asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether all appointments of overseers for warship production work are taken only from the current list of dockyard men passed for inspector; and, if not, how these appointments are made?

Appointments of overseers for warship production work are not made only from the current list of dockyard men passed for inspector. Overseers are appointed whenever practicable in accordance with a published regulation which restricts appointments to professional officers and those qualified on an examination list—but not necessarily the current list—for inspector or second draughtsman.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of duty-paid motor spirit retained for home consumption during the year ended 31st March, 1933, and during the year ended 31st December, 1932; what amount of duty-paid motor spirit was refined in this country during the same periods; and what is the estimated proportion of the total consumption of motor spirit used otherwise than by mechanically-propelled road vehicles during the same period?

As regards the first part of the question, the amounts were 1,039,735,000 and 1,037,992,000 gallons respectively; as regards the second part of the question, the amounts were 132,360,586 and 133,856,000 gallons respectively. These figures refer to "motor spirit" declared as such on delivery for home consumption. As regards the third part of the question, I regret that I am unable to furnish a reliable estimate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the different countries which are entitled under existing treaties to most-favourednation treatment?

The following is a list of the countries between which and the United Kingdom commercial treaties and similar arrangements providing for the mutual accord of mostfavoured-nation treatment in regard to Customs Duties are at present in force:

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why warrant officers and non-commissioned officers of the Foot Guards are in many cases appointed as permanent staff instructors to Territorial Army units, instead of warrant officers and noncommissioned officers of the regular battalions of the Territorial units' own regiments, and how long this practice has been in force; and whether, in making these appointments, the special interests and needs of each unit are carefully considered?

The Territorial Army battalions of many of the regiments of the Infantry of the Line require more permanent staff instructors than the regular battalions of their regiments can suitably provide. To meet this situation and at the same time to enable the Brigade of Guards to maintain liaison with the Territorial Army, the Brigade has, Since the Inception of the Territorial Army, provided a limited number of permanent staff instructors for the Territorial Army. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make representations to the German Government protesting against the confiscation of money deposited in Berlin banks by the Building Workers' International, part of which was subscribed by a British union?

I have received no official information regarding this incident, but if the hon. Member will be good enough to consult my Department and to furnish the necessary information, I shall be enabled to examine the question whether the rights and interests of British subjects have been injured in such a manner as to justify intervention on the part of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he is aware that the pollution of the sea by waste oil discharged from steamers caused not only to the waters of estuaries and tidal harbours, but also outside the three-mile limit, and the consequent injury to bird life and to inshore fisheries, and to the general amenities of the foreshore, has within recent years increased; and whether, in view of the serious nature of this damage, he will consider the desirability of bringing the matter before the League of Nations at its next Assembly, with a view to the finding and carrying into effect a remedy for it?

I am informed by the Board of Trade that the information in their possession does not show that pollution is increasing. I am, however, considering, in consultation with the other Government Departments concerned, whether the step suggested by my hon. Friend in the latter part of his question could usefully be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the White Paper on the Four Power Pact negotiations will be published?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on Monday last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will instruct the British Minister to China to suggest an armistice between the Chinese and Japanese forces that would leave the latter in possession of the occupied Chinese territory; and whether he has any information to give the House upon the present situation?

As regards the first part of the question, the action suggested would be inappropriate unless it corresponded to the wihes of both parties to the dispute. The Japanese and Manehukuo forces, which recently advanced to the Lwan Fiver and then retired, were followed up by the Chinese; they are now again advancing in the same area and also southwards from the Great Wall further west. Their object is said to be to produce conditions which will prevent further attacks from the side of China.