asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state what action he has taken or proposes to take on the Round Table Conference Report on Anglo-Indian Education; and when does he expect the scheme to start operation?

The report has been forwarded to the Government of India, and I know that it is already under examination there. I hope that it will be possible to take early action in regard to the recommendations in the report which do not require legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for India what was the total amount of India's gold reserves in each of the past 10 years; and what action the Government propose to take with a view to strengthening these reserves?

On the 31st January, 1933, the gold held in the Gold Standard and Paper Currency Reserves amounted to about £33¼ millions, valued at par, in addition to a sterling holding of £25¾ millions. Figures for earlier years are given in the Statistical Abstract for British India (Cmd. 4109 of 1932), and in the annual Reports of the Controller of the Currency, which are available in the Library of the House. The further strengthening of the Reserves is an accepted object of policy, but the precise steps to be taken to this end must depend on circumstances. In the past 12 months they have been strengthened by £l5½ millions sterling.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain where the £15,000,000 additional reserves have come from, whether by direct purchase from this country or from some other part of the world?

No, Sir; it is the result of a wise financial policy which balanced the Budget.

asked the Secretary of State for India what remissions of rent, revenue, and irrigation dues, respectively, have been made in the several provinces of British India during each of the past three years; and, where such remissions have been made, what proportion they bear in each case to the total amounts of rent, revenue, and irrigation dues received in any one year?

I am not in possession of this information, but will ask the Government of India to furnish it so far as may be possible without undue labour.

asked the Secretary of State for India (1) in what circumstances the General Officer Commander in Chief, Southern Command, India, recently issued an order prohibiting Sikhs in the Royal Bombay Sappers and Miners at Kirkee from carrying arms for a period of 12 days; and if this action had the approval of the Commander-in-Chief in India;

There are grounds for believing that the attack was intended as a protest against the transfer of Mazbi Sikhs from disbanded Pioneer Battalions to the Bombay Sappers and Miners. Pending the results of an inquiry into the outrage the Army Commander issued the order referred to as a precautionary measure. The Government of India have every confidence that he dealt with the situation in a prompt and proper manner.

asked the Secretary of State for India if, in view of the result of the recent election held in Burma on the separation issue, he will state the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to the future of Burma?

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can make a statement on the present position of Burma in relation to its future association or otherwise with an All-India federation?

At the close of the Burma Round Table Conference last year my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister indicated that after a general election at which the broad issue of separation from India or inclusion in an Indian Federation had been placed before the electorate, the representatives of the people of Burma in the Legislative Council would be afforded the opportunity to choose between, on the one hand, Separation, in which case Burma would be given, subject to the approval of Parliament, a constitution such as he depicted, and, on the other hand, remaining a Province of India with the prospect of inclusion, like the other Provinces, in the projected Indian Federation. The election took place in November; and at the end of December the newly elected Council adopted without a division a resolution which rejected both the alternatives offered by His Majesty's Government. His Majesty's Government are unable to find in the resolution of the Burma Council any indication of a choice between the alternatives offered by His Majesty's Government, and are considering whether any steps are possible on their part towards the removal of this barrier to constitutional advance in Barma.

Will my right hon. Friend say when an announcement is likely to be made regarding the constitution?

No, I could not give anything in the nature of a definite date to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Government of India to drop the Delhi conspiracy case, in which, the 14 prisoners were charged with conspiracy to commit murder, dacoity, manufacture explosives, and obtain illegal possession of arms; whether he is aware that this case had been proceeding for more than 21 months and not half the witnesses for the prosecution had been examined, the first witness taking seven months; that the Government of India estimate that the hearing of all their witnesses would take four years and the whole case five years, at an annual cost of £26,000 to the Indian revenues; and whether he will take steps to have the procedure in the Indian criminal courts expedited in the interests both of justice and of economy to the Indian exchequer?

Yes, Sir. It was decided to drop the general conspiracy charge, but to proceed against certain of the accused individually on specific charges. I can assure the hon. Member that I have for some time been gravely concerned at the length of these trials, but the problem is exceedingly complicated.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is to take steps to expedite these trials—other trials not mentioned in the question?

