asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the recent experiments at Toulon in which a submarine was used to solve certain problems involved in raising such vessels which have been damaged and sunk on to the ocean bed; and whether he can say if any similar experiments are to be made in this country?

I understand that the trials at Toulon were only ordinary exercises with Davis and Belloni apparatus. Experiments with a view to the solution of problems involved in raising submarines were carried out by us between 1929 and 1931, submarine "L.4" being used for the purpose. As a result of these experiments, together with the valuable experience gained in the attempt to salve "M.2" in 1932, and much useful information supplied to us by the United States naval authorities in connection with the salvage of their submarine "S.4," it has been possible during 1933 to make a thorough survey of submarine salvage operations and to decide on our future policy. I hope to be in a position to give the House further information when introducing the Navy Estimates.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what percentage of persons presenting themselves for recruitment for the Royal Navy for the last 12 months were rejected on physical or medical grounds?

For the last financial year, the percentage rejected on physical and medical grounds was 41. This is a large percentage, but the standard of physical fitness for the Royal Navy is a very high one. The number of applicants to join is so large that we only require to take about one-fourteenth of the total number.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether these are approximately the normal figures of the last two or three years?

Yes, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory water supply to the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

Yes, Sir. The unsatisfactory state of the supply has already been represented by both the Admiralty and the Ministry of Health to the local water authority, who are considering schemes for improving it.

In view of the great importance of a good water supply for cadets, can my hon. and gallant Friend say when it will be put right? I understand that it has been impure for months.

The local authority is considering a scheme, but it is not easy to find an alternative source of supply. In the meantime the water drunk by the cadets is being boiled and chlorinated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are taken by his Department to encourage the visits of tourist ships to Cyprus so as to bring some extra prosperity to the islanders?

The encouragement of the tourist industry is a definite function of the Trade Development Board in Cyprus and of the Cyprus Trade Commissioner in London. My hon. and gallant Friend may remember that in the Debate on the Colonial Office Vote in July last I commended the Island as a tourist resort. I have since been in communication with the chairmen of the various steamship companies which arrange tours in the Eastern Mediterranean and I am glad to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the sympathetic response which I received. Sir Richmond Palmer, the new Governor of Cyprus, with whom the matter was discussed before his departure for the Colony, is equally alive to the importance of developing the tourist industry and may be relied upon to do what is practicable locally to improve the facilities for tourists and to render their visits, however short, as attractive as possible.

Can my right hon. Friend say what steps he is taking to preserve the most notable architectural remains in Cyprus?

I could not answer that question without notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the same thing can be done for Newfoundland?

Nothing about Newfoundland arises on this question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the need for consideration of the land questions involved, he will refrain from allowing general prospecting in the area of land in the Kavirondo reserve of Kenya Colony, scheduled by Sir Albert Kitson as Area No. 2, until after the publication of the Morris Carter Eeport?

I am still in correspondence with the Governor on the questions when, and on what conditions, No. 2 Area should be opened to prospecting. I would remind the hon. Member, however, that no question of leasing land is involved in the prospecting stage of mining operations, and I see no reason, therefore, for accepting his suggestion.

How soon may we expect the publication of the report?

I have answered that question about five times. I hope it will be published some time before the end of February.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give an assurance that the Government has no intention under any circumstances of surrendering the mandate for Tanganyika to any other Power?

It has been repeatedly stated that His Majesty's Government have never contemplated any surrender of the mandate for Tanganyika.

I understand there is no question whatever of considering its return to Germany in any circumstances?

I have given a very frank and straight answer many times. That is the firm, considered and determined view of the Government.

Are there not more than the Government concerned in this matter?

I think it is the firm determination of the whole of this country.

Is this country only concerned? Is the mandate obtained from this country or from some other source?

The hon. Gentleman is quite unaware of the terms on which mandates were granted. A mandate cannot be surrendered except by the consent of the mandatory to whom it has been given.

Can my right hon. Friend confirm the attitude taken up by the hon. Member for West Derby (Sir J. Sandeman Allen) in Tanganyika?

I do not quite know what his attitude was.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he will state on what date Mr. D. A. Sutherland, to whom a permit was granted on the 3rd September, 1932, to explore for oil in Palestine, commenced drilling operations;

(2) if he will state on what date the Iraq Petroleum Company registered their application for the permit granted them on 8th March, 1933, for oil in Transjordan?

With regard to both questions, I am consulting the High Commissioner and I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend when I receive a reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the draft penal code for Palestine now before the Colonial Office would have the effect of extending the death penalty to classes of homicide not included in the category of murder in the present code and also introduces for the first time the punishment of flogging for various classes of offences; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The draft Criminal Code of Palestine is based on English law. I have recently received criticisms of the provisions referred to, and I am consulting the High Commissioner. I will communicate with the right hon. Member when I receive a reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether education and the appointment and training of teachers will be transferred to the proposed legislative council in Palestine?

