asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the present position with regard to the dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay; and what steps the League of Nations is taking with a view to bringing the conflict to an end?

:I regret to say that this dispute still remains unsettled. A Committee of Three appointed by the Council of the League of Nations has been following the dispute, and on the 20th May a draft report by this Committee, which had the approval of the Council, was submitted to the representatives of Bolivia and Paraguay at a meeting of the Council. The report recommended that the settlement of the dispute should be entrusted to an impartial body with authority to make proposals for determining the frontier in the disputed region. The procedure proposed involved the immediate cessation of hostilities, and the preparation of an agreement to determine the questions on which there should be arbitration. For these purposes it was suggested that a League Commission should be sent to the Chaco region. This report has been accepted by the Paraguayan Government, but not yet by the Bolivian Government, who maintain that before they can accept arbitration on the main issue, an agreement must be reached as to the zone to be affected by the arbitral decision. Efforts are still being made to bring about a settlement on the basis proposed by the League Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the amount of pension per annum payable to Sir Arthur Huddleston, late of the Sudan Government service, recently appointed to the directorship of the Royal Technical College, Glasgow; and is this pension paid entirely from Sudan Government funds or does it, or any part of it, come directly or indirectly from the British Treasury funds?

The pension referred to amounts to one thousand pounds Egyptian per annum. It is paid entirely from Sudan Government funds.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Submarine "Grampus," which is mentioned on page 328 of the current Navy Estimates as to be built at Chatham Dockyard, has yet been laid down, or whether there has been any change in the programme of submarine construction?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the letter he has addressed to the governor of Kenya on certain points of detail in the alternative system of taxation can be made available for Members of this House?

Yes, Sir; I am arranging for copies of the dispatch to be placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to take any further steps to see that the danger of budget deficits in Kenya Colony is avoided in future; and whether he is aware that, failing further economies in administration, even the new taxation which is about to be imposed will not be sufficient to prevent deficits in future years?

The Government of Kenya may be relied upon to exercise constant vigilance in the reduction of expenditure in every possible direction. Revenue prospects in an agricultural country are largely dependent upon the course of world-prices, and I am not prepared to endorse my right hon. and gallant Friend's forecast of recurrent deficits in future years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that his decision not to insist upon the imposition of an income tax in Kenya has been warmly received in the Colony; and whether, in view of the fact that he was influenced by the argument that taxpayers should be allowed to choose that form of taxation which best suits them, subject to yielding the necessary revenue, he will now take steps to give the elected members a more effective voice in the control of the Colony's finances?

I have seen several reports in the newspapers that the decision has been favourably received. As regards the latter part of the question, my right hon. and gallant Friend will remember the recommendations made by the Joint Select Committee on East Africa, particularly in paragraphs 75, 96, 97 and 98 of their report. The views of this very representative Committee of both Houses were expressed after a long and thorough investigation; and Debates in Parliament have shown that, broadly, their report commanded the general approval of the House; and the considered view of the Government on the Select Committee's Report is set out in my published dispatch of 13th July, 1932. I am sending my right hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Command Paper containing this dispatch.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the second part of the question exactly states the situation, namely, that he was influenced by the argument that taxpayers should be allowed to choose that form of taxation which best suits them?

The situation is very clearly stated in the dispatch which I published in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Once satisfied that there was an alternative form of taxation which fully satisfied the Govern- ment and was more acceptable to the people as one of the two forms of the taxation which they had to pay, I took the course that they should have the alternative form of taxation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman extend that principle to this country'?

I am not responsible for initiating proposals for taxation in this country.

Is the alternative form in accordance with the Moyne Report?

Lord Moyne suggested that there must be some form of further taxation upon the non-native community, if financial balance were to be restored, and he said that, broadly speaking, he thought that Income Tax appeared to be the most reasonable course. I am entitled to say that, in view of Lord Moyne's very thorough inquiry and report, I did consult him, before taking my decision, and that he expressed his entire concurrence with the course which I have now taken.

Is there any expectation that the recommendations of the expenditure advisory committee, which was set up by the Governor last spring, will be adopted in framing the future estimates of the Colony?

