asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases referred to the umpire under the Unemployment Insurance Acts during the first six months of 1934; the number at present outstanding; and the number awaiting decision for longer than a month?

The number of cases referred to the umpire during the first six months of 1934 was 7,356. The cases at present awaiting decision number 550, of which very few are as much as a month old.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered as unemployed at the latest available date at Barnsley, Wake- field and Hemsworth, and the corresponding figures for the same date during the past five years?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the reopening of the Castleton Employment Exchange on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as the closing of the same is causing considerable hardship to some 400 unemployed who have now to travel into Rochdale twice weekly, involving a journey of six miles there and back?

I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will furnish the House with a return of the total strength of the Liverpool city police force and with a return of the number of dismissals, rank reductions, and voluntary resignations in that force during the last two years?

I have obtained the figures from the Chief Constable of Liverpool, and with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission will have them printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Home Secretary for what period Lord Trenchard was appointed Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis; and whether any limit has been laid down?

No definite period was laid down for Lord Trenchard's appointment. When he accepted the appointment he expressed a wish that he should not be looked upon as likely to remain Commissioner of Police for any great length of time and that he might be relieved of his post after about two years or as early as might be convenient to His Majesty's Government. At present no definite date has been fixed for the termination of Lord Trenchard's appointment, though His Majesty's Government are fully aware of his wishes in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether investigation has been made into the circumstances attending the death of Private Arthur Pass, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, at Bayswater; whether any arrests have been made in connection therewith; and also whether any effort has been made to arrest the members of the Notting Hill gang who, in conjunction with Communists and gangsters, have been terrorising members of the Territorial Army in the Paddington area over a considerable period?

The circumstances attending the death of Private Arthur Pass was investigated by the coroner at the inquest which was opened on 26th June and concluded on 17th July, when an open verdict was returned. Immediate inquiries were made by the police as soon as the case was brought to their notice on 24th June, but no arrest has been made. The investigation is, however, being continued. I am informed that no information or complaint has reached the police that any persons in the Notting Hill district have been combining to terrorise members of the Territorial Army or anyone else in the Paddington area and that the police have no knowledge of any "Notting Hill gang."

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any inspectors have vet been appointed to be responsible, as far as the Board of Education is concerned, for the inspection of junior instruction centres for unemployed boys and girls; and, if so, whether, in the case of the girls' centres where the curriculum will necessarily include domestic subjects, it is proposed to appoint a due proportion of women?

Five of the board's existing staff of inspectors have been specially assigned full-time to this work, and an equivalent number of new appointments have been made to provide for the normal inspection duties thus relinquished. No women inspectors have yet been specially assigned for this purpose; but in all cases where girls' work is concerned the board are arranging that the inspectors charged with the duty of inspecting junior instruction centres shall I have the advice and assistance of their women colleagues who are expert in subjects designed particularly for girls.

Are we to understand that these male inspectors, before they inspect girls doing domestic work, have to go round and hunt out a woman to accompany them? Would it not be simpler to appoint some women inspectors?

The duplication of these inspectors would be a very expensive matter. I have already pointed out that the men have whatever assistance they require from their women colleagues.

Seeing that there are more girls than boys, how would that make the proposal more expensive?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the salaries and pensions of transferred inspectors will be borne by the Ministry of Labour or by the Board of Education

I am not certain about that; I think by the Board of Education, but I should like to have notice.

Is the hon. Gentleman going to appoint any women inspectors to these positions fairly soon?

I have already said that no women inspectors have yet been specially appointed for this purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that cases of injury from wood splinters to scholars at the London County Council elementary school, Barrow Hill Road, St. John's Wood, still continue; and whether he will now implement his promise to remedy this state of affairs, made when one of these cases led to the death of a child in November, 1932, and thus allay the concern of parents in that neighbourhood?

My Noble Friend is informed that some further complaints have been received by the London County Council of minor injuries to children at the Barrow Hill Road School. The council have already replaced or repaired the furniture where necessary, and they are at the present time considering the most satisfactory means of avoiding any risk from splinters on the floors of the assembly halls.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any progress has been made in the negotiations concerning the proposed technical college for Mexborough?

