asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the Boxer indemnity moneys remitted to China under the Act of 1931 are being used for purposes contrary to the terms of the Act and to undertakings given by the Government when it was passing into law; and what action he is taking in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not therefore arise.

In view of the fact that a promise was given to the House that this money was going to be used ultimately for educational purposes in China and that that has not been done, will the hon. Member make representations to the Chinese Government that they shall keep their engagements?

I do not think the hon. Member's statement is correct. We have no information that the money is being used otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the Act. If my hon. Friend has any other information we should be glad to receive it.

Is the hon. Member not aware that £40,000 has been spent on a new foreign office at Nanking at the bidding of the Chinese Government?

Can the hon. Member say if there is a Chinese Government?

Will the hon. Member make inquiries if I bring these facts to his attention?

Yes. I shall be glad to receive any information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the proposal of the Manchukuo with reference to the maritime customs in Manchuria?

I have no information as to any proposal by Manchukuo. As regards the actual position, I cannot add anything to the answers given to my hon. Friend the Member for Farnham (Sir A. M. Samuel) on 13th and 20th June and the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. N. Maclean) on 14th June.

Has the hon. Member seen the statement in the "Times" today that the Customs and Excise have been seized by the Manchurian Government?

I have seen the statement but we have no confirmation of it at the Foreign Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total emoluments, including salaries and allowances, in gold marks of the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, the Director-General of the International Labour Office, and the British Ambassadors at Paris and Washington?

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will, since the answer is a long one and involves a table of figures, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

(for Miss CAZALET) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to inform the House of the terms in which it is intended to reply to the request from the Secretary-General of the League of Nations on 24th October, 1931, for the views of the British Government on the question of reconsideration of the Hague Nationality Convention and the claims on this matter put before the last Assembly by the International Women's Consultative Committee?

The reply is still under consideration, and I regret that I am not yet in a position to inform the House of its terms.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us when he will be able to give this information to the House?

I hope within a very few days.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that the permit granted by the Persian Government to enable British aeroplanes to fly over Persia expires on 1st October next and that arrangements are being made in consequence at great expense to lay down an alternative route along the Arabian coast of the Persian Gulf, whether any representations have been made to the Persian Government in this connection?

The decision to use the route along the Arabian coast was taken by His Majesty's Government alone, and it has therefore not been necessary to make any representations to the Persian Government for an extension after 1st October.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to how many private light aeroplane clubs Government subsidy has been granted; how many clubs have received the maximum subsidy; and the total sum paid in the past financial year; and whether, in view of the Government's insistence upon economy, he will reconsider this matter?

As regards the first two parts of the question, excluding clubs affiliated to National Flying Services, 15 light aeroplane clubs have received subsidy payments. No club has in fact received the maximum subsidy under the 1931 scheme and the total subsidy payments to the clubs during that financial year amounted to approximately £10,220. As regards the lust part of the question, my Noble Friend very carefully examined the subject in all its bearings before reaching the conclusion that it was in the national interest to maintain these clubs in being, and that their continued existence could only be secured by the revised scheme recently approved. I may say that his decision received general endorsement from this House on the occasion of the Debate on Air Estimates.

Since the Government have declared the necessity for economy, and as this is purely an amateur sport, will the hon. Gentleman, in reconsidering the matter, if he is going to find it possible in the present circumstances to subsidise a gentleman's sport, he will also subsidise other sports in which the workers take part?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what will be the estimated net saving to the public purse as a result of the rearrangement of the Accountant's and Secretary's Departments of the Admiralty?

It is estimated that the net saving will amount to at least £8,000 a year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of the personnel employed at the Air Ministry in administering the non-effective services; and what is the amount of their annual salaries?

The answer to the first part of the question is 13, and to the second part, approximately £4,900.

Can the right lion. Gentleman say what proportion of the personnel are serving officers and men of the Royal Air Force?

Perhaps I had better have notice of that question.

(for Mr. HICKS) asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of departmental higher clerical officers, departmental clerical officers, P-class clerks, and temporary clerks employed as at the most convenient date in the outdoor service of the Customs and Excise Department other than in the collectors' offices and sub-offices, and the allocation of such officers to the various collections?

