asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India will consider the advisability of approaching local Governments with a view to setting up machinery for the purpose of securing statistical information showing the number of unemployed persons fit for employment in mills, factories, railways, and Government and private services?

I will forward the hon. Member's suggestion to the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India the number of Indians now engaged in the Foreign and Political Department of the Government of India who are employed in political work proper on the one hand, and in judicial, magisterial, police, or education duties, on the other?

I would refer the hon. Member to the latest list of the Foreign and Political Department, which contains the information desired. A copy of the list has been placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether negotiations are now in progress with the Nizam Government regarding the Berars?

The negotiations are still in progress.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what the object of these negotiations is?

The discussions are concerned with the future of the Berars supposing that an All-India Federation comes into being.

Is it the idea that the Bears should be handed back to the Nizam's Government?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave him on that point last week.

Does the Secretary of State realise that that answer did not provide me with any information?

Can we have an assurance that no action will be taken in the future as regards the Bears without the consent of the people of the Bears?

I have already answered that question more than once; perhaps the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will refer to my answers.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether negotiations are now in progress with the Mysore durbar regarding the retrocession of the Bangalore civil and military station?

asked the Secretary of State for India what progress has been made in the negotiations between the Government of India and the Mysore State with regard to the retrocession of the Mysore Assigned Tract to His Highness the Maharaja of Mysore; and when it is expected that a decision will be reached in the matter?

I am not at present in a position to add anything to the statements which I made on the 1st May in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a statement on this matter?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to implement the recommendation of the stores, printing and stationery sub committee of the Retrenchment Advisory Committee that an advisory committee be appointed to review the Government's stores purchase policy; and if so, when is the advisory committee expected to be set up?

The recommendations of the Retrenchment Advisory Committee are under consideration by the Government of India.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do me the favour to answer the last part of my question:

"and if so, when is the advisory committee expected to be set up?"

I have not information on that point. I will look into it and let the hon. Member know.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India, in view of the representations made to them by the All- India Women's Conference requesting an extension of the powers now conferred upon presidency magistrates and district magistrates to sub-divisional officers under the Sarda Act, intend to introduce legislation to amend the Sarda Act accordingly?

The Government of India have not informed (me that they propose to introduce the legislation suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for India what action the Government of India propose to take in view of the representations made to them by members of the Legislative Assembly alleging ill-treatment by the police of Congressmen arrested in connection with the recent Congress session?

The Government of India have asked the Government of Bengal to cause a full inquiry to be made into these allegations.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in. view of the fact that the civil disobedience movement in India has been suspended and in order to create a better atmosphere for co-operation with the Government of India in the consideration of and inauguration of the new constitution, he will give instructions for the release of all political prisoners?

The position of Government in regard to this matter was stated by the Government of India in a communique issued last week, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

Are we to understand that, no matter what the Congress or the Congress leaders may do, no sort of reciprocity is to be expected from the Government?

That is a very general question. I think the hon. Member had better look at the communique to which I have referred. He will see that we have dealt with the situation very fully in that communiqué.

May I ask, further, whether, in view of the approach that has been made, His Majesty's Government are considering, perhaps, some other method of dealing with the problem and the anticipated psychology that might arise there from?

I prefer to take my stand upon the communiqué that has already been issued in India. I have nothing to add to it.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it would create a nice atmosphere if he were to comply with the suggestion contained in the last sentence of the question—that is to say, to release all political prisoners?

There are many considerations to be taken into account. The Government have made their statement as they see the position, and I have nothing to add to it.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it desirable that the Government should secure as unbiased and favourable an atmosphere as possible in their consideration of the Round Table Conference proposals—the White Paper proposals—by acting on the suggestion contained in the question?

I think that on the whole it is best to leave the position as it was stated.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received any reports on the case of Mr. Ambcha Chahiavarti, of Chittagong, who was condemned to death in the Chittagong supplementary case; and whether notice of appeal has been given in this case?

