asked the Minister of Labour how many men were employed in the shipbuilding and engineering industries in Scotland in 1920; what was the aggregate output of tonnage for that year; how many men are now employed; and what has been the displacement of labour in the Clyde area between 1920 and 1934?

I regret that comparable statistics are not available showing the numbers of men employed in the shipbuilding and engineering industries in Scotland in 1920 and 1934 or the extent to which labour has been displaced in the Clyde area during that period. I understand that the gross tonnage of merchant vessels built in Scotland in 1920 was 764,618, and the tonnage of British war vessels launched at Clyde yards was 429. No official statistics are available as to the output of the engineering industries in Scotland in 1920.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me the information from the year 1923 up to the latest possible date?

Yes, I shall be glad to give the hon. Member the information asked for from 1923 up to 1933, and I shall be glad to do so by letter or in the form of an answer to a question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken since the end of 1933 to meet the demand, noted in the recent report of the Department of Agriculture, of the 2,600 applicants for plots of land for cultivation; and what is the total estimated programme for the present year?

Since 1st January, 1934, the Department have completed arrangements for leasing 492 acres of land in 48 centres in 10 counties, mainly in the industrial belt, on which 644 applicants have been given plots. As regards the last part of the question I regret I am not in a position to make any statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any report from the Commissioner of Police for Edinburgh in connection with the disturbance at the Fascist meeting in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Friday night last; if he is aware that 300 men from Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Gateshead were sent to Edinburgh as a bodyguard; and if he can state the number of persons; injured at the disturbance caused?

I have received a report from the chief constable from which it appears that no disturbance occurred at the meeting referred to. In the neighbourhood of the hall, however, attempts to hold anti-Fascist demonstrations were made and after the meeting there was some disorder in the streets. With regard to the second part of the question I understand that some 350 Fascists attended the meeting and acted as stewards, but I have no information as to the districts from which they came. As regards the last part, I am informed that seven persons were injured during the disorder which followed the meeting.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Perth town council by a majority has decided to sell the municipal transport services to a private company despite the opposition of the ratepayers, who signed a petition against the transfer; and will he consider the advisability of holding a public inquiry with a view to preventing the sale of a public service to a private company, which is part of a large semi-monopoly in Scotland in which the railway companies are financially interested?

My hon. Friend has seen some mention of this matter in the Press, and when he has more information he will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether men and women on transitional payments will share in the increased benefits which are being restored to the unemployed when they come into operation on 1st July; and whether cases in which determinations of need have been made at less than the existing maximum rates will be affected by the proposed change of benefit rates?

The increased benefit rates will replace the existing maximum rates at which transitional payments may be determined. Subject, therefore, to the requirements of the Order in Council it will be competent for local authorities to increase their determinations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any of the commissioners have completed their in vestigations into the special conditions in the distressed area, and has he received any report; and will he state whether it is intended to have a separate report from each area, or are the commissioners to meet at the conclusion of their in vestigations for the purpose of submitting a joint report?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I anticipate that separate reports will be made by the four investigators, but until the investigations are completed it will be premature to reply to the last part of the question.

May I ask when the right hon. Gentleman expects the investigation to be completed; has he fixed any date?

No, Sir, because I want the investigators to have the fullest opportunity for making their investigations.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the need for having these reports finished, so that the House can consider them before the Recess?

I appreciate the importance of having the reports completed as soon as possible, but I do not want to place a limit of time which would have the result of making these investigations less valuable.

asked the Minister of Labour what provisions are made at the Government training centres and instructional centres and camps organised by his Department for the attendances of the men at places of worship and the fulfilment by them of the obligations of their religion?

Each man is free to attend at all reasonable times a place of worship of his religion if there is one near to the centre. If the centre is at a considerable distance from a church or chapel, a weekly service is held, usually taken by a minister of religion and generally of an undenominational character. If arrangements cannot be made for Roman Catholics at the centres or camps to attend a place of worship, an invitation is extended to a priest to visit the centre and conduct a service for them.