The Board are awaiting a reply from the local education authority to the communication referred to in the answer given to the hon. Member on the 5th July.

In view of the great interest taken in technical education in Mexborough, will the hon. Gentleman try to facilitate the provision of such a college?

We are awaiting a reply from the local authority, which may come at any time now. There are difficult questions involved, and the local authority had to take time to reply, particularly having regard to the work of neighbouring institutions, and in order to avoid overlapping with neighbouring technical institutions.

Is the hon. Member aware that there have been well over 1,000 students in attendance at various technical schools in the last few years, and, in view of the enormous interest taken in technical education there, do not the Board of Education feel that it is their duty to have a technical college in Mexborough?

We are waiting for the reply of the local authority.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of classes in elementary schools in which the number of pupils exceeded 50 in 1932 and 1933, respectively?

The number of classes in public elementary schools in England and Wales containing more than 50 pupils was 7,986 on 31st March, 1932, and 8,296 on 31st March, 1933. Figures are also now available for the year ended 31st March, 1934, and show that the number of these classes decreased in that year by 2,111, making a total of 6,185.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Tickhill Urban District Council have submitted a scheme to deal with slum clearance in their area; and, if so, how far the scheme is consistent with the recent survey in the area by county council officers?

Yes, Sir. The action proposed is not, however, so extensive as that recommended by the county medical officer of health, and I am now awaiting the result of further consideration of the matter by the district council.

Are we to understand from that reply that the right hon. Gentleman is writing to the urban district council asking for a revised scheme?

Yes. There have been communications with the urban district council.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will withhold his approval of the Collyhurst, Manchester, clearance order on the report of 'his inspector, till after Parliament has reassembled, to allow of sufficient time to enable all the interests of the present inhabitants and tenants to be justly considered?

No, Sir. I see no ground for delaying my decision in this case.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the percentage of rehousing in the Collyhurst, Manchester, clearance scheme is in the later proposal still much below that desired by the present inhabitants; and what he proposes to do to see that the percentage is increased?

No, Sir. I have not received representations on this point. Moreover I am not in a position to reach any final decision with the corporation as to the accommodation to be provided on this site until I have given my decision upon the compulsory purchase order submitted by the corporation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the corporation in the light of the wishes of the inhabitants?

That is hardly my function. The matter is not yet ripe for consideration.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that many corporations are acquiring clearance sites at site value, are using them, and are charging the full rent, and will he see that that does not occur in this case?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the failure of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1933, to provide sufficient houses to be let at reasonable rents for working people in the Llwchwr Urban Council area, and in the industrial districts of South Wales generally; and whether he will introduce a Measure to grant financial assistance to local authorities to enable houses to be built and to satsify the urgent demand for houses of this type?

No local authority in South Wales has submitted proposals for action under Section 2 of the Act of 1933. As regards the last part of the question,:[would refer the hon. Member to my observations made in the course of the recent Debate on the Estimates of my Department.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a resolution from the council protesting that assistance has not been extended to them and that they are unable to proceed with the building of suitable houses because of the want of assistance

I am unable to identify the resolution to which the hon. Gentleman refers. Perhaps he will put down a specific question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is an increasing demand in many parts of England and Wales for small dwellings of a type suitable for occupation by aged persons; and whether he proposes to introduce any legislation to assist local authorities to provide such dwellings at low rentals?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I must ask the hon. Member to await the introduction of the Bill.

asked the Minister of Health whether any Exchequer grants are available under the Housing Act, 1530, for the provision of re-housing accommodation for persons of the working classes who are displaced in those cases where two back-to-back houses are converted into one through house?

Yes, Sir. This matter has been receiving close consideration and it has now been decided that. in the circumstances suggested, grants may be paid towards the necessary re-housing on the basis of the number of persons contained in the smaller of the two families inhabiting the two houses before conversion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman paying very particular attention to the matter of conversion in Bethnal Green?

asked the Minister of Health how many resolutions have been submitted for his approval by the London County Council up to 30th June, 1934, in connection with the replanning of built areas in the administrative county of London under the powers contained in the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932?

