asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the changed political circumstances in India, he is prepared to order the release of Vallabhbhai Patel or bring him to trial?

The Government of India ordered the release of Mr. Patel on 14th July.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the changed political circumstances in India, he will now consider the remission of sentence on Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru?

Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru was sentenced in February last to two years simple imprisonment, not for an offence connected with the Civil Disobedience movement, but for three seditious and inflammatory speeches delivered by him in Calcutta. In these circumstances, it is not possible to consider any remission of sentence in his case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet made representations to the Government of Cuba regarding the losses sustained by a British subject, Mrs. Richard Brooks, during the revolution in August, 1933; and what was the result?

A number of claims in connection with the losses sustained by British subjects during the revolution of August last are under consideration in consultation with His Majesty's Minister at Havana, and amongst these claims is that of Mrs. Brooks. A good deal of further information is needed in respect of some of the claims, and no representations have yet been addressed to the Cuban Government on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when a decision in regard to this matter is likely to be reached?

The matter is not being overlooked, but we must examine all the claims together.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Pantelis Pelecanos, a British subject, whose credit balance in sterling at the Banque Nationale of Greece, at Athens, was in July, 1931, illegally converted by the bank into drachmas; what action he has taken to rectify the matter; and when any definite result may be expected?

Repeated representations have been made to the Greek Government regarding this claim. I personally drew the attention of Monsieur Maximos, the Greek Foreign Minister, to it twice, when he was in London in July, 1933, and again in January of this year. Monsieur Maximos informed me on the later occasion that orders had already been given to pay the claim to the extent of one-third of the amount due, and that the remaining two-thirds would very shortly be paid. No further communications having been received from the Greek Government, His Majesty's Minister at Athens was recently instructed to inquire once more from the Greek Government when the payments due to Mr. Pelecanos would be completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement in respect to the Assyrians in Iraq; first, as to the provision of relief for their present and proximate distress, and secondly, as to the prospect of their permanent settlement and relief by emigration?

The responsibility for providing for the security and relief of the Assyrians in Iraq rests with the Iraqi Government, who have undertaken to keep the Assyrian Committee of the Council of the League of Nations informed of the measures taken by them to this end. I understand that the Iraqi Government have now set up a committee, including certain of their officials of British nationality, to deal with the whole question of the relief and maintenance of the Assyrians, pending a decision as to their ultimate future. With regard to the second part of the question, the Assyrian Committee of the League is still actively investigating the feasibility of arranging for the resettlement of the Assyrians outside Iraq, and recently addressed an appeal to a number of Governments inviting them to reconsider the possibility of accepting the Assyrians in any of the territories under their control. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, who were among the Governments approached by the Council Committee, are giving the matter their earnest attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has given formal notice of its intention to raise the question of pollution of the sea coast by oil discharged from ships at the next meeting of the assembly of the League of Nations; and whether His Majesty's Government will propose to the assembly the appointment of a special commission to Consider international action for the prevention of this evil?

A formal communication is being addressed to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations asking that the question of oil pollution may be referred for examination to the communications and transit organisation of the league.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will give his support to that when occasion presents itself?

Yes, Sir. I think that what I have just announced is a preliminary step towards bringing the matter before the assembly. The hon. Gentleman knows the interest that we take in the subject, and we certainly do not want to do anything to obstruct.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether diplomatic privilege covers cases of careless driving by members of foreign embassies which result in serious accidents; and whether such privilege is claimed in similar cases by members of our embassies abroad?

Members of foreign diplomatic missions in London are generally insured against third party risks. Any persons who may be injured by them as a result of motor-car accidents are therefore, so far as obtaining compensation by the operation of insurance is concerned, in the same position as persons injured by members of the public. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that it would not be possible to bring proceedings against a foreign Ambassador or a member of his staff in this country. I think it may be assumed that members of His Majesty's diplomatic missions abroad also generally insure against third party risks. Similar privileges as regards legal proceedings would certainly be claimed in the case of members of His Majesty's missions abroad.