The figures are in process of compilation, and I will send the hon. Member a statement giving the figures asked for at an early date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of lieutenant-commanders in the zone for promotion to commander on 30th June, 1932; the number of promotions to be made; the number of lieutenant-commanders (ex-mate) in the zone; and how many of these latter officers have to be in the zone before two of them are selected for promotion half-yearly instead of one as heretofore?

478 lieutenant-commanders are in the zone for promotion. Twenty-five promotions are to be made. Forty-two lieutenant-commanders (ex-mate) are in the promotion zone. Mates on promotion to the rank of lieutenant are absorbed into the general list of executive officers, and as such are considered for promotion entirely on their merits as compared with the other officers in the zone.

In order to facilitate the promotion of these young and promising officers, will the Admiralty reduce the length of time that senior officers can remain on the active list unemployed?

I will bring that suggestion to the notice of the First Lord.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of mates and mates (E), respectively, commissioned as such prior to the Armistice, and the number of these officers who have been promoted to commander and engineer commander, respectively, in each of the half-yearly lists since that time?

As the reply contains a tabular statement, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Do not the figures show that the proportion is four to one against the executive rank, and will the Admiralty do something to rectify this proportion?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will study the figures.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in making the selections for promotion to commander, he will take into account the fact that lieutenant-commanders (ex-mate) have served for some years as ratings and petty officers and, in some cases, warrant officers, before receiving commissions, and that, as they have not been permitted to specialise, they have spent, in comparison with ex-cadets, a greater proportion of their careers at sea?

All lieutenant-commanders are selected for promotion solely on their merits, and their records of service are carefully considered before selection is made.

(for Mr. HICKS) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of men employed in the Royal Dockyards on 1st June, 1932, and on- 1st June, 1931?

The numbers of workpeople employed in all departments of the home dockyards on the nearest available dates are as follow:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of civil staff and employés at the Royal Air Force,, Farnborough, and the cost thereof in April, 1922, and April, 1932, respectively?

The number and estimated annual cost of the staff and employés at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, in April, 1922. were 1,356 and £290,830 respectively, and in April, 1932, 1.342 and £321,600. I may add that the figures for 1032 include the major portion of the staff and cost of the Airworthiness and Technical Publications Departments which in April, 1922, were located at the Air Ministry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of staff employed in the civil aviation branch of the Air Ministry on inspection of civil aircraft and engines, and on certification of airworthiness and testing of civil aircraft; and the total number of registered British civil aircraft?

As regards the first part of the question, the inspection of civil aircraft and engines and the testing of civil aircraft are not carried out by the Directorate of Civil Aviation, but by technical brandies and experimental establishments which arc primarily maintained for Royal Air Force purposes. A precise estimate of the total time spent on purely civil inspection and testing would involve a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour, and would not in any case afford a reliable indication of the numbers required for this work, if it were divorced from the work of the Royal Air Force. The preparation and issue of certificates of airworthiness is one of the duties of a branch of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, consisting of six officials. As regards the second part of the question, the total number of registered British civil aircraft was 984 on 30th April last.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether the India Tyre and Rubber Company, Inchinnan, is on the list of contractors to his Department?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Will the right hon. Member see that this firm comply with the Fair Wages Clause for contracts?

The hon. Member has a question later on that subject.

But it is not to the same Department that my other question is addressed. I wish to put a question to the light hon. Member.

The contracts which are made insist on the maintenance of the Fair Wages Clause,

Will the right hon. Member make inquiries, and he will find that this firm has refused to negotiate with the trade union leaders and there is previous cause for complaint.

I know that complaints have been made by the trade unions, and they are under investigation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the rescue of an airman after having been afloat for eight days on his machine in the Atlantic; and if he will ascertain what special floating devices this aeroplane had and whether these could be considered for service aeroplanes that are called upon to fly over the sea?

Yes, Sir; inquiries are already being made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what area on the Lincolnshire coast it is proposed to utilise as a practice bombing station for the Royal Air Force; whether it is proposed to evacuate the occupied villages in the area; and, if so, on what basis compensation will be paid?

