asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of tons of coal consumed by the Navy during each of the years 1910, 1913, 1920, 1925, 1927, 1930, and 1931, and the cost during each of those years; and the cost of oil consumed in place of coal by the Navy during 1931?

As the answer contains a tabulated statement I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the reply in the Official Report.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give the answer to the last part of the question?

The cost of the oil fuel consumed during 1931 was £1,474,200.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what contracts have been made between the Admiralty and the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Limited, during the past three months?

No contracts have been made by the Admiralty with the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Limited, during the last three months.

Are they invited to tender?

They are treated in exactly the same way as the others.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what ships of the 1931 building programme have already been laid down and the dates upon which it is proposed to lay down the remaining ships of the programme?

Only the gunboat and the small craft of the 1931 programme have so far been ordered. The remaining ships of the 1931 programme (cruisers, flotilla leader, destroyers, submarines and sloops) will be ordered in the autumn of this year, as I stated when introducing the Navy Estimates for 1932.

This is the 1931 programme we are talking about. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman now say when his remaining ships will be laid down?

I said during the Debate on the Navy Estimates that the average would be round about October, and nothing has been altered in that respect.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the order will be placed with Portsmouth Dockyard for the construction of the Leader of the 1932 programme, which he announced would be built at that yard?

Since the 7th March last, when the projected allocation of the 1932 new programme was announced, it has been necessary to review the programme of work at Portsmouth Dockyard. The "Dauntless" has been sent to Portsmouth to refit, and the "Frobisher" will be fitted out there for service as a cadets' training ship, the money being found by deferring work on other refits. We also contemplate that the large repair of His Majesty's Ship "Repulse," which is due to be commenced next year, shall be done at Portsmouth Yard. The combined effect of these arrangements is to place an additional amount of work on repairs and refits which will absorb all the labour which it had been proposed to employ on building the 1932 Leader at Portsmouth; and in order to adhere to the policy of keeping dockyard numbers as steady as possible, and of avoiding exceptional entries bo be followed by large discharges, we have decided to transfer the 1932 Leader from Portsmouth Yard to contract construction. It is intended that the Leader of the 1931 new programme, which has not yet been ordered, shall be built at Portsmouth Dockyard, as previously announced.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us where the Leader that is to be transferred to contract is to be built?

I will let the hon. Member know that when the tenders are sent out next autumn, and when we get the replies.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what progress has been made in giving effect to the Board's decision, as announced on 7th March last, that it is imperative that some sea going training should be given cadets after leaving Dartmouth, and boys when they leave their educational establishments?

It has been decided that naval cadets shall in future be given training in a sea-going cruiser after leaving Dartmouth. His Majesty's Ship "Frobisher" has been selected for this service, and the alterations necessary to fit her for it will shortly be carried out at Portsmouth Dockyard. The intention is that she shall take two terms of Dartmouth cadets immediately after the completion of their Dartmouth course and all the cadets now trained in His Majesty's Ship "Erebus," and shall carry out three cruises a year, changing one term of cadets every four months. As one of the main objects of the scheme is that the cadets should themselves do much of the work of the ship, the ordinary complement of the training ship will be kept as low as possible, and will be obtained by paying off the two existing tenders to Dartmouth College and the "Erebus," and by changing the status of the "Erebus" to that of turret drill ship with a minimum complement. The requirements of the scheme for giving sea-going training in sail to boy ratings after leaving the shore training establishments and to midshipmen, are still being worked out in detail, and will be taken into consideration in preparing the Estimates for next year and explained to the House in connection therewith.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the midshipmen in the sailing ships will form an effective part of the crew and do some of the ship's work?

It is much too early to give any details of that sort.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is prepared, in view of the fact that the tests carried out by the Cunard Company with the new colloidal fuel have proved successful and that the company is prepared to put the secret of the method of production at the disposal of this and other countries, to state the policy of the Admiralty concerning colloidal fuel and its use in His Majesty's ships?

