asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will obtain from the Government of India assurances that effective measures are being taken to prevent Japan evading her quota restrictions by smuggling goods into British India through the ports of native States?

I can assure the hon. Member that the Government of India are fully aware of the necessity for securing the co-operation of the States in carrying out the quota arrangement between India and Japan, and there is no reason to anticipate that this cooperation will not be accorded.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently a steamer calling from Japan landed something like 14,400 packages of cotton-piece goods at a small native State port, and that this quantity is considerably in excess of the total importations into Bombay per month from all sources? In view of the extraordinary state of affairs which that importation indicates, will the right hon. Gentleman have special inquiries made into this matter?

I was not aware of the details of the case mentioned by my hon. Friend, but I will at once call the attention of the Government of India to it, and communicate with my hon. Friend when I receive a reply.

Is it not a fact that the whole question of Kathiawar, and, in particular, that of Bhaunagar, is being investigated by the Government of India at the present time?

Yes, that is generally the case.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the handing over of Secunderabad and Bangalore to the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Maharajah of Mysore, respectively, entails the reduction of the Crown Forces now stationed there or the removal of these troops to fresh cantonments; and, if so, what are to be the new stations?

My hon. and gallant Friend must be under a misapprehension. It is not proposed to hand over the areas required at Secunderabad and Bangalore for military purposes as he suggests, and therefore there is no question of reducing the Forces involved.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India, following upon the announcement by Mr. Gandhi of the end of the civil disobedience movement, will grant an amnesty to all political prisoners?

My hon. Friend will be aware that local governments have, for the past year, been releasing persons convicted of civil disobedience offences before the expiration of their sentences when satisfied that release was not likely to encourage a revival of the movement. As a result the number of prisoners which at the end of April, 1932, was approximately 32,500 had fallen at the end of last month to about 1,450, of whom over 600 were in Bombay. This policy will be continued and if civil disobedience is called off effectively, I hope that it will be possible to expedite releases. My hon. Friend will understand that this statement refers only to persons imprisoned for offences connected with the civil disobedience movement, and not, for example, to terrorists or persons convicted of sedition.

asked the Secretary of State for India the amount of the budget deficit of the Government of Burma for 1922, 1933, and 1934, and the total sum received on loan from the Government of India to meet those deficits in each year, respectively?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for India what are the reasons for which Lady Nethersole was externed from the Jammu and Kashmir State in July, 1933; and whether she may now return to her home?

Lady Nethersole left Kashmir under an expulsion order which was issued by the Resident on the ground that she had encouraged agitation against the State. I am not aware that the order has yet been revoked.

Is it not a fact that this lady was turned out of the State because she protested against the public flogging of women which she witnessed?

No, Sir. That is not the information at my disposal. The information at my disposal goes to show that she was stirring up a great deal of trouble at a very critical situation in Kashmir, and in the interests of safety it was necessary to expel her.

Will her case be gone into again and reconsidered as she is a resident there?

I am quite ready to look into the point just raised by my hon. and gallant Friend, but, as at present advised, I can give him no hope that the order will be revoked. I will look into the point he has mentioned.

Has the right hon. Gentleman himself made inquiries, and is he satisfied?

Yes, Sir. I have made inquiries, and I am satisfied that in the interests of security it was necessary to expel her.

asked the Secretary of State for India what reason is given for the ban placed by the Government of India upon the report on the condition of India signed and published by four persons, some of whom are former members of this House; and whether he will exert his influence to have the ban removed so that the people of India may learn the nature of the report made by the delegation?

The Government of India, with my concurrence, have prohibited the entry of copies of this book into India, on the ground that in view of the nature of its contents its circulation in India would constitute an offence under the Penal Code.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that after a mass meeting of workers had been arranged to take place, under the auspices of the Calcutta Port and Dock Workers' Union, at the Calcutta Maidan, the commissioner of police, Calcutta, by an order dated 11th March, 1934, prohibited for a period of seven days any public assembly in furtherance of or in connection with the Labour movement, or any other movement in any way connected therewith, and any public assembly organised or promoted by any person in any way connected with the Labour movement; and whether it is the policy of the Government of India to prohibit or restrict meetings of, or organised by, recognised trade unions in India?

asked the Secretary of State for India the reasons for the prohibition by the commissioner of police for a period of seven days of all labour demonstrations in Calcutta?

