asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now indicate what action is proposed for dealing with the constitutional problem of Burma?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that Burma has not decided at the polls in favour of separation from India, His Majesty's Government will reconsider their decision and secure the representation of Burma on the Joint Parliamentary Committee to consider Indian reforms?

As the answer involves a very long statement, I will, if the House permits, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for India what will be the position of the Indian delegates who are to cooperate with the Joint Select Committee on Indian Constitutional Reforms; whether they will be allowed to put questions and to cross-examine witnesses; whether they will take part in the formulation of the report of the Committee; and whether they will have power to vote?

Indian delegates, not being Members of either House, clearly would not be able to vote as members of a Joint Select Committee or be actual parties to a report by such a committee. As regards the remainder of the question I consider that these are questions of procedure which it will be for the committee itself to settle.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman being asked by those who will be invited to act with the Joint Select Committee as to what will be their powers; how can he, therefore, leave that for the Committee to decide?

No communications have been sent, and no questions of that kind have been asked.

Should it not be settled before anyone can be asked to act?

No, I do not necessarily think so.

What is meant by delegates; by whom will these gentlemen be delegated?

They will be invited by the Committee.

Will the witnesses who are not brought over by the Government be given time to make their arrangements to come from India 7 How soon will they know?

All these questions must depend on the Committee itself.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in order to render the Joint Select Committee on Indian Constitutional Reforms as impartial as possible and to prevent the appointment of Members with preconceived views, he will recommend to the House that its members be selected by the method of ballot?

I see no advantage in departure from the usual practice in this matter.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman does not want the Joint Select Committee to be impartial?

No, I am most anxious that it should be impartial, and I hope that all the main bodies of opinion in the House will be represented.

Hear, hear!

I said "main bodies."

And I said "Hear, hear!"

This question has been to some extent answered already by the right hon. Gentleman, but perhaps he still has something to add.

I have on various occasions explained the views of the Government, which are, in effect, those expressed by the late Lord Birkenhead as long ago as 1927. The matter is of course one for discussion and decision in the Joint Select Committee itself. I have only to repeat that no invitations have yet been issued to any Indian representatives.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the British Broadcasting Corporation propose to have a series of factual talks on the Indian constitutional problem; whether he is aware that it is impossible for such talks, owing to the selection and arrangement of facts and the emphasis given to them, to be other than tendencious; and whether he will use his powers to prevent such talks being given?

I understand that the British Broadcasting Corporation are arranging for a series of three talks to be broadcast soon after Easter concerning the proposals contained in the White Paper on India. I am informed that it is the intention of the Governors of the Corporation that these talks shall be purely objective and explanatory and not tendencious. I see no ground for interfering with the discretion of the Governors in this matter.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is possible to give a statement of fact on the Indian situation without making tendencious statements? Is it not perfectly clear that its exact effect will depend upon who gives it?

I think it is quite possible for an individual to give a fair explanation of this particular document. In any case, I must trust the discretion of the Governors in this matter, who have the responsibility.

Did the Government suggest or instigate at all this disgustingly unfair procedure?

I cannot, of course, assent to the description which my right hon. Friend has given, but I can give a complete denial to any suggestion that the Government instigated this procedure.

May I say that on this matter I agree, for once, with the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill); and may I ask whether it is not the case that, when the British Broadcasting Corporation allowed a similar talk by the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for India, he not only made a tendencious statement, but a very highly provocative statement?

As regards the first observation of the right hon. Gentleman, that he and the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Epping are in agreement, I think that that shows that I am probably right.

Is it not possible that everybody is in agreement with both these right hon. Gentlemen?

Then I understand that the Government repudiate any suggestion that they instigated this procedure?

I have already said so.

In that case, are they in a position to resist a request that a fair opportunity should be given for answers to these statements?

That is not the question that I have been asked. I have been asked whether I would prohibit it, and I have declined to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have under consideration or will consider the advisability of converting sterling liabilities into rupee loans and the commutation of Indian service pensions with a view to the reduction of foreign obligations?

