asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, seeing that the regulations of the service call for an annual inspection of the medical fitness of officers, he will consider issuing instructions that such inspection shall, in the case of general officers, be held either by an officer of the Royal Army Medical Corps at least equal in rank or by a civilian medical practitioner?

It is not considered desirable to adopt the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend in view of the practical difficulties that it would involve.

Is it not unnatural to expect a junior officer to give an unfavourable report on a senior officer?

No, I do not think so.

Is it not a fact that the number of general officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps is very small, and that they are almost entirely employed in administrative duties.

That is the reason why the practical difficulties would be so great.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the amount of money that has been spent to provide separate lavatory accommodation in married quarters during the past two years; the number of lavatories provided; and the number that still have to be built to secure separate accommodation for each family?

This information is not available at the War Office, but I have called for reports and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as they have been received.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the range and average amount of penalties imposed in cases of illegal trawling and illegal seine-net fishing, respectively, within Scottish waters, for the years 1931, 1932 and 1933?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the percentage of the herring recently caught in the Clyde that have been sold for export and to what countries they have been sold?

Of approximately 100,000 crans of herring taken in the Clyde area between the beginning of October and the middle of this month about 50 per cent. has been exported fresh. Apart from a small quantity sent to Holland, this export was entirely to Germany. About 9,000 crans have been cured. I am unable to say how much of this quantity has been sold, but I understand that foreign markets are expected to account for 7,000 crans, representing 7 per cent. of the total catch.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received the views of the police authorities in Scotland as to the establishment of a Police Gazette on lines similar to that issued by Scotland Yard?

My right hon. Friend has not yet received replies from all the police authorities, but he is in communication with the outstanding cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, having regard to the large number of young teachers unable to obtain appointments, he will make arrangements by which the optional age for retiring on superannuation allowance may be lowered?

There are serious difficulties in the way of adopting the policy suggested by the hon. Member. Actuarial considerations demand that, if benefits are to be payable on retirement before the age of 60, they should be materially restricted in amount, apart from the automatic reduction due to the shorter period of contributory service. It is, therefore, improbable that a modification of the Superannuation Scheme in that direction and on an optional basis would lead any appreciable number of teachers to retire at an earlier age.

Has the Secretary of State gone into this matter fully to see if something could not be done along those lines?

The considerations to which I have referred have been before us, and I do not know that much further action or thought can be given to the matter. The considerations I have mentioned seem to be of great weight.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are in Scotland now many young teachers unable to receive appointments and a considerable number of senior teachers who are ready to retire, provided reasonable arrangements can be made for them?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many convictions for drunkenness there have been in Scotland in each of the last 10 years; and how many of the convictions each year were attributed to the drinking of methylated spirit and surgical spirit?

I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, in the course of a recent prosecution for embezzlement of a collector of taxes at Banff Sheriff Court, evidence was given that the accused during the 15 years of his appointment was entirely without the benefit of a proper audit; whether he is aware that public uneasiness has been created by this case and other similar ones; and whether he is taking any steps to prevent the recurrence of such frauds?

The accounts of collectors are balanced annually and on balancing are subjected to audit tests which, in the case in question, were successful in bringing the default to light. While no system of audit and accounting can prevent defaults, or do more than ensure as far as possible that they are quickly detected, I am not satisfied that the arrangements in Scotland are the best that are practicable, and the whole matter at the present time is under inquiry by the Board of Inland Revenue.

May we take it that it is correct to say that this man's books were not audited for 15 years?

No, I do not think that is a correct statement of the case. The practice in Scotland is exactly as I have said in my answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that a statement of this kind is not made without the counsel for the Treasury showing whether it is true or not? Is it not likely to cause public uneasiness that a statement of this kind should go out uncontradicted?

If I have not contradicted it, I have given a true account of what has taken place. I further stated that I am not satisfied that the arrangements in Scotland are satisfactory and that that matter is under careful inquiry. I think that that will go some way to satisfy public uneasiness.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make any statement to the House on the subject of the recent meeting of representatives of the Coke Producers' Association with his Department in regard to the coke position in this country?