An order of the nature indicated was issued to prevent the repetition of such scenes as had occurred when meetings of two rival labour organisations were held on the Maidan under the red flag, bearing the emblem of the hammer and sickle, at which inflammatory speeches of a Communist type were made and the rival parties were only prevented from coming to blows by the police. It is not the policy of Government in India to interfere with meetings organised by recognised trade unions, and in this case the commissioner of police informed responsible labour leaders that the order which was issued at very short notice did not apply to their organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any further information regarding the increases in the German naval, military and air estimates; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir, the German Government, in reply to an inquiry addressed to it by His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin, have supplied information on this subject in the form of a note, the relevant portions of which I propose to have printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does it not appear from the contents of that note that rearmament is going on in Germany on a considerable scale at the present time?

I think it would be to the interest of us all that we should examine the note. I would read it now, but it is a long one.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has seen the statement on the German debt, issued at Basle on 11th April by the British representative, to the effect that the difficulties were those of transfer and not German incapacity to pay; and will he arrange that the annual amounts due by the German public authorities to their British long-term creditors shall be liquidated by an exchange clearing of harbour and dock dues payable by the United Kingdom and German shipping in the United Kingdom and German ports, respectively, in addition to the credit balance accruing to Germany on Anglo-German trade?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 21st March last by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for West Birkenhead (Lieut.-Colonel Sandeman Allen).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience and loss to business arising through the delay and irregularities in the transit of mails via Siberia to and from China owing to the fact that China refuses to have any dealing with Manchukuo even so far as mails are concerned; and whether he will suggest to the Chinese Government that a conference should be called to deal with this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the irregularity of the delivery of mails from Great Britain to Shanghai via Siberia and Vladivostok; and whether, with a view to securing a more frequent and regular service, he will cause representations to be made to the Government of China for the despatch of such mails via Manchuli and Dairen?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that British mails to China via Siberia are now transmitted via Vladivostok; and whether, having regard to the delay involved in transmission by this route, he will cause representations to be made to the Government of China that such mails be in future transmitted via Manchuli and Dairen?

The inconvenience caused by the suspension of the transit service through Manchuria for mails between this country and China has for some time past been engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government; and no proper opportunity will be lost of promoting a resumption of the service. As will be appreciated, however, the matter involves political issues, and it is doubtful whether action of the kind suggested would serve any useful purpose at the present juncture.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the average period of time taken for the transmission of British mails via Siberia to Shanghai and Hong Kong?

The average time taken for the transmission of British mails via Siberia is about 28 days to Shanghai and about 27 days to Hong Kong.

Is that the time taken at present, now that there are difficulties in transmitting by the Siberia-Shanghai route?

I believe so, but I will make inquiries and let my hon. Friend know.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps are taken by his Department prior to the erection of a telephone kiosk in a rural area to ascertain the views of the local inhabitants as to the most suitable place for its erection?

The object aimed at in selecting sites for telephone kiosks is, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, to secure the maximum usefulness to the public. Before making the preliminary selection of a site, the local telephone sales officer, whose duties keep him in touch with the local residents, surveys the ground on the spot. Consultation follows with the local authority, whose views, naturally, are given very great weight.

If I bring to his notice a case in which there has been no consultation with the local authority, will my right hon. Friend consider it?

Certainly.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the general practice for telephone operators to announce the passage of each three minutes to persons engaged in long-distance telephone calls?

Yes, Sir, such an announcement is the practice in this country.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is not invariably done by employés in the Post Office, and will he issue a circular drawing their attention to it?

I do not think that is necessary. If the hon. Member has any case into which he would like me to inquire, I will gladly do so.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there are a large number of auxiliary postmen in London who, owing to the small number of hours that they are employed, are only able to earn 30s. a week; whether account has been taken in making these arrangements of the high cost of living and high rent scale in the Metropolitan area, as well as the difficulty of supplementing their wage by other employment owing to the state of the labour market; whether he is aware that these men are unable to seek assistance from public assistance committees because they are Post Office employés; and whether he will consider reorganising the work so as to increase their earnings, or, alternatively, increase their scale of pay?

Owing to the incidence of postal work in London it is necessary to supplement the full-time postmen force in the early morning and evening, and auxiliary postmen are employed for this purpose. The present rates of pay, which are based on an award by the Industrial Court in 1927, range from 1s. 0¾d. to 1s. 2d. an hour. Since 1931 recruitment in London has been practically restricted to ex-service men in receipt of pensions. The problem of part-time labour in the Post Office is constantly under review with the object of restricting such labour to the minimum.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that an auxiliary postman can only earn about 30s. a week, and that with the high rate of living in London he cannot live on it?

