asked the Secretary for Mines whether any steps have been taken by the Government to secure the consent of the trustees of the various mine disaster funds for all the balances to be put together into one national fund for the purposes of relief in mine disasters; what is the result of his inquiries; and, if not favourable, is the Government prepared to legislate in order to accomplish this object.

No, Sir. I am not taking steps to deal with the question of balances. I am by no means certain that a large national fund would be better, especially from the point of view of the beneficiaries. My interest has been concentrated on the question of surpluses and the hon. Member will see from the reply I gave on the 16th November to the hon. Member for North Salford (Mr. J. P. Morris) that there is no case for considering legislation in respect of these.

Would it not be better to gather the whole of the surpluses into one common fund? I do not know how many surpluses there are, but there are quite a number of them. What steps can be taken to see that they are brought together to be used in one common fund?

My hon. Friend will find the facts set forth in an answer which was given on 16th November, of which I will send him a copy. He will realise that if there were any general legislation it could not be confined to relief funds for colliery disasters. There are arguments both for and against central funds as against local funds.

Will the hon. Gentleman have the return as to these colliery disasters funds which was prepared in 1925 brought up to date, so that we may know what money there is to-day in these funds?

In answering that question on 16th November, I pointed out that that return was obtained only by the courtesy of those concerned, and that we made inquiries about five or six relief funds since and that the position showed little change; and therefore I do not think it is necessary to take the steps suggested.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the fact that the quota system, and the methods of administration thereof, are causing dissatisfaction and leading to the loss of orders in the North-Eastern coal exporting area; and whether he will consider the immediate amendment of the Act in its application to the export section of the mining industry, so as to give greater freedom to coal owners and exporters in their efforts to secure business in the markets of the world?

I am aware that there has been criticism of the operation of the quota system in Northumberland, but I understand that an additional allocation for the remainder of this quarter has been granted to the district by the Central Council. No representations have been made to me, on behalf of the coal industry as a whole, to amend the system in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor promised in June, I think it was, an inquiry into this matter, and can he tell us whether any steps have been taken to redeem that promise?

I am not aware of that promise. I am aware that he was awaiting representations from the owners, who were charged with the working of the Act, as to what action should be taken to make the operation of Part 1 more effective, and I am still awaiting those representations.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there have been any direct representations to the Board of Trade apart from those through the usual channels; and whether the representations have been on the score of the fixed price rather than the quota?

There have been quite a number of points put to me on all sides of this question. There are many sides to it, as the hon. Member knows. Of course, until the Central Council, which is charged by Statute with the operation of the Act, makes- up its mind as to what it wants to recommend, I shall receive no recommendation s from the industry as a whole.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the amount of import duty on bituminous coal from Great Britain into Germany, the United States of America, Argentina, and the Netherlands?

United Kingdom coal is now free of import duty in each of the four countries mentioned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the amount of import duty levied on bituminous coal from Great Britain into Canada and also into South Africa; and whether any additional preference was secured for British coal at the Ottawa Conference?

The import duties levied on United Kingdom bituminous coal in Canada and the Union of South Africa, are 35 cents and 3s. per short ton respectively. Under the Trade Agreement with Canada, an additional preference of 10 cents per ton was accorded to anthracite coal from this country, in which class of coal the majority of our trade with Canada is done, but there was no increase in the preference on bituminous coal. There are practically no imports of coal into South Africa, and no tariff preference for coal was provided for in the Agreement with the Union.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House how it is possible to sell British coal to British Dominions when conditions are so much against us?

In anthracite coal, which forms the greatest proportion of our trade with Canada, we secured an actual preference, which is much more valuable than the free entry that is the position in other countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, as a consequence of the Ottawa Agreements, the Australian Government proposes to remove the premium of 20 per cent. in favour of Australian-made goods at present imposed when government purchases are made?

The United Kingdom-Australian Trade Agreement contains no provision relating to this matter.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this specific point was actually considered during the negotiations at Ottawa?

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade by what statutory authority the Comptroller-General of Patents has issued rules concerning the payment of renewal fees in respect to the 15th and 16th years in the life of a patent?