Until the Admiralty have the necessary information we can only maintain an open mind on the question of the new method. As soon as we have particulars we shall, if they seem satisfactory, ask that they may be tested by the Fuel Research Station at Greenwich, which has already been experimenting in this direction.

Does it not mean that the Admiralty are against any form of colloidal fuel? The First Lord stated the other day that it had been tested and cast aside.

Not at all. If it is sufficiently colloidal, we shall welcome it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at what date the pipe-lines to the coast from the oilfields in Iraq will be ready; and on what date it is expected that these pipe-lines will be in operation?

The Iraq Petroleum Company have been carrying out a survey of the pipe-line routes and I understand that arrangements for laying the pipe-lines are proceeding. I have no information at present as to the date on which the pipe-lines are likely to be ready or in operation, but it is provided in the agreement between the Iraqi Government and the Iraq Petroleum Company of the 24th March, 1931, that the pipe-line system shall be completed by the 31st December, 1935.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the pipe line will be finished first to the English port of Haifa, or to the French port of Beyrout?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Are they both under the same contract?

I am afraid I cannot carry in my head the details of the contract. Perhaps the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any provisional reciprocal arrangements have been arrived at between any of the Colonies and the Mother Country pending confirmation at Ottawa; and, if so, whether he will enumerate them?

The arrangements arrived at between Colonial Governments and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom for preferential tariff treatment are not provisional and do not require confirmation at Ottawa. In an answer given on the 13th April last, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, I gave a full list of the Colonial preferences which had been approved or brought into force up to that date. Since the date of that reply a preferential tariff has been introduced in the Straits Settlements which is similar to that of the Federated Malay States, and the High Commissioner has also reported that a similar enactment is being considered in the Unfederated Malay State of Johore. A preferential tariff has also been introduced in the Turks and Caicos Islands under which the British Empire receives a preference ranging from one-quarter to the whole of the duty. As regards Ceylon, the position is that the State Council recently passed a resolution in favour of the principle of Imperial Preference on a reciprocal basis, and detailed proposals for the establishment of a system of preferential duties are now under consideration of the Ceylon Government.

In view of the preference given on tea in this country, will the right hon. Gentleman press the matter of preference in Ceylon?

I pressed it a long time ago, but, as my hon. Friend is aware, under the Constitution of Ceylon my powers are limited.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether every Colony in the British Empire is sending representatives to Ottawa; and, if not, what Colony or Colonies are not being represented and for what, reason?

Individual colonies will not be separately represented at the Ottawa Conference. As at previous Imperial Conferences the interests of the Colonial Empire will be represented by the Secretary of State for the Colonies; and I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement on this subject made by the Lord President in the Debate on the 16th June.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air which member of the British Government Delegation to Ottawa will be instructed with regard to the negotiations at that Conference with regard to Imperial air routes; and whether any expert will accompany the Delegation to assist in such negotiations?

As my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council has explained, the responsibility for dealing with particular questions at the Conference will be that of the Delegation as a whole. It is proposed, however, that they shall have the assistance of a representative of the Air Ministry who will proceed to Ottawa for a short period whilst the Conference is in session, in order that expert advice may be available on any air questions which may arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his policy at Ottawa will be based on the necessity for securing to the Home producer the first place in the home market?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, under the East African Native Authority Ordinance, as recently amended, it is possible to call up native labour for compulsory unpaid work on roads or other public works?

Provision still exist!! in the Kenya Native Authority Ordinance, to which I assume the hon. Member refers, for resort to compulsory unpaid labour for works for the benefit of the community to which the natives belong.

Does this compulsion apply merely to native workers or does it also apply to European workers?

It applies only to native workers and only to services which are performed by natives for their own advantage.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that that is a desirable practice?

Perhaps I might just quote to the hon. Member the Provision of the International Convention which especially exempts

"minor communal services of a kind which, being performed by the members of the community in the direct interest of the said community, can therefore be considered as normal civic obligations incumbent upon the members of the community."