If any hardship should arise, is the Minister prepared to enter into amicable arrangements with the authorities concerned?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that local authorities in Scotland were led to believe that, under the Unemployment Bill, the Government would take over the responsibility for able-bodied relief to the unemployed; and when the Government intends to give effect to their pledge on this subject so that the ratepayers in distressed areas may obtain the aid promised last year?

The only pledge of which I am aware was that given by the Minister of Health, and this pledge is fully implemented by the provisions of the Unemployment Bill. I am not yet in a position to say when Part II of the Bill will be brought into operation.

Will the Financial Secretary tell us when he will be in a position to make a statement?

As I cannot give an answer in respect to the future with accuracy, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will excuse me from answering it now.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider issuing a White Paper showing how the Government will pay 95 per cent. of the cost of able-bodied relief, as there are doubts about this in the minds of local authorities?

I will readily look into the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

In the event of a White Paper being issued, will the hon. Gentleman see that we on this side of the House get the information as well as hon. Members across the way?

It will be a White Paper.

I know, but I only want to make sure.

I am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that he does not often allow himself to be left out of anything.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing amongst the recruits of the Lancashire County Constabulary; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the actions of the chief constable in this respect?

No representations have hitherto been made to me regarding any dissatisfaction among recruits to the Lancashire constabulary. I may say, however, that I understand that, at the request of the chief constable, a special meeting of the Standing Joint Committee is being convened for the purpose of considering the general administration of discipline in the county constabulary.

While assuring my right hon. Friend that there is substance in the question, does he not consider that in the interests of the future efficiency of the Lancashire police force it is very necessary that these nervous apprehensions should be allayed at the earliest possible moment?

I think the answer that I have given should do so.

When the committee called by the chief constable of Lancashire has met, is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to go into the whole question of the discipline of the police force in Lancashire?

That is a matter for the Standing Joint Committee.

Does he not think that the time has arrived when he himself should take a hand in settling this problem?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation granting to members of county constabulary the right of appeal to a standing joint committee against disciplinary decisions of a county chief constable?

No, Sir. There is an appeal to me if a man is dismissed or required to resign and I am not aware of any reason for any further appeal.

May I ask why a member of a borough police force should have a right of appeal to his watch committee, a right which is denied to a member of a county police force to the Standing Joint Committee; and does not my right hon. Friend appreciate that by denying this right to a member of a county police force it gives unrivalled power to an autocratic chief constable?

No, Sir. There is a final appeal to the Home Secretary, and, if there be anything improper done on the part of any chief constable, it is fully investigated by the proper authorities.

But only in the case of a dismissal of a policeman?

Does my right hon. Friend propose to ask the watch committee for an explanation of the present unrest in the county police of Lancashire?

As I have stated, an inquiry is to be held by the Standing Joint Committee, and, until they have made their inquiries and moved in the matter, I have nothing further to add.

After the inquiry has been held, does the right hon. Gentleman receive a report of the decision arrived at?

Not necessarily?

Will the right hon. Gentleman call for a report?

No, Sir. The power is in the hands of the proper statutory body. Until they think fit to apply to me, it is not my business to intervene.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain newspapers recently published a photograph of Leonard Rowland Hill, stating that he was suspected of having fired at and wounded a police officer near Worthing, and made public the fact that this man had previously been convicted of other offences; whether the information as to such previous convictions was obtained from the police authority; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent in future the disclosure by the police of such information which is likely to prejudice the fair trial of accused persons?

I have seen an issue of one paper in which information was given of a previous conviction of this man. I am informed on inquiry that this information was not supplied to the Press by the police. The police authorities are careful not to supply such information to the Press for the reason to which my hon. Friend calls attention.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of the Press how undesirable it is that this information should be disclosed?

I think the answer I have given in this House will do that.

Will he consider the advisability of excluding altogether any reference to previous convictions?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the prevalence of baking in small dwelling-houses and back shop-premises; and whether he will take steps to see that these places are properly supervised by the factory inspector, and to strengthen the law in this respect?