I could not answer that off-hand. Certainly, enormous economies have already been made—really enormous. Other economies are in course of being made. I hope to have an opportunity, when the Governor is here, of discussing the subject of economy with him.

May we take it that no abrogation of the right of the Government to decide what form of taxation is suitable in any part of the Colony is implied?

Absolutely no abrogation of that essential, paramount power is contemplated; but surely it is wise, while exercising that paramount power, to take into the fullest consultation those who are going to be affected.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the serious injuries caused by outbreaks of fire on motor cars on the Stone, Stafford, and Brighton roads during the past few days; and if he contemplates taking such action as will reduce the number of such accidents in future?

My hon. Friend has sent me newspaper reports of these accidents. In each case, so far as it is possible to judge from the reports, an ordinary fire extinguisher carried on the vehicle would have proved ineffective. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave him on the 12th May.

Is it not a fact that these fatalities are increasing daily, and that, if an extinguisher were carried on every oar, not only would one car be made safe, but every car that came up would be practically a fire engine and able to give assistance? How many more valuable lives are to be sacrificed, and how much more property is to be destroyed, before the Ministry realise their responsibilities?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, since 13th April, there have been at least four fatal accidents on the Margate-Canterbury road, two children being killed in the village of Hersden; and, in view of the fact that many motorists ignore drive slowly notices posted outside the village, what steps he proposes to take for the protection of the inhabitants?

I am aware that fatal accidents have occurred recently at the village of Hersden involving the death of two children. I am not in a position to apportion responsibility for them. I am instructing one of my engineers to examine the position with a view to seeing whether the danger to inhabitants of the village could be reduced by the better siting of the existing signs or by the erection by the highway authority of other suitable danger or warning signs, in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the Departmental Committee on Road Traffic Signs which is to be published very shortly.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that many inhabitants of the village strongly desire that the footpath should be widened, as one of the accidents is partly attributable to the fact that the footpath is not sufficiently wide for two people to walk abreast?

The hon. Lady is rather rushing in where I feared to tread and allocating responsibility for the accident. I will certainly consider any representations made to me with regard to the question of the footpath.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that insurance companies have imposed an age limit of 75 years beyond which they refuse to issue any policies to cover risks appertaining to motor car driving; and whether, in the event of applicants beyond that age being desirous of obtaining a licence, he will take steps to establish a medical board which will decide as to suitability to possess a licence?

I am not aware that insurance companies have adopted as a general rule the imposition of an age limit beyond which they decline to accept proposals for insurance against third party risks, and I see no sufficient reason for adopting the suggestion made in the second part of the question.

As this has been done, may I ask whether it is necessary to allow the insurance companies to enforce an age limit under which a young man like myself may be debarred from driving when he gets to be one day older than 74 years and 364 days?

It may be that the insurance companies will not be willing to insure the hon. Member apart from the question of age.

In that case, may I not have the option of proving my capabilities to a competent tribunal?

Arising out of the original answer, may I ask if it is the policy of the Government to leave private insurance companies to decide whether people are or are not to drive motor cars on the road?

The policy is to allow them to choose what persons they shall insure.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) on whose initiative the Yorkshire traffic commissioners are considering curtailment of the omnibus service between Doncaster and Thorne; and whether consideration will be given to the possibility that further unemployment will be created by limiting the service;

(2) whether it was on the initiative of the omnibus proprietors plying for hire between Doncaster and Thorne or of the traffic commissioners that the issue of return fares has been abolished; and whether any opportunity was afforded for representatives of the travelling public to state a case?

The only information I have as to these variations is that published in the Official "Notices and Proceedings" of the Traffic Commissioners for the Yorkshire Area, Nos. 100 and 111, in which any person who desired to object to the proposed variations was invited to give notice in writing to the traffic commissioners. The Road Traffic Act, 1930, grants certain rights of appeal to me against decisions of the traffic commissioners, and if any valid appeal is made to me in the matter, I shall arrive at a decision on the appeal after full consideration of all the circumstances of the case.

Can an appeal to the Minister be lodged regarding the abolition of return fares, as well as the suggested curtailment of the service in this particular area?

Perhaps the hon. Member will communicate the facts to me.