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in East Africa, when a boundary mark has to be put up between areas of European and native jurisdiction, any labour, paid or unpaid, is contributed by Europeans, and /or whether any contribution towards the cost is made by Europeans or from public funds?

I assume that this question relates to Kenya. The demarcation of the boundaries between the Native Reserves and European or other areas is undertaken by the Survey Department which is remunerated from the public revenue of the Colony; and I have no information to show that unpaid labour, whether native or European, is employed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the accounts of the Moslem Supreme (Shari's) Council in Palestine are not audited, seeing that it discharges a function under the Government of Palestine and receives substantial contributions from public funds?

The President and Members of the Supreme Moslem Council receive salaries in respect of their services in connection with the Moslem religious courts. The accounts for which the Council is responsible relate to Moslem Wakfs, or religious endowments. These Wakfs include certain tithes which, by agreement with the Moslem community, are collected by the Government on their behalf, but do not include any contribution from public funds. A demand by certain members of the Moslem community that the accounts of Wakf funds should be made subject to Government audit is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, under the legal system prevailing in Ashanti, persons accused of criminal offences, whatever the nature of the charge, are still without any right to legal representation in court; what, if any, investigations or inquiries have been made in the last two years into the working of this system; what, if any, recommendations have been made to him on this subject; and whether he will take steps immediately to secure that legal representation be allowed?

Yes, Sir, I am aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the hon. Member's question. The legal adviser to the Colonial Office has recently visited the Gold Coast and discussed with the local authorities this and similar questions in connection with the judicial system in Ashanti. I am in communication with the Officer Administering the Government of the Gold Coast on the subject, and I hope shortly to be in a position to announce my decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in a large part of the protectorate of Nigeria original criminal jurisdiction is exclusively exercised by administrative officers without the accused having any right to legal representation or right of appeal against conviction; what is the maximum sentence which can be imposed; what, if any, investigations or inquiries have been made in the last two years into the working of this system; what, if any, recommendations have been made to him on this subject; and whether he will take steps to remedy it by the extension of the jurisdiction of the supreme court of Nigeria or by the introduction of a system similar to that of the supreme court and the grant of legal representation to accused persons?

Yes, Sir, I am aware that, broadly speaking, the position is as stated in the first part of the hon. Member's question. The maximum sentence which can be imposed by a provincial court in Nigeria is death. The Chief Justice may, however, on the application of any party to a case, or of a lieutenant-governor or resident, transfer the case at any stage from any provincial court to the supreme court. The legal adviser to the Colonial Office has recently visited Nigeria and has discussed with the Governor, Sir Donald Cameron, this and kindred questions in connection with the administration of justice in Nigeria. As a result of that discussion, proposals have been submitted with a view to certain changes being made in the existing judicial system. I hope to discuss those proposals with Sir Donald Cameron during his forthcoming leave of absence, and the decision reached will be announced in due course.

Is the right hon. Gentleman of the opinion that the natives in being prosecuted, are fully seized of their rights of appeal?

Certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider introducing legislation to prevent the erection in the neighbourhood of aerodromes of buildings or other obstructions likely to prove detrimental to the safety of machines using such aerodromes?

The subject is one which has been engaging the close attention of the Air Ministry. Local authorities will have some powers of this kind for aerodromes in planning schemes under the Town and Country Planning Bill, but my Noble Friend cannot undertake to promote other special legislation for the purpose at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, with regard to the dropping of bombs in the sea by Royal Air Force planes in the course of practice, if he will say where these bomb-dropping ranges are; and whether any complaints have been received either from residents on the coast nearby or from the fishermen in respect of the killing of fish by detonation?

As regards the first part of the question the ranges for practice bombing of this kind are situated at Skipsea, near Bridlington, Donna Nook and Holbeach. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative but the matter referred to is under investigation.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a permanent advisory committee, with representatives of the Post Office, Air Ministry, and Dominion, Colonial, and India Offices, to co-ordinate the interests of these Departments in developing British air-mail services and to avoid the conflict of such interests which has hindered development up to date?

