asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the advisability of proposing, if necessary, the calling of a special meeting of the Assembly of the League of Nations to deal with the Far Eastern dispute?

My hon. Friend will realise that his suggestion is superfluous when I remind him that the representative of China has already asked that the Assembly should be summoned.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Assembly is likely to meet?

No, Sir, I cannot say that, because it has not yet been decided.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider proposing that the Council of the League of Nations should put into force in the case of Japan the resolution concerning the application of Article 16 of the Covenant adopted by the Assembly of the League on 4th October, 1921, for the withdrawal of ambassadors and ministers and the establishment of an effective blockade of the seaboard of the covenant-breaking State; and whether these matters have already been under consideration by the Council of the League?

No, Sir. The question of responsibility for the unhappy situation at Shanghai was taken into consideration by the Council of the League of Nations under the provisions of Article 15 of the Covenant. Before the Council had received the statements of the parties, the Government of China claimed to withdraw the question from the Council and to submit it for decision to the Assembly. In these circumstances, His Majesty's Government would regard it as most improper to form a judgment upon a matter which is under the judicial consideration of a tribunal in which they form a part, and they would deprecate any suggestion that they have reached any premature conclusion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had any recent information from Mukden or elsewhere as to the proposal to form a new independent State in Manchuria?

I have seen a report on this matter in this morning's Press, but I have, as yet, no official confirmation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the Japanese Government that this country will not recognise the new State, as it would be contrary to the Nine-Power Treaty?

I must, of course, first make sure as to the question of fact.

Would it not be better that they should protest now, rather than wait until they are faced with a fait accompli?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Mr. H. G. Parkes, an English schoolmaster, was attacked on 14th February by 50 Japanese reservists in Hongkew; whether he will make inquiries as to the injuries sustained by Mr. Parkes; and whether he will demand an apology and compensation from the Japanese Government for this outrage on a British subject?

I am awaiting a report on the matter, and cannot say anything further until it has been received and considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the invasion of China by a Japanese army, His Majesty's Government will approach the Governments of the United States, France, Italy, and Germany with a view to taking concerted action, such action to take the form of issuing a strong protest to the Japanese Government followed, if necessary, by the withdrawal of Ambassadors and the severance of trade relations?

No, Sir. The present situation in the Far East is before the League, of which His Majesty's Government is a member, and His Majesty's Government will continue to act in close collaboration with the Powers there represented and with the Government of the United States of America.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this situation is growing graver every day, and is menacing our position and prestige in the East?

I am fully conscious, as I am sure the hon. Member is, of the gravity of this matter, and we are all acting with every sense of responsibility.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the League of Nations is doing anything effective?

I am quite sure it is doing its best.

If the right hon. Gentleman will allow me, that was not what I asked. I asked him if he was satisfied that the League of Nations was doing anything effective in this matter, because the general opinion is to the contrary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the grave danger to Australia and other parts of the British Empire unless steps are taken to stop this Japanese aggression?

I hope that my hon. Friend will do me the justice to believe that I have not altogether forgotten Australia.

Does the Foreign Secretary think that the League of Nations can do anything?

Order!

asked the secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, despite the promises of the Japanese authorities to the British and other consuls, a, Japanese army has landed in the international settlement at Shanghai; and whether he proposes to take any steps to protest against this action?

As stated in answer to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bow and Bromley. (Mr. Lansbury) on the 9th February, His Majesty's Government have on three occasions made it clear to the Japanese Government that they could not approve of the use of the Settlement as a base for operations outside it. His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai has now protested to the local Japanese authorities against the use of the Settlement as a channel for military operations unconnected with the defence of the Settlement. The Japanese Government have, however, stated that the purpose of the reinforcements is the defence of the Settlement and of Japanese nationals.

Are we powerless to do any more than we are doing?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the last report of the consular commission of inquiry in Shanghai; whether he has taken note of the summary execution of residents in the international settlement, and of other excesses committed within the settlement by Japanese marines, reservists, etc.; and whether His Majesty's Government will inform the Japanese Government, either independently or together with the other Powers, concerned; that it will be held responsible for all damage done by Japanese military and marines to residents in the international settlement?

