asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has been any change in the system of reports from observers representing various countries in Manchuria since the House rose, and how many have been received from the British representative in the last two months?

No change has been made in the system of reports. Between 40 and 50 reports have been received from the British representatives in the last two months.

Are these reports forwarded in conjunction with the League of Nations?

I think so, but I would like to have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any charge for the expenses of the League of Nations mission to Manchuria falls upon the British Exchequer; and, if so, how much?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information regarding the situation at Shanghai and the efforts of Admiral Sir Howard Kelly to arrange a cessation of hostilities?

So far as the general situation is concerned, there is no material change since the reply given to the right hon. Gentleman, the Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) on the 3rd of February, except the arrival of Japanese reinforcements. I am not aware whether any result has yet been achieved in the negotiations for a cessation of hostilities, which, according to the latest information received, are continuing.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether, in view of the danger to British subjects and the possibility of involving Great Britain in the hostilities now proceeding between Japan and China at Shanghai, he can tell the House if steps are being taken by the Powers or the League of Nations to secure the abandonment by the Japanese of the use of any section of the International Settlement as a base for operations against the Chinese?

As I informed the right hon. Gentleman yesterday, representations have been made by His Majesty's Government to the Japanese Government on three occasions against the use of the International Settlement for other than defensive purposes. I understand that similar representations have been made by other Powers. Efforts to create a neutral zone, which would assist to obviate the danger referred to by the right hon. Gentleman, are still being actively pursued. The Council of the League of Nations is at present in session, and, I understand, is studying reports which it has called for from Shanghai.

Will the right hon. Gentleman and the Government consider whether, if the situation becomes really dangerous, it would not be better to evacuate our nationals, rather than become involved in this dispute?

I assure the right hon. Gentleman that all the circumstances are constantly under review, and we shall not lose sight of that or any other aspect of the problem.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House if the Japanese authorities are simply turning a deaf ear to all the representations that are being made?

No, Sir, certainly not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many protests have been made by His Majesty's Government this year respecting Japanese action at Shanghai and Nanking; and with what result?

Even were it practically possible to give such figures as the hon. Member asks for, I do not think that such enumeration or classification would assist the efforts toward a settlement which, as I have just informed the hon. Member, are continuing.

:Is it a fact that the Japanese Government is treating this country with the utmost contempt, and is that because Mr. Yoshizawa has taken the measure of the Foreign Secretary?

I cannot accept either part of the hon. Gentleman's question.

Will the hon. Gentleman be careful not to be drawn into war in the Far East, led by our British pacifists?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the policy of the Government during the last few months on the subject of Japanese action in the Far East has been taken in all cases with the knowledge and approval of the Dominions?

The statement which I made on the 4th of February in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for North-East Bethnal Green (Major Nathan) in regard to the situation at Shanghai, is equally applicable to the developments of the last few months.

Are the Dominions being continuously consulted about every question of policy which arises?

The Dominions are being informed, both by telegraphic communication from the Foreign Office and by direct communication from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs at Geneva.

Is "informed" quite the same as "consulted"? I asked if they were being consulted.

Full information is being given, and I have no reason to doubt that the Dominions are in general agreement with the policy which we are pursuing.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that since the proposals of His Majesty's Government and the Governments of the United States, France and Italy that there should be no further mobilisation of troops or other preparations for hostilities were received at Tokio the Japanese Government have ordered the despatch of another 10,000 troops to Shanghai, he proposes to take any action on the subject?

His Majesty's Government have deprecated the despatch of reinforcements in so far as it might lead to an aggravation of the situation. I trust that these fears will not be realised.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the situation in China, the League of Nations Council has considered the advisability of the application against Japan of the economic and financial sanctions laid down in Article 16 of the covenant?

No, Sir. This question has not arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the total number of troops now engaged in connection with the trouble at Shanghai, and the number of naval men engaged?

On the 9th February the British troops on land were four battalions and ancillary troops. His Majesty's ships at Shanghai were four cruisers, one sloop and one gunboat, with a total complement of about 3,000.

With regard to the Army section, is it the case that almost all the Army section is composed of Scottish troops?

I think there is at least one Scottish battalion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Swiss in this country and how many British in Switzerland have benefited as a result of the mutual unemployment insurance arrangement reached in London on 19th November, 1929?

