asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state what was the loss to life and property in the riots which occurred at Chittagong, in the first week of September; what was the size of the police and armed and other protective forces in the town at the time; and whether he will inform the House of the special action which was taken by the local authorities to stop the development of the riots, and of what steps have been taken to fix the responsibility for the outbreak and spread of the disturbance?

The reports so far received by me do not indicate that there was any loss of life in the disturbances which followed the murder of Inspector Ashanullah. An official estimate of the damage to property has been called for but has not yet been supplied to me. I am unable to state the strength of the civil police but in addition to these the local authorities had at their disposal a, detachment of 200 Assam Rifles and a number of European special constables. As regards the last part of the question a Curfew Order was imposed and an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code was issued prohibiting the carrying of lathis or other weapons. In addition a peace committee of leading Hindus and Muhammadans was formed. The Commissioner of the Chittagong Division has been appointed by the Government of Bengal to hold an inquiry of which I am circulating the terms of reference. The Inspector-General of Police will be associated with the Commissioner whenever necessary.

asked the Secretary of State fur India, whether he can make any statement to the House regarding the proposals of the Government of India to increase the existing import duties upon British goods entering India, with special reference to the imports of Lancashire cotton goods?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he made any and, if so, what representation to the Indian Government on the recent Measure for the increase of the Indian tariff?

His Majesty's Government were satisfied that an increase in the revenues of India, both direct and indirect, and falling upon all classes of the community, was essential for the balancing of the Indian Budget. As part of the increase of indirect taxation, it has been necessary to impose an all-round surcharge of 25 per cent. on all existing import duties. In consequence, the duty on cotton piece goods of British manufacture will now be 25 per cent., and on piece goods of foreign manufacture 31¼ per cent., with a minimum duty in both cases of 4⅜ annas per pound on plain grey goods. Hon. Members will observe that the difference between the ordinary rates on British and non-British cotton piece goods is now 6¼ per cent. as against 5 per cent. prior to the emergency Budget. Other factors which mitigate the effect of the increases upon British trade are that a Customs duty of 10 per cent. has been imposed on imports of machinery and of half an anna per pound on raw cotton, hitherto admitted free of duty. It is further the case that under present exchange conditions British exporters will be more favourably placed in trading with India than exporters in countries such as Japan, which adhere to the Gold Standard. I am hopeful that these factors will go some way to compensate British exporters for the effect of the increased duties. In the course of the discussions which preceded the introduction of the emergency Budget, His Majesty's Government did everything in their power consistently with the Fiscal Autonomy Convention, to lighten the burden falling upon British trade as a result of the increased taxation, and they will continue to watch the situation in a sympathetic spirit.

Would the Government cause inquiry to be made into the excessive military expenditure in India, which amounts to 45 per cent. of the total Budget?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give information showing how many of the vacancies at Sandhurst filled by competition have, since the inception of the scheme of Indianisation of the Indian Army, been filled by candidates belonging to the enlisted classes?

The only details available at the moment are contained in a reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Newbury (Brigadier-General Brown) on the 4th May last, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy. I will see whether there is any later information.

asked the Secretary of State for India what action has been taken by the Government to implement the recommendation made in the Report of the Defence Sub-committee of the Round Table Conference in January last that the question of the reduction of the number of British troops in India to the lowest possible figure should form the subject of an early expert investigation?

Expert investigation covering this matter was set on foot in the early summer and is still proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the total sum expended up to date in respect of the trial of the Meerut conspiracy case prisoners, including the cost of the magisterial inquiry previous to the trial, the fees of the judges and assessors as well as of the senior and junior Crown counsel, the expenditure in respect of the conveyance of witnesses for the prosecution to Meerut from places within and without British-India, the cost of the board and lodging of the witnesses at Meerut, the printing of the prosecution exhibits, depositions, and orders, and the services of the handwriting expert and technical photographer, and when the counsel for the prosecution was engaged?

