asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the names of the vessels on which the 24 dismissed men were serving; and to what extent these men were ringleaders in the Invergordon mutiny?

In reply to the first part of the question, at the time of their discharge from the Service the men were serving either at the Royal Naval Barracks or the Royal Marine Barracks at Devonport. They had recently been serving in "Rodney," "Norfolk," "Adventure," and "Dorset-shire." In reply to the second part of the question, the Admiralty are not in possession of this information, and do not propose to obtain it.

As the right hon. Gentleman has told us that these men had refused to forget the past, can he tell us whether they were accused of being ringleaders in the Invergordon mutiny?

I have already answered that they were not accused of that. What they were accused of was action subsequently.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not perfectly satisfied that these men were not discharged for any action they may or may not have taken at Invergordon?

Yes, Sir, absolutely.

Yes, but it is the House that wants to be satisfied. As a matter of fact, were "Rodney," "Norfolk," "Adventure," and "Dorset-shire" at Invergordon?

They were, with many other ships.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Government to review the naval building programme of the late Government with a view to ascertaining whether it is sufficient to keep the Royal Navy up to the maximum strength permitted by the terms of the London Naval Treaty?

The naval building programme for 1931 has already been authorised by Parliament, and it would be premature to say anything as to what further programme it will be necessary to submit in 1932. I need scarcely say that this is a subject which is continually under review by the Admiralty, who will make proposals when necessary to His Majesty's Government.

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that it is the intention of the Government to build up to the maximum strength permitted under the terms of the London Naval Treaty?

I do not think I can add anything to the answer that I have given.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any effort is being made by his Department to further the sale or lease for industrial purposes of the available land, buildings, equipment and wharfage in and around Rosyth Dockyard?

Yes, Sir. The Admiralty have made it fully known in the locality that they have land available for industrial development and have also given wider publicity to the fact by means of advertisement.

If that be the case, may I ask why it is that the official at Rosyth is not permitted to give definite and specific information regarding the lands and buildings to the Dunfermline Industrial Development Committee, specially set up to attract industries to the area?

My information is that the committee have been given very full and complete information. If my hon. Friend has any specific point, I hope he will bring it to my notice, and we shall be very glad of his co-operation in this matter.

I can do so now. I have letters in my hand which confirm the point I am making.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the uneconomic price ruling for rubber, and the consequent effect on the revenue of all Governments concerned, he is prepared to institute negotiations with the Dutch Government and the British Dominions interested in the production of this commodity, with a view to arriving at some means by which the output will be restricted?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to impose any restrictions upon the output and export of rubber in the British Empire?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures the Governments of Malaya and Ceylon propose to take to assist the rubber industry; and what progress, if any, has been made with negotiations between them or between the Government in the United Kingdom and the Dutch authorities?

No measures have been proposed by the Governments of Malaya or Ceylon. I understand that some informal discussions have taken place between various interests concerned. While I should welcome an effective scheme which would improve the position of the industry, in my opinion any such scheme must be comprehensive in the area covered, administratively practicable and effective for the purpose of co-ordinating supply and demand.

Is it not a fact that unless some control over the production of rubber is re-established this industry is likely to be ruined; and is the right hon. Gentleman in touch with the rubber companies or the Dutch Government on this question?

I should welcome a scheme, but I am quite sure that a scheme to be effective must be complete in the way I have mentioned.

Will the Colonial Secretary bear in mind the complete and disastrous failure of the Stevenson scheme on the same lines?

I do not want to go back on the past. I have already said that it is essential that the scheme should be comprehensive in the area covered.

Does it include the Dutch?

