asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has now considered the communications from the Central Council of Coalowners with regard to the separate allocation of inland and export quotas and the co-ordination of minimum prices; and whether he is in a position to state what legislation will be proposed to the House for the amendment of Part I of the Coal Mines Act?

At the moment, I can add nothing to the reply I gave on 23rd May to a similar question by my hon. Friend, except that a meeting of a special Committee of the Central Council to consider further the form of representations to be made to me is being held to-morrow.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman does not now realise that Part I of the Act, apart from—

Mr. George Hall.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will state the amount paid in royalties and wayleaves by the mining industry in South Wales and Monmouthshire during the years 1927, 1928, 1931, and 1932, and the amount paid by the industry for local rates over the same period?

During the years ended January, 1928, 1929, 1932 and 1933, the estimated amounts paid by colliery owners in South Wales and Monmouthshire in royalties and wayleaves, including the rental value of freehold minerals where worked by the proprietors, were £1,602,000, £1,414,000, £1,279,000 and £1,141,000, respectively. The figures in respect of local rates for all purposes for the same periods were £783,000, £1,134,000, £246,000 and £210,000, respectively.

Will the hon. Gentleman's Department inquiry into the question of the large number of royalties and wayleaves, which are most extravagant in view of the present conditions prevailing?

That is a matter for debate.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will state the production

asked the Secretary for Mines the total number of miners employed above and below ground, respectively, in 1913, 1919, and 1932; what was the total quantity of coal produced and its value at the mine mouth; and what was the average wage paid per miner employed, giving the particulars separately for each coalfield in each of the years 1913, 1919, and 1932?

As the reply involves three statistical statements which are too long to print in the OFFICIAL REPORT, I

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is not this a queer way of doing the business?

It is following the recent practice of the House. These statistical tables are very long indeed, and it has not been the practice recently to print excessively long tables of figures. If any hon. Member is interested, I shall be very glad to send him a copy.

Can the hon. Gentleman put a copy in the Library?

I will gladly do that.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is now able to state what will be the position of the collieries in the Cannock Chase coalfield that will be left outside the proposed amalgamation scheme of the Coal Mines Re-organisation Commission?

I presume that any collieries that are not amalgamated will remain as they are now, but if the hon. Lady would care to place before me any particular points about which she is concerned, I will be happy to bring them to the notice of the Commission.

May I ask my hon. Friend how many mines will be left outside the scheme?

If my hon. Friend will let me know whether she wants to know about mines or undertakings I shall be glad to try to find out.

Mines, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines if any agreement on wages has yet been reached in the Cannock Chase coalfield; and, if so, how far does the proposed amalgamation scheme of the Coal Mines Re-organisation Commission affect the agreement?

I understand that there is at present no formal wage agreement in this district. The arrangement upon which they are working is a verbal one. With regard to the second part of the question, wages are entirely a matter for settlement between the two sides in the industry, and I am not able to appreciate that the proposals of the Reorganisation Commission have any bearing upon the question of a wages agreement.

Is my hon. Friend aware that difficulties have been experienced in the district?

I am not aware of any reason why there should be any difficulties, and, if the hon. Lady can inform me about them, I shall be glad to pass that information on to the Commission.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any advantages to the miners in wages and employment, to the coal industry in enhanced prosperity, and to the public in cheaper fuel, are anticipated from the proposed amalgamation schemes of the Coal Mines Re-organisation Commission?

I would remind the hon. Lady that under the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, under which the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission was set up, the commission is required in the first instance to satisfy itself, in regard to a proposed amalgamation scheme, that it is expedient for the purposes of promoting the more economical and efficient working, treating or disposing of coal. Furthermore, under the provisions of the same Act, the Railway and Canal Commission cannot confirm such a scheme unless it is satisfied that it would be in the national interest to do so, and that it will result in lowering the cost of production or disposal of coal. With regard to wages and employment, I have at present no information at all that would enable me to express an opinion.

Can the hon. Gentleman say in how many cases in which amalgamation has already been carried out these conditions have been fulfilled?

If the hon. and gallant Member will put that question down, I will ask for that information from the Commission.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that although he has told us a good deal about the provisions of the Coal Mines Act he has not answered the question on the Paper?

My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that under this part of the Act I am not responsible and I can only give the information by courtesy of the Commission, which is an independent body.

