asked the Secretary of State for India whether the regiments which are being Indianised will be composed of officers and men of the same religious views, or whether Mohammedans and Hindus will serve together in the same unit without distinction of caste or creed?

The units now being Indianised will be composed of Mohammedans and Hindus serving together in the same unit. My hon. and gallant Friend will find details of their class composition in a reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Ardwick (Captain Fuller) on the 26th May.

In view of the very acute communal feeling at the present moment is it advisable to start a policy of this kind?

I do not think that these incidents need stop the policy on which we are engaged.

Is it a fact that there has been no communal trouble in the Indianised units?

Not so far as I know, but I should like to have notice of that question.

Is it proposed to put Mohammedan officers in charge of Hindu private soldiers and Hindu officers in charge of Mohammedan soldiers?

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give the House the latest information he has as to the situation in India?

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will inform the House as to the latest situation in India?

As regards the civil disobedience movement there has been little change in the general situation during the week. Attempts have been made in one or two provinces to rouse interest and create trouble by holding provincial conferences to confirm the resolutions which an attempt was made to pass at the recent Delhi Session. During the week there was a renewal of the communal rioting in Bombay City. My latest information is to the effect that the position is still unsatisfactory. The affected areas are being patrolled by the military, the return of the troops brought into the city has been suspended and the number of motor patrols increased.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the report of the Council of the Mercantile Marine Association, which discloses that one-sixth of our mercantile fleet lay idle in British ports in 1931 while 56,000 seamen of all grades were unemployed, he will request the Indian Government to encourage Indian manufacturers, shippers, and exporters to see that all exports to the Empire are, as far as possible, shipped British?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 5th May to my hon. Friend the Member for South-West St. Pancras (Mr. Mitcheson) by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade. My hon. Friend will, I think, agree with me that so long as a "Ship British" movement in this country is considered impracticable, the Government of India cannot reasonably be asked to initiate one in India.

Would my right hon. Friend also encourage British firms to see that their employés travel backwards and forwards between India and England in British ships?

I agree with my hon. Friend, but I think that the publicity given to this question will serve that purpose.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that passages paid for by the Government shall be made in British ships?

I have already answered one or two questions on that point, and I have given the House reasons why it is difficult to impose a rule of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give information in regard to the present situation in the rebellious districts in Burma and as to the progress that is being made in preparation for the forthcoming elections in Burma?

As regards the rebellion, the situation has continued satisfactory. A number of surrenders has followed that of Myat Aung, the Tharrawaddy leader, and it is hoped that it will shortly be possible to say that the rebellion is at an end. It will, however, be necessary to retain a considerable number of additional police for some time as crime is still abnormally prevalent. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that the necessary action is being taken in preparation for the elections to be held in the autumn.

May we assume that the position is distinctly better than it was 12 months ago?

Yes, Sir, certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that one of the qualifications for voters in Burma is payment of at least five rupees as thathamedi or capitation tax, any provision has been made by the Government in Burma that, in amending the present electoral rolls, the reduction of the above taxes by 25 per cent as a temporary relief measure will not affect the qualification of voters and deprive a large section of the population of their right to vote?

The temporary reduction of these taxes will not disqualify anyone previously entitled to vote.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the present electoral rolls in Burma were prepared at a time when active rebellion was widespread in districts having a large qualified electoral population, and in view of the important constitutional issues to be decided by the forthcoming elections in Burma, wider facilities for the amendment of the present electoral rolls will be given than those provided for in the Burma Government's notification dated 7th May; and whether, in view of the fact that the provision made in the notification permitting qualified voters wishing to amend the electoral rolls to apply to the headquarters of the enrolling officers is not adequate, as both distance and expense make these headquarters inaccessible to many qualified voters in the villages, arrangements can be made to enable voters in the villages and elsewhere to scrutinise the rolls at the offices of the village headmen and of other officials whose headquarters are of easy access to local voters?

I am informed that very full material was available to enrolling officers when the new electoral rolls were prepared last year and all those who were known to possess the qualification were included, however occupied at the time. The Government of Burma and I are satisfied that it is unnecessary to provide wider facilities for amendments to the rolls than those they have already announced. They are also satisfied that existing arrangements afford adequate facilities to voters in villages to scrutinise the rolls.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will bring to the notice of the Ottawa Conference the recommendation of the Simon Commission that the defence of the North-West Frontier of India should be an Imperial liability; and if he will press for a contribution from the Dominions in order to relieve India of some of the burden of military expenditure she now has to bear?

No, Sir. I do not think that the Ottawa Conference could suitably discuss such a proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will prepare an authoritative report, for circulation in foreign countries, illustrating the activities of the Congress party in India?

