asked the Secretary of State for India (1) for what reason privilege leave out of India to all medical officers and nurses in military employment has been stopped except on urgent compassionate grounds; and whether any such restriction has been placed on any other branches;

(2) for what reason the combined leave already granted to certain medical officers in India is being held in abeyance without reasons being given?

I have received no information to the effect that leave has been stopped, but will make inquiries if my hon. Friend wishes.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will cause representations to be made by the Government of India to the High Commissioner for India as to the policy of the Indian Stores Department in relation to inquiries for supplies, with a view to influencing that department to specify British products where they can be supplied rather than those of the United States of America or other foreign manufacture?

The constitutional position of the Secretary of State in relation to the purchase of stores is stated on pages 244 and 245 of Volume I of the Report of the Simon Commission. The matter is not one on which I can issue instructions to the Government of India. I may add that more than 93 per cent. of all the orders placed by the High Commissioner during the first nine months of this year were in fact placed in this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an inquiry has recently been made by the Indian Stores Department for a supply of 10 grinders for the Indian Army, the specifications of which are wholly a Van Dorn-American concern, and the reference thereto is to a Van Dorn catalogue?

I am not aware of those facts. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will send them to me.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the disregard of the Sarda Act revealed by the Indian Census Reports of 1931, he will ask the Government of India or the Provincial Governments what steps they have taken, or propose to take, to educate public opinion in India as to the evils of child marriage, and to carry into effect the other administrative measures recommended by the Age of Consent Committee as essential to the enforcement of legislation in restraint of child marriage?

I have received from the Government of India reports which show that the recommendations of the Age of Consent Committee have been very carefully considered by the Government of India and by local Governments. There is a consensus of opinion that educative propaganda regarding the evils of child marriage is desirable, but a general agreement that such propaganda is best left to non-official agencies. With regard to the other administrative measures recommended by the Age of Consent Committee the position is that local Governments are in full sympathy with the need for reform and will take such action as may appear to them feasible, but for various reasons most of the specific proposals are in present conditions not practicable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what unofficial agencies there are that cover anything like the whole area of India?

I certainly would not suggest that there are agencies of this kind that cover the whole field. I hope they will increase and multiply. At the moment, the Provincial Governments think that the non-official agencies are the best agencies for the work.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the number of deaths in child-birth in India is estimated by Sir John Megaw, late Surgeon-General for India, as 200,000 per annum, he will request the Government of India to set up a commission to inquire into the reason for and methods of reducing this maternal mortality?

The hon. Member's suggestion will be communicated to the Government of India.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the same authority quoted here, the number of maternal deaths affected one-tenth of the young wives in India and that that is associated with child marriage, and is it true that nothing will be done either by the Central Government or the Provincial Government to deal with this social evil?

My hon. Friend is raising a much wider issue than is raised in her printed question, and as far as thai is concerned I am sending it to the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India the number of murders and outrages generally, both actual and attempted, committed by terrorists in Bengal between 30th June and 1st December, 1933; and the number of ordinary non-political crimes, including murders and dacoities, actual and attempted, burglaries, offences against the person which involve grievous hurt or injuries with sharp-cutting weapons, and thefts taken cognisance of by the police, for 1931, 1932, and for as many months of 1933 as figures are available?

I have not yet received statistics of terrorist crime later than those which my right hon. Friend supplied on the 13th November, but I will send them to the Noble Lady when available. Statistics of ordinary crime are given in the Bengal Police Administration Report.

In view of the importance of the House being in possession of statistics regarding crime of this kind in Bengal and of being able to see the extent to which such crime prevailed during this year, as compared with previous years, will the hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary of State to request that these figures should be forwarded as soon as possible?

My Noble Friend was supplied with the latest figures available on 13th November, and I have undertaken to bring those figures up to date and send them to her as soon as we receive them.

Does the hon. Gentleman remember that the figures with which he supplied me on 13th November in regard to terrorist crime did not carry the story further than 30th June last.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many officers of the various Government services have claimed compensation for accrued rights in respect of posts, or classes of posts, abolished since 1921; what is the total value of such claims; how many officers have received such compensation; and what is the total value of the compensation awarded?