May I ask whether, in the case of serious accidents such as have recently occurred, an injured person is precluded from going to the courts, where he could obtain very much larger damages than are covered by the insurance; and may I also ask whether members of foreign embassies are obliged to observe the speed limit regulations?

I could not answer the last part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question without notice, if, indeed, it be for the Foreign Office to answer it. As regards the first part, my hon. Friend is, of course, aware that the principles of diplomatic immunity have been established for a very long time—I recall a case in the books which certainly goes back to the time of Cromwell—and, naturally, we must concede that which we claim for ourselves in other countries.

In view of the very serious accident referred to, would it not be possible to ask the Corps Diplomatique to accept responsibility in future under cover of a general policy of insurance without in any way surrendering their diplomatic privilege?

No particular accident was mentioned in the question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether there has been any decrease in the number of fatal road accidents since the practice of publishing monthly returns was initiated?

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the weekly records of persons killed or injured in road accidents which have been obtained since the middle of March. I regret that the most recent returns have shown an increase in the number of accidents, but while I do not wish to detract from the seriousness of the situation it must be borne in mind, in comparing the figures for successive weeks, that there is now a seasonal increase in the amount of traffic on the roads combined with an increase in the number of new registrations.

Can the hon. Member say why these returns are published without any details whatsoever of how the accidents happened?

They have been published every week. If there be any suggestion for improvement, I shall be glad to receive it.

Will the hon. Member consider publishing the details of how the accidents occur?

If that be practicable, I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will point out to the Brazilian Government that it is impossible to allow the financing in London of short-term accommodation for the benefit of Brazilian interests while the Brazilian authorities refuse to protect the interests of British investors in the Cantareira and Leopoldina Companies?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the difficulties of the Leopoldina Terminal and Cantareira, Companies arising from the unwillingness of the Brazilian authorities to allow a revision of the tramway and ferry fares. As I explained to my hon. Friend on the 9th July, no settlement has, I understand, yet been reached in this matter, but negotiations are still proceeding, and no action by His Majesty's Government is for the moment either called for or desired by the companies.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of further evidence, he is yet in a position to authorise an inquiry into the claim by Mr. N. G. Mates, 13 M.M. 2,943, domiciled in the Irish Free State, who complains that he lost his appeal upon grounds of error and misdirection on behalf of administrative officers connected with the Ministry?

As I informed the hon. Member on the 30th May of last year, this case has been reviewed on more than one occasion since it was determined on the man's appeal by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal in 1923. There is, I am advised, no evidence which would justify the further inquiry suggested.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has been in communication with the National Farmers' Union of Scotland as to their views on the new meat proposals?

The proposals referred to by my hon. Friend have not yet been the subject of discussion with the National Farmers' Union of Scotland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the rapid increase in the import of chilled meat from Uruguay and Brazil, he will take steps to restrict this competitive import which does not come under any foreign trade agreement?

I have been asked to reply. The total imports of chilled beef from foreign countries are strictly limited by arrangement with the importers. There are naturally variations in the supplies from individual countries from time to time. Imports from Uruguay have recently shown an increase, but those from Brazil have declined.

Does that mean that the interests of finance are being considered rather than the interests of the home producer?

If the imports from Uruguay have declined, can my hon. Friend say why they are higher in June this year than they were in June last year?

I said that they have shown an increase this year, and that those from Brazil have declined. The total imports for the first six months of this year show a considerable decline.

Did not the imports from Brazil show an increase in June of this year, as compared with June of last year?

There are fluctuating variations from month to month. The first five months and the first six months of the year show a decline as compared with last year.

May I have an answer to my question as to whether the interests of the home producer are being considered?

asked the Minister of Agriculture particulars of the grants made to wheat growers out of the Wheat Fund since the Act came into operation up to the latest possible date?

Payments aggregating about £4,500,000 were made from the Wheat Fund to some 76,500 registered wheat growers in respect of deficiency payments for the cereal year ended on the 31st July, 1933. As regards the current cereal year, ending on the 31st July, 1934, advance payments amounting approximately to £4,100,000 have been made to nearly 84,000 growers on account of the deficiency payments that will be payable for this year.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the dissatisfaction with the present administration of the Botanical Gardens and the premises of St. John's Lodge, in Regent's Park, he will invite the advice of the parks committee of the London County Council, or delegate to the London County Council powers to deal with these gardens?