I understand that the report was telegraphed to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations on the 12th February. It forms part of the material now being considered collectively by the League, and I cannot anticipate the attitude it may be desirable to adopt in regard to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any licences have been granted to any company or group of armament manufacturers in this country during recent months to export armaments of any kind to Japan?

Yes, Sir.

Can we have the names of the firms who are exporting armaments to Japan and China?

No. It has not been customary to give that information.

Have the Government considered ceasing the grant of licences for the export of arms during the disturbances in China?

I cannot at this stage go beyond the answer given by the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams) on the 4th instant.

Is it not the case that during the last Government names were given?

I think the hon. Member will find that he is mistaken. The practice that I have stated has been adhered to by my predecessors.

Does the hon. and gallant Member not think that it is most undesirable to carry on this export trade and to encourage war like this?

The hon. Baronet is asking for my opinion.

Will the Chinese also have equal facilities for purchasing their arms here?

Licences have not been withheld in either case up to the present time.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the public statement by Brigadier-General Fleming at Shanghai to the effect that if the Chinese invaded the settlement he would shoot them down; and whether, without interfering in any way with policy, he will recommend those on the spot to avoid phrases which may excite hostility?

I am aware that a Press report to this effect has been circulated, but Brigadier Fleming has reported that it is untrue. I do not consider that any action of the kind suggested in the last part of the question is necessary.

Would it not be as well to extend that recommendation to the pseudo-pacifists on the Socialist Front Bench who are trying to plunge us into war with Japan?

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement, as to a communication from the Council of the League of Nations to Japan?

I have information from Geneva that the Council of the League of Nations, other than the Chinese and Japanese representatives, addressed a Note in the nature of an appeal last night to Japan; but its contents are not yet made public. I understand, however, that the Council are publishing it this evening. That being so, after its issue by the League, I shall be glad to meet the convenience of the right hon. Gentleman and the House by having it printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-night.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has any information as to what is happening in Shanghai to-day? I am sorry that I have not been able to give him notice of this question, and I only heard of something happening just before I came into the House.

I have no information which I can give in answer to that question. Of course, we are all aware of what is reported in the Press, and I will, make it my business to see if I have any specific information which I ought to give in answer to the question, and, if so, I may communicate with the right hon. Gentleman later in the day.

The only point that I would urge on the Government for consideration in this position is that there is very great danger of nationals other than Japanese coming into the range of the hostilities, owing to the fact that the Japanese are attacking from the Settlement, and in self-defence the Chinese apparently have to fire into the Settlement. I would like to be quite sure that His Majesty's Government are making the strongest possible effort to get these proceedings stopped at the earliest possible moment.

My right hon. Friend will have, in mind, I am sure, that I answered a question which was asked this afternoon, and pointed out that we had made strong representations on the use of the International Settlement as a base of operations. I think that if he will look at the answer I gave, he will see that we have that consideration in mind.

In the newspapers to-day there are reports of British casualties in Shanghai. Apart from taking the Leader of the Opposition into his confidence, would the right hon. Gentleman not do what has been done on previous occasions by making a statement to the House later in the day?

If I get any further information, I shall certainly do so. I was not picking and choosing. I shall be glad to give the whole House the information if I receive it.

"As the President of the Council on behalf of his colleagues pointed out on the 29th of January in an appeal addressed to both parties, good relations between States can only be secured by co-operation and mutual respect and no permanent solution can be achieved by force, whether military or merely economic. The longer the present situation continues, the wider the breach between the two peoples will become and the more difficult the solution will be, with all the disasters that that would mean not only to the two nations directly involved but to the world in general.

The 12 members of the Council, other than the Chinese and Japanese representatives, feel constrained to-day to make a pressing appeal to the Government of Japan to recognise the very special responsibility for forbearance and restraint which devolved upon it in the present conflict, in virtue of the position of Japan as a member of the League of Nations and a permanent member of its Council.

The situation which has developed in the Far East during the past months will be fully studied by the Commission appointed with the consent of both parties. But since the Commission was set up there have occurred, and are still occurring, events at and near Shanghai which have intensified public anxiety throughout the world, which endanger lives and interests of nationals of numerous countries, and to the unexampled difficulties with which the whole world is faced in the present crisis and threaten to throw new and serious obstacles in the path of the Disarmament Conference.