I have no information later than that given by my predecessor to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Epsom (Commander Southby) on the 26th January; I am making inquiries, the result of which will be communicated to the hon. Member in due course.

In view of the fact that these people have now been in prison for two years, will the Government consider releasing them at once, and by that means save our cash, our credit and our reputation?

I have already answered that question once or twice in the last few weeks. I tell hon. Members opposite that I cannot interfere with the trial during its actual course.

What opportunities were given to the prisoners to secure counsel to help their case?

Such opportunities were given, and the trial has been going on month After month and year after year.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any further information with regard to the situation in Kashmir; and whether an impartial inquiry is to be held with regard to the cause of the recent outbreaks and loss of life there?

So far as I am aware no further disturbances have occurred in Kashmir during the past week. I have not yet been informed whether arrangements have been made to investigate the causes of the recent outbreaks.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the situation there is very serious indeed? Will he not do his best to have an impartial inquiry into these cases?

We are in very close touch with the situation. We have a, Resident in Kashmir, and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that we are watching the course of events very carefully.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any breach of the undertaking that Soviet Russia and the Third International shall abstain from propaganda has been reported from India since diplomatic recognition was accorded; and whether such Communist propaganda has been the subject of any official observations in India by officials or judges?

The Government of India have from time to time drawn attention to instances of Communist propaganda, and such action as has been found possible has been taken through the diplomatic channel. As regards the second part of the question, the Government of India have not brought any such observations to my notice.

In view of these representations and our own experience, is the Government of India prepared to tell the Government of Russia, through the Foreign Office, that our patience is becoming exhausted and that we will take appropriate action?

I have already called the attention of the Foreign Office to cases of this kind when they have arisen.

What steps actually have been taken?

My hon. and gallant Friend had better put that question on the Paper.

Is this propaganda in breach of the covenant entered into with the late Foreign Secretary, I think in October, 1928?

That question had better be addressed to the Foreign Sectary. My own answer would be "Yes."

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has yet received any communication from the Government of India relative to the grant of a medal to the troops engaged in active operations on the North-West frontier of India in 1930–31?

Yes, Sir; and the matter is now under consideration.

(for Mr. FREEMAN) asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that women have always taken no active part in public life in Burma and no woman has so far been appointed, he will take steps to secure that representative women be appointed forthwith to the Round Table Conference on Burma?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is intended to add any women to the list of delegates to the Burma Round Table Conference?

This matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the outrage perpetrated by armed Chinese soldiers on. members of the crew of the ss. "Tuck WO," owned by the Indo-China Steam Navigation Company, at Kiangyin, on the Yangtse River; whether the members of the crew were British subjects; and whether he has received any further particulars and proposes to take any steps for the protection of British shipping in Chinese waters?

My Noble Friend has received a report from His Majesty's Minister in China saying that a number of civilians and armed soldiers boarded the ss. "Tuck WO" to search for opium. While on board they tied up and beat five Chinese members of the crew. No British, subjects were assaulted. Sir Miles Lampson is awaiting further details and a report from His Majesty's Consul-General at Nanking, in whose district the outrage occurred, on the action taken locally, before lodging a protest with the Nanking Government.

Does the Foreign Office now propose to take any steps to afford protection to passengers and crews of vessels flying the British flag in Chinese waters?

No British subjects were concerned with this incident, although it was a British ship. We are making inquiries as to the exact circumstances, and the incident must certainly not be regarded as closed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Soviet Russia claims the right to grant naturalisation papers through its Embassies and Consulates without any residential qualifications; and whether he has any information as to any cases where the claim has been exercised in tins country?

There are provisions under Soviet law for the grant of Soviet citizenship to foreigners residing abroad. My Noble Friend has no information as to any cases having occurred in this country.

Is not this a most extraordinary claim, of a kind that has not been put forward by any other nation?