The sentence of death has been commuted by the Calcutta High Court to one of transportation for life.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say whether Mr. Chahiavarti was not in point of fact arraigned before the courts on an issue that was rather minor as compared with that which was decided in respect of his colleagues, and whether, when Mr. Chahiavarti was away on account of iliness, some of his colleagues, arraigned on graver charges, were not given more lenient treatment, while he himself on a later occasion was sentenced to death?

I could not admit the accuracy of that description. If the hon. Member will put down another question on the subject, I will see if I can give him further details.

Arising out of the right hon. Gentleman's previous answer, may I ask if Mr. Chahiavarti has been transported outside the British Empire?

No, Sir. Transportation has a technical meaning. It would not mean, so far as I am aware, transportation outside India.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to lay papers regarding the Four-Power Pact?

No, Sir. The conversations have not yet reached a point at which I can usefully approach the other parties with a view to the publication of documents, and I would ask hon. Members to believe that such publication at the moment would not be in the general interest.

Are we to take it that this Pact is dead, or, if not, in a cataleptic trance?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement regarding the results of the deliberations of the League of Nations committee which has been considering the question of the revision of the Warsaw agreement regarding the free city of Danzig?

This Committee reports to the Council of the League of Nations; and the results of its deliberations have not yet been communicated to His Majesty's Government as a member of the Council.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, in view of the grave situation which may arise after the 28th May, recommending the despatch of a mixed League force to Danzig, and not a Polish one?

I could not answer that question in reply to a supplementary question.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the present situation in Danzig, and what action His Majesty's Government propose to take?

I had an opportunity of discussing the general situation in Danzig with the League of Nations' High Commissioner a short time ago. [have no information regarding the most recent events beyond what appears in the Press, and I cannot make any statement at present.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will consider sending a British warship to Danzig? Also whether he will consider the acceptance by this country of a mandate for the last free city of what was Germany?

No question of a mandate, I think, arises under the constitution of the free city of Danzig. It takes more than one party to make a mandate. I understand that a visit of one of His Majesty's ships to Danzig has been arranged for at the end of June, forming part of the normal summer cruise. I see no reason to send one of His Majesty's ships earlier.

Is it not desirable in the interests of policy generally that that visit to Danzig should be anticipated, so that the ship may be there in time for the revolutionary elections which are expected?

Is it not the fact that the High Commissioner of Danzig has made a statement to the effect that no illegality has taken place?

I have read a statement in the Press to that effect, and I may tell the House that when I saw the High Commissioner a week or two ago he deprecated the alarmist reports which had been circulated as to the possibility of serious disorders arising in the free city during the elections, and I am sure that we all hope that his view may turn out to be accurate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the Spanish Government on the subject of their failure to pay sums, amounting to some £1,400,000, owing for more than two years to the Santander-Mediterraneo Company for railway construction work entirely financed by a British company, the Anglo-Spanish Construction Company, Limited; and what reply, if any, has been received from the Spanish Government?

On the 19th April, His Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid handed a Note to the Spanish Minister of State intimating that the action of the Spanish Government in withholding the sums due to the Santander-Mediterraneo Railway was causing great prejudice to the British company which financed the construction of the railway. No reply has yet been received to this Note, but Sir George Grahame will continue to watch the matter carefully and take such steps as he properly can on behalf of the Anglo-Spanish Construction Company.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this railway has been in operation for two and a-half years, and that this debt has not been acknowledged by the Spanish Government?

indicated assent.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information to give the House about the British officers carried off by Chinese pirates?

The Japanese official handling this case is now in touch with the bandits through an emissary who is endeavouring to negotiate the release of the captives. Meanwhile, letters dated the 5th May have been received from each of them through another channel. They state that they are in fairly good health.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that during the last few months sums exceeding four million dollars have been abstracted by the Chinese Government from the receipts of the Peking-Mukden Railway, which would normally have been available for the service of the Fengching redemption and the Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo loans and other indebtedness: and whether he will represent to the Government of China that the restoration of credit cannot be achieved if revenues, earmarked for the service of debt, are diverted for other purposes?