The 12 members of the Council are far from disregarding the grievances advanced by Japan, and throughout all these months have given her the full confidence which they owed to an associate of long standing who had ever been punctilious in fulfilment of all her obligations and duties as a member of the Community of Nations.

They cannot but regret, however, that she has not found it possible to make full use of the methods of peaceful settlement provided in the Covenant; and recall once again the solemn undertaking of the Pact of Paris that a solution of international disputes shall never be sought by other than peaceful means. They cannot but recognise that, from the beginning of the conflict which is taking place on her territory, China has put her case in the hands of the League and agreed to accept its proposals for a peaceful settlement.

The 12 members of the Council recall the terms of Article 10 of the Covenant by which all members of the League have undertaken to respect and preserve the territorial integrity and existing political independence of all members of the League. It is their friendly right to direct attention to this provision, particularly as it appears to them to follow that no invasion of territorial integrity, and no change in the political independence of any member of the League, brought about in disregard of this Article, ought to be recognised as valid and effectual by members of the League of Nations.

Japan has an incalculable responsibility before the public opinion of the world to be just and restrained in her relations with China. She has already acknowledged this responsibility in most solemn terms by becoming one of the signatories to the Nine Powers Treaty of 1922, whereby the contracting Powers expressly agreed to respect the sovereignty, the independence, and the territorial and administrative integrity of China.

The 12 members of the Council appeal to Japan's high sense of honour to recognise the obligations of her special position, and of the confidence which the nations have placed in her as a partner in the organisation and maintenanec of peace."

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider making provision in the next Naval Estimates to replace M 2 by two submarines of smaller displacement specially designed to carry and discharge a high-speed seaplane, so as to provide a continuity of aircraft experiments from submarines in case of a mishap to one of these vessels?

No decision has yet been reached as to what, if any, steps will be taken to continue the experiments with aircraft in submarines. Time would in any case not admit of including provision in the Estimates for 1932.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the weight of the seaplane structure fitted to the M.2 submarine; if any difficulty in trimming for diving in the open sea or trimming in dock was experienced after fitting this structure; whether the provision of suitable surface escort, as provided in the early days of our submarine experimental work, has been abandoned; and, if so, for what reason?

The weight of the seaplane structure (hangar and catapult) fitted to the M.2 is 40 tons, compared with 120 tons in the same vertical position as originally designed for a 12-inch gun. Experience with the M.2 since she was fitted with the seaplane structure has proved that she was easy to control and trim under all conditions. In the early days of submarines, while they were still in the experimental stage, a surface escort was provided, but for over 20 years this precaution has been considered unnecessary except on those occasions when a submarine is carrying out trials of an experimental nature.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to state the cause of the accident to the M.2 submarine?

No, Sir. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Captain North) on the 10th February. I would mention, however, that the weather conditions at the end of last week rendered it impossible to make progress with the salvage operations, and opportunity is therefore being taken to improve the salvage equipment of His Majesty's Ship "Ted-worth," from which the diving operations are conducted. Weather permitting, she will then return to the position of the wreck.

Have not the Admiralty, after all their experience with submarines, and in view of the development of the aeroplane, come to the conclusion that the submarine is unnecessary and obsolete?

I cannot see how that question arises out of the question on the Paper.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that steps are being taken in private quarters to raise funds to maintain the dependants of those members of His Majesty's Navy who died in Submarine M.2; and whether he will consider making such dependants a charge upon public funds and make arrangements accordingly?

I am aware that funds are being raised privately for the assistance of the dependants of those who lost their lives in the M.2. The Regulations already provide for the grant of pensions and allowances from public funds to the dependants of an officer or man whose death is attributable to the Service. In the present instance the claims of dependants are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible, and several awards have already been made. But the fact that provision in such cases is made by the State need not prevent, and never has prevented, the public at large from expressing their sense of obligation and their sympathy in a practical way.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the ratings pay for the widows' pensions, but that by a decision of this House they are not allowed to receive them?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty seeing that it has been decided to reduce the personnel of the Navy, if he will authorise ratings with definite offers of employment to be permitted to resign and not be compelled to purchase their discharge?