It has always been the policy of the Government of India to restrict its external obligations as far as possible. I should, however, point out that full commutation of pensions payable in sterling could only be effected by increased sterling borrowing, involving the substitution of additional sterling debt charges for sterling pension payments.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India contemplate holding a special session of the Legislative Assembly to consider the Bill for the establishment of a reserve bank; and, if so, when it is proposed that the session shall be held?

I am in communication with the Government of India regarding the question of the proposed Indian Reserve Bank. As at present advised, I do not understand that it will be necessary to hold a special session of the Legislature.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many persons convicted of political offences or under preventive detention are now in prison in India; and how they are distributed in classes A, B, and C?

On the 31st January the number of persons in prison convicted of offences connected with the Civil Disobedience Movement was 13,788. Persons detained without trial in connection with the same movement numbered 86. As regards the last part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Morgan Jones) on the 22nd December last.

Are the Meerut prisoners included in the list of political prisoners?

No, the question referred only to civil disobedience.

Oh, no, political offences.

I am not quite sure, and I will look into the point which the hon. Member raises.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether further consideration has been given to the possibility of releasing political prisoners in India so that they may make their contribution during the forthcoming discussions?

I regret that I cannot add anything to my previous statements on this matter.

Are we not fast approaching the stage when many political prisoners will be called upon to work any new Constitution that may be produced, and would it not be an act of wisdom to grant a reprieve to many of them, particularly to those who have not been charged with any offence?

No, Sir, I am afraid that I have nothing to add to the statement which I made on this subject some weeks ago.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will make a statement regarding the health of the Meerut conspiracy case prisoners; whether any of them have died in gaol during the period of detention; and, if so, what was the cause of their death?

So far as I am aware the health of the prisoners is quite satisfactory. No prisoner has died in jail. Mr. Thengdi, who died last autumn, had been on bail since June, 1931. The cause of his death was hypostatic congestion of the lungs.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the persons convicted in the Meerut conspiracy case have appealed to the High Court against their sentence's; when the appeal will be heard; and whether bail may be granted to the appellants to facilitate the preparation of their appeal during, and previous to, the appeal period?

Appeals have been filed. As I have already stated, the High Court are not likely to be able to hear them until after the vacation, which covers May and June. The question of bail is one for the High Court itself to decide.

Have there been appeals on the part of all the prisoners, or only on the part of a number?

I have not yet full information on the subject. Certainly appeals have been filed, but I am not sure how many. I will make inquiries and let the hon. Member know.

asked the Secretary of State for India what action the Government of India propose to take with regard to the negotiations in relation to a scheme for the regulation of tea export?

The matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to issue a fresh communal award for the provinces of Bihar and Orissa in separation; and, if so, when it is expected that the award will be announced?

The hon, Member will have seen that provision for this is made in the proposals in the White Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for India the nature of the proposals now under consideration by the Government of India with regard to a scheme of amalgamation of auxiliary forces in India; and what effect will it have upon the Indian Budget'?

I am circulating a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Report of the Indian Army Capitation Tribunal is now under consideration by His Majesty's Government; whether any decision on the questions involved has been arrived at; and whether and when the report will be made available to Members of the House?

The report of the tribunal is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government, but no decision has yet been reached on the questions involved. I cannot yet say whether the report will be published.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this decision will be long delayed?

It is difficult to give an answer, but I hope that it will not be long delayed. A number of Departments are concerned in the matter.

When the decision is arrived at, will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing the report as a White Paper?

I am not sure whether the report will be published. It was a report for the Government and not primarily for the public.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have yet arrived at any decision with regard to the advisability of imposing an import duty on rice from Siam and French Indo-China, and of lowering the freight charges on rice and paddy on the Burma railways in order to assist the rice trade?

No import duty on rice is included in the Indian Budget proposals. I have no information in regard to the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for India what action the Government of India propose to take in response to the representations from the Meo Panchayat asking them to hold an inquiry into the root causes of the recent agitation in Alwar State?

Mr. Ibbotson, Indian Civil Service, who has been appointed Special Commissioner of the disturbed areas in the State, has been empowered to conduct inquiries into all complaints connected with the recent disturbances.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give a list of contracts exceeding £5,000 placed through the High Commissioner for India with foreign firms?

