asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has yet received a reply to the despatch sent on 17th November to His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio de Janeiro, in which he asked for a report on the progress made by the commission investigating the tramway and ferry fares of the Leopoldina Terminal and Cantareira companies?

Yes, Sir. I am informed that the Commission of Inquiry was composed of two independent auditors and two officials of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Two separate reports have been presented to the Secretary of Public Works of the Government of that State. I understand that the position at present is that the matter is in the hands of the Consultative Council, a body which may be regarded as being an advisory committee to the Interventor.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will suggest to the Brazilian authorities that they should themselves impose an export sur-duty upon Brazilian coffee and fruit so that the State of Rio de Janeiro and other provincial Brazilian authorities may, with the proceeds of the duty, be able to meet their obligations now in default to British investors?

I am informed that a decree fixing new conditions for the service of all the Brazilian Federal, State, and Municipal foreign loans was signed by the Provisional President yesterday. I understand that full details will be published here either this evening or to-morrow morning. In the circumstances my hon. Friend will appreciate that no useful purpose would be served by any representations to the Brazilian Government pending full consideration of the new scheme.

Is this one of the Powers that defaulted in regard to meeting its liabilities to this country, which is opposite from that which exists in regard to Russia?

I understand that the decree of which we have received notice is a decree under the terms of which they are preparing to meet their obligations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any decision has yet been reached by the League of Nations as to what considerations shall govern the future administration of mandated territories in the event of any Power holding a mandate leaving the League of Nations; and, if not, whether he will take steps to press for a decision on this matter at an early date?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any statement to make with reference to the situation in Austria, in view of the German reply to the Austrian Note concerning anti-Austrian propaganda by the German Government; and whether it remains the policy of the British Government to maintain the independence of Austria, in accordance with the Covenant of the League of Nations?

I have nothing to add to the statement made to the House last night by my hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the advisability of proposing to the Council of the League of Nations, in connection with the Austro-German dispute, that a frontier commission should be constituted for the purpose of keeping a check on illegal movements across the frontier and for supplying information to the League on the local situation?

If the Council of the League of Nations is called upon to consider this matter, my hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement on the question of food supplies to His Majesty's Embassy in Moscow, and its bearing on the proposed Anglo-Russian temporary trade agreement?

Yes, Sir. I should like first to make plain that the conclusion of the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement is not being delayed or held up by this question at all. The position is that inasmuch as the Soviet Government seek to secure in their trade agreements with other countries diplomatic privileges for their trade representatives, and in view of the fact that certain restrictions have been imposed on the purchase and importation of supplies by His Majesty's Representatives in the Soviet Union, His Majesty's Government requested the Soviet Government to give an assurance that necessary supplies would continue to be available to His Majesty's Representatives at reasonable prices, and that such supplies as they found it necessary to import would not be subject to import duties. The Soviet Government having declined to give such an assurance, and as it is essential for the continuance of satisfactory relations that proper treatment should be accorded to His Majesty's Representatives in the Soviet Union, His Majesty's Government have made their position clear to the Soviet Government in a formal note.

Is it not the case that the goods required under these privileges have exceeded reasonable limits of consumption by the Embassy staff?

I do not know where the hon. Member gets that suggestion, but it is without any foundation whatever.

Is it the case that the British Embassy is asking for conditions which are more favourable to us than is granted to any other Embassy in Russia, and is it not the case that there has been no discrimination against the British Embassy in Russia?

I am only concerned to see that His Majesty's Representatives in a foreign capital get proper treatment, and that is the object of the formal note addressed to the Soviet Government. There is no truth in the suggestion that the Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement is being held up because of this matter.

Is it not a fact that our representatives abroad, our Ambassadors and Ministers, have the privilege of receiving necessary supplies for their Embassies and Legations without the imposition of import duties?

Is it not a fact that at the present time members of the Diplomatic Service taking up appointments in Moscow are required to take six months' supply of tinned food with them?

