asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Government of Kenya, in forwarding for consideration at Ottawa a statement of products which should have Imperial Preference, has omitted maize, which is one of the staple products in the Colony; and whether this is done at the instance of His Majesty's Government or as a result of the recent statement of policy on the subject?

Although a preference on maize was not specifically suggested by the Kenya Government, that Government made it plain that any variation in duties in this country or the Dominions which admitted of such a preference would be very beneficial to Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for India the yardage and value of British and Japanese cotton-piece goods, respectively, imported into India during 1924 and 1931?

The figures are as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any money has been allotted to the Refugees Committee, of the International Labour Office to assist the Ukrainian refugees who escaped across the Russian forntier and are now in Rumania in a destituite condition; what is the total sum granted; by what countries or country is this charge borne; and who is responsible for its distribution?

No, Sir; the International Labour Office is not concerned with the relief of the refugees in question. I understand, however, that a grant of 10,000 Swiss francs has been allotted by the Nansen International Refugee Office, this sum being provided from that part of the budget of this organisation which is contributed solely by private subscription and by the refugees themselves. This grant is being administered by the head of the Nansen Office in consultation with the Rumanian authorities.

asked the Home Secretary if in view of the inconvenience and annoyance caused to visitors to London by the absence from any omnibuses of direction boards showing the routes they traverse, he will take steps to accelerate the fixing of the new direction boards which they have promised?

More than nine-tenths of the omnibuses in service are already fitted with boards showing intermediate points on the route; and I am informed that the remainder are being dealt with as rapidly as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport the amount of depreciation which was written off the capital expenditure of £294,000 on the assets of the Leatherhead and District undertaking transferred to the London and Home Counties Joint Electricity Authority?

The transfer took place during 1931, and the published accounts of the Leatherhead and District Electricity Company for the year ending 31st December, 1930, show that the amount credited to Depreciation and Reserve Account at that date was £63,852. It is not the general practice of electricity supply companies to write down their capital expenditure until such time as particular assets disappear.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the trip across Africa by motor car by the chief transport officer of the Gold Coast colony is an official trip; and from what source will the cost of the trip be paid?

The official in question is proceeding on leave of absence in the ordinary course, and has been given permission to travel overland. Under the rules he will be paid from Gold Coast funds a sum equal to the cost of a direct passage by steamship, and will find the balance of his expenses himself.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the hardship caused to old employés by termination of their services through trade depression, he will introduce legislation making it obligatory on all employers of labour to provide contributory schemes of superannuation for all employés where such schemes are not now in operation?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot hold out any prospect of such legislation at the present time.