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on 29th November.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the results in Cyprus and Malta of the control of education being vested in the Legislative Councils?

I suggest that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman should be good enough to read and remember the answer that was given him on a previous occasion.

Are we to understand that the proposed council is to have no control over education?

I have already made a statement to the right hon. Gentleman in reply to previous questions, and I think, if he will refer to them, he will find that the statement was perfectly plain and categorical. I have nothing to add to it.

Before this question is answered, may I ask your advice, Mr. Speaker, and make a protest quite shortly? The question was put down for the Prime Minister, and, although we in this House know what Cabinet responsibility means, those outside do not realise it so much, and the interests out-side particularly wanted a reply from the Head of the Government.

The hon. Member knows that one department can always transfer to another any question if it thinks that that other department is the most suitable one to reply.

The answer is given on behalf of the Government. I have received a copy of the report referred to. All the matters of which the North Charterland Company has complained have formed the subject of two public inquiries before Mr. Justice Maugham. In spite of the fact that the first inquiry was of the fullest character, the Government took the exceptional course of requesting the commissioner to reopen the inquiry in order that the North Charterland Company might have a further opportunity of substantiating the charges to which my hon. Friend has referred.

In paragraph 6 of his second report, Mr. Justice Maugham states that the Attorney-General, on behalf of the Crown, departing from the normal practice in relation to official documents, called every available witness whose evidence might bear on the matters in question or throw light on the good faith of the Colonial Office. As the result of these investigations Mr. Justice Maugham stated in his second report that the charges of bad faith brought against the Colonial Office had no foundation whatever. Copies of Mr. Justice Maugham's reports were placed in the Library of the House of Commons immediately they were received; and I would invite the attention of hon. Members to these reports.

While I am not in a position to judge, one way or the other, may I ask: are the Government going to take no notice of the allegations made against them at a public meeting in the City of London?

Really I am amazed that the hon. Gentleman should make a statement of that kind. Charges were made, with which I am not really concerned, because they relate to matters which arose long before my tenure of office. I was quite determined, however, that a matter which involved charges of fraud against members of the Colonial Office staff and, for all I know, previous Secretaries of State, should be investigated fully. Two inquiries have been held by a Chancery Judge. Every single witness that could be produced has been produced, and that judge has found that the charges have no foundation whatever.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what percentage of persons presenting themselves for recruitment for the Royal Air Force for the last 12 months were rejected on physical or medical grounds?

Forty per cent. of the men whose applications for enlistment in the Royal Air Force were taken up during the first 11 months of the present year were rejected on physical or medical grounds. This figure excludes applications for entry as apprentices.

Are these normal figures compared with the previous two or three years, or has there been a recent increase?

I should have notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the total estimated capital cost of the proposed new air station at Dhibban, Iraq; and what proportion of this will be represented by the work of contractors to the Service?

The answer to the first part of the question is approximately £1,500,000. The intention is that as much of the work as possible shall be carried out by contract, the object being to reduce the direct work done by the Department to a minimum.

Is the whole cost being borne by the British Government?

Can I have notice of that question?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in connection with the proposed new air-station at Dhibban, Iraq, it is proposed to confine the larger contracts to British firms who undertake to employ British capital and labour in the production of machinery and equipment, such as brick-making plant, and, wherever possible, British labour on the site, with British technical supervision?

British contractors will be afforded full opportunity of tendering, and it is proposed to specify British materials and plant wherever possible.

(for Mr. CHORLTON) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to what extent the oil engine has now been applied to aircraft service and civil use?

The application of engines using heavy oil fuel to service and civil aircraft is still in the experimental stage, but developments are being actively pursued.

(for Mr. CHORLTON) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if any further attempts are to be made with special machines for long-distance flights; and what advance in engine design and in economy of fuel used has been achieved as a result of the Royal Air Force long-distance flights, to enable such long flights to be made regularly practicable?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the full statement of the policy of His Majesty's Government in this regard winch was made by my Noble Friend in July. I am unable to add to this statement, which received the fullest publicity. As regards the second part, the past non-stop flights have certainly assisted in furthering the progress of engine design, especially as regards fuel economy. For example, it may be stated that on the South African flight with the Fairey monoplane, the specific consumption of the Napier Lion engine was reduced to a minimum of.43 pints per brake-horse-power-hour, as compared with a figure of.54 for the standard engine at the time, under normal conditions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the recent death of Flight-lieutenant J. B. Allen, he will make representations to the Central Electricity Board with the object of securing that pylons of the electric grid which are situated near aerodromes or landing grounds are illuminated?