It may be extraordinary, but no one has attempted to make use of it here. If they did so, we should, of course, not recognise it.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the fact that the sterling credits of the Soviet Government established in this country for the purpose of financing purchases in the United States of America are now insufficient for the plumose in view of the depreciation of the value of sterling, he will make inquiries from the Soviet Government as to how they propose to meet their existing obligations and credits due to this country before any further credits are allowed?

I am not, of course, able to confirm or correct the hon. and gallant Member's statement as to the sufficiency of the credits of the Soviet Government for the specified purpose. So far as guarantees under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme are concerned, I do not think that any further direct inquiries from the Soviet Government are at present necessary or would be useful.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether further credits are going to be allowed; and, failing satisfactory assurances, will he stop any further credits?

I do not chink that arises out of the question.

Will the Government consider stopping any further credits until such time as the trade balance has been used up?

That is obviously a question of which I should have notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British contribution to the League of Nations will he paid this year in sterling or in Swiss francs?

His Majesty's Government's contribution to the League of Nations for 1931 was fixed in dollars and was paid in that currency purchased at an average rate of 4.865 dollars to the pound sterling.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the area office at Brighton is to be reduced to a part-time office; and whether he will inform the House what arrangements will be made for the examination and treatment of those disabled men who have hitherto used the Brighton centre?

Yes, Sir. The volume of war pensions work at Brighton no longer justifies the retention of a full-time office but, after 27th November when the change will take place, the office and clinic will still be open on three days a week and I am satisfied that proper and adequate arrangements have been made to meet the requirements of the pensioners.

What is the saving in cost? Am I to understand that the limb-fitting centre, which has been very largely used, will remain open three days a week, and that a competent medical officer will be in charge of it on those three days?

The limb-fitting arrangements will, at a future date, be undertaken through Roehampton. The total saving on this particular office is £2,100 a year.

How much of that saving is on staff?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of cinematograph films that have been made by or for the Ministry of Agriculture upon which the sum of £1,828 15s. 2d. has been spent, and the subject of these films; and whether any further films are at present in the course of production?

The sum of £1,828 15s. 2d., which was the total amount spent by the Ministry on the production of cinematograph films in the six years ended July last, was in respect of 10 films. Since then two further films have been completed at a cost of £339 14s. 2d. The subjects covered include poultry education and research and the poultry industry, the destruction of foodstuffs by rats, and improvement in marketing methods. No further films are in preparation.

Are these films shown publicly or privately?

They are loaned out to various agricultural bodies and shown by them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the difficulty of obtaining land from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, what steps he proposes to take to assist the county borough council of South Shields to obtain land for allotments; and what part of the cost he will be prepared to contribute, in view of the number of unemployed in the borough and the demand for allotments by them?

As I informed the hon. Member by letter on the 29th September, I had ascertained that the Ecclesiastical Commissioners were ready to lease 18 acres of land to the borough council of South Shields for the purpose of allotments. In accordance with the decision announced in the White Paper (Command 3952) no funds will he available for the Ministry to contribute towards the cost of these allotments.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the 18 acres were subject to a most unjustifiable condition, with regard to payment for a sewer and another matter; and, further, is he aware that 18 acres are of absolutely no use in dealing with 14,000 unemployed?

That must be a matter between the borough council and the Commissioners.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that every local authority in the north of England has had trouble with these people, in getting land for any purpose?

asked the Minister of Agriculture to what purposes he proposes to apply any further sums that may be refunded by allotment holders of the advances made to them under the Land Utilisation Act; and the sum that has so far been refunded?

Sums received from allotment holders in part payment of the seeds, fertilisers, and implements supplied to them will, as was originally contemplated, be applied in reduction of the cost of the service. The sum of £14,490 6s. has so far been received.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the most recent position as regards foot-and-mouth disease; and how many animals were treated with foot-and-mouth disease serum during the recent outbreaks, and with what result?

