asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the attempt to levy business taxes from foreigners in Hankow; and whether he will secure from the Chinese Government a confirmation of the undertaking that British subjects shall be liable only to pay such regular and legal Chinese taxation not involving discrimination as is in fact imposed on and paid by Chinese citizens throughout China?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, my hon. Friend, I think, somewhat misapprehends the position. It is not a question of an undertaking by the Chinese Government, but of a voluntary offer made by His Majestys' Government to extend the liabilities of British subjects in the manner described in the question. The Chinese Government have been reminded of the terms of that offer in connection with the business tax at Hankow.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is able to recommend any action to be taken by Colonial Governments to deal with Japanese competition in the West African Colonies?

As my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has recently stated in reply to several questions, the whole problem of Japanese competition is at present under His Majesty's Government's consideration.

May we take it from that answer, that my right hon. Friend is considering the possibility of certain Colonies withdrawing from the Anglo-Japanese trade agreement without prejudice to this country's position as it affects the treaty between Japan and this country?

As soon as my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is in a position to do so, I am sure he will make a full statement to the House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much of our adverse balance of trade for 1932 with the Argentine was due to interest payments on our investments in that country and for shipping and banking services?

The estimated net income from overseas investments and from shipping and banking services is not calculated for individual countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent our increased adverse balance of trade in 1931–32 was due to the importation of machinery and plant for the erection of new works in this country; to what extent our adverse balance of payments during this period has led to foreign investment in this country; and if the shrinkage of our income from over seas investment is in any way due to the drop which has occurred in foreign imports?

Omitting capital items, the excess of debits over credits in the balance of payments of this country was substantially less in 1932 than in 1931. I regret that no precise information is available on the points raised in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many nations have yet replied to the questionnaire on the private manufacture of arms issued by Mr. Arthur Henderson, president of the Disarmament Conference; which were the nations concerned; and what was the nature of their replies?

According to the most recent information received from Geneva 35 nations have replied to this questionnaire. With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate the list in the OFFICIAL REPORT. It would be impossible for me to give a résumé of all these replies within the compass of an answer to a question in this House.

In any case where countries have replied have they given the exact number and percentage of their people who produce arms exclusively?

I require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has yet replied to the questionnaire on the private manufacture of arms issued by Mr. Arthur Henderson, president of the Disarmament Conference; and, if so, whether the reply can be published?

Yes, Sir. The reply of His Majesty's Government was sent to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations on the 30th December last. The reply has been circulated with others to all delegations of States represented at the Disarmament Conference and will doubtless be published by the League of Nations in due course. In the circumstances His Majesty's Government do not consider that they would be justified in incurring the expense entailed in publishing the reply in this country, but I am ready, if the hon. Member so desires, to have a copy of the reply placed in the Library of the House.

I would thank the right hon. Gentleman for the latter part of that reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the efforts of His Majesty's Government have been directed to securing an agreement between the principal arms-exporting Powers to place an embargo only upon arms exported to the State declared by the League of Nations to be the aggressor in the conflict in the Far East or whether their policy was to try and secure an embargo on arms exported to both combatants?

The efforts of His Majesty's Government have not been specifically directed to either one object or the other but to securing consideration of the matter with a view to the formulation of a policy acceptable to the world at large.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not feel that the suggestion in the question might be much more successful, in view of the decision recently taken by the Government?

If the hon. Member had had to act in this matter I think he would realise the extreme difficulty of getting any agreement, whatever the case presented, in view of the position of other countries.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many herring drifters were engaged in the service of the Royal Navy during the War; whether it is still the view of the Admiralty that these drifters would be required as auxiliaries to the Fleet in the event of a war; and, if so, whether he has taken any steps to assure himself that a sufficient number of these vessels in a sea-worthy condition are likely to be available in an emergency?

About 1,150 drifters were taken up on Charter during the late War, but all of them were not in service at the same time. A number of drifters will probably be required in the event of a future war. The Admiralty are fully alive to the importance of the fishing industry to the Royal Navy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that practically all the drifters at present in commission were built before the War, and in most cases are out of date?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the cost to the State of an officer entered as a cadet at Dartmouth College till the age of 20; and what is the cost to the State of an officer entered as a special-entry cadet till the age of 20?