Regulations already exist for the free discharge of ratings on compassionate grounds when, in the opinion of the man's commanding officer, it is impossible for the necessary money to be raised for discharge by purchase, and due consideration will continue to be given to all such applications. I regret it is not possible to grant general free discharge on the lines indicated by the hon. Member. The Admiralty have recently announced a certain relaxation of the rules for discharge whereby complete documentary evidence of hardships or prospective employment may be dispensed with if commanding officers are satisfied that applicants have reasonably sure prospects outside the Service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the dates upon which the three cruisers of the 1930 naval construction programme were laid down; what is the present state of construction of these ships; and whether work upon them is still being continued?

The cruisers "Achilles," "Neptune" and "Orion" were laid down on the 11th June, 24th September and 26th September, 1931, respectively. Work is proceeding normally on all three vessels with a view to the "Achilles" being launched in September, 1932, and the "Neptune" and "Orion" early in 1933.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has been informed of any reciprocal proposals for preferences from the Colonies arising out of the new tariff proposals of His Majesty's Government?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) on the 10th of February. I should add that I have received from Somaliland a specific proposal to increase the duties on foreign imports by 10 per cent. I have also asked the President of the Board of Trade to review the existing rates of duty in the Colonies which are free to grant preference in order to see where an adjustment in the rate of duty and the preference accorded would be of material benefit to British exports.

May we take it, then, that, as a direct result of the policy of His Majesty's Government, these matters are being reviewed, with the result that British trade will be encouraged and the same amount of revenue received?

I think it is fair to draw all those deductions.

In view of the postponement of the Ottawa Conference until the middle of the year, may I ask whether there is any chance of agreements being reached before that Conference and put into force if the Dominions are desirous of doing so?

That is a rather different point. This question was addressed on the subject of preferences between this country and the Colonies, and these, of course, are matters from day to day. With regard to the Dominions, I have already invited the Colonies to make any suggestions where an inter-Dominion and Colonial preference can be accorded. Some discussions, no doubt, will take place at Ottawa, but actually a number of matters are already under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in his reply to the foreign firms who apply to his Department for details of available sites for new factories, he will impress upon them the advantages possessed by Lancashire for such purposes?

It would, as I think my hon. Friend will realise, be impossible for any Government Department to adopt a suggestion whereby one area could be treated preferentially as compared with other areas.

Does not the hon. Gentleman recognise that Lancashire has hundreds of empty factories where the streets are finished, where power and public services are laid on, and where a very high standard of efficiency exists among the workpeople, who live around the factories, and that it would be a tremendous saving.

I have no reason to dispute any of those statements.

Are those statements not also equally applicable to Yorkshire?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that State subsidy payments for 1930–31 to Imperial Airways, Limited, on account of the Cairo-Karachi route, amount to approximately £1,800 per ton of passengers, freights, or mails transported, being equivalent to £180 per passenger carried, and that the passenger fare charged for this trip by the company is £58; and if he will bear this discrepancy in mind when the occasion arises for the review of the Government agreements with Imperial Airways, Limited?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave him on the 10th instant. To divide the number of passengers into the amount of the subsidy gives an altogether misleading result, since this service is not primarily a passenger service, but one for the carriage of mails, goods and passengers. Moreover, the present arrangements are for the initial years of the enterprise, and the subsidy is already fixed on a descending scale. All these factors will, however, be borne in mind when the agreements come to be reviewed.

Does my hon. Friend deny the accuracy of the figures in the question, which he denied last week?

I apologise to my hon. and gallant Friend. The figures in the question are approximately correct, but, if I might say so, I think they are totally irrelevant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, in view of the fact that the full terms of the original agreements with the British, Foreign and Colonial Corporation, Limited, and with Imperial Airways, Limited, in respect of European air services and air services between Egypt and India were published in detail, if he can state whether it is the intention of the Government to publish the full terms of the new subsidy agreements which supersede all these original agreements between the Air Ministry and Imperial Airways, Limited?

No, Sir; all the essential points of the two later agreements with Imperial Airways were brought to the notice of the House in Command Papers 3143 of 1928 and 3696 of 1930, and it is not customary in such cases to incur the considerable expense of issuing these very lengthy documents in full as White Papers.