Three, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of houses which have been completed under the Housing Act, 1933, by arrangement with building societies and the number for which plans have been approved?

Complete returns for the period up to 30th June, 1934, have not yet been received from the local authorities concerned. As soon as practicable I will send the hon. Member the information available from those returns.

asked the Minister of Health whether he, has considered the communication from the clerk of the Tyldesley Urban District Council drawing his attention to two colliery refuse tips which are on fire, and the fact that the fumes given off have caused the people living in the vicinity to complain to the council; and what he intends to do in the matter?

Complaints have been received from the council and I am arranging for a local investigation by an inspector of the Department.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in March, 1933, Mr. T. Burns, of 12, Mackenzie Street, Towngate, Leeds, applied for a pension, under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908–24; that the Ministry accept the gross figures given by Mr. Burns as his earnings; that they accept the figures he quotes for bad debts, wages, rent and repairs, but refuse to accept the figures of 18s. lid. per week as the cost of feeding a 17-hands carthorse; that, as a result, they assess his net earnings as £100 14s. 8d.; on what grounds they dispute the figure of 18s. 11d. per week; and whether he will inquire into the case in order that, if Mr. Burns is not eligible for a full pension of 10s. per week, he may be awarded a smaller sum?

I apologise for the length of the answer. Yes, Sir. Mr. Burns appealed against a decision of the local pension committee that he was not entitled to a pension on the ground of means. His appeal was considered carefully and in detail, and it was decided in June last to uphold the committee's decision. As my hon. Friend has been informed, although Mr. Burns had been advised on the occasion of a previous claim to keep a record of the expenses of his business, he was unable on this occasion to produce evidence rebutting the figures obtained locally as to the cost of keeping a horse. The decision on that claim is in law final, but it is open to him to make a fresh claim. Should the case come before me on appeal, any fresh evidence will be considered, but pending an appeal I have no jurisdiction in the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local pension committee granted Burns a pension of 10s. per week in May, 1933, but that the local pensions officer appealed against this decision and won the case; and did the Minister dismiss the application of Burns solely on the report of that officer?

No Sir, certainty not. There is a difficulty in dealing with this matter in answer to a supplementary question, because it is outside my jurisdiction and can only be raised by a further appeal.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be willing to allow me to see the entire correspondence which has passed?

asked the Minister of Health the total sum of the applications made for the £1,000,000 grant for improving rural water supplies?

The total estimated capital cost of schemes submitted for grant is £2,040,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the gentlemen's agreement given by the brewers to purchase as large a quantity of English barley as possible will operate again as regards the sale of this year's crop of malting barley?

I have been in communication with the Brewers' Society and am informed that they have already strongly recommended their members to continue to adhere to the undertaking given to me last year in regard to the purchase of home-grown barley.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the sale of a farm in Kent where special attention is directed to the fact that the occupier has the right under the Hops Marketing Scheme to grow hops on 25 acres; whether any warning has been issued pointing out that the present scheme is only temporary; and whether he has any means of keeping a record of such sales of land where monopoly powers are granted under the various marketing schemes?

I have seen a Press announcement in which it is stated that a certain farm, to be offered for sale to-day, is registered under the Hops Marketing Scheme to grow 25 acres of hops. I would point out that the Hops Marketing Scheme places no limitation on the area which may be planted to hops. As the hon. Member has pointed out, the quota provisions relating to hops tendered for sale by registered producers, which were recently added to the scheme by an amendment, are operative for a 'limited period only, that is until 31st July, 1939. The Hops Marketing Board are taking steps to bring the amendments to the notice of every registered producer. As regards the last part of the question, the answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the grant to the potato virus research scheme at Corstorphine has been reduced, and that the effect of the reduction will be to discontinue the research now being carried on at that station; whether the equivalent research station in England is being similarly curtailed; and if any alternative work on this scheme is being undertaken in the future in Scotland?