As I say, I have been gravely exercised by the present state of affairs. The difficulty is the complexity of the Indian statute law. I am in correspondence with the Government of India on the subject. I agree with the lion. Member that the present state of affairs is almost intolerable.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to restore, in the coming financial year, the cuts in salaries made in the civil, military, and railway all-India services, respectively; and what is the amount of the total cuts made in these respective services as at present in force?

It is unfortunately necessary to continue the emergency cuts for a further year but I am glad to say that it has been found possible to reduce the amount. Legislation will be required in this connection and I have already introduced a Bill which I hope will be taken in this House at a very early date when the details of the proposed reductions will be explained.

asked the Secretary of: State for India whether he has received any information as to the judgment of the High Court of Calcutta with reference to the right of the Governor-General to repromulgate an Ordinance: and, if so, what are the terms of the judgment?

I have no official information but I have seen a Press report of a case which is possibly that which the hon. Member has in mind. It was an application to the High Court at Calcutta to set aside an order for forfeiture of security passed under the Indian Press (Emergency Powers) Act as amended by the Special Powers Ordinance, one ground for the application being that the Ordinance could have no legal force as it was promulgated by the Governor-General after a period of six months. The Chief Justice is reported to have expressed the opinion that there was nothing to prevent the Governor-General from promulgating another Ordinance if he thought necessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make official inquiry into this matter with a view to giving us official information?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether there is in existence any trade or economic treaty between the Government of India and the Government of Tibet; and, if so, what are the terms of any such agreement?

I would refer the hon. Member to the relevant provisions of the Anglo-Tibetan Conventions of 1904, the Anglo-Chinese Convention of 1906 and the Regulations agreed upon between Great Britain, China and Tibet in 1908. These documents are published in Volume XIV of the 5th edition of Aitchison's Treaties, copy of which is in the Library.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these documents involve any military commitments at all?

I should like notice of that question in order to give a specific answer. My answer to-day would be "No," but I should like to have the question repeated.

On a point of Order, Mr. Deputy-Speaker. Did you call Question 11?

No.

That question has been withdrawn.

asked the Secretary of State for India what were the imports of foreign salt into India up to the 31st March, 1932, having regard to the provisions of the Salt (Additional Import Duty) Act, 1931, and also for the period of the first five months of the current fiscal year?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I am circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the resolution passed at the All-India Medical Council, held at Lucknow, and sent to him, requesting the Government not to proceed with the All-India Medical Council Bill until such time as the Federal Legislature is duly constituted; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The resolution referred to by the hon. Member has not reached me.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is in a position to inform the House of the names of members of the Indian Civil Service who are at present attached to the Indian States by requisition or otherwise; and the nature of the appointments held by such members, together with the salaries, if any, payable out of British-Indian revenues?

No, Sir. But if the hon. Member desires the information I am prepared to make inquiry of the Government of India.

In view of the great importance of this subject, will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries and let us have this information?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have provided or have under consideration the question of providing a sinking fund in connection with the public debt of British India for the purpose of affording support to the Indian securities market?

The Government of India make each year a large appropriation from revenue for the reduction or avoidance of debt. The amount is calculated with reference to the total amount of debt outstanding, and in the current year the budget provision is Rupees 682 lakhs (about £5,000,000). This provision is inclusive of the obligatory sinking fund charges in respect of certain obligations, and the balance may be applied either towards the avoidance of new borrowing or to the redemption of existing debt.

asked the Secretary of State for India the precise effect of sentences of transportation and rigorous imprisonment, respectively, imposed upon those found guilty in the Meerut conspiracy case?

I am glad to be able to remove what appears to be a widespread misapprehension. There is no intention of sending these prisoners to the Andamans. The effect therefore of both kinds of sentences will be imprisonment under hard labour conditions.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the infliction of these sentences after the punishment meted out to the prisoners at the trial?

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of recommending some measure of clemency, in view of the very prolonged proceedings at the trial?

I understand, unofficially, that an appeal is being lodged and, pending an appeal, I could not make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the terms of the resolutions passed at the Bidi Labour Conference held at Kamptee and sent to him, requesting the Government of India to give effect to the recommendations of the Indian Labour Commission; and, if so, whether he proposes to make representations to the Government of India on the subject?