I presume that the inquiry relates to executive officers. The approximate net cost to the State of an officer entered as a cadet at Dartmouth is £l,200, and that of an officer entered as a special-entry cadet is £900, until promotion to the rank of midshipman. These figures include the additional cost to keep the "Frobisher" in commission as a cadet training ship instead of as a reserve fleet ship. After an officer becomes a midshipman he takes his place in the ship and his pay, etc., is not charged against the cost of his training.

How many years does that sum of money cover?

Six years.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give the various scales of fees charged to the parents or guardians of cadets at Dartmouth College, and the numbers now being educated there under these various scales?

The fees charged to parents or guardians for cadets at Dartmouth College during the current term are as follow:

• 268 at £150 per annum.
• 30 at £100 per annum.
• 39 at £70 per annum.
• 40 at £40 per annum.

Are these exactly the same persons as are referred to in Question No. 10?

I expect so.

Is not the means test applied to them?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many officers of the Royal Navy and Marines, respectively, were employed at the Admiralty and borne on the books of His Majesty's ship "President" on the following dates, 1st January, 1914, and 1st January, 1933; and what were the numbers of the personnel of the Royal Navy on these dates?

The number of Naval and Marine Officers employed at the Admiralty, etc. on the 1st January, 1914, was 121. The personnel of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines on the same date numbered 144,554. The corresponding figures for the 1st January, 1933, were 212 and 90,037. The increase in the number of Naval and Marine Officers at the Admiralty, etc. is of course mainly due to the formation of a Naval Staff, which did not exist before the War.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of naval ratings invalided during the year 1st January, 1932, to 31st December, 1932; the total number invalided with tuberculosis during this period; and the number invalided with tuberculosis whose disability was accepted as attributable to service?

The number of naval ratings and Royal Marines invalided during the year 1932 was 979. The number invalided during that period with Pulmonary Tuberculosis was 190 and in 148 of these cases pensions were granted on the attributable scale.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether petty officers and men of the Royal Navy who purchase raw materials or new articles of clothing from the clothing stores in His Majesty's ships and establishments are permitted to land such materials or articles; and, if so, whether he will authorise the issue of passes the same as now supplied for the landing of provisions?

The King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions already prescribe that clothing for men's personal use may be landed if accompanied by a pass, as for provisions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the introduction and extension of the general messing system, he will reconsider the whole question of beer bars in chief and petty officers' messes in shore establishments and permit the messes to run the bars themselves for their own mess funds like sergeants' messes in Royal Marine barracks?

The present management of these bars by Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes is, so far as the Admiralty are aware, quite satisfactory, and as my hon. Friend knows the present proposal has been rejected in the past on more than one occasion after full consideration. I am willing, however, to call for reports from the Commanders-in-Chief at the home ports on the working of the present system and on the desirability or otherwise of the change suggested.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers of officers and men of the Royal Marines serving in sea-going ships of the Royal Navy, and the numbers serving in shore establishments and barracks?

4,512 and 4,830.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of Dart- mouth and special entry cadets to be entered in the executive and engineering branches during 1933 and the number of commissions available for lower-deck ratings in these branches under the new scheme of promotion from the lower deck?

It has been announced that 13 executive and six engineering cadetships will be offered at the special entry examination in June. It has also been announced that the total number of special entry executive cadetships in the present year will not be less than 25. The total number of engineering appointments is not yet known. It is too early to state the number of cadets who will be entered through Dartmouth and the number of commissions which will be given to lower-deck ratings in the present year.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the number of commissions awarded to the seaman branch was reduced from 12 in 1931 to eight in 1932, seeing that 13 candidates were recommended by the fleet selection boards; and why only four of the 20 engine-room ratings, recommended for sub-lieutenant (E), were commissioned?

Of the 13 candidates for executive commissions who were recommended by fleet selection boards, only eight were qualified for promotion. The engineering candidates who were recommended by the fleet selection boards had subsequently to take a qualifying examination and to come before an Admiralty Selection Board who further considered their suitability and selected four, having in view Fleet requirements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of commissions awarded under the mate and mate (E) schemes each year between 1913 and 1932, inclusive; the number of cadets entered in the executive and engineering branches under the special entry scheme each year since its introduction; and the numbers of each class promoted to the rank or equivalent rank of commander and the years?