This area comprises the sandhills extending southwards for about five miles from Saltfleet Haven to the coastguard station with the adjacent sea frontage and two other small adjacent areas. There are no villages within this area, and the last two parts of the question therefore do not arise.

Is the right hon. Member not aware that the area is used by people who are holidaying, and does he not think that there will be danger to the civilian population in any part of the area if such practice takes place?

I do not think that that comes under this particular question.

Is it not more desirable to indulge in these doubtful practices at sea?

Having regard to the large number of children who visit this area, is there not an added danger owing to this practice of bombing?

When bombing take place every possible safeguard is of course taken.

Cannot the Undersecretary find some place in Kent; in his own Parliamentary division?

May I ask when the Government are going to economise in this direction?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any offers to purchase have been received in the case of the recently closed mechanican transport repair depot at Harlescott, Shrewsbury; and, if so, how many have been refused and how many are still under consideration?

It would not be in accordance with custom or in the public interest to disclose any details relating to the current negotiations for the sale of this depot. My hon. Friend may rest assured that the Air Ministry is giving close attention to the matter.

Does the Under-Secretary fully appreciate the severe loss caused to the town of Shrewsbury by the closing of this depot and the urgency of getting this valuable site utilised for some other purpose at the earliest possible moment?

Yes. We fully realise that.

(for Mr. WELLS) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of fatal accidents in the Royal Air Force that have occurred while flying in close formation during the present year up to date and during the year 1931?

Five fatal accidents took place during 1931 and up to date in 1932 in the course of formation flying. In only one of these cases, however, can the accident be attributed to flying in close formation.

(for Mr. McENTEE) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, arising out of recent floodlighting demonstrations at Heston airport, any alteration has been made or is contemplated in the flood-lighting of aerodromes used for night flying by the Royal Air Force?

The system of floodlighting at Heston is under investigation by officers of the Department.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is taking any further action to diminish the burden on voluntary hospitals as the result of motor accidents?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for North Lanarkshire (Mr. Anstruther-Gray) on 15th June.

In view of the financial straits, will the right hon. Gentleman at least make some inquiries into a possible solution of this problem?

This problem has been carefully considered, and while I fully sympathise with the desire of the hospital authorities, I may remand the House that during the passage of the Act it was pointed out that an Amendment moved to Section 36 was unlikely to achieve the result required.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman consider the holding of a sweepstake as they do in Ireland?

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the fact that third-party insurance with regard to motor vehicles is now compulsory, he will take steps to ensure that, in the case of insurance companies desiring to alter the terms of a policy on renewal, they shall give to the policy holder at least four weeks' notice of their intention prior to the expiration of an existing policy?

I understand that it is already the usual practice of the companies to give at least two or three weeks' notice of their intention to alter the terms of a policy on renewal, and I think therefore that my hon. Friend's point is reasonably met.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter if I send him some instances where an insurance company have given only five days' notice of their intention to alter their tariff?

I shall be glad to consider any case if the hon. Member will let me have particulars.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a private motor yacht, owned by Mr. Norman Dore, a customer of Ramsgate harbour for over 12 years, was recently forcibly prevented from leaving the inner harbour for the outer basin by the harbour staff; that Mr. Dore was informed that the detention was by the harbour master's orders and on account of unpaid dues, which amounted to under 10s. and for which the owner received no demand note; that Mr. Dore desired to pay the amount but was unable, to do so owing to the harbour office being closed, thus causing loss of tide and day; and if he will investigate this incident and issue instructions to the harbour master to treat users of the harbour more considerately?

I am calling for a report upon the incident to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and will communicate with him when I have received it.

asked the Minister of Transport the present position in regard to the proposed extension of Western Avenue (Uxbridge by-pass); and whether it is intended to proceed with the work?

Steps are being taken to safeguard the line of the proposed extension of the Western Avenue, but I see no immediate prospect of being in a position to offer a grant towards further construction.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state, giving separate figures for each quarter, how many applications have been made to the traffic commissioners for Scotland (Northern Area) since their appointment for permission to run a motor vehicle service?

As the answer contains figures I will, with my Noble Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of motorists that have been prosecuted for dangerous driving since the abolition of the speed limit, and the number of convictions'?