At my request a meeting took place at the Mines Department on 15th February with representatives of the metallurgical coke producing industry, when the question of supplies of metallurgical coke both for the home market and for export was discussed. Assurances were given to me that there is at present no shortage of metallurgical coke, and that additional capacity could be brought into operation should an increased demand arise at a remunerative price.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the production of coke in this country is sufficient to meet the demand?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether he is aware of the proposed addition to the armed forces of the Irish Free State; and whether he can give any particulars as to the numbers, arms, and uniform of the proposed new force;

(2) whether he has any knowledge as to the purpose of the proposed increase of armaments by the Irish Free State; and what is its effect with relation to violation of Article 8 of the Treaty?

I have seen reports of statements made on behalf of the Free State Government regarding the proposed organisation of a new volunteer force in the Irish Free State, as part of a scheme for a reorganisation of the Defence Force on the basis of a small army backed by a volunteer force. According to the above statements it is contemplated that the new force should consist of all arms with a uniform of a grey-green colour and be organised on a basis roughly corresponding to that of the territorial force in this country. I have no definite information as to the in- tended size of the new volunteer force, but I understand that a possible immediate strength of 10,000 has been mentioned. No question involving Article 8 of the Treaty would seem to arise so long as the total forces maintained by the Government of the Irish Free State are within the limits contemplated by that Article.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know on what pattern that uniform is designed; and, further, can he say whether this scheme does not involve a very material increase in the armed forces of the Irish Free State?

I have answered on the information at my disposal at the moment. I do not contemplate it as being a violation of the Article mentioned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the further recommendations made by trade bodies that the most-favoured-nation treaties be denounced in whole or in part, if he proposes to take any action?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my two recent letters to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce which have been published, and of which I am sending him copies, and to the answers to certain questions put to me in this House on the 1st and 22nd February, of which I am also sending him copies.

Are there not a number of trades concerned outside those connected with cotton and Manchester; and will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question as a whole, and not as dealing with any one trade?

I understood that the Manchester Chamber of Commerce were looking into this question on the broadest basis and were not restricting their inquiries to the cotton industry.

May we take it that, apart from the activities of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade itself has examined this matter and that it will be prepared to act, if necessary, to deal with the situation?

Yes, Sir, I think I have said in answer to questions again and again in this House, that we have it constantly under review, and in every case where our trade relations with other countries crop up, we examine the problem afresh.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports from Latvia in 1933 were 122 per cent. greater than our total exports to that country; and what steps he proposes to take to bring about a favourable modification in respect of the import restrictions imposed by Latvia?

I am aware of the fact to which my hon. Friend calls attention. The position greatly improved, however, in 1933, as compared with previous years and it is the object of His Majesty's Government in the commercial negotiations now taking place, to secure further improvement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that firms in my constituency are very seriously affected by the present state of affairs; and is he prepared to receive representations from me on the matter?

Yes, Sir, I should be very glad to receive any information which my hon. Friend has to give me.

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House when he expects the negotiations with Latvia to be completed?

I could not say without notice.

Do not these figures refer to visible exports and imports, and, as such, are they not a misleading index of the trade which is going on between these countries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the countries of consignment in respect of the 160 dozen pairs of rubber footwear imported from British countries, other than Canada, in January, 1933, and the 19,226 dozen pairs so consigned in January, 1934; and if he can give any reason for the great increase?

As the reply to the first part of the question involves a number of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The great bulk of the imports in January, 1934, were consigned from Hong Kong, where, I understand, a number of firms manufacture rubber shoes for export.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the advisability of taking steps to reverse the operation of the Merchandise Marks Act, so as to make compulsory the marking of all foreign goods in a manner which can easily be seen and to compel the foreign importer to apply for exemption from marking?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Coventry (Captain Strickland) on 20th February.

Has any fresh consideration been given to this urgent matter since then, and what is holding up a decision on the matter?

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate the fact that, if this suggestion were carried into effect, it would materially help to find work for the unemployed?