I shall consider my hon. Friend's suggestions, but I greatly doubt whether the demand would justify the expense of publishing a report of this kind in a number of foreign languages. Authoritative statements were, as my hon. Friend is aware, included in the Blue Book issued in February last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that subscriptions are collected in America for Congress activities in India, and will he take steps to counteract this?

We will take such steps as we can, but I am not quite sure that my right hon. Friend's suggestion is practicable. However, I will look into it.

Would not the expense be completely justified, as it would help to repel misrepresentations against Great Britain?

I do not think that I have anything to add to the answer which I have given to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for India the present position in regard to the negotiations instituted by the Government of India in connection with the establishment of air-mail communication between Karachi and Bombay?

The Government of India have recently concluded an agreement with Messrs. Tata Sons, Limited, for the operation by that firm of a weekly air mail service in both directions between Karachi and Madras via Bombay, to commence as early as possible but not later than the 15th September next, and to connect at Karachi with the London-Karachi air service.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will take immediate steps to put an end to the practice of the Indian Government of selling old Army horses to Indians, in view of the fact that Eastern ideas on humanity to animals are different to Western ideas and that unnecessary suffering is thereby caused to these horses?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that this matter is already receiving sympathetic consideration by the authorities in India. A copy of my hon. Friend's question will be sent to the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to give the result of the inquiry into the complaints against the police officers at Benares who wore accused of maltreating a number of young girls?

As great publicity has been given to these charges, the House will, I feel sure, expect me to answer this question in some detail.

The police officers charged in this case were honourably acquitted by the District Magistrate on the 18th May. He found that the police arrested eight women for causing a disturbance and took them to the Thana. The officer in charge was absent making investigations, but he was communicated with and, as soon as he heard that the women arrested were not persons of any importance, he ordered their immediate release, as is the usual procedure in such cases. They were accordingly released after about one hour's detention.

The District Magistrate noted that the preliminary inquiry, as the result of which the police officers were placed on trial, was worthless owing to the exclusion of any evidence which might have assisted the defence. The women arrested were not, as has been publicly stated, members of respectable families; all but one were Hindu widows who had left the protection of their husbands' families and had no visible means of support. It was significant that two attempts were made to stop the trial in open court. Letters were sent to the District Magistrate before the trial began purporting to be signed by the women concerned saying that they bore no grudge against the police and were satisfied now that the truth of their allegations had been demonstrated. It was ascertained during the trial that the signatories to these letters did not know what was written in them and the evidence indicated that throughout the proceedings the women in question had been merely tools in the hands of the assistant manager of the Aj newspaper in which the allegations were first published.

The District Magistrate concluded that the whole case against the police was false, that the story of the women being stripped was false, that the alleged beating had not taken place and that there was little doubt that the whole business was concocted for political purposes, either in revenge or to deter the police from dealing with women volunteers.

Will my right hon. Friend make inquiries in India as to whether any steps are being taken to prosecute for perjury persons, both in India and this country, who have repeated these statements?

I am already making such inquiries.

Were the women, who were alleged to have been the victims of this assault, examined?

Yes, certainly, I feel sure that that was the case.

Is it not a fact that the fabrication and publication of stories of this character are simply part of the Congress campaign of propaganda?

Yes, Sir; that certainly is the case, and this instance is another warning of the great risk of accepting gross and libellous statements of this kind.

What action is being taken against this particular newspaper?

That is one of the points about which I am making further inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is now in a position to give the census figures for 1931, showing the number of Buddhists in Burma and in other parts of India, respectively?

The figures are: Burma, 12,348,037.

Other parts of India, including the Indian States, 438,769.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the widows and families of officers of the Indian services who are the victims of assassination for political motives are granted special pensions in addition to such pensions as they are entitled to enjoy from any family pension funds to which the officers have subscribed?

Yes, Sir. The rules governing the grant of such pensions are contained in Chapter 38 of the Civil Service Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Bombay Government authorities have demanded double security from the "Bombay Chronicle," under an Emergency Powers Ordinance, in respect of an article in that paper criticising the authorities for neglect in dealing with the recent Bombay riots; and whether, in view of the assurance that action against the Press would only be used to prevent violence and terrorism and not to stifle expressions of public opinion, he will inquire as to the reasons for such action?

I have no official information, but if the article in question was of the nature stated it might be an offence against Section 63 of the Emergency Powers Ordinance which provides against attempts to bring Government into hatred and contempt. I consider that a malicious attempt to belittle the authority of the Government at a critical moment of communal strife would be tantamount to an incitement to disorder and would fully justify any action which it was legitimate to take.

