asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the particular interests represented by the respective members of the Export Credits Advisory Committee?

The Advisory Committee to the Export Credits Guarantee Department are not appointed to represent particular interests. They have been invited to serve by reason of their special knowledge of questions affecting the work of the Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inquire into the possibility of the Government arranging to guarantee and make a percentage payment on trade debts from abroad?

The existing export credit arrangements cover the risk of insolvency of the debtor. The possibilities of extending the usefulness of the scheme are under constant consideration, but the inclusion of such risks as those arising from exchange restrictions presents special difficulties. The suggestions which have been made to this end are, however, being carefully examined.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what goods ex- ported from this country to Canada the duties payable on importation are higher than those exported to Canada from other countries?

In no case are the rates of Canadian Customs duties on United Kingdom goods higher than those on similar foreign goods. In a number of cases, however, the total duties levied on United Kingdom goods, including the exchange dumping duty, may exceed the total duties levied on similar foreign goods. It is not practicable to enumerate these goods, since the position varies according as the rate of exchange varies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can assure the House that His Majesty's Government will not enter into any undertakings with a view to the termination of any international treaty by which Great Britain and other Powers mutually agree not to grant preferences to certain of their Colonies without asking for the authority of the House?

There are no international treaties which prevent this country from granting tariff preferences to any Colony, and I presume the hon. Member has in mind treaties which prevent certain Colonies from granting preferences to this country. I regret that I cannot give the assurance requested in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information regarding the progress of the negotiations with the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics for a new trade agreement?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement as to the progress made in the negotiations for a new trade agreement with Russia?

Negotiations are proceeding, and I have nothing at present to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton East (Mr. Mander) on 7th February.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to enter into negotiations with the German Government for a trade agreement?

Yes, Sir; but I do not anticipate that such general negotiations with the German Government on trade matters will be entered into for some little time.

asked the President of? the Board of Trade if there has been an increased price paid to South American meat producers by the importing companies, corresponding to the rise in meat products at Smithfield market?

I have no detailed information as to live stock prices in South America. Cabled reports from Buenos Aires published by the Anglo-South American Bank quote the following prices for chilling steers per kilo live weight: 24 cents on 2nd and 9th November, 25 cents from 16th November to 28th December, 22 cents on 11th January, 25 cents on 25th January and 22 cents on 7th February. I would point out that the prices of Argentine meat on Smithfield market have fluctuated considerably over this period.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he can now state whether the Anglo-Canadian trading agreement provides for the direct access by British manufacturers to the Canadian Tariff Board?

As I have explained in reply to previous questions in the House, it is provided in Article 15 of the Canadian Agreement that United Kingdom producers shall be entitled to full rights of audience before the Tariff Board when it has under consideration matters arising under Articles 13 and 14.

asked the Secretary of State for India what action the Government of India propose to take with regard to the representations made to them for a statutory railway authority to be included in the new constitution?

The Government's proposals on this matter will be included in the White Paper which they hope to present in the near future, and I must ask to be excused from anticipating that document.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the report of the Bombay Reorganisation Committee recommending the creation of central boards, comprising Departmental heads and, administrative officers in the several Departments of administration; and whether Tie will take steps to see that no such innovation is introduced into provincial administration until such time as the Legislatures under the new constitution have been able to consider the matter?

I hare received a copy of the report in question, but I am not aware what action the Bombay Government proposes to take upon the recommendations contained in it. I see no reason why action upon proposals designed to secure economy and greater efficiency should be postponed until after the introduction of the new constitution.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Indian' States have yet agreed on the terms on which they will enter into a federal constitution for India; and whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed', with their proposals for federation if the princes agree or not?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to paragraph 4 of the report made to the Third Round Table Conference on the Form, of States' Instruments of Accession, 'printed on page 87 of Command Paper 4238, and as regards the second part to the relevant passages of my speech printed on page 141 of the same Paper, to which at present I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for India on what date the separation of Sind is likely to take effect?