My Noble Friend's question involves a good deal of research which it has not been possible to complete in the time available. I am not yet sure whether it will be possible to give a precise answer on all the points referred to but I am having the matter-looked into.

asked the Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken by the Government of India to prevent houses originally built for Army officers in areas, such as cantonments, set apart for the use of troops, being occupied by persons not in Government service; what neglect of such action has cost the Government of India in building new houses and hostels since the end of the late war; and how many civil and military officers, owing to lack of houses, are obliged to live in hostels or hotels in Delhi and Simla?

I am assured that the situation is being carefully watched, and that if houses now occupied by non-officials, who I may mention are usually the owners, are required by officers, they are acquired by Government under the powers provided in the House Accommodation Act of 1930. I am, however, bringing this question to the notice of the Government of India, and asking them what information can be supplied with reference to the second and third parts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in connection with the negotiations on the question of the surrender of the. Saar to Germany without a plebiscite between the British and French Governments, he will see that every chance is given to the people of the Saar to decide for themselves whether they will remain under the League or pass under Nazi rule, and in any case to protect non-Nazis from reprisals?

No negotiation's such as the right hon. Gentleman suggests are taking place. The question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to the sums obtained during the last two years for military purposes in Japan by public donations and subscriptions?

According to reports appearing in the Japanese Press in 1932, the Municipality of Osaka presented to the Japanese War Office in the summer of that year anti-aircraft equipment purchased by voluntary subscription to the value of approximately one million yen. This equipment was apparently to be used for local air defence. Similar reports earlier in that year indicated that there was also a general movement for raising funds for the air defence of Tokyo and its vicinity. I have, however, no information as to the amount which may have been raised. No reports as to the raising of money for military purposes by public subscription have reached me during 1933.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that in most countries in Europe the strength of bombardment aircraft is being increased; and if he will press at the disarmament discussions for the elimination of bombing aircraft without delay, and endeavour to obtain agreement on that before proceeding to discussion of the general limitation of armaments?

So far as I am aware, it is not the fact that in most countries in Europe the strength of aircraft specifically designed for bombing is being increased. With regard to the second part of the question, I understand that all types of aircraft may to some extent be used for bombing. It was to meet this difficulty that Articles 34 and 35 of the British Draft Convention were drawn up. The proposals contained in those Articles continue to represent the policy of His Majesty's Government. In their view the whole problem of disarmament is vitally urgent, and, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, every effort is being made to achieve a general agreement covering all aspects of this problem.

Is it not a fact that it is bombing aircraft which is the main cause of the present apprehension and feeling of insecurity in Europe, and that the limitation of bombing aircraft really transcends any other aspect of the general limitation of armaments problem, discussions on which only serve to further delay?

I think the British draft article covers that point.

Will the hon. Member consider taking the question of air disarmament out of the Disarmament Conference and making a specific treaty among the air Powers in regard to the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he is aware that the British Creditors Committee, summoned to Berlin by Dr. Schacht to learn his future conditions for the German default, has returned without having arrived at an agreement; and will he now make a protest against the treatment of British investors in German public securities, including the 5½ per cent. German (Young) Loan, issued in London in accordance with Command Paper 3617, of 1930;

(2) If he will give an assurance that, in all negotiations with the German Reichs-bank authorities, he will insist upon terms being granted to British holders no less advantageous than those already agreed to, so that responsibility for any default shall rest with the German authorities?

I understand from the Press that the German authorities intend to make a further announcement to-day. I should prefer to wait until this announcement has been received and considered before I make any further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the latest information he has received from Rio de Janeiro as to the result of the inquiry into the ferry and tramway fares of the Leopoldina Terminal and Cantareira Companies?

My right hon. Friend has not yet received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio de Janeiro the report asked for on the progress made by the Commission investigating the books of the Cantareira Company.

Can the hon. Member say what is the cause of this unnecessary delay?

The dispatch was only sent on the 17th November, and we must give a little time for the answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is yet in a position to state his attitude towards the invitation extended by the Netherlands Government to Britain to join an international conference for the purpose of reviewing the North Sea Fisheries Convention, 1882?