I cannot answer the last supplementary question; it may be so. What the hon. Member for the Moseley Division (Mr. Hannon) said is in accordance with the ordinary practice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as the provisions of the London Naval Treaty do not preclude this country from maintaining any cruisers in excess of the number of 50 during the treaty period, and in view of the changed international situation since the treaty was ratified, he proposes to retain on the active list certain of the over-age cruisers as they are replaced by new construction?

We have accepted all obligation under the London Naval Treaty to limit the total cruiser tonnage of the British Commonwealth of Nations on 31st December, 1936. Overage cruisers cannot be retained when they are replaced by new construction without exceeding this limit.

In view of the fact that this House assented to the London Naval Treaty on two assumptions, that the world situation remained unchanged and that other countries would not increase their naval forces, and in view of the fact that those conditions are not fulfilled, can the right hon. Gentleman say that our naval strength will be reviewed before the next conference, so that when the conference is held we can put forward a demand for naval strength in accordance with the requirements of the Empire?

As the hon. Member knows, there is to be another Naval Conference in 1935, and all these points will be considered then.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to give the House any information regarding the negotiations for rubber restriction?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement in regard to the prospects of a rubber restriction scheme?

I understand that negotiations between the various interests are still proceeding, but that they have not reached a stage when a scheme can be submitted to the Governments concerned.

Will the hon. Member see that no restrictions are agreed to until they are absolutely water-tight, and that the Governments taking part in such an arrangement guarantee that what they undertake they will be able to fulfil?

I am certain that will be my right hon. Friend's intention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the various resolutions urging the Government to reconsider the Imperial Preference granted to Ceylon, any action along these lines is proposed?

The question of preferences between Ceylon and this country involves consideration of various matters, and I am afraid that it is not possible to make any further statement on the subject at present beyond that made in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Accrington (Major Procter) on the 31st of January.

In view of the fact that we imported £8,126,000 worth of tea from Ceylon in 1933, will the Government consider making further representations in the matter?

Has not the friendly arrangement with Ceylon gone on much too long? Is it not time that His Majesty's Government asserted itself in this matter?

I can add nothing to what I have said, but I would point out that under the arrangement with Ceylon a large proportion of our imports into the island get a preference to-day.

If this question were to be put down three months hence would the hon. Member then be able to give an answer?

Is the hon. Member aware that it is nearly two years since the Ottawa Conference; and also that I have asked four or five questions of a similar nature, and that each time the reply was that negotiations were proceeding. Surely there is a time limit in the matter.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the increasing importance of trade with Palestine and the countries adjoining that mandated territory, he will consider the desirability of appointing a trade commissioner to the area with headquarters at Tel Aviv in view of the growing interest of merchants in the Near and Middle East in the Levant fairs organised in that city; and whether he will arrange for the commissioner to leave for his post before the commencement of the next, and enlarged, Levant fair of 1934?

I have been asked to reply. It has recently been decided to appoint a Commercial Agent for Palestine to reside at Haifa. He will visit Tel Aviv as occasion requires and it is being arranged that he shall arrive at his post before the commencement of the next Levant fair.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the pending trade negotiations with Japan will affect not merely cotton and rayon goods but also woollen products?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Platting (Mr. Chorlton) on 28th November.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that the best thing to do would be to get the representatives of the woollen and worsted trades of this country and of Japan together immediately so that we could tackle this problem now?

I think we had better see how the existing conversations proceed before we enlarge their scope.

Is it not the case that the existing conversations have nothing whatever to do with the woollen and worsted trade?

The whole point of my answer was that we had better see how the existing conversations proceed before we enlarge their scope?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether as a result of his representations to the Government of Kenya, he has been able to secure for dental surgeons in that Colony the same exemption from annual registration fees as has been already conceded to medical men practising under the same ordinances?

Representations from the British Dental Association were communicated to the Governor of Kenya who points out that the decision to exclude medical practitioners from the scope of the Licensing Ordinance was taken because of the number of medically qualified men who, though retired from active work yet engage in a little practice in outlying districts for the benefit of their neighbours and derive little or no income therefrom. Similar circumstances do not exist in the case of dentists but any retired dentist who wishes to practise his profession in a small way is at liberty to apply for exemption from the annual licence. Correspondence on the subject is still proceeding.