I cannot accept the Noble Lord's implication of lack of co-ordination and avoidable conflict of interest. My Noble Friend is of opinion that the interests of British air-mail services are better promoted by a continuance of the close co-operation of the Departments concerned, together with the appointment where necessary of special committees, than by the setting up of a permanent advisory committee.

asked the Postmaster-General what was the expenditure allocated by his Department in 1931 to exhibiting advertisements of British air mail services in post offices; and whether, in view of the profit obtained from these services, he will consider increasing such advertising at an early date?

No expenditure was incurred in 1931 by the Post Office in exhibiting advertisements in Post Office buildings of British air mail services, though publicity was afforded in other directions, but arrangements have been made recently to exhibit at a number of the largest post offices maps showing the air mail services available to the public in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can state to what firm the contract for air mail services in the Union of South Africa is to be allocated; and whether, if no decision has yet been reached upon this matter, he will urge upon the Government of South Africa the advisability of ensuring that the contract is not placed in foreign quarters unless no other alternative service can be supplied from Empire sources?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, as the contract of the South African Government with Union Airways for the carriage of air mails in South Africa expires on 26th August, and as that company has now been purchased by the German Junkers Company, representations can be made to the Government of South Africa suggesting to them the advisability of deferring any decision to renew the contract with that company until every opportunity has been given to Empire-controlled companies to submit alternative schemes?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information as to the proposal that an air mail contract should be awarded to a German-controlled company by the Government of South Africa; and if he will represent to the Government of South Africa the advisability of ascertain- ing whether a satisfactory service could equally be provided by a South African or British company?

I understand that His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa have stipulated that the company Undertaking these air services in the Union should be one registered in South Africa, and that various proposals put forward on this basis are now under their consideration. I do not think that the matter is one on which I could appropriately make representations, but His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom naturally hope that any such company will so far as possible employ machines and material originating in the British Commonwealth.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the total output of electricity under the national scheme controlled by the Central Electricity Board for the year 1931 and the estimated output for the year 1932; and the average cost per unit to the consumer on the domestic and power rate, respectively?

asked the Minister of Transport what part of the 12,800,000,000 units of electricity generated last year in this country was sold by the Central Electricity Board; and what was the net profit of the Board derived from these sales?

The national transmission system of the Central Electricity Board is still in course of construction and it cannot yet be said that the Board are controlling the output of electricity under the Act of 1926. The Board are directing the operation of certain generating stations in connection with supplies under temporary or special arrangements, and I am informed that normal trading in some of the scheme areas will commence during the current year.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Institution of Electrical Engineers has been requested by a Government Department to circulate a document for the enrolment of volunteers to maintain the London electricity supply services in the event of an emergency; and which Department made this request and the reasons for it?

I am aware of the action which has been taken. The document referred to was issued by the Institution of Electrical Engineers by arrangement with the Ministry of Transport, as part of the arrangements necessary to keep up to date in certain details the organisation which has been in existence under successive Governments for some 10 years for the purpose of carrying on essential services in the event of an emergency of the kind contemplated by the Emergency Powers Act, 1920. Similar action has been taken as a matter of routine on previous occasions. It is hardly necessary to add that there is no reason whatever to expect that circumstances will occur which will make it necessary to bring the organisation into active use.

Is it not a fact that this Institution has a Royal Charter sanctioned by this House, giving it specific duties for the promotion of electrical engineering science; and, if that be so, is it not rather a dangerous thing, when once it has been granted a Charter for such purposes, to give it permission to engage in work of a political character and in the organisation of labour?

I could not answer the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question without notice. I am perfectly certain that it is the duty of the Government to see that, in case of need, London should not go without light.

Has any encouragement been given by the Government to certain universities which are also endeavouring to enrol voluntary forces?

That does not arise out of this question.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to secure a wider publicity for the highway code in the interest of safety on the roads?