The rules prescribing payment of renewal fees in respect of the 15th and 16th years of a patent were made by the Board of Trade with the approval of the Treasury on the 25th February, 1920, under the authority conferred by Section 65 of the Patents and Designs Act, 1907. These fees have been continued by new rules made on the 25th October, 1932, by the Board of Trade with the approval of the Treasury under the same statutory authority.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will give the figures of the imports from and exports to the United States of America for the last 10 months in comparison with the last 10 month; of each of the previous two years, differentiating between raw materials and manufactured goods?

I regret that the desired information is not available. Separate particulars of our trade in raw materials and manufactured goods with individual countries are compiled in respect of calendar years only.

Cannot my hon. Friend supply me, through the medium of the OFFICIAL REPORT, with the latest figures available? These figures are of great importance at the present time?

I have the figures for the first nine months of 1930, 1931, and 1932, and perhaps I might supply them privately in the first place.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House if there is not a very large trade balance in manufactured goods in favour of the United States

I could not do that without notice.

Do the figures differentiate between goods which are manufactured in the United States, assembled in Canada, and sent here as British Imperial goods, and those marked with the country of origin?

I think not.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if there has been any change in the Australian tariff since the conclusion of the Ottawa Agreements for the benefit of the woollen and worsted industries in this country?

Yes, Sir. The customs duties on United Kingdom woollen piece-goods, yarns and tops have been reduced. In addition, increased margins of preference are now enjoyed by various other classes of woollen and worsted goods. Full details of these changes have been published in the issues of the Board of Trade Journal for 8th September and 6th and 20th October.

Is it not a fact that the only redemptions that have taken place are of temporary duties imposed by Mr. Scullin during the financial crisis in Australia?

I think that my hon. Friend is misinformed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that woollen cloth made and invoiced in the Colne Valley at 2s. 6d. per yard costs 6s. 2d. per yard landed in Australia; and what proportion of the difference in price is due to customs and other duties payable on importation?

In the absence of full particulars I am unable to check the figures quoted by the hon. Member. The Australian import duty on ordinary woollen piece-goods from the United Kingdom is ls. per square yard, plus 30 per cent. ad valorem, and in addition there is a primage duty of 10 per cent. ad valorem.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to implement the pledge given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that Dominion lead producers would not be allowed to exploit the British market as the result of the imposition of a duty on foreign lead?

A meeting has been held at the Board of Trade of representatives of producers and consumers of lead, to discuss the situation arising out of the Ottawa Agreements. The draft of an agreement, which includes a provision in regard to price, is now under consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the results of the discussions will be published?

I have no doubt that an opportunity will be taken, as was the case with the copper agreement, to make the agreement public when it has been signed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the decision of the customs and excise authorities that duty amounting to £30,000 must be paid on a collection of modern diamond jewellery which it is desired to bring over to London from Paris for an exhibition and that such sum is not returnable when the jewellery is sent back to Paris after being shown; and whether, in view of the fact that such exhibition should be of benefit to the diamond industry of the Empire, he will arrange for the decision to be reconsidered?

My attention has been drawn to the case referred to by my hon. Friend. Customs duty at the rate of 30 per cent. ad valorem would be chargeable on the importation of jewellery in question under the provisions of the Import Duties Act, 1932, and the Additional Import Duties (No. 1) Order, 1932, and in the absence of a drawback under the Second Schedule to the Act, there is no provision in the law whereby the duty may be repaid on the exportation of the jewellery.

In view of the probability of a similar situation arising on future occasions, will my right hon. Friend inquire into the possibility of treating goods brought into the country for exhibition purposes as though they are in bond?

Obviously, a good many considerations will arise, and in any case legislation would be required.

Do pictures coming into the country pay duty and get no drawback, and, if so, why?

Because it is the law.

Will my right hon. Friend change the law?

Has the Chancellor of the Exchequer considered the possibility of making the place of exhibition a constructive warehouse for the duration of the exhibition, which is permitted under the Import Duties Act?

Yes, Sir, I have considered that, but I do not think it is practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations the Government have made to Sweden with regard to making concessions to this country in respect of coal and textiles?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the present tariff negotiations with Sweden. I cannot undertake to give details of the requests which have been made to the Swedish Government in this connection, but I can assure the hon. Member that the interests of coal and textile industries have not been overlooked.