Yes, Sir, I am aware that these appropriations have taken place. The matter has already been the subject of strong representations to the Chinese Government in which objection was taken to such diversions so long as principal or interest on any of the loans secured on the railway funds remains unpaid. The effect of such diversions on the financial credit of China has also been pointed out.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that part of the Peking-Mukden Railway which runs through Manchuria is paying its dues to the British bondholders?

I shall require notice of that question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what reply the Chinese Government have made to those representations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who is responsible, Since the conclusion of the Anglo-Iraq Treaty of 1930 and annexe, for maintaining internal order in Iraq; whether any British forces have been used during the last two years in internal operations against the Kurds; and under what circumstances and by whose authority can such operations now be conducted?

The Anglo-Iraq Treaty of 1930 came into operation only on the entry of Iraq into the League of Nations on the 3rd October, 1932. Under the treaty responsibility for the maintenance of internal order in Iraq now rests with the Iraqi Government alone. British forces have not been engaged in any operations in Iraq Since June, 1932, when units of the Royal Air Force cooperated with the Iraqi army to restore order in a part of Iraqi Kurdistan. Under the treaty any similar operations in future are to be undertaken by Iraqi forces acting under the authority of the Iraqi Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly repeat the date? Some of us thought that he referred to June, 1933.

I mentioned the Anglo-Iraq Agreement of 1930, which came into operation in 1932. British forces have not been engaged in any operations Since June, 1932.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the declaration of the German Foreign Minister that, whatever the result of the Disarmament Conference, Germany intends to re-arm, thereby breaking the terms of the Treaty of Versailles; and whether he can make a statement as to the attitude of His Majesty's Government on this matter?

I have seen the article to which the hon. Member refers. I can make no further statement pending the resumption of the General Commission of the Disarmament Conference on Thursday.

May we take it that the statement made in another place represents the views of the Government?

I think I have already completely answered the question.

May we have a definite answer? Does the statement made in another place convey the attitude of the whole Government and the Cabinet?

I have no reason to hesitate to answer the question, but I should prefer to have it on the Paper in the ordinary way.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, among the various steps that could be taken, the possibility of re-summoning the Supreme Council of the Allied and Associated Powers with a view to obtaining security for the future?

May I ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to make any statement in reference to the Disarmament Conference?

The right hon. Gentleman is aware that a meeting of the General Commission, which was to have been held to-day, has been postponed by the direction of the President, Mr. Henderson, until Thursday, owing to the recall of the German delegate to Berlin and the meeting of the Reichstag on Wednesday. In these circumstances, I prefer to make no statement at the present juncture.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the earliest opportunity of making a statement in this House in connection with any new departure in regard to policy at the Disarmament Conference, rather than allow the Press to contain all kinds of garbled reports on the subject?

I think that His Majesty's Government throughout have done their best to keep the House informed as to matters of fact. I cannot, of course, be responsible for anticipations elsewhere.

The point I wish to press is that if a question is put to him on Thursday, will he make as full a statement on the situation as is possible to be made? I am not asking that he shall make any statement which he considers would be impolitic, but as clear a statement as is possible so that alarmist rumours will not be spread abroad as they are being spread just now?

I am sure that responsible persons in all quarters of the House will want to discourage alarmist rumours. I cannot give an undertaking as to the statement I will make on Thursday, but I willingly agree that if the situation is one which calls for a statement, a statement will certainly be made.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what proportion of the total import of jute manufactures into the Argentine in the first three months of 1933 was of United Kingdom origin?

I regret that the information is not yet available.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that 80 per cent. of our purchases from the Argentine are in jute wrappers, and that only 8 per cent. of that jute is of United Kingdom origin? Further, what steps is he taking to get this trade, which would give work to 8,000 people now unemployed?

Those are the figures that I am trying to verify. In answer to the last part of the question, the matter has not been lost sight of.