His Majesty's Government have declined the invitation of the Netherlands Government to take part in an international conference for the discussion of the limited number of points enumerated in the invitation. I understand, however, that the occasion may arise in the comparatively near future for a discussion of the international regulation of fisheries on lines similar to those of Orders recently made under the Sea Fishing Industry Act of this year, which of course affect only our own fisheries. My right hon. Friend considers it preferable that any international conference should be postponed until we are in a position to invite discussion of these wider and more important questions in the light of experience of the effects of the Orders referred to. The same opportunity could be taken to introduce any other subjects which in the opinion of His Majesty's Government may require international regulation.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the Government are likely to be in a position to extend this general invitation?

I understand that the intention is first to observe the working of the Orders, which have only recently been put into force.

Does not this form a record as the first conference we have refused to attend?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to state when he hopes to present his proposals with regard to illegal trawling to this House?

Yes, Sir. I propose to introduce the Bill to-morrow.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has accepted the recommendations contained in the Second Interim Report of the Furunculosis Committee; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the committee?

I hope it will be possible to introduce a Diseases of Fish Bill this Session to deal with the recommendations of the report which require legislation; the other recommendations are under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great many experts disagree with some of the findings in this report; and will he take precautions before he introduces the Bill and satisfy himself that the proposals which he is making to the House are satisfactory?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of that fact.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is yet in a position to publish a report from our commercial counsellor at Moscow on similar lines to that issued as Command Paper 3904 in May, 1931?

Changes are still taking place rapidly in the structure and designation of Soviet trade organisations. Lists of these are, however, being received and edited with a view to their being published in a convenient form at a suitable moment.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say when that will be, inasmuch as he gave me a somewhat similar reply last March?

We considered publishing a document earlier this year, but, when I tell the hon. Member that there have been 100 to 200 new organisations formed in the last few months, he will appreciate that it is difficult to make a statement which is really up-to-date. We will, however, bear it in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the arrangement which came into force on the 10th May last, under which Germany agreed to admit 40,000 kilogrammes of artificial horn from Holland at a reduced duty of 35 marks per 100 kilogrammes; whether His Majesty's Government has claimed from the German Government similar privileges for artificial horn entering Germany from this country; and, if so, what satisfaction has been received from the German Government?

The answers to the first two parts of the question are in the affirmative. The German Government admit His Majesty's Government's claim in principle, but have raised certain questions of administrative detail which are now under consideration.

Is it not a fact that some time ago the German Government prohibited entirely the use of foreign horn in Germany, and is this declaration a departure from previous policy?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can state, having regard to the fact that the retained imports of beef of all kinds during the first 11 months of the present year have exceeded those in the corresponding period of last year by 5,790 cwts., what reduction in the retained imports he intends to effect during the current month as compared with December of last year?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I cannot give a precise estimate but I anticipate a substantial reduction. Imports of chilled beef from South America which represent the greater part of our imports of beef will, I expect, be less by over 11 per cent. this month than a year ago. They are subject in the present quarter to an emergency reduction of 15 per cent., as compared with the corresponding quarter of 1931. Imports of foreign frozen beef, carcases and boned beef, are subject to a reduction of 25 per cent. on the same basis over the quarter as a whole, but I am. unable to give any precise estimate of the imports of frozen beef during the current month.

Has any estimate been formed of the canned beef that may be imported, and other forms of imported beef?

An estimate has been formed but I have not the figures with me.

How comes it that there is an increase of 5,790 cwt., considering that we have been told by the Minister of Agriculture that there have been cuts of 10, 15, and 20 per cent.?

The answer is that imports from the Dominions have been received.

Is it not the case that there are no imports of chilled beef from the Dominions?

The Noble Lady is not quite accurate. There are some small imports of chilled beef from the Dominions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of small holdings created during the last two years; what was their average acreage; and what was the average cost?

As the figures for 1933 are not yet available I give particulars for the two preceding years. In 1931, 273 holdings were created by councils in England and Wales under the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts, the average size being 28¾ acres and the average capital cost £l,236. For 1932 the figures were; 241 holdings with an average of 21 acres each, and an average capital cost of £892.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of fat cattle imported from the Irish Free State in each of the quarters October to December, 1932, January to March, April to June, and July to October, 1933?

Imports of fat cattle into this country are not separately distinguished in the United Kingdom trade returns. From returns issued by the Department of Industry and Commerce, Dublin, the numbers of fat cattle exported from the Irish Free State to Great Britain for the four quarters specified were: 85,591, 43,228, 20,869 and 57,499 respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General how the amount of air mail despatched by the British-India air-mail service during the first three dispatches in December compares with the amount sent in three similar dispatches last year?

