asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) if Jamaica rum is supplied for the rum issue to naval ratings on the West Indies station;

Navy rum as issued to the Fleet is a blend of rums bought on the London market, all Empire products, including Jamaica when price permits. The blend is in such proportions as long experience has shown to produce the flavour preferred by the men. The blending process is carried out at the Deptford Victualling Yard, where the rum is stored in vats before issue to ships. This procedure is the most economical and the most practical.

Could my right hon. Friend say what proportion of the rum used is Jamaica rum?

A very small proportion, owing to its price and owing to its not being liked by men in the Navy.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the comment of the men on shore does not bear out his contention that they do not like the rum, and that the Government laboratories say they can make any blend of rum of any kind that is required?

Is it not true that most of the men of the British Navy prefer a money allowance to rum in these days?

Is it not possible to give the Cabinet a dose of this rum?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to replace seaplane carrying submarine M2?

No provision has been included in the current Estimates for an aircraft carrying submarine to replace M.2, but the question is being kept under review.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the Admiralty decision on the 1932 welfare request will be published to the Fleet?

It is hoped to publish the decisions by means of a Fleet Order within a few weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in conformity with the Ottawa Agreements he has invited the Governments of the non-self-governing Colonies to accord to the signatories to the agreements any preference which may for the time being be accorded to any other part of the British Empire; whether in each case his request has been brought before the respective legislative councils; and if he will communicate to the House any replies which he may have received?

I issued the necessary invitation to all those Governments which granted preference otherwise than on an Empire- wide basis, and the necessary change has now been made in every case by legislation passed by the local Legislature in the usual way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in pursuance of the Agreements concluded at Ottawa by His Majesty's Government with the Governments of Canada, Australia and India, he has invited the Governments of the Colonies and Protectorates concerned to accord to Canada, Australia and India the new or additional preferences on the commodities and at the rates shown in the appropriate schedules to these Agreements; whether he will state in each case which organs of the respective Governments have considered his request; and whether he will communicate to the House the replies which he has received stating, where the legislative council of a Colony has been consulted, whether the decision of the legislative council was readied with the unanimous assent of the elected members thereof?

The answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative. With the exceptions hereafter stated, the Legislatures of, all the territories "concerned have endorsed the agreements. The only exceptions to this are Malta; Ceylon, where the State Council did not think fit to give full affect to the Ottawa agreements; and certain Malay States, where one or two of the minor duties are still under consideration. I am not in a position to reply to the last part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state for each British Colony in Africa, excluding mandated territories, which are precluded by international treaty from granting preferences, the value of imports from, exports (domestic produce), and re-exports of merchandise to the United Kingdom, other British countries, and foreign countries, for 1929, 1930, and 1931; and the corresponding total values in the trade of such Colonies?

As the statistics for which the hon. Member asks are very voluminous, I am sending them to him direct.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the Colonies in Africa which, not being mandated territories, are yet precluded by international treaty from granting preferences; the dates of such treaties and the parties to them; the provisions with regard to termination; and the legal effect of termination by any party to such treaties in respect of preferential duties and other matters?

I assume that the hon. Member intends the term Colony to include Protectorates. The dependencies in question are:

• Kenya.
• Uganda.
• Nyasaland.
• Part of Northern Rhodesia.
• Zanzibar.
• The Gold Coast.
• Nigeria.

• No. 6557 of 1892.
• No. 9334 of 1899.
• No. 477 of 1919.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has made any representations to Colonial Governments as to the desirability of raising the percentage of Empire content in those cases where the qualification for preferential treatment is 25 per cent.; and, if so, with what result?

As soon as copies of the Order made recently in the United Kingdom are available I propose to send copies of the Order to the Colonial Governments concerned and invite them to make similar regulations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arms and material of war were exported under Government licence to China and Japan since the month of September, 1932?

Particulars of the war material covered by export licences issued for China and Japan during the months of October and November, 1932, were given in answers to questions by the hon. Member for East Woolwich (Mr. Hicks) on the 30th November and the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on the 22nd December, copies of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT similar particulars for the months of December, 1932, and January, 1933. I cannot say how much of the material covered by these licences has actually been exported.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the negotiation of the new trade agreement with Russia?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby) and the hon. Member for South Bradford (Mr. Holdsworth) on the 13th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has yet received any statement from the Australian Government with regard to the imports into Australia of sheep-shearing machinery; and whether it is the intention of the Australian Government to continue the existing State factory for manufacturing agricultural machinery?