Would the hon. Gentleman communicate with the Commissioners and point out to them how badly this will affect all people who must travel in this area, and particularly the parents of the school children who must travel over this route in order to attend the grammar schools and receive the benefit of the educational facilities available?

I will certainly communicate with the Commissioners and find out the facts with regard to the application, but it would be outside the duties which Parliament has placed upon me to make any such communication as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the grave risks to public safety when a motor-lorry carrying inflammable oil is in collision, he can say what special precautions are taken for the conveyance of inflammable oils by road?

Regulations, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, are in force under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928, governing the conveyance of petroleum spirit by road. These Regulations lay down a number of requirements designed to minimise the risks from fire or other accident during such conveyance. It has not, so far, been found necessary to apply the provisions of the Petroleum Act to other kinds of inflammable oils.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the successful trials carried out in connection with rope and hawsers made from Empire sisal, he can state whether he proposes to insist upon any extended use of such rope in Office of Works contracts and operations?

I have been asked to reply. Inquiries are at present being made in the Office of Works into the possibility of utilising rope made from Empire sisal, but I may point out that the Department's direct purchases of rope are negligible in amount.

If they want to make inquiries, will they inquire of the Post Office, which has made the experiment successfully.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, under the Danish system of the restriction of imports by means of exchange certificates, there has recently been any reduction of the import quota below 45 per cent. so far as Great Britain is concerned; and whether Great Britain receives more favourable treatment than other countries;

(2) whether, since the Danish system of licensing imports by means of exchange certificates restricts the opportunities for the development of the British export trade in manufactured goods to Denmark, he will open negotiations with a view to securing some modification of the scheme favourable to British manufacturers?

Under the Danish import control system importers of certain classes of goods have to obtain licences from the Danish authorities and there is a provision that in general an importer's licence is not to be retricted to an amount less than 45 per cent. of the value of his imports in 1931. Definite quotas are not allotted to the countries from which goods are imported. I have no reason to think that the system is operating to the disadvantage of the United Kingdom trade, but this matter is being carefully watched.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will discuss with the Australian representative at the World Economic Conference the recent increases in Australian duties against British elastic manufactured goods?

I am at present awaiting the receipt of the Report of the Australian Tariff Board in accordance with which the recent duty on certain kinds of elastic fabric was imposed. If, after studying the report, there is any useful action that I can take in the matter, I shall not fail to do so.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to get this report?

I could not give a date, but I realise the urgency and importance of the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action, if any, it is intended to take as a result of the protests against increased rents charged by the Board of Trade for Crown lands on the foreshore of. Certain seaside resorts in Great Britain?

I received a deputation on 31st May from the Conference of Health and Pleasure Resorts in regard to the rentals of Crown foreshores. It was then arranged that the Board of Trade should send a letter to the conference explaining fully the Board's intentions. This letter has now been despatched, and I am sending a copy to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the total expenditure on all forms of Poor Law relief for the year ended 31st March, 1933?

Complete returns relating to expenditure on all forms of poor relief in the year ended 31st March, 1933, have not yet been received in my Department. The figures for which the hon. Member asks are therefore not yet available.

When are they likely to be available?

The preparation takes a considerable time. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down in a week's time.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when Class III of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers was instituted; what are the conditions of service; and when officers of Class II are transferred to Class III and under what circumstances?

Class III of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers was formed in 1932. Officers (other than those in receipt of retired pay) of Classes I and II who fail to report themselves in writing to the Army Council at the beginning of each year are transferred to Class III-at the end of the year in which they fail to report themselves. Liability for service is unaffected by the transfer, which is carried out with a view to eliminating from the rolls of Classes I and II the names of officers whose services cannot be counted upon in an emergency owing to their whereabouts being unknown.

Will not my hon. Friend consider verifying in some way the whereabouts of these officers, because many of us who are on the retired list forget to report annually, and possibly it might mean the loss of the services of quite useful officers in an emergency.

In an emergency officers who forget to report will remember it.

Are there any signs of an emergency which would make it necessary to call up unknown officers? Who is the enemy?

That does not arise on this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the wholesale price of butter in Australia and the -wholesale price at which Australian butter is sold in London?