I do not know that I can draw that deduction, but there is no reason why we should not have honesty in trade marks.

May I have an answer to my question as to whether further consideration has been given to this subject since?

Oh yes, certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make any statement as to the form of assistance which it is proposed to give to the British shipping industry in order to enable it to compete with foreign shipping subsidies?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers which were given to the hon. Member for Salford, South (Mr. Stourton) on 29th January and to the hon. and gallant Member for Paddington, South (Vice-Admiral Taylor) on 30th January.

Has my right hon. Friend yet received that information from the shipping people to whom he referred in his previous answers?

Yes, communications have been passing between the shipping organisations and the Board of Trade. I received a communication yesterday, or on Saturday, I think it was, from the Liverpool Steamship Owners' Association and the Chamber of Shipping jointly, and their statement is now under examination.

When will my right hon. Friend be in a position to make a further statement?

I cannot name a date at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will represent to the oil importing industries that they should consider the employment of British instead of foreign ships for the transport of oil; and how many such foreign ships are now being used regularly by the oil importing industries?

I have no reason to think that the oil importing industries are not fully aware of the present posi- tion of British shipping and of the desirability of giving it all possible support. I regret that the information asked for in the second part of the question is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make representations to all local authorities as to the desirability of ensuring that all materials purchased by them or supplied under contract are, whenever their transport involves the use of coastwise or other shipping, carried in British ships?

My right hon. Friend hopes that local authorities in all cases where it is practicable will make use of British goods and services, whether shipping or otherwise, in providing for the requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

Is my hon. Friend aware that very large quantities of such materials as granite and stone are being conveyed in foreign-owned vessels down the British coast?

That may be, but my information is that the bulk of the materials used for house building are home produced.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department who will represent the British Government officially at the Vienna International Industrial Fair to be held in March?

I have been asked to reply. The official representative of His Majesty's Government during the period of the Vienna Fair will be the head of the Exhibitions Division of the Department of Overseas Trade, who is also director of the British Industries Fair.

Can the hon. Gentleman give his name?

Yes, the name is Mr. Claude Taylor.

asked the President of the Board of Trade What is the present position with regard to reaching a decision as to the possible abrogation of the Congo Basin Treaties?

This question is under consideration. I cannot at present make any statement about it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if an inquiry has been conducted into the circumstances attending the loss of the steamship "Culmore," off Aldeburgh, on 13th December, 1933; and if official notice has been taken of the promptitude, skill, and courage displayed by the crew of the Aldeburgh lifeboat on that occasion?

The circumstances attending the loss of the steamship "Culmore" on the 13th December last are under investigation. Under the arrangements between the Board of Trade and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution it is left to the latter to deal with services rendered by lifeboat crews and I understand that the institution have made certain awards to the crew of the Aldeburgh lifeboat in recognition of their very gallant attempt to save life on this occasion.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of persons placed in employment by the Employment Exchanges in 1931, 1932, and 1933, respectively?

The numbers of vacancies filled by Employment Exchanges and Juvenile Employment Bureaux in Great Britain in these years were as follow:

1931	…	…	…	1,952,057
1932	…	…	…	1,855,841
1933	…	…	…	2,201,028

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Colorado beetle pest is gradually spreading north; and what is the latest information received by his Department on this question?

I have been asked to reply. The Colorado beetle has been spreading northwards in France for some years past, but no official details of its advance during 1933 have come to my right hon. Friend's notice. There is no foundation whatever for any suggestion that the beetle is spreading northward in this country, nor any evidence of its appearance here except in the Tilbury district.

asked the Attorney-General if consideration will be given to the advisability of removing from the bench those magistrates who recently at Wisbech illegally sent five boys to an industrial school?

My Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has already given careful consideration to this matter, and I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Gentleman on 1st February.

Does my right hon. and learned Friend think that magistrates who deliberately break the law are suitable for administering justice?