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the average price of heavy hydrocarbon fuel oil in this country during May and how such average price compares with that ruling during May, 1929?

I am unable to give average prices, but the hon. Member will find typical figures in the answer which I gave on 26th May to the hon. and gallant Member for Pontefract (Captain Sotheron-Estcourt). I am sending him a copy. Prices during May were 20s. 5d. per ton above the final figures quoted in the answer referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of new factories which have been set up by British companies as distinct from foreign companies since the imposition of tariffs, and the number of workers employed in such factories?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will give to the House the promised statement showing the development of industries throughout the country?

Would it not be advisable that the House should adjourn if Ministers are not here?

Would it be in order to move that we should adjourn for a couple of hours to allow Ministers to recover from these lunches? What are we to do? Why should we sit here?

I think Ministers will be here before so long a time as that.

Then could we adjourn for an hour? It would be better than killing time like this. We could have a smoke outside.

I owe the House an apology. It was arranged that I should answer the questions put down to the President of the Board of Trade, who is engaged at an important session of the World Economic Conference. I was held up on account of special traffic on my way here. I apologise for the length of the answer.

A recent survey made by the Board of Trade, in co-operation with the Factory Department of the Home Office and with the Ministry of Labour, has shown that the total number of new factories established in this country during the year 1932 and employing 25 or more people each, was 646. The survey has been confined to factories engaged in the manufacture or the processing of goods for sale and does not cover factories engaged in the provision of services, such as laundries, dry-cleaning establishments, etc. These 646 factories were employing 44,750 people at the end of April, 1933. Included in this total were 122 factories set up by, or with the assistance of, foreign concerns and employing about 8,500 people at the end of April, 1933. In addition, there are recorded 166 cases of factory extensions during the year each providing for additional employment of 25 or more people. During the same period, 355 factories falling within the same description were closed down. A short statement showing the distribution of these undertakings will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. It is further proposed to publish at an early date in the Board of Trade Journal a more detailed statement showing the products of these new undertakings and certain other particulars, including the towns and areas in which they are situated.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman also say, in the statement which he circulates, how many pits have been closed down, and how many men have been thrown out of employment?

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman be good enough to tell the House at some future date, or to-day if he can, how many such factories have been opened by foreigners in their own countries?

As the answer includes Question No. 21, which my hon. Friend the Member for Tradeston (Dr. McLean) asked me to put on his behalf, may I ask my hon. and gallant Friend whether he is aware that Question No. 21 relates to the survey which the President of the Board of Trade undertook to carry out at the request of my hon. Friend the Member for Tradeston, and has nothing to do with the establishment of new factories as the result of the Import Duties Act?

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman also say, in his circulated statement, how many factories, as well as pits, have been closed down during the same period, and how many have been added to the number of unemployed?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received any report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee with respect to an application for an increase in duties on lace made to the committee in March, 1932; and, if not, whether he can ascertain from the committee the reason of the delay in dealing with this application?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 22nd May to the hon. Member for Derby, South (Mr. Emrys-Evans) of which I am sending him a copy.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an answer to the latter part of the question?

That is a matter which does not come within the competence of the committee.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman obtain from the committee the reason for the delay in dealing with this application? It is over 15 months since it was first made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has yet had any conversations or negotiations with France with regard to making a trade agreement between Great Britain and that country?

The matter has been mentioned informally in con-

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend give an assurance that the pledge given to the silk industry by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget speech will be strictly honoured?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to give the House an opportunity of discussing the trade agreements with Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Argentina; and, if so, if he can state the date?

The trade agreements with Denmark and Argentina were debated in this House on the 10th May last. As regards the agreements with Norway and Sweden, these were laid before the House on the 16th May last in accordance with the arrangements under which agreements of this nature are laid before the House prior to ratification. I have no doubt that, if there is a desire to debate these agreements, a request will be made through the usual channels.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us when these agreements are to become operative?

No, Sir, I cannot give an exact date; it depends on the Finance Bill which is now going through Parliament.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend represent to the President of the Board of Trade that there is a feeling in this House that these agreements should be debated?

I have indicated in my answer that arrangements for such a Debate might be made through the usual channels.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there has been no result from the German Trade Agreement as far as the coal trade of this country is concerned, and that pits are lying idle or are being closed down?