In view of the fact that the information that we have in the publications which have been issued is only approximate, is it not relevant that we should have further details?

There is no secrecy about the terms of the agreement, but the documents are long, and in these days of financial stringency my Noble Friend is anxious to avoid costly expenditure on printing.

May we have a copy on the table of the Library?

If hon. Members desire it, there is no reason at all why copies should not be put in the Library.

Are we to understand that this is a case of the Government subsidising Imperial Airways, Limited? What representation has Parliament on Imperial Airways, Limited?

There are two Government directors on the board.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if the latest agreement with Imperial Airways of which the essential points were given in Command Paper 3696 contains any provision for the capital grant of £20,000 to the company as a contribution towards flying boats?

No, Sir; the grant to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was a special contribution to Imperial Airways, Limited, towards the first of the new flying boats on the trans-Mediterranean section of the England-India air route. It became necessary to arrange, for reasons not within the company's control, that the sea mileage should be extended and this involved an addition to the company's fleet not allowed for in the original terms of title agreement.

Is not this extra payment an extremely important and relevant fact to the taxpayers who have to find this extra money?

The question makes reference to a £20,000 grant. When do these two representatives of ours make a report to the House?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air for what percentage of entitled married officers in the Royal Air Force stationed in the United Kingdom, exclusive of headquarters in the London area, is accommodation provided upon the authorised scale?

Accommodation is provided for approximately 30 per cent. of these married officers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether special care has been taken, and instructions issued, so that the recent announcement that the flight through Africa of the Royal Air Force long-range monoplane will start on Friday next, the 19th instant, shall in no way prejudice the discretion of the pilots as to the time and date of their departure?

My hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. The 19th instant has not been officially announced as the definite date of departure for this flight. The intention is to make the attempt on that date or at the first suitable opportunity, but the actual date and time of departure will be decided on the spot at Cranwell in the light of all relevant considerations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many officers and men of the Royal Air Force lost their lives through accidents during the year 1931?

On the assumption that my hon. Friend refers to flying accidents, the answer is 72. Of these, nine were killed in a single accident of an exceptional character.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to facilitate the freeing of the Selby toll bridge in view of the hindrance to industrial development locally involved?

I can only express the hope that in more favourable circumstances the local authorities concerned may find it possible to review the problem created by the toll bridge at Selby and consider the possibility of building a by-pass road.

Is it the general policy of the Government to get rid of these obstacles to traffic wherever possible?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the systems of special licence or taxation per ton mile for long-distance heavy motor haulage adopted by Germany and America to secure revenue for road upkeep; and if he will consider the desirability for instituting some such system for this country?

I am aware of the stringent provisions of the recent Road Transport Order in Germany which compels any operator conveying goods for hire or reward over distances exceeding 50 kilometres to obtain a licence and to charge fixed rates, but I am not aware of any system of taxation for goods vehicles per ton mile. I should be glad to receive any information on the subject in the possession of my hon. and gallant Friend.

Is the Government prepared to send a representative to Germany to investigate and report upon what is done in this matter?

We are following closely the operation of the regulations in Germany.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can arrange to take at an early date the appeal of Messrs. Sharp's omnibus service, which runs between the Hazel Grove district and Stockport and Manchester, as well as Poynton and Woodford, against the decision of the traffic commissioners for the North-Western area?

Every endeavour is made to deal with appeals of this nature as quickly as possible. I may add that, pending the decision on an appeal, the applicant is permitted to continue the service which he is operating.

Will the Minister take into consideration that Messrs. Sharp created this service and that it is the best in a large neighbourhood? Also is he aware of the universal local indignation at the injustice of the decision of the traffic committee?

Is the hon. Gentleman also aware that it is only typical of many cases all over the country?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that indignation is felt by neighbouring constituencies which are affected by the service in question?

I hope the Minister will pay no attention to all this pressure that is brought to bear on him to try to crush this Measure because they think it is a piece of Socialism.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction on the part of the small motor omnibus owners in regard to the decisions given against them under the Road Traffic Act; and whether it is his intention to reconsider the method by which an appeal can be made against these decisions?