As the reply contains a tabular statement, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give the total numbers of seamen and engine-room ratings throughout the Navy who took the higher educational test for commissioned rank, in October last, under the new regulations whereby all five papers have to be taken at one examination; and the numbers who passed?

Twenty-one seaman ratings and 22 engine-room ratings took the examinations referred to. Five passed in each class.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, considering the disappointing results, one first-class certificate in gunnery and one in torpedo and none at Greenwich College, obtained by the 12 sub-lieutenants (ex-able seamen) who took the mates' courses for lieutenant during 1932, any action is to-be taken on similar lines to the preliminary training of midshipmen to enable future officers promoted from the lower deck to achieve the same standards as sub-lieutenants (ex-cadets)?

The officers referred to were promoted under the old "mate" scheme. All future promotions will be made under the new scheme outlined in the statement by the First Lord on 20th May, 1931. That scheme provides for the officers selected from the lower deck to undergo a preliminary course at Greenwich which is designed to enable them to compete on equal terms with the officers from the cadet entries, with whom they will undergo the usual sub-lieutenants' courses at Greenwich and Portsmouth.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Governor of the Straits Settlements has recently taken action to restrict the ancient Chinese custom of cracker firing during their New Year festival; and, as this action and the wording of the official notice on the subject is causing widespread resentment, will he direct the withdrawal of the restrictions forthwith?

I have seen the Governor's notification in the Press, but I have no official information in regard to it. I will ask the Governor for a report on the circumstances in which it was issued.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Governor what possible use there can be in upsetting our friends the Chinese in the Straits Settlements by trying to restrict one of their most ancient customs and superstitions?

I should think that the use of fireworks in reasonable quantities could certainly not give rise to serious objection either among the Chinese or in this country, but it may be, in this case, that the volume, velocity and frequency were considerations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he can make any statement as regards the abandoning of Hinaidi aerodrome, Bagdad, and the proposed construction of another base 50 miles away; and if he will state the amount spent to date on the construction and maintenance of Hinaidi aerodrome and the amount to be received in compensation from the Iraq Government?

As the answer is long I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General on Appendix V of the Air Services Appropriation Account, 1931, stating that in 1928 the Ministry approved the provision at Mount Batten, Plymouth, of a lighter for the bulk storage of petrol for flying boats and marine craft; that the lighter was purchased and adapted at a total cost of over £8,000; that in 1929 the Ministry further approved the provision of. storage tanks ashore for both aviation and motor transport spirit; that under this scheme one tank was provided at an expenditure of £408; that the lighter has not been used since its delivery at Mount Batten; that the flying-boat station has instead been drawing its supplies from a local oil company; and whether he will say for what reasons the two overlapping schemes were approved and state the precise cost of the lighter and its subsequent history?

As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, it is the time-honoured practice of the House to entrust to the Public Accounts Committee the examination in the first instance of the various Appropriation Accounts. My Noble Friend takes the view, therefore, that it would not be in accord with constitutional custom to answer in detail the several points raised in this question in advance of consideration by the Public Accounts Committee. He feels it, however, necessary to point out that the preliminary account of the matter at issue, contained in the Air Services Appropriation Account for 1931, is both incomplete and, in his judgment, definitely misleading in certain material respects.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will arrange to have arrows fixed to the standards of automatic traffic signals in all places where filtration to the left is permitted?

It is customary to use green arrows on light signals where filtration to the left is permitted. If my hon. Friend will let me know of any case where this practice has not been followed I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will arrange for the extension of motor-car licences expiring on 30th September for a further period of one month on payment of a proportionate additional charge?

The owner of a motorcar who takes out a licence for the period 1st October to 31st December can surrender it on the 31st October and obtain a refund of two-thirds of the duty paid less a surrender fee of 10s. I cannot see my way to complicate the licensing system by making special arrangements for the extension of licences expiring on the 30th September in the manner suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of recent prosecutions at Stoke-on-Trent and elsewhere where it was difficult to prove offences owing to verbal orders as to route, rest, loading, and unloading not being possible to fulfil, he will seek powers at once to compel all drivers to be supplied with a time, route, and general instruction docket for the information of the police and the protection of both owners and drivers; and if he will take all possible steps to enable the operation of the hours Section of the Act?