The total weight of letter mail despatched by the first three Indian air-mail dispatches in December this year was 6,490 lbs. as compared with 6,141 lbs. for the corresponding three dispatches last year. As, however, last year's figure includes a special bulk posting by Imperial Airways which weighed 800 lbs., a true comparison is between 6,490 lbs. and 5,341 lbs.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of this air mail carried bears with the total first-class mail carried by other means?

I will try to find out and let my hon. and gallant Friend know.

asked the Postmaster-General if he now is in a position to estimate the results obtained by the recent air-mail advertising campaign?

There was an increase of 34 per cent. in the amount of letter sir mail despatched during the period from the beginning of June this year, when the newspaper publicity campaign commenced, until the end of October, as compared with the corresponding period of 1932: It cannot be stated how much of this increase was due to normal growth and how much to publicity; but the increase during the period June to October, 1932, as compared with the corresponding period in 1931, was 18 per cent.

Is it proposed to continue this campaign, in view of the fact that advertising has a cumulative effect?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General the approximate total number of invitations issued to telephone subscribers to present their friends with an up-to-date telephone apparatus; how many subscribers have accepted the suggestion; and what use it is intended to make of displaced obsolete instruments?

Invitations were issued tc all telephone subscribers. I am not now in a position to answer the second part of the question. The scheme is still in operation, and orders are coming in daily from all parts of the country. The displaced instruments are taken into stock and are available for re-issue to new subscribers who desire the "candlestick" instrument, which is not obsolete, but is still the standard pattern.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider reducing the charges at Christmas time for installing and using these telephones?

I made a reduction two or three months ago.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a telegram addressed to a Piccadilly designation through the Church Place Post Office, Piccadilly, prior to 8 p.m. on a Saturday, is returned to that post office in the event of delivery not being made owing to the temporary absence of the recipient, so that actual delivery is not effected until Monday morning; and if he will cause all non-delivered telegrams to be returned to a post office which remains open all night and on Sundays, so that telephonic inquiry can be made and the telegram transmitted by this means?

Such a telegram as described would be transferred at closing time to a central office from which further efforts to effect delivery would be made on Saturday night and Sunday. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any evidence that this practice is not observed, I shall be grateful if he will write to me and give me an opportunity of looking into the matter further.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of telephone and telegraph poles erected within the boundary of the county borough of West Ham during the last five separate years and the area covered by underground wiring; and whether he will in future consider consultation with the local authority when proposals are made to fix telephone poles within any area?

For poles the figures are: 1929, 51; 1930, nil; 1931, 43; 1932, 22; 1933, 32. During the last three years, 4,387 miles of wire have been laid underground; figures for 1929 and 1930 are not available. The consent of the council is already sought before any pole is placed in a street under their control.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the so-called consultations with this council are really not consultations as to the desires of the local authority?

No. Sir, I would gladly go into the state of affairs between the council and my Department, but I understand that the council will not delegate any of their powers to any of their officers, and that they have decided to deal with all these questions in general council assembled, which hardly helps matters.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the consultations are really dictations from his Department; and will he ensure that, in future, consideration is given to the local authority's wishes before a decision is made?

I shall be glad to do anything I can to help, but I must remind the hon. Member that in 1930 the council declined to grant any powers, and we had to take the matter to court and an order was unfortunately made against the hon. Member's council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a peculiarly bad council?

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that telephone girls transferred to areas other than those in which they live are receiving a wage increase if they claim that they are compulsorily transferred but not if they volunteer in reply to his request; and whether he proposes to continue this differentiation?

Increases of pay are allowed to telephonists under 21 years of age who are compulsorily transferred on account of redundancy of staff. The regulations provide that when a redundancy occurs, endeavour should first be made to clear it by the transfer under voluntary conditions of officers who are already applicants for transfer to particular offices. If the redundancy cannot be cleared in this way, it is the practice to apply compulsory conditions to the telephonists whom it is necessary to transfer. I shall be glad if my hon.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of miners employed at the coal face in Great Britain at the latest date on which figures are available and on 31st December of the previous four years, giving separate figures for Lancashire and Cheshire?

Does the right hon. Gentleman apply the compulsory transfer to the men?