No, Sir?, I cannot give any date. The intention is that the establiahment of Sind as a separate province should be accomplished as part of the general constitutional changes for which proposals are shortly to be laid before Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for India what proportion of the cost of returning destitute Indian pedlars from England to India is to be charged to Indian revenues; and the number of such pedlars now being maintained by public assistance authorities in England?

I have no information as to the number of destitute Indian pedlars who are being maintained by public assistance authorities in England. No part of the cost of returning such persons to India is chargeable to Indian revenues.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a large number of licences for arms have been refused renewal in the past years; and whether any alteration of the rules under the Arms Act has been made to enable this to be carried into effect?

I have no information as regards the first part of the question. No alteration of the rules under the Arms Act would be necessary to enable the appropriate authorities to refuse renewal of licences.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that no Indian has been included in the committee set up to assist the English railway expert called in by the Government of India to inquire into the working of the State railways and to suggest measures of economy; and whether he proposes to call the attention of the Government of India to the importance of associating suitable representatives of Indian labour with the inquiry?

I understand that the English railway expert who has been deputed to India to suggest economies is working in association with a few selected experts, whose appointment rested within the discretion of the authorities in India. I do not propose to interfere" with this discretion.

asked the Secretary of State for India what were the rates of interest paid by the Government of India for sterling borrowing and rupee loans, respectively, in the years 1921–22, 1927–28, and 1929–30; and whether the Government of India have under consideration the possibility of increasing rupee loans in India in relation to sterling borrowing?

Details of all sterling and rupee loans of the Government of India are given in the various issues of the "Explanatory Memorandum" on the Indian Accounts and Estimates, which is presented to Parliament annually. It has been the policy of the Government of India to raise loans internally, to the greatest practicable extent; and the hon. Member is no doubt aware that, since the last sterling loan was raised in April, 1932, three large rupee loans have been successfully issued, while a fourth, which is in the nature of a conversion operation, is now open.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that interest paid on sterling debt held in England is exempted from Income Tax in India; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that such interest shall be placed in the same category as interest on rupee loans in respect of liabilities to Indian Income Tax?

Interest on Indian sterling loans paid to holders in this country is not liable to Indian Income Tax, and no question therefore arises of its exemption. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for India what financial or other arrangements have been made with His Highness the Maharaja of Alwar in connection with the use of British troops for operations against the insurgent Meos?

The extra expenditure incurred in moving British troops into Alwar will be recovered from the State. The ordinary cost of the troops will continue to be borne by the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the report of the Defence Expenditure Tribunal is now under consideration by His Majesty's Government; and when it is expected that an announcement will be made as to the action they propose to take on the subject?

The report of the Tribunal is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government and the Government of India, but I cannot yet say when an announcement will be made as to the action which it is proposed to take on the recommendations of the Tribunal.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India are prepared to appoint a committee to inquire into the discontent amongst discharged and disabled soldiers and the widows and dependants of those who gave their lives in the Great War; and whether the committee will be instructed to inquire into cases of the forfeiture of pensions on the ground of sympathy with or participation in political activities?

The Indian Soldiers' Board looks after the interests and welfare of discharged and disabled Indian soldiers and the dependants of deceased soldiers; and I know of no reason why a Special committee should be appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Customs duty at the rate of 30 per cent. has been levied on newsprint of non-British origin imported into India as from 1st January, 1933; and what steps the Government of India propose to take to Secure the exemption of newsprint from the 10 per cent. preferential duty as provided for in Schedule F, Item 120, of the Ottawa Agreement?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Government of India have the matter under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for India the nature of the representations addressed by the Government of India to the Ceylon Board of Indian immigrant labour, with a view to preserving the standard rates of wages fixed for Indian labourers in Ceylon; and what has been the result?

I have no recent information, but will ask for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the amount of the further taxation which has been found necessary in order to show a small surplus on this year's budget of the Government of India?

No new taxation was imposed in connection with the Budget for 1932–33, but the revenue position for that year was strengthened by increases of taxation which had previously been effected by the Supplementary Budget introduced in September, 1931, the provisions of which are set forth in an annexure to the Indian budget volume of 1932–33 (H.C. 104 of 1932).

asked the Secretary of State for India which of the nine Indian Provinces are likely to be in deficit this year; and what are the respective anticipated amounts of these deficits, approximately stated?