Was this matter considered when negotiations were in process with the Argentine?

Yes.

Is it not possible for the Minister to get the same concession here from the Argentine as we got from the Danes?

Will they get the further concession of all the jute put round goods coming here from the Argentine, and not merely meat?

The hon. Lady must await events.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total value and nature of goods imported from Russia Since 13th April, 1933, to the nearest available date; and the total receipts from licence duty paid in accordance with Part II, Russian Goods (Import Prohibition) Act, 1933, in respect of such importations?

In reply to the first part of the question, I regret that the information is not available, as statistics of imports into the United Kingdom are compiled only in respect of calendar months. As regards the second part of the question, no fees are being charged at present to importers in respect of licences issued under Section 2 of the Russian Goods (Import Prohibition) Act, 1933.

If no fees are charged, what restrictions are there against importation?

Each application for a licence is considered on its merits.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say if his Department is making any effort to get the statistics of the Department into such a form that Ministers may give more adequate answers in these matters than they are giving at present?

No, Sir. It has not yet been proved that they are inadequate.

Does my hon. and gallant Friend say that no licence duty is at present being charged? If so, can he say if the volume of imports from Russia without licence duty payment really justifies the existence of Part II of the Act at all?

Yes, indeed it does.

Is there a special prohibition in operation against Russian trade at the moment?

Yes, Sir, and the House has been informed fully of the special reasons why it applies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether licences under Part II of the Russian Goods (Import Prohibition) Act, 1933, are granted to import goods of a stated value irrespective of their classification, or whether licence must be obtained for each classification irrespective of their value?

Licences under Section 2 of the Russian Goods (Import Prohibition) Act, 1933, are only granted in respect of particular consignments and each application is dealt with on its merits.

Does the Minister mean that they are granted only in so far as the classification of the importation is concerned, or are they granted on the consignment itself irrespective of classification? Will he answer the latter part of the question?

I think that my original answer explains that in respect of particular consignments, they are considered on their merits, and has regard to the statement which I made a few days ago as to the line by which the Government proceed in dealing with special licences.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Import Duties Advisory Committee has reported on the application of the timber trade of this country for duties on imported timber; when the report will be made public; and if, in the negotiations for trade agreements with Sweden and Norway, the timber trades need for duties will be taken into consideration?

The report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee has just been received and I cannot say when it will be possible to publish it. As regards the last part of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that during the negotiations with Sweden and Norway, careful consideration was given to the interests of the timber trade in this country. I may add that it is hoped to publish the agreements with these two countries within the next few days.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether the report of the Advisory Committee conflicts in any way with the terms of the agreements?

I am afraid I cannot forecast what will be in the agreements, but they will be published within the next two or three days.

Will these agreements be put into force during the currency of the Tariff Truce?

Yes, Sir, do not think that there is anything to prevent their being put into force as soon as they can be ratified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will assure the House that in the approaching trade agreement with Norway he will refuse to give a guarantee against increasing the duty on kerbstone?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not possible for me to indicate the terms of the trade agreement with Norway in advance of the general publication of its terms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if, in any arrangements as to a Tariff Truce, he will reserve the right of this country to deal with the problem of Japanese competition in textiles both in this country and other parts of the British Empire?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the point which he raises will be constantly borne in mind by His Majesty's Government.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that the long hours worked by, and the low rate of wages paid to, the Japanese workmen constitute such a menace that no Western country can compete with them?

The question of Japanese competition is very prominently before us at the present time, and I can assure my hon. Friend that it will be borne in mind in relation to the question which he has asked.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend in consultation with some of our Overseas Colonies, the West Indies, for example, where this competision is peculiarly felt?

Yes, we are in consultation with a number of the Overseas Colonies on the question.

In view of the fact that this matter is being further considered in relation to the Tariff Truce, may we expect to get a definite settlement before very much longer?