We are dealing with women telephonists. I am not sure about the men, but, in any event, I will try to use compulsion as little as possible, especially to women.

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of coal produced and conveyed by machinery in Great Britain in the first nine months of this year and in each of the previous four years, giving separate figures for Lancashire and Cheshire?

As the reply involves a statistical table, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT such information as is available.

Do the figures indicate a progressive increase?

There are 18 sets of figures, and I think the hon. Member had better do his own analysis.

As the hon. Member was informed in reply to a question on the 24th March, 1931, the only figures available on the subject are those obtained specially for the Coal Industry Commission which relate to October, 1924. The estimated number of persons then em- ployed at the coal face in Great Britain was 482,000 or 51.3 per cent. of the total number employed below-ground. The corresponding figures for Lancashire and Cheshire were 42,000 and 49.9 per cent.

Is the hon. Member aware that all counties do issue with the balance of their monthly ascertainment the number of men employed at the coal face and the total number of persons employed at the colliery?

There appears to be a misunderstanding. The only figures we have on the point put in the question were specifically got out after the most elaborate calculation.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total quantity of coal produced by machinery in Yorkshire during the 10 months ended 31st October, 1933; and the total quantity so produced in each of the past five years?

Particulars of the quantity of coal cut by machinery are only collected annually. The figures for Yorkshire for the last five years are as follow:

				Tons.
1928	…	…	…	7,596,000
1929	…	…	…	8,372,000
1930	…	…	…	9,115,000
1931	…	…	…	9,718,000
1932	…	…	…	10,066,000

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will state the number of accidents that have occurred at the coal face in Great Britain during 1933 and during each of the previous four years, giving separate figures for Lancishire and Cheshire?

I regret that the figures asked for are not available. I can give the numbers of fatal and nonfatal accidents due to falls of ground only at the working face during the years 1929, 1930, 1931 and 1932 for Great Britain and Lancashire respectively, and with the hon. Member's permission I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I regret that corresponding figures for 1933 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is satisfied that there is an adequate supply of household coal in the London area and that, in view of the extra demand consequent upon the prevailing weather, there will be no undue increase in the price?

I have consulted the Coal Merchants' Federation who have assured me that there are adequate supplies of house coal in the London area. I would remind the hon. Member that I have no control over the price of coal, but I understand that there has been no general increase in the retail prices in London since last September.

Is the hon. Member satisfied that the price of household coal is reasonable seeing that it is one and a half times more than is paid for it at the pit head?

That is a question which would take a long time to answer.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he intends to take any action as a result of the report of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission?

When my hon. Friend reads the report, which I hope will be laid on the Table on Wednesday, I think he will find that no action by me is required.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that since the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, regulating production came into operation the number of insured coal miners at work has diminished by about 130,000 whereas during the same period the number of insured workpeople at work has increased by about 660,000, he is prepared to amend the Act?

While His Majesty's Government have under consideration the question of amending Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, I cannot accept the suggestion which appears to underline my hon. Friend's question that the Act is in any way responsible for unemployment in the coal mining industry.

Will the Secretary for Mines give the House the benefit of his knowledge as to how many people have been thrown out of work since 1930 owing to the introduction of the Bill of 1930?

That is only one of the many points to be considered.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons officially regarded as living in conditions of overcrowding in the borough of Fulham and the number of tenements regarded as unfit for human habitation; and what proposals have been made by the appropriate local authorities to deal with the situation?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not in the possession of my right hon. Friend. He understands that the London County Council consider there are in Fulham 642 unfit houses. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend is awaiting a further report from the London County Council.

Will the hon. Member consider using the powers which are vested in him in cases of default to see that these distressing conditions are abated as soon as possible?

We must first see the response made by individual authorities, and, if they are inadequate, we shall consider what further action can be taken.

asked the Minister of Health how many regional committees have been formed to deal with water supply; what areas they cover respectively; and what they have accomplished?

Six regional committees have been formed covering the areas: South-West Lancashire (22 authorities), West Riding of Yorkshire (142 authorities), Sherwood Area of Nottinghamshire (22 authorities), Isle of Wight (11 authorities), Holland, Lincolnshire (12 authorities) and South Buckinghamshire (six authorities). The Sherwood Area Committee has issued its report, including an agreed plan for the allocation of the water resources. The other committees are engaged in surveying needs and resources and formulating plans for future supplies. Measures have been taken for the appointment at an early date of two additional regional committees covering large areas.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply and appreciating the fact that two extra committees are being: formed, will he say what other steps are being taken to form other committees in other parts of the country where an improvement in the water supply is urgently needed?