The compilation of such a list, covering the period since the appointment of a High Commissioner for India in 1020, would entail more work than I should be justified in asking the High Commissioner to undertake. I will, however, ask him to consider the compilation of a list covering the past three years, if the hon. Member wishes.

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, but this is an important subject, and he has only to go through his books for 10 years. Is it not important for the House to know what contracts has been placed with foreign firms?

This is not a case of going through a limited number of particulars in the India Office. It is a very complicated question under the High Commissioner, and I do not feel justified in asking him to undertake so heavy a burden of work.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the insurance premiums of certain 'members of Congress and other political bodies now undergoing imprisonment in India are being paid by the Government of India, he will consider the advisability of paying the insurance premiums of members of the Indian Civil Services who have suffered financial hardships through salary reductions?

No, Sir.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is a pity that we should subsidise seditionists while whittling down the salaries of loyal servants of the Crown?

I would not admit the justice of the hon. Member's question. There is no connection between the two parts of the question. The first part concerns an arrangement that has been in operation for many years. I will add something else in answer to the hon. Member's next question.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give a list of the members of Congress and other political organisations who, while undergoing imprisonment in India, receive grants of sums up to £1,000 per year from the Government of India; and whether, when the salaries of the Indian Civil Service were reduced, a proportionate reduction was made in the grants given to those imprisoned Indians?

I regret I have no recent information which would enable me to answer the first part of the question. As regards the second part, these allowances have been reviewed more than once in the last 18 months and the principal standard rates have been reduced by very much more than 10 per cent. I am satisfied that due economy is exercised.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that some six months ago he promised to provide the House with this information? Why does he now wish to conceal the information from the House?

I made no such promise. I told the hon. Gentleman that if he required the information I would try to obtain it from India. I have heard nothing more from the hon. Gentleman since the date he asked the question.

I asked the right hon. Gentleman for some information, and he told me he would provide it. He does not provide it. I do not know what other process is open to me except to put down a question in the House.

I think that there must have been some misunderstanding between the hon. Gentleman and myself. I was expecting to hear from him again on the subject. I am prepared to show him the information that I have got if he desires it.

Is it a fact that, as stated in the question, advances are being made to political prisoners in India?

I have no recent information on that point, but it is true that in one or two exceptional instances large grants have been made. The reason is that these prisoners have not been convicted, and, under the Statute law of India, due allowances have to be made for them and their families. The Statute has been in existence for many years, and I am merely carrying out the obligations of the Statute law.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information as to the proposed alteration of the immigration laws in the Union of South Africa and the probable effect on the position of Indian immigrants in the Union?

I have seen a copy of a Bill which has been in—,roduced in the South African Legislature. It does not appear to affect the position of Indian immigrants.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state the number of British candidates for admission to the Indian Civil Service who have offered themselves in each year since 1919, inclusive?

With my Noble Friend's permission, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL. REPORT giving the information for which she asks.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state the number of British officers of the Indian Civil Service and Indian Police who have retired each year since 1919, inclusive, on proportionate pension?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my Noble Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for India what were the fundamental rights discussed at the recent Round Table Conference, as mentioned on page 66 of the Conference report; and by whom these rights were brought before the Conference for discussion?

The statement of rights in question was drawn up by the Consultative Committee of the Conference, and was brought up for discussion by the Government in accordance with a general desire of the Indian delegates. The list is a long one, and I will send my Noble Friend a copy of it as circulated to the Conference.

Is it a fact that one of the fundamental rights proposed by the Government is the right of all Indians to carry arms?

No list of fundamental rights was proposed by the Government. The list emanated from the Consultative Committee in India. It was not a Government list.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present strength of British, American, and Japanese forces in Shanghai; and whether he has received any reports from His Majesty's Minister at Peking, or the Consul-General at Shanghai, with regard to representations made by British residents regarding the desirability of retaining the British force at its present strength?

Will the hon. Gentleman agree to consult His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai before any decision is reached regarding a reduction of the British forces?

Oh, yes, I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that due regard will, of course, be had to the necessities of the local situation before any action is taken.