My department has for long been in close collaboration with the Electricity Commissioners with a view to minimising any danger from electrical pylons and cables in the neighbourhood of aerodromes, and the technical questions involved in the lighting of pylons have been and are being carefully investigated. At the same time, the most effective course, and the course which has been generally followed, has been to divert the routes of the cables at the planning stage and so to prevent serious danger from arising. It is not suggested, I think, that the case quoted by my hon. Friend is one in which the accident took place near an aerodrome.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has noted the inferiority in speed of British air lines compared with those of other countries; and what steps are being taken to accelerate our Empire services?

I am aware that the speed of some foreign civil aircraft is greater than that of aircraft employed on British Imperial air routes. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that speed is not the only consideration and that safety and economical working are also all-important factors. Speed is being kept very much in mind, but all these factors must together determine the types of aircraft employed on Imperial air services, which are intended ultimately to operate on a commercial basis without a subsidy, in which respect they already compare very favourably with those of other countries.

Is it not a fact that, if we were to adopt night flying more extensively, we could maintain our present excellent record for safety, and at the same time considerably accelerate our services?

If we had night flying there would, of course, be an acceleration, but that has been taken into consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when further extensions will be made in the air routes to the East and Africa to avoid the use of Swiss and Italian railways as links in Imperial air communications?

This question has been under active consideration both by the Air Ministry and by Imperial Airways for some time past, and negotiations are proceeding.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to when they will come to some fruitful conclusion?

We have to guide to a successful conclusion negotiations with several foreign countries. We hope the result will not be very long delayed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Banffshire Road Board that, as the present condition of many roads makes them dangerous for horse traffic, they will provide a strip of four feet in width which will be left rough along each side of county roads for the use of such traffic; and whether he will review the merits of this decision so that it may be extended to other roads in Great Britain where necessary?

My attention had not previously been called to the provisions made by the Banffshire Road Board for horse traffic. Section 58 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, declares that it is the duty of Highway Authorities to provide adequate grass or other margins for the safety or accommodation of ridden horses and driven livestock where they deem it necessary or desirable to do so. The attention of all Highway Authorities was drawn to this section in March, 1931.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider the desirability of making it compulsory for all vehicles plying for public hire to have fitted a rear indicator composed of red, yellow and green lights, so as to enable vehicles behind to know when such vehicles are slowing down prior to discharging or picking up passengers on route?

The Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs which considered the use of direction indicators and stop lights on motor vehicles did not recommend that the use of these indicators or lights should be made compulsory on any type of vehicle, and I concur in their views in this respect. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the report.

Is my hon. Friend aware that such safety devices have been used with success on American tramcars for some time?

All these things were considered by this departmental committee of experts, and my hon. Friend can see for himself the reasons why they rejected the proposal.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, as a result of recent changes in taxation, there is a growing tendency to attach trailers to motor vehicles in order to avoid heavy taxation on the ordinary commercial vehicle; and whether he intends to take any action in the matter?

The changes made by the Finance Act, 1933, in the taxation of mechanically-propelled vehicles will not become operative until 1st January next and figures are not yet available which would show whether or not the tendency to which my hon. Friend refers exists. I may point out that the rates of duty for the right to draw a trailer will also be substantially increased as from 1st January next.

Is my hon. Friend aware that many carriers who operate with a single lorry, or possibly with two lorries, are finding it increasingly difficult to earn a livelihood as a result of these trailers?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that at Woking recently a motorist was fined 10s. for driving in the wrong direction in a one-way street, the plea in defence being inability to read, but his driving licence was not suspended; and, in view of this and similar cases, will be introduce legislation requiring some test before licences are granted, especially with a view to preventing the grant of licences to persons who cannot read?

I do not think that the number of motorists who cannot, owing to their inability to read, understand the effect of traffic signs is sufficient to justify special legislation.

Does not my hon. Friend consider that this case shows the futility of the present system of licensing, under which persons who are deaf, blind, or illiterate can obtain licences to drive a locomotive on the King's highway; and in order to protect the public will he consider the urgency of providing some test before a person is allowed to drive a locomotive on the highway?

If I thought this case had any bearing at all, it would be rather on the merits of our educational system than on the merits of a test for drivers.

In view of the danger to the subject which arises, it may be in only a few cases, will my hon. Friend consider the propriety of providing safeguards against this danger?

Does this not prove that magistrates do not necessarily believe the defence that is submitted on behalf of the defendant?

Is not the point that some test of some kind is required?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the number of serious accidents resulting from the speed of traffic in the New King's Road, Fulham, particularly on that portion of the road between Perrymead Street and Broom-house Road; and whether he will take steps to impose a speed limit on this section and to erect warning signs?

The traffic conditions in the New King's Road, Fulham, have been under consideration for some time by my Department in consultation with the Commissioner of Police, and I am taking steps to ascertain whether the local authority are prepared to erect traffic control signals at a number of intersections.

Would the traffic control signals be in addition or alternative to a speed limit for the section?

My hon. Friend realises that, with regard to the speed limit, under the existing law the initiative rests with the local council.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider making a contribution towards widening this road, the narrowness of which is one of the causes of the danger?