If the right hon. Gentleman has made no inquiries on what ground does he say that the article contained reflections on the Governor?

Press reports have already been published in this country. If the Press reports are correct, a very gross attack was made on the Governor by this paper. Charges were levelled against the Government of Bombay of being responsible for the communal strife, and in those circumstances it was perfectly legitimate for the Government to put into operation these emergency measures.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to undertake to make inquiries, as the information I have received is that there was no sort of appeal whatever, apart from an appeal to the Government to intervene in the strife?

Yes, Sir; I will certainly make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that members of Congress and other political organisations in India who are now undergoing detention in prison receive grants from the Government of India which, in certain cases, exceed £1,000 a year as compensation for their detention, he will give the House a list of all persons now in receipt of such grants?

I am not in possession of this information, but, if my hon. Friend so desires, I will ask the Government of India to supply it. I should make it clear that allowances are not paid to any convicted persons, but only to State prisoners detained under the Regulations or under the Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these salaries and subventions are an encouragement to seditionists?

I had better first obtain the information before I answer the question.

asked the Secretary of State for India for what reasons the Government of India have agreed to pay the insurance premiums of a number of members of Congress and other organisations now detained in prison?

Bengal Regulation of 1818 and the Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act provide for the payment by Government of adequate allowances for the support of the detenus and their families. In a few cases insurance premiums on existing policies are paid where this is considered necessary, on an examination of each case, to prevent damage to the estate and when there are no other resources from which the policies can be met. In no cases are premiums paid on behalf of convicted persons.

Is not that a sort of come-to-gaol movement on behalf of the Government of India?

(for Mr. RHYS DAVIES) asked the Secretary of State for India whether any provision has been made by the Government of India to enable the Indian delegation to the forthcoming conference at Ottawa to have the assistance of non-official advisers representative of Indian workers' and employers' interests?

The Government of India are considering the appointment of expert advisers to their delegation. They are also informing inquirers in India that, if the commercial and industrial interests send representatives to Ottawa at their own expense, the Government have no doubt that the Indian delegation will be glad to avail itself of the advice of such persons as and when necessary, but that the question of their attendance at meetings and of allowing them access to Conference papers must be left to the decision of the Conference.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the British request for a committee of inquiry into the expenditure of the League of Nations has had to be withdrawn in view of opposition, it is intended to raise this matter on a future occasion by some other means; and whether the request was supported by those members of the League who have so far been unable to maintain their due subscriptions?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. It is true that His Majesty's Government's proposal in its original form, which was that an independent committee should be appointed to consider this question, was not adopted by the Council. It was, however, agreed on the suggestion of the United Kingdom delegate that the Supervisory Commission should examine the matter, associating with themselves for this purpose experts on the various questions which it was decided to discuss, and also that the Council should request the Assembly at its meeting in September to examine policy in the light of the need for economy. This resolution was adopted unanimously by the Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to make a statement of the economies recommended by His Majesty's Government in the cost of administration of the League of Nations; what reduction in the contributions of Great Britain and the other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations will be brought about if the contemplated economies come into operation; and from what date will the reduced contribution become effective?

No, Sir. I think my hon. Friend misapprehends what has taken place at Geneva. I have explained the decision taken by the Council of the League of Nations in my reply to-day to my hon. Friend, the Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine), and it will be apparent that no statement such as is suggested could be made at least until the Assembly of the League has received and examined the report of the Supervisory Commission.

Will my hon. Friend undertake to see that every effort is made by His Majesty's Government to reduce the present cost of administration of the League?

Is it not the case that we spend 90 times as much on preparations for war as on preparations for peace? Ought not this question of economy to be viewed in that light?

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it is very bad from the party and national point of view to have these old die-hard questions asked so often?

Why did not America come into the League?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any change is contemplated in the constitution of the League of Nations which will provide that in future only the representatives of those countries whose contributions have been discharged shall exercise voting power in the Assembly and in the various committees which operate under the general direction of the League?

The Assembly of the League has not hitherto been prepared to adopt a proposal to this effect.

Surely the time has come when this House ought to have a more definite declaration of policy from His Majesty's Government on this matter? Will the hon. Gentleman say how much longer we are to agree to allow non-contributing States to take part in the deliberations of the League and to come to decisions?

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the decision does not lie with the Government but with the League, and no decision will be taken until the League meets in September. Meanwhile, His Majesty's Government will watch the situation.

Is not this country the largest contributor to the funds of the League?