The revised Estimates of each Provincial Government for the outgoing year are normally published at the time of the announcement of the Budget Estimates for the ensuing year. I regret, therefore, that I cannot at present make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is prepared to order the release of the Meerut prisoners in view of the lengthy period during which they have already been confined to prison?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will reconsider the question of a reduction in the fee for British visas to American tourists entering this country, with a view to encouraging them to include Great Britain in their itineraries when visiting Europe?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for North Lanark (Mr. Anstruther-Gray) on Thursday last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has asked the Governments of China and Japan for any explanations or assurances with regard to the fighting between Japanese and Chinese troops within the borders of China at the beginning of the year; whether he will communicate to the House any memorandum received from the Chinese Government upon this subject; and whether he will make a statement on the policy of His Majesty's Government?

No, Sir. Explanations have however been received from both. Governments in regard to the events at Shanhaikwan, particulars of which I have given to-day in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington West (Mr. Donner). On 11th January the Chinese Government communicated to the Powers signatories of the Boxer Protocol of 1901 a memorandum contending that in occupying Shanhaikwan by force the Japanese troops had take unlawful advantage of a special privilege under the Protocol and stating that in these circumstances the Chinese Government could not assume responsibility for any situation resulting from the exercise by the Chinese forces of the legitimate right of self-defence. The policy of His Majesty's Government apart from the maintenance of peace generally aims at the maintenance of the Boxer Protocol.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in the interests of economy, he will propose the reduction of this country's subscription to the International Intelligence Bureau?

His Majesty's Government make no subscription to any Bureau of this name.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information in regard to non-aggression pacts made between the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics and Poland, Finland, Latvia and Estonia; whether a similar agreement has been made with France; and what action Japan has taken in the matter?

Pacts of friendship and non-aggression between the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics and Poland, Finland, Latvia and Estonia were signed and ratified in the course of last year. A similar agreement between the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics and France was signed last November but has not yet been ratified. It appears from public statements made on behalf of the Soviet and Japanese Governments that a pact between the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics and Japan has recently been under discussion, but that the Japanese Government feel unable to conclude such an agreement in present circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what way he satisfied himself, at the date of the Foreign Office letter written on 9th June, 1932, that Lady Allchin was receiving due medical care and attention?

From a report furnished by His Majesty's Consul, Casablanca.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to ensure that Lady Allchin is receiving proper care and attention in Morocco?

The care of Lady Allchin is primarily a matter for the competent court in charge of her affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is now the position regarding the Ukrainian minority petition concerning the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners by the Polish authorities which is now before the League of Nations Council; and whether he has any information concerning a, petition concerning the recent terrorisation of the Ukrainian minorities by the Polish authorities submitted by Madame Rudnicka, member of the Polish Sejm, on 25th January, 1933?

I understand that the Committee of Three which, as the Prime Minister informed the hon. Member on 16th November last, is examining this matter, has not yet concluded its deliberations. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Postmaster-General by what methods during the present year he proposes to ensure continuity of the recent increase in the use of British air mails between the constituent parts of the British Empire?

During the present year I shall continue by means of public advertisement and similar means to bring constantly to the notice of the public the many advantages offered by the Imperial Air services.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the fact that the National Association of Cider-makers has accepted the principle of a guaranteed minimum price of £4 per ton for cider-fruit for five years, what proportion of such fruit is actually supplied by home growers; and what are the total cider-fruit requirements of the cider-making firms?

I regret I am unable to give the information asked for by my Noble Friend. From such information as the Ministry has been 'able to obtain, it appears probable that in 1932, when, however, there was an exceptionally small crop of English cider apples, approximately half the fruit used for cider-making in this country was imported from abroad.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the Customs difficulties in the way of taxing foreign malting barley, he will recommend taxing all foreign barley subject to a rebate on barley used for feeding?