I am afraid that I cannot add anything to the answer previously given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the proposed tariff truce, it is the intention of the Government not to act for the time being on recommendations of the Import Duties Advisory Committee involving new or increased duties?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the terms of the proposed tariff truce would, if adopted, prevent the import Duties Advisory Committee, during the continu- ance of the truce, recommending, and the Treasury imposing, any additional duties?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that in any tariff truce negotiations care will be taken to ensure that the silk and rayon industry shall not be deprived of the opportunity promised to it by the Government to apply for protection through the machinery of the Import Duties Advisory Committee?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an undertaking that this House will not be asked to approve of any recommendations of the Import Duties Advisory Committee for increased tariffs while the Economic Conference is in session?

As the Prime Minister has already explained, the object of the truce is to discourage the starting of new upward initiatives in the adjustment of tariffs and other economic devices, and it is not intended to prevent the completion of operations already begun. Acting in this spirit, the Import Duties Advisory Committee will continue to carry out their statutory obligations, including the receipt and examination of applications for new or altered duties, but the Government will, during the operation of the truce, refrain from making orders for increases of Customs duties in respect of any applications which had not been received by the committee before the 12th May.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, am I to understand with regard to the Silk Duties—if I may specifically mention them—that the Advisory Board will make their recommendations and that the tariff truce will not prevent them being put into force, owing to the space of time which has to elapse before the Financial Resolution can fructify?

In the case of the particular duties mentioned by the hon. Member, the application was made before the 12th May.

Thank you.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to give the House further information with regard to the evasion of the Merchandise Marks Act by the importation into this country of foreign-made cartridge cases not conspicuously showing an indication of origin, as laid down in the joint memorandum on that Act issued by the Board of Trade and the Commissioners of Customs and Excise; and what action he proposes to take?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject, but I am giving careful consideration to the representations made, and I hope to communicate further with my hon. and gallant Friend at a very early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long the negotiations with Portugal on the question of flag discrimination have been continuing; and what is their present position?

Representations were first made to the Portuguese Government on this subject in January, 1927. Since then the Portuguese Government have abolished the discrimination in port dues in Portugal and the adjacent islands in favour of Portuguese shipping, and have announced their intention in principle to abolish the rebate in the Customs Duties levied in Portugal and the adjacent islands on goods carried in Portuguese vessels. Up to the present the rebate has been reduced from 10 per cent. to 0 per cent. of the import duties and from 20 per cent. to 12 per cent. of the export duties. His Majesty's Government attach great importance to this question, and discussions are still proceeding with the Portuguese Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider denouncing our Treaty with Portugal if these negotiations, which have already lasted six years, do not soon come to a satisfactory conclusion?

The hon. Member may rest assured that the matter is being pursued in all its aspects, and I am not without hope that it will lead to some satisfactory conclusion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider putting an 80 per sent, import duty on port?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the difficulties caused to wholesalers and retailers dealing with the sale of foreign rubber boots in connection with the increase of tax to 4s. per pair, and that in consequence of no warning being given of the increase in the duty many wholesalers and retailers are suffering financial losses owing to their commitments in respect to orders; and the reasons why no warning was given to those connected with the trade?

If the hon. Member will refer to the report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee made on the 23rd September, 1932 (Cmd. 4176), he will see that warning was given of the possibility of further duties on rubber footwear being recommended in the event of a continuance of abnormal competitive conditions.

Is it not the case under the existing law that the importer is entitled to add to the contract price the amount of any duty subsequently imposed?

The imposition of an increased duty is always a matter for the buyer's account.

Is the hon. Member aware that the increased price kills the market?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can be made for the exemption from the new duties on rubber boots of goods shipped from the country of origin before the date of the imposition of the duty, where evidence can be substantiated that contracts had been made to sell at prices which made no provision for such duties?

There is no provision under which, in the circumstances described by the hon. Member, remission could be granted of the additional duties on rubber boots imposed under the Import Duties Act, 1932. As regards the position of the seller under a contract made before the imposition of a new Customs import duty, I would invite the hon. Member's attention to the provisions of Section 10 of the Finance Act, 1901.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what basis licences to import will be distributed between the various meat shippers in cases of regulated imports such as that contained in the Argentine Agreement?