Will my hon. Friend point out to the Kenya Government that this matter affects fewer than 20 dental surgeons who are placed in exactly the same difficulty in a new and scattered community as medical practitioners, and that they are entitled to fair treatment?

I am certain that the authorities have taken that into account in arriving at their decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at what rate immigrants have entered Palestine during the last three months?

In November 3,903 immigrants entered Palestine. The returns for December and January are not yet available.

What percentage of those were Jews?

I cannot give the exact percentage, but practically the whole of them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consider taking steps to bring the laws governing labour conditions in Palestine more into conformity with those of this country?

Labour legislation covers a wide field, and it is not clear what particular aspect of the question the hon. Member has in mind. If, however, the hon. Member has any specific points in view, perhaps he will be good enough to communicate further with me.

Is the hon. Member aware that trade unionism is prohibited in all trades in Palestine and particularly on the railways? Will the hon. Member look into the matter?

In virtue of that fact is not Palestine one of the most progressive countries in the world?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Cyprus has reported to him on the murder during January of M. Triantaffilides, one of the recently nominated members of the executive council of the island; and if there was any reason to believe that this crime was political in its nature?

The answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative; but my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that while investigations are still proceeding it would not be proper to express any opinion as to the motive of this crime.

Can the hon. Member assure the House that the widest and most searching inquiries are being pursued to sift this matter to the bottom?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the mui-tsai system under which children exchange hands for financial considerations, is now known to be in operation in several territories under the protection and control of Great Britain, he can say in how many dependencies this system is known to be in being; and what is the total number of mui-tsai in the territories in question?

The mui-tsai system, as described in the hon. Member's question, is a Chinese custom of long standing which formerly existed in Hong Kong and was introduced by Chinese immigrants into certain other British Colonies and Protected States, namely the Straits Settlements, Malay States, Sarawak and North Borneo. It has now been abolished by legislation in all those territories. The introduction or acquisition of hew mui-tsai has been prohibited, and those who were formerly mui-tsai have been registered and are subject to inspection and supervision. Their status is now that of free, paid, domestic servants. I have no complete information at present of the number of former mui-tsai now registered, since in certain of the territories the registers were not closed until the end of 1933.

Does the information of the hon. Member show whether the mui-tsai are being decreased or increased, in Hong Kong in particular?

Very much decreased.

Are we to take it that it is the policy of the Government to abolish this form of slavery within the British Empire?

I must point out that this is not a system of slavery. These are girls who are registered and perfectly free, and paid as domestic servants. If they wish to leave the position in which they are facilities are granted for them to do so.

Is the hon. Member satisfied that the evils of mui-tsai are not existing under another name, in the guise of adoption?

I am satisfied that the system of registration and inspection is sufficient and is being worked in order to make impossible any continuance of the system of slavery as it existed before.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reason it has been decided to abolish the labour department in the protectorate of the Solomon Islands and consequently to remove the inspector of labour from his post; and what steps are being taken to secure proper supervision of the employment of the 4,000 native contract labourers employed upon the plantations of the protectorate?

The post of chief inspector of labourers has been abolished, but an officer of the Labour Department is being retained at Tulagi for departmental duties. The work of inspecting the plantations now rests with the Department of District Administration. The abolition of the post of chief inspector was recommended in 1930 by a local labour commission, partly for reasons of economy, and partly because inspections both by an officer of the Department of District Administration and by an officer of the Labour Department were not considered necessary. The recommendation to dispense with the post was supported by the Resident Commissioner and by the High Commissioner.

May I ask whether the Colonial Office are supporting the deposition of the Labour Department in the Solomon Islands; the best department in the islands?

; This is a question of inspection, and as the answer shows that inspection is still being carried on by officers of the department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the present position regarding the proposed operation of a Dutch commercial air service between Hull and Amsterdam?

I am informed that negotiations between the Royal Dutch Air Line (K.L.M.) and the Hull Corporation for the opening of such a service within the next few months have reached an advanced stage.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if any master pilots' licences have been issued by the Air Ministry; and, if so, how many?