Twenty-three cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed in Great Britain since 1st August last, of which seven have occurred since 1st September. The most recent out- break was confirmed yesterday at Graffham, Huntingdonshire. Infected area restrictions are at present in force in three districts, namely, within areas of 15 miles radius of Grafham, Huntingdonshire, and of Walsall, Staffs, and an area covering five miles radius of two infected places in adjacent parishes in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. Since 1st August last, 375 cattle, 631 sheep, 514 pigs and 1 goat have been treated with foot-and-mouth disease serum. The disease appeared in only one instance among treated stock in this period, namely, on 30th August, when five cattle went down out of a number of animals which bad been inoculated with serum 13 days previously.

What has been the actual result of the serum treatment?

I think that it is too early to form any definite conclusion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the position in regard to foot-and-mouth disease is more favourable than last year?

asked the Minister of Health how many persons are now in receipt of outdoor Poor Law relief in the administrative area of the county of Durham, and the numbers in 1928 and 1929?

I am afraid I could not say.

Does the Minister still consider that the best way of counteracting this disease is by slaughtering and the burning of the carcases?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the total number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales on the last convenient date; and has he any statistics showing the number of rate-aided patients in mental hospitals, casuals, and persons in receipt of domiciliary relief on the same date?

As the answer contains a number of figures in tabular form, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFIOIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons at present receiving domiciliary treatment under the Durham Public Assistance Committee?

The number of persons in receipt of domiciliary poor relief, excluding 363 persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only, on Saturday, 26th September, 1931, chargeable to the Durham County Council was 48,911. The figures for the corresponding day in 1928 and in 1929 are not available, as the returns received in my Department prior to 1st April, 1930, related to Poor Law union areas, the boundaries of which were not coterminous with those of the administrative county.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if any reduction in the proposed admission fee to Kew Gardens will be made in the cases of classes of school children and other conducted educational parties?

I have been reviewing this matter since the hon. Member for Islington, East (Mrs. Manning) made a similar inquiry in a supplementary question on 1st October. As the result of further examination, I am arranging for the free admission of school children in charge of teachers on all days except students' days, provided an admission voucher is obtained by written application to the Director of the Gardens. On students' days, the normal charge, which is 6d. for parties up to 12, will be made.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the cuts in social services already agreed upon, as well as others contemplated, by the Birmingham City Council; and whether he can state the amounts involved in the different departments?

My right hon. Friend is informed that no cuts have been agreed upon at present by the Birmingham City Council, that a general review of expenditure—both actual and contemplated —is under consideration by the Standing Committees of the Corporation, and that this does not necessarily imply that any recommendations will be made involving cuts in social services in Birmingham.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed in each of the 10 largest towns on 30th July and 30th September, 1931, respectively?

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of Birmingham unemployed, in their different categories, who will be referred to the public assistance authority for consideration under the new transitional conditions?

This question and questions 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 ask for detailed statistical information of the same character with regard to a number of places. The replies are necessarily somewhat long and contain a number of figures. Subject to the permission of the hon. Members, I propose to circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons now drawing unemployment benefit at the three Employment Exchanges situated in Newcastle-upon-Tyne will come under the proposed provision of transitional benefit, separating them into men and women?

At 21st September, 1931, there were on the registers of the Employment Exchanges at Newcastle, Elswick and Heaton 7,152 men and 1,079 women with claims authorised for transitional benefit. In addition, there were at 14th September, 1931, 3,359 men and 600 women in receipt of benefit other than

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons are in receipt of unemployment benefit in the administrative area of the county of Durham; and what is the estimated number who will be referred to the public assistance committee to calculate their rate of benefit during the next six months?

At 21st September, 1931, there were 86,095 persons with claims to benefit admitted or under consideration on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the administrative county of Durham, including 18,743 men and 419 women with claims authorised for transitional benefit. Of those in receipt of benefit other than transitional benefit at 14th September, 1931, 11,640 men and 432 women had received 156 days or more in their current benefit years. I am unable to make any estimate of the numbers likely to fall within these classes during the next six months.