The hon. Member will appreciate that this is a very difficult matter, to which my predecessors and I have devoted a great deal of time. We endeavour to meet the position in London in the way I have indicated in my answer; in restricting it to ex-service men. If he has any suggestion to make, I shall be glad to consider it.

May I ask the Postmaster-General whether his remarks apply also to the country?

No. It is not possible to make that condition as far as the country is concerned. London is dealt with in a special way.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many cases have arisen since the introduction of the Milk Marketing Scheme of retail producers being warned against selling their milk below the prevailing price in their districts; and whether, in view of the difficulty in establishing what is the prevailing price in any particular district, he will consider arranging for a more satisfactory legal definition?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. The procedure for regulating retail prices has been altered in the contract now current by the prescription of minimum distributive margins in place of the provisions relating to "the prevailing retail price." A definition is therefore no longer necessary for retail sales of milk purchased under contract. In regard to producer-retailers whose licences are current to September next and who until then are still subject to the old procedure, it is understood that the Milk Board, while they are watching the situation, do not anticipate that any difficulty will arise in practice.

Can the hon. Member tell us what is the penalty for this new crime of selling cheap milk?

The hon. Member should put that question on the Order Paper.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused to milk producers by the arbitrators' award on milk prices, he will appoint different arbitrators on any similar future occasion, or will take some other steps to secure a settlement fair to all concerned when this contract period expires?

The selection of arbitrators, whose award determines disputes, is obviously a matter of considerable responsibility, and although dissatisfaction has been expressed with the award referred to in the question, my right hon. Friend deprecates any suggestion that the gentlemen who were good enough to accept his invitation to form this panel have not conscientiously discharged their duties. Paragraph 60 of the milk scheme under which the arbitrators are appointed lapses at the end of 12 months from the end of the suspensory period, that is to say, on 6th October of this year. Thereafter there is no provision in the milk scheme for the settlement of prices by arbitration. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any suggestions to put forward with regard to machinery for effecting future settlements in the absence of agreement between the parties concerned, I am sure my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider them.

Is the hon. Member aware that the arbitrators are not likely to be troubled by having to give a decision next October, as the producers will be able to get better terms themselves from retailers. Has he con- sidered the recommendations of the Grigg Commission, who have organised representatives of both sides and three members appointed by the Government, who will be prominently in touch with the whole trade?

Is the hon. Member aware that the prices fixed by the arbitrator are less than the prices which distributors were prepared to give to the producers?

Will the hon. Member give the arbitrators a very strong hint to resign before the whole scheme is wrecked?

I should be reluctant to follow the last piece of advice, but I will convey all these suggestions to my right hon. Friend and his Ministry, and I have no doubt that they will be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that none of the milk sold by the board at cheaper rates for manufacture or otherwise is resold and put back on the liquid milk market at liquid milk prices?

This is a matter which comes within the province of the Milk Marketing Board who have, it is understood, made arrangements, which they believe to be adequate, to guard against the contingency referred to.

In view of the fact that some retailers are supplying London County Council contracts at 1s. 2d., which means 2d. for delivery and pasturisation after the 1s. to producers, how can it be done unless they return an abnormal amount of sour milk to producers or use unsatisfactory milk to make up?

I am answering a question as to whether a particular contingency was likely to arise, and I am informed that the Milk Marketing Board have taken such steps as in their opinion are adequate to deal with the contingency.

Does the Member realise the serious charge made in the question?

I think that the question speaks for itself, and my answer is clear.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the approximate difference between the amount actually received by British farmers during 1933 for wheat and the amount they would have received had they been paid the prevalent world price?

As regards the cereal year beginning 1st August, 1932, the figure asked for by my hon. Friend is represented approximately by the deficiency payments to registered growers under the Wheat Act, 1932, which amounted to £4,510,946.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the voluntary restrictions on the import of eggs have not caused any increase in the wholesale price of home-produced eggs; and what further steps he proposes to take to help poultry producers?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend on the 15th March, in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's question on the subject. The temporary measures which are being taken, pending the report of the Reorganisation Commission, are intended to hold the situation for the time being. The fact that, during the season of maximum home production, the rapid fall in egg prices has been arrested, indicates that these measures have met with initial success.

Is the hon. Member aware that these voluntary restrictions have not had the effect of raising prices, that eggs are still selling at 7½d. and 8d. a dozen, and that poultry farmers cannot afford to go on selling at this price. Will he, therefore, take further steps in the matter.