So far as this country was concerned, the exchange of Notes on the 19th of November, 1929, involved no change in the position of Swiss subjects, since the Agreement merely declared the position under the then existing British legislation, under which there was no discrimination between applicants for benefit on the ground of nationality. The answer to the first part of the question is therefore "nil."

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the urgent need for national economy has ceased to be operative in the case of His Majesty's judges, he will take early steps to restore the benefits of the unemployed men, women and young persons?

Without accepting the premise of the hon. Member's question, I would refer him to the answer which I gave on Monday to questions on this subject.

Since the position of the unemployed is equally as bad as that of the Judges, ought they not to be treated with the same consideration?

I do not accept the premise in the first part of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of public work schemes which have been abandoned or postponed in Lancashire, stating their aggregate value?

I presume the hon. Member refers only to schemes of road and bridge improvement aided from the Road Fund. Twenty-eight schemes in Lancashire have been postponed or curtailed in the interests of economy, while others are under consideration. The deferred expenditure is estimated at £1,250,000.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the number of persons engaged, directly and indirectly, on schemes of work in Great Britain towards the cost of which grants have been made by his Department?

I have information only as regards men directly employed on schemes of improvement of classified roads and bridges assisted from the Road Fund. On Friday, the 18th December, 28,760 men were directly employed on works of this character.

Is that an increase or a decrease in the numbers employed?

It is certainly a decrease.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state how many schemes of road work which had been sanctioned by his Department have been withdrawn or postponed since August, 1931, stating the value of work withdrawn and work postponed?

asked the Minister of Transport if he can state how many road schemes have been abandoned owing to the Government's economy policy; the proposed cost of such schemes; and where situated?

The special tabulations, including the saving in local authorities' expenditure, for which the hon. Members have asked, have involved a great deal of clerical labour, and I regret that it has not been possible in the time at my disposal to supply the information desired. I will, however, communicate with them as soon as possible.

Is it not possible to give the figures in answer to a general question such as I have asked; and would it not be better to put the men on useful work rather than let the numbers of unemployed go piling up, as they are to-day, by hundreds of thousands?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the cases of hardship which have arisen under the provision that only one payment of transitional benefit can be made pending the hearing of cases by the public assistance committees; and whether he will consider taking steps to enable two or more payments to be made during such periods?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider, with a view of alleviating hardship in those cases where men are waiting examination of their cases by public assistance committees, extending the discretionary powers given to the Labour Exchanges to give two payments in advance instead of the one now authorised?

If a public assistance committee cannot complete their inquiries within a week they may make an interim determination which would be effective for two weeks from the week in which it is received by the local office. This provision of the Regulations, together with that for one week's interim payment by the local office, enables payment to be made for three weeks, if necessary, while inquiries are proceeding. It is unlikely that a case will arise in which a public assistance committee's investiga- tion cannot be completed within this period, but I shall be glad to make inquiry into any cases that may be brought to my notice.

The Prime Minister, in his speech at Edinburgh, stated that if all the reports were true that were coming in regarding public assistance committees he would have this thing gone into. I want to ask the Minister of Labour if anything is being done, because he knows that all over the country there are complaints against the means test?

As the hon. Member knows, I am endeavouring to ensure that this machinery works as well as it can be worked.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the lack of uniformity on the part of public assistance committees in dealing with the means test for transitional payments, so that whereas in Yorkshire the first 20s. of a disability pension is ignored in Birmingham the first 5s. only is ignored; and whether he will introduce legislation to secure uniformity in this matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 2nd February to the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in view of the M 2 disaster, he will consider the application of a simple device, namely, a buoy and necessary wires or ropes, to all British submarines to be attached to the outside of the hull, and which can be released from inside, enabling the crew of a. sunken submarine to indicate their location, thus obviating delay and prolonged search?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 4th February, 1932, to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state what is the number of the naval personnel and reserves of the United States, France, Italy, and Japan at the latest available date; and whether he will include such figures in future issues of the Fleets Return?

As regards the first part of the question, I will with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the approximate numbers of naval personnel. As regards the second part of the question, the possibility of including such figures in future issues of the Fleets Return will be considered before the next Return becomes due for issue.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in view of the abolition of Class A of the Royal Fleet Reserve, he will cause all Class A reservists to be informed with their next quarter's pension papers that Class A Reserve has been abolished, and showing how the reservists stand for the payment of the age pension of 5d. a day which a reservist received at the age of 50 years?