The hon. Gentleman, so far as my information goes, has no ground whatever for saying that these magistrates have deliberately broken the law. The magistrates undoubtedly made a grave error in their jurisdiction, but I see no reason for treating them as if they had behaved dishonestly or corruptly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take with reference to the representations which he has received from several municipal corporations to prohibit the baking, sale and delivery of bread on Sundays?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) on the 7th December last in regard to amendment of the law relating to Sunday trading. As I then stated, I am afraid that, so far as the Government are concerned, there is no present prospect of legislation on this subject.

Will my right hon. Friend ask the Government to consider bringing in a Bill to keep people from working in any place seven days a week, because that would bring in people who are working in licensed houses?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the losses inflicted upon British investors who have lent their savings to the public authorities of Germany and Brazil in long-term loans floated here, he will delegate to suitable members of his Department, independently of the houses which issued the loans, the duty of watching and representing the interests of British nationals now that unilateral decrees of default have been imposed upon them; and will he maintain this organisation to deal with future similar cases of default?

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman is to put a question on a similar subject presently to my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I think that both questions can most conveniently be answered together, and I would therefore ask him to await the reply which my right hon. Friend is about to give.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that 58 foreign States are now in default on their obligations to British subjects and of the non-success of the unofficial organisations and flotation houses to defend effectively the rights of British holders of foreign securities, he will constitute at the Treasury from existing staff, and jointly with the Foreign Office, a permanent department, to act in concert with the flotation houses but independently of them, to defend British holders of foreign investments?

I have carefully considered the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion, but I do not think that it would be desirable to adopt it. The Treasury and Foreign Office keep a careful watch on these questions, and His Majesty's Government are always ready to consider the question of intervening if there is discrimination against British interests, or if any other special reason for intervention exists.

Has there not been discrimination in Germany's payments, and may I ask what has been the good result of the careful attention that the Foreign Office and the Chancellories have paid to this matter in the past?

I thought the right hon. and gallant Gentleman would probably be aware that at a recent meeting an agreement was come to with the Germans on the subject, and I had every reason to suppose that that was considered to be a very much more satisfactory arrangement to the creditors than existed up till then.

That was an arrangement come to by the creditors and not by the Government. The Government had nothing to do with it, and they can hardly describe it as a satisfactory arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the proposed Austro-Hungarian economic union; and if he can give an assurance that His Majesty's Government would welcome such a union?

No such proposal has been communicated to His Majesty's Government.

Are His Majesty's Government being kept continuously informed of the conversations between Signor Suvich, Herr Dolfuss, and General Gömbös, in view of the importance of these negotiations?

I am sorry, but I did not hear the beginning of the question.

Are His Majesty's Government being kept continuously informed of the conversations that are taking place with regard to the Italian-Austrian-Hungarian Economic Union?

I have no doubt that we shall be given all proper information by all proper channels, but I cannot say whether we have immediate information of every detail of what is passing.

asked the Minister of Health if he has now appointed an Advisory Committee in connection with the operation of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932; and if he will state the terms of reference and the names of members?

The arrangements for the appointment of the committee are nearly complete, and the names of the members will be announced shortly. The terms of reference are:

"To consider general questions relating to the administration of town and country planning in England and Wales, and any other related matters which may from time to time be referred by the Minister of Health to the committee, and, as occasion may require, to make recommendations to him."

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that that would cover such questions as national parks? Is it intended to cover them?

I should like notice of that question, but my impression is that it would.

Will my hon. Friend ask the Minister of Health to consider bringing in some Bill immediately to prevent building directly on the high road, which is causing a great many deaths among young children?

I think that is another question.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities have taken action under the Town and Country Planning Act with regard to the erection and control of petrol pumps and advertisement hoardings?