May I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman when he will be able to make a statement on the results of the negotiations?

I appreciate the hon. Member's desire to know the result of tariff negotiations, but I am not in a position to say.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in his negotiations with respect to restrictions on the importation of meat from South American countries, any regard was paid to the fact that meat is the main export of those countries and that the Governments of those countries have certain responsibilities; if so, whether those Governments were taken into consultation; and whether their submissions were accepted or rejected?

His Majesty's Government fully appreciate the interests of the meat exporting countries of South America in this matter, which is still under discussion with certain of the Governments concerned.

May I ask whether, when the voluntary scheme was entered into, prior to that date, the Government negotiated in any way with the Governments of the exporting countries?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Might I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will reply to the latter part of the question? Were those submissions of the exporting countries accepted or rejected, or was it the case that the whole of the arrangements were made ultimately through the importers of beef, and not through the Governments of the exporting countries?

The hon. Gentleman, by his question, refers to a great many South American countries. With some of those countries, there were no negotiations at all; it follows that in those cases there were none with the Governments. In those cases where negotiations are proceeding at this time, matters, with certain of the Governments concerned, are still under discussion.

Are we to understand from that reply that the ordinary diplomatic channels were made use of during those negotiations?

The hon. Member is to understand that the Embassies of the countries concerned are in close touch with the Government Departments which are conducting negotiations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that since the introduction of the meat quota importers' profits have risen at the expense of the producer; that the price per stone of eight pounds at Smithfield market on 1st November was 3s. 5d., but is now 4s., whereas the price to the producer in Buenos Aires on 1st November was 13.0 centavos, and has fallen to 12.5 centavos; whether the price to the producer of the Dominions has risen or fallen since the introduction of the quota; and whether he proposes to take action to ensure that any benefit from the operation of the quota shall accrue to the producer?

I am aware that an improvement in wholesale meat prices has taken place since the introduction of the scheme for restricting imports. I have no recent official information as regards prices paid to producers in South America or the Dominions. I under stand, however, that prices paid to producers in the Argentine have definitely increased since the restrictions came into force, and that the figures quoted by the hon. Member do not reflect the prices of chilling cattle. As regards the Dominions, I am informed that, in Australia, so far as mutton and lamb are concerned, the increase of prices on Smithfield has been reflected in the prices paid to producers, whilst there has been some increase in the price of beef. The New Zealand season is just now opening, and I understand that, so far as can be seen, prices paid to producers are in conformity with London prices.

Might I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, if a question is put upon the Order Paper, he will be able to give us any comparable prices for two different periods from the Argentine and from some of the Dominions?

I will endeavour to give what information I can.

Is it not the duty of the Government to make its first work the benefiting of the home producer rather than the foreign producer

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended that British manufacturers shall have the right of direct access to the Canadian Tariff Board, set up in pursuance of the Ottawa Agreements, or whether their representations would have to be made through His Majesty's Government in Great Britain?

Under Article 15 of the recent Trade Agreement, United Kingdom producers will be entitled to full rights of audience before the Tariff Board when, following a request by the United Kingdom Government to the Canadian Government, it is reviewing existing protective duties in accordance with the principle set out in Article 11 of the Agreement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Canadian Tariff Board has yet been constituted in accordance with the terms of the Ottawa Agreements; and, if so, whether it is yet open to the representations of British manufacturers?

The Tariff Board has not yet been appointed, but I understand that His Majesty's Government in Canada are taking the necessary steps to this end.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of Mr. Bennett that the Canadian Government did not consider itself bound to accept the Tariff Board decisions; and whether, in view of Articles 13 and 14 of the Ottawa Agreements, His Majesty's Government will make the appropriate representations

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Curry), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is in a position to indicate what progress has been made by the British trade delegation to Denmark?

The reports of the iron and steel delegation and of the coal delegation to Denmark have not yet been received. I understand that the spirit of the discussions which took place in Copenhagen was highly satisfactory, and it is hoped that benefit will result.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say when the reports are likely to be received?