I have nothing to add to my reply to a similar question on 12th July by my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham (Sir P. Goff).

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will request the Entomological Society to advise him how to destroy the swarms of insects which have appeared in Hyde Park during the hot weather and are injuring the plant and tree life in the park?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has been able to ascertain whether the unsatisfactory condition of many of the plane trees in the Mall and in Hyde Park is due to a plague of caterpillars; and, if so, what measures he is taking to prevent its recurrence next year by the destruction of their breeding places?

asked the First Commissioner of Works what steps he is taking to destroy, by spraying with sodium phosphate, the plague of insects on the iron railings of the south side of Hyde Park, in order to reduce the damage by these insects to the trees in various parts of Hyde Park?

The plague of caterpillars in the Royal parks is a question which has been under consideration, and I have sought specialist advice on the subject. I am assured that the present condition of the trees in the Mali is not due to these insects, and I would refer to my reply to the question by my hon. Friend the Member for West Fulham (Sir C. Cobb) on 3rd July, in which I indicated the steps which I propose to take in regard to those trees. I agree however, that all possible measures should be taken to eradicate the vapourer moth, and, although by spraying and by the collection of cocoons considerable reduction in their number has been effected, I am in communication with the Plant Pathological Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries with a view to taking what further measures against them are deemed desirable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a large number of earwigs, and will he take steps with regard to them also?

Why have not steps been taken sooner to avoid this destruction?

As I stated in my answer, I am satisfied, on the advice given me, that it is not caterpillars that are destroying these trees but the effect of the two years' drought. Caterpillars are always with us during the summer.

Why are no steps taken until a question is put down on the Order Paper?

As I pointed out in my answer, steps have been taken continuously in the past and have been taken during the winter.

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Rothamstead authorities, who are making investigations as to the destruction of these insect pests and who have considerable knowledge on the subject?

I rely on the Plant Pathological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, who are advised by other entomological associations throughout the country. There is no case of waiting for a question, even if it is put by Lord Beaverbrook.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, as owing to faulty architectural construction it is not possible to light effectively the new Italian rooms at the National Gallery in daytime, he will state what course he proposes to adopt in order that the public may see the pictures in daylight hours in these rooms?

I assume that my hon. Friend is alluding to the Duveen Gallery which was opened four years ago. I am not prepared to accept the view that the natural lighting of this room is ineffective for the exhibition of Italian pictures. On dark days electric light is now available, and I do not consider therefore that the conditions warrant any scheme of reconstruction. I understand, however, that the Director proposes to rehang some of the darker toned pictures now in the Duveen room elsewhere, and to substitute other brighter pictures in their place.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the number of foreign- made safety razor blades and the number of British-made blades supplied to the Office of Works for use in prisons and Borstal institutions for the year ended 30th June, 1934, or to the nearest available date?

Approximately 68,000 safety razor blades were supplied during the year ended 30th June, 1934, all of them British made. No foreign razor blades were bought.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that a charge of 2d. far the whole day is made for seats in the parks; and whether, in view of the fact that these seats are occupied by the majority of persons during the mid-day lunch hour for periods of 30 to 40 minutes only, he will consider reducing the charge to 1d. for a limited period, whereby an increase in the revenue would be obtained combined with increased amenities to the public?

I am aware of the charge which is at present made for seats in the Royal parks, and I will give consideration to my hon. Friend's suggestion that a reduced charge should be made for a limited period at mid-day. I 'should add, however, that the letting of chairs is the subject of a licence to a contractor and such a, modification could be made only by arrangement with the contractor.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will state the number of cases on 1st July, 1934, in which a delay of more than 14 days has occurred in the issue of final documents of title after receipt of Application for registration by His Majesty's Land Registry?

Is the right hon. Gentleman Aware that there are a large number of persons who frequent the parks during the luncheon hour and who are charged 2d., which is a very heavy charge upon their slender resources?