Representations were made to me as to the hardships inflicted on small operators whose services were curtailed or discontinued, and I issued certain General Directions, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, to the traffic commissioners for all areas. With regard to the second part of his question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte) on the 9th December last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that continual questions are being raised by those small owners of the hardships they experience, and will it be possible for him to simplify the procedure?

I have just referred to the general directions which I gave to the traffic commissioners in regard to dealing with any such case which might arise.

Is it possible for other hon. Members to get copies of these directions seeing that most of us are interested in the reply?

asked the Minister of Transport the means by which he proposes to ensure that the proposed class of 120-horse-power express lorries to carry goods from Penzance to London in 13 hours' running time will conform to the weight limits of loading and the rules of speed at various points, as laid down by the Road Traffic Act?

With regard to speed I would refer my hon. Friend to my recent reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Nottingham (Mr. O'Connor) of which I am sending him a copy. Highway authorities are empowered to test the laden weights of motor vehicles and may authorise police constables to act on their behalf.

asked the Minister of Transport how many inspectors were appointed by his Department to examine omnibuses; whether they had an examination to pass; and, seeing that the main part to go wrong is the engine, how many having engineering qualifications were selected?

Thirteen certifying officers and 112 public service vehicle examiners have been appointed in the 12 traffic areas (excluding the Metropolitan area). These officials were appointed by selection and not by written examination. The certifying officers are all qualified mechanical or automobile engineers with practical experience. With the exception of two or three men experienced in coachwork, all the vehicle examiners are men with practical experience of motor vehicle engineering.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that my union, the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, informed me that not a single engineer has been appointed by this Ministry to inspect engines and to approve omnibuses?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any saving has been incurred through the appointment of these inspectors in the running of omnibuses?

I can only say that before these officers were appointed, applications were made to the trade unions concerned, and a good many applications were received from them.

Cannot the Minister of Transport issue a White Paper telling us exactly how the process of selection is carried through, so that we may all have an equal chance?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the railway companies benefit by the De-rating Act in return for passing on the benefit to specific classes of commercial freight users, he is aware that in passing on this benefit the railway companies are differentiating between the same class of trader in different parts of the country; and whether, if the facts are laid before him, he will investigate them with a view to making representations to the railway companies concerned?

The traffics to benefit under the freight rebate scheme are specified in the Act. I am not aware of any differentiation by the railway companies such as my hon. Friend suggests, but any question as to whether a rebate under the scheme is allowable, or, as to the amount of such rebate, is one for the decision of the Railway Rates Tribunal.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether the building of the Forth road-bridge is being proceeded with; and, if so, what is the estimated cost;

No work is proceeding on these schemes.

Can my hon. Friend say when he expects to obtain the Treasury approval for the grant in respect of the Forth Bridge, and when the work will be proceeded with?

If the hon. and learned Gentleman means the Queensferry Bridge, the scheme has been suspended.

My right hon. Friend has misunderstood me. May I ask, in reference to the Kincardine-on-Forth Bridge, whether Treasury approval has been received and whether the work is proceeding?

There is another question later on the Paper referring to this specific bridge.

asked the Minister of Transport if any decision has been reached regarding the proposed Kincardine-on-Forth bridge?

I am considering the tenders obtained by the local authorities but have not yet arrived at any decision.

In view of the important nature of this scheme, will my hon. Friend consider, when decisions are made, the desirability of giving this particular undertaking priority?

I consider that the scheme is a good one, and I will see what can be done if funds are available.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, from a recent inquiry by the Yorkshire Voluntary Hospitals Committee relative to the number of third-party motor accidents treated in 36 hospitals in Yorkshire during the first six months' working of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, it appears that the total cost incurred by the hospitals for treating these cases amounted to £4,500, of which sum only £123 was recovered from accident insurance companies; and whether he will amend the Road Traffic Act accordingly?

While I sympathise with the difficulties of the hospitals, I am afraid I cannot see my way to introduce further legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can now state what action it is intended to take in respect of the recommendations of the Weir Committee on Railway Electrification?