I think I had better have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any proposals have yet been made to him by the London County Council for the repair or reconstruction of Wandsworth Bridge, which has been closed to traffic over five tons for many years; and whether, having regard to the inconvenience and loss caused to firms in the neighbourhood by the traffic restrictions on the bridge, he will take early action with a view to making the bridge available for all commercial road traffic?

No definite proposals have been submitted to me by the London County Council for the reconstruction of Wandsworth Bridge. Any application which the council may desire to submit will receive consideration with due regard to the funds available.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this bridge has been slowly decaying for the last 40 years, and that since 1891 it has been closed to traffic over five tons; and, in view of the dilatory methods of the county council in this matter, has not the hon. Gentleman any initiative as Minister of Transport?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that 66 people were killed and 1,281 injured during the six months ended 30th September, 1933, within the Metropolitan Police area, whereas 32 were killed and 1,074 injured during the six months ended 30th September, 1932; and if, as the results of his investigation into the causes of accidents, he can state how many of them were due to the speeding-up of the time schedules of omnibuses?

The figures given by my hon. Friend relate to the accidents in the Metropolitan Police District in which motor omnibuses were involved. I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that accidents in which the Board's vehicles (omnibuses) were concerned increased in 1933 as compared with 1932 by·061 per 10,000 miles, but as compared with 1931, a normal year operated at the old speeds, accidents have decreased by.036 per 10,000 miles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to securing that insurers of third-party risks under the Road Traffic Act should be in a sound financial position, he will consider introducing legislation to increase the deposit required under the Act?

I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind in the consideration which I am giving to the question whether additional safeguards are required to ensure that, so far as possible, all legitimate claims for compensation in connection with motor accidents are met.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the question of making the deposit proportionate to the risks of the company?

I will consider that.

As my hon. Friend is proposing additional safeguards, may I ask if he will consider whether, in the light of recent events, it would not be better to enact that when an insurance company has accepted a proposal for a policy of insurance for motor risks, that policy should be regarded in law as indisputable?

I shall be glad to consider any suggestion.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that under the Local Government (Derating) Act, 1929, port millers are enabled to obtain a railway rebate on all milled products delivered to inland customers, whereas inland millers are not entitled to any countervailing relief on grain brought by rail from the port to their inland mills, thus placing them at a financial disadvantage as compared with the port miller; and whether he will consider introducing amending legislation to rectify this?

The rebates allowed from railway carriage charges on certain agricultural traffics were designed to benefit farmers, and the traffics concerned were selected after consultation with associations representing the farmers. I am aware that the inland millers contend that the rebates place them at a disadvantage in competing with mills situated at the ports, but neither I nor my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, whom I have consulted, are in possession of information which indicates that amending legislation would be justified.

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to receive a deputation from the millers and thus give them an opportunity of putting this matter before him in detail?

I shall always be ready to hear any representations which my hon. and gallant Friend has to put before me, but I would like him to consider whether it would be worth the while of the millers to send a deputation, in view of the fact that I see no possibility of legislation at present.

Is it not a well-known fact that the inland millers are at a great disadvantage in this respect, as compared with the port millers?

I could not answer for what the hon. Member considers to be a well-known fact.

In view of the fact that these millers are suffering under an injustice in the matter, could not my hon. Friend give further consideration to their position?

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he proposes to take to prevent evasions or avoidances of the price regulation under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, by the operation of subsidiary companies?

On 1st August last I approved amendments of the Durham district scheme which were intended to strengthen the powers of the Executive Board in dealing, inter alia, with evasions of the minimum price regulations through subsidiary companies. At my request the Central Council brought these amendments to the notice of all other districts. I am sending copies of them to the hon. Member.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication as to whether the Government intend to bring in amending legislation to deal with the obvious de fects of the present legislation?

I can add nothing at the moment to what has already been said.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware of the breathes of the Seven-and-a-half Hours Act in many of the collieries in Lanarkshire; and in view of the attitude of the management of the Cardowan Colliery, where the men have been informed that they must remain in their working places for whatever time is required to clean them up, no matter the length of time involved, what action he proposes to take to enforce the provisions of the Act?

The answer to the first part of the question is, No: but if the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind, I will, of course, have them investigated. With regard to the second part, it is, I am afraid, quite impossible for me to give an answer at such short notice. I am having inquiry made, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as I can.

In view of the complaints that are made on this question, not merely in one country, but in all the mining areas, would it not be advisable to set up some committee to inquire into the facts?

The hon. Member will be aware, as the House is aware, that I have already taken that matter in hand, and we are having a preliminary survey of the county of Lancashire on that very point.

Does the hon. Member propose to do the same with the county of Lanark?

I shall await the results of this inquiry to decide how far such an inquiry might usefully go.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will state the increased consumption of coal and the increase in home-produced heavy fuel oil, resulting from the imposition of a duty on imported heavy oil, in the current financial year?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to a question on this subject given on 4th December by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to my hon. Friend the Member for Willesden, East (Mr. D. G. Somerville).