Men already enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve Class A. will remain enrolled in it, and will receive the Reserve Pension at the age of 50 provided they are otherwise eligible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that the number of marine pensioner officers' servants allowed at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, has been reduced by 20 per cent. whilst the maximum number of staff and students are borne in the college, he will authorise the engagement of pensioners to replace the boy servants now employed?

No reductions have been made in the number of R.M. pensioner officers' servants, at the Royal Naval College, and no boy servants are employed there. If my hon. Friend has any particular grievance in his mind, perhaps he will communicate it to me, and I will inquire into it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is able to make any further statement with regard to the loss of the M 2?

As already announced in the Press, M 2 was eventually located at about 8 p.m. on the 3rd February in a position approximately six miles north-west of Portland Bill. The sweeping operations had on earlier occasions revealed four obstructions in the immediate vicinity of the lost submarine, which on examination by divers had proved to be old wrecks. Had she not been lying among these, M 2 would no doubt have been located several days earlier. The depth of water and the strength of the tides are hindering diving operations, but up to the present it has been ascertained that the upper conning tower hatch and the hanger door are open, and that the forward, midship and after upper-deck hatches are closed. There are still two other hatches to be examined, namely, the lower conning tower hatch and the hatch leading from inside the hangar into the submarine. There is not yet sufficient evidence to determine the cause of the loss of the vessel. It has been decided that salvage operations are to continue while the weather permits. The services of Mr. E. F. Cox of the well-known salvage firm of Messrs. Cox and Danks have been accepted in an advisory capacity, and he is now at Portland assisting the Rear-Admiral, Submarines.

Have the Admiralty made any decision as to re-commissioning this ship when she is salvaged?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received intimations from any of the Colonies or Protectorates as to what action, if any, they intend to take to reciprocate the tariff preferences assured to them in connection with the new import duties?

I have already received messages from several Colonial Governors welcoming the new policy of the United Kingdom and promising consideration of measures which Colonies might take in return. It is too early for definite proposals to have been formulated. My hon. and gallant Friend

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to exempt flax and hemp from the operation of the proposed import duties?

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the terms of the Bill, which will be available for hon. Members shortly.

Is it not a fact that hemp cannot be provided from the resources of the British Empire?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of beef and mutton were imported into this country from the British Empire and foreign countries, respectively, in each of the years 1913, 1930, and 1931?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total expenditure which has been incurred under the contract with the Supermarine Aviation Works, Limited, for supplying a flying boat, the contract for which has now been cancelled; and what has been the cost of liquidating the contract on cancellation?

I regret that I am not in a position to supply the information asked for. The amount of expenditure actually incurred by the firm concerned under this contract is still under investigation and the negotiations regarding the terms of settlement have therefore not yet been finally concluded. I may, however, say that something like 75 per cent. of the very large sum which would have had to be expended if construction of this flying boat had been carried through to completion should be saved by cancellation, though it will mainly operate to the relief of future Estimates.

Will the money saved on this flying boat be expended on other types of aircraft?

The money will be expended on work that is considered to be more urgently necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the present position with regard to the negotiations with the Persian Government for the continued passage of British civil aircraft over Persia; and whether he can make any statement upon alternative proposals in the event of the failure of the negotiations?

Negotiations with the Persian Government are still in progress. Alternative proposals are also under active consideration by His Majesty's Government, but at the present juncture my Noble Friend is not in a position to make any further public statement on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many fare-paying passengers landed at Karachi from aircraft of Imperial Airways, Limited, journeying from England to India; and if he will state the cost per passenger to the British taxpayer through the operation of the existing subsidy arrangements?

I understand that the number of fare-paying passengers travelling from London to India in the aircraft of Imperial Airways is at present approximately 75 per annum. It is not practicable to state the cost per passenger to the British taxpayer; the subsidy is paid in respect of a service which carries passengers, mails and freight, and no allocation can be made between the different categories.

Could my right hon. Friend say if a subsidy at the rate of £1,800 per ton costs the taxpayer two and a half times the fare that a passenger pays?

No. If I was in a position to give the actual figure, I am certain that the figure which my hon. and gallant Friend has just quoted would not be the correct one.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us if it is not the case that we have air machines weighing 13 tons used as bombers, with engines six tons in weight, that are capable of doing all the damage—

Order.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any additions have been made during the current financial year to the list of light aeroplane clubs approved for subsidy?

Yes, Sir; two such additions have been made, the Herts and Essex Aero Club and the Eastern Counties Aeroplane Club.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether there is being retained in the Air Ministry a section, appropriately staffed for supervising and correlating such airship research as is proceeding and contemplated and for watching foreign developments; and, if so, what is the number of admini- strative and of technical staff thus employed?