Is the "administrative area of the county" to transitional benefit who had received 156 days or more in their current benefit years.

Asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered at the Employment Exchanges at Abertillery, Blaina and Crumlin at the latest available date, and the number who will be transferred to the public assistance committees for calculation of benefit when the new proposals come into operation?

The following table gives the information required:

I shall require notice of that question.

May I press the hon. Gentleman to tell me whether or not the "administrative area" includes this county borough, which has a separate administration?

I must have notice of that question, which does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of persons at present receiving unemployment benefit through the Durham Employment Exchange;

At 21st September, 1931, there were 4,754 persons with claims to benefit admitted or under consideration on the registers of the Durham Employment Exchange, including 1,163 men and women with claims authorised for transitional benefit. In all these transitional cases payment of benefit will be subject to investigation as to means by the public assistance authority.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men, women, young women, boys, and girls registered at

(for Mr. FREEMAN) asked the Minister of Labour the total increase of unemployed since the present Government came into office?

Between 24th August,, 1931, and 21st September, 1931, the number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain increased by 77,833 from 2,733,782 to 2,811,615. of transitional benefit signing on at each of the following Exchanges: Erith, Dartford, Gravesend, and Woolwich; the number that will come under the needs test by the operation of the Economy Bill; and whether any part of a disabled soldier's pension will be assessed in such an inquiry or test?

The following table gives the information required:

The following table gives the information required:

What was the increase during the period of office of the late Government?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in the Neath and Pontardawe areas Employment Exchanges at present in receipt of unemployment benefit, and the number at present in receipt of transitional benefit who will be referred to the public assistance committee for the calculation of their rate of benefit?

The following table gives the information required:

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the words "present financial situation," on page 1, line 8, of the Foodstuffs (Prevention of Exploitation) Bill, refer to a certain period or to any time at which action may be taken after the passing of the Measure into law?

The words refer to the situation arising from the suspension of the Gold Standard. As the hon. Member is aware, the operation of the Bill is limited to six months.

Do I understand that, after whatever date is fixed for the operation of the Measure, a prosecution may be undertaken and that the words "present financial situation" will apply to that moment when the prosecution is undertaken?

I am not sure that I understand the hon. Member's question. The words mean from the date on which the Act becomes law and the Act will deal with offences after that date.

Do the words "present financial situation" refer to the actual date on which the Bill will become an Act?

The hon. Member will have an opportunity of raising that point later in the discussion on the Second Reading of the Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether steps are being taken by the Government to divert all surplus food supplies from the Dominions to this country so as to ensure that no shortage may take place here nor any increase in cost to the consumer?

Supplies of food are coming forward through the normal channels without difficulty, and there is no reason for Government action of the kind suggested.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the increase of 2s. a ton in the price of house coal in London on 1st October was the result of an increase in the pithead price of coal; and what steps he is taking to prevent undue increases in the retail price of house coal?

I am informed that the increase of 2s. a ton in the retail price of house coal in London on 1st October was the result of an increase in the pithead price of coal by a like amount. With regard to the second part of the question, a deputation from the Coal Merchants' Federation of Great Britain met me at my request on Thursday last. After stating their intention to take all steps possible to prevent the exploitation of the present situation, they gave me a definite assurance that the members of the federation, who represent an overwhelming majority of the house coal tonnage of the country, would make no increases in retail house coal prices unless there were corresponding increases in pithead prices.

As the hon. Gentleman says that the 2s. is due to an increase in the pit-head price, will he also say in which county has the pit-head price increased

I assumed that it was a general increase made at this time of year. That is so, according to the information supplied to me, but, if there is any point involved on which further information is desired, I shall be happy to try to get it for the hon. Member.

Does the hon. Gentleman know that last year the same increase took place without any corresponding increase of pit-head prices?