My hon. Friend is not in possession of the facts.

Do the "usual channels" mean that, if our side want a Debate, we cannot do anything?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the exports of cotton goods from the United Kingdom to Ceylon for the three months prior to 1st September, 1931, and for the last three months for which statistics are available; and what was the total value of all cotton goods imported into Ceylon during the same period.

The value of the aggregate imports of cotton goods, excluding apparel, into Ceylon during the three months ended August, 1931, and the three months ended April, 1933, amounted to £272,262 and £199,375, respectively, of which imports recorded as of United Kingdom origin were valued at £109,746 and £80,429, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of pairs of footwear imported from Czechoslovakia during the three years preceding the imposition of tariffs, and subsequent imports to the latest convenient date?

The total number of boots and shoes of all kinds imported into this country during the years 1929, 1930 and 1931 and registered as consigned from Czechoslovakia was 93,000, 142,000 and 301,000 dozen pairs, respectively. The number so imported during the 12 months ended May, 1933, was 94,000 dozen pairs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to limit the erection of surplus manufacturing plant by foreign interests in this country?

The Government have no power to prevent the installation of manufacturing plant in this country, whether by foreign or by British interests.

Do the Government do anything by way of directing that such factories shall be started in the more derelict areas, instead of in the more prosperous areas around London?

Will my hon. and gallant Friend give attention to the Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for South-West St. Pancras (Mr. Mitcheson), which would give those powers?

I could not give that undertaking.

asked the President of the Board of Trade under what circumstances Russian Oil Products, Limited, are still obtaining-petroleum for distribution throughout. Great Britain?

No licences for the importation of Russian petroleum oils have been issued by the Board of Trade under Section 2 of the Russian. Goods (Import Prohibition) Act, 1933. It may be that Russian Oil Products,. Limited, are importing supplies from non-Russian sources.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that R.O.P. petrol, under the description "Renowned of Petrols," is still being sold all through the country in large quantities; and does he think that that is satisfactory, in view of the prohibition of the import of Russian materials?

I can only say that it cannot be imported from Russia, because since the date of the embargo no licences have been issued.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Russian Government are using other countries, such as Persia, as a means of exporting their products to this country?

Does not this show that the embargo is a complete farce?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of petroleum oils have been imported into this country from Russia since the Royal Proclamation of 19th April last, prohibiting the import of petroleum oils from Russia; and whether such oil has been imported under licence given under Section 2 of the Russian Goods (Import Prohibition) Act; and, if so, how many licences and for what quantities have been granted since 19th April last?

The prohibition to which my hon. Friend refers took effect on 26th April, and as from that date Russian petroleum oils could not be imported except under licence. No such licences have been issued.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that, although no Russian oil can be imported except under licence, as a matter of fact no Russian oils have been imported, and, if so, can he tell us from what source the Russian oil products organisations throughout the country are still selling the full volume that they sold before exactly as if no embargo had been imposed?

I can only tell my hon. Friend that it must be from a non-Russian source.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-morrow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of Danish butter imported into this country during each of the past six weeks?

I regret that the information is not available, as statistics of imports into the United Kingdom are not compiled in respect of periods of less than a calendar month.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman any reason to believe that the quantities are in excess of the amount provided for in the trade agreement?

No, Sir. In point of fact, the quantity mentioned in the trade agreement has not yet begun to operate, but in the month of May the quantity imported was considerably less than in May of last year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade in respect of the last three months, what licences for the export of arms have been granted in respect of China, Japan, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Paraguay?

I regret that it has not been possible to complete a statement giving the information desired in the time available, but I will circulate it as soon as possible in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total exports to and imports from Canada for the first quarter of 1931, 1932, and 1933?

The information desired is set out on pages 201, 204 and 207 of the issue for April last of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom."

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has any information in regard to the delay in the hearing of the application of the woollen industry to the Canadian Tariff Board?

I am informed that the Canadian Tariff Board is proceeding as rapidly as possible with the steps which are a necessary preliminary to the hearing.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that British bituminous coal sold in Canada has been brought under the Canadian anti-dumping law; what reasons have been given for this action; and whether he proposes to make representations to His Majesty's Government in Canada?