I am aware that baking is carried on in many small premises. These are inspected by the factory inspectors and also by the officers of the local authorities who are responsible for the enforcement of certain special sanitary requirements applicable to bakehouses. They are receiving special attention at present from the factory inspectors in connection with an inquiry which is being made into the hours of the young persons employed there, and on present information no further steps appear to be necessary.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of permits given to employers to allow juveniles to commence work in bakeries before 6 a.m.?

Permits are not required for this purpose. Under Section 38 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, male young persons over 16 may be employed in baking bread from 5 a.m. subject to stated conditions, one of which is that notice must be given to the factory inspector. The number of such notices now in force is not available, but, as I have just mentioned, the hours of young persons in bakehouses are being specially investigated during the present year, and when this inquiry is complete I will communicate with the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to do something about it if he finds that they are employed before six o'clock? Investigation is no use without action.

May I ask whether the Act applies to bakeries where no machinery is used?

I should like to have notice of that question.

The right hon. Gentleman says that he is going to make inquiries. If he finds that injustice is being done will he take action?

That is a purely hypothetical question.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that in Sweden a blood test is taken of a person charged with drunkenness; and, having regard to the satisfactory results thereform, if he will consider the desirability of taking steps to introduce the same procedure into this country?

I am aware of the test to which my hon. Friend refers. Evidence derived from a blood test is sometimes given in this country in cases where drunkenness is an element in a criminal charge, but I have no power to require any person to submit to such a test.

asked the Home Secretary when the report for the last year of the chief inspector of factories and workshops will be issued?

I hope the report will be issued by the middle of next month.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education if he has recently considered the question of raising the school-leaving age to 15; and will he state to the House the Government's intention on this matter?

My Noble Friend regrets that he is not in a position to make any statement in the matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the urgent demand for the raising of the school age on the part of Lancashire authorities; and will he be in a position to give me a reply if I repeat this question in two weeks time?

I am aware that a resolution has been passed in the sense which the hon. Member indicates, but I regret that I cannot add anything to my reply.

Is it the decision of His Majesty's Government not to raise the school-leaving age; and, if not, will the hon. Gentleman bring the question before the Prime Minister, who is pledged to it, and the Lord President of the Council, and ask them whether they do not think it is time that something was done in this direction?

Is it the case that unemployment among juveniles is much lower now than it was a year ago?

Can the hon. Gentleman give us some idea as to when Be is likely to make a statement on behalf of the Government?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to what I have said.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the amount of superannuation contributions paid by teachers during the year ending April, 1934; the amount contributed by local education authorities; the total amount paid in pensions during that year to teachers who were contributors under the 1918 and 1922 Superannuation Acts; and the total amount paid in pensions to all teachers during that year?

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

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many schools are in course of erection in the West Riding of Yorks; and how many new schools have been sanctioned in each of the last three years?

Approval was given by the board to proposals from the West Riding Local Education Authority for the provision of six new elementary schools in the financial year, 1931–32, 12 new elementary schools in the year 1932–33, and six new elementary schools and one mining centre in the year 1933–34. It is understood that 10 elementary schools are now in course of erection.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to make a statement on the water shortage in England?

My right hon. Friend is advised that the position over a large part of the country, the North and East, Wales and the West and the South-West, as well as part of the Midlands, is generally better than it was a month ago. The South and South-East have not shared in the improvement. He has no reason to think that water undertakers will not be able to meet the situation, provided consumers play their part by reasonable economies in the use of water; the co-operation so far given by them accounts largely for improved conditions. In rural areas with defective supplies, the authorities should expedite measures for permanent schmes, with the grant available under the Rural Water Supplies Act.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, while we are battling with drought because of the lack of water from the heavens, the Minister of Mines is battling with the problem of flooded coal mines; and that it is only a question of developing our subterranean resources?

Is the Minister aware that there appears in the Press to-day a report of the Liverpool City Council meeting yesterday showing that a neighbouring borough has refused to be economical in the use of water drawn from the Liverpool supply; and is the Minister going to take action in regard to the borough of Wallasey?

Perhaps my hon. Friend would communicate with me about that matter.

Is the Minister satisfied that the provision made in the last Act dealing with this matter is satisfactory, and that it enables local authorities to promote works for the provision of water?