I will draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the question, but the fact remains that during the period of maximum home production the fall in prices has been arrested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of receiving orders in bankruptcy made in respect of farmers during each of the last 20 years?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, in consequence of the increase of the importation of stores, the number of cattle imported from the Irish Free State during the first two months of 1934 was practically the same as the number imported during these two months of 1933; and whether he proposes to take any steps to reduce the number of cattle imported in future?

Licences for importation of store cattle in January and February this year were apportioned on the basis of figures for the first quarter of 1933 as a whole, and not upon the figures of January and February, 1933, respectively. Imports of store cattle in March last year were at a higher rate than in January and February of last year, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will look at the figures for the whole of the first quarter of this year, which have been issued to-day, he will find that the numbers of cattle imported from the Irish Free State were materially less than in the first quarter of 1933. As regards the last part of the question, the limitation of imports of cattle from the Irish Free State is being maintained during the current quarter, April to June, on the same basis as during the first quarter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of cases of tithe hardship which have been settled by the Governors of the Queen Anne's Bounty in the last year; how many such cases are now before the Governors awaiting settlement; and what is the aggregate sum of money involved in each case?

My right hon. Friend has no jurisdiction with regard to the collection of annual tithe rentcharge, but the following information has been obtained from the Governors of Queen Anne's Bounty. During the year ending 31st March, 1934, a sum of £37,426 was remitted by the Bounty to 3,142 individual tithe payers, the total tithe rentcharge involved in those cases being £185,849. The number of similar cases which are now being considered by the Governors is 1,365, the amount of the tithe rentcharge involved being approximately £80,000. In the great majority of these cases the Governors have already offered a concession.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many motoring accidents occurred in the Royal Parks during the 12 months ended December, 1933; and how many of these resulted in fatal injuries?

I have been asked to reply. There were 256 motoring accidents in the Royal Parks during 1933, involving injury to 280 people, eight of whom were killed.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a statement recently issued by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners that, as any scheme for a new bridge at Charing Cross now appeared to have been finally abandoned, the Commissioners have decided to develop their property on the south side of the river, including the Lion Brewery and the adjoining area, which would have been affected by a new traffic bridge at Charing Cross; whether he is aware that the Royal Commission on Cross-River Traffic, the London County Council, and other public bodies are of opinion that a new bridge at Charing Cross in the near future is essential for the proper development of London; and whether, having regard to the improved financial position of the country, he will request the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to stay their hands a little longer before commencing their proposed development scheme on the south bank of the river?

The Minister of Transport understands that the Ecclesiastical Commissioners own a substantial amount of property on sites which may be said to be key positions in connection with any scheme for constructing a road bridge at Charing Cross, but he has no information either from the Commissioners or from the London County Council as to the nature of any plans for developing this property, although it is believed that certain discussions have been proceeding regarding a local clearance scheme north of the New Cut.

As this proposal was previously turned down, in view of the large expenditure which it was thought would have to be incurred, is the Prime Minister aware that an authoritative opinion based on estimates has been expressed, to the effect that a new bridge could be put up, on the downstream side of the Charing Cross rail way bridge, including new approaches on each side of the river, for a sum of under £2,500,000; and that this would not interfere with the further work suggested by Royal Commission being put in hand if and when the funds are available?

I think that is a point which could best come up when the subject is debated, as it must be, later on in the House.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of applications that his Department has received for local speed limits since the Road Traffic Act of 1930 came into force; how many of these have been granted and for what speeds; how many have been refused and on what grounds the refusals were made; and whether any are still under consideration?

Eleven applications have been made by local authorities for speed limits since the Road Traffic Act, 1930, came into force. One for 30 miles an hour has been approved; of two for 15 miles an hour one was granted and the other refused; of seven for 10 miles an hour, two were granted, four refused, and one is under consideration; and one for 4 miles an hour (through the Abbey Gateway at Malvern) was granted. The circumstances were fully investigated and public inquiries held where thought necessary. The grounds for refusal were either that the restriction applied for was not justified or did not appear to be likely to have the effect which the authority desired.

In view of the small number of applications for these local speed limits, can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether the Minister of Transport communicated with the local authorities before bringing in the general speed limit for built-up areas in his Bill?

I do not think that is a question which really arises, and we shall certainly be able to discuss the speed limit in all its aspects during the Committee stage of the Bill.