I quite agree, and I am entirely sympathetic, but this contract is of some considerable standing, and, unless the contractor agrees to a reduction, I have no power to impose it. If the contractor would take the risk, I fancy it would be well worth taking and would be profitable.

Why charge 2d. for these seats for such 'a short period for human beings when millions of caterpillars are let in for nothing?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number and the value of the horses exported during the first six months of the present year to France, Belgium and Holland?

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I am not sure what is the precise information which my hon. Friend requires, but on Monday, 2nd July, 349 certificates were issued, and in 23 of these cases more than 14 days had elapsed between the 'application for registration and the issue of the certificate. Twenty- one of these 23 cases were in respect of dealings in areas in which registration is not compulsory.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Land Registry is about the hardest working legal Department, and that for the last three weeks voluntary overtime has been worked by the staff in order to get through the work?

I am not aware of that particular fact, but I think the figures I have given answer the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the approximate weekly cost to the shipowners of a 10,000-ton cargo boat that is lying idle on account of lack of trade; and what amount of dock dues have to be paid, if any?

The cost of laying-up a vessel is dependent mainly upon the number of men kept on board and the amount of maintenance work carried out. The dock or harbour dues vary according to the locality, but form only a small part of the total cost. I am informed that the cost of laying-up a 10,000-ton cargo boat ranges between £16 and £31 a week, including dock or harbour dues.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of flour mills in Scotland that have been bought by English milling companies; the number that have been closed after purchase; and the number of workers who have been dismissed in consequence of change in ownership or closing of the mills, respectively?

I regret that the desired information is not available.

Are not these matters recorded? Why cannot the hon. Gentleman give the information?

Information as to the number of flour mills in Scotland which have been bought by English milling companies is not available either at the Board of Trade or elsewhere.

I only want to know the number that have been closed.

"After purchase," the question says.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a serious decrease in the number of flour mills all over the country and not only in Scotland? It is a much more important matter than he gives credit for. Will he not look into the matter?

I will, of course, make inquiries in view of the interest taken in the House, but the information supplied to me is that these particulars are not available, and I am not able to go beyond that to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the figures of the importation of flour in 280 lb. sacks into Scotland in each of the years 1924 to 1933, and if there has been any reduction during that period; and whether there has been any increase in the quantities of flour sent from England to Scotland during the same period?

I regret that the precise information desired is not available. Particulars of goods passing into Scotland from England are not recorded, nor are particulars of the foreign trade of Scotland recorded separately from those of the United Kingdom as a whole. The quantity and declared value of flour imported in the foreign trade and entered at certain of the principal ports in Scotland is, however, published in Volume IV of the Annual Statement of Trade; such imports declined from 4.8 million cwts in 1924 to 3.1 million cwts. in 1932 and 3.3 million cwts. in 1933.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what response has been made by the various colonies to his suggestions regarding the importation of Japanese goods?

Of the territories which were invited to introduce a system of quota restriction of the imports of foreign piece goods, of which I gave a list on the 16th of May in reply to a question by the hon. Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. Williams), the great majority have already taken the necessary action. According to the information at present available, action has been taken in the Bahamas, Barbados, British Guiana, Cyprus, Fiji, Gambia, Gold Coast, Jamaica, the Malay States, Malta, Mauritius, Nigeria, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Straits Settlements, Trinidad. Apart from action as to textile quotas, special duties have been imposed in the West African Colonies on imports of certain other manufactured goods from Japan.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now state the name of the chairman and the names of the other members of the statutory committee under Part I of the Unemployment Act; and what salary the chairman, the vice-chairman, and the other members of the committee are to receive?

I am at present unable to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member's question on Thursday last.

What is the cause of the delay? Is it because the employers have not sent in their delegation?

:No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of persons employed in coal-mining in South Wales on 30th Jnue, 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934; and the number of registered unemployed coal-miners in the area on the same dates?

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

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the cost of the two destroyers which have been placed at the disposal of the ex-King of Bulgaria in order to join the Ornithological Congress visit to bird sanctuaries off the Welsh coast will entirely be borne out of the public purse?