I am advised that the proposal to grant a rebate of duty on foreign barley used for feeding purposes would be administratively impracticable. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the present ad valorem duty on foreign barley results in a considerably higher charge on malting barley than on feeding barley, since the former usually sells at higher prices.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, with the object of providing employment as well as food for the families of the unemployed, he has considered, or will consider, the desirability of stimulating the development of fishing along as many points of the coast as possible near to industrial centres?

Development of inshore fishing for commercial purposes does not, I fear, afford great scope for providing employment. I am aware, however, of a case reported in the Press of a group of 60 unemployed men at Hebburn who have formed a boat club and fish in groups of nine in a reconditioned lifeboat given them by the Tyne-side Social Council. It is reported that during last season they brought in enough fish to keep all their families in food for some considerable time. I am in full sympathy with such experiments and am in touch with the National Council of Social Service in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour the reason why the means test commissioner at Rotherham refuses to receive a deputation of the trades council; and the number of applicants claiming transitional unemployment benefit?

My right hon. Friend has no authority to interfere with the commissioner's discretion as regards receiving deputations. The commissioner has announced that he is willing at all times to receive representations upon individual cases from the persons affected. The number of applicants for transitional payments on the register of the Rotherham Employment Exchange at 23rd January was 4,239.

asked, the First Lord of the Admiralty what orders his Department has given for oil produced in this country by a low-temperature carbonisation process for use in His Majesty's ships; and whether he will give the House full particulars and further state whether he has considered giving orders for oil produced by any hydrogenation process?

A contract has been placed for a small monthly quantity of oil produced by a low-temperature carbonisation process during the present year. We shall always be glad to consider offers of oil produced by a process of hydrogenation.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will take immediate steps to provide adequate lighting in what is known as the Map Room of the House of Commons?

I will consider this matter after obtaining the views of hon. Members who habitually make use of the Map Room.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what balance of funds is now available for the assistance of Empire migration; whether any further sums are being added to such funds; and what use is being made of them?

The only public funds available for the assistance of Empire migration are those voted annually by Parliament. Details of the amount so voted for the current year and of the purposes to which it is to be applied are shown in the printed Estimates, Class II, Vote 7. There is no accumulated balance, as any sums unexpended are surrendered tip, the Exchequer year by year in accordance with the provisions of the Appropriation Act.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the cost of the temporary Waterloo Bridge and of its maintenance since erection; and the cost of preserving the old bridge since its collapse?

I am informed that the cost of erecting the temporary bridge was £174,647, and that the cost of maintenance since its erection and of preserving the old bridge since its collapse has been £85,000.

asked the Minister of Transport the present position of the proposals to instal electric traction on the suburban lines in East London and beyond?

The railway company concerned have informed me that they have schemes of London suburban electrification under consideration, and that in the event of the London Passenger Transport Bill becoming law they will be prepared to submit proposals to the Standing Joint Committee of the Transport Board and the railway companies which the Bill proposes to set up, but I am not fully aware of the details of the proposals which the company are likely to make.

asked the Minister of Transport under what provisions he intends to withdraw, in accordance with his recently published statement, the licences of the Upminster motor coach services; and whether, before taking any such action, he will consult with the representatives of the residents in the districts concerned who will be inconvenienced by the withdrawal of the services in question?

As I have explained in reply to a letter from the hon. Member, my action in this matter was taken as a result of a number of appeals, including appeals against the grant of the licence concerned, made to me under Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act. My Orders on the commissioners specifically provide that the licence and backing shall not be revoked until they are satisfied that adequate provision has been made for road services between Upminster and London.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the desirability of taking steps to abolish the Road Fund and to place the expenditure on road grants on the annual Votes of Parliament?

The Government have this question under active consideration, and a decision will be reached in the immediate future before the Estimates for next year are presented.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now received the report of the committee set up last year to inquire into the question of the taxation of co-operative societies; whether the same will now be published; and what action the Government propose to take thereon?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Lady-wood (Mr. Lloyd) on 9th February. With regard to the last part of the question, the report has not yet been considered by the Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of standard barrels of home-made beer assessed to duty in December, 1932; the amount of duty so assessed; and the corresponding figures for December, 1931, and December, 1930, respectively?