I gave to the hon. Member, in reply to his question on 20th December, all the particulars available on this subject. I will communicate with him again should any further information reach me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the delays in making repayments of duty overpaid on imports into Liverpool; and if he will take steps to overcome the delays?

Every effort is made by the Liverpool Customs to adjust the deposits of duty on imported goods as soon as may be after receipt of the necessary particulars from the importers; but I am informed that in a large proportion of cases in which the goods have been delivered on deposit no attempt has yet been made to produce confirmatory evidence of value and that in many other cases the evidence produced is unsatisfactory.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that garden gnomes manufactured in earthenware, and therefore subject to an import duty of 20 per cent., are being imported from Germany as garden ornaments, these articles being only subject to an import duty of 10 per cent.; and will he see that the Customs officers exact the proper duty on any future shipments?

No, Sir. Garden ornaments of earthenware whether in the form of gnomes or otherwise are liable to an import duty of 20 per cent, ad valorem. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the cases to which he refers, I will inquire into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the present occupant of the post was appointed to act as superintendent of the leper settlement in Trinidad, his age at the date of appointment, and the nature of his special qualifications in the treatment of leprosy; and whether it is proposed to make a new and permanent appointment at an early date?

The information which the lion. Member requests is not available in my Department, but I will ask the Governor of Trinidad for a report in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he was informed by the Governor of Trinidad that the area to be acquired for the purpose of a new rifle range in Trinidad was also intended to accommodate certain other public institutions; what is the nature of those institutions; and whether he has received any further communications from the local government on the subject?

The original intention was that the area to be acquired for the new rifle range in Trinidad should accommodate also the Young Offenders Detention Institution and the Preventive Detention Prison. The Governor has, however, recently reported that owing to the financial situation, he decided that only the actual area of land necessary for the range should be acquired and that consideration of the question of transferring the institutions mentioned should be postponed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the existing water supply of the Colony of Trinidad; and whether, in view of the importance of adequate water supply to the health of the community, he will consider putting into force the Quare River scheme or some similar scheme for the amelioration of the water supply?

Yes, Sir. The Governor of Trinidad has been authorised to proceed with the scheme, and the necessary arrangements for beginning the works are in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, with regard to the loan from the Colonial Development Fund for the development of the iron-ore deposits at Marampa, Sierra Leone, he will state the amount and conditions of the loan; the total amount already advanced and outstanding to date; to whom and on whose behalf the loan was granted; and the total subscribed capital of the commercial company concerned?

The amount and main conditions of this loan are given in Table A' appended to the First Interim Report of the Colonial Development Advisory Committee—Cmd. 3540—of 1930, to which I would refer the hon. Member. Of the total loan of £500,000 the amount issued to date is £362,500, leaving £137,500 outstanding. Advances are made by instalments equal to the amounts from time to time called up and paid on the ordinary shares of the Sierra Leone Development Company. The loan was granted to the Sierra Leone Government, who re-lent it to the company. The subscribed capital of the company to date is £362,500 out of a total capital of £600,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the memorandum of the chief native commissioner, Kenya, explaining the process of prospecting licences and mining leases, was submitted to him before publication; the date of such submission; whether he suggested any amendments to the memorandum, and the nature of the amendments: what date appears upon the memorandum as published; what was the date and mode of publication; and whether the memorandum was issued by the chief native commissioner in English or in the vernacular?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second and third parts do not therefore arise. The date borne by the memorandum is 17th October, 1932. As I have already explained to the House, there appears to have been some delay, due to local misunderstandings in the translation of the memorandum. Its contents have, however, been fully explained to the natives by the administrative officers, and it has now been printed in Swahili and the local vernacular and is being generally circulated in the district concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the memorandum drawn up by the Chief Native Commissioner of Kenya, which was translated into the vernacular, was issued to the natives of the Kakamega area; into which of the several vernaculars of that area it was translated; and who was the translator?

I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the reply which I have just given to a similar question by the hon. Member for East Woolwich (Mr. Hicks). I presume that the vernacular used was that which is most readily intelligible to the natives concerned. I do not know the name of the translator.

Would my right hon. Friend consider some information which I can give him on this point, which would not be in order in a supplementary question?