I cannot add anything at present to the reply made on this subject on 8th February by my predecessor to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the town of Kettering was in danger of destruction on 14th February when a lorry loaded with high explosives caught fire in the heart of the shopping centre; and, having regard to the fact that this fire was extinguished with the aid of a fire-extinguisher carried on the lorry, will he take steps to make the carrying of fire-extinguishers on all motor vehicles compulsory?

By an Order of the Secretary of State petrol-driven motor vehicles conveying explosives are required to carry chemical fire-extinguishers. I do not regard the occurrence as a justification for requiring all vehicles to carry fire-extinguishers.

If that is the case, why should fire-extinguishers be made compulsory on all omnibuses and public vehicles?

That does not seem to arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Petroleum (Motor Vehicles) Regulation, 1929, providing for the installation of fire-extinguishers in all garages, has never been enforced; and if he will now instruct the Metropolitan Police to take the necessary steps to see that this regulation is observed?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the requirement that in places to which the regulations apply there shall be kept fire-extinguishing apparatus of a type capable of extinguishing petrol fires, or a supply of sand or other effective means for extinguishing such fires. I have no reason to think that this requirement is not properly observed in the Metropolitan area; but if the hon. Member has any information to the contrary and will forward particulars to me I shall be glad to inquire into the matter.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that in no single instance has any domiciliary visit been made regarding this regulation?

asked the Secretary of State for India (1) on what system the representatives from India who are to attend for consultation with the Joint Committee of the Houses of Lords and Commons will be chosen;

These questions of procedure are matters for the Committee, and I am not in a position to anticipate their decisions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many flats are unoccupied at the moment in The new blocks built by the Crown authorities in Cumberland Market, in the borough of St. Pancras; and for what reasons these are allowed to remain unoccupied whilst applicants are being turned away?

Of the 246 flats already provided in the new buildings in course of erection on the Crown Estate at Cumberland Market eight are at present unoccupied. The purpose of this building scheme is to rehouse the tenants on the estate in order that the whole property may be rebuilt, and it is not possible to admit tenants from off the estate to the new flats without wrecking the scheme. It is necessary, in arranging for removals, to study the convenience of tenants, and this results in some unavoidable delay from time to time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that there are not less than 258 rooms vacant on Crown property in Stanhope Street, Albany Street, and district, in the borough of St. Pancras; and whether, as there are over 1,000 people occupying underground rooms in that borough and at least that number searching for accommodation, he will take steps to enable the premises to be tenanted with the least possible delay?

Apart from rooms in houses required for early demolition, and in basements which are unfit for residential use, about 200 rooms are at present vacant on this estate. These rooms will be used, under arrangements which are now in progress, partly for accommodation of families which are over- crowded in their present quarters, and partly for the transfer of tenants occupying premises which will be required for demolition and rebuilding in the near future. If, after these requirements are met, any rooms remain available, applications from new tenants will be considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when these rooms will be used; and will he bear in mind that the premises have been empty for nearly two years?

I am afraid I could not give a date across the Floor of the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider co-operating with the London County Council and the borough council and having a mutual arrangement in regard to such flats, so that the bodies concerned could assist each other, and not waste accommodation?

I shall certainly consider any communication from the local authorities.

If the premises are not to be altered or renovated or taken down for 12 months, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making use of them in the meantime?

I would require to look into that matter very closely.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the occupants of the wooden huts at Horden, county Durham, have been given 28 days' notice to leave the huts without other houses having been provided for them; and whether he will take steps to prevent the wooden huts being closed before other houses are provided?

My right hon. Friend is obliged by the information now given by the hon. Member and is making inquiries of the rural district council of Easington.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present selling price of standard graded flour per 280 pounds; and if he is aware that the London Flour Millers' Association are adding an additional 2s. 9d. per 280 pounds on account of the wheat subsidy?

The present price of standard grade flour in the home counties as announced by the London Flour Millers' Association is 24s. per 280 lbs., 6d. to Is. less delivered within the London district. I understand that actual selling prices are normally less than the published price. The price is subject to the addition of the quota payment which millers and importers of flour are required to make to the Wheat Commission under the provisions of the Wheat Act, 1932, and which is at present 2s. 9d. per sack of 280 lbs.