I regret that it has not been possible to continue assistance from public funds to this scheme of research on the same scale as it was given from the Empire Marketing Fund, but the work will be continued with certain modifications in the current year. For information regarding the investigation which is being carried on in England, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the understanding reached with the brewers and anounced in the Budget Speech of 1933, whereby the brewers undertook to improve the gravities of their beers by at least two degrees, is still in operation and will continue to be observed?

Yes, Sir. The undertaking as to gravities given to me by the Brewers' Society in connection with the reduction of the Beer Duty in last year's Budget was that the society would "use its influence to induce all brewers to raise the gravity of their beers by at least two degrees." I am informed that the society has frequently impressed on its members that in its view this additional gravity should continue to be given.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now come to any decision as to the removal of the national stud from the Irish Free State to this country?

As I indicated in a reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) on 15th March last, I do not consider the removal of the national stud to this country to be practicable.

Inasmuch as this is a national institution, is there any justification for its continued existence in the Irish Free State, especially at a cost to the English taxpayer?

A very large capital sum would be involved in its transfer to this country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it can be transferred to the United Kingdom without leaving Ireland?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is in a position to make a statement as to the action to be taken on the report of the Crown Lands Advisory Committee on Carlton House Terrace and Carlton Gardens?

The Commissioners of Crown Lands propose to adopt the report as a guide to their policy for the present, and they will therefore restrict tenancies to the purposes mentioned in the report with the intention of deferring consideration of a rebuilding policy until a reasonable period of years has elapsed. They must hold themselves free to review the matter from time to time, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, in the light of the financial results, but in view of the unique position of the Terrace, I hope there will be little or no difficulty about lettings and no occasion therefore for revision of policy until the question of rebuilding comes up for review at the time suggested in the report. The committee suggested two alternative ways of dealing with the upper storey of the Pinchin Johnson building, namely, removing the storey, if this were practicable, or, if this could not be done, leaving the building in isolation at that height instead of bringing the height of any new buildings into line with it hereafter. I have come to the conclusion that the first alternative is not practicable, and policy will accordingly be governed by the second. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Lord Gorell and his committee for their very valuable assistance in this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that German purchases of British herring have now ceased owing to exchange restrictions; and, having regard to the disastrous effects of this measure on the present fishing season, will he endeavour to arrange for the German Government to allow temporary currency facilities for these purchases pending the completion of the final exchange agreement?

I would refer to the reply which was given my hon. Friend on 24th July on this subject. My right hon. Friend is aware that the present exchange situation has had a very serious effect on the sale of United Kingdom herring to Germany. I can assure my hon. Friend that the importance of the herring industry is not being overlooked in the negotiations now proceeding with the German authorities.

Would my hon. and gallant Friend consider instructing the negotiators now in Berlin to try to get temporary accommodation in respect of the small amount of foreign exchange required?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that there are other industries which are seriously affected by the German exchange situation, and it is better to press for a very early settlement of a general exchange agreement which will benefit those industries, including the herring industry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Tan Kah Kee and Company, Limited, have gone into liquidation through selling rubber footwear at unremunerative prices in the United Kingdom; and whether he will use his influence in the interests of trade, both in. Malaya and the United Kingdom, to prevent other Malayan manufacturers from adopting a similar policy of dumping in the United Kingdom market?

I am aware that Messrs. Tan Kah Kee and Company, Limited, have gone into liquidation, but I do not know whether this was due to the reasons stated by my hon. Friend. As regards the second part of the question, I am not in a position to add anything to the reply which my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade gave to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedford (Mr. Lennox-Boyd) on Monday last.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the travelling rates charged to season ticket holders by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company in the Liverpool district are substantially higher than in any other district; and whether, bearing in mind that there is not now the severe omnibus competition to contend with, he will represent to the railway company that they should review their charges and bring them down to a more equitable basis?

The Minister is not aware that the rates charged to season ticket holders by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway in the Liverpool district are substantially higher than in any other district. The standard rates for season tickets on the railways a the amalga- mated companies were settled by the Railway Rates Tribunal under the provisions of the Railways Act, 1921, and he is informed by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company that the rates charged by them for season tickets in the Liverpool district are either the standard rates or rates below the standard. My hon. Friend has no jurisdiction in this matter.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that in Scotland—in Glasgow—it is possible to travel twice as far for 50 per cent. less than the rate that has to be paid in Liverpool?

asked the Attorney-General whether he can give any estimate of the net cost, after allowing for Income Tax and fees paid by litigants, of providing three additional judges for the King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice?