I am always glad to receive information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the date upon which the draft Bill to amend the Kenya Lands Trust Ordinance was submitted to the Morris Carter Commission for consideration; the dates of the meetings of the Commission when the Bill was considered; whether the Commission suggested any amendments to the draft Bill, and, if so, the nature of the amendments and whether they were accepted; and whether the agreement of the members of the Commission to the draft Bill was unanimous?

The Governor informed me in a telegram of 7th November that the Carter Commission had been consulted and had agreed to the draft Bill as an interim Measure, without prejudice to any recommendations which they might make in their Report; and that they had further agreed that the economic prospects were such as to justify and require prompt action in the matter. I have no reason to suppose either that the Commission suggested any amendment, or that their agreement was not unanimous.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is likely that the Morris Carter Commission will report?

No, I cannot say for certain.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether gold has been found on any land alienated to Europeans in Kenya; and whether any prospecting rights or exclusive prospecting licences have been granted in respect of such land?

Discoveries of reputed gold bearing have been made on alienated lands near Eldoret, Kitale and Sotik and claims have been pegged. Prospecting rights are not granted for any particular area but are operative over all open areas in the Colony. No exclusive prospecting licence has yet been granted over the alienated lands to which I have referred but I understand there have been several applications.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the period from date of issue for which prospecting rights may be granted in Kenya under the mining ordinance in force; whether, at the expiry of this period, a prospecting right may be renewed; and whether he proposes to instruct the local government to refuse to grant any further prospecting rights for the present?

A prospecting right is in force for one year from the date of issue. At the end of a year a fresh application would be necessary for the issue of a new right. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that under the Kenya Mining Ordinance, No. 1, of 11th February, 1931, the area of an ex clusive prospecting licence was limited to eight square miles; whether this pro- vision of the ordinance has since been amended; and, if so, whether he will state the date and terms of the new provision and the object of the amendment?

The Sub-section of the Mining Ordinance to which the hon. Member refers reads as follows:

"18 (4) An exclusive prospecting licence shall not. be granted in respect of any area exceeding eight square miles, provided that under special circumstances the Governor may at his sole discretion grant exclusive prospecting licences over areas exceeding eight square miles upon such terms and conditions as he may think fit."

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question?

The last part of the question asks me to state the date and terms of the new provisions and the object of the amendment. The answer is that this Sub-section has not been amended.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what instrument minerals in Kenya were vested in the Crown, the date of such instrument, and the provisions?

The hon. Member's reference is invited to Section 7 of the East African Order in Council made on the 11th August, 1902, which provided that all mines and minerals in, under or upon lands in native occupation should vest in the local representative of the Crown. The Kenya Colony Order in Council of 27th June, 1921, which, repealed the Order of 1902 declared that all lands in the colony were Crown lands and that all rights in them should be vested in the Governor in trust for His Majesty.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has been invited, under the Native Lands Trust Ordinance, 1930, Section 15, to approve of the exclusion of any areas of land exceeding 200 acres from a native reserve in Kenya on the ground that the local native council or the African member or members of the local board have objected to such exclusion; and, if so, whether such approval was given and will he give full particulars?

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many exclusive prospecting licences have been granted in the Kavirondo reserve of Kenya; the names of the persons or companies to whom they were granted; the date of the licences; the period for which they were granted; and the area covered by each licence?

I am asking the Governor of Kenya to furnish me with the particulars desired, and I will communicate them to the hon. Member on receipt.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent the grant of prospecting rights in Kenya to persons from overseas or adjoining territory; and whether he will consider as one of the means of doing so a statutory provision that no prospecting right shall be leased to a person who cannot prove at least 12 months' continuous previous residence in the Colony or Protectorate?

No, Sir. The Governor is fully alive to the importance of preventing the entrance to the goldfields of undesirable persons; but I see no justification for excluding prospectors from outside the Colony who comply with the conditions laid down.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has obtained any report from the Bahamas Government with regard to their granting to Pan-American Airways, receiving a subsidy from the United States of America Government, a further subsidy in respect of a flying-boat service to Nassau; if he will inquire whether Pan-American Airways are to be allowed the sole right to construct and use a slipway for aircraft in Nassau Harbour; and whether the use of these facilities is now forbidden to British aircraft landing in this British territory?