The powers conferred on local authorities and statutory bodies under the last emergency Measure are ample for the purpose.

If the Minister believes that the powers are ample, does he also believe that the rural authorities are making the best use of them to-day; and is it not the trouble that some of the authorities do not use the powers that they have?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are urban districts which cannot get any assistance under these provisions and that they are just as short of water as the rural areas?

The Measure applies alike to urban and rural authorities, and the powers are the most drastic that have been conferred in recent years.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are certain urban districts which cannot get grants at all under this particular scheme?

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman has been confusing two Acts. There is the Emergency Water Supplies Act and there is the permanent Rural Water Supplies Act.

These authorities cannot get grants under either Act.

indicated dissent.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to irregularities in the working of the Battersea Borough Council; what action has he taken and/or does he propose to take; and what is the present position?

My right hon. Friend has been in communication with the Battersea Borough Council with regard to certain irregularities in the solicitor's department. Two officers of the council were involved, both of whom have resigned. The council have informed my right hon. Friend that they do not propose to institute criminal proceedings against these officers, and, while fully appreciating the seriousness of the irregularities in question, he has, after very full consideration of the circumstances, decided that no further action should be taken.

In the interest of clean municipal administration, will the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Health to use every power he has to bring to justice those officials or members of the council who have betrayed their trust?

Is it not the case that not one penny has been lost to the ratepayers; and is it not also the case that the Battersea Council is one of the best borough councils in London and is fully competent to run Battersea and look after Battersea's private affairs?

As far as my experience goes, that is a true picture.

Will the Minister of Health institute a full inquiry into this matter?

I assure my hon. Friend that we have given very full consideration to this matter with the result that we have decided that no further action should be taken.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will recommend to the governing body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund an alteration in the conditions under which pensions are paid, so that the men who serve on the railway boats sailing between Holyhead and Dublin can qualify for pensions providing that their homes are in this country?

For the reasons given in reply to a similar question raised by the hon. Member on 5th December last, my right hon. Friend does not feel justified in asking the governing body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund to grant pensions by virtue of service on ships in respect of which no contributions are made to the fund.

Considering that contributions were made to this fund until 1922 by men who were serving on these boats, cannot something be done in the case of men who were employed under this company and who are resident in this country; and is it not the case that a large subsidy is paid by the Government to the railway company which operates these boats?

The purpose which the hon. Gentleman has in mind would be achieved if these ships were registered in ports of the United Kingdom. That is a matter beyond our control.

Is it not the case that the port of registration was altered because of a statute laid down by the Irish Free State; and will the hon. Gentleman tell the House why British citizens who were paying into this fund prior to that Act being passed, should now be the sufferers, although they are still working and living under the same conditions.

That is not quite the case. These contributions were made by employers in respect of ships registered in United Kingdom ports. Since these ships are no longer registered in United Kingdom ports, no contributions have been payable in respect of them, and therefore no benefits have accrued.

asked the Postmaster-General the sum that is paid yearly to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company for the conveying of mails between Holyhead and the Irish Free State?

The figure for which the hon. Member asks is £74,850.

Are there any conditions attached to the subsidy, and is one of the conditions that the company concerned shall see that the members of the crews operating the vessels are insured in the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund?

I am afraid I cannot answer that offhand, but I will get the information and let the hon. Member know.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of United Kingdom 5½ per cent. dollar bonds issued in New York and at present outstanding, the holders of which did not convert into British Government securities according to the terms set forth by him in July, 1933; and whether, as the law of the United States governing the payment of principal and interest of these bonds does not impose any hindrance, legal or otherwise, on His Majesty's Government fulfilling their obligations towards British bondholders of these dollar bonds in legal tender of the United States of America to the measure of the gold value, he will state upon what grounds His Majesty's Government decline to recognise their obligations in respect thereto?

The amount in question is 20,067,400 dollars, as shown on page 5 of the Financial Statement (House of Commons Paper No. 67). As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which my right hon. Friend made on 21st July last in moving the Resolution approving the proposals of His Majesty's Government for dealing with these bonds.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will explain the circumstances in which the misunderstanding arose as a result of which the Press were informed of the proposals of His Majesty's Government regarding the American debt settlement before this information was given to Parliament?