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the proposals forwarded to him by the Miners' Federation executive committee?

The proposals related to national wage machinery. They have been examined but do not offer any new method for overcoming the difficulties which have hitherto lain in the way of the introduction of such machinery. I have, however, suggested that the federation may care to appoint a sub-committee to meet the Under-Secretary for Mines and officers of the Department, who would then go through the proposals in detail with the sub-committee.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Miners' Federation are very anxious that there should be a joint meeting along with the coalowners, and will he extend an invitation to the coalowners and exercise his good offices to get them to attend?

I am perfectly willing to consider that, but my hon. Friend knows that there is the crux of the whole issue.

Did the proposals submitted by the miners' executive meet with the right hon. Gentleman's approval, and will he then call in the coalowners?

Will the right hon. Gentleman also say if the deputation that he met submitted any new reasons why the coalowners should be compelled to submit to their suggestions?

Have the Government any proposals of their own on this matter?

asked the Minister of Health the total number of persons employed by the Lancashire Public Assistance Committee at the atest date on which figures are available, and in 1930, 1931 and 1932?

The local authorities do not make to my right hon. Friend returns of the number of persons employed by public assistance committees.

asked the Minister of Health if he can give an approximate estimate of the number of houses built since the War in urban areas to be Jet at an inclusive rent of 10s. a week or less?

Full information as to inclusive rents is not available, and in any case would be subject to reserves in regard to such a factor as varying rate levels. If my hon. Friend has any particular area in mind, I would endeavour to obtain information for him as regards the houses built under subsidy in it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a shortage of not less than a million of this type of houses, which is the root cause of the exorbitant rents that the working-classes have to pay for houses to-day; and can he state if the Government have any policy in view to deal with this serious state of affairs?

If my hon. Friend had attended the last Debate on housing, he would have heard the policy.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Government's housing policy has not been effective so far, and that the only way to deal with this question is to raise a substantial national housing development loan?

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons officially classified as living in conditions of overcrowding in the borough of Salford; the number of tenements regarded as unfit for human habitation; and what plan has been submitted by the local authority to deal with the situation?

The Salford Corporation consider that there are in the county borough 1,381 unfit houses. The programme submitted by the corporation provides for the demolition of all these houses within the next five years. No classification of the nature referred to in the first part of the question has been communicated to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the interests of public efficiency, he will consider amending the Standing Orders with a view to limiting the possible duration of any sitting of the House?

I doubt whether any practicable proposal could be devised to limit the duration of any sitting of the House. While all Members will agree that it is desirable to avoid late night sittings, I am afraid that they are a necessary evil on certain occasions. Members who have been in Parliament for a long time will, I think, agree with me that in recent years there has been a growing tendency for late sittings to become less frequent, and that, on the whole, the House adjourns at an earlier hour than used to be the case.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, now that Parliamentary Government is subjected to so much novel criticism, he considers that public respect for it is enhanced by these all night sittings, which largely consist of Motions to report Progress and to apply the Closure?

May I ask the Prime Minister if these late sittings would be considerably obviated if the Prime Minister would operate the Standing Orders instead of so frequently suspending them?

I shall wait and see how my hon. Friend behaves when he sits in this seat.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the prices at which comparable brands of Australian and New Zealand butter are sold in the home and the London markets?

I understand that the price of butter in Australia fluctuates according to the State concerned. On 20th October, the latest date of which I have information, the price of what is known as "Kangaroo" butter was 119s. (Australian currency) per cwt. in South Australia, and 140s. (Australian currency) per cwt. in Queensland. On the same date in London the price of Australian butter of the same quality was about 99s. (sterling) per cwt. On 15th December, however, the price ranged from 68s. to 70s. (sterling) per cwt. On 15th December the price of New Zealand finest butter in London was from 68s. to 70s. (sterling) per cwt. I understand that the price in New Zealand is identical with the London price, subject to an allowance in respect of the shipping charges.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to eggs imported from Australia being marked as "Finest Quality New Laid Eggs"; and whether he proposes to take any steps to confine this description to eggs produced in this country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would remind my hon. Friend that since all such eggs are marked "Australia" on the shell consumers are enabled to form their own opinion as to the value of descriptions of the kind referred to. In any case, I have no doubt that this and kindred problems will receive the careful consideration of the Reorganisation Commission for Eggs and Poultry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure me that the word "Australia" is given equal prominence to the words "new laid," and that in no case would anybody be likely to be deceived by those words, which are quite inappropriately used?

I am sure that this problem will receive the attention of the Reorganisation Commission.

When does a new laid egg cease to be new laid?

Has anyone been prosecuted for describing as "new laid" eggs which have been travelling for six weeks?

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the livestock situation?