Yes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that during the last 12 months three-quarters of the firms engaged in the furniture manufacturing industry of this country have been working on short time, and that one firm which had recently laid out a special plant at Slough to compete with the import of Italian furniture produce found it impossible to carry on business and has closed down the works; and whether, in view of the effect of furniture imports upon employment in this country, it is intended to include furniture generally in the list of imported goods which are to be subject to duty?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the fact that the object of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act is to promote production in this country, and that the imports of iron and steel amount to approximately £24,000,000, he will consider the immediate inclusion of iron and steel in the schedule of goods to which an order under the Act shall apply?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that by putting a duty on imported woollen tissues without a corresponding duty on all women's wearing apparel made from such tissues he has not only neutralised any advantage to the piece goods industries but has also encouraged the importation of made-up garments, to the detriment of the manufacturers and workers in the clothing industry in the West Riding and elsewhere; and, as the matter is urgent, will he state what action he proposes to take?

I hope hon. Members will realise that it would not be proper to make any statement as to what goods may or may not be included in any subsequent Orders made under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act.

Will the hon. Gentleman call the attention of his right hon. Friend to the facts stated in my question, and will he give special consideration to the furniture manufacturing trade when considering what further list of import duties will be imposed?

My right hon. Friend's attention has already been called to the facts in this question and I cannot go further than the answer I have given.

Could the hon. Gentleman tell the House now whether he has evidence with regard to the iron and steel trade for the last four weeks?

That question does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total imports of lace for October, 1929, 1930 and 1931, respectively, and for the first three weeks of the months of November, 1930 and 1931?

The total value of the imports of lace of all kinds, including embroidery on net or dissoluble fabric but excluding lace forming part of made-up goods, during the month of October, 1929, 1930 and 1931, amounted to £60,500, £48,100 and £36,700, respectively. Except as regards lace of silk and artificial silk, the figures for October, 1930 and 1931, exclude the imports by parcel post. Goods passing in transit through the United Kingdom are included in the records of imports except in the case of goods transhipped under bond. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. Herbert).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large quantities of lace which are being imported into this country by means of the parcels post, thereby nullifying for purposes of comparison the official import figures, he will institute a special census for a limited period of lace imports through the parcels post?

I have been asked to reply. There is no ready means of obtaining such a census as my hon. and learned Friend desires, and to make special arrangements for sorting out parcels containing lace from other parcels and taking an account of their contents would involve an amount of labour, expense and postal congestion which I could not justify.

Has my hon. Friend any doubt that there is substantial importation of lace going on through the parcels post?

I had an opportunity of seeing the figures the hon. Member sent to the Board of Trade, which seemed to indicate that, at any rate so far as those figures were concerned.

Is it not a fact that before the Safeguarding Duty on lace was imposed such a census was in fact taken by the Post Office, and therefore could not a similar census be taken now?

I think that ray hon. and learned Friend will agree that to begin such a census before the Christmas mails would very probably produce great congestion in the postal services.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the area and value of jute carpets imported during each of the following periods: month of October, 1931, 1st to 19th November, 1931, and 11th to 20th November, 1931; and

The total imports of jute carpets and rugs into the United Kingdom registered during the month of October, 1931, amounted to 418,263 square yards, valued at £41,893. As regards imports during broken periods of the month I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. Herbert).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government will consider the possibility of substituting a commercial treaty based on the principle of barter for the present trade agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave on Monday last to questions asked by my hon. Friends the Members for Lewisham East (Sir A. Pownall) and Chislehurst (Mr. Smithers) copies of which I am sending to him.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that, although the Soviet Government has had a favourable trade balance against this country of £20,000,000 a year for some years past, it has refused to purchase a single barrel of cured herrings this year, and, in considering this question, will he bear in mind the special claims of the herring fishing industry?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the claims of the herring industry will not be lost sight of.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make provision for the circulation to Members of a copy of each order issued under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act; and if he will arrange for the issue with each Order of an explanatory memorandum giving details of the abnormal importations which warrant the imposition of such duty as may be imposed?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to publish a White Paper periodically showing the various imported articles and the amount of duties to be imposed?

Copies of the Abnormal Importations Orders will be available at the Vote Office. My right hon. Friend has already undertaken to circulate a statement giving information in regard to the importations covered by the Order of the 20th November.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when we are to have this information provided?