I am aware that imports of United Kingdom bituminous coal into Canada are subject to dumping duty and I understand that such duty is being applied in cases where the export price is stated to be below the fair market value as sold for home consumption. As was said in answer to the hon. Member for Birkenhead East (Mr. White) on 13th June, the matter is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Is not the Secretary of State aware that Nova Scotian coals, for the benefit of which these duties have been imposed, are themselves highly subsidised by the Canadian Government?

My right hon. Friend is aware of all the facts.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the attitude of the Irish Free State to the Empire, and the consequent results to trade relations between the Free State and the United Kingdom, he will take steps to remove the representative of the Irish Free State from the Empire Marketing Board?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the unfairness and injury to

Will he use the big stick on Mr. Bennett now that he has got him over here?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of corn offals, viz., bran, pollard, sharps, and middlings, exported from the United Kingdom into the Irish Free State for the first five months of the years 1931, 1932 and 1933, respectively, and the amount of the like offals exported from the Irish Free State into the United Kingdom during the like periods; and the total trade in such offals between the United Kingdom and the Irish Free State during each of the years 1931 and 1932?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

My right hon. Friend sees no reason to intervene in this matter.

Is not my hon. and gallant Friend aware that, in addition to the very great injury, which is becoming more serious every day, the manufacturers who are supplying these stores, and many of whom are giving their whole output to these stores, are being forced to accept renewals of contracts at lower prices, which is driving some of them into insolvency?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any progress has been made in the conversations with the Japanese Government regarding Japanese competition in British Colonial markets?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Members for Stockport (Mr. Hammersley and Captain Dower) on the 15th June, to which I have as yet nothing to add.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange to publish a White Paper showing the increase of Japanese competition in the United Kingdom and in the markets of the Empire overseas?

I do not think that the labour and expense involved in preparing a White Paper on the lines suggested would be justified. The Monthly Trading Accounts give up-to-date information regarding the United Kingdom market, and such information as is obtainable regarding other markets is available from published sources.

In view of the fact that a great many of our monthly trade entries do not discriminate the countries from which the goods come, for example in the case of rubber shoes from Czechoslovakia, would it not be desirable to have the information supplied in view of the anxiety that prevails.

I will look into the question further but, as at present advised, it appears inadvisable to publish a special Paper as most of the information is at present available.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state the ratio of purchases of British materials bought during the last 10 years for use by the Suez Canal Company as compared with the ratio paid by British shipping of the total canal dues; whether a report for 1932 on this matter has been furnished by the official Government directors; and, if so, will he place a copy of the report in the Library or otherwise will he ask to be furnished with a report on this point?

I am in communication with the resident British director to ascertain how far the desired particulars may be available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of cases of blind persons' pension claims in 1932 in which the pension officer has appealed to the Scottish Department of Health against the decisions of the local pensions committees; and the number of with drawals resulting?

In 1932 the number of appeals by pension officers to the Department of Health for Scotland against the decisions of local committees continuing blind pensions was 39. The Department disallowed the pensions in all these cases. As regards new claims the number of appeals received from pension officers in 1932 against the decisions of local pension committees to allow pensions was 59. In 30 of these cases the Department allowed a pension; in 26, pensions were disallowed; and three cases are still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in all cases of blind persons' pension appeals in Scotland, an additional examination by surgeons other than the original medical board is arranged for?

In all cases which come before the Department of Health on appeal where examination has been made at a blind clinic, the Department are furnished with detailed reports by the examining surgeons. These specialists are fully conversant with the standards adopted for the purposes of the Blind Persons Act, 1920, and their reports form the basis of the Department's decisions. If, in any case of special difficulty, further examination were thought desirable, arrangements would be made to have this done.

Is it not the case that the Departmental Committee of 191V recommended that there should be an appeal to an assessor in any case where the justice of the certificate was questioned?

I am not aware of that fact, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amount paid by the Board of Agriculture during the yearn 1928 to 1932 to sellers of bulls and rams by private bargain; the names of the six sellers from whom the largest supplies of bulls and rams were privately bought; and what total sum was paid to each of these six sellers during the years mentioned?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the children of school age resident on Udale Farm, who were attending Newhall School until the school was closed for the summer (holidays in 1932, were refused admission to Newhall School when the school was opened after the holidays, and were informed that they would have to attend Peddieston School instead; that all the parents on the farm refused to send their children to Peddieston School, on the ground that there was no road to the school; that after the month of November four boys were admitted to Newhall School, while six girls and three boys were refused admission to Newhall School and have not attended any other school during the whole of the school year, and that no steps have been taken by the local authority to enforce attendance; and whether he proposes to take any steps to secure that the education authority for the county of Ross and Cromarty carries out its duty to secure the attendance of children at school?