I am not aware of that, but I understand that the increase which now arises corresponds with increases which have arisen in previous years at the same time.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet come to any decision with regard to the London Passenger Transport Bill?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement as to the intentions of His Majesty's Government respecting the London Passenger Transport Bill?

It is proposed to table a Motion to enable further proceedings on the Bill to be suspended till the next Session of Parliament, and then to be resumed upon a Motion made after notice by a Minister of the Crown.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of tin mines working in the country; and whether any mines have been restarted during this year?

Only one mine, namely, East Pool and Agar, has been producing tin during this year, although dressing operations were carried on at a second mine, and pumping was continued at a third. I regret that no mines have been restarted during the year.

Is the hon. Gentleman taking any steps to encourage these people responsible for tin mines to commence operations again?

The matter has been under consideration by the Metalliferous Mines Advisory Committee. There was a report from a sub-committee of that committee, and it is being considered by the main committee on the 14th of the present month. No report has yet been presented to the Department.

Will this report be available for the Members of this House, who are very much interested in the development of this industry?

I am not able to make a promise of that, but I think that information should be placed at the disposal of Members, especially as it is concerned with the county in which I am particularly interested.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give any further information regarding the conflict between police and people in Glasgow on the evening of the 1st October?

I am informed that, apart from the disturbances referred to in my reply to the question of the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow (Mr. Maxton) on the 2nd instant, the only disturbance that occurred on the evening of the 1st instant took place in Garngad Road in the St. Rollox Division, where some of the crowd who had been concerned in the earlier disturbances in the centre of the city broke a number of windows and some looting took place. One arrest was made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is due to the action of the Government in making cuts in unemployment benefit?

asked the President of the Board of Education the cost per head of educating a child at the present time in Scotland, England, Wales, Germany, France and Italy?

The expenditure on elementary education from central and local public funds in England and Wales, for the year 1929–30, amounted to £12 15s. 6d. per child in average attendance. My right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to give comparable figures for France, Italy or Germany; but, he is sending the hon. Member such information as he possesses in regard to the expenditure on elementary education in those countries. As regards Scotland, I would refer the hon. Member to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the figures for educating a child in other than public elementary schools, say at Eton, or Harrow, or one of those places?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down for Thursday and see if he gets a reply.

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure that he is going to be here on Thursday?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the recent reductions in pay, the Army Council will now exercise the right reserved to them under the King's Regulations, paragraph 324A, to permit officers and men on full pay to assist private tutors to prepare candidates for examination in military subjects provided the work is done in their own time and does not interfere with the proper discharge of military duties?

I can assure my hon. Friend that all applications of this nature receive careful consideration, and are granted whenever circumstances permit.

Does that mean that the Army Council are prepared to receive applications and to give permission in suitable cases?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will secure that preference be given to the music of British composers when arranging the Armistice Day Cenotaph service?

It is proposed that the music at the Cenotaph service shall be the same as that played last year when, with the exception of Chopin's Funeral March, it was entirely British.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of annual interest that has to be paid by His Majesty's Government on loans made in foreign currency; whether interest on the £50,000,000 credit has to be paid in foreign currency; and whether interest on the £80,000,000 credit is included in the total shown in answer to the first part of this question?

The amount of interest payable on loans made in foreign currency varies from year to year. It amounted to nearly £29,000,000 last year, but is reduced to about £15,000,000 this year and next year as a result of President Hoover's plan. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the last part in the negative.

Is that figure of £15,000,000 based on a gold currency, and does that include the debt to America, or does it exclude the ordinary War Debt?

It includes the debt to America.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the interest on the Turkish Loan of 1855, guaranteed by France and Great Britain, is still being paid by this country or our Dependencies, or whether France is paying a part; and whether the payment has to be made in gold, or in sterling, or francs?

There has been no change in the position in regard to the Ottoman 'Guaranteed Loan of 1855, other than that referred to in the reply given to the right hon. and gallant Member on 1st May, 1929; the interest on the loan is payable in sterling.

Would this not be rather a good opportunity to ask France to bear her part in paying the interest?