I can only give a conjectural estimate. The cost of providing three additlional judges of the King's Bench Division, after allowing for court fees, would be roughly £18,200, in addition to an indefinite sum which I cannot at present estimate representing the cost of making provision, in addition to existing premises which are fully occupied, for three judges' courts, three judges' rooms, and other necessary accommodation for subordinate staff, and the cost of postage, stationery, and the liability for pensions. The figure I have given takes into account the gross sums paid for salaries on the assumption that the temporary reduction of salaries is not in force; the proper deduction for Income Tax would depend on a variety of circumstances, and I can give no estimate of this.

Is it not a fact that, except for a very few weeks of the legal year, over half the courts in the King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice are empty?

That is quite true, but during the other part of the year they are full.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will arrange with the London County 'Council that persons who apply through a post office for a driver's licence or a renewal thereof should also be given on demand a stamped addressed envelope in which to send the application form, which is now provided, the old licence, and the fee to the council's proper address?

I am afraid that the arrangement would involve complications, as the regulations require that the completed form should be forwarded to the taxation department of the council in whose area the applicant resides; and many persons obtaining forms at post offices in London reside outside.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is reconsidering the scale of wages paid to lower grade postal workers; what possibilities exist for increasing the pay of postmen and when he expects to be in a position to announce the results of his further negotiations on the matter with the Postal Workers' Union?

My right hon Friend has agreed that discussions shall take place with representatives of the staff, and arrangements for these discussions are now being made.

Do we understand that these discussions will include postmen and lower-paid postal workers?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answer that I have given.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will obtain reports regarding the flying characteristics of the two aircraft "Scylla" and "Syrinx," particularly in adverse weather conditions, so that he may decide whether any changes are necessary in the conditions of their certificates of airworthiness

I am advised that there is no ground for holding that any changes are necessary in the conditions of the certificates of airworthiness for this type of aircraft. The two machines in question fully satisfy all airworthiness requirements.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to increase the number of cadets at Cranwell; and, if so, by how many?

The number of permanent commissions granted in the Royal Air Force each year is limited by the necessity for providing careers satisfactory as regards length of service and prospects of promotion. The recent decision of His Majesty's Government will allow of some increase in the number, but I am not yet in a position to say what the increase will be or how the additional vacancies will, be allocated between the several sources of supply, namely, candidates from the universities, from the public schools via Cranwell, and from within the service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) whether any and, if so, how- many of the new squadrons of the Royal Air Force will be recruited on a territorial basis;

(2) how many of the new squadrons will be flying-boat squadrons?

The programme for the expansion of the Royal Air Force is still in course of elaboration. I may say, however, that one or perhaps two flying-boat squadrons will be formed, and that the possibility of increasing the existing number of squadrons recruited on a territorial basis will receive careful consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up a Government Department for the encouragement of the tourist traffic to Britain on the lines of those established in France and other Continental countries?

No, Sir. The Travel and Industrial Development Association of Great Britain and Ireland was formed in 1929 to perform the functions referred to. Each year since its inception the association has received a grant from His Majesty's Government to assist it in its work, which it performs in cooperation where necessary with the Government Departments concerned and with the relevant bodies in Scotland and Ireland.

asked the Prime Minister whether, arising out of the report of the Select Committee on Procedure, he can state what action, if any, the Government propose to take?

The Select Committee appointed to consider the Procedure of this House, which sat in Sessions 1930–31 and 1931–32, under the chairmanship of my hon. Friend, the Member for Leith (Mr. E. Brown), took a great deal of evidence, and the Government are indebted to the Committee for the time and care which they devoted to their inquiry. The Committee consisted of Members of all parties, and, after the consideration of weighty evidence, came to the unanimous opinion that

" the Procedure of Parliament is sufficiently flexible to meet all the demands made upon it."