In the absence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I will with my hon. Friend's assent reply to this question. It had been proposed that this Note should not be published in Washington until 10.30 a.m. Washington time, that is approximately 4.30 p.m. our time, on Tuesday, 5th June. Owing to a misunderstanding in regard to a telegram to His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington the Note was issued there before the time which had been intended.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that cases of this sort, in which intentionally or unintentionally this House is ignored, weaken the prestige of Parliament, and will the Government therefore take every possible step to prevent a repetition of this unfortunate mistake?

My original answer shows that whatever occurred in this case was quite unintentional, and I would not agree that any breach of that very good intention is frequent. In the particular instance it was due to a misunderstanding.

On the part of whom was it a misunderstanding?

I should not say there was a misunderstanding on the part of anyone. Perhaps it was due to the fact that in different parts of the world there are different times at the same time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Essex County Council demand a fee of 10s. 6d. from an owner depositing a map, or a statement of rights of way, under Section 4 of the Rights of Way Act, 1932; and if he will give instructions to the council concerned that as these records are voluntarily provided by landowners they should be accepted without payment of fees?

I was not aware of the facts mentioned in the first part of my hon. Friend's question. The matter is not one that comes within my jurisdiction.

I am having circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the figures asked for. I am not aware that any country has made a declaration of the kind referred to in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that an application for a specific duty in preference to an ad valorem duty on imported fruit-pulp was made to and approved by the Import Duties Advisory Board in June, 1933, but up to the present has not become operative; whether he is aware of the low price at which imported fruit-pulp is being offered for 1934; and whether, in view of the prospects of heavier home crops of fruit than last year, he can press for a specific duty to be applied without further delay?

There is nothing I can usefully add to the reply, of which I am sending my right hon. Friend a copy, given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 15th May, to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for South Norfolk (Mr. Christie).

In view of the prospects of the coming harvest, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the fruit growers are very much concerned about this question and would like some reply?

I hope that the negotiations which are referred to will not be long delayed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what were the terms of reference given to the Milk Advisory Committee and the date of their last meeting; and whether he proposes to consult this committee in respect of the milk marketing schemes now functioning?

The terms of reference to the committee which was appointed in 1924 were as follow:

"To advise the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries on matters concerning the production, handling and distribution of milk and dairy produce, including questions relating to education and research, and any legislation, orders and regulations which may be under consideration."

The date of the committee's last meeting was 13th April, 1928. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

As the Committee contains representatives of the medical profession, will the right hon. Gentleman consider bringing it together for the purpose of giving him guidance as to the proposals now being prepared to give cheap milk to education authorities?

There are representatives of so many interests on the Committee that we can never get a unanimous recommendation on anything.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that this Committee is functioning in the interests of the people at the moment?

No, Sir. I think it might be said that the committee has faded out.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the approximate annual revenue of the Crown Lands Department from Regent Street ground rents in 1913; and what is the amount now annually accruing on that account?

The approximate annual revenue from Regent Street ground rents in 1913 was £65,000. The amount at the present time is about £520,000.

Does my right hon. Friend think that it is the proper policy for the Government to raise these rents so substantially to their tenants and yet at the same time by conversion to reduce the income by which the rents have to be paid?

It might also be said that up to 1913 the tenants were enjoying £500,000 worth of property for £60,000.

Does the increase in the rents fall to the Chancellor of the Exchequer or to private individuals?

It comes to us—my hon. Friend and myself.

Is there any private landlord who has made such exactions as the State?

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the fact that a man was convicted on the 21st May, at the West London Police Court, on charges of attempting to obtain money by false pretences, the evidence including that of a conversation overheard by a telephone operator; and what instructions are given to telephone operators with regard to listening in to conversations on the telephone?