The House has already been informed that in the course of this week some further figures will be provided.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the period of notice which must be given to denounce any of the commercial treaties which already exist between Great Britain and 36 other countries; and whether it is contemplated to take an early opportunity of denouncing any of them, and, if so, which, in view of further fiscal proposals by Great Britain in the coming year?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving particulars with regard to termination in the case of each of the treaties and other similar arrangements which provide for the mutual accord of most-favoured-nation treatment in regard to Customs duties. These treaties number 42 in all. The period of notice which is necessary is not the same in every case. As regards the second part of the question, the international obligations of this country in the matter of trade and commerce represent one aspect of the question of the trade balance which is under review by the Government.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether any treaties have yet been denounced?

No treaty has yet been denounced. The matter is under review.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the increased percentage of duties on British goods imported into France during the four weeks ending 21st November, 1931?

By a decree published on 14th November an additional duty of 15 per cent. ad valorem was imposed on all United Kingdom goods, with certain exceptions, particulars of which were published in the "Board of Trade Journal" for 19th November. The only other increases in French customs duties during the period in question were those on rubber goods imposed by a decree published on 10th November. Details will be found in the same number of the "Board of Trade Journal."

asked the President of the Board of Trade from what date the 15 per cent. surtax imposed on British coal imported into France came into operation?

The decree was promulgated on 14th November and the surtax came into force in Paris on the 16th November and elsewhere in France on the 17th. There is, however, a pro- vision in the decree exempting from the surtax goods proved to have been shipped direct to France before the promulgation of the decree.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the Government are taking any steps in regard to the matter? Have any negotiations taken place?

Yes. I may say that representation has been made to the French Government in this matter, and I would also remind the House that we are not without power for dealing with a situation of this kind.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether, when the Polish exchange went down, there was any surtax placed by the French authorities upon Polish coal?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that pollution has been encountered in. the water supply of the Royal Air Force Station, Pembroke; and if such pollution has now been overcome?

Yes, Sir, and, in reply to the second part of the question, I am glad to say that the pollution has now been overcome.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of Royal Air Force personnel stationed at the flying-boat station, Pembroke, and what number of flying boats are stationed there?

There are seven officers and 85 airmen of the Royal Air Force at present stationed at Pembroke Dock; the number of flying boats stationed there is four.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can state the total cost of the R 100 and the sum realised from the sale of the ship?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what was the total expended by the nation on the airship R 100; what price has been obtained for the sale of this ship; and whether the Government intend to continue further experiments and construction of airships?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will state the price obtained for the airship R 100; and if the purchasers will break up and remove the airship from Cardington?

The cost a the R 100 may be put at £363,000, exclusive of the cost of the flight to Canada and back, other experimental flights and subsequent maintenance charges. As regards the sum to be realised from its sale, while it is not customary to disclose contract prices, there would, of course, in view of the exceptional circumstances, be no Departmental objection to so doing. The contractors have, however, requested, for ordinary commercial reasons, that the price shall not be disclosed. This request is clearly reasonable and my Noble Friend would prefer to make no statement on the subject for the present, though he will take steps to inform the House of the precise amount in due course. I may, however, say that the vessel has been sold to be broken up at Cardington as scrap, exclusive of the engines and one bay (which latter is being retained for experimental purposes) and that the price obtained naturally represents only a fraction of the original cost. As regards future airship policy, I would refer the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) to the Prime Minister's statement of the 11th September last on the Second Reading of the National Economy Bill.

Will the purchasers break up this ship at Cardington and will they use labour from the locality?

I believe that at least 75 per cent. of Cardington men will he employed.

Was this ship offered for sale to any Government overseas before it was decided to scrap it?

I could not answer that question without notice.