That is a matter for the committee which is all the time considering what new regional committees can be formed.

asked the Minister of Health when the survey of the water resources of the country, which was begun in 1923, is likely to be finished; how much of the country has been surveyed so far; and will he consider publishing the data already obtained?

The survey to which my hon. Friend refers is the regular accumulation of information by officers of my Department in the course of their duties. The majority of the existing water undertakings have been investigated. From its nature the work is continuous, it is amplified as fresh information is obtained and is therefore never completed. Much of the information obtained is confidential and it is not proposed to publish it, nor does my right hon. Friend think that the advantage of publication would justify the cost.

Is it not possible, in view of the urgency of this matter, to speed up this survey by appointing special officers from the Ministry to carry out the work systematically?

Quite apart from speeding up, is it possible to consider the fact that we have had an unprecedented drought this season and winter, which makes a reconsideration of the supplies and Surveys rather essential? Is it possible to have this matter reconsidered all through the country?

It was in consequence of the drought that the Government gave the promise that will lead to the introduction of a Bill. No doubt all these questions will then be discussed.

In view of the fact that this survey has been going on for the last 10 years, is it not possible to have published some of the data, so that we can Bee exactly what are the water resources of the country?

As I said in my reply, that would not be justified on account of the cost involved. The evidence is voluminous.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the proposal of the Tickhill Urban District Council relating to a new burial ground; and, if so, will he ensure that the rights and privileges of Nonconformist ministers will be safeguarded before assenting to such a proposal?

No application has been received from the council. If an application is received the representations of any interested parties will be carefully considered.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the extra cost involved if the whole of any wounds or disability pensions were disregarded in assessing the income of an applicant for unemployment benefit?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. Ex-service men's pensions are not taken into account in connection with claims to unemployment benefit. If, however, he has transitional payments in mind, I regret there are no available statistics on which an accurate estimate could be based.

Can my hon. Friend take steps to obtain these statistics?

Will he make this clear throughout the country, because we are told that the reverse is the case?

I hope that this question and answer may serve that purpose.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any and, if so, what estimate has been made of the additional cost to the Exchequer of a needs test based upon the needs of the individual applicant as opposed to those of the household of which he is a member?

No. Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the claim for unemployment benefit made by Nellie McGurn, 51, Eldon Place, Whitehall Road, Liverpool, was held up for a long period owing to the failure of the local Employment Exchange to keep proper records of her employment history; whether this is an isolated case: and, if not, will he see that correct records are kept in future?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that in Italy tunnels constructed for roads, tramways, and underground railways must by law be fit for use as permanent shelters against air attack; and if it is proposed to take similar precautions in this country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.

Are we to understand that the Government consider that air attack is unlikely, or with our present defences can be easily frustrated, or that the existing facilities, whatever they are, for the protection of the public, are adequate?

No, but there is another alternative, and it is that, applied to this country, what is being done in Italy is not effective.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a committee to draw up draft proposals, to be submitted at Geneva, for the reform of the League of Nations, with a view to preventing further secessions from the League and promoting the adhesion of all the great Powers?

No. Sir. I am not in favour of such a course.

Can the Prime Minister give the House an assurance that before the Government commit themselves to any foreign policy in this matter this House will have a full opportunity of discussing the matter further?

I think the Government will have just to act with its usual powers in a matter like this.

Has the Government just made up its mind that the League is to be allowed to "go phut," and that nothing is to be done at all?

I am afraid that my hon. Friend has not been giving that attention to the newspapers that he usually gives. Otherwise, he would have seen that that is not the case.

Are we to understand from the Prime Minister's reply that the Government may arrive at very grave decisions on this question before this House has an opportunity of discussing them?

The position of the Government regarding the League has been very clearly indicated in the statements made from this Box.

Is it not a fact that the British Government are using every endeavour to keep the League going?

That is perfectly true.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many issues of capital or loans were floated in this country by the Lena Goldfields, Limited, from 1925; what were the conditions of each issue or loan; and what was the total sum subscribed?