The number of standard barrels of home-made beer assessed to duty and the amount of duty so assessed in the month of December in each of the years 1930, 1931 and 1932, were as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of bulk and standard barrels, respectively, brewed in England and Wales and Scotland during the calendar years 1931 and 1932?

The numbers of standard barrels of beer charged with duty and the number of bulk barrels on which rebate has been allowed in Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the calendar years 1931 and 1932 were as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether and, if so, when he will be prepared to make a report on the operations and profits of the Exchange Equalisation Account for the past year?

No, Sir, my right hon. Friend does not think this would be in the public interest.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the quantities of malt, un-malted corn, rice and maize, sugar, and hops used in brewing in Great Britain during the brewing year ended 30th September, 1932?

The quantities of certain materials used in brewing in Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the year ended 30th September, 1932, are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the average specific gravities of beers brewed in Great Britain during the calendar years 1931 and 1932?

the average specific gravities of the beers brewed in Great Britain and Northern Ireland were as follow:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many civil servants are receiving £1,000 or over and £2,000 or over, bonus and salary included?

On 1st April, 1932, which is the latest date for which figures are available, the number of whole-time civil Servants in receipt of £1,000 per annum or over was 2,184, of whom 48 were in receipt of. £2,000 per annum or over.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when it is expected that the Departmental Committee on Industrial Assurance will report; and if the report will be available to Members of this House?

I understand that the committee are not yet in a position to say when their report will be completed. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary by what authority the services of the police are used by the King's Proctor; and if he will take steps to see that police inquiries are not made in civil actions?

I think that my hon. Friend is under some misapprehension. I understand that from time to time the King's Proctor asks the police to supply him with information which he has reason to believe is already in their possession, and may be of assistance to him in the discharge of his public duties. I am informed, however, that such a request is invariably accompanied by an intimation that the King's Proctor does not wish the police to make inquiries on his behalf. Such inquiries would be outside the scope of police duties and are not in fact made.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that some local authorities are making a condition for the Sunday opening of cinemas within their areas that, in addition to a certain percentage to be paid to charity, a sum shall be paid to the Cinematograph Fund, the latter being an extra payment; and what action does he propose to take to secure the observance of the Act?

My right hon. Friend is not aware that any such condition has been imposed by any cinematograph licensing authority. If the hon. Member will forward to him any information he has on the subject, my right hon. Friend will consider whether any action on his part is called for.

asked the Home Secretary whether the consultative committee appointed to consider film censorship has reached any ruling with regard to the admission of children to cinemas; and, if so, what is its nature?

My right hon. Friend has received a report from the Film Censorship, Consultative Committee which deals with this matter. As he indicated in, his reply to the hon. Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons) on 20th December, their recommendations will be conveyed to cinematograph licensing authorities in a circular which he proposes shortly to issue and which will receive publicity.

asked the Home Secretary the number of British-born women who are alien subjects who were permitted during 1932 to take up residence in this country?

The information asked for is not available, and the difficulties of obtaining it from an examination of existing records would be extremely great and the expense involved would not be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the intimation of the Chief Commissioner of Police at Nairobi that Dr. Mohamed Alam would be prohibited from entering Kenya to preside over the East African Indian Congress on the ground of having served a sentence of imprisonment; and what action he proposes to take in the matter, having regard to the fact that Dr. Alam's imprisonment was for an offence not involving moral turpitude?

I have received no information on the matter to which the hon. Member refers, but I am asking the Governor of Kenya for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take with a view to giving effect to the pledges of the Government of Fiji on the subject of a common electoral roll, and to securing the application to Fiji of the resolution of the Imperial Conference of 1921 as to the rights of Indians to citizenship in British Colonies?

I am not aware that any pledge has been given by the Fiji Government in regard to a common electoral roll; or that there has been any failure to give effect to the resolution of the Imperial Conference of 1921. As regards the question of the common roll, the Acting-Governor is to make a statement on the subject when the Legislative Council reassembles on 21st February.