The facts are substantially as stated, but I am informed that it is not the case that there is no road from Udale Farm to Peddieston School. With regard to the last part of the question, I am informed that all the children at Udale Farm are now attending school, and there is, therefore, no occasion for the action suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the present position of the Scottish Agricultural Securities Corporation?

I am informed that the corporation is still engaged in making necessary arrangements preliminary to the commencement of business, but it is hoped that they will be in a position to invite applications for loans before the autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulties encountered in providing adequate water supplies in rural districts; whether he is aware that by the derating of agricultural and other subjects consequent on the passing of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, the rateable value of many rural districts has been so diminished as to be incapable of supporting the cost of appropriate water schemes; and whether he will consider the advisability of trying to meet the difficulty by providing, by legislation or otherwise, for the promotion of regional water schemes over large areas?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remaining parts, the provision of water facilities in rural areas owing to the high cost involved has always been a matter of difficulty, and in order to cope with this problem provision was made in Section 33 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, enabling a county council to give financial assistance towards the cost of water supplies in special districts which could not reasonably be expected to bear the burden unaided. In view of representations made to me on the subject, I am having the whole matter examined.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to the increased difficulties which have been caused in regard to this matter by the De-rating Act?

My attention has been called to that specific point during the last fortnight, and that is why a week ago I started having inquiries made on the subject.

Is it the view of the Liberal party that rates should be reimposed on agricultural land?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the circumstances under which the Commissioners of Crown Lands were first of all prepared to agree to a scheme for a hill-climbing motor race track on the steep northern slope of the South Downs, and subsequently withdrew their consent in view of the public interest aroused?

I have been asked to reply. I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The Commissioners never gave their consent to the scheme referred to, and consequently no question of withdrawal of consent arises. The project having been submitted to the Commissioners it was their duty to give full consideration to the proposals of the promoters. The Commissioners, after investigation of the scheme, decided that it was not one which they should approve.

Is it not a fact that until public attention was called to the matter the Commissioners were favourable to the project, and that it was only when it came to be discussed that they took alarm?

No, Sir. I do not think that the hon. Member can say that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the scheme submitted by the Ouse Catchment Board for carrying out extensive repairs to the River Don has been approved; and what grant, if any, will be made by the Exchequer towards the cost?

No such scheme has yet been submitted to the Ministry by the catchment board, but I understand that one is now in course of preparation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state his decision to the application for admission to this country of a number of Czechslovak technicians who would be employed at the new Bata shoe and slipper works at Tilbury; whether he is aware that labour for these works is likely to consist mainly of juveniles and persons under 25 years of age recruited from agricultural districts; and whether he can make any statement on this subject?

This application is at present under consideration, together with representations which have been made to me on the subject by the Joint Industrial Council for the boot and shoe industry. I can assure my hon. Friend that I will take all the circumstances as fully as possible into account before reaching a decision, but I should perhaps point out that my responsibility is limited to the issue or withholding of permits for a small number of foreign experts for a limited period to train British workers. I understand that local workpeople are likely to be engaged for employment at the factory, but I have no information as to the proportion of juvenile labour.

What is it that a foreign shoemaker can do that a British shoemaker cannot do?

I expect that the hon. Gentleman can tell me that better than I can tell him.

I do not think that they can teach us anything.

Before granting the permit, will the right hon. Gentleman assure himself that the firm referred to are not the same as that which refused to acknowledge trade unionism.

I am taking every fact into consideration before deciding whether these permits are to be granted or not, but I have pointed out in my answer how limited my power is; it is limited to granting or withholding a permit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to ascertain whether the new Bata shoe and slipper works at Dagenham are or are not surplus to this country's present productive requirements?