I understand that the price of what is known as "Kangaroo" butter in Melbourne on 16th May, the latest date of which I have information, was 123s. 10d.(Australian currency) per hundredweight. On the same date in London the price of butter of the same quality was from 79s. to 80s. (sterling) per hundredweight.

Does not that show that Australian butter is sold dear in Australia in order to be sold cheaply in Great Britain, thereby crippling the British farmer?

I think it does look like it.

Is not this dumping of Australian butter contrary to the spirit, if not to the letter, of the Ottawa Agreement, and will the right hon. Gentleman try to prevent it?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of Canadian cattle imported for immediate slaughter during the last month and the price per live hundredweight obtained for them?

I have been asked to reply. During the four weeks ended 10th June last, 6,410 cattle were imported from Canada. During that period 1,649 were slaughtered at the landing place and 1,592 were licensed out for immediate slaughter. According to my right hon. Friend's information the price of such cattle ranged from 6d. to 71d. per lb. dead weight; this is approximately the equivalent of from 30s. to 38s. per live cwt.

Is my hon. Friend aware that these cattle are depressing the prices of home-grown cattle, and will he do something to restrict the quantities?

I have answered the two questions which my hon. and gallant Friend asked in his question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it has now been possible to make arrangements whereby Canadian wheat exported via the United States ports shall be entitled to the benefit of the preferential duty?

Under the Ottawa Agreements Act, 1932, Canadian wheat which is shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to have been consigned to the United Kingdom from a part of the British Empire is admitted free of duty and the fact that such wheat passes through United States ports en route to this country does not bar the wheat from preference. There has been no change in this respect but certain of the trade interests affected have recently had discussions with the Customs Department during which the types of evidence that could be accepted by the Customs as showing that such wheat was consigned to this country from Canada were fully explained.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, having regard to the loss of export trade for British coal to the Irish Free State, he will take steps to end the dispute which has resulted in the transfer of orders for a million tons a year to Germany and Poland; and whether, in the interests of unemployed coal miners in South Wales, he will attempt to negotiate a settlement of this dispute?

As I have said before, in reply to previous questions, I regret that the action which the Irish Free State Government have seen fit to take in pursuance of their dispute with this country has caused loss of trade to both countries. As regards the second part of the question, I have, on several occasions, made it clear that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom remain desirous of a friendly settlement with the Irish Free State and I should at any time be ready to attempt to negotiate such a settlement—provided that I was satisfied that the conditions existed which would make such an attempt worth while.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the working people in the coalfield are looking to him to show an inclination to bring the dispute to an end and give them a chance to work?

I am sure the working people in the coalfield represent the feeling of the majority of people in the country and would desire us to take a stand on ground which they believe to be right.

Is it not the case that much of the coal that used to be shipped to Ireland is now being used for making the same goods in this country that used to be made in Ireland?

Is there not a vast volume of goods entering this country without paying any duty at all, and will the right hon. Gentleman bear that in mind in view of attempts to interfere with British trade?

In imposing any duty we have never attempted to be vindictive. The object of imposing the duty was to secure to the revenues of this country money to which in our judgment we were entitled.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman is making no attempt at all to bring this unfortunate dispute to an end?

I have repeatedly stated that we will welcome any opportunity of bringing the dispute to a satisfactory conclusion, but no one knows better than the hon. Gentleman that an approach is sometimes interpreted as weakness. Our position has been made clear repeatedly. We have never slammed the door, we will not slam it, and we are open to negotiation at all times.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the Empire would be shocked if the Government would concede to the Irish Free State the question of the composition of the tribunal?

asked the Secretary for Mines if the committee set up to in vestigate the prevention of accidents due to overwinding have completed their inquiries; and, if so, when the report will be issued?

The committee referred to is actively pursuing its investigation and evidence has been taken from a number of witnesses. Many witnesses still have to be heard and in view of the wide scope of these and other inquiries which must be made to ensure an effective examination of this complex problem, some considerable time must elapse before the committee can be expected to submit its report.

Could the hon. Gentleman give an approximate date when the inquiries will be completed, say, two or three months, when I could repeat the question?

I could not attempt to give any forecast, but we are going to probe this thing in every direction.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether copies of the reports of the recent pit trials of the Ringrose automatic alarms have yet been circulated to the interested parties; and whether the reports will be available to Members of the House?