Such figures as are available (which relate to the year 1931) will be included in the return of offences relating to motor vehicles, which is now in preparation. The figures will not, however, distinguish the different types of vehicles in respect of which proceedings were taken and, as the hon. Member is aware, the speed limit has not been abolished for all types of motor vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in connection with schemes of road or bridge construction financed either wholly or partly by his Ministry, the Department makes any recommendations respecting the nature of road surfacing; whether his engineers have any data as to the cost and durability of various types of road foundations and surfaces; and whether these data are utilised previous to consent being given by his Department or whether such matters are left to the discretion of the engineering firms carrying out the works or the local authority?

No proposals from any local authority involving grants from the Road Fund are approved until we are satisfied that they are technically sound. My Department possesses extensive information regarding the cost and durability of road foundations and surfaces.

Will the hon. Gentleman make all the information public?

It is of an extensive and technical character, and it would obviously be extremely costly to publish all the information that we have in the Department regarding road construction.

I do not want all the information, but will the hon. Gentleman supply the cost of the different materials, stone, asphalt, and so on?

Well, the hon. Member must put that question down.

In view of the extraordinary success of the instances where rubber has been put down in London, will the hon. Gentleman consider acquiring large quantities of surplus rubber for this purpose?

That also is another question.

asked the Minister of Transport the estimated cost of architectural bronze and other ornamental treatment on the new Chiswick and Twickenham bridges; and the estimated total cost of each bridge?

The estimated cost of bronze and other ornamental treatment for the new Twickenham Bridge is £17,560. Although ornamental in appearance the bronze serves strictly practical purposes. No bronze work is being applied to the Chiswick Bridge. Neither of the bridges is elaborate in its architectural design, and use and beauty are too inseparably wedded to enable their respective cost to be assessed. The total costs of construction are estimated at £227,000 for the Chiswick Bridge and £221,500 for the Twickenham Bridge.

(for Mr. McENTEE) asked the Minister of Transport the latest information in his possession as to what progress has been made in the promotion of schemes of railway electrification, more especially on the London and North Eastern and Southern Railways?

The Southern Railway Company have informed me that they are at present proceeding with a scheme for electrifying the line between London, Brighton and Worthing. The section covering Redhill and Three Bridges will be open for electric traction next month, and the company anticipate that the whole scheme will be completed at the end of the year. The London and North Eastern Railway Company state that they have schemes of London suburban electrification under consideration, and that in the event of the London Transport Bill becoming law they will be prepared to submit proposals to the Standing Joint Committee of the Transport Board and the railway companies which the Bill proposed to set up.

(for Mr. McENTEE) asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider taking the necessary steps to prevent the use of narrow motor roads by motor vehicles of such a size as to vender the safe passing of another vehicle impossible; and whether any applications under the provisions of Section 7 (4) of the Roads Act, 1920, have been received from county councils or county borough councils?

The responsibility for initiating proposals to restrict the use of vehicles on particular roads rests with the local authorities specified in Section 46 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and while I am prepared to consider any applications made to me, I have no authority myself to take action. Eighty-four Orders made under the provisions of Section 7 (4) of the Roads Act, 1920, are at present in force, and one further Order will shortly be made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the India Tyre and Rubber Company, Inchinnan, carry out the fair wages clause with regard to trade union wages and conditions of their employés in their contracts with his Department?

The only contract from the Post Office received by the firm was for leas than £60, and was completed more than a year ago. I have no reason to doubt that the fair wages clause embodied in the contract was duly observed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also see that this firm make a fair profit?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in any future contract with this firm that they recognise the fair wages clause?

I will certainly see that if a fair wages clause is inserted, as far as I am concerned, that it is observed.

asked the Postmaster-General the amount of revenue obtained by the charge of £l 10s. per annum for the insertion of an additional name in the London Telephone Directory; and whether he will consider reducing the amount of this charge?

According to the latest available figures, the gross revenue obtained is about £24,000 a year. I regret that in existing financial conditions I do not feel justified in forgoing any part of this revenue by reducing the charge.

asked the Postmaster-General the reasons why a Supplemental Charter was granted to the British Broadcasting Corporation in August last?