No master pilots' certificates have hitherto been issued. Two awards have, however, just been approved and the certificates will be issued in a few days.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he has yet received any recommendations from the Committee on Civil Aviation presided over by Lord Gorell; and, if not, when he anticipates that the committee will report?

No, Sir. In view of the importance and complexity of the subjects remitted to this committee, some further time must elapse before they are in a position to render a report. My hon. and gallant Friend will doubtless have noted that the original terms of reference to the committee have been considerably extended and that, in particular, they have been asked to investigate the questions of third party insurance for civil aircraft and Sunday flying. The committee has, however, devoted itself with much energy and assiduity to its tasks and, despite the extent of the ground to be covered, my Noble Friend hopes that he may receive their report by the early summer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the municipalities which have aerodromes under construction at this date?

I understand that work on the construction of municipal aerodromes has already begun, or is likely to begin shortly, in the following cases: Birmingham, Brighton-Hove-Worthing (a joint aerodrome at Shoreham), Carlisle, Doncaster, Hastings, Leicester, Rochester, Southport and Walsall.

May I ask which work is actually in progress at these aerodromes?

In most cases work is actually in progress.

Will the Under-Secretary make inquiries as to whether an aerodrome has been commenced at Sheffield?

I have not the information about Sheffield, but I do not think any work has yet been started there.

Are there no municipalities in Scotland which have started a municipal aerodrome?

I will send the hon. Member the information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any agreement has been made with the Italian Government for permission for Imperial Airways to run a flying service through Italian territory?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he has any information to give with regard to the new British air route throughout Europe as a result of the agreement with Italy?

My Noble Friend, and with him the Director of Civil Aviation, were cordially received in Rome by the Italian Government, and I am glad to say that a provisional agreement has been reached which will enable Imperial Airways to operate their Indian and African air services over Italian territory by the most convenient routes.

Can the Under-Secretary say when this service is likely to start?

I should say in about three months time.

Can my hon. Friend say how much time will be saved on the journey to Egypt by this arrangement?

I cannot say definitely as the arrangements have not been completed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether facilities can be given to Members of Parliament who fly to London, instead of using the railway vouchers, to use, free of charge, the most convenient Government aerodrome?

It is not considered practicable to adopt the suggestion that free facilities in another sphere should be granted as a substitute for the free issue of railway vouchers.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that there would be considerable saving to the Exchequer because in every case the cost of the railway voucher would be much more than the cost of travelling by aircraft?

Has the Under-Secretary any idea of how many Members of this House have intimated their desire of flying to London?

Is not flying by air much too safe?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that at least two people have been killed within the last few months and five within a period of a little more than the past year in Dudden Hill Lane, N.W.10; and what steps are being taken to improve the conditions of traffic in this place?

I regret that there have been a number of accidents in the street. I understand that the local authority have acquired property for widening the section adjacent to the junction with High Road, Willesden Green.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of persons killed and the number injured in road accidents in Great Britain during the eight years 1926 to 1933?

As the answer contains a number of figures and is in tabular form, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the fact that there is to be a Debate this evening on this subject, and that I have only asked for the totals in those years, could not some summary of these figures be given now?

I understand the hon. Member wishes to get the figures for each year from 1926 to 1933 inclusive.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give us the totals?

For the eight years from 1926 to 1933 inclusive, the total figures are 50,837 killed and 1,421,083 injured, or a grand total of 1,471,920 killed and injured.

A scandal.

Do those figures include Northern Ireland?

These are road accidents in Great Britain. I do not think they include Northern Ireland.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any steps have yet been taken by his Department to publish in consolidated form the regulations issued under the Road Traffic Act, 1930?

This matter is being actively pursued in my Department at the present time.

Has any progress been made with its preparation since a question was asked on 7th November, 1932?

Some progress has been made, but the hon. Member will realise that the Department has had a lot of legislation during the last two years and that there has therefore been constant pressure on the Department.

Can the Minister of Transport give an assurance that there will be publication in the near future?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps his Department is taking to assist in the removal of railway level crossings which are a cause of danger or delay to road traffic?