I am aware of the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. The conversation, which strongly suggested an attempt at fraud, was overheard by a telephone operator in the course of supervising a call in which exceptional measures were necessary to establish proper connection. Operators are instructed not to listen in to a telephone conversation except so far as is necessary to ensure that communication is satisfactorily established between the calling and the called telephones.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will arrange to have a regular weekly broadcast in Spanish for the benefit of British residents in South America, as nearly all such residents understand that language?

I will pass my hon. Friend's suggestion on to the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not only a question of news but of British prestige and business; and in these circumstances will he really see if something cannot be done about the matter?

It may be so, but we have no jurisdiction in the matter, and I think the only thing I can do is to pass it on to the British Broadcasting Corporation to expedite an answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he has received information of the intention of the Dutch Government either to prohibit the import of fresh herring from Great Britain or, alternatively, only to allow their import on condition they are not cured in Holland; and, in view of the fact that British fresh herring to a value of over £100,000 were landed and sold in Ymuiden in 1933, will he take steps to induce the Dutch Government to reconsider their decision:

(2) whether he will give the House any information as to the proposals of the Dutch Government to prohibit the import of salted herring of foreign origin; and whether this matter will be considered in connection with the trade negotiations now proceeding?

I have no official information about such proposals, but inquiries are being made and I will communicate the result to my hon. Friend. The matter will certainly be borne in mind in the negotiations which are about to be opened with the Nether-land Government.

In view of the vital importance of maintaining our fishing fleets from the point of view of national defence, can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an assurance that the interests of the fishing industry will receive at least equal consideration with those of the coal trade in these trade negotiations?

We regard the matter as important.

May I ask whether there is any connection between British herring and Dutch bulbs?

The hon. member must draw his own conclusions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider introducing legislation to prohibit the sale of surplus tonnage to a foreign Power for a period of three years, with a view to mitigating unfair competition in the shipping industry?

My right hon. Friend cannot anticipate the statement on the shipping siuation which he hopes to be in a position to make in this House at an early date.

May we expect a declaration of policy on the part of the Government before the House rises for the Autumn Recess?

I find it difficult to give a definite ansper to that question, but I think there is a very good probability of that being the case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the visit of Herr Frick to Palestine was known to the Colonial Office before he arrived there; and what reason he gave for his visit?

Yes, Sir. It was understood that Dr. Frick and his party intended to visit Palestine for two or three days in the course of a Mediterranean cruise.

May I ask whether Herr Frick was received by His Excellency the Governor?

I have not the least idea.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the result of this fraternisation?

I have not the least idea whether Herr Frick saw the Governor or not. Does the right hon. and gallant Member suggest that I should get from the Governor a record of all those persons whom he happens to see?

I think it is desirable that I should ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will find out whether this was an official visit, or whether Herr Frick only had a desire to see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?

I have told the right hon. and gallant Gentleman that Herr Frick happened to visit Palestine for a few days only in the course of a cruise.

But is he not a notorious Nazi agitator?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what ordinance Akhi Meyr is being prosecuted; and when the organisation for being a member of which he is charged was proclaimed illegal?

I am not in possession of the information for which the right hon. Gentleman asks, but I will ask the High Commissioner for Palestine.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Gloster Aircraft Company of Brockworth, who are contractors to his Department, are putting their aerodrome and machines at the disposal of a Conservative fete to be held on 30th June next; and whether he will represent to the company the undesirability of Government contractors being associated with the activities of a political party?

The facts are, I understand, not quite as stated by the hon. Member, there being, for example, no question of aircraft being placed at the disposal of the meeting. In any case, however, my Noble Friend does not consider it a matter in which he could or should intervene.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is to be no display of machines and no display of the goods produced by this firm?

No display at all. The aerodrome will be more or less shut down on that day. I might add that any other association can have the same privileges.

In view of the recent contracts effected by this firm, does the right hon. Gentleman believe that it is desirable to encourage this sort of thing?

That is a matter of opinion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that nothing is said at that gathering that would tend to seduce possible air pilots from their allegiance?

May I ask whether there is any reason why this firm should not exhibit their own products if they so wish, provided that they are not the property of the Government or the Air Ministry?