I am not quite sure what my hon. Friend has in mind, but, speaking generally, licences to import meat under the Ottawa Agreements Act have been issued to existing firms, which, it is understood, retain their previous shares in the trade. As a rule it has not been found necessary to issue licences in respect of specified quantities.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary Bay what will happen in regard to new firms in the case of business increasing? Will the list be stereotyped as for the last few years, or will there be scope for expansion?

As long as a firm holds a licence, that is the only requirement it has to comply with, as far as the Government are concerned. The share in the trade is a matter of negotiation between the parties concerned in the trade itself.

Can the Parlia-mentary Secretary say under what authority licences are to be granted?

Under the authority of the Board of Trade.

Can the hon. Member say when the Board of Trade obtained authority to grant licences to import into this country?

By the Act itself.

May I ask which Act?

The Ottawa Agreements Act.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether arrangements have been made for drawbacks on export on linseed oil used for the manufacture of linoleum?

The Import Duties Advisory Committee have recommended schemes for the allowance of drawback on export of manufactured goods containing linseed and linseed oil, and it is hoped to complete the necessary arrangements for putting the schemes into force at an early date.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of recent cases of inadequate fines being imposed in the case of foreign trawlers caught fishing inside the three-mile limit; and if he will amend the law to increase the present scale of fines for such offences?

Certain French vessels were recently convicted of illegal fishing by means of crab pots in the vicinity of the Scilly Isles, and penalties duly imposed, but I am not aware that any foreign trawlers have recently been convicted of illegal fishing in British waters. The question of amending the law relating to the penalties inflicted for illegal fishing in territorial waters is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the prevalence of the destruction of the nets of British fisher men recently by foreign trawlers, and notably to the case of the destruction of the nets of the Mevagissey fishing-boat "Kate," on 23rd February, 1933, by the French steam trawler "Congre," B 1,315, and "Jean Dore," B 1,384; and what action he has taken or proposes to take?

My attention has been drawn to the particular case referred to, which is being taken up with the French authorities. I have no evidence to bear out the suggestion contained in the first part of the question but shall be happy to consider any particulars which my hon. Friend cares to submit.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the quantity of fish to be imported from Denmark under the provisions of the Danish trade agreement includes not only the direct imports from Denmark but also the quantity of fish, not of British taking, brought into the United Kingdom from the deep seas fisheries in Danish-owned ships?

Yes, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the Danes are clear as to the implications, having regard to the fact that we have never included imports of Danish fish from deep seas fisheries among our imports from Denmark?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet taken any steps to consult with the countries importing processed milk products into Great Britain, with a view to arranging for a restriction of such products in our market?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now make a statement with regard to the action which he intends to take to pro mote the welfare of the British dairy industry; and whether, in view of the menace to that industry from the increasing stocks of condensed skimmed milk in this country, he will give early consideration to this branch of agriculture?

Following the Debate in this House on Wednesday of last week, I invited representatives of foreign countries from which we import processed milks to meet me on Saturday, 13th May, when I discussed the position with them. Having regard to the increasing supplies of home-produced milk now being diverted to manufacture, to the accumulation of stocks in manufacturers' hands and to the urgent need of providing market-access for the larger home output, I felt bound to ask, as an emergency measure, for a substantial reduction in imports of tinned cream, of condensed whole and condensed skimmed milk and of milk powder in order to establish more stable conditions on the market in the interests of all concerned. A further meeting will take place in the course of a few days and I have every hope that an adequate measure of voluntary co-operation will be forthcoming in this further effort to deal with a supply-situation which was rapidly getting out of hand. I should add that, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Dominions, I am arranging for an early consultation with Dominion representatives.

Would any injury be done to any industry if condensed skimmed milk were excluded altogether?

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is the exact proportion of imported process milk products to the whole products produced?

