asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many trade commissioners are now maintained by His Majesty's Government; and to what extent the market reports which they make are brought to the knowledge of British manufacturers unless specifically asked for by the latter?

Nineteen trade commissioners are maintained by His Majesty's Government at 17 posts within the Empire. Reports on market conditions in their respective areas prepared by the trade commissioners are communicated automatically to United Kingdom firms who subscribe to the special register maintained by the Department of Overseas Trade, and a notification of the existence of such reports is sent to chambers of commerce, trade associations and the trade press. The interested United Kingdom firms who do not subscribe to the special register receive copies on application.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nature and the value of war material intended for Japan for which permits to export have been issued within the last three months and six months, respectively?

The following is a statement showing the quantities of the material in question, but, as stated on

asked the Minister of Labour the number of British subjects employed in foreign-owned factories established in Great Britain since the passing of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act?

I would ask the hon. Member to await the further statement on this subject which my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade has promised to furnish at an early date.

asked the Postmaster-General the names of the chief towns in Scotland in which the system will be adopted of district numbers in the addresses of correspondence intended for delivery?

The system of district numbers in the addresses of correspondence has recently been extended to

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps have been taken or are being taken by the League of Nations or by the British Government to ensure, under the grant of independence to Iraq, the fullest measure of protection for the Nestorian Christians; whether any difficulties are now being thrown in the way of these Nestorian Christians obtaining Iraqian naturalisation; and whether, if any difficulties of this nature are brought to his notice, he will investigate them?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. At their meeting on 19th May the Council of the League of Nations approved a set of undertakings, to be formally assumed by Iraq before the termination of the mandatory régime, which are designed fully to safeguard the position of racial and religious minorities in Iraq. As regards the remainder of the question, the 'majority of Nestorian Christians in Iraq are already Iraqi nationals. The grant of Iraqi naturalisation is governed by the terms of the Iraqi nationality law, and is at the discretion of the responsible Iraqi Minister. The law prescribes inter alia that the applicant must have resided in Iraq for the three years immediately preceeding his application. I have no reason to suppose that in the application of the law discrimination is being shown against Nestorian Christians or members of any other community in Iraq.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he is aware of the danger of injury caused to people in the vicinity of the Cock Pit, Hyde Park, on the evening of 24th May owing to the crush caused by the crowd getting out of control; and whether, in acceding to the request of the promoters to hold the Empire Pageant, he made any stipulation as to the provision of a requisite number of police and stewards to ensure the safety and convenience of people using the Park?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The understanding with the promoters was that they should make such arrangements as should satisfy the police authorities. I am informed that this was done, and, in point of fact, a considerable number of police, additional to those employed on previous similar occasions, was on duty. The crowd which attended proved, however, to be greatly in excess of all anticipation. The fact that the exceptionally large crowd became somewhat out of hand is a matter for deep regret, and the question as to whether or not such events can be permitted after nightfall in future will have to be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can give figures showing the fall in wholesale prices in India during the last three months?

The recent movements of the wholesale prices of certain selected articles are shown in the Indian Trade Journal for 14th April and 28th April, copies of which I have sent to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is now in a position to state the number of persons who recorded their votes in the elections for the Legislative Council recently set up under the scheme of reforms in the North-West Frontier Province; and what proportion this number bears to the total electorate enfranchised?

I have not as yet received full particulars, but am informed that of the persons enfranchised— approximately 120,000—about 50 per cent, recorded their votes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the proposal for the abolition of training of a military character for children and young people, made by the official delegate before the Committee on Moral Disarmament at Geneva on 27th April, was made with the authority of His Majesty's Government; and whether he can give the reason why the same delegate withdrew the proposal?

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was aware that a proposal on this subject was being put forward for discussion. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 26th May.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is in a position to tell the House what further con- tribution is to be made by His Majesty's Judges to the appeal made by the previous Chancellor of the Exchequer for economies and monetary sacrifices all round?

His Majesty's Judges have not been, asked to make any further contribution towards economy beyond the reduction of their salaries of which the House is already aware.