May we take it that the sale of this ship was by competitive tender and that the highest price was taken?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, whether with a view to reducing the number of accidents to Royal Air Force machines, he will consider the advisability of setting up at the Air Ministry an engineering and technical organisation, similar in nature to such organisations possessed by His Majesty's Army and Navy, and under an engineer-in-chief who shall be a member of the Air Council, together with a class of officers specialised in aeronautical engineering from an early age?

It is the considered policy of the Air Ministry not to set up a separate engineering organisation on the lines suggested in the hon. and gallant Member's question on grounds which it is impossible to state concisely within the limits of a Parliamentary reply. I may, however, point out that engineering duties in the Royal Air Force are performed by officers who have specialised at an early stage of their career. My noble Friend sees no reason to depart from that policy, which has been justified by the progressive improvement over the past decade in the number of fatal accidents in relation to the amount of flying carried out by the Royal Air Force. I may add that there is no evidence that the institution of such an organisation would reduce the number of accidents, only a small proportion of which are due to mechanical failure.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, whether his attention has been drawn to the recent increase in the number of aeroplanes flying over the city and county of London, with consequent danger to life and nuisance from noise; and whether he will consider taking steps to remedy the matter?

From inquiries which I have made I am advised that there has been no increase such as is suggested in my hon. Friend's question. I should add, as has previously been stated in the House, that there are regulations in force against irregular and dangerous flying and that breaches of these regulations are, and will continue to be, strictly dealt with.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if the need for retrenchment as affecting Air Ministry expenditure will cancel entirely or delay the commencement of the construction of any new types of civil aircraft which the Ministry had proposed to order for experimental and development purposes during the current financial year?

As a result of the recommendations of the Committee on National Expenditure it has been decided that it is not practicable in present circumstances to proceed with the two experimental types of civil aircraft which formed the new programme for 1931, or with the amphibian type seaplane included in the programme of the previous year. A large experimental flying boat, which was already on order, is, however, being proceeded with and other proposals consistent with the need for curtailing expenditure to a minimum are under consideration.

Has there been a greater measure of economy on the development of civil aviation than on the development of the Service aviation side?

No, I would not say so.

Is it not a matter of economy and also of material efficiency to go on experimenting and is it not false economy to stop building experimental machines?

We are going on experimenting.

Is there no need for retrenchment on military aircraft?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress is being made with schemes for railway and tube extensions and transport improvements generally in North London; what number of persons is at present employed on such schemes; and to what extent preference is given to persons resident in North London?

The London Electric Railway Company are extending their line northwards from Finsbury Park, and expect to open part of this extension during next year. The Metropolitan Railway Company are constructing a new branch line from Wembley Park to Stanmore, widening their line between Wembley Park and Harrow, and carrying out other improvements which they expect to complete during next year. I understand from the companies that about 2,000 men are directly employed on these works. Vacancies notified to the Exchanges are generally speaking filled by men resident in the district, but I have no information as to the extent to which this preference applies to the staff as a whole.

Will the hon. Gentleman use his influence to see that, as far as possible preference shall be given to local workmen?

Part of the bargain with the railway companies was that, the Ministry of Labour should be consulted, with a view to employing as much local labour as possible.

Is the hon. Gentleman really bringing pressure to bear upon the London and North Eastern Railway Company to carry out improvements at Liverpool Street Station, as recommended by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when he was Lord Privy Seal?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the reduction of fares below an economic level by the larger omnibus combines is driving many small omnibus proprietors out of business, particularly in the villages; and whether, in view of the hardship inflicted on villages by the closing of local garages and by the curtailment of local omnibus services, he will take steps to safeguard the interests of village omnibus proprietors?