The volume containing the reports on the pit trials of the Ringrose alarm is in the press and copies will be circulated to the interested parties as soon as they are ready. The volume is not being published for general circulation, but I will arrange for copies to be available at the Vote Office so that hon. Members who are particularly interested may obtain a copy on application.

How many reports have been received and, seeing that the inquiry has been going on for more than two years, can the hon. Gentleman give us any indication when finality is likely to be reached?

I cannot answer the last part of the question. The actual experiments in three areas have only just been completed. There are three main reports, carrying a number of tabular appendices, and one minority report.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that the last and perhaps final test has been in operation for six months and that this was preceded by five and a-half years of previous practical and laboratory tests; and does he not think that now, at long last, there ought to be a settlement either one way or the other?

There is no need for urging that matter. The hon. Member will realise that I must get the comments of the interested parties on the reports before I make up my mind.

asked the Home Secretary if the schemes put forward by the colliery companies for the insurance of workmen under the Workmen's Compensation Act will be submitted to the Miners' Federation before the Home Office accepts them as satisfactory?

It is my right hon. Friend's desire that the Federation should be fully informed as to the arrangements which are being made. He has already told them that if they are not clear as to the position in any respect he will be glad to supply further information and consider any representations. He contemplates communicating with them again as the scheme develops further.

Will the Home Office, in any action it takes on this matter, consult the Miners' Federation?

If the hon. Member will take the trouble to read the question and the answer, he will get a reply to the question which he has now put.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he has considered the resolution sent to him from the Federation of British Industries urging His Majesty's Government to encourage proposals for raising the value of silver in relation to gold; and what reply he proposes to make;

(2) whether he is aware that any artificially stimulated rise in the price of silver without a corresponding increase in prices of world commodities would reduce China's export trade, restrict her purchasing power, and cause financial difficulties to China and her trade; and will he confer with the China Association before encouraging proposals for raising the value of silver except in accordance with the process of supply and demand?

The various views taken on the silver problem, including those alluded to in the questions, will receive careful consideration; but my right hon. Friend does not think it would be desirable to make any further statement pending the discussions on the matter which are taking place at the World Monetary and Economic Conference.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent recent Treasury Bills issued for the purpose of financing the Exchange Equalisation Account have been taken up by Government Departments; whether moneys lying in the Post Office Savings Bank have been utilised for this purpose; and, if so, to what extent?

The Treasury Bills recently created and issued in connection with the advance of £200,000,000 to the Exchange Equalisation Account were issued by the Exchequer to that Account. The transaction was in the nature of a book-keeping transaction. None of the Bills have been taken up by the Savings Bank or other Government Departments.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House what sum, and from where received, the Government have made available for the Exchange Equalisation Account?

Under authority of Acts of Parliament the Exchequer made an advance of £200,000,000 to the Exchange Equalisation Account. On the same day the Account lent back the money to the Exchequer for 90 days, and at the same moment the Exchequer gave the Account 90 days' Treasury Bills as an acknowledgment of the loan.

Do we understand, bearing in mind the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the Exchange Equalisation Account made a profit, that the only funds available inside the Exchange Equalisation Account are the powers of pen and ink to transfer from one side to the other?

No, Sir, that is an entirely different question. The hon. Gentleman asked me exactly how that part of the transaction occurred, and I have explained it to him.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the Exchange Equalisation Account has been made up by borrowing from any Government Department apart from Treasury Bills?

I should like to make this plain. I have seen a suggestion that a very large sum has been borrowed from the Post Office Savings Bank for the purpose of financing Exchange operations. That is a complete misapprehension. No sum at all has been borrowed from that source for any such purpose.

In view of the very delicate and speculative nature of the Exchange Equalisation Account, does the hon. Gentleman regard it as not appropriate to borrow from the Post Office Savings account?

Is it not a fact that benefits to people at Employment Exchanges in this country are taken from moneys received at certain Post Offices?