I expect them soon.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that the aggregate taxation on motor vehicles in this country as the result of the present taxation on petrol and licences is three times as much as the taxation upon motor vehicles in the United States of America; and whether, in view of the fact that any tax on fuel or transport must lower the capacity of British industry to compete in world markets, he will consider the advisability of reducing the petrol and registration tax at the earliest possible opportunity?

I am prepared to accept my hon. and gallant Friend's statement as to the facts in the first part of his question; but I obviously cannot deal with the considerations referred to in the second part of the question within the limits of a Parliamentary answer, nor can I anticipate Budget decisions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can yet hold out any hope of the immediate removal of the embargo on the issues of fresh capital or the conversion of existing issues?

The embargo on issues of fresh capital applies only to issues on foreign account, and to optional conversions where a public issue or underwriting is involved. I fear that I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on the 15th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Mr. Lewis). I think it will be generally appreciated that the present is not an opportune moment for making any change in the existing arrangements.

How much longer will the right hon. Gentleman find it necessary to continue bolstering up the price of gilt-edged securities?

I do not accept the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's suggestion. The question as to when any changes may be made must obviously depend on the circumstances and conditions that exist.

If that is not the object, what is the object?

Has my right hon. Friend any information that reputable undertakings are suffering from a shortage of new capital which will justify him in immediately removing the embargo

I do not know whether my hon. Friend refers to foreign issues.

No, home issues.

No, I am not aware of that fact.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he hopes to publish a White Paper showing the details of the increased preference accorded to United Kingdom goods in Empire countries as a consequence of the Ottawa Agreements?

The concessions secured for United Kingdom goods under the Ottawa Agreements are set out in Command Paper 4174. The details of the changes made from time to time in the tariffs of Overseas Empire countries in order to give effect to the Agreements are published in the Board of Trade Journal as they are made. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend does not as at present advised contemplate the issue of a White Paper.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say when full details of the Australian changes will be available?

Not without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, (1) if he will say for what reason he advised the refusal of permits for the admission, for 12 months only, of two German workmen to instruct British workers in the use of machinery which a German firm proposed to establish at Slough for the manufacture of glass tubes, in view of the fact that the products of this firm in Germany have been imported by prominent British wholesale houses for upwards of 30 years and that one of these houses expressed in writing its intention to continue its orders to the German firm, whether it established a factory in Slough or not; and whether, in view of the effect of this refusal on employment at Slough and since it tends to establish a monopoly to the detriment of the British consumer, he will reconsider his decision;

(2) how many applications for permits of entry for foreign workers for limited periods with the object of instructing British workers in particular processes have been refused on the advice of the Board of Trade?

The views of the Board of Trade on any industrial considerations that arise with regard to applications for permits to employ alien labour are avail able to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour whenever he requires them, but I cannot, of course, say to what extent, if at all, his decision in a particular case to grant or to refuse permits may have been based upon those views or upon other considerations. With regard to the second question, I would refer to the reply which was given yesterday to the hon. Member for West Derby (Sir J. Sandeman Allen). Applications for the employment of alien labour have to be decided by the Minister of Labour, and any question regarding them should be addressed to him.

Will the hon. Gentleman not allow that the refusal by the Ministry of Labour was on the advice of the Board of Trade, and does he realise that owing to this refusal 30 men and women in my constituency are now idle who would otherwise be employed; and that by taking these dictatorial powers the Board of Trade tend to set up a monopoly in this country and prevent reasonable competition?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend must not assume that the decision was based on advice tendered by the Board of Trade. As to the second part of his supplementary question, the information in the possession of the President of the Board of Trade shows no likelihood of any monopoly in glass tubes and tubing.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question at the first opportunity.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give particulars of arrangements, made under the auspices of his Department, between boards of guardians and rural district councils under which persons suffering from unemployment have been engaged in road work on a payment from the guardians to the councils on an agreed scale towards the wages of the men concerned; and whether these arrangements have been extended or curtailed?

My right hon. Friend is informed that, before the boards of guardians were abolished, there were arrangements in 12 unions for contributions by boards of guardians towards the wages of men who, having applied for relief, were given employment on roads by rural district councils. Under the Local Government Act of 1929 the county councils have become the highway authorities in rural areas, and the arrangements with rural district councils have, therefore, ceased.