I was consulted by the Governor of the Bahamas and approval was given for the payment of a subsidy to Pan-American Airways since it was clear that no British company was then in a position to provide equivalent services on the same terms. The contract concluded with Pan-American Airways is for a period of three years only and does not confer upon them any monopolistic rights as against companies of other nationalities. It was stipulated, when approval was given for the conclusion of the contract, that any landing facilities provided by Pan-American Airways must be available, on payment of appropriate fees to be approved by the Governor, for use by any other aircraft.

If I bring to the right hon. Gentleman's attention a case where a British aircraft was refused the facilities, will he investigate it?

Most certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the loss of life that has resulted from the recent explosion of a gasholder in Germany containing, approximately 2,000,000 cubic feet of gas; and that there is a new gasholder over 300 feet high containing, when full 8,000,000 cubic feet of gas on the direct air route between Heston and Stag Lane Aerodrome; and whether in view of the possibility of an aeroplane flying into this gasholder in foggy weather, he will take immediate steps in the public interest to place a warning light on the top of this gasholder as is done in similar instances in America and Germany?

The general question of the lighting of gasholders, as well as the action which might properly be taken in the particular case referred to, is under active consideration in conjunction with the various interests concerned.

Is the Air Ministry satisfied that grave danger may not be caused to the civil population in the event of an aeroplane carrying petrol colliding with one of these vast gasholders which are being set up throughout the country?

That is the reason the matter is being inquired into.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has now been able to secure any action with regard to the fact that, whereas foreign aircraft enjoy freedom from Customs duty on fuel taken on board by them in England, British machines purchasing fuel in foreign countries have in many eases to pay full Customs duty on such fuel?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that there is nothing as yet to add to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 7th December last.

Can the hon. Gentleman state whether any action is being taken at the moment with this-object in view?

As is stated in my reply, the matter is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet heard from the Governor of Ceylon as to whether any steps have been taken by him to obtain the consent of the Ministers and State Council to legislation required to set up a system of criminal appeal on the lines of the Criminal Appeal Act, 1907?

No, Sir. I will, however, inquire of the Governor what action has been taken in the matter?

In view of that, could the right hon. Gentleman have a shorthand note of the Judge's charge to the jury rendered available for the defence before the Privy Council in the event of an appeal?

I do not understand the hon. Gentleman's question. I was asked whether I have heard

"from the Governor of Ceylon as to whether any steps have been taken by him to obtain the consent of the Ministers and State Council to legislation required to set up a system of criminal appeal on the lines of the Criminal Appeal Act, 1907."

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of probation orders made by the criminal courts in Ceylon in the year 1931; the number of first offenders sentenced to imprisonment during that period and the number sentenced to terms of imprisonment of six months and under; the annual cost of maintenance of a prisoner in Ceylon and the average cost of super vision on probation of an offender for a period of one year; and whether he will take steps to bring to the notice of judges and magistrates in Ceylon the value of the probation system and the advisability of using it more freely in the interests of economy and of crime prevention?

During 1931, 161 probation orders were made by the Courts in Ceylon; 9,976 first offenders were sentenced to imprisonment, including imprisonment in default of payment of a fine; and the average cost per head of prisoners was Us. 73.49 cents. The information at my disposal does not disclose the length of the terms of imprisonment imposed on first offenders or the cost of supervision of offenders on probation. The advisability of adopting the probation system for juvenile offenders has been the subject of correspondence with the Governments of all the Colonies, etc., in recent years. Its value is recognised in Ceylon, where a Central Probation Board has been set up, but I understand that the carrying out of the scheme proposed by that body has been deferred on financial grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the latest information available as to the date at which pipe lines to the coast from Iraq oil fields will be ready for operation; and whether the branch to the English port of Haifa will be completed before that to Beyrout?

I am unable to say when the pipe lines will be ready for operation, but it is provided in. the agreement between the Iraqi Government and the Iraq Petroleum Company of the 24th March, 1931, that the pipe line system, that is to say both branches, shall be completed by the 31st December, 1935, and that if both branches are not completed simultaneously, the branch to Haifa shall be completed not later than six months after the other.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an opportunity for the discussion of the Motion on the Paper standing in the name of the right hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle - under - Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) relating to the effects of the rise in the value of the pound sterling:

"That, in the opinion of this House, the rise in the value of the pound sterling is having a bad effect on our export trade, a bad effect upon our Dominions and other countries in the sterling convoy which are now slipping off sterling, and a bad effect on the book profits of the Exchange Equalisation Fund; that His Majesty's Government's embargo on free export of sterling capital, an export which must translate itself into British manufactured goods, is part cause of the rise in sterling; that a removal of the embargo would cause the pound to fall; and that this restriction on the free movement of goods and capital should be removed."