But cannot my hon. and gallant Friend tell the House whether he did consult the local authorities at all about it?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can inform the House of the approximate number of vehicles of the different types, as specified in Sub-section (1) of Section 2 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, which were using the roads during the years 1930, 1931, 1932, and 1933, respectively?

An annual census of vehicles for which licences were current at any time during the quarter ended 30th September has been published for some years and will, I hope, provide my hon. and gallant Friend with the information he requires, although it does not precisely accord with the classification of vehicles in the Section to which he refers.

Does the return to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers give the various categories of motor bicycles and light motor cars?

It does not divide vehicles between motor cars and heavy motor cars.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department has any figures available showing the approximate number of pedal bicycles circulating on the roads of the country during the years 1930, 1931, 1932, and 1933, respectively?

I regret that figures are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is making arrangements to be kept in touch with the Australian mission to Japan; and whether, on behalf of the Lancashire cotton trade, he will bring to the attention of this mission the substantial preferential advantages which Australian produce enjoys in the markets of Great Britain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on the 14th February. I understand that the purpose of the Australian mission to the far East is the cultivation of general friendly relations between the Commonwealth of Australia and neighbouring countries. Should any discussions take place on commercial matters, I am confident that so important a factor in Australian trade as that to which the hon. Member refers could not be overlooked.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the values of total exports to and imports from France for each year from 1928 to 1933, inclusive?

The desired information for each of the years 1928 to 1932 is published in Volume I of the "Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom, 1932," while the particulars for 1933 will be found in the issue for January last of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom."

asked the President of the Board of Trade what executive action he has taken to assist the British shipping industry as a whole, and tramp steamships in particular; and what further action he intends to take?

Action to assist the British shipping industry is continually being taken by the Board of Trade. I may refer to the recent Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement the result of which has already been an increase in the number of British ships chartered for trade with Russia; to the efforts being made in other trade agreement negotiations to further the interests of British shipping and to the agreement made with Portugal to put an end to flag discrimination. I would also refer to the assistance given by His Majesty's Government to North Atlantic shipping. As regards further general action for the assistance either of the industry as a whole, or tramp steamships in particular, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Members for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) and Cardiff, East (Mr. Temple Morris) on the 12th April.

Is my hon. Friend aware that on Thursday last, in answer to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Bridgetown (Mr. Maxton), the President of the Board of Trade himself said that if a specific question were put down he would be pleased to give a specific answer as to the steps being taken, and, in view of that, does my hon. Friend not think that the answer he has just given, in extremely vague terms, is most unsatisfactory?

I think it was a frank answer. I was asked what executive action is being taken, and I replied, "Continuous."

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department with regard to the applications made on behalf of the owners of 18 German textile factories for permission to establish factories in Great Britain for the manufacture of women's dress goods, what are the reasons for the proposed transfer; and whether, in view of the existing equipment for this trade in this country, the Government will refuse the necessary action?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give information as to the applications made for permission to open in Lancashire and Yorkshire German-owned factories for the manufacture of wearing apparel; and whether, in view of the difficulties in the textile trades, he will in the national interest withhold facilities for German firms to enter productive competition in this country?

Certain preliminary inquiries have been addressed to me on behalf of German firms manufacturing ladies' gowns and mantles, as to their engaging in manufacture in this country, and I am in touch with my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of Labour in regard to the matter. Fuller information as to the proposal has been requested and on its receipt it will be carefully considered by me in consultation with my right hon. Friends. I am not at present in a position to make any further statement.

In case a decision is reached, will the House be given an opportunity of expressing an opinion?

I could not say.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have regard to the position of the home producers in these districts?

Undoubtedly all these things will be taken into consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what powers he possesses at the moment to prohibit foreign firms from establishing factories in this country?

We have certain powers.

asked the Minister of Labour how many permits have been applied for by representatives of German firms for the admission to this country of key-employés to be employed in German-owned factories in Lancashire and Yorkshire for the manufacture of textile goods; and whether he will state the policy of the Ministry in relation to such applications?

Applications for permits for key workers in several branches of the textile trade have been made within recent years; a few of these may have been for German-owned factories in Lancashire and Yorkshire; but I am unable to give separate statistics. Such applications are granted only where I am satisfied that the services of the foreigners are necessary to the establishment or working of the factory and that suitable British subjects are not available for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt of unemployment benefit and transitional payments, respectively, at the Employment Exchanges at Aberdare and Mountain Ash for the last five years to date?

As the reply includes a table of figures I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.