The hon. Gentleman is referring to something entirely different and makes allusion to another matter. Perhaps the House will permit me to make that plain. Over £100,000,000, representing deposits at the Post Office Savings Bank and Trustee Savings Banks had been borrowed by the Exchequer for the purpose of financing unemployment payments not met out of revenue. It was the business of the National Government to bring that unsound system to an end and to meet these current obligations without recourse to borrowing.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman, for the sake of clarity and to remove any anxiety that may exist, if he will be good enough to give the House a frank statement as to exactly the amount of money so far made available for the Exchange Equalisation Account, and where that money was derived?

Is the House to understand that this sum of £200,000,000 has simply been created by paper transactions in the Treasury?

I thought that I answered that question with great particularity. I gave the hon. Gentleman the exact particulars. At any time when the fund requires to use part of their resources for the purchase of Devisen or gold they are at liberty to sell Treasury Bills in the market.

rose—

The hon. Member's question has already been answered.

In view of the very great importance of this matter, is it not fair to invite the hon. Member to make a frank statement in order to remove anxieties as to where the funds that are being used are derived?

The hon. Member has answered three or four times.

In view of the unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any recent Treasury Bills have been taken up from funds lying in the Post Office Savings Bank; and, if so, will he state the dates of such transactions and the amounts?

In the last three months Treasury Bills to an aggregate amount of £250,000 were purchased by the Post Office Savings Bank. There were three transactions, two in March and one this month. All were in the ordinary course of business.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in March last it was found that the firm of Messrs. Clements, Newling and Company, contractors to His Majesty's Stationery Office, were violating the Fair Wages Clause, and that several of the employes of the firm, some of them of many years service, were subsequently discharged for having given information on the matter; what action has been taken against the firm in question; and whether it is proposed to strike them off the list of contractors in view of these facts?

A complaint that Messrs. Clements, Newling and Company were violating the conditions of the Fair Wages Clause was made by the National Union of Printing, Bookbinding and Paper Workers in February last. Investigation revealed certain irregularities which were put right by the firm. So far as I am aware the dismissals referred to in the question were in no way connected with the complaint in regard to the non-observance of the Fair Wages Clause.

Does the hon. Member agree that the Fair Wages Clause ought to be observed when it has been passed by this House, and if I can prove to him that this firm have violated it and victimised certain of their employes, with service up to 40 years with them, will he take steps to see that such a firm is removed from the list of contractors supplying the Government?

I have made inquiries and I have given an answer which shows that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension, but, if he has any other facts, I shall be only too happy to inquire into them.

Are we to understand that this firm has been deliberately evading the Fair Wages Clause and that their word has been taken, although it has been proved that they cannot keep their word in regard to the Fair Wages Clause?

I cannot accept that version of the facts, but I can assure the hon. Member that if he has any representations to make about this case I will certainly examine them.

How is it that a firm is maintained on the list of contractors when it has been shown to have been evading the Fair Wages Clause to the detriment of their competitors who did not evade it, and will the Financial Secretary take steps to see that this firm is not put in a privileged position as against their competitors?

In regard to the complaints about dismissal put forward by the union and subsequently by a deputation from the London Printing and Kindred Trades Federation, the firm explained that the employes concerned had refused to fill in their daily dockets correctly and so prevented the firm from obtaining accurate information.

Having given that statement from the employers, and I have a contradictory statement from the trade union concerned, will the hon. Member have an inquiry made into the matter so that we can be sure that a resolution passed by this House and agreed to by all parties will be carried into effect, and that the workmen will receive the benefit of it?

I have already assured the hon. Member that if he has any further facts to bring to my notice I shall be willing to consider them.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the rates of insurance on hull and machinery, and on cargo, respectively, given out to Lloyds and other underwriters in respect of Government-owned oilers engaged in carrying oil to the account of private companies; and how these rates compare with those charged to privately-owned shipping?

No insurance is paid by the Admiralty to Lloyds or other underwriters on the hull and machinery of Government-owned oilers carrying oil for private companies. The insurance of the cargoes is a matter for the private companies concerned. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the quantity of oil carried in Government-owned oilers to the account of private companies in the years 1929, 1930, 1931 and 1932 respectively?

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the reply, which includes a good many figures, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman approves of a system whereby Government-owned ships, which have no insurance costs to meet, undercut privately-owned oilers, many of which are lying idle?

No, Sir. We take care not to undercut privately-owned oilers, and we adopt the same rates.