Forty-five resolutions to prepare schemes have been approved by my right hon. Friend under the Act. Local authorities may be expected to include in these and in other schemes now in course of preparation provisions for controlling the erection and use of petrol pumps and advertisement hoardings, and it is probable that, pending the coming into operation of the schemes, the authorities are taking action to regulate the erection and use of these structures as and when applications are made for permission to provide them.

asked the Minister of Health (1) if he is aware that 24 district Poor Law medical officers in the county of Durham are complaining of financial loss, owing to 15,000 unemployed people having had their right to medical benefit stopped; and will he state what steps he proposes to take in the matter;

(2) if he is aware that not less than 15,000 people in the county of Durham have lost their medical benefit as from 31st December, 1933, as a result of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Act, 1932; and will he consider making some provision so that these people can have medical attention?

A considerable number of insured persons in the administrative county of Durham have recently lost their title to medical benefit under the Health Insurance Scheme. My right hon. Friend has seen reports in the Press that a number of district medical officers in Durham have made representations to the local authority for an increase of remuneration. This is a matter for the local authority, with whom he is getting into touch as to the position. The district medical service is available for those who are no longer within the insurance scheme.

The Minister has not answered Question 31. As the Government deliberately took medical benefit away from such a large number of people, do they not think the time has now arrived when they should make some other provision for medical benefit for these people?

Our action has been discussed at great length on numerous occasions in the House, and the provisions we have made have been explained.

But seeing that such a long time has elapsed since 1932, when the Government took this step, that there is no improvement in trade, and that there is such a huge number of sufferers, will they not reconsider the question?

Order.

Go ahead.

May I have an answer? It is a most important matter.

The hon. Gentleman, I think, does not understand that the figures he mentioned are exaggerated, and that in any event only about one-quarter of the true total will require medical benefit. At any rate, provision has been made, and we are sending an inspector to get in touch.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the figures are taken from the medical union, and that he ought to know the number of men who have lost benefit?

Will my hon. Friend remember that there is a county council election in the county of Durham and that that is possibly the cause of these questions?

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that one-quarter of 15,000 people is over 3,000 people in one county who are unable to get adequate medical attention when they are sick?

That is not so, for they will get attention from the district medical service, and they will be in the same position as all those outside insurance.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that these officers were overworked before this additional work was put on their shoulders, and that it has meant for them an extra job?

May I make a personal statement? The imputation has been made that I brought up this question because of the county council elections. I want to assure you, Mr. Speaker, that the county council elections were never in my mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any appointment has been made of a successor to Mr. Elliott as public prosecutor in Palestine; and, if so, who has been appointed?

The post of Government Advocate, formerly held by the late Mr. Elliott, has been filled by the promotion of an Arab official, Musa Effendi el Alami, who has for some years held the appointment of Assistant Government Advocate and has recently been acting as one of the private secretaries to the High Commissioner.

What? The Grand Vizier. Is the Department aware that this gentleman is the brother-in-law of Jemal Husseini? May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will inquire in the Department how soon will el Alami Bey get promoted to a post where he has less direct interest?

This gentleman has not been appointed through any relationship he may have to anyone else, but because he has the qualifications for the post to which he is appointed.

Is it not a fact that for the first time an Englishman or a Scotsman has not been appointed to this post?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in regard to the decision announced by him in the House of Commons on 31st July, 1933, on the subject of United Kingdom 5½ per cent. Gold Bonds issued in New York with a gold clause, whether, in view of the subsequent legal decision in another place, which determined, in the case of Feist v. Société Intercommunale Belge d'Electricité, that the holders of bonds containing the gold clause are entitled to be paid the interest and principal thereof in legal tender of the country where the bonds are payable to the full equivalent current value of the gold expressed therein, he will reconsider his decision in regard to such bonds still outstanding the holders of which have not availed themselves of the terms he offered for conversion into British Government sterling securities?

The answer is in the negative. The matter is governed by United States law, and is not, therefore, affected by the legal decision referred to in the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the desirability of evolving a special tax on the employment of foreign domestic servants and other workers in this country where their services are not essential to industry?

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion for consideration together with other suggestions in regard to taxation in connection with my forthcoming Budget.

asked the Prime Minister if he will give time for the discussion of the Motion which stands in the name of the hon. Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern), and asks

"that Harry McShane, Philip Neville Harker and John Samuel Williams be heard at the Bar of the House of Commons in support of their Petition which was presented to the House on Monday, the 26th February, 1934, and which sets forth certain demands on behalf of the unemployed"?