This question is based on a misapprehension. No destroyer has been placed at the disposal of the ex-King of Bulgaria. During the recent International Ornithological Congress, attended by the representatives of 25 nations, and held in this country for the first time for nearly 30 years, two destroyers were detailed to convey some members of the Congress to certain islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire. Only a. slight modification of the normal programme of the destroyers was involved, and there was no additional expense to public funds.

Will the First Lord tell us the number on board these two vessels and the time they remained there?

If the hon. Member will put that question down, I shall be very glad to answer it. I will content myself with saying now that we have received many courtesies at this Congress when we have visited abroad, and I am only too glad to be able to repay them. I think these small international courtesies do more to promote international good will than anything else.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total quantity of coal exported from Great Britain and South Wales, respectively, during the 12 months before and since the trade agreements were made with Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, the Argentine, and Finland, together with the price per ton during the same period?

The Trade Agreements do not all operate from the same date, and statistics in respect of a period of 12 months since the coal provisions of the agreements came into force are in most cases not yet available. The table which I will circulate gives the information asked for in respect of the 12 months ended 'May, 1934, during the greater part of which period the agreements were in operation, together with corresponding information for the previous 12 months.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any statement to make regarding the accident which occurred at Pooley Hall Colliery, Warwickshire, on the evening of Thursday, 12th July?

I have had a preliminary report from the Divisional Inspector, from which it appears that a fire broke out in one of the main intake airways at Pooley Hall Colliery on the evening of Thursday, 12th July. I regret that two men were trapped inbye of the fire and were overcome by the fumes. Every effort was made to rescue them alive, but unfortunately without success. Their bodies were recovered on Friday evening. The House will, I am sure, join me in expressing deep sympathy with the relatives and friends of the deceased. Steps were immediately taken to seal off the burning area, and no difficulty is anticipated in dealing effectively with it. Investigations into the details of the occurrence are still proceeding.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask him if he is personally satisfied that this disastrous accident was not the result in any way of any fault of the men?

Until the examination is completed it is impossible to say.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to investigate the theory that the tarring of roads is possibly connected with the existence of cancer?

Investigations on this matter are already being undertaken in various quarters and any available information on the subject will receive careful consideration by the Departmental Committee on Cancer. My right hon. Friend is advised, however, that prolonged inquiries will be necessary before any definite conclusions can he reached.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in the provision of playing fields in rural areas; and what use is being made of the increased provincial facilities now available?

In the five years ended March, 1934, nearly £262,000 was sanctioned for the purchase and lay-out of lands for recreation in rural areas. My right hon. Friend is aware also that much other land has been provided in rural areas for recreation by gift or otherwise. He regrets that he has not statistics of the use made of available facilities.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses completed in Lancashire under the 1930 Housing Act; the number of houses at present under construction; the number of houses which have been demolished under this Act; and the number of persons living in the said houses prior to demolition?

The numbers of new houses completed and under construction under this Act in the geographical County of Lancashire at the 31st May last were 2,032 and 1,620 respectively. The number of houses which had been demolished (or partly closed) under the Act in the county at the 31st March, 1934, was 1,940 and the number of persons displaced therefrom was 7,914.

asked the Minister of Health how many town-planning authorities are making use of Section 12 of the Town and Country Planning Act, dealing with the external appearance of buildings; and what steps he proposes to take to bring this Section into more general use?

Twenty-six planning schemes made under the Town Planning Acts, contain provisions for the control of the external appearance of buildings. In addition local authorities preparing schemes under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, have power to exercise control in this matter during the preparation of a scheme. It is known that many authorities are exercising this power. The model clauses which are now being prepared for the use of local authorities in formulating their schemes under the Act contain provisions on the subject. My right hon. Friend does not think that any further action in the matter is necessary at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland draws attention in his report to the desirability of increasing the number of young special constables; and whether any steps are being taken in this direction?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the report of His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland for 1933 recommends that chief constables should endeavour to recruit some younger men as special constables. A copy of the report has been sent to each chief constable in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information to give to the House in connection with the expulsion from South-West Africa of Captain von Lonitzer, a leader of the Hitler youth movement; if, in connection with the raid which was made on the headquarters of the Nazi movement, he will state what was the nature of the incriminating documents that were found in the offices; and whether he intends taking any action in the matter?