The Government have given most careful consideration to the Committee's recommendations, and I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the decisions to which the Government have come.

The chief recommendations of the Committee refer to the Estimates Committee and the work of Standing Committees. The Government propose to accept the recommendation that greater powers should be conferred upon the Chairmen of Standing Committees by giving them the power to select Amendments, and will propose, as a necessary corollary to the acceptance of this recommendation, the appointment of a panel of Members to act both as Temporary Chairmen of Committees of the Whole House and Chairmen of Standing Committees. Mr. Speaker has consented to appoint this panel. The Government consider that the grant of greater powers to the Chairmen of Standing Committees and the change in method of their appointment are important improvements in procedure which will make for the more efficient working of the Standing Committee system.

Will the House have an opportunity of debating the report?

Yes, Sir. We purpose proceeding with this business after the Recess. Communications will take place through the usual channels, and sufficient opportunity for debating these matters will be afforded.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from his Sheffield inspector in connection with the accident to two men who were buried in a trench while excavating near a canal at Neepsend, Sheffield; and whether the trench in question was properly timbered?

I have received a preliminary report on this accident, which occurred last Sunday. The circumstances will be further investigated, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether an order has yet been made for the extradition of Jacob Factor from the United States of America and how much has been spent up to the present time upon the legal proceedings involved; and what further expense is likely to be incurred?

After prolonged legal proceedings before the courts in the United States a decision was given by the Supreme Court in favour of the application by His Majesty's Government for Factor's extradition, but no order for his surrender has been made by the United States Government. The cost of these proceedings in Factor's case, so far as they can be isolated from those connected with the extradition of his associates, Klein and Geen, has amounted to approximately £11,800. It is not proposed that any further expenditure should be incurred.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that due vigilance is exercised by the officers of his Department to stop these men coming over to exploit innocent persons?

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of public assistance at the last date for which figures are available; and also the number for the corresponding date in the year 1931?

The total number of persons, men, women and children, in receipt of poor relief in England and Wales on Saturday, 30th June, 1934, excluding rate-aided persons in mental hospitals, persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only and casuals, was 1,325,307. The corresponding number on Saturday, 27th June, 1931, was 966,930.

In view of the fact that we are told that nearly a million workers have been found work in the last two years, to what cause does the Minister attribute this enormous increase?

The hon. Member will appreciate that in the class referred to here we are dealing with quite a different class.

Has the right bon. Gentleman any evidence that the increase of nearly 400,000 in the number of persons in receipt of poor relief is to be accounted for by the reduction in the number of persons in receipt of unemployment benefit by reason of the changed regulations?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any, decision has yet been reached as to the future of the Educational Endowments Commission for Scotland?

Yes, Sir. As about one-third of the work of the Commissioners is still uncompleted, the Government have decided to extend the duration of the Commission for two years after 31st December, 1934. I am to-day introducing a Bill for this purpose. It has also been decided that the Amending Bill should provide that in framing schemes the Commissioners shall have regard to the need for continuing to make provision for competitive bursaries at universities, central institutions or other educational institutions of a similar character, and further that the Secretary of State should be empowered to disapprove or amend schemes submitted by the Commissioners.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether arrangements for the publication of a Scottish police gazette and for its use by all Scottish police forces have now been completed?

Yes, Sir. The gazette will come into operation on 1st August, and under a police regulation which I have recently made, chief constables are required to use the gazette for the purpose of the rapid circulation to all police forces in Scotland of information regarding persons wanted by the police or property stolen in their police district, and to make arrangements for the supply of copies of each issue to police stations in every district.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of smallholders in the Island of Arran: and how many are feuars who have built their own steadings and, notwithstanding their having paid the agreed rent, have had their feus taken from them at the instance of the present landlord since the passing of the Land Act?

There are 333 subjects in Arran of 50 acres or less, but I am unable to say how many of the holders of these subjects are feuars or small landholders. I have no information on the matter raised in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there are no meal mills operating in the island of Arran at the present time, thus causing considerable inconvenience to farmers and smallholders; and whether he can state the number that have been discontinued within recent years and the reasons given for their discontinuance?