Seeing that the League never reaches a decision, it does not make any difference.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman persuade some of his friends to table a motion raising the question whether the League should be abolished or not?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any scheme of reorganisation with a view to reduced expenditure is being considered by the Government in relation to the activities of the International Labour Bureau at Geneva; and if a statement of revised costs of administration of this bureau will be submitted to Parliament?

The question of the expenditure of the League of Nations is not the concern of His Majesty's Government alone, but of all the members of the League. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom proposed that the expenditure of the International Labour Office should be inquired into at the same time as an examination was made into the rest of the expenditure figuring on the budget of the League, and I have already explained, in reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine) the decision taken by the Council of the League on His Majesty's Government's proposal.

Will my hon. Friend state to the House any particular advantage this country derives from the existence of the International Labour Bureau?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that every time they meet the governing body do their level best to curtail these heavy charges, but find it difficult to do so on account of the extra, work which is thrown on them?

It needs an inquiry to clear these matters up.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the United States of America subscribes to the International Labour Bureau?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what decisions were arrived at by the Council of the League of Nations with regard to Liberia; and whether the offer made by Lord Cecil to find a representative of the League who would go to the Kru district and investigate was accepted?

The Council of the League have accepted, in principle, the recommendations of the Liberia Committee, which include a general and comprehensive scheme of reform for the internal administration of Liberia, involving the appointment of a limited number of foreign administrative and advisory officials. The putting into force of the scheme is, however, dependent upon its prior acceptance by the Liberian Government and by the Finance Corporation of the United States, both of whom have been invited to make their attitude known by the beginning of August at the latest. The offer referred to in the second part of the question has been endorsed by the Council, and a member of the League Secretariat has been selected for the task, which is not one of investigation—that has been done already—but of pacification. The offer is, however, subject to certain conditions relating to the powers to be enjoyed by the League's representative and the method of defraying his expenses. The Liberian Government have not, so far as my right hon. Friend is aware, as yet accepted these conditions.

(for Mr. RHYS DAVIES) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a petition sent to the League of Nations by the Ukrainian minority in Poland, protesting against the settlement of Polish ex-service men and members of Polish military organisations as colonists on land in Ukrainian Eastern Galicia, was declared by the League Secretariat last February to be urgent, and recommended to be placed on the agenda of the Council; and whether, in view of the lapse of time, he can state when this petition will be considered by the League Council?

The petition to which the hon. Member refers was, in accordance with the usual procedure, referred to a committee of three for examination. The committee has reported to the Secretary-General to the effect that, as the result of their examination, it was unnecessary to bring this question to the notice of the Council of the League. I may add that the letter of the committee to the Secretary-General giving their reasons for their decision will be published, in due course, in the Official Journal of the League, and will then be available in the Library of the House.

Will it also be available to the people of the Ukraine, who made the complaint?

Presumably it will be available to anyone who asks for it.

(for Mr. RHYS DAVIES) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government is satisfied that, apart from the question submitted to the Permanent Court of International Justice, the terms of the Memel Convention are now being observed; whether the recommendation of the League of Nation's Council on 20th February that a directorate should at once be appointed, possessing the confidence of the chamber of representatives, in conformity with the provisions of the convention has been carried out; whether the régime of martial law will now be withdrawn; and whether the rifle organisation created by the Lithuanian Government has been disbanded?

As the hon. Member is aware, a number of questions at issue between the Powers signatory to the Memel Convention and the Lithuanian Government with regard to the interpretation of the Memel Statute have already been submitted to the Permanent Court of International Justice for decision. There are, however, certain other matters relating to Memel which have been under discussion between these Governments and which are not yet finally settled. As regards the appointment of a new Directorate, the position is that M. Gylys, the Governor, has arrived at Memel and is engaged in negotiations for the formation of a Directorate. As regards the third part of the question, my right hon. Friend has received no information of any change. The last part of the question refers, presumably, to the "Sauliu Sajunga," the Lithuanian National Defence Corps. My right hon. Friend has no information that the disbandment of this volunteer force, which exists throughout Lithuania, has ever been under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state to which Governments invitations have been issued to be represented at the Lausanne Conference, and the main items, in addition to reparations and war debts, comprised in the agenda circulated to such Governments; and whether any matters not on the agenda as circulated have been put forward by any Government for inclusion in the agenda?

Invitations to be represented at Lausanne on the 16th of June have now been sent on behalf of the six inviting Powers to the other Governments concerned with German Reparations, namely, those of Czechoslovakia, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Rumania and Yugoslavia, and also to His Majesty's Governments in the British Dominions concerned, and the Government of India. When the Conference comes to deal with other questions, invitations will no doubt be sent to any other Governments concerned. The terms of reference of the Conference are, as stated in the communiqué issued to the Press on the 13th of February last—

"to agree on a lasting settlement of the questions raised in the report of the Basle experts and on the measures necessary to solve the other economic and financial difficulties which are responsible for, and may prolong, the present crisis."