Not, I am afraid, without notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it represents about 4 per cent.?

Surely, it is better to deal with 4 per cent. than with nothing at all.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any, and if so, what representations have been made to New Zealand and Australia for the restriction of milk product exports to Great Britain?

Arising out of representations by the High Commissioner for New Zealand as to the general fall in wholesale price levels in the case of butter, discussions have taken place with His Majesty's Governments in the Commonwealth of Australia and in New Zealand with a view to the possibility of the regulation of imports, in a manner satisfactory to all parties. It will be appreciated that, in view of the Ottawa Agreements, the regulation of imports into the United Kingdom of butter, cheese and other milk products from the Dominions before August, 1935, could only take place by voluntary arrangement. The discussions are not yet complete and, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries has just indicated, a further consultation with Dominion representatives is being arranged.

In view of the urgency of the case, can the right hon. Gentleman say when some decision will be arrived at?

A decision will be arrived at as early as possible, and, from our point of view, the earlier the better.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that hit, right hon. Friend supported the Ottawa Agreement?

Oh, yes, quite justifiably.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, Limited, established under the provisions of Part I of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1928, decline to allow the deduction of Income Tax from the interest portion of half-yearly instalments in repayment of loans; and if he will state by what authority this is done?

In order that farmers who are exempt from Income Tax may be relieved from the necessity of accounting to the Revenue for the tax on interest paid to this corporation, arrangements have been made under which all such interest may be paid without deduction of tax. Where the farmer is not exempt, the appropriate relief from tax is given to him by the Inland Revenue authorities and he is thus placed in the same position as if he had deducted tax. I am not aware that any difficulty has arisen in this matter, but if my hon. Friend knows of any case where the arrangement has caused inconvenience, I will gladly look into it.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the number of accidents, fatal and otherwise, during the past two years to window cleaners while engaged on Government buildings in London, and the ages of those involved?

The number of fatal accidents at all buildings in my charge was three, and the ages of the employes concerned were 31, 20 and 18, respectively. All window-cleaning work for this Department is let to contract, and I have no data as to accidents, other than fatal accidents, that may have been sustained by the workpeople employed by the contractors.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any comparison between the figures he has just read and previous years?

For previous years I should have to have notice.

Are the contractors in every case insured for the purpose of compensation to their employes? Is it a condition of giving the contract?

I think the Employers' Liability Act applies in every case to window cleaners employed by the kind of firm we employ. If the hon. Member will put down a specific question as to what is included in our form of contract, I will give him a definite answer.

It is not a question of the Employers' Liability Act covering them. The point is as to the stability of the contractor, and whether he insures for the purpose of compensation under Workmen's Compensation, Employers' Liability, and the Common Law?

I had better have a question down, but, of course, we are responsible for Government buildings all over the country, including some very small ones, and it is difficult to compare small country firms with large Metropolitan ones.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the increase in the number of juvenile and inexperienced workers engaged in window cleaning by contractors to the Government Since the date of an agreement entered into setting up a rate of wages for adults, he will make inquiries as to whether the fair wages clause is being observed?

It is not customary to make special investigation into the observance of the fair wages clause unless a complaint against a particular contractor is received, and there are, prima facie, grounds for an allegation that a breach has been committed. I shall be glad to investigate any specific complaints if the hon. Member will kindly furnish me with the necessary particulars.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, if a contract is made, it is part of the Government's duty to see that it is carried out, and, if it is carried out in every other respect, why not in respect of the fair wages clause?

It is the duty of the inspectors to report cases, but necessarily, points in connection with the enforcement of the fair wages clause must depend on the nature of the particular cases.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications for unemployment insurance benefit have been turned down by the umpire on the ground that the unemployment was due to a trade dispute in the mining industry from July, 1932, to the present time?

Between July, 1932, and 12th May, 1933, the umpire gave 56 decisions disallowing claims from applicants in the coal mining industry on the ground that the trade dispute disqualification applied. Some of these were test cases and the number of individuals affected cannot be given.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the so-called trade disputes were due to the employers trying to reduce wages?