Particulars filed at Somerset House do not disclose that there was any public issue during the period named, but shares to a nominal value of £2,833,310 were issued at various dates. Eight per cent. Convertible Ten-year Notes amounting to £750,000 were issued in 1926. I have no information as to the conditions of the issue of the shares or of the notes.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the £750,000 referred to was dealt with by that great financier Mr. Harman, who is now in gaol for 18 months, and in those circumstances does he still think, particularly in view of the recent alleged German default, that we ought to maintain the position of German debt collectors?

That sems to me to be very wide of anything in the original question.

Are not these losses slight compared with those inflicted on the country in two years of Socialist government?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has ben taken by the Government of Ceylon to put into operation the reforms in prison administration recommended by the executive committee of Home affairs in consequence of their consideration of the report of the Garvin Prison Inquiry Commission in so far as those reforms necessitate amendments inthe law?

The Governor of Ceylon has informed me that a Bill to make the necessary amendments to the Prisons Ordinance to give effect to the recommendations of the Executive Committee of Home Affairs was in course of preparation for early introduction into the State Council. I have not yet been informed how far the matter has progressed but I shall hear further from the Governor when the Bill has been passed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the detention in a Leeds institution of Ina Draper, age 11, of Ferrybridge, Yorkshire; why it was thought necessary to take away the girl direct from the school where she was being instructed instead of from her home; and whether the cost of this special treatment is borne by the education authorities or by the parent, who has no voice in the educational arrangements made for his daughter?

I have made inquiries into this case. This girl was found, after repeated medical examinations, confirmed by the head teacher of the elementary school she was attending, to be too deaf to be taught in a class of hearing children in an elementary school. As the father refused to allow her to be sent to a special school for the deaf, the West Riding Education Authority obtained an order from the court committing her to the care of Mr. Andrews, head teacher of the Blenheim Residential Deaf School, at Leeds, this being the nearest available special school. The father repeatedly refused to obey this Order, and the local education authority, therefore, considered the most effective way of enforcing it to be for Mr. Andrews to assume the custody of the child at the school which she attended. She was accordingly taken to the Leeds school on 22nd September, 1933. The cost of her attendance at the Leeds school is being borne by the West Riding Education Authority. Under Section 65 of the Education Act, 1921, the parent is liable to contribute such weekly sum, if any, as may be agreed on between him and the local education authority. The question of a contribution by the parent is now under consideration by the authority.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him, is he aware that this case has caused considerable concern both locally and throughout the country; that it is known locally as the "Ferrybridge Kidnapping Case," and that the so-called kidnappers are persons—

The hon. Member seems to be giving information instead of asking a question.

In view of the widespread anxiety which the handling of this case by the local authority has caused to parents and guardians throughout the country, may I ask what steps the President of the Board of Education proposes to take in this matter?

It would be improper for me to express any opinion as to how an order of the court could or should be carried out. One naturally has great sympathy with the parents of the child, but the interests of the child must come first. The child is so deaf and her speech is so defective that to give her a chance in life it is imperative that she should be educated in a special school.

Will the hon.Gentle-mon undertake to have inquiries made as to how this child was taken away; and will he bear in mind that, apart from her deafness, some of the teachers say that she is a really intelligent child?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education if he will state the conclusion reached as a result of an inquiry into the nutrition of school children made by the London County Council recently?

My Noble Friend understands that 1,281 children in the 10 year old age group were examined, the schools selected being mainly in poor areas. Of these children 93.5 per cent. were found to be well nourished and 6.5 per cent. poorly nourished. Only two children were grossly ill-nourished. The poorly-nourished children were not found to be principally the children of the poorest parents; in fact, the percentage of poorly-nourished children of parents in full-time employment was found to be higher than the average for the whole group. In view of the prolonged economic depression, the result of the inquiry is regarded by the London County Council as very reassuring.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the proposed arrangement for dispensing with passports for short visits between France and England, what steps he is taking to ensure that this privilege is not abused?

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs explained in his reply to the hon. Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Rankin) on 13th instant, the arrangement proposed would merely secure for British tourists visiting Paris facilities which have in fact for many years been available to French tourists coming here. A most careful check is kept on the entry and departure of foreign tourists, and experience has shown that the privileges granted have not been abused. No further precautions are therefore required.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government will consider the introduction of legislation entitling limited companies and corporations owning property, who are now disfranchised, to the same rights of voting at Parliamentary and municipal elections as are now granted to a private individual?