Is it not the case that, in the 12 instances which the hon. Gentleman has quoted, the arrangement worked satisfactorily and gave employment to a number of men; and cannot the Minister of Health arrange with the county councils who have now taken the place of the boards of guardians to continue and extend the system?

The general policy is contrary to the policy laid down by my right hon. Friend.

If, in fact, the system did give employment, cannot the Minister reconsider his policy?

Is it not the fact that for many years past, since 1886, acting on the circular issued by the late Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, local authorities have again and again been invited to do this exact thing by the predecessors of the present Minister of Health; and why cannot it be done now?

That may be so, but there are obvious objections and the question of the subsidising of wages is involved, which cannot be debated now. For these and other reasons, the present policy of my right hon. Friend is against such a course.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to read over again the circular issued by the late Mr. Joseph Chamberlain on that subject, and the numberless circulars issued by other Ministers of Health and presidents of the Local Government Board?

Is it not the case that certain county councils are now considering this matter especially with a view to helping agricultural labourers who are out of work; and are we to understand that the Minister of Health is going to oppose such proposals

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the amalgamation of the 15th King's Hussars with the 19th Royal Hussars and the disappearance of the latter regiment from the Army List involves the reduction of the cavalry by one regiment on mobilisation; and, if so, whether the sanction of Parliament will be obtained for such reduction?

The recent change in title of the 15th/19th Hussars does not involve any reduction on mobilisation; and the second part of the question therefore does not arise.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman how a regiment which has disappeared from the Army List can be resurrected afterwards? Where will it be shown in the Army List?

That question does not arise out of the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, since the imposition of the special duties upon horses exported to this country from the Irish Free State, the War Office has obtained the bulk of its supplies of remounts within Great Britain; and, if so, whether the standard of the remounts now being purchased is equally good and the cost no greater?

Since the imposition of the special duties, 330 remounts have been purchased, of which 198 have been obtained in Great Britain and the remainder in Northern Ireland. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the War Department owns any freehold or leasehold property in such parts of Queen's Terrace, N.W.8, or elsewhere in the vicinity of the Royal Artilllery Barracks, St. John's Wood, as arc from time to time occupied by troops; if so, at what date and for what purposes such property was acquired; and if it is intended to form part of any rebuilding scheme in connection with the Artillery Barracks?

Number 8 to number 26, Queen's Terrace, St. John's Wood, are held by the Department on long lease, and were acquired in 1919 for use as married quarters. The question of the reconstruction of this property is under consideration.

asked the Post-master-General if he is aware that, since the suspension of the Gold Standard by Great Britain, a surcharge of 30 per cent. has been charged on radiotelegrams sent from a British ship to a Colonial ship and on all radiotelegrams sent from British ships to Colonial stations; and whether he will take the necessary steps to secure the abolition of this surcharge in all cases where in the Colony or Dominion involved the Gold Standard is suspended?

The accounus for radio-telegrams exchanged between ships registered in the United Kingdom and the ships and coast stations of the Dominions and Colonies are settled on a gold basis. The authorised surcharge is intended to enable the ships to meet this requirement, and is subject to variation. In present circumstances it would hardly be possible to include all the Dominions and Colonies in a special scheme for settlement in sterling instead of gold; and, as any change would result in a loss of revenue, the balance of advantage seems to rest at present with the existing uniform arrangement.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any persons have yet been appointed to the Board of Post Office Directors other than permanent officials of the Department; and, if not, when it is intended to make such appointments?

As I have already stated, the Government have accepted the unanimous recommendation of Lord Bridgeman's Committee that there should be established a Post Office Board representative of the various Post Office functions. As a, preliminary step, discussions are now taking place with the Treasury as to the financial relationship of the Post Office to the Exchequer upon which the financial duties of the Board will depend.

asked the Attorney-General upon how many days since 1st October, 1931, to the latest convenient date, commissioners of assize have sat upon all circuits, and the total cost, including travelling, subsistence, etc.?

During the year from the 1st October, 1931, to the 30th September, 1932, Commissioners of Assize have spent 98 days on circuit. This figure includes some days on which there was no actual sitting, but I have not been able to ascertain the exact number in the time available. The total cost was £1,240 9s. 5d.