Up to the present a free copy of the highway code has been issued to every driver of a motor vehicle with his driving licence, and any member of the public can obtain a copy for one penny. I understand that the first edition of three million copies is practically exhausted and that arrangements are being made for a reprint. I am considering what steps can be taken to bring the provisions of the code to the knowledge of a wider public.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the passing of the dividend by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company on the preference stock, which has been a trustee stock, he will say when he expects to be able to introduce legislation to equalise the burdens between rail and road transport?

As the hon. Member is aware, I have referred the question of the burdens borne by road and rail transport respectively to a conference of leading representatives of the two forms of transport, presided over by an independent chairman. I must await their report before considering, in conjunction with the highway authorities and other interests concerned, whether legislation is desirable.

Can the hon. Member give us any idea as to when the report of this Committee will be received?

Yes. We hope to receive it about the end of July.

asked the Minister of Transport what amounts of the £2,115,000 spent on the construction of the Glasgow-Edinburgh road were spent on wages, materials, and land purchase, respectively?

As the hon. Member was informed on the 15th June, the revised estimate is £2,323,300. The contract for works amounts to about £2,030,000, of which probably 40 per cent. represent wages. The estimated cost of property is £140,000.

Can the Minister tell us if Sir Henry Maybury had anything to do, as a consulting engineer, with the Glasgow-Edinburgh road 1

I think that I must have notice of that question.

Will the Minister appoint a Committee to investigate what is really the matter in regard to this road between Glasgow and Edinburgh which has been under way for eight years?

asked the Minister of. Transport what are the numbers of the Traffic Commissioners and their staff; and what is the total amount of their salaries'?

The number of Traffic Commissioners is 37, of whom 13 are paid. The staff as provided in the Estimates for the year 1932 numbers 432, and the salary and wages cost is £114,085. The cost of the Commissioners and their staff is estimated to be covered by licence fees.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will lay upon the Table the terms of the agreement of 27th November, 1930, between the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Covent Garden Opera Syndicate, with respect to the provision of opera?

As the Post Office is not a party to the agreement in question,, like my predecessors I do not think it necessary to lay it before Parliament.

Seeing that the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor said that he would explain the provisions of the agreement to the House, and that has not been done, would he not place a copy of the agreement in the Library?

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman has not quoted my predecessor in office correctly. My predecessor said that if the occasion was fitting, if there was any debate, he would then be pleased to explain its provisions, and I shall be glad to do the same.

Is there any reason for concealment of the terms of this agreement?

There is no concealment in this matter. I agree with my predecessor; I think it is undesirable that the Post Office should begin to lay agreements to which it is not a party.

If my right hon. Friend will not lay the agreement, will he consult the Law Officers of the Crown as to whether the British Broadcasting Corporation is acting entirely within the powers conferred upon it in its Charter, in all matters connected with this agreement?

No, Sir; I have no reason to think that that is not so. If my hon. Friend has any reason to think that I should act in the matter, and will give me any information, I will consider it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the continuance of the opera subsidy is dependent on the payment of certain sums of money to the Covent Garden Opera Syndicate by the British Broadcasting Corporation, he will state the total amount thus paid to the syndicate up to 2nd July, 1931?

Under the arrangements made between the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Covent Garden Opera Syndicate, the Corporation undertook to pay £5,000 for the last quarter of 1930 and £25,000 a year from the 1st January, 1931, in instalments on specified dates. The amount payable up to the 2nd of July, 1931, was £19,500; and these payments have been made.

Were these payments made by the British Broadcasting Corporation to the Opera Syndicate before the money was voted by this House? Was the money used to pay off a mortgage and old losses?

I think that those questions have been answered, but, if the hon. Gentleman will put them on the Paper, I will look at them and see if I can give him any reply.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the rent being paid under the lease of the Covent Garden opera house, held by the Covent Garden Opera Syndicate; and, in view of the fact that this lease terminates on 31st December, 1932, and that this involves the continuance of the subsidy, whether arrangements are being made for the renewal of the lease and at what rent?

The Post Office is not a party to this lease, but I understand that no arrangements have yet been made for its renewal.

When the date comes, will the Government take an opportunity of approaching the British Broadcasting Corporation with the object of bringing this arrangement to an end, as I understand they can legally do at the end of the year?