I regret, but it does not appear to be necessary to give any special facilities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain to the Chancellor of the Exchequer the inconsistency between preventing a rise in sterling by selling sterling and buying gold, and encouraging a rise in sterling by maintaining the embargo on the export of gold?

No, Sir.

Arising out of the original reply, in which the right hon. Gentleman said that no special facilities would be granted for a discussion on this important subject, will he say what facilities will be available apart from special facilities?

There are various occasions when discussion on this matter would be in order.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the disastrous effects on the trade of this country that the rise of sterling is having?

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman must not attempt to raise a discussion now.

asked the Prime Minister whether the recent speech by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the American journalists to the effect that the American War Debt must be treated as an isolated problem is now to be regarded as representing the policy of the Government?

My right, hon. Friend made no such statement. On the contrary his speech was primarily concerned with considerations other than war debts affecting the present world depression, but he made it plain, in answer to questions, that while he did not regard the discussion of war debts as an occasion for bargaining he was anxious that all questions which delay world recovery should be discussed by the two Governments in a spirit of co-operation for a common end.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government, while discussing with the United States of America other matters of economic importance, to preserve the discussion on war debts in isolation; and whether he will give an assurance that in those discussions the cancellation of war debts will be treated not as a concession to us but as an act to the mutual and equal benefit of the United States of America and of this country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full statement which I made on Monday last in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Booth by). I do not think that it would be desirable for me to say more pending the forthcoming discussions.

Is the Prime Minister aware that in very responsible quarters, both in this country and America, his statement on Tuesday has been interpreted in an opposite sense to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and will he assure the House that no such contradiction exists?

That is perfectly true, and I hope the answer I have just given will remove that misunderstanding.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to assure the House that, before a Government delegation is sent to Washington to confer with the United States Government on War debts and world economic problems he will, in circumstances which will permit debate, make a statement outlining the broad principles of the policy the Government proposes to pursue.

To agree to my right hon. Friend's request before we have had at least preliminary discussions with the United States Government would obviously not conduce to a successful outcome of those discussions, and I cannot, therefore, give the assurance asked for in the question.

I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that he wishes for preliminary discussions. What I am asking for is that this House, before the vital discussions take place, shall have an opportunity of knowing what is in the Government's mind, and be able to discuss these questions.

I am very much obliged to my right hon. Friend for his explanation. In dealing with this question of the Government delegation, I assumed that he meant now. My reply only refers to now, and perhaps my right hon. Friend will be good enough to repeat his question later on.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can give a statement showing the air strength of the principal nations that have developed air forces, and classifying the various great Powers according to their air strength?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Armaments Year Book for 1932. That volume contains the figures of strength rendered to the League of Nations by the Powers participating in the Disarmament Conference.

asked the Minister of Transport how many toll roads and bridges were purchased and freed by local authorities during 1932; how many such roads and bridges still remain; and whether, as financial circumstances prevent him from assisting such schemes with grants at the present time, he will consider encouraging local authorities to purchase and free them of their own initiative and recoup the whole or part of the cost by continuing the tolls for a certain period, as provided for in Sub-section (2) (b) of Section 20 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930?

Two toll roads and one toll bridge were purchased and freed by local authorities during 1932. According to information at my disposal there remain 53 toll roads and 77 toll bridges in Great Britain. My Department issued a circular to all local authorities on the 2nd March, 1931, drawing attention to the powers conferred upon them by the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and I doubt whether any advantage would be gained by bringing the matter again to their notice.

asked the Minister of Transport what road transport services have been licensed by the Traffic Commissioners between London and South Mimms?

As the answer to this question is somewhat long I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can give the House any figures to show whether the passing of the Road Traffic Act has reduced the number of cases of death and injury due to accidents on the roads?

As the answer to this question involves a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL-REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us, in the meantime, whether he is now satisfied with the present rate of mortality among pedestrians?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the unsafe condition of Mill Street canal bridge at Brierley Hill, Staffs; and what steps he proposes to take to assist the local authorities concerned to repair it?