I have not received a copy of these resolutions. An account of the action taken on the Royal Commission's report is being placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Italian Government forbids its nationals to sail in British ships where any Italian shipping line is available and that many British officials, whose fares are paid by the British and Indian Governments, are sailing to and from India in Italian ships; and whether, in view of the depressed state of British shipping, steps will be taken to remove this handicap?

I have seen a press report of an incident of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers, and understand that His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome has been asked to furnish a report as to the alleged action of the Italian Government in this matter. As to the last part of my hon. Friend's question I would refer him to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Paddington North (Mr. Bracken) on 12th December, 1932.

Assuming the statement in the question to be correct, will the right hon. Gentleman confer with the President of the Board of Trade with a view to representations being made to the Italian Government for some reciprocity in regard to this matter?

That is a question which ought to be addressed either to the President of the Board of Trade or the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India is prepared to consider the advisability of legislation to provide for the registration of trade marks in India?

The Government of India have considered this question on several occasions in the past and have held that legislation was inadvisable. They will no doubt be willing to consider any further representations that may be made to them by those concerned in India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to amend the law so as to secure power to detain goods involving infringements of designs within the purview of the Indian Patents and Designs Act?

I understand that a resolution of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India in the sense of the hon. Member's suggestion has been forwarded to the Government of India and will no doubt be considered by them.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India will now be prepared to release Mr. Gandhi and other prominent members of the Congress party in order that they may get together and decide the best means by which Congress can co-operate in the new constitution?

There can be no question of Mr. Gandhi and other prominent civil disobedience prisoners being released until the Government have convincing reason to believe that their release would not be followed by a revival of civil disobedience.

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that he will get the maximum results from all the efforts that are being made at the Round Table Conference and elsewhere, unless the official representatives of Indian thought are there to express their opinions?

A great many representatives of Indian thought are cooperating and will in the future be co-operating. I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answer which I have just given.

Is there not a likelihood that the Indian people would be much more ready to receive and welcome any progress made, if their recognised official leaders were parties to the Conference?

This is a very complicated question, and I am afraid that a simple answer "Yes" or "No" to the hon. Gentleman would not carry us any further.

asked the Secretary of State for India what decision he has come to regarding the number of Indian States who must adhere to the proposed scheme of federation in order to make the scheme effective?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the relevant passage of my speech at the conclusion of the last Session of the Round Table Conference which is printed at page 139 of Command Paper 4238, and to which at present I can add nothing.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman state in this House on 27th June that all the Princes would have to join?

No, Sir. If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to my speech he will see that I never said anything of the kind.

Is it not the case that in the first proof the word "all" was clearly apparent and that the word "all" was taken out in the second proof?

I have no memory of any such correction at all. I have always made it quite clear that federation must be effective federation.

Will the right ton. Gentleman assure the House that there will be no whittling down to half as stated in his speech at the Round Table Conference?

I do not know why the hon. and gallant Member should doubt the sincerity of the answer I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the representations sent to him from the Berar All-Parties Committee with reference to the negotiations between H.E.H. the Nizam and His Majesty's Government on the subject of the constitutional future of Berar; and whether the people of Berar will be consulted before any action is taken in the matter?

I have had before me the representations to which the hon. Member refers and can assure him that they have received full consideration in connection with the discussion now in progress in India relating to Berar. An assurance has already been given there that no steps in the matter of restoring to Hyderabad administration over Berar would be taken without giving to the people of Berar a full opportunity of expressing their wishes.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have considered the representations made to them for the recognition by them of the Indian Women's University at Poona; and what action they propose to take in the matter?

I have no knowledge of the representations referred to. The matter appears to be one for the authorities in India.

asked the Secretary of State for India what action is to be taken by the Government of India in response to the application made to them by the All-India Railwaymen's Union for the appointment of a conciliation board in connection with the Madras railway strike?

This strike was called off on 9th January, a committee of citizens of Madras having acted as conciliators. I have not heard of any desire on the part of either side since the strike ended for the appointment of a conciliation board.

If such a request should be made, will the right hon. Gentleman be sympathetic towards it?

I think it would be a matter primarily for the Government of India, but I will consult with the Government of India on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many prisoners in the gaol at Rajahamundry are on hunger strike, and for what period they have been on hunger strike?