But will the Consul-General be consulted?

I feel sure that is so.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us how it comes about that a representative of the Foreign Office is present?

I believe that it is merely a temporary arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a definite scheme has yet been drawn up by the Chinese Government for the collective treatment of interest and amortisation on loans to Chinese railways; whether there is any prospect of a systematic effort to liquidate the accumulated debt; and what revenues the Chinese Government is prepared to allocate for the purpose?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In his recently published report on the Chinese national finances the Minister of Finance stated that while circumstances had prevented much progress in dealing with the debts in arrears, the problem was one of the Chinese Government's serious preoccupations, and that as soon as the financial and economic situation slier-mated the negotiations begun in November, 1930, would he resumed. Pending further developments it is not possible to answer the last part of the question.

Could my hon. Friend give me any information as to the proposals which he mentioned in the replies of July and December last year in regard to the Tientsin-Pukow Railway, and say whether they have progressed any further?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps the Government propose to take in view of the final repudiation by the Russian Soviet Government of the agreement entered into on their behalf with Lena Goldfields, Limited, which has been supported by an arbitral award given in accordance with the terms of the agreement in favour of the company for a sum of £12,965,000?

I regret that at present I have nothing to add to the answer returned to my hon. Friend on the 13th March.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the Government now recognise the futility of entering into any trade or other agreement with a Power which does not recognise agreements or international awards made under the terms of such agreements?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information concerning the raid upon the premises of the Metropolitan-Vickers Company at Leningrad; and whether he can give further information in reference to the raids in Moscow and the arrest and imprisonment of British subjects there?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Ambassador at Moscow has now obtained particulars of the specific charges made against the British subjects who have been arrested by the order of the Russian Soviet Government; whether he has been given an opportunity of a private interview with the prisoners; whether the prisoners will be allowed legal assistance in the preparation of their defence; and before what court they will be tried?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to secure the release of the British subjects arrested in Moscow?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the latest position in regard to the imprisonment of British subjects in Russia?

As regards the first part of the question of the hon. Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle), the firm's premises at Leningrad were entered on the night of the 11th of March by Soviet authorities, who carried off a few papers, mostly personal letters. The British manager was not placed under arrest, nor, apparently, were any of the Russian staff. As regards the latter part of the question, I regret to state that, apart from Messrs. Monkhouse and Nord-wall, whose provisional release was announced to the House on the 15th March, the British subjects arrested are still in custody, and, as far as I am aware, His Majesty's Ambassador has not yet been given an opportunity for a private interview with them.

His Excellency has been informed that the prisoners are charged under Article 58 of the Criminal Code, and in an official communique published on the 17th of March, the substance of which has already appeared in the Press, it is stated that the case will be dealt with by the Supreme Court, apparently in public. Full details of the charge on which the case is based have not yet been received, in spite of Sir Esmond Ovey's urgent inquiries; but, as my right hon. Friend stated on the 15th of March, it has been described as one of sabotage in the electrical industry.

With regard to the legal steps for the defence of the prisoners, the Soviet Government have stated that the prisoners will not be allowed to avail themselves of the services of British counsel, nor will such counsel be allowed to be present in court during the trial, the only counsel allowed in such cases being nominated from the Soviet College of Jurisconsults. Sir Esmond Ovey has been instructed to press for untrammelled legal assistance for the prisoners, if a trial is held.

As my right hon. Friend informed the House on the 15th of March, Sir Esmond Ovey was instructed to represent in the strongest terms to the Commissar for Foreign Affairs the grave view taken by His Majesty's Government of these unjustifiable proceedings against British subjects. His Majesty's Government are conviticed that these proceedings must have been taken under a complete misapprehension. His Excellency has now reported that he has made urgent representations on behalf of the prisoners emphasising that Anglo-Soviet relations will suffer seriously unless they are liberated.

It is moreover clear that negotiations for a commercial treaty can serve no useful purpose, if British subjects are to be liable to such treatment. His Majesty's Government have accordingly decided to suspend these negotiations.