No detailed agenda for the Conference has been drawn up or circulated and the last part of the question does not therefore arise.

In the event of matters other than war debts and reparations being discussed, will invitations be sent to countries other than those which were belligerents in the late War?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will read the answer, he will see that that point is covered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the practice of recalling a member of the Chinese consular service for a short period of duty at the Foreign Office is still being followed; and, if not, when was this practice discontinued and for what reason?

The practice referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is still being followed.

Is it not a fact that the present representative of the service has been there for eight years and that previously no officer was there more than a year or a year and a half?

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what is the present strength of the armed forces of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, east of Lake Baikal; and whether these forces have recently been increased?

I have seen reports in the Press that these forces have recently been increased, but no detailed statement on this subject has been made by the Soviet authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that over two and a-half years have now elapsed since the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Russian Soviet Government; and, seeing that the settlement of the debts due to British nationals was one of the conditions of that resumption and that the Soviet Government have now declined to make any proposals or even to define their attitude in the matter, whether he will inform the House as to the action which His Majesty's Government propose to take as the result of the consideration they have been giving to the situation which has now arisen?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend, the Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Burnett) on the 7th of April last. As regards the second part of the question, the circumstances of the discontinuation of the negotiations, and the attitude of the Soviet Government, were clearly set forth in the note to the Soviet Ambassador, which was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT in reply to my hon. Friend's question on the 2nd of February.

Is it realised by the Government that a Government which delayed taking action month after month on a matter in which its nationals are seriously concerned is seriously damaged in its prestige and credit both at home and abroad, and does he not think that it is about time some overt action was taken in the matter?

If my hon. Friend will be good enough to consult the note to which I have referred him, I think he will find that the point of view of His Majesty's Government is very fully and frankly stated.

Is it not perfectly obvious that the Soviet Government have no intention whatever of carrying out their honourable obligations, and what action does the Government propose to take?

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, if the question put by the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) reflecting on a friendly State is in order?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the full reply which I have already given.

(for Mr. BOOTHBY) asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can make any statement regarding the trade negotiations with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

No, Sir. I have nothing for the moment to add to what has already been said on this subject.

Can my hon. Friend give any indication when the Government will be able to give an answer?

Not at this stage, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government are keeping the matter before them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will request the German Government to inform him as to the nature of the recent negotiations to alienate the equities of the Hamburg Waterworks, in view of the fact that a loan was raised publicly in Great Britain on the security of those waterworks and in reliance on the good faith of the City of Hamburg towards British investors?

My right hon. Friend has no official information on this subject, but he has caused preliminary inquiries to be made and these hardly confirm the facts of the case as suggested by my hon. Friend. A report on the matter is, however, being called for.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the members of the Governor-General's Council of the Sudan receive any extra pay or allowance for their duties as members of Council; and, if so, what is the amount of this allowance and when was it first granted?

A committee was appointed in 1927 to investigate all possible means of making the Sudan Service, which suffers under the disadvantage of being self-contained, a sufficiently attractive career. As a result of its recommendations it was decided to increase the pay of certain senior officers in the Service, including members of the Governor-General's Council, the Chief Justice, Heads of Departments and Governors of Provinces. A Provision was consequently introduced that any member of Council other than the four ex officio members should receive a special allowance of £250 per annum. This was first granted in 1928. Four members of Council are now receiving this allowance. The increases granted in 1928, which, it will be seen, were not confined to members of Council, have been to all intents and purposes cancelled by the 10 per cent, cut imposed last January to which my right hon. Friend referred in his reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 9th of May.

Is it not the case that these cuts amounted to only 7½ per cent on the total salary?

I think it was 10 per cent., and 20 per cent in the case of the voluntary cuts.

Is there not a representative of the Treasury in Khartum looking into all these matters, especially from the point of view of the taxpayer?

I believe that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any assurance that the terms of the Sino-Japanese armistice are being carried out; whether the conditions agreed on are in process of fulfilment; and whether the boycott and anti-Japanese agitation in Shanghai have ceased?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. I have received no recent reports on the boycott and anti-Japanese agitation in Shanghai.

In the event of the disorder continuing and the Chinese courts refusing to convict, will the British Government, being represented on the International Commission, be responsible for the maintenance of the law?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report from the British Consul at Hankow on the increasing menace of Communist bands in the neighbourhood of Hankow; and what steps are being taken for the protection of the lives and property of British subjects?