Well-considered schemes for the elimination of level crossings are eligible for grant from the Road Fund, and I am always ready to receive applications from the responsible highway authorities for projects of this character.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps it is proposed to take during the current year with regard to the replacing of the remaining dangerous and inadequate bridges in Great Britain?

In connection with the provisions of Section 30 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, highway authorities are furnishing me with lists of the weak bridges in their areas in order of priority from the point of view of the need for strengthening or reconstructing. Highway authorities generally have been frequently informed of the readiness of my Department to make grants at the rate of 75 per cent. towards the cost of approved schemes for strengthening or reconstructing weak bridges in the ownership of railway and canal and similar undertakings.

Does the Minister not agree that to push forward energetically with the replacement of these dangerous bridges would provide a very substantial contribution to the reduction of accidents on the roads?

I entirely agree that to push forward with the reconstruction of these bridges is desirable from the point of view of traffic on the roads, as well as the prevention of accidents.

Why have the local authorities not done this kind of thing before, seeing that there has been a very great need for this class of work to be carried out?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will ask the local authority in his area.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is aware of the anxiety of those concerned with the operation of road rollers, steam ploughs and threshing engines, as to the inadequacy of many bridges on Class I roads in this country, and particularly as to the further restrictions which may be imposed on the use of these bridges under Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act, 1933; and whether he can indicate the approximate amount which will be available during the present year for the strengthening and reconstruction of such bridges;

Bridge authorities have power at present, under the Locomotives Act, 1861, to prohibit the use of bridges by locomotives, and the powers to be conferred upon them by the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, do not differ substantially from those which they exercised before the passing of the Road Traffic Act, 1930. In any case, my hon. Friend will appreciate that a bridge is not made safe by merely abstaining from saying that it is unsafe, and it would not be reasonable to debar bridge authorities from putting up restrictive notices where they are justified. I cannot therefore give him the assurance for which he asks, but I anticipate that grants from the Road Fund will be available for any suitable proposals by highway authorities for the strengthening or reconstruction of weak bridges on important Class I roads.

Is the Minister aware that for certain agricultural purposes these heavy agricultural engines are essential, and will he give the matter the most careful and sympathetic consideration so that nothing is clone that will be detrimental to agriculture?

I cannot think that it would be to the benefit of agriculture that these heavy locomotives should fall through weak bridges. I shall certainly do everything I can to expedite the reconstruction of these essential bridges.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is his intention during the current year, to give any assistance towards reviving the scheme for a new modern bridge over or tunnel under the Humber; and if he can make any statement with regard to this matter?

It is for the highway authorities concerned to consider whether they desire to renew their efforts to obtain Parliamentary powers for this project, but, in the present financial circumstances, it is not possible for the Government to make a grant towards the cost.

Can the Minister assist the provision of any more modern means of transport than the present antediluvian ferries which exist between South Yorkshire and the rapidly developing districts in the North of England?

I must ask my hon. Friend to put that question on the Paper.

Is the Minister aware that the railway company which administers this ferry between Hull and Lincolnshire is about to build two new ferry steamers and also to improve the landing facilities on both sides, and will this not obviate the necessity for a bridge?

I am obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for his information.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the London Traffic Advisory Committee have yet made any suggestions for improving the traffic situation at the Victoria Gate entrance to Hyde Park?

A number of suggestions for improving the traffic situation at Victoria Gate to Hyde Park have been under consideration. As they would involve interference with the park, I am considering whether improvements could be made by re-routeing some of the traffic using the gate.

Is it not a fact that it is quite impossible to improve Victoria Gate entrance without altering the entrance? The interference with traffic is a very serious matter, and would it not be a very great advantage if the matter was taken in hand?

I will consider whether it is not possible to improve it without altering the gate or the Park.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the right to print copies of the Highway Code is reserved to the Controller of the Stationery Office; whether the Code is still in print as a Government publication; and, if not, if he will state where copies can be obtained?