This matter has been discussed with a deputation from the Joint Industrial Council for the boot and shoe manufacturing industry which was recently received at the Ministry of Labour by the Parliamentary Secretaries of the Ministry of Labour and the Board of Trade.

asked the Prime Minister whether facilities are to be given during the. coming Session to the Hotels and Restaurants Bill?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Treasury alone having received all the proceeds of the London portion of the defaulted 5½ per cent. German loan issued as part of the international Young plan of appeasement and subscribed by British private investors, he will recall to the Treasury the 5½ per cent. German bonds and issue British sterling 3½ per cent. securities in exchange?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as the Treasury received all the sterling proceeds of the German Five and-a-half per cent. Young loan issued in London, he will arrange for the Treasury to cash the interest coupons in sterling for British holders who have been in possession of the London issue of the bonds for the past 12 months and collect the mark moratorium payments on those bonds until Germany resumes payment of interest in sterling in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan at the time of issue?

My right hon. Friend could not adopt these suggestions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is in a position to supply a list of the German bonds on which the interest is in default or on which the German Government indicate that they propose not to pay interest; and, in particular, whether German municipal and provincial bonds, both in sterling and in dollars, are affected?

The German Transfer Moratorium does not come into force until 1st July and I understand that the effect on the service of particular German loans has not yet been decided, apart from the recognition of the special position of the Dawes and Young loans which was referred to in the communiqué issued on Saturday last.

Surely some of the German municipalities have already defaulted. Is it not possible for His Majesty's Treasury to let investors in this country know which municipalities in Germany have defaulted?

I imagine that the answer which I gave was accurate, or I would not have given it.

Take Heidelberg for instance; has it not defaulted?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having paid a further instalment of the American Debt, the Government propose to ask for payments of foreign debts due to Great Britain?

The position remains as stated in the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) on 13th December last, namely, that the suspension of Reparations and War Debts, agreed to at the Lausanne Conference, remains in force, but all the rights of His Majesty's Government under the existing agreements are integrally reserved.

Do the Government propose to exercise the right to demand payment while we go on paying?

That is the question on the Paper. I have answered it.

Do the Government propose to exercise the rights which they say are in abeyance?

They remain in abeyance until they are exercised.

Why should we not enforce payment from other countries when we ourselves are paying?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is proposed to issue a Supplementary Estimate to provide for the paid instalment of the American Debt, having regard to the fact that there is no provision for such payment in the Budget?

No, Sir. Payment will be made from within the Fixed Debt Charge.

May I ask why, seeing that the American Congress have the final word, the House of Commons will not have an opportunity to discuss the matter?

The question on the Paper is the one to which I have given an answer. My hon. Friend asked whether there would be a Supplementary Estimate.

And a discussion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the House any information as to the policy of the Government with regard to the question of tieing the dollar to the £; and, if so, at what figure it is proposed to do so?

My right hon. Friend cannot usefully make any statement on this subject at the moment.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend are fully alive to the desirability of following any inflation of the dollar by inflation of the £, so that the £ should not rise relatively to the dollar?

I am much obliged to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for having expressed an opinion which I will convey to my right hon. Friend.

It is not only my opinion which matters, but the opinions of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and of the hon. Gentleman himself, in view of the serious rise in the value of sterling which has taken place recently.

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman is trying to draw a statement from me as to the views of my right right hon. Friend and myself. I can assure him that we are "two hearts that beat as one."

Which way do you beat?

Can the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking on behalf of His Majesty's Government that they will not attempt to tie the £ sterling to the dollar without a previous discussion in this House?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has had any further communications with the Brewers' Society in regard to the basis on which the reduction of the Beer Duty was effected; and whether he can now say, for the information of growers of English barley, what steps will be taken to fulfil the assurances given as regards increased utilisation of home-grown malting barley?

The Brewers Society have stated that members of the society have unanimously confirmed the promise made by their representatives in connection with this year's Budget, and that the society are taking, and will continue to take, every possible means of securing the loyal adherence to the agreement. In the circumstances my right hon. Friend proposes to wait until there has been time to appreciate the results of their assurance.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether soldiers discharged from the service as being physically unfit for any form of military service have the nature of their disability endorsed on their discharge certificates?

No, Sir; but, if a soldier is considered fit for employment in civil life, an entry to this effect is included in the certificate.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many regimental officers who have not qualified for staff or other specialist employment, who are now over age to do so and who are not passed fit for active service, are at present serving with the cavalry, Royal Artillery, and infantry, respectively?

All regimental officers of the Regular Army who are serving have been passed fit for general service except those who are on temporary sick leave.