His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow has been instructed to inform the Soviet Government accordingly.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware of the intense indignation among every section in this country with regard to the treatment of British subjects in Moscow; also, whether more drastic measures cannot be taken to rescue them from an intolerable situation; and what the British Government are going to do to rescue themselves from their present humiliating position?

I think my answer shows the very grave view His Majesty's Government take of the matter, and I think we should await the result of the representations to which I have referred.

May I ask whether Sir Esmond Ovey has given any evidence to justify the statement which the hon. Gentleman has made, that there are no charges against these men; and will the hon. Gentleman also state Whether, if Russians are arrested in this country and put on trial, Russian counsel—The right hon. Member for Epping—[HON.MEMBERS: "Get on!"] Mr. Speaker, I think that when one is putting a question on an important subject—[Hoy;. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] I am going to ask a question, and I am going to ask it in my own way, and I think that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) has no right to make insulting remarks.

rose—

The point I was putting, Mr. Speaker—-[HON. MEMBERS: "Point of Order!"] I wish to ask the hon. Gentleman whether in the event of Russian subjects or any other foreign nationals being put on trial in this country foreign counsel would be allowed to appear in the case?

May I say, as the right hon. Gentleman has drawn me into this, that I did not make any insulting remark at all. It is his own guilty conscience that has prompted him to think so.

"Answer!" and "Do not answer!"

May I ask what reply was given to Sir Esmond Ovey when he asked for an opportunity of seeing his own nationals to ascertain what were the charges which were made against them?

In reply to the hon. Gentleman, I must restate that the full details of the charge on which the case is based have never been given to His Majesty's Government, in spite of our repeated requests, and the representations we have been compelled to make.

In view of that statement, may I ask whether it is possible for anybody to judge whether the accusations are true or false? May I also ask whether it is a fact, as stated in the Press to-day, that the British Consul and one of his assistants have visited the prisoners and found them in good health and under good conditions?

Why should they not be?

Are the Government satisfied that Third Degree methods will not be used against our nationals to secure a confession, as we know was done in a previous case?

Will the Minister tell the House and the country in what way this happening in Russia is a departure from the ordinary practice of international law?

I leave the hon. Member and the country to judge that from my answer.

Has the Under-Secretary any information that Third Degree methods have been used upon these prisoners?

I have no official information beyond what I have given to the House.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether either of the gentlemen who were released have complained of Third Degree methods?

Answer!

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will consider the advisability of holding the British Industries Fair in the autumn instead of in the spring, so as to give more time for manufacturers to execute orders for the spring and summer seasons?

The question of the most suitable date for the British Industries Fair was considered by the committee under the chairmanship of Lord Chelmsford in 1930. After carefully weighing the evidence of exhibitors and of buyers both from home and overseas, the committee recommended that the Fair should continue to be held in the spring—at a date immediately prior to the Leipzig Spring Fair. It was found that this date was the most suitable one for the majority of trades included in the schedule of the Fair.

Has my hon. Friend received any representations from any manufacturers in this country to the effect that the date fixed is inconvenient?

Yes, Sir; certain views have been expressed to me on that matter. I shall be glad to receive representations, and I will consider the subject in consultation with the Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that at the British Industries Fair one firm manufacturing 100 per cent. British clocks, employing only British labour and British capital, was surrounded by exhibitors,who displayed German, French, and Swiss clocks in cases made in England; and whether he will take the necessary steps in future to protect the English clock industry?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to his question of the 14th March, in which the position was explained. In view of recent developments in the manufacture of clock movements in the United Kingdom, the regulations are being reexamined in consultation with the trade associations concerned.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the present liability of the British Government with regard to credits on account of Russia?

It has not been the practice to state the exact amount of liability outstanding under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme in respect of any particular country or individual. But I may say that of the total liability of about £12,000,000 assumed by the Department in connection with exports to Russia, some £5,000,000 has already run off.

May I ask whether, in view of recent events, and the suspension of negotiations for a trade agreement, the Government will refuse all further credits until these prisoners are released?

I can only say that that must depend on events.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how much profit has been made out of these transactions?

Not with-out notice.

Will adequate reserves be set up in the Export Credits Fund to meet the inevitable economic breakdown?