I understand that the supply of copies of the Highway Code became temporarily exhausted recently. A reprint has been made and copies are available at His Majesty's Stationery Office or can be obtained through any bookseller. The right to print copies of the Highway Code is reserved to the Controller of the Stationery Office.

Will the Minister consider the advisability of allowing this Highway Code to be printed by anyone who wishes to do so in order that the information contained in it may be available to the public generally, in view of the position on the roads?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper?

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the total receipts from licence duties on motor vehicles from 1919 to the nearest convenient date; and also the total payments to local authorities out of the Road Fund during the said period?

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

asked the Minister of Transport if any further developments have occurred with regard to the freeing of Selby Toll Bridge; and if he is prepared to make a substantial grant towards this object or towards any other scheme which would give a free bridge at this point between the West and East Ridings?

I understand that a meeting of the Joint Bridges Committee of the West and East Riding County Councils was recently held to consider what action can best be taken with regard to the suggested new bridge at Selby, but I am not in a position to consider any question of grant until definite proposals are submitted by the highway authorities concerned.

Is the Minister aware that this sort of thing must have been going on for at least 25 years, and that they have not done anything yet? Will the Minister use his good offices to bring these people together and try to effect a compromise between the conflicting interests?

I have used my good offices, and I have brought them together.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large yearly profits accruing to the Ministry of Transport from the Menai Bridge Tolls, he will consider an immediate reduction in the contract rates and in the daily tolls chargeable to pedestrian, animal and vehicular traffic using this bridge; and whether he will state when it is proposed to start on the construction of a new bridge to connect Anglesey with the mainland?

Tolls for pedestrians using the Menai Bridge were abolished last year. I have recently received requests from local authorities in the district for abolition or reduction of the tolls for animals and vehicles using the bridge, and have them under consideration. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member recently, the profits from the tolls are being placed to a reserve against the liability of substantial renewals or reconstruction of this special structure at some future date, but I do not contemplate the construction of a new bridge across the Menai Straits.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the tolls on this bridge constitute an extra tax on the people using the bridge, that it is not uncommon to pay a contract price of £7 16s. a year for running a car daily over the bridge; and is the hon. Gentleman also aware that the bridge is the only means of communication between that island and the mainland?

I do not quite follow the question of the hon. and gallant Member. I have had certain applications for a reduction, and I am considering them.

Will he consider those applications sympathetically, so that some relief may be given to the people using this bridge?

I consider every application with sympathy, but with judgment.

Should not people be taxed if they go to a place like Anglesey?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in the reconstruction of the Debenham group of companies, £9,000,000 capital is written off; whether he will move to fix liability upon those responsible for the over-capitalisation; and will he prepare an amendment to the Companies Act, 1929, to enable the Board of Trade on its own initiative to check and penalise the practice of company over-capitalisation resulting in loss to the investing public?

My attention has been called to the scheme of reconstruction of Debenhams, Limited, Debenhams Securities, Limited, and the Drapery Trust, Limited which was sanctioned by the court on 29th January. The Companies Act, 1929, already provides that the persons responsible shall be liable for loss sustained by subscribers for shares or debentures by reason of any untrue statements in a prospectus; and it does not appear to be desirable or expedient that the Board of Trade should be given statutory duties which would require them in effect to determine the permissible amount of capital of public companies.

Does the hon. Gentleman propose to allow limited liability to be used as a shield so that over-capitalisation transactions involving a loss of £9,000,000 can be carried on under the protection of the Companies Act of 1929?

No, Sir; my right hon. Friend does not propose to allow the Companies Act to be used as a shield, but he does not propose to do anything by legislation which will fetter the judgment of the commercial community of the City of London in determining what is the right amount of capital for their own business.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give any information regarding the accident which took place at Fallin on the 3rd February; and what inquiries are being made to ascertain the cause of the accident?

I very much regret that on the morning of 3rd February an explosion of firedamp in No. 4 Section of the Hartley Seam at Polmaise 3/4 Colliery, near Stirling, resulted in three men being killed, and a fourth seriously injured. The section had been abandoned, and the equipment was being dismantled and removed. The explosion occurred when the four men (one of them a deputy) were on their way inbye along the intake airway to remove a large fan which had been dismantled for the purpose. A thorough investigation by His Majesty's inspectors into the cause of the explosion was commenced the same morning and is still proceeding. The House will wish to join me in expressing our sincere sympathy with the relatives of the deceased men.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any statement to make with regard to the allocation of public funds for drainage and heather burning, respectively, in Scotland?