I do not know that they propose to do so.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will make a statement with regard to the proposal for the provision of a site in London for a memorial to the late Anna Pavlova?

I understand that an international appeal for the funds necessary to provide a memorial to the late Anna Pavlova will shortly be made. I have been asked to allow its erection in one of the Royal parks, and have come to the conclusion that the centre of the Rose Garden in the Inner Circle Garden, Regent's Park, would provide an admirable setting. Both the site and the proposed memorial, which will take the form of a fountain designed by Professor Carl Milles of Stockholm, have been approved by the Royal Fine Arts Commission. I should like to add that I deeply appreciate the proposed gift of the fountain by a sculptor of world-wide reputation, not only for itself, but also as a memorial to one whose art and personality gave enjoyment to so many thousands of our countrymen.

As there are so very few places in which public monuments can be erected, and seeing how many women have lived and died for England, is it not a little far-fetched to give one of those places for a statue to a Russian dancer, no matter how beautiful she was? It seems to me very farfetched.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will state the present position in regard to the Earl Haig memorial statue; whether he is satisfied with the progress made; and when it is anticipated the statue will be completed and erected?

The full size model in clay is nearly completed, and I have no reason to be dissatisfied with the progress made. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that in matters of this kind it is not always possible to adhere rigidly to a pre-arranged programme. Consequently, I am not in a position at present to say when the monument will be erected.

May I ask whether the llama-like neck of the charger in the original sketch, to which exception was taken by many people, has been reduced, so that the neck of the horse will be more in character with that of an ordinary charger?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the loss of time to road transport at the Denary Main level crossing; and what steps it is proposed to take with a view to the erection of a new bridge?

My hon. Friend's attention has not previously been called to this level crossing, but he will consider any proposal which the highway authority may submit to him.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended that the reduction in the tax on motor cars and motor cycles shall be applicable to three-wheeled motor vehicles?

The proposed reductions in the rates of licence duty will not apply to three-wheeled vehicles not exceeding 8 cwts. in weight unladen, which are already taxed at the low rate applicable to tricycles.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there has been a very rapid development of this class of vehicle, and is there any reason why they should not share equally in the concession given to four- or two-wheeled vehicles?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can give any information regarding an accident which occurred at Viewpark Colliery, Uddingston, on Sun day, 3rd June?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. Friend much regrets that an ignition of firedamp occurred in the Splint Seam, No. 2 Pit, Viewpark Colliery, near Uddingston, at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday, 3rd June, as a result of which four men were burned, one of whom has since died. A preliminary report has been received from the divisional inspector, but the reason why firedamp was present and the cause of the ignition are not yet definitely ascertained, and inquiries are still in progress.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information as to how many men were in the pit on this Sunday, and will inquiry be made as to whether it was necessary for them to be at work then?

I will call the attention of the Secretary for Mines to these points.

I want to draw the attention of the House to this accident—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—to point Out that it happened on a Sunday—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

This is an occasion for putting questions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when it is anticipated that the trust relating to Kilmainham Hospital will be closed finally?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I am unable to say.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the imports of opium into Manchukuo are increasing; and if there is any indication as to the illicit markets for which these drugs are destined?

I have no information to show that opium is being imported into Manchuria.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any way of getting the information, seeing that this is such an important matter?

I have said that I do not think opium is being imported into Manchuria.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what the British Government have done towards ascertaining the conditions in which the Manchurian opium monopoly is operating; and whether they will publish the information supplied to the League of Nations on this point as a White Paper?

His Majesty's representatives in Manchuria will, in the ordinary course of their duties, report any information on this subject which comes to their knowledge. Any trustworthy information not of a confidential character will be communicated to the League in accordance with a request made by the council at its January meeting. Information of this character communicated by His Majesty's Government or other Governments will no doubt be given publicity in the reports of the League. The answer to the last part of the question is therefore in the negative.

Is this country acting in unison with other nations at the League of Nations, in dealing with this matter?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received any report from His Majesty's Minister in China on the subject of an official residence for the Minister at Nanking?

A report on this subject was received from His Majesty's Minister in China towards the end of last month, and is now under consideration.