The Government have had under consideration the position of the beef industry in this country. Notwithstanding the efforts that have been made since November, 1932, to hold and improve the situation on the wholesale meat market, the returns from the feed- ing of cattle have continued unsatisfactory. Many United Kingdom feeders have kept back their stock from sale owing to the low level of prices, while supplies from other sources have been pressed on the market. The number of home-produced fat cattle marketed this summer and autumn has thus been less than in the corresponding period last year. The supplies held back are likely, however, to come forward at an early date, so that the immediate problem is now that of averting a further price decline as well as of bringing about an improvement in the situation.

In these circumstances, it is essential to afford some relief to the market in respect of the supplies of cattle imported for immediate slaughter.

At present such cattle are imported into the United Kingdom from two sources only, namely, the Irish Free State and Canada.

As regards the Irish Free State, an Order will be issued forthwith under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1933, under which it is intended to limit the imports of fat cattle from the Irish Free State from now to the 31st March next to 50 per cent. of the numbers imported in the corresponding period of 1932-33. As a complementary measure, it is also intended, under the Order to limit the number of stores that may be imported from the Irish Free State. In terms of total cattle imports from that source, the reduction will be in the neighbourhood of 12½ r cent. The Order, also as a complementary measure, will prohibit the importation of beef and veal and beef and veal offals from the Irish Free State.

As regards the Dominion of Canada, His Majesty's Government in that Dominion have been asked to co-operate by stabilising exports of cattle, both fat and store, to this market for the first quarter of 1934 at the corresponding figures of the first quarter of 1933. I am glad to say that they have agreed to do so, and we thank them most heartily for their readiness to meet us.

Imports of foreign canned beef are dutiable, but, as in the case of imports of fat cattle, they have hitherto been unregulated. They will now be brought under control, and arrangements are being made to limit the supplies coming forward next quarter.

As regards chilled beef, arrangements have been made to reduce imports from foreign countries by the same extent as in the first quarter of 1933.

As arranged at Ottawa, imparts of frozen beef from foreign countries will be reduced next quarter by 30 per cent. below the quantity imported in the first quarter of 1932. Finally, negotiations are proceeding with a view to readjusting the proportions of boned and boneless beef imported from foreign countries under this designation.

The Government have also had under consideration the situation in the bacon market, taking into account the large expansion in home bacon production attained within the last few months, and have decided that, if the step is justified by the number of pig-contracts entered into by home producers for the period beginning the 1st March and ending on the 31st December next, due allowance being made for Northern Ireland production, they will be prepared to reduce imports from foreign countries by a further 7 per cent. on the 1st March and by an additional 3 per cent. on the 1st June, making a total reduction on the present rate of importation of 10 per cent. on and from the 1st June, 1934.

May I first of all enter what I think is a very righteous protest against the right hon. Gentleman, at this late hour of the Session, making such a formidable announcement, from a document which has been so carefully prepared that it has been printed, without giving the Opposition any opportunity of looking at the document? In the second place, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman when the Beef Marketing Scheme was first put in hand, and whether a marketing scheme for beef is really in operation; arid, if not, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us on what authority he is adopting the policy of restriction of imports of beef from foreign countries or the Dominions? I understand that the right hon. Gentleman' is taking power to restrict imports from the Irish Free State, to the extent of 50 per cent. in the case of fat cattle and 12½ per cent. in the case of store cattle. Will the Minister tell us whether the Irish Free State has agreed to these limitations, and, if riot, what is the policy of the Government with regard to the Irish Free State and its trading relations with this country? Is this restriction, which is specific so far as the Irish Free State is concerned, something different from that applied to New Zealand, Australia or Canada, and, if so, will the Minister tell us why there should be this different attitude towards the Irish Free State?

Is it not a fact that for many weeks past the right hon. Gentleman has indicated quite clearly that he is bound to adopt such a policy?

I should be more than sorry if my hon. Friend thought that there had been any discourtesy in this matter towards His Majesty's Opposition, who, I fully agree, are entitled to the earliest possible notice of these matters. I have, for the convenience of the House, arranged for the statement I have just made to be printed, and it will be available in the Vote Office to all Members as soon as I sit down. I assure my hon. Friend that it was impossible, by the mere limitations of space and time, to obtain a copy of this statement at an earlier date; otherwise, I should have been only too anxious to give His Majesty's Opposition leaders an opportunity of seeing the statement before I made it to the House. As to the hon. Member's second point regarding marketing schemes, as he may be aware, there has been sitting for several months a Fat Stock Reorganisation Commission under the Marketing Act, and it is because of the sitting of that commission and the preparation of the scheme that I am enabled to take the action which I have taken. The hon. Member will recollect that these points were fully discussed on the Committee stage of the Marketing Bill.