His Majesty's Consul-General reported at the end of March that the Communist menace to Hankow was very serious, but my right hon. Friend has received no indication of any im- mediate threat to British life and property. His Majesty's Naval and Consular authorities have standing instructions under which they are enabled to take necessary measures for the protection of British life and property should the need arise.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the increase of communism on the Yangtse, in Hunan, and certain other provinces is one of the most serious aspects in China to-day?

I believe that my answer indicates the view of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the total strength of the foreign defence forces at Shanghai; and in what proportions is that strength distributed amongst the Powers of the International Settlement?

Excluding the Volunteer Corps, the strength of the foreign defence forces of the International Settlement at the present time is approximately 14,000, distributed among the several Powers as follows:

				Per cent.
Japanese	…	…	…	36
British	…	…	…	23
American	…	…	…	20
French	…	…	…	16
Italian	…	…	…	5

Are any of these forces regular soldiers?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any communication from the German Government in regard to the Gleich International Circus having been refused admission into this country; and if he will state the nature of any such communication?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The German Government have protested against the withdrawal of permission for the Gleich Circus to come to this country on the ground that this is contrary to the provisions of the Treaty of Commerce between the United Kingdom and Germany, and they reserve the right of the owners of the circus to put forward a claim for damages.

May I ask the Under-Secretary whether, owing to the misunderstandings in this case, he will use his good offices with the German Government so that they will not carry out reprisals against English artists who may desire to go to Germany?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in the negotiations with the United States Government, since the British note of February-last, regarding the regulation of weekend cruises by foreign ships from New York or other United States ports and stopping so-called unfair competition against United States ships in the matter of services to the West Indies?

No negotiations on this subject have taken place with the Government of the United States, though I understand that there were negotiations between the private shipping interests concerned. The purpose of the communication of last February, to which my hon. Friend refers, was to draw the attention of the United States Government to the serious disadvantages to international intercourse of the measures on this subject now before Congress. His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington is continuing to keep these questions under close observation.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he has any figures to show an increase of purchases by Denmark in the United Kingdom of jute wrappers?

Yes. The imports of jute wrappers into Denmark from the United Kingdom during the first three months of this year were more than double those for the same period last year. The actual figures are 230.3 metric tons against 106.7 metric tons.

Is it not a fact that this is mainly due to the increased export trade, in spite of what is said by certain persons to the contrary?

My hon. Friend must form his own opinion on that point.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the average cost per acre of the administration and legal expenses spent by county councils on their small holdings; and what percentage of the total rents received did these management expenses amount to?

I regret that this information is not available.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman sent officials to approve of the provision of small holdings in the county?

That is another matter.

If they sent officials down there to approve of the small holdings, would they not also have some knowledge of the finance which those suggestions entailed?

If I were to get the information which my hon. and gallant Friend desires, it would mean circularising all the county councils, and I do not think that, at the present time, the expense of doing that would be justified.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the preparation of another report, on the lines of the 1925 report, on the agricultural output of England and Wales?

A similar report in respect of last year is in course of preparation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to eradicate epizootic abortion in cattle?

Contagious abortion in cattle has not been made a notifiable disease as it does not lend itself to legislative control. Veterinary research has. however, made available a reliable test by which affected animals can be detected and also an immunising agent suitable for use in heavily infected herds. As I have already announced, the Government is undertaking an investigation into the means of securing a reduction of disease amongst dairy herds, and contagious abortion is one of the diseases included in this inquiry?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the cause of the delay in dealing with the importation of foreign pig products; and whether his attention has been called to the difficulties that agriculturists are experiencing in maintaining breeding stocks of suitable pigs during the present uncertainty?

I fully appreciate the importance of the matters to which my hon. and gallant Friend calls attention, but I am not aware of any avoidable delay. Further action must wait the report of the Reorganisation Commission for pigs and pig products.

Does that mean that the Reorganisation Commission has power to deal with the importation of foreign products?

No, Sir. My hon. and gallant Friend is well aware that under the terms of reference they have full power to inquire and produce every possible scheme, on which the Government may take action.

When may we expect a statement on this matter?

I cannot say definitely until the Commissioners report, but they are very well aware of the urgency of the matter.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government, before the House rises, to devote a day for Debate on the Ottawa Conference in order that the policy of the Government can be stated to the House?

My hon. Friend may not be aware that the Leader of the Opposition gave notice on Tuesday last that he would raise this question on an appropriate Supply Day.

On that occasion, will the Government give a clear indication to the country of what is their policy?