My attention has been drawn to the condition of this bridge, but I have received no application concerning it from the Staffordshire County Council, who are the responsible highway authority, and I am asking what degree of urgency they attach to its reconstruction.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider circularising municipal and other authorities advising the use of granite for road making in preference to less durable materials?

Materials used for road making should be selected with due regard to the nature and volume of the traffic and to economic and other considerations. I do not think it would be advantageous to issue a circular to high- way authorities which would tend to fetter their discretion in regard to the use of a particular material.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any decision with regard to a line of pylons over the New Forest has been arrived at by his Department?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any announcement with regard to this matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman state when he will be in a position to do so, in view of the discussions going on?

I cannot add anything to the answer that I have just given.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if, in the interests both of Members and visitors to the public galleries of this House, he will consider the installation of a clock in the centre of the reporters' gallery, immediately above the Speaker's Chair, provided that no expense falls upon public funds?

I shall be happy to discuss this matter further with my hon. Friend and any other hon. Members interested.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can inform the House whether the Ringrose firedamp alarms which have been used in the recent trials have been examined in accordance with the conditions of Safety Lamps (Firedamp Indicator) Order, No. 744, of 11th September, 1929; and, if so, will he state the results?

The examination required by Clause 2 (ix) of the Order to which the hon. Member refers, has been carried out by the makers of the Ring-rose alarms at present undergoing trial, and the results are understood to be satisfactory.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what means the War Office proposes in future to encourage the breeding of light horses in Great Britain following the withdrawal of the light horse breeding grant?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 11th July last to my noble Friend the Member for Roxburgh and Selkirk (Earl of Dalkeith). No special steps involving expenditure can be contemplated.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government will consider introducing legislation for the purpose of charging to the National Exchequer the expenditure which now falls upon local authorities by reason of the transfer of unemployed persons from unemployment benefit to assistance from local rates?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any such change in the position of persons disallowed unemployment benefit as would give reason for considering the provision of special financial assistance to local authorities from the Exchequer on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

Is my right hon. Friend not conducting an investigation into this matter, in view of the representations made by a number of local authorities?

The whole question is under review by the Government at the present time.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the salaries and emoluments of the commissioners appointed to supersede various public assistance committees are paid by the Government or by the respective local authorities?

Under Article 7 of the Unemployment Insurance (National Economy) (No. 2) Order, 1931, the remuneration and expenses of these commissioners are defrayed out of moneys provided by Parliament.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any report has been published in connection with the interview which took place between a representative of his Department and the Oldham Municipal Council arising from the refusal of the public assistance committee to administer the means test; and, if so, whether a copy can be circulated for the use of Members of this House?

No official report has been published.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the total sum paid in unemployment benefit in each of the six North Wales counties for each month in 1932?

As the reply consists of a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary give the totals in each case?

The total amounts of insurance benefit and of transitional payments paid in the six counties of North Wales in 1932 amounted in each case to £500,000, making a total of £1,000,000. The contributions paid by employers and workers amounted to £275,000.

May I take it that if Home Rule for Wales is adopted North Wales would have to make up a sum of £700,000.

Yes, Sir, I think that is correct.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now inform the House of the decision of the Government as to strengthening the existing Jaw as regards the holding of processions which are likely to obstruct traffic and interfere with the freedom of the general public in the use of the streets?

Yes, Sir. The Government have fully examined the question whether it is necessary, in the public interest, to strengthen the law relating to processions. Provision is already made, under the existing law, to enable local authorities to regulate the routes of processions and to make orders for preventing obstruction of the streets and thoroughfares; and the Government as at present advised are of the opinion that traffic difficulties, where they are likely to arise from this cause, may better be met by the appropriate application of existing statutory powers than by legislation designed to strengthen the existing law. The Government are anxious to maintain, to the utmost extent compatible with the general interest, the right of holding public processions, provided they are orderly and well-behaved. They cannot, however, lose sight of the ever increasing difficulty of coping with the problem of street traffic under modern conditions, and if, in the light of experience, it became manifest that further measures were needed for the control of processions, the Government would not hesitate to ask for further powers.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there is a provision now under which, if there are to be two processions on the same day, one of them can be prohibited in order to avoid clashing? There have been instances recently of two processions being likely to clash.

I understand that various Acts give local authorities power to make orders which prescribe the routes, and it is within their competence to make such orders as would prevent a clash.