A nucleus staff consisting of an airship pilot, a technical officer, and such clerical and other assistance as is necessary is being maintained at Cardington under the Superintendent of the Royal Airship Works for experimental work and for the purposes indicated in the question.

I want to put it to you, Mr. Speaker, if I shall be in a position to put the same question to the Under-Secretary of State for Air as I put to the First Lord of the Admiralty, to which he did not reply. Is it not the case that submarines and battleships are now obsolete because the aircraft are now able to carry torpedoes that used to be carried by battleships and submarines?

Order!

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of hours flown per fatal accident in the Royal Air Force for the years 1929,1930, and 1931?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the exhaustive speech made in 1927 by the then Prime Minister after he had made a. personal investigation of the question of Air Force accidents in which he explained in some detail the undesirability of publishing statistics of this character. My Noble Friend is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of the Service to depart from previous practice in this regard.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the number of fatal accidents to users of motor-cycles, he will take steps to introduce legislation forbidding pillion-riding on these machines?

No, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation on the subject?

I am always happy to receive deputations.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the representations from the four main railway companies on the question of the effect on railway traffic of the competition of road transport; and whether he intends taking any action on the matter?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the recently published memorandum of the main line railways in relation to road transport, handed to him on the 26th ultimo; and what action is contemplated by His Majesty's Government in regard thereto?

The information and representations which I have recently received from the railway companies in regard to this important matter in which many other bodies are also concerned, are now being carefully examined.

Does not my hon. Friend consider that the railways of this country are unfairly handicapped in regard to motor transport; and in view of the large capital involved, much of which is held by small investors, will he give the matter most serious consideration?

I do not think that that arises out of the answer.

asked the Minister of Transport on what grounds he, on the 9th October, allowed the London General Omnibus Company to extend its services between Slough and Windsor, thereby reversing the decision of the 22nd May, 1931, by the traffic commissioner, southern area, in view of the fact that many small owners had already been refused a licence to continue existing services, their applications being in almost every case opposed by the London General Omnibus Company on the ground that the services on this road were already sufficient?

The company lodged appeals against certain decisions of the commissioners on four through services on a route of which the road in question formed part. An inquiry was held into these appeals on 6th August, and after careful consideration of the report of the proceedings at that inquiry and of all the relevant circumstances, my predecessor decided to make orders on the commissioners requiring them to modify their decision in regard to three of the four appeals.

In view of the fact that this decision of the Minister is in direct variance with the expressed intention of the Minister in the House that he will give a fair deal to the small owners, will he reconsider this case?

No evidence has been produced that a fair deal has not been given in this case.

Is it not a fact that eight small omnibus owners were turned off this bottle-neck through Eton, and that extended facilities have since been given to the General Omnibus Company?

It is obviously impossible, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman will appreciate, to discuss the details of cases, which take days to try, across the Floor of the House at Question Time. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman has anything in his mind that he would like me to investigate, I shall be glad to go into it.

How is one to get justice for one's constituents in these matters?

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the relationship between the principle involved in this question and that involved in the preceding question?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that small omnibus owners are not permitted to present their own case when before the commissioners and are compelled to go to the cost of employing counsel; and will he take steps to alter this system?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. It is open to anyone who is entitled to appear as applicant or objector, to present his case personally before the traffic commissioners.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that in the north of England the Commissioners have refused to hear small omnibus owners except when represented by counsel?

I am not aware of such a case, and I doubt if one exists, but I shall be glad if the hon. Member will lay the facts before me.

Can the hon. Gentleman take steps to simplify this procedure? Is he not aware that the great combines can employ very costly counsel, and that the small man has therefore no chance; and can the hon. Gentleman take steps to prohibit legal representatives in this matter and let applicants put their own cases?

I had previously indicated my desire to see that everyone appearing before the Commissioners has an absolutely fair chance, but I obviously cannot go so far as the hon. Gentleman suggests.

Will the hon. Gentleman just visit one of these courts when they are examining cases? I am sure that he will agree that the small man has no chance.

I visited one last Thursday.

Is the Minister aware that some small omnibus owners have had to give up their right of appeal because of the expense involved?

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable expense in having typewritten copies of the evidence taken, and will he undertake that copies of the evidence will be distributed by the Commissioners?