I am always willing to take advantage of every opportunity if there is a prospect of relief to the British Exchequer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the sum total of our annual external obligations in gold pounds or foreign currency, excluding the War Debt to America but including our contribution to the League of Nations, and any guarantee as, for instance, the Turkish Loan of 1855?

In the calendar year 1930 the payments made by the Government in foreign currency, excluding the War Debt to the United States Government, amounted to about £16,000,000 and the Government's receipts in foreign currency, excluding reparations and inter-governmental War Debts, to about £24,500,000; the surplus of foreign receipts over foreign payments (excluding War Debts, etc.) thus amounted to about £8,500,000. As regards Loans guaranteed by His Majesty's Government I would refer the right hon. and gallant Member to the full statement published annually in the Finance Accounts.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the rate at which Entertainments Duty will be charged on season tickets issued by orchestral and similar societies for admission to a series of entertainments, some or all of which take place after the 9th November, when payment is made before the 9th November; and whether there will be any difference in the rate charged when admission to the series of entertainments is obtained by production of a single ticket and when admission to the series is obtained by production of separate tickets for each entertainment, all the tickets however being issued at the same time?

I made this statement in the course of the discussion in Committee a day or two ago, but I will repeat it now. With regard to the first part of the question, Entertainments Duty will be charged at the rates at present in force on any payments for admission to entertainments made before 9th November next irrespective of whether the entertainments take place before that date or not; the answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

(for Mr. MACLEAN.) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if any of the evidence given before the May Committee on National Expenditure was considered of a confidential nature; whether any objection to having the evidence published was minuted by the committee; and, if not, whether, in view of the continued refusal to print the evidence, facilities will be given to Members of Parliament who wish to read the minutes of evidence by having a copy placed in the Library?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The views of the committee in regard to the second part are sufficiently indicated by the fact that, like the Geddes Committee, they did not submit any minutes of evidence along with their report. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

(for Mr. MACLEAN) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he arrived at the sum of £25,140 as an annual nett insurance payment. to provide for Estate Duty on an income of £50,000 per annum from investments; and whether he can state the number of such incomes?

The figure in question was arrived at on the lines laid down on page 78 of their report by the Colwyn Committee on National Debt and Taxation except that no account was taken of Legacy and Succession Duties. The statistics compiled in relation to the Surtax refer to total income and do not distinguish earned from investment income.

(for Mr. MACLEAN) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the minutes of evidence of the Committee on Finance and Industry will be published?

It is hoped to publish this evidence on Friday. There are two volumes, and I understand that the price for the two will be about £3 5s.

Will the Chancellor also cause to be published for the information of Members a verbatim report of the proceedings now being carried on at Scarborough?

It would not be worth the expenditure.

asked the Minister of Transport what reply was made to the Railway Companies' Association in reply to their communication relating to the electrification of main-line railways?

After receiving the communication referred to, my right hon. Friend the late Minister of Transport discussed the whole question with representatives of the Railway Companies' Association and it was arranged that the companies would continue their investigations into the advantages of railway electrification.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any decision was come to as to carrying on?

I am afraid not.

(for Mr. FREEMAN) asked the Postmaster-General whether any conditions as to wages and labour are laid down in the contracts entered into by His Majesty's Government for the carrying of British mails abroad; and, if so, will he state what they are?

No conditions as regards wages have ever been laid down in any of the four existing contracts with steamship companies for the conveyance of British mails abroad; but the contracts contain a clause stipulating that the master and officers and at least three-fourths of the crew of every mail ship shall be British subjects.

I noticed that two hon. Members rose to put this question. Have you not laid it down, Mr. Speaker, that before a Member asks a question which is in the name of another Member, he should receive an intimation from that Member?

That certainly is the rule.

May I ask the Minister whether, in view of the conditions of service existing in the British Postal Service, the Government regard themselves in a moral position to lay down conditions in contracts abroad?