Has my right hon. and learned Friend yet considered the question of the appointment of two more judges

That is not a question upon which it would be proper for me to express an opinion. I have previously promised to report to the Lord Chancellor questions that have been addressed to me regarding it.

Do these figures include the King's Counsel on circuit who are asked to take the position of Commissioner temporarily?

No, Sir,

Arising from the words in the last part of the question:

"including travelling, subsistence, etc.,"

I would like to know if these gentlemen are on the means test? It is as right that they should be on the means test as it is that the unemployed should be.

asked the Attorney-General the number of cases (excluding appeals to the divisional court) awaiting trial in the King's Bench Division at the beginning of the Michaelmas terms, 1931 and 1932, and at the latest convenient date, respectively?

The figures for which the hon. Member asks are 1,291 at Michaelmas, 1931; 1,212 at Michaelmas, 1932; and 991 on the 4th December, 1932.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Polish Lithuanian frontier is at present closed; and whether the Government is prepared to make such representations as may bring this matter before the League of Nations under the provisions of the Covenant of the League dealing with disputes between nations?

Yes, Sir; the matter has occupied the attention of the League on several occasions; but I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by raising it afresh at Geneva at the present moment. Certain British interests, however, having recently represented to His Majesty's Government that their business was hindered by the interruption of river traffic between Poland and Lithuania, His Majesty's Ambassador at Warsaw and His Majesty's Minister at Riga were instructed to inquire of the Polish and Lithuanian Governments respectively whether they would be willing to agree to the resumption of this traffic on certain terms. The Lithuanian Government are understood to be favourable in principle; and I am at present awaiting a report from Warsaw.

Arising out of the first part of the answer, does not the Minister agree that the closing of frontiers indicates a dispute between nations; and, arising out of the second part, is the House to understand that Articles 12 to 17 of the Covenant of the League are now a dead letter?

I could not agree to the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary question. As to the first part, I do not think I could reply as to the effect of the closing of frontiers on international relations in answer to a question put without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position in Chaco with regard to the dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay?

I understand that direct negotiations between Bolivia and Paraguay have been opened in Washington under the auspices of the Commission of Neutrals. Meanwhile hostilities have not been interrupted, and on the 25th November last the Council of the League of Nations addressed an appeal to the two Governments to put an immediate stop to them, and to give the necessary facilities to the Military Commission which on the 22nd September the Commission of Neutrals had suggested should be despatched to observe the execution of their proposal for the suspension of hostilities. At the same time the Council notified the Commission of Neutrals of its action and suggested that the proposed Military Commission should be constituted immediately and should proceed at once to carry out its duties. I have no information of the manner in which these communications were received either by the Governments of Bolivia and Paraguay or by the Commission of Neutrals.

asked the Minister of Health if he is able to state the number of women married, single, or widowed, respectively, insured under the National Health Insurance Acts for each of the preceding five years?

The number of married women insured under the National Health Insurance Acts is only obtained for the purposes of the valuation of the assets and liabilities of approved societies. At the time of the Second Valuation (1922–1923) there were 4,844,014 women in normal insurance, of whom 928,126 were married, and 3,915,888 were spinsters or widows. For the Third Valuation (1927–1929) the corresponding figures were 1,132,244 married women, and 4,294,877 spinsters or widows.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will issue instructions that in future the soft wood used in building contracts entered into by his Department shall be Canadian, and that the standard Canadian sizes of such timber shall be accepted in place of the corresponding but slightly larger European sizes?

I am advised that there will shortly be available in this country Canadian soft woods which can be regarded as adequate substitutes for the European soft woods normally used at present for carpentry and internal joinery for building purposes. I am also advised that there is no technical objection to the standard Canadian sizes in which this timber will be imported, being used in place of the corresponding, but slightly larger, European sizes. I am, accordingly, giving instructions that, in all major building contracts for which my Department obtains tenders after May, 1933, it shall be specified that the soft wood used for carpentry and internal joinery (except in a certain number of cases where a special finish is required) shall be from Canadian or other approved Empire sources, and that where Canadian wood is used the standard Canadian sizes will be accepted.

Is the Department nullifying the effect of these good intentions by slowing down building?

Not at all.

Is the decision of the right hon. Gentleman to be regardless of the cost of the timber?