The question of the amount of public funds to be allocated to land drainage in the forthcoming Estimates of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland is at present under consideration. With regard to heather burning it is not anticipated that any additional expenditure will be required under the provisions of the Heather Burning (Scotland) Act, 1926.

asked the Attorney-General how many commissioners of assize have been appointed to go on the north-eastern circuit during the last three years?

The number of commissioners of assize appointed to go on the north-eastern circuit during the past three years is as follows:

asked the Attorney-General what is the average cost per day of a commissioner of assize on circuit; and whether that is less, and, if so, by how much, than the average cost per day of one of His Majesty's judges?

The cost per day of a commissioner of assize cannot be stated with precision as the rate of remuneration varies according to the number of days on which the commissioner is employed. During the year ending 31st July, 1933, the average cost per day of a commissioner was £11 17s. 3d. The average cost of a judge is £13 14s. 3d.

In view of the very small difference between the cost of a commissioner and the cost of a judge will my hon. and learned Friend represent to the Government the need of appointing an additional judge, so as to ensure that we shall have two judges instead of one judge and one commissioner on this circuit?

It is, of course, obvious that if Parliament sanctions the appointment of additional judges the necessity for appointing commissioners will be less.

Are these judges the same men who refused to accept the decision of this Government as to a reduction of their wages?

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that dissatisfaction is being felt in the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne at the decision not to send two of His Majesty's judges on the north-eastern circuit for the February assizes, and that, in view of the amount of work, it is in the interests of the litigants that the two courts should be presided over by two of His Majesty's judges; and whether he will take some steps to obviate the difficulties of the present position?

My Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor regrets the necessity for a commissioner being sent on the north-eastern circuit, which however is unavoidable. He will give consideration to the representations made and to the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman make urgent representations to the Lord Chancellor so that this very undesirable state of affairs may be brought to an end?

I am sure that my Noble Friend will consider the representation which the hon. Member has made?

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that last year when a commissioner was again sent, urgent representations were made to the Lord Chancellor but with no effect?

According to the information which I have just given to my hon. Friend the Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) there were no commissioners appointed in 1933.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the increasing practice of appointing a commissioner of assize on the North-Eastern circuit; and whether, in view of the necessity of maintaining the majesty of and respect for the law, he will take steps to provide that the necessity for such appointment shall only arise in exceptional circumstances?

I refer my hon. Friend to the figures which I have already quoted in reply to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) which do not bear out his suggestion that this practice is increasing. In answer to the second part of the question I refer to the answer which I have already given in reply to the hon. Member for North Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle).

asked the Minister of Health (1) what county boroughs and county districts have published information in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions (Amendment) Act, 1933;

The Act does not impose upon local authorities the obligation of making returns of the particulars referred to by the hon. Member and the information is accordingly not at the disposal of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee, with wide powers of reference, for the purpose of investigating and making recommendations on monetary policy?

In the judgment of my right hon. Friend no useful purpose would be served by the adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion.

For the convenience of the representatives of the Treasury, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question to-night on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Board set up to inquire into the appeal of a superintendent of the Metropolitan Police against his dismissal from the force has reported that the charges made against him were unfounded; and whether it is possible for him to make any statement?

The Board of Inquiry to which my hon. Friend refers has found the charges to have been proved and is unable to recommend any revision of the sentence; and after considering the board's report, I have dismissed the appeal. My hon. Friend's question is no doubt based on a categorical statement which appeared last Wednesday in a London newspaper that the board had decided that the superintendent had been wrongfully dismissed and had stated in their report that the charges against him were unfounded. I am sure the House will share my view that it was on every ground deplorable that currency should have been given to this false statement.

May I ask the name of that newspaper?

Yes, Sir. It was the "Daily Express."