I think the hon. Member must wait until the Supply Day comes.

asked the Postmaster-General whether local opinion, and in particular that of the Stockbridge Urban District Council, was taken into consideration before deciding to transfer the sub-post office at Deepcar, near Sheffield, to new premises; whether he is aware that the new premises are inconvenient for users of the post office and are situate away from the main street at the bottom of a narrow dangerous hill; and whether he will consider reviewing the case?

It is not the practice to consult local authorities before filling a vacant appointment for a sub-postmaster, although any representations received are duly considered. The appointment at Deepcar has been conferred on the candidate considered the most suitable for it. The now premises are only 70 yards from the former site, and, I am informed, are equally convenient for the public using the office.

asked the Postmaster-General when the report of the Committee now sitting on Post Office reform will be published?

I understand that the Committee are not yet in a position to say definitely when their report will be ready, but that they hope to report some time this summer.

asked the Postmaster-General what revenue was received for advertisements in. the first issue of 1,000,000 5s. books of stamps; what is the revenue for the second series of 1,000,000 about to be issued; and whether he will consider the desirability of increasing the number of ½d. stamps in the books of stamps?

In the first issue, the revenue from commercial advertisements was about £215 above the cost of production. In the forthcoming issue much more space is being devoted to advertisements of Post Office services; and the revenue from commercial advertisements will be about £70 below the cost of production. I will consider again the question of including more halfpenny stamps in the forthcoming edition of the 5s. book, but I have received few representations as to any re-arrangement such as the hon. Member suggests.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that this small sum is adequate for the advertisements in this publication?

I do not think my hon. Friend has followed my reply. I pointed out that more advertisements of Post Office services were going to be included in the forthcoming issue, and I think that the amount is reasonable in the circumstances?

asked the First Commissioner of Works if, in view of the fact that he proposes temporarily to close Richmond Park to riders in the afternoon, he will allow them to use the park after six o'clock during this period, as many of them are unable to ride in the mornings?

I will give this suggestion sympathetic consideration when the time arrives for taking action under the proposed new Regulations. I have already stated that I do not propose to use my powers to any greater degree than may be required to prevent the disfiguration of the park. Damaged areas have been sown with new grass seed, and, until the effect of this can be ascertained, I cannot say exactly what restrictions it will be necessary to impose.

Would my right hon. Friend be prepared to receive a small deputation of riders, in order that they may give him their views on this point?

My Department have already met two deputations in connection with this matter, and I went down to Richmond Park myself last Thursday afternoon. It is perfectly clear that, unless there is some restriction on riding, the turf cannot possibly recover in this wet year.

In considering this matter, will my right hon. Friend consider the question whether, as in the case of other sports, riders should be prohibited from riding all over the park in wet, soft weather, when the damage is done, but confined to certain roads, while being granted the same privileges as hitherto in hard, dry weather, when no damage is done?

That is my proposal. I propose that there shall be no restriction in hard, dry weather, but, in wet weather, when damage is being done and the turf cut up, it is necessary to impose these temporary restrictions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent case of the directors of a company having been prevented only by an organised campaign by their shareholders from proposing at a meeting convened on a Saturday, and in a provincial centre, to increase the directors' remuneration by many thousands of pounds; and will he, when amending the Companies Act, 1929, insert a Clause to render it impossible in future for a board of a public company to increase their own salaries until the relative proposal has been approved by a three-fourths majority of the equity capital at an ordinary meeting and confirmed by an extraordinary meeting 21 days later or, alternatively, by application to and by order of a judge of the High Court?

I have seen reports in the newspapers that at the recent annual ordinary general meeting of a limited company a resolution, of which notice had been given, was moved to establish a system of contingent remuneration for directors, and, after discussion, consideration of the proposal was postponed. The suggestion of the hon. Member will be noted for investigation when the amendment of the Companies Act is under consideration.

Will my hon. Friend consider, in order that wider publicity may be given to this question and answer, allowing the question and the answer to be published in the Board of Trade Journal?

I shall be happy to consider that suggestion.

May I ask whether any rules or restrictions of this kind exist as regards the salaries of trade union leaders? Do they have to have similar authority?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what action is being taken by His Majesty's Government, through the International Labour Office, in order that legislative effect may be given to the Coal Mines Convention by all the coal-producing nations which have ratified it;

(2) whether the Government have yet informed the International Labour Office that they are prepared to give legislative effect to the Coal Mines Convention when the other coal-producing countries which signed it do so; and, if such communication has been made, what answer has been received?