Finally, in answer to the question with regard to Canada and the Free State, I am sure the House will realise that we are taking these steps solely with a view to economic considerations and to the crisis in the beef industry, to which my attention has been called by everyone who has anything to do with the situation, and on which, as my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bournemouth (Sir H. Croft) said, I have spoken repeatedly in recent weeks. It is true that at Ottawa certain Dominions found it possible to make agreements with this country, and certain other Dominions did not find it possible to make such agreements. Clearly, therefore, the difference is already in existence between the relations of the United Kingdom with those countries with which it has concluded agreements, and with those countries with which it has not concluded agreements.

Have the Government considered an alternative method of dealing with this matter, and that is to provide that everybody in this country should have a full meal at this time of the year?

It is clear that we are only dealing here with certain higher priced supplies, and are not making any suggestion for the limitation of supplies from Australia and New Zealand, which afford large supplies to this country.

Is it not in the power of the Government at once to relieve the beef situation by feeding the Forces here on home-bred beef?

Will not the 7 per cent. and the 3 per cent. prospective limitations of imports of bacon amount in all to approximately 45 per cent., and will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether, before guaranteeing this further limitation of 10 per cent., any estimate will be made by his Department as to what the ultimate cost of bacon will be in this country once the total limitation of 45 per cent. of imports is reached?

The limitation of imports has not been guaranteed. It has to be justified by the number of pig contracts entered into by home producers. Clearly, if the supplies of home-produced pig-meat do not justify a reduction there can be no reduction in the supply of bacon brought in from abroad.

Might I ask for your guidance and ruling, Mr. Speaker? Would I be in order in moving the Adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the announcement of the Minister of Agriculture of the alteration in beef imports, with its consequent effect on the food of the people?

Will the hon. Member hand in the Motion which he wishes to move?

While the hon. Gentleman is writing out his Motion, might I ask another question? Is it not clear to everyone except the Members of the Socialist party that the whole quantity of bacon produced in this country will be given security in time?

Is it not a fact that at this moment the Ministry of Agriculture is having to provide tens of thousands of pounds to enable the bacon-curing industry to sell their bacon at an economic price?

On a point of Order. I desire to ask your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, as to whether the House is entitled to be held up in the process of business while a Member writes out a Motion?

That is for me to decide. The hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan) asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the statement of the Minister of Agriculture and its effect on the food supplies of the people." I must, obviously, be influenced in deciding whether I accept this Motion or not by whether it can be discussed at an early date, and as the Motion for the Adjournment comes on to-morrow, the question can be discussed to-morrow just as well as today.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the prospects of withdrawal of the French surtax on British imports into that country?

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make a statement to-morrow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the monthly imports of iron ore, since June last, into the ports of Newport, Cardiff, Port Talbot, and Swansea, giving the value per ton of such ore, together with the price per ton of ore raised in the iron-ore mines of South Wales and the Forest of Dean?

I am having a statement prepared which I will send to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he can make a statement on the action being taken by his Department to promote the success of the forthcoming Levant Fair at Tel Aviv and the interests of British trade thereat?

The Department of Overseas Trade, by agreement with the Federation of British Industries and the authorities of the Levant Fair, is assisting the federation in the formation of a British section. According to the latest information from the federation, the active campaign for exhibitors now in progress is meeting with a good response from United Kingdom firms. The Department's overseas officers stationed in countries affording suitable markets have been instructed to secure publicity so far as they may be able for the Tel Aviv Fair, and information in regard to the fair is published periodically in the Board of Trade journal.

In view of the fact that the fair is to be twice as large as it was before, and that it attracts merchants from practically all the countries in the Near and Middle East, will a special effort be made on this occasion to give to those who are attending an opportunity of inspecting British exhibits there?

We are doing what is necessary to give special prominence to the effort this year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that personal photographs sent by people abroad as Christmas cards to their friends in this country are being taxed on import into this country; and whether he will consider taking steps to amend the law with a view to this practice being discontinued?

(Mr. Hore-Belisha): Photographic prints are liable to duty under the Import Duties Act, 1932. The law makes no provision for the exemption from duty of articles imported as gifts, but I am given to understand that single private photographs would usually not be of sufficient intrinsic value to justify an assessment of duty.

Does the hon. Gentleman understand that this duty is being levied; and, it being Christmas time, will he give orders that his interpretation of the law shall be adhered to? A lot of irritation is being caused by this unnecessary collection of taxes.

No. Sir, I cannot accept what the hon. Gentleman says. If the photographs have no intrinsic value they will not be dutiable.

But who is the judge of the intrinsic value of photographs? Would, for instance, any photograph of the Chancellor of the Exchequer or of the Prime Minister be considered of intrinsic value?

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of this import duty to the Christmas card and picture postcard business and not make any difference?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that duty is being levied on books, small portions of which are silk or which may be decorated with a silk tag, on the ground that they are articles partly made of silk; and whether he will take steps to amend the law which permits of this practice?