His Majesty's Government do not propose to introduce legislation on this subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it very unfair that corporations and limited companies which provide so large a part of the rates and taxes should have no voice in the expenditure?

asked the Home Secretary if he will state how many persons were prosecuted during the past year, or other convenient period, under statutes dating from the reign of Queen Elizabeth or earlier; and how many convictions were obtained?

I regret that figures are not available,

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the value of the details previously given in the Annual Licensing Statistics, he will state the grounds upon which it was decided to curtail the information in this year's report; and whether he will consider restoring the information omitted this year in future issues of these statistics?

The volume of licensing statistics has been curtailed, in common with certain other annual publications of my Department, in order to effect economy both in printing costs and in the time of officials engaged in the preparation of the statistics. Although the bulk of the volume has been reduced, with a corresponding reduction in the price, it is believed that all material of general interest and importance has been retained; but I shall, of course, be ready to consider carefully any suggestions which may be made to me for the improvement of the volume.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present duty on fat stock imported from the Irish Free State; and what is the export bounty paid on such stock by the Free State Government?

Fat stock are not distinguished from other stock for the purpose of the duties and bounties to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I am, however, circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the duties at present chargeable on all livestock imported from the Irish Free State and of the export bounties paid by the Free State Government on such livestock.

In view of the disastrous position of the producers of fat stock in this country, could the hon. Gentleman see his way to increase his import duties in defence of the home producers?

asked the Minister of Transport in which districts the proposed conversion of certain tram- way routes to trolley-omnibus in London will involve the erection of overhead wires where at present no such wires exist?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that their proposals for the conversion of certain tramway routes to trolley vehicle working would involve the erection of overhead wires in the Metropolitan boroughs of Holborn, St. Pancras, Islington and St. Marylebone, where such wires do not at present exist for traction purposes.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman prepared to say what would be the mileage of wires involved?

I could not possibly say that, but, of course, any proposals would have to be put in legislative form and would be submitted to the House by way of a Private Bill, so that the matter would be open to criticism.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will request the London and home counties traffic advisory committees to consider or to make recommendations as to the adequacy of the lighting of the main traffic routes?

I understand that the committee are already giving consideration to this question.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he is aware of the unsatisfactory results in the use of coalite for heating the House of Commons, and that the fumes arising from this fuel have proved detrimental to the health of Members; will he discontinue the use of this fuel and authorise the use of coal; and why this fuel is used in certain parts of the building and not in others?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, though, if the hon. Member has any specific complaints of the performance or effects of this fuel, and will let me know, I need hardly say that I shall be ready to investigate them. In view of the policy of the Government to encourage the use of low-temperature fuel, I do not propose to discontinue its use so long as it proves effective and the price is right. Coal is used exceptionally in three rooms in this building where it is impracticable to replenish as frequently as low-temperature fuel requires.

After the all-night sitting, has the right hon. Gentleman had any reports of the unsatisfactory odours here; and, if the experiment is so popular and satisfactory, why does it not apply in the House of Lords?

It is applied throughout the building, except, I think, in the Prince's Chamber and one fireplace in the Peers' entrance, and one fireplace in the House of Lords Library, where the construction of the grate, plus the difficulty of replenishing, make it impracticable, but throughout the rest of the building coalite is used, and so far from receiving complaints I have received the opposite more often. It has been represented for. some years by the Ministry of Mines that it is very desirable to extend the use of this fuel. As to the all-night sitting, I do not know what evidence the hon. Member has for saying that it was the coalite which caused the smell.

Will my right hon. Friend get information as regards the facts about coalite being detrimental to the health of Members, and refer it to the medical committee of this House? I am not yet aware that there have been any detrimental effects.

asked the Attorney-General if he will give a detailed list of company promoters and directors proceeded against by the Director of Public Prosecutions since 1921 for dishonest practices, and the result of the proceedings in each case?

(Vice-Chamberlain of the Household): I have been asked to reply. My right hon. and learned Friend regrets that records are not kept in a form which would enable him to give the information asked for, and that the time and labour expended in extracting it would appear to be unjustifiable.