I have no information but will inquire.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will be good enough to inquire as to the reason, if there be any reason, for any prisoners hunger-striking at the moment?

Yes, Sir, I will certainly do that.

asked the Secretary of State for India on what grounds the exhibition of a film entitled Gandhi sees the King, produced by the British Screen News Company, has been prohibited in any province of India?

I have no information as to the reason for the action taken, but no doubt the Government considered that the exhibition of this film tended to encourage civil disobedience activities.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give the House information as to the lathi charge made by the police on the prisoners in Cannanore Gaol on the 31st of December; whether any serious injuries resulted; and whether any of the prisoners have since gone on hunger strike?

I am aware that about the date in question disturbances were created in the Cannanore Gaol and that steps had to be taken to enforce discipline. I have no information as to any lathi charge by the police on the 31st December. I understand that one prisoner in the gaol went on hunger strike because the "C" Class prisoners were not allowed certain special privileges.

asked the Secretary of State for India what were the taxable capacities, and the expenditure per capita on education and sanitation, respectively, in the several provinces of British India during each of the past five years?

The statistics regarding the expenditure under the heads "Education" and "Public Health" in the several provinces of India are given in the annual Finance and Revenue Accounts of the Government of India, which have been presented to Parliament. The population figures of the provinces, according to the last Census, are given in the Abstract of Tables included in Command Paper 4194 of 1932. No official figures are available regarding taxable capacity, but figures showing the amount of taxation raised in each province will also be found in the annual accounts.

asked the Secretary of State for India what was the nature of the representations received by the Government of India from bodies purporting to speak for the depressed classes before refusing its sanction to the introduction of Dr. Subbarayan's Temple Entry Bill into the Madras Legislative Council?

I have no knowledge of any such representations.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Government of India have refused to accede to the request that the fine of Rs.80,000 levied on the Chittagong municipality and some neighbouring villages be paid by instalments; and whether, in view of the hardship to all inhabitants of the district, he will ask the Government of India to reconsider the matter?

By the middle of January, Rs.53,000 of the fine had been collected. I see no reason for any intervention on my part.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether there is now any considerable boycott of the sale of British textile goods in India?

My information is that in most parts of India the boycott of foreign goods is not now on a serious scale, and such picketing as there is has been ineffective.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the conspiracy for participation in which certain individuals have been lately sentenced at Meerut was controlled and fnanced by the Communist International, an organisation under the control of the Soviet Government, he will ask for an explanation from Moscow?

My hon. and gallant Friend has, I think, overlooked the fact that the case to which he refers was concerned with events which took place prior to March, 1929—that is to say, at a time when the propaganda agreement with the Soviet Government had not been signed.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the progress made in arriving at means to overcome frozen remittances now proving such a handicap to our foreign trade?

The extent of the difficulties created by exchange restrictions and the best means of alleviating them are being examined in consultation with a joint committee of banking, commercial and industrial representatives. In some countries commercial balances, formerly frozen, can now be used on certain conditions for financing exports, in some others negotiations and inquiries are in progress and assistance continues to be rendered in numerous individual cases through His Majesty's representatives abroad

When is the Committee likely to report?

The Committee has been sub-divided to examine various districts, and all the reports will not come in at once, but I can assure the hon. Member that the investigations are being 'actively pressed on.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there is any undertaking on the part of the Canadian Government that the Canadian. Tariff Board will be so constituted that it cannot be subjected to political influences?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Canadian Tariff Board Act, 1931, from which he will see that the Tariff Board is constituted as a judicial body and as a court of record.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there is any undertaking by the Canadian Government that the recommendations of the Tariff Board will be implement by legislation?

It is provided by Article 13 of the Canadian Agreement that on the request of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, His Majesty's Government in Canada will cause a review to be made by the Tariff Board of the duties charged on any commodities specified in such request, and that such report shall be laid before the Canadian Parliament, and that Parliament shall be invited to vary wherever necessary the tariff on such commodities of United Kingdom origin as to give effect to the principles laid down in Article 11. Article 14 of the Agreement further provides that no existing duty shall be increased on United Kingdom goods except after an inquiry and the receipt of a report from the Tariff Board, and in accordance with the facts as found by that body.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the anticipated beneficial results of the Anglo-Canadian treaty have been negatived by administrative action, and that apparently there is no redress?