On the 23rd February I replied to a question by the hon. Member in the following terms:

"His Majesty's Government is favourably disposed towards the Convention. The detailed application of some of its provisions to the coal mines of this country presents certain problems which are under consideration. As soon as these points have been disposed of, the Government will be prepared to ratify the Convention provided that the other six countries will do so at the same time."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 23rd February, 1932; col. 189, Vol. 262.]

I propose, during the course of the Debate on the Second Reading of the Coal Mines Bill, which commences this after- noon, to make a full statement on the present position in regard to the Convention, and I will ask the hon. Member to be good enough to await that statement.

May I ask whether this was the reason given for asking for the postponement of an international gathering to deal with this matter?

The reasons for asking for postponement could hardly be given in answer to a question across the Floor of the House, but I hope to be able to make it clear, when I join in the Debate, that the reasons were not for the purpose of postponing the ratification, but for the purpose of securing adequate and safe progress in relation to a Convention which the Government desire to see ratified.

Would the meeting have been held but for letters submitted by the hon. Gentleman; and are we to understand that this is the only country among all the countries involved which suggested such a postponement?

I think that the hon. Member, whom I know to be interested in this Contention, will be fully satisfied when I have had the opportunity of making my statement.

asked the Minister of Labour the average time taken by umpires in deciding the cases submitted to them by the referees; whether he is aware that there is delay in reaching a decision in many oases; and whether he is satisfied that there are a sufficient number of umpires to deal with the cases submitted to them?

The average time is about three weeks from the date when the appeal reaches the Umpire's office. Owing to the very heavy pressure of work, there were until recently some arrears, but these have now been overtaken, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that there is at present no need to appoint additional deputy umpires.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air the total amount of subsidy paid to National Flying Services, Limited, and the total number of aerodromes provided by this company?

The total of the grants paid to National Flying Services amounts to £4,160; the company have so far provided or arranged for the provision of seven aerodromes.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this company is doing a great deal of public good; and has it carried out its agreement with the Government?

I think that my hon. Friend's next question covers that point.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether he can give an assurance to the House that no subsidy will be given to National Flying Services, Limited, after the expiration of the existing agreement, in view of the fact that this company have failed to carry out their agreement with the Government?

I would remind my hon. Friend that the undertaking on the part of National Flying Services to provide a certain number of aerodromes and landing grounds refers to a period which does not expire till 31st July next. The matter will receive very careful consideration in all its aspects, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

Will my right hon. Friend give the House an assurance that no secret agreement or understanding will be arrived at with this company until the 3lst July next?

That is so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give information as to the position at Aden in connection with the recent attacks on the Jews?

I have been asked to reply. Disturbances between Arabs and Jews occurred on 23rd, 24th and 25th May. The situation was dealt with satisfactorily by the police, supported on 25th May by armoured cars. There have been no disturbances since that date. There were no fatal casualties. The number of persons known to have been injured is 60, and seven were detained in hospital for treatment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what is the name of the Governor, and whether he is under the India Office or the Colonial Office?

I am afraid I do not recall the name of the Governor.

Do I understand my right hon. Friend to say that he accepts the statement made by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman opposite, that the attacks were actually made on the Jews by the Arabs; and, if so, can he say what was the primary cause of the outbreak?

I will make inquiries and let my Noble Friend know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of cases of crime in which there was evidence of the use or carrying of firearms during the last three years; whether records are kept of cases in which firearms have been converted or are capable of conversion from so-called toy revolvers; and whether he proposes to take any action to restrict the dealing in these weapons?

I regret that no separate records are available which would enable me to answer the first two parts of this question. In answer to the last part of the question, as at present advised I do not think that the possible dangers arising from articles of this class are such as would justify the introduction of special restrictive legislation.

In view of the dangerous nature of these weapons, will the right hon. Gentleman institute some form of inquiry into the matter?

I have not had any evidence, so far, that dangers have been incurred.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the decision in the courts of summary jurisdiction at Liverpool, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and Kendal that toy revolvers capable of conversion into lethal weapons come within the provisions of the Firearms Act; and whether he will give particulars of similar proceedings initiated within recent years in courts within the Metropolitan police district?

I am aware that some courts of summary jurisdiction have convicted persons under the Firearms Act in respect of articles of the kind referred to. It is not the practice of the Metropolitan Police to take proceedings in respect of such articles which have not been converted.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the law to be satisfactory when it makes a man a criminal in other parts of the country if he carries these firearms, while that is not the case in London?

It is a matter for the courts to decide whether a man is a criminal or not. If the hon. Member will send me information to show that there is any serious grievance in this matter, I shall be very grateful and shall be glad to consider it.