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons are employed at the present time by the West Riding County Council on schemes of work for the relief of unemployment; and the number so employed at the end of April, 1930, 1931, and 1932, respect tively?

Except for 31 men at the end of April, 1931, no persons were employed under the West Riding County Council on State assisted schemes specifi- cally for the relief of unemployment at any of the dates mentioned in the question, although there were 646 and 1,674 men respectively employed under the council at the end of April, 1930 and 1931, on works of improvement and new construction on classified roads and bridges assisted from the Road Fund; the corresponding figures for April, 1932 and 1933 were 884 and 310, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the revision of the housing subsidies, which is due to take place after the 1st October next, he can state the dates by which houses must be completed in order to earn the present rates of subsidy?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a Circular issued on the 12th instant by the Department of Health for Scotland to all Scottish local authorities, intimating that it is contemplated that houses otherwise eligible and completed by the 31st March, 1934, under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, or by the 30th September, 1934, under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, will qualify for subsidy at the present rates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the persons of German nationality, who are members of the Nazi or Fascist party using the Park Gate Hotel as a meeting place, have been requested to give an undertaking not to engage in Fascist propaganda in this country; whether they have been granted passports for an unlimited period; and can he inform the House how many German nationals who are members of this Fascist organisation possess passports enabling them to remain this country?

This question is based on a misunderstanding of the principles on which the Aliens Act is administered. Every day throughout the year on an average about 900 foreign visitors, including about 100 Germans, come into this country for visits of varying length. It is not the practice to inquire to what political party these visitors belong, or to ask them to give any undertaking as to political propaganda. For the purpose of the administration of the Aliens Act the political views of foreign visitors are only of importance in those comparatively rare cases of aliens whose political creed includes the over-throw by violence of constitutional government in the United Kingdom, and who, if allowed to come here, will use the opportunity to advocate and organise disorder, rioting and insurrectionary methods in this country. Of the views which an alien holds as to the Government of his own country it is not usually necessary or practicable to take account, and I do not know how many of the several thousand Germans who are at the present moment in this country are members of the Nazi party. As I stated in reply to a question on the 11th instant, the leader and secretary of the Group, who are representatives of German business firms, have been in this country Since 1927 and 1925 respectively.

Are we to understand that only Communists are invited not to indulge in propaganda, and that the modern democrat known as the Nazi is admitted without any obligation at all?

I have made it quite clear that only those whose political creeds obviously are declared to be the violent upsetting of orderly government are ever excluded from this country.

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard the representatives of the Nazi movement as people who do not insist upon violence as their basic method of conducting business 1 Mr. MORGAN JONES: Do they not boast of upsetting the existing constitutional regime?

If anyone advocates these things in this country, then we shall have reason to take steps.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to tell the House, for its information and education, whether he discriminates between a Communist and a member of the Nazi movement?

Does not the Nazi Government claim to have achieved a revolution in Germany, and do they not extol the use of force against constitutional method? Is not that the case?

Having regard to the Home Secretary's reply, if I renew my application for the admission of Mr. Trotsky, will he reconsider his negative reply in the light of the reply that he has given to-day?

No, Sir. I have always explained to the House that each individual case will be considered on its merits. I had good reason for refusing that application.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what are the merits of the Nazi Government and the Nazi party?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the agreement entered into with the brewers, he will state whether the agreement stipulated for a definite minimum proportion of malt made from home-grown barley to be used by all brewers and, if so, what proportion; and what steps are being taken to ascertain that all brewers are observing the spirit of the agreement?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the terms of the letter from the Chairman of the Brewers Society which my right hon. Friend read in the course of his Budget Speech; with regard to the second part, the Ministry of Agriculture is in touch with the brewing and other industries on the subject.

Can the hon. Member say, so far as he knows, whether this agreement is being carried out explicitly by the brewers?

Is it not a fact that the new foreign crop will not arrive in this country for some months?