The whole problem of unemployment is engaging the constant attention of the Government, and the Bill now before Parliament is designed to make possible an improvement in the lot of those who are unfortunately unemployed. The views of all sections of the people are made known in this House through their elected representatives, and in the opinion of the Government no advantage would be gained by acceding to the hon. Gentleman's request.

May I ask the Prime Minister if it is not a fact that, while various interests are represented in this House, it is usual for any important interest in this country which is specially affected by any legislation to have access to representatives of the Government in order to state their case from their point of view; and will he not concede to the representatives of the unemployed men the same right and privileges as would be conceded to any business in this country?

That is not quite the question which has been put to me, but in regard to it I would refer my hon. Friend to the letter which I addressed to the body responsible for getting up and controlling this march.

Does the Prime Minister not realise that that letter offers to myself and my hon. Friends who are Members of this House rights of access to the Government? You do not need to offer us that—we have got that as a right, as elected representatives of the House. We are asking for access on behalf of the unemployed men and their representatives, themselves, on the same terms as brewers, distillers, bankers, or anyone should have access to the Government.

May I ask whether there is any precedent in this House for the appearance at the Bar of representatives of any interest in this country on the same conditions as are suggested here?

Yes, there are. Read the story of the House.

That was why I said the supplementary question was not on the same point as the original question, and it was the original question which I answered.

Is it not the fact that the money interests, as represented by the City of London, have the right to be heard at the Bar of the House, and is there any reason why a new precedent should not be created?

It is not a new precedent.

I am afraid that is a matter of historical knowledge, and it does not quite bear out the explanation which the hon. Gentleman gave. The City of London representation here is not on account of its monied interests, but on account of certain historical facts.

I want very seriously to ask the Prime Minister this question. He himself has refused to hear the representations of this organised body, representative of organisations in this country, the Cabinet have refused, and now he is refusing to give them access to the House itself to present their case to the Government here. Does he mean to say that he has definitely decided on closing every constitutional approach for unemployed men and women in this country—What are you laughing at? Are the unemployed men and women going to have the opportunity, in a proper constitutional way, to present their case here at the seat of Government to you as Prime Minister and to the members of the Government? Have you decided to close down every constitutional approach?

Quite the contrary. Every constitutional approach, every approach provided for by the Constitution, and particularly by the fact that this House is a representative Assembly containing representatives of every interest, including Members perfectly capable of doing their duty by making representations on every grievance from which they think people in the country suffer—that constitutional approach, those constitutional doors, are open by virtue of the fact that my hon. Friend himself is a Member of this House.

I want to ask the Prime Minister this. Had he to sacrifice every principle and vestige of independence in order to retain his position as head of the Government in this House, and has he definitely—

I think the hon. Member is wandering entirely from his point.

No, I am not wandering at all. I am simply putting to the Prime Minister that he himself—

rose—

Just a minute, Mr. Speaker. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] What are you shouting at?

The hon. Member submitted a question to me which I decided to allow him to put to the Prime Minister. What he is now asking the Prime Minister has nothing to do with the question he submitted to me.

It surely is legitimate for us to ask the Prime Minister, having regard to his own particular association with the working classes of this country, his own demand for the receiving of the voice of the workers in this House, that he should now, in his present position as head of a National Government, give very special consideration to the cry of men who to a large extent were responsible for placing him at the head of this Government. I ask him, having regard to the position that he holds to-day, to concede to these men what is a citizen right, granted to nearly every other section of the community. The answer that I am here or that the hon. Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern) is here is no answer. Every person, every interest—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] I ask the Prime Minister and the Government to reconsider this refusal, which in my experience has never been put up towards any other section of the community until now it is put up against the unemployed people, whose lives and livelihood we are discussing to-day.

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely:

"the refusal to-day of the Prime Minister to grant any facilities whatever for the unemployed hunger marchers to voice their grievances either to himself, the Cabinet, or the House."