Does that not prove that this wheat subsidy is going to be paid by the consumer?

It proves that the wheat subsidy, being a disbursement, is at present shown as a separate addition to the price.

asked the Attorney-General whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation at an early date to give effect to the recommendations contained in the interim Report of the Business of Courts Committee presented by the Lord High Chancellor to Parliament, or whether it is proposed to delay the introduction of legislation until the final report is presented?

asked the Attorney-General (1) whether he can make a statement to the House as to when His Majesty's Government will introduce legislation to deal with the recommendations of the recent Report of the Lord Chancellor's Committee on Law Reform;

The introduction of such legislation as may be necessary to give effect to the recommendations contained in the interim report is now under consideration. It is proposed to take immediate action to bring into operation such of the recommendations of the Committee as do not require legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, having regard to the failure of the steps hitherto taken to bring about a settlement of the Irish question, he will consider the advisability of recommending the imposition of a further duty of 50 per cent. on Irish exports to England in order to bring about an immediate settlement of this dispute?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 7th March to my right hon. Friend the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill). I cannot at present add anything to that answer.

Having regard to the serious dislocation of trade between the two countries, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the steps he has already taken may be further augmented by a higher duty and so bring about an immediate settlement of the dispute?

asked the Prime Minister whether consultations have yet taken place between the military, naval, and air force staffs of the signatories of the Locarno treaties, with a view to these being put into effective operation when and if need should arise?

As far as this country is concerned, the answer is in the negative.

If we are to carry out our obligations effectively, is it not very desirable that such consultations should take place?

I think the hon. Member's question borders on the bellicose.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has inquired into the complaints received from residents in Chiswick with regard to the odour arising from the Chiswick sewage works; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

My right hon. Friend is investigating these complaints and is in close touch with the council as to the measures to be taken. It is hoped that a remedy will shortly be found.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Government have refused to allow the Stoke-on-Trent Corporation to raise a loan of £500,000; and whether, in view of the utility of the objects of the loan, he will reconsider his decision?

I know of no reason why the corporation should not make an issue provided that, in accordance with the request of my right hon. Friend published in the Press on the 14th January, prior agreement is reached with the Bank of England regarding the amount and date of the issue.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that he is inflicting a great hardship on this corporation, because they were about to issue at 98 and he wants to make them issue at 97, which means an addition of £5,000 at 3½ per cent.?

I cannot help thinking my hon. Friend is under some misapprehension. He asks if I can state the reason why the Government have refused to allow the Stoke-on-Trent Corporation to raise a loan. My reply is that the Government have not refused.

Simply because they want to issue at 98 and you insist on 97.

No. I say that the Government have had no correspondence whatever with the Stoke-on-Trent Corporation.

Are the Bank of England the Government of this country?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Bank of England has objected to this loan being issued?

I can only answer the question put to me, whether the Government have refused, and I say categorically that the Government have not refused.

Can the hon. Member reply to my question as to whether the Bank of England has refused?

No.

The hon. Member had better put a question down.

On a point of Order. Would it be in order to put down a question, to ask whether the Bank of England had or had not refused?

If the hon. Member puts the question down, I will then see whether it is in order or not.

Is it not a fact that on several occasions I myself and other hon. Members have attempted to put down questions dealing with the Bank of England and have been told by the Clerk at the Table that the Government have no control over them?

I should probably say the same thing about this one.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Stationery Office has recently invited tenders for the appointment of an agency for advertising in newspapers and periodicals on behalf of the Government Departments in Scotland; if he is further aware that an agreement between the Newspaper Proprietors' Association and all recognised advertising agencies provides for a minimum commission charge of 10 per cent. on all new business; and if in such cases he will discontinue the system of tender and substitute that of direct appointment?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no official knowledge of the terms of the trade agreement between the Newspaper Proprietors' Association and the advertising agencies to which my hon. Friend refers, but I understand that it has been in existence for many years during which time all Stationery Office advertising contracts have been placed after competitive tender. Government advertising differs in many important respects from private advertising; and I see no grounds for departing in this matter from the system of tender which is the recognised practice in the public service.