The silk duties extend to all articles made wholly or in part of silk, and imported books of which any part consists of silk are thus liable to silk duty, the rate depending upon the proportionate value of the silk component. As regards the second part of the question, the Import Duties Advisory Committee last year undertook an inquiry into the whole scheme of the silk and artificial silk duties. That inquiry has been suspended for the present at the request of my right hon. Friend, and the presentation of any recommendations in that regard by the Committee consequently postponed; but when their report is received, any recommendation which the Committee may include on the point referred to in this question will receive my careful consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that so-called flavouring essences which are being sold by Messrs. Wool-worth have been analysed by four independent chemists and found to contain in some cases 86 per cent. to 90 per cent. of ethyl alcohol, in others SO per cent. of iso-propyl alcohol, in others 20 per cent. of normal propyl alcohol, and in others 20 per cent to 40 per cent. of fusel oil and higher alcohol; that iso-propyl alcohol is two and a-half times as intoxicating as ethyl alcohol; that normal propyl alcohol is still more intoxicating, and that fusel oil is a deadly poison; whether he is satisfied that the Iso-propyl Alcohol Regulations, 1927, which require returns from manufacturers, vendors, and users of iso-propyl alcohol to the customs and excise authorities, showing the quantity manufactured, used, or sold, together with the names of the purchasers and the purposes for which the alcohol has been used, have been complied with by Messrs. Woolworth; and whether an excise licence in respect of the sale of ethyl alcohol has been taken out by the firm?

With regard to the first part of the question, I have seen a Press report to the effect stated by the hon. Member. Further samples of these essences have been analysed by the Government Chemist; no sample contained 86 to 90 per cent. of ethyl alcohol, but two samples of "rum essence" were composed of about 33 parts each of ethyl alcohol, iso-propyl alcohol, and flavouring containing fusel oil. I may say that fusel oil contains normal-propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol and amyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol was not found in any "Brandy essence"; and in the great majority of the rum, and all the brandy, essences examined iso-propyl alcohol is the solvent, being present to the extent of about 70 per cent.

With regard to the second part of the question, I am unable to accept the statements made by the hon. Member, and I understand that there is no reason to apprehend any danger of toxication or intoxication from the presence of the substances mentioned in flavouring essences.

With regard to the third part of the question, the Iso-propyl Alcohol Regulations do not apply to Messrs. Woolworth, who sell, not iso-propyl alcohol, but articles manufactured with iso-propyl alcohol. With regard to the fourth part, an Excise licence is not required for the sale of flavouring essences.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will pursue active inquiries as to whether a colossal fraud on the revenue has not been perpetrated in this case; whether he is aware that when publicity was given to the case the whole stock of so-called essences, which were made with denatured ethyl alcohol, was then withdrawn, and new stock issued made with iso-propyl alcohol; and whether he is further aware that his own Department informed the perfumery section of the London Chamber of Commerce a month ago that they suspected that something of this sort was going on, and that they thereupon forbade the issue of any further denatured ethyl alcohol for the manufacture of perfumes, and their officers specifically stated—

I am not aware of any of the facts stated by the hon. Gentleman. All I am aware of is that these essences are undrinkable and that none of them has the exhilarating qualities which spirit drinkers consider essential.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that they are being sold openly for the manufacture of cocktails at the present time?

No. Sir.

Is the hon. Gentleman not giving these essences the very best advertisement they could possibly get?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the importation of typewriters from the United States of America was 12,925 in the month of November last, being four times as great as in any previous month this year; that this follows upon an advertisement by the Import Duties Advisory Committee, issued on 12th October last, to the effect that British manufacturers had made application for a higher duty; and that the committee have not yet published a decision; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent forestalling of this description?

I am aware of the position indicated in the first three parts of the question. It has not been the practice to take steps of the nature suggested, in respect of goods which form the subject of applications under consideration by the Import Duties Committee, who may or may not recommend any increase of duty.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether, having regard to the fact that a number of these applications have been held up, he will take steps later on to prevent any undue delay 2

Yes, Sir. I do not think that there will be any undue delay.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information to give the House regarding the negotiations for restriction in the production of rubber?

As the House is aware, negotiations have been proceeding between representatives of rubber producers in various territories. I am keeping in close touch with these negotiations. I explained to the House on 11th July last, in reply to questions by the hon. Members for Kirkdale (Mr. Rankin) and the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald), the conditions which His Majesty's Government regard as essential in any scheme that may be introduced. I think that there is general agreement as regards these essential conditions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the representations received from the residents of North Heaton, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and from the Newcastle education authorities for additional school accommodation in this growing district, he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The recent representations made by residents of the North Heaton district have been referred by the Board to the Newcastle-on-Tyne local education authority for their observations, and the Board are awaiting the authority's reply.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Board of Education very strongly supported this application for more facilities for education, and what does he propose to do?

The Board cannot take action until the authorities apply.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the authorities have already given their support to this application?