If any specific case is brought to my notice I will certainly take it up, but it is only fair to say that, owing to difficulties well understood, the Tariff Board was only formed last week, and it is hardly fair to prejudge the issue when they have not had an opportunity of reviewing any case?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet been able to trace the cause of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease; and what has been the expenditure incurred to date in connection with compensation arising through this outbreak?

Since the 8th January, 33 outbreaks have been confirmed, and of these 27 are directly or indirectly attributable to infection contracted at loading banks at Reading, on the 5th and 6th January. I regret, however, that it has not been possible to discover the original cause of these or of the remaining six outbreaks. The compensation payable amounts to £34,895.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the possibility that the prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease may be traceable to the importation of cheap foreign bacon, the remnants of which are fed to homegrown pigs, this suggestion has been fully investigated; and, in the event of its justification, whether the Government is prepared to take steps to stop such importation, and so save the expenditure at present consequent upon outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, and also assist still further the home production of bacon?

A certain risk attaches to the feeding of remnants of bacon to pigs; but the Ministry in its investigations has found no reason to suppose that recent outbreaks have been due particularly to this cause. Food containing remnants of bacon, as of other meat, must under an Order of 1928 be boiled for an hour before being fed to pigs.

Is it not a fact that foot-and-mouth disease was found in foreign pork some years ago, and does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think it worth while investigating this matter further?

If my hon. Friend has any suggestions which he wishes to bring forward, I shall be glad to have them further investigated.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now state what have been the results of the discussions that took place during the past week with the representatives of bacon importing countries with regard to the continuance of restriction upon such imports?

The discussions referred to are still in progress and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to limit to a larger degree meat imports from foreign countries and Dominions with currencies depreciated in relation to sterling?

I appreciate the point of my right hon. Friend's question, but I would remind him that, apart from the Ottawa Agreements Act, there is no statutory power to impose any limitation on the quantities of meat imported from foreign countries. The Agreements made at Ottawa also govern the importation of meat from Dominion sources.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the depreciated currencies of Denmark, Australia and New Zealand represent something like 1½d. Per lb on meat, and that that is unfair competition with the British farmer?

I repeat that I have no power to impose any limitation on the quantities of meat imported.

Is there anything in the arrangement come to at Ottawa to prevent my right hon. and gallant Friend entering into friendly negotiations with the Governments concerned and to point out to them the effect of the matters referred to by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman on British farmers?

There is nothing to prevent that, and we are taking depreciated exchanges into account in all the discussions that we are having.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman propose to ask the House to give him such powers in future?

I think that that is a hypothetical question.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what subsidy is granted by the Irish Free State Government on cattle, sheep, and pigs exported to this country; and whether the duties imposed are fully countervailing?

I understand that the Irish Free State Government grant the following bounties on live animals exported to this country: —Pigs 12½ per cent. ad valorem; cattle 12½ per cent. ad valorem (10 per cent. in the case of animals exported by land to Northern Ireland); sheep nil. The duty in each case on importation into this country is 40 per cent. ad valorem.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps are being taken in rural areas to increase letter-postal facilities by placing post-boxes on motor-omnibuses which pass through outlying towns and villages at a later hour than the last outward post?

It is a standing instruction that later posting facilities in the manner described are to be provided in every case in which substantial advantage can be obtained and satisfactory arrangements can be made with the Municipal Authority or Company owning the omnibuses.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the North of England there are villages within a few miles of large postal towns from which there is only one outward post, and that in the morning, in spite of the fact that omnibuses are running continuously from those villages?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars, and I will investigate them.

asked the Postmaster-General what response has been made by the small investor to the institution of stamp savings books in connection with the Post Office Savings Bank?

I am glad to say the response has been very satisfactory and the scheme has evidently appealed to the small saver. Over a quarter of a million books have already been issued since the institution of the scheme at the New Year.

asked the Post master-General whether he is now in a position to state what sum of money will be available to his Department for development work during the current year?

I am not sure to what my hon. Friend refers, but if he means the capital expenditure for the current year, the present estimate is £8,100,000.