The licensing of road passenger services is a matter for the Traffic Commissioners set up under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and I have no jurisdiction in regard to any particular case, except on appeal being made to me under the provisions of the Act. It is open to any operators, whether large or small, to make representations to the Commissioners that they are being unfairly undercut by their competitors and I understand that the charging of uneconomic fares is a matter often argued before them. I am not aware of any general position such as my Noble Friend indicates, but I may inform him that the Commissioners are specifically empowered to attach to road service licences granted by them conditions as to the fares to be charged, so as to secure, amongst other things, that the fares shall not be unreasonable and that, where desirable in the public interest, they should be so fixed as to prevent uneconomic competition. I should have regard to the same consideration if the point was before me in connection with an appeal.

asked the Minister of Transport how many suggested or proposed schemes in Scotland for road and bridge construction and improvement have been abandoned since August last; and what is the estimated amount of money involved?

In order to reduce expenditure from the Road Fund the resources of which have been heavily overcommitted, it has been necessary to review schemes of road and bridge construction and improvement in Scotland, as in the rest of Great Britain. I have in all cases proceeded after consultation with the local authorities concerned, and, while my survey of the position is still incomplete, I have arranged up to the present for a reduction in the commitments of the Road Fund in Scotland in respect of an estimated total expenditure of approximately £700,000. Of the saving thus secured, about £520,000 will inure to the advantage of the Road Fund, and the balance to that of the local authorities concerned. In some cases it has been possible to postpone work altogether; in other cases schemes have been curtailed, but care has been taken to ensure, so far as practicable, that the work carried out forms in itself a useful improvement to the highway system.

Have all these schemes been suggested by my hon. Friend or by his Department, or has there been any suggestion from the local authorities in question?

In the majority of cases, I am happy to say, the curtailment of schemes has been carried out with complete agreement between the local authorities and my Department.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many men will be affected by this saving of £700,000—how many men will lose work or not be started in work?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the petition sent to him from residents in Mitcham with respect to a series of accidents which have occurred in the London Road, Mitcham, between Fair Green and Streatham Lane; and what steps he proposes to take to mitigate the danger to persons using this road?

I have received a copy of the petition referred to, and am very carefully considering whether any measures could be adopted to reduce the danger to persons using this section of the London Road, Mitcham.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the overcrowding in the late afternoon and early evening trains from Liverpool Street Station, London, to Leyton on the North Eastern Railway service; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this matter?

I am communicating my hon. Friend's representations to the railway company, and will let him know the result.

Will that be done immediately?

As soon as we receive the answer from the railway company.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that, as Good Friday falls this year on the 25th March, the opening date for the second quarter of the year for vehicle licensing, owners of all forms of transport who invariably use their vehicles on the Thursday preceding Good Friday will not now be able to do so without first paying a full month's licence for one day's use of the vehicle; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take steps to secure some relaxation of the existing regulations whereby the operator may obtain his licence for the second quarter of the year on the 24th March instead of on the 25th March as now obtaining?

I am aware of the position, and have the matter under consideration in conjunction with the Treasury.

Was not the date for the licensing of all motor vehicles so arranged in order that people should not have to take out a licence specially for that holiday; and will not people be placed in that difficulty this year, since the date happens to fall on Good Friday?

This question of the date of Easter arises about every 10 years, and, as I have said, we are considering the matter in conjunction with the Treasury.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there are a large number of motor car and motor cycle owners who take out licences for a few months only; and whether ho will consider the possibility of issuing week-end motor-car and motorcycle licences to meet this demand?

I have carefully considered my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I do not think that the complications which would arise from the institution of week-end licences could be justified. I would, however, remind the hon. Gentleman that it is already possible by means of the part year licensing system, in conjunction with the payment of refunds on surrendered licences, to obtain what is virtually a monthly licence.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the fact that owing to the refusal of the traffic commissioner for the southern area, supported on appeal by the Ministry of Transport, of a licence to the Premier line of omnibuses to run a service from Maidenhead Bridge to Windsor Hospital, many residents in the growing district of Cippenham are only able to reach Slough by making long detours and at increased expense, he will have further inquiries made into the matter?