No, Sir. Under the agreement, if I remember aright, that is a matter for the British Broadcasting Corporation.

I think the right hon. Gentleman has misunderstood my question. I asked whether the Government would approach the British Broadcasting Corporation with a view to taking action in that direction?

No, Sir. When this agreement was before the House, the matter was left with the British Broadcasting Corporation, and, if there was any suggestion of the kind that the hon. Gentleman has now stated, he ought to have thought of it at the time.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Opposition—

We cannot have a Debate on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the most recent estimates of the population, native and European, of Swaziland, showing the distribution of the population as to age and sex?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the most recent estimates of the population, native and European, of the Bechuana-land Protectorate, showing the distribution of the population as to age and sex?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the most recent estimates of the population, native and European, of Basutoland, showing the distribution of the population as to age and sex?

As the reply to these questions includes a number of figures in tabular form, I will circulate it in the Official Report.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of native schools in Swaziland; the number of boy and girl pupils on the roll during each of the last three years; and the average attendance of boys and girls, respectively?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of native schools in the Bechuanaland Protectorate; the number of boy and girl pupils on the roll during each of the last three years; and the average attendance of boys and girls, respectively?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of native schools in Basutoland; the number of boy and girl pupils on the roll during each of the last three years; and the average attendance of boys and girls, respectively?

I propose to circulate the reply to these questions in the Official Report, as it consists of a tabular statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of natives of Swaziland, male and female, respectively, who left the territory during each of the last three years for labour purposes; the class of labour upon which they were employed; the normal period of absence from the territory; the conditions, statutory or otherwise, under which the labour is recruited and protected; and the mortality rate among this migrant labour?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of natives of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, male and female, respectively, who left the territory during each of the last three years for labour purposes; the class of labour upon which they were employed; the normal period of absence from the territory; the conditions, statu- tory or otherwise, under which the labour is recruited and protected; and the mortality rate among this migrant labour?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of natives of Basutoland, male and female, respectively, who left the territory during each of the last three years for labour purposes; the class of labour upon which they were employed; the normal period of absence from the territory; the conditions, statutory or otherwise, under which the labour is recruited and protected; and the mortality rate among this migrant labour?

As the reply to these questions is a somewhat long one, I will circulate it in the Official Report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why the final report of the Pig Industry Council has not yet been published, and when its contents will be made available for Members of this House?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy pf the reply I gave on 14th April to a question on the subject by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Wrekin (Colonel Baldwin.-Webb), to which I have nothing to add,

Has a copy of this report been made available to the National Fanners' Union?

I am not aware whether that is so. It has gone to the Pig Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people cross to this country annually from the Irish Free State for harvest work; and whether steps can be taken to keep this opening for employment for those permanently resident in England?

No record is kept at present of arrivals in this country from the Irish Free State, nor is there any legal restriction at present on the entry of British subjects into England.

Wall my hon. Friend make inquiries at the ports whether there is not an enormous number of people coming in from Southern Ireland?

No special record is kept of British subjects, and these Irishmen coming in are British subjects.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the longest period of notice required to effect the cancellation of any of our existing commercial treaties which give the benefit of the most-favoured-nation Clause to a foreign

I would refer my ion. Friend to the Table circulated in the Official Report of 25th November last in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine), which gives a list of all such treaties and particulars of the provisions for termination.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an export licence was granted for the shipment abroad of a number of War-time steel helmets recently sold by the War Office; whether such helmets were, in fact, shipped abroad; and what was their destination?

Steel helmets are not subject to the provisions of the Arms Export Prohibition Order, 1931, and no licence is required for their export. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third, China.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any of the new undertakings started, or in process of starting, in Great Britain as a result of the imposition of tariffs are in Scotland; if so, whether he can state the locality; whether any further inquiries have been made by foreign firms regarding sites in Scotland; and whether those inquiries were followed up?