The amendment to the Charter was made to remove any doubt concerning the meaning of Clause 15. The Corporation took the view that under the original Charter it was compelled to invest its depreciation reserve in trustee securities while simultaneously borrowing for the purpose of capital development. The object of the Supplemental Charter was to make it clear that the Corporation could use these reserves both in place of new borrowing and also to repay existing loans.

I am much obliged by the reply. In view of the public interest taken in this matter, may I ask whether he will reconsider publishing the terms of the Supplemental Charter?

In answer to the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. H. Morris) I have given full particulars of the operative clause as far as this matter is concerned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why this Supplemental Charter was given without publication in the usual way in the "Gazette" of the application for the Charter?

I think the reason for that was that as this was simply a Supplemental Charter to remove doubts, it was considered, in the circumstances, unnecessary.

Will the Postmaster-General lay the Supplemental Charter in the Library so that we may see it?

With pleasure; and I will send the hon. Member a copy of it as well.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Postmaster-General in the original Charter gave an assurance that before the Charter could come into operation papers would be laid on the Table of the House? Why were not the provisions of the Companies Act complied with in this case and the House given an opportunity of discussing the matter?

I should like to have notice of the question before giving a fuller reply. As far as I am aware all the formalities were complied with, and the hon. Member knows that there is no obligation upon any Department to lay a copy of the Charter on the Table of the House, but inasmuch as the original Charter was laid this further document would have been laid but for the fact that it was simply a matter of removing doubts as to the interpretation of the original Clause.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a tremendous amount of discontent in Scotland about this broadcasting?

Yes, there is always a lot of discontent in Scotland.

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter of the Charters of the British Broadcasting Corporation on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give any information regarding the purchase of Scottish cured herrings by the Government of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics?

Yes, Sir. Representatives of the herring industry combined to make an offer to sell a quantity of herrings to the Russian Government, and after negotiation a contract has been concluded with the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society for the supply of 100,000 barrels of Scottish cured herrings. I am informed that herrings were landed and cured in part fulfilment of the contract at the end of last week.

In view of this and other orders recently placed in this country by the Soviet Government, will the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that he will not relax his efforts to extend the volume of trade between this country and Russia?

Will England be called upon to advance money to pay for these herrings?

No, Sir, the finance was arranged by the Scottish Wholesale Co-operative Society, but His Majesty's Government did point out to the Russians that Scottish herrings were a healthy food.

Will the hon. Gentleman inform the hon. Member for Bilston (Mr. Peto) that England can get these herrings if they pay for them?

Yes, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman not give some encouragement to trade with Russia in heavy machinery and shipping in order that we may get some work on the Clyde?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware of the attempts of the Danish authorities to try to stop kroner deposits in Copenhagen banks made by manufacturers of goods from this country; and will he see that a stop is put to this?

I am not aware of any case in which the deposit of kroner in a Copenhagen bank in respect of a debt due to a United Kingdom exporter has been refused. I am, however, aware that the use of such kroner deposits is subject to certain limitations in order to prevent the evasion of the general exchange regulations.

If I give information to the hon. Gentleman will he take some action?

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will give me details of any case he has in mind.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware that customers in Denmark of British manufacturers have only received import licences for 8 per cent, to 12 per cent, of their British requirements; and what steps he will take to remedy this?

Licences for the first eight months of 1932 are being granted to Danish importers in proportion to their respective importations during 1931. Those importers who have purchased on a relatively liberal scale during the earlier months of the year have now only a small part of their allocation remaining. Other importers have larger unexhausted balances. These restrictions apply to importations of goods from all countries.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that discrimination is in fact taking place against us?

No, Sir. I have no evidence to support that statement but, again, if my hon. Friend has any case in mind, I shall be glad to have the details from him.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is yet able to report the steps he has taken with the Danish Government to secure priority of settlement of debts due to us as the largest buyers of Danish productions?

I have reason to believe that the Danish Government fully recognise the strength of the claim to which my hon. Friend refers, and which His Majesty's Minister is constantly pressing on their attention, and that no priority is being given to any other claimant.