I understand that the railway companies are conducting investigations into the problem of railway electrification in the light of the Weir report.

asked the Minister of Transport what purpose is served by the hoods fixed above the coloured lights on the traffic-control standards in the West End of London; whether the present design is of a temporary character; and, if so, whether he will arrange for the selection of an artistic design by open competition for permanent fixtures?

Hoods are needed in order to avoid the danger that would be caused by the reflection of sunlight from the signals. They also serve to mask the lights from drivers whose movements they are not intended to control. I have no doubt that the Departmental Committee on Road Traffic Signs which is now sitting will give due consideration to the matter. I have sent the Committee a copy of the hon. Member's question and my reply.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the present system of traffic control by means of three coloured lights is confusing to motorists and dangerous to pedestrians owing to the filtration of traffic which occurs while the warning light is showing; whether any tests have been made in this country of the two-light system at present in operation in New York; and whether he will cause experiments to be made in the West End of London with the two-light system before permitting the erection of permanent traffic-control lighting standards?

I regret that the hon. Member's question is not clear to me and I should be glad to discuss it with him. In any event, however, the question of light signals is under consideration by a Departmental Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in all cases of grants given to local authorities for the erection of traffic signals, one of the stipulations made will be that the apparatus must be of British manufacture?

Light signals now being erected are, I believe, almost universally of British manufacture, although it may prove necessary in isolated cases to experiment with devices not at present manufactured in this country.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the electric traffic-control signals which it is proposed to erect in Piccadilly are to be of British manufacture?

I see no reason why the highway authority concerned should have difficulty in obtaining any necessary apparatus from British manufacturers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of accidents that have taken place at Ludgate Circus since the installation of traffic signals, and the figures for a corresponding period previous to the use of automatic signals?

During the period of 19 months since the installation of these signals, there have been no fatal accidents and 27 non-fatal accidents involving personal injury (including injury to 19 pedestrians). During the previous period of 19 months there were one fatal accident and 27 nonfatal accidents (including injury to 18 pedestrians).

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement as to the Government's policy with regard to the rebuilding of Charing Cross bridge?

The late Government decided not to renew the offer of a grant towards this project, and the present Government is in accord with this decision.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider introducing legislation for the purpose of reducing the charges levied under the Road Traffic Act for the testing of petrol pumps?

Petrol pumps, used in trade for sale in individual quantities not exceeding 20 gallons, are required to be verified and stamped by the local authorities under the Weights and Measures Acts; and the fees are fixed by Order in Council under that Act and not under the Road Traffic Act. I have no reason to believe that these fees are excessive.

Will the hon. Member take cognisance of the fact that this is another addition to the already far too numerous restrictions on private enterprise?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider reducing the grants from the Road Fund to those local authorities who use foreign road-stone?

As I have already explained both inside and outside this House I deplore the use of foreign road-stone by highway authorities. My hon. Friend's point is, I think, met by a condition attached to all grants from the Road Fund towards the cost of works, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport, with regard to the memorandum he has received, prepared by the four main line railway companies, in which his attention is called to the heavy losses sustained by the railway companies as the result of road motor competition, whether he contemplates any action in the near future to adjust the balance between competing transport interests?

I have nothing to add at the moment to the answer which I gave on the 10th February to questions by the hon. Members for East Fulham (Sir K. Vaughan-Morgan) and Denbigh (Dr. Morris-Jones). I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the answer.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to an accident which happened on 5th February at Doddington, near March, Cambridgeshire, in which a woman was knocked down and killed by a relief omnibus, following the route of another omnibus at a distance of 35 yards; whether he is aware that the coroner's jury stated that they considered 35 yards to be a quite inadequate distance for omnibuses to follow one another; and whether he will issue regulations as to the distance to be preserved between a main and a relief omnibus following one another along the same route?

My attention has not been drawn to the accident to which my hon. Friend refers. As at present advised, I doubt whether this is a matter which could appropriately be dealt with by regulation, but the Highway Code recommends that the driver of a motor coach joining up with other motor coaches should not drive his vehicle close behind another.

asked the First Commissioner of Works under what circumstances the room near the Members' cloak-room was allocated to Welsh Members; whether all Welsh Members, irrespective of party, are entitled to use this room; and what Member is responsible for it?