No, this is a specific act of Imperial preference.

Regardless of cost?

I must have notice of that question.

While appreciating the answer to the full, will the right hon. Gentleman be careful to see that the concession that he has given will be confined to British Columbian timber and will not include East Canadian timber?

Certainly not. It will be open to all Canadian or Empire timbers generally, including homegrown.

Will the right hon. Gentleman confine the concession to timber of the strength that is necessary? That is not the case with Eastern Canadian timber.

I am not satisfied with that. I am advised that not only in British Columbia but in other parts of the Empire the wood is sufficiently good.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the price of the soft Canadian timber?

The question of price always comes in, but I have provided that, in the major work carried out by my Department, tenders will be on the basis that Empire timber shall be used.

Are we to understand that the cost is not taken into account?

If the cost were raised unreasonably against my Department by this concession, the concession would have to be considered, but I want to be quite clear that cost is not going to be the only consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give the House any figures showing the quantity of Canadian timber that he will be able to use in substitution for Northern European timber Is he aware that only a very small proportion of the Canadian product will be suitable?

The right hon. Gentleman knows that hitherto there have not been visible and available sufficient Canadian supplies to make this concession with safety, and that is why it has not been done hitherto, but now I have been advised that sufficient Canadian supplies are forthcoming. Accordingly, I am introducing this into the Department.

asked the Prime Minister if he proposes to take any steps to bring into force the recommendations contained in, the report of the Select Committee on-Procedure?

I have been asked to reply. At the moment my right hon. Friend is unable to make any statement on this matter.

Would the Government have any objection to allowing the Estimates Committee to consider questions of policy?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, before any decision to return to the Gold Standard is taken, the House will have an opportunity of debating the question; and if reasonable notice will be given in order to ensure that business houses making forward contracts will not be penalised?

I would suggest to my hon. Friend that it is altogether premature to enter into the topics which he has raised at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the total revenue from liquor taxes in 1931 and in 1932, for the last convenient period, was yielded by clubs and their sales?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the total revenue of the country was yielded by the taxation of liquor in 1931 and in 1932 during the latest convenient period?

If what my hon. Friend has in mind is the proportion of liquor taxation to Budget revenue, the percentages for the first seven months of the years 1931 and 1932 are 19.62 in each case. If he means the proportion of liquor taxation to tax revenue, the figures are 24.35 and 23.21.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, when considering his next Budget, take some steps to diminish the excessive taxation of one single industry?

I cannot anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the French Government have indicated any intention as to the payment of the instalment of their debt to us due next March?

It was arranged at the Lausanne Conference that payment of the War debts due to this country should be suspended until the coming into force of the Lausanne Agreement or until it has been decided not to ratify that Agreement. At the present stage, therefore, no question arises as regards payment of the next instalment due on the French War Debt to this country.

Are we to understand that we have no claim upon the French Government for the money that they owe us, and that the Lausanne Agreement still stands, in spite of the fact that we have to pay America?

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman must appreciate that the question is at present in suspense. It is awaiting one or other of the two contingencies that I have mentioned, either that the Lausanne Agreement can be ratified or that a decision is reached that it will not be ratified.

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will see to it that we do not sacrifice our rights.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total figure of the National Debt at 31st March, 1932; and what debts other than those due to war are included, with the approximate amounts thereof?

The total of the deadweight National Debt on the 31st March, 1932, was £7,434,000,000. Owing to the various operations for the repayment and conversion of debt which have taken place from time to time, it would be impossible to say how much of the present net total is due to causes other than war.

(by Private Notice) asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that two members of the British Parliament have been invited to express the views of Great Britain with regard to the debts question before the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States Government; whether the evidence to be given by these individuals will in any respect be of an official nature; and, if not, whether he will take the necessary steps to inform the United States Government of this fact, and of the consequential undesirability of the evidence being heard?

I presume that the hon. and gallant Member refers to reports which appeared in the daily Press of the 5th December. According to the information I have received, these reports were inaccurate and the last two parts of the question do not therefore arise. I take this opportunity, however, of making it clear that no Member of either House of Parliament has been authorised by His Majesty's Government to discuss with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States Senate, the question of the payments due from His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to the Government of the United States in respect of war debts.