Typewritten copies of the evidence are only necessary in the event of cases going to appeal.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is his intention to take any action in connection with the recommendations of the Third and Final Report of the Royal Commission on Road Transport during the current year?

I have these recommendations under careful consideration, but, even if I were in a position to arrive at definite conclusions, I doubt whether an opportunity for promoting legislation in the matter is likely to present itself during the present Session.

asked the Minister of Transport what developments are contemplated in the automatic traffic-signalling system in London, in view of its success in Oxford Street?

I hope to arrange for the extension of the use of automatic traffic signals with a number of the Metropolitan boroughs, and their councils have been advised that I am prepared to consider any proposals they may submit.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that when an omnibus belonging to a small company has to be examined the inspector compels the omnibus to be taken to a place he selects; and whether he will see that this practice is stopped and the omnibus examined in its own garage?

Where an owner has a number of vehicles for examination and is able to provide the necessary facilities it is the practice to examine them at the garage. Otherwise, in order that examination may be carried out efficiently and expeditiously it is the practice to assemble vehicles at centres where the necessary facilities exist. In selecting these centres every possible regard is paid to the convenience of the owner.

Is not the Minister aware that in the west part of the county of Durham, where there is garage accommodation where the omnibuses can be examined, they are still taken to a distance for examination?

I will go into that point.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider introducing legislation to give permission to all char-a-bancs and omnibuses which were on the road previous to the passing of the Road Traffic Act, if found to be in good condition, to continue to run as they are?

No, Sir, I am satisfied that compliance with the conditions of fitness for public service vehicles, laid down in the regulations made under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, is essential for the safety and convenience of the public.

Is t he hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread and justifiable resentment among motor hirers and garage proprietors generally against the ridiculous and harassing restrictions placed upon them by the operations of this Socialist Act? May I also ask whether it is the avowed intention of His Majesty's Government to drive private enterprise off the roads altogether

I think that argumentative question ought to be put on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is prepared to amend the provisions of the Road Traffic Act with regard to led horses to eliminate the dangers involved in the present system of leading?

My hon. Friend no doubt refers to the paragraph in the Highway Code on this subject. The paragraph was determined only after full discussion with organisations representing persons interested. While I cannot undertake to make any alteration at present, I shall be happy to consider any further representations that may be made when the Code comes to be reviewed.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that many people who lay up their private motor cars for the winter months would make use of one-day or week-end licences; and if he will consider the possibility of issuing such licences, at any rate during the winter months when many cars are always laid up?

I appreciate fully the point raised by the hon. Member. I have very carefully and sympathetically considered this suggestion, but I am convinced that the administrative difficulties are such as to preclude its adoption.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made any offer of financial assistance to the London County Council in respect of the rebuilding of Waterloo Bridge; if so, what is the nature of the offer; and whether he will press upon the council the necessity of getting rid of the present structure?

I informed the Chairman of the Improvements Committee of the London County Council on the 26th January that if after considering the alternative of a Temple Bridge, the council should decide in the exercise of their discretion as the responsible highway and improvement authority, that the only satisfactory course is to replace Waterloo Bridge and erect a new one to take six lines of traffic, the Government would not feel justified in intervening and would make a grant out of the Road Fund of 60 per cent. of the cost.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the ordinances authorised by the Government of India have been put in force in their entirety by the Government of Bombay?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason for the continuous disorder in Bombay, when in other parts of India things are quietening down?

The Government of Bombay have peculiar difficulties to deal with, but my hon. and gallant Friend will be wrong if he assumes that the steps they are taking are not proving successful.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether political prisoners in India are allowed to receive visitors other than their relations?

Visits are not confined to those from relatives. Each application is carefully considered on its merits.

Is it not rather inadvisable to allow interviews with Gandhi to be published in the Press?

It is the desire of the Government of India that no such interviews should be given or should be published.

Arising from the original reply, and following the statement made about troubles in India, I would like to ask the Secretary of State if he will not release those two Englishmen, Bradley and Spratt, who have been three and a-half years in gaol and have not been tried? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] English liberty under the Union Jack. And you will not let me mention it. "Oh, liberty, what things are done in thy name!"

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will take steps to prevent any members of the All-World Gandhi Fellowship of New York obtaining passports which would enable them to land in India?

The organisation in question is not, according to my information, of any great importance, and I hesitate to take any general action on the lines suggested. A passport for India would, of course, be refused to any member of the organisation whose presence in India is known to be undesirable.