As regards the first and second parts of the question, I have no information beyond that which has appeared in the Press. As regards the third part, this matter is solely one for His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa, by whom the Mandate is administered.

asked the. Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the actuarial inquiry provided for in the Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1925, Section 15 (1), has been carried out; and, if this has been done, whether it has been found that the contributions payable under the Act should be revised?

My Noble Friend is advised by the Government Actuary that the actuarial inquiry in question is now being proceeded with, and he hopes that it will be completed towards the end of this year. In accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1925, the report will be laid before Parliament.

May I ask my hon. -Friend whether, in view of the fact that the provision was put into the Act in order to ascertain whether pension contributions are equitable or not, he will do his best to expedite the inquiry?

I think that the report of the inquiry will be forthcoming towards the end of the year, and that is the earliest we can expect it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the intention of the Government in regard to the raising of the school age; and whether he will make a statement on this matter?

My Noble Friend has given long and anxious consideration to this matter, but, in view of existing financial obligations and the competing claims of other educational services, he does not regard legislation for raising the school age as practicable at the present time.

Is the hon. Member aware of the great disappointment that his answer will cause, and can he tell the House the financial arrangement which would be incurred by the additional schooling? Further, can he say if the words "present time," means the whole length of this Parliament, even if it exists until October, 1936?

The Government's view was recently stated very fully by my Noble Friend, and I cannot usefully add anything to that statement.

Is it not the case that there has been a very marked decline in juvenile unemployment during the last 12 months?

Can the hon. Member say what is the comparative cost of the raising of the school-leaving age as against the cost of keeping the children under the unemployment scheme in instructional centres?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what the present position is with regard to the new uniform for the Army that has been on trial for some time?

The final reports on the trials are now due.

Will there be a report of the trials during the present training season?

We are now receiving the reports of the trials over a very extended period, and they will have to be considered by the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to prevent disorder arising out of the proposed Fascist meeting at the White City on the Sunday before August bank holiday?

I understand that the arrangements for the proposed meeting have been cancelled.

Has the Home Secretary seen the comments that were made by a stipendiary magistrate about these Fascists?

No, Sir. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will send me particulars?

As a matter of fact, I have sent them to the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the Chief Constable of Portsmouth in connection with the parade of several hundreds of Blackshirts that marched through the streets of Portsmouth, with the assistance of the police, on Wednesday night to celebrate the arrival of the two German cruisers on Wednesday afternoon; whether he has any information in connection with the meeting that was held on Wednesday night; and if any persons were arrested or injured?

Yes, Sir; I have received a report from the Chief Constable of Portsmouth who informs me that a Fascist meeting was held at the Guildhall, Portsmouth, on the evening of the 11th instant, Sir Oswald Mosley being the principal speaker. The police have no knowledge that the meeting had any connection with the visit of the German cruisers. At the conclusion of the meeting about 300 Fascists in uniform marched in formation back to their local headquarters. They had no special assistance from the police, the route being policed as it is for other processions. There was no occasion to make any arrests. One man was slightly injured while walking along the pavement, receiving a superficial wound on the side of the head. There was no other incident worthy of note.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the conditions under which the police have to perform their duties, he is prepared to authorise the wearing of open-necked shirts without a tunic during the present heat-wave, or to permit any departure from the wearing of full-dress uniform?

The uniform used by the Metropolitan Police has been care-

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total sum involved in the templorary advances from the Consolidated Fund to the various industries since 31st October, 1931?

The only temporary advances to industries made from the Consolidated Fund since 31st October, 1931, are those made under the North Atlantic Shipping Act, 1934, amounting up to date to £265,000.

May I ask the Lord President of the Council what Orders it is proposed to take if the House passes the Motion to suspend the Eleven o'Clock Rule?

We shall take the Committee stage of the Cattle Industry (Emergency Provisions) Money Resolution, and the remaining stages of the Colonial Stock Bill.