next point which arises is the question of funds.

In the event of any orders being placed, will the right hon. Gentleman see that they are placed with British firms?

All I can say is that the apparatus which has been used in the experiment includes apparatus by British firms, and the matter is now being considered.

Is American apparatus also being considered?

I cannot lay down conditions as to what men should do in the spending of money which arises from their own activities. These are not Government funds.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that British firms are not allowed to tender for cinematograph films in the American Navy?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any of His Majesty's ships are at present fitted with separators for preventing the discharge overboard of oily water and oily Waste of all kinds, as distinguished from separators for dealing with lubricating oil; and, if the ships are not so fitted, whether steps will be taken to fit economical and effective separators on board?

His Majesty's ships are not fitted with separators for dealing primarily with water contaminated by oil fuel. Strict regulations are in force to prevent the discharge of any oily refuse into the sea from His Majesty's ships within 50 miles of any coast. Further, no necessity arises for discharge of appreciable amounts of oily refuse from His Majesty's ships into the sea since oil-separating barges are available at the principal naval bases. It is not considered necessary, therefore, to fit separators of this type in His Majesty's ships.

Is it not a fact that there is a great amount of oil and oily water discharged into the sea; and is it not also a fact that there are separators in existence which could be used to prevent this oil being deposited in the sea and thus affecting the birds?

I am aware of the experiments which have been carried out with different forms of apparatus. I can only say that the strict regulations under which the Admiralty work make it unnecessary for us to go any further than we do go in this matter. At all the principal naval bases we are using separating apparatus.

Is it not the case that a very little oil covers an enormous area of sea and that thousands of gulls perish as a result?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, if, in view of the inadequacy of the messing, sleeping and general facilities for petty officers, seamen and stokers at Fort Blockhouse, Portsmouth, he will take steps immediately to put in hand the building of the proposed new block?

Provision for commencing the work has been made in the current year's estimates and the letting of a contract is being expedited as much as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman treat this matter as one of urgency in view of the fact that men are sleeping on the floors and tables, that the petty officers are in the old instruction shed, and that the conditions are very bad?

As a matter of fact, I think that tenders are in, as regards this work. There is some practical difficulty, but I hope that it will be dealt with soon.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the new buildings at Holbrook which are being erected for the extension of the educational work heretofore carried on at the Royal Hospital School at Greenwich will be ready for occupation; what number of boys he anticipates will be eligible for admission to the admirals' hostels which are an outstanding feature of the new training scheme at Holbrook; and if plans are yet complete for the proposed agricultural instruction on the Holbrook farm?

I hope that the new buildings at Holbrook for the accommodation of the Royal Hospital School will be ready in 1933 for the tranfer of the school from Greenwich. The number to be accommodated at Holbrook will be limited to 860 to begin with, but the number of boys eligible for admission will be considerably in excess of this number. The proposal for agricultural instruction is as yet tentative.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate any particular change in the organisation at Greenwich following upon this change?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the complaints that men about to be discharged on pension after 22 years' service are not sent to their own depots during the last few months prior to their retirement to enable them to take steps to secure civilian employment; and whether, in the interests of the men concerned, he will allow them at least three months in their own depot before they retire to give them every opportunity of looking for work?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 11th February last (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 418–9, Vol. 248).

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman do anything about it?

If the hon. Member reads the reply to which I have referred, I think he will see that he is pressing me to do something which is rather unreasonable,

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the reasons why the four engine-room artificers promoted to commissioned rank to date 1st July, 1931, were given the rank and title of mate (E) and not sub-lieutenant (E), in view of the recent decision to drop the title of mate?

As I indicated in reply to a supplementary question on 20th May (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 1951), the change of title applies only to those to be entered into commissioned rank under the provisions of the new scheme.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the ages of the ex-cadet engineer and executive officers who were promoted to commander's rank on 30th June last and the ages of the ex-mates (E) and ex-mates so promoted?

The average age is:

• Executive officers:
• Ex-Cadet—34 years 10 months.
• Ex-Mate—39 years 11 months.
• Engineer Officers:
• Ex-Cadet—33 years 1 month.
• Ex-Mate (E)—41 years 9 months.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers of lieutenant-commanders and lieutenants (ex-mate) now undergoing the specialist courses for gunnery, torpedo, navigation, anti-submarine, signal, wireless telegraphy, and staff duties; and whether any of these officers are likely to be selected for the next courses?