As was stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel Moore) on 9th June, it is expected that one new undertaking in Scotland will shortly start production. This is in Dunfermline. Since then I have heard of one foreign manufacturer who has acquired a factory in Glasgow, but I cannot say when he is likely to commence production. No other recent inquiries by foreign firms regarding sites in Scotland have come to my knowledge.

What do these firms intend producing?

Had the hon. Member desired to obtain that information and put his question on the Paper, I should have been in a position to give him an answer.

I will put it down.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if, in view of the new trade contracts to be placed by Russia with Germany, he will take steps to see that we get our share of future contracts, in view of the present trade balance?

His Majesty's Government will continue in their endeavour to ensure that as great an amount of Russian business as possible is obtained for the export trade of this country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total number of persons of all classes who receive payment for accompanying the Ministers in connection with the Lausanne Conference and the total cost?

As the answer is rather long and contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

(for Mr. THORNE) asked the Minister of Health the number of persona per 10,000 of population in receipt of Poor Law relief in Sheffield, Liverpool, Norwich, Gateshead, Manchester, Newcastle, West Ham, Sunder-land, Walsall and Lincoln, for the months ending December, 1931, and March, April and May, 1932?

(for Mr. THORNE) asked the Minister of Health the rate in the pound for Poor Law purposes for the years ended 1930–31 and 1931–32 at East and West Ham, Norwich, Lincoln, Sheffield, St. Helens, Nottingham and Bradford?

As the answer involves a tabular statement I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As the answer involves a tabular statement I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will supply a copy of the report of His Majesty's Ship "Flinders," on the estuary of the River Exe, to the Topsham barge owners; and whether he will arrange for a representative of these men to state their case before the conference which is considering this report?

No report has been received of the recent survey by His Majesty's Ship "Flinders," but only tracings showing, if compared with an Admiralty chart, the results of the survey. As my hon. and gallant Friend was informed on 27th June, the object of the proposed conference is to discuss the technical aspects of the survey and the question of allowing dredging operations will be considered thereafter. When that stage is reached, an opportunity will no doubt be given for the barge owners to state their case and the possibility of allowing them to see the tracings in question will be considered.

Do we understand that their case will be in no way prejudiced by the conference?

That is the tenor of my answer.

asked the Secretary for Mines if, in view of the costs of distribution of coal being relatively high compared with those of mining, he will take steps to help to bring about a reduction by the publication of all relevant figures?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the costs of distribution of house coal. The information for which he asks with regard to these costs is published in the Report of the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry (1925). I am advised that since that date there have been no such changes in the costs of distribution as would materially affect the results shown in that Report.

As there has been no reduction in the cost of distribution since 1925, is the Minister taking any steps to meet the sellers of coal to get them to reduce costs?

The matter is under consideration, but it would involve legislation before any change could be effected.

Has not the Department entered into negotiations with the sellers of coal, and is the Minister now taking no steps?

There have been arrangements in some instances between coal owners and coal distributors. Some of those arrangements have had no material result. As far as the Government are concerned, nothing can be done apart from legislation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the incident at Stirling Castle on Saturday, 25th June, instructions will be issued to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to mount a double guard or, alternatively, will he arrange for an English battalion to take over the duty at Stirling Castle?

No, Sir. I do not think that the incident in question calls for any such drastic action.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the last English battalion that tried to hold Stirling was wiped out in 1314?

Will my hon. Friend consider that, if a London regiment is seat, a platoon might be sufficient?

asked the Home Secretary whether at is the practice for an injured worker whose case for continued compensation has been referred to a medical referee to be allowed to be accompanied by a friend when undergoing examination by the medical referee?

It is within the discretion of the medical referee to decide in each case what persons, if any, shall be allowed to be present at the examination of the workman. I have no information to show how the referees exercise this discretion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the intentions of the Government with regard to the consolidation of bonus and salaries in the Civil Service?

The discussion of this subject on the Civil Ser-vice National Whitley Council has now been resumed, and I hope that a further statement will be possible in the Very near future.

Does that mean that we shall have a statement before we adjourn for the summer Recess?

I hope so.