A premium is charged on all such transactions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can arrange to publish a White Paper showing which countries are subsidising their ships, and giving details of the methods of subsidy respectively employed?

My hon. Friend's suggestion is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government have arty information regarding the policy adopted by the Governments of France, Germany, the United States of America, and Italy, respectively, with regard to the placing of contracts in those countries for the supply of goods with firms under foreign ownership or control but registered in the country concerned; and, if so, will he publish a White Paper giving this information?

I regret that I have no information on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the increased duties charged on British goods entering Denmark, the export of British boots and shoes to that country has practically been stopped; and whether, in view of the fact that Denmark has such a large balance in her favour of trade with this country, he will endeavour without delay to secure more favourable terms for imports from Great Britain?

Exports of boots and shoes from the; United King- dom to Denmark have in the past five months been more than double the exports in the corresponding period a year ago. The question of the Danish import duty is not being lost sight of in the trade negotiations now proceeding.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the new restrictions upon the importation of woollen goods into Switzerland; of the fact that an application must be made in respect of each importation to a department controlled by Swiss competitor manufacturers; that a pattern of the cloth in respect of which an application is made must be disclosed to the department; and whether he will make representations forthwith to the Swiss Government, with a view to the removal of these hindrances to trade?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on this subject to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Mabane) on 2nd and 13th March, to which I cannot yet add anything.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the search for new markets in which there is an opening for British goods, his Department is taking any steps to promote British export trade to Turkey; and, if so, of what nature?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the Department of Overseas Trade and the Commercial Secretary to His Majesty's Embassy at Angora lose no opportunity of bringing to the notice of trade circles all suitable trade openings in Turkey.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now prepared to make available the grants to local authorities authorised under Sections 14 and 16 of the Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Act, 1931, in order to secure the realisa- tion this year of schemes for land cultivation by unemployed persons?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on Thursday last to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Birkenhead East (Mr. White), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what number of classes is held in all the counties of Wales, giving each county separately, and the number of persons attending under the Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Act, 1931; and what grant is being paid for such classes?

I am not clear as to what part of the Act the hon. Member is referring. Section 5 (Sub-section 5) enables arrangements to be made for the training of unemployed persons desirous of obtaining smallholdings under that Section, but as has already been announced the Government has not found it possible to provide the necessary funds to enable the Act to be operated.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what grant he is giving to local authorities in Wales to provide seeds, fertilisers, etc., to unemployed persons as allotment holders, etc., giving each county separately?

No grants are being made to local authorities for the purposes indicated, but a grant is being made out of the Development Fund to the Society of Friends to supplement funds subscribed privately. The maximum amount of grant is £12,500, and on this basis the total sum available for this season in Great Britain would be not less than £27,500. I am unable to say how much of the grant is available for Wales, but it is understood that all applications are being met.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how that amount of £12,500 compares with that of previous years?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the total number of claims for transitional payments con- sidered and the number refused throughout Great Britain during 1932 and up to the latest date?

The total number of initial applications for transitional payments considered by public assistance authorities in Great Britain between 25th January, 1932, and 4th February, 1933, was 1,435,654, and in 258,602 cases it was held that the needs of applicants did not justify payment being made. The corresponding figures for renewals and revisions were 8,796,029 and 342,713 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet taken steps to insist on scales of relief for transitional payments being made by public assistance committees; and if any model scales approved by him can be made available for Members of this House?

I have no power to require authorities to adopt scales for transitional payments. Any scales adopted must apply primarily to public assistance and the preparation of such scales is a matter within the discretion of authorities.

What power had the right hon. Gentleman to interfere with the West Riding County Council when it decided to improve scales which it had previously adopted and to tell them that he could not approve of amendments which were being put into the new scales?

I should like notice of that question, but I should think probably I have no power whatever.

asked the Minister of Labour how many schemes for the provision of work for the unemployed have been approved during the last 18 months; and what is the total value of such schemes and the total number of persons given employment?

I am collecting this information so far as it is readily available and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Has the right hon. Gentleman heard the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health to Questions 68 and 69, from which we understand that the Government are pursuing a policy of providing work?

I regret that I did not hear the answers.