No lieutenants or lieutenant-commanders, ex-mate, are now undergoing any of the courses mentioned. Seven of these officers are on the list of candidates for these courses and will be considered for selection on their merits with other officers, but it is not possible to say in advance whether they will be selected.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of complaints that have been made to the Air Ministry during the previous two years for either low or dangerous flying in Great Britain by service aircraft; and will he give particulars of what action has been taken by his Department?

I regret that it would not be practicable to give the actual number of complaints of this character without a laborious scrutiny of records. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that it is relatively small, and that every complaint is the subject of most careful investigation. Suitable disciplinary action is taken in every case in which the complaint is substantiated.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the police have asked for his collaboration in any prosecutions against these pilots?

As far as the Royal Air Force is concerned, it is not a question of police collaboration as there are rules affecting these particular cases.

Can my hon. Friend say what is the maximum punishment inflicted in any one case with regard to suitable disciplinary action?

No, I cannot answer that question without notice, but I can inform the hon. Member that there have been 10 cases of general court-martial.

Is it not a fact that there is no objection to flying by night; it is only to flying by day?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the annoyance and loss of sleep caused by the recent all-night air battle over London, he will take steps to arrange the air manoeuvres in future so as to avoid a recurrence of this?

As my hon. Friend knows, the recent air exercises were of a quite exceptional character. Such exercises are moreover of short duration and are essential for the training of units of the Royal Air Force in their duties in defence of the Capital. I may add that the ordinary night flying practice of units is usually completed before midnight.

Could not these exercises be made more realistic by dropping a few dummy bombs?

Is my hon. Friend aware that great numbers of people were unable to sleep during the night?

Is it not a fact that they could not sleep at all if the Air Force were not efficient?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the number of road accidents recently reported, he will take steps to secure that all slippery roads shall be treated with an effective anti-skid surfacing?

My divisional engineers report that the method of surface treatment suggested in the circular issued by my Department to highway authorities in March, 1929, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, is being generally followed and that there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of accidents attributable to slippery road surfaces.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are practically no slippery roads in Scotland, because we know how to make roads?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many slippery Scotsmen?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to secure the enlargement and improvement of the York-Scarborough road?

The responsibility for the initiation and execution of schemes for the widening and improvement of the York-Scarborough road rests with the North Riding and East Riding County Councils, who are the highway authorities concerned. I am prepared to consider applications by the county councils for grants from the Road Fund towards the cost of such schemes.

Cannot the Minister of Transport call a conference between the East Riding and the North Riding county council authorities?

If either or both of the county councils are going to do the work, I shall be glad to bring them together. In the meantime, the hon. Member can perform a useful service by making representations to his friends on the county council.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he or the south-eastern area Traffic Commissioners will receive representations from independent ratepayers who are opposed to the proposed additional omnibus route from Hove Street, Hove, to Brighton Station, which traverses already congested sections of roadway?

The licensing of road passenger services is a matter for the Traffic Commissioners concerned who in exercising their discretion are required to have regard to various matters including any representations which may be made to them by any local authority in whose area the proposed route, or any part of it, lies. Any question as to the acceptance by them of representations from independent ratepayers is for the Commissioners to decide. My jurisdiction in these matters only arises in the event of an appeal being lodged under the provisions of Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and I would point out that an appeal against the grant of a road service licence is restricted to a local authority which, or a person providing transport facilities who, has opposed the grant of that licence.

asked the Minister of Transport, (1) whether the new Hog's Back by-pass road will be constructed of all British materials; and of what the surface will consist;

(2) whether he will consider in the surfacing of the new Hog's Back by-pass different systems on the six sections to test durability and non-slipperiness, including a section of specially dressed British setts?

I assume that the questions refer to the Guildford-Godalming By-Pass Road. This road is not considered suitable for the construction of experimental sections of surfacing, as they would have to be imposed on the concrete running surface which forms an integral part of the approved scheme. With the exception of a small quantity of bitumen for the footways, which is being obtained from Empire sources, all the materials used for the construction of this road will be of British origin.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has yet received a report upon the state of the road between Erith and Bexley Heath; and whether, in view of the rapid development of the area and increasing danger to pedestrians coming from the railway, he will urge the Erith Urban District Council to commence paving and widening?