On the 13th August last, my predecessor, on appeal, upheld the traffic commissioners for the southern area in their refusal to grant an application by the Premier Line, Limited, for a road service licence in respect of a service between Maidenhead Bridge and Windsor. Since that date the company have made a further application for a licence in respect of this service, which the commissioners have refused. The company have exercised their right of appeal to me in this matter, and that appeal is under consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not an isolated case, but that in many villages all over the country the same thing is happening, and village services are going out altogether on account of the Order which has been made by his Department?

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the case of this village of Cippenham, which has 3,000 inhabitants who are absolutely cut off from Slough and Maidenhead except at a cost of 6d., whereas the Premier omnibus service was giving a 10-minute service at a cost of ld; and is he aware that a state of great discontent exists about the matter?

This matter is now the subject of an appeal to me, and it would be improper for me to discuss it across the Floor of the House.

Is there not some means of countering this Socialistic measure?

asked the Minister of Transport on what grounds the Traffic Commissioner for the southern area has refused the application of Mr. A. E. Warwick to continue his service of motor-omnibuses from Farnham Common to Windsor, since this working man was the first to establish a through service on this route, and his service had given general satisfaction and had four months' priority to the Owen omnibus service, six months' priority to the Amersham and District Traction Company, and 12 months' priority to the London General Omnibus Company, to all of whom licences have been granted?

The Traffic Commissioners' decision in this case was to grant a licence for a service between Farnham Common and Slough. The matter was the subject of an appeal to me, and, in their observations on the appeal, which were communicated to the appellant, the Commissioners expressed the view on the merits of the service that, while a service between Farnham Common and Slough was reasonable, any extension beyond Slough was not necessary and not required by the public. They also stated that the road between Slough and Windsor was congested and amply served by other companies. I fail to understand the relevance of the reference to two of the three companies mentioned in the latter part of the question, seeing that the grounds given by the appellant for his appeal make it clear that the through service supplied by the Amersham and District Traction Company between High Wycombe and Windsor, passing through Farnham Common, is the only one covering the route applied for by Mr. Warwick.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind, in considering these appeals, the fact that many of these businesses which are now being carried on are the property of ex-service men, who have sunk the whole of their savings in them?

I am devoting a great amount of time to the examination of these appeals, and I assure the House that I am not overlooking the cases of the small or ex-service men.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Warwick is an ex service man, that he was the first on this route, that he has put all his little capital into this business, and that he is only a working man and will be absolutely ruined by this decision?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that thousands of ex-service men in London are being sent to penal colonies—

Order!

Mr. Anstruther-Gray.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what was the original time estimated for the construction of the new Glasgow-Edinburgh road; how long it has been under construction; and when he anticipates that it will be completed;

No definite estimate of the time required for the construction of the Glasgow-Edinburgh Road was prepared. Work was started in August, 1924, and will be completed next year. Important sections of the road have been open for a considerable time, and practically the whole of the route is now available for traffic. The original estimate for the work was £2,115,000; the revised estimate is about. £2,360,000. The total cost to date is about £2,000,000.

Could tike bon. Gentleman tell me how much of the £2,360,000 is payment for the land?

I should have to have notice of that question.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will arrange to have a clock placed on the Gallery above the Speaker's Chair in such a position that Members, while speaking, may be able to observe the flight of time without turning their backs on the Chair?

In view of the many necessary services which have had to be curtailed owing to lack of funds, I do not feel that expenditure on the provision of a second clock in this Chamber would be justified.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the saving of expense in the lighting and heating of the, Chamber due to curtailment of speeches would more than pay the cost of the clock?

asked the Prime Minister, if, in view of the need for national economy and the desirability of this House setting an example in that regard, he will give time before the House rises for the discussion of the question of limiting travel facilities enjoyed by Members to the provision of third-class tickets?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement on this subject which was made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 17th November in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Mahon (Mr. Turton).

Seeing that the overwhelming majority of Members are committed to economy, could not the total value of the economy be achieved by voluntary effort?

I commend that to the House.

Seeing that there are more rich men in this House than in the last Parliament—

Mr. Buchanan.