I have no information regarding the discontinuance of meal mills in Arran and no representations on the subject have reached me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now state the allocation of the grant of £137,500 for improving rural water supplies?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the report of the Committee on Sheep-Stock Valuations?

I understand that the Committee have almost completed their report and that I may expect to receive it early next month.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what proportion of the officers at present constituting the selection board for the promotion of majors of the Royal Artillery to the rank of lieutenant-colonel have served with mechanised artillery units?

There is one member of the selection board who served in the Royal Artillery. This officer did not serve in a mechanised unit since such units did not exist when he was a regimental officer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the position as regards promotion in the cavalry arm; and whether any special steps will be taken similar to those proposed for the infantry of the line?

The situation as regards promotion in the cavalry is on the whole favourable. No special steps are in contemplation other than the formation of a special list of selected Majors as in the case of the Infantry.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will at the earliest opportunity institute an inquiry as to the alleged serious irregularities in the adminstration of justice in Calcutta Police Court by the honourable S. K. Sinha, chief presidency magistrate, particularly in regard to the large percentage of appeals to the High Court where his decisions have been reversed?

I have nothing to add to the answers given to the right hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) and the hon. Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine) on 24th July.

What is the actual percentage of cases heard by the chief magistrate which have been reversed on appeal?

I have not that information. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a Question.

Have 75 per cent. of these cases in fact been reversed?

I have informed the hon. Member that I have no information on the subject.

Is not this gentleman now in London and could he not be taken to the India Office and taught his duties?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have yet come to a decision as to whether they will support the draft articles on the manufacture of, and trade in, arms adopted by a sub-committee of the Disarmament Conference on 27th June?

This matter is still under consideration.

Is there likely to be a decision before the meeting of the Assembly?

I do not think that question arises.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended that the negotiations in connec- tion with the Eastern Mutual Asistance Pact and the Disarmament Conference shall proceed concurrently, with a view to agreements being reached on these two subjects eomtemporaneously?

I think the position was made quite clear in the statement which my right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, made to the House on 13th July. He then explained that, in the view of His Majesty's Government, the conclusion of the proposed Eastern Pact and Germany's participation in the proposed system of reciprocal guarantees would afford the best ground for the resumption of negotiations for the conclusion of a Disarmament Convention such as would provide for a reasonable application of the principle of German equality of rights within a regime of security for all nations.

Do we understand that M. Barthou's statement that the two things have nothing to do with each other is not quite in accordance with the facts?

I cannot answer for M. Barthou.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the suspension for six months of the "Danziger Volksstimme," the organ of the social-democratic party of the free city of Danzig, by the police president; whether he is aware that at the meeting of the Council of the League of Nations on 18th January, 1934, when a similar problem was under discussion, the rapporteur stated that attempts to penalise a newspaper because of the opinions it expressed would, in his judgment, be a breach of the constitution of Danzig; whether he will state the grounds of the recent suspension of the "Danziger Volksstimme"; and whether, if there is even a prima facie ground for believing that this newspaper had expressed its opinions within the limits of the law, he will give notice that His Majesty's Government will bring the matter before the Council of the League of Nations at their first meeting?

I have no information regarding the suspension of this newspaper. The League of Nations High Commissioner is, however, the Council's representative in Danzig, and if complaint is made that a breach of the constitution has occurred necessitating action by the Council, it is for the High Commissioner to deal with the matter in the first instance. I have no doubt that if the High Commissioner thinks it desirable to bring the matter before the Council of the League, he will do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether be will state the position with regard to the practice of British troops in summer camp at Shanhaikwan proceeding outside the Great Wall for training, as they have done for 33 years under the Boxer protocol, and the objection raised by the Kwantung Japanese Army?

It has, I am informed, been the practice of the local British forces occasionally to make use of ground outside the Wall for training purposes. The question of their doing so has recently been raised by the local Japanese military authorities, and the matter is at present under consideration.

Will the Government undertake on this occasion to do something to resist the continuous Japanese encroachment?

I see no reason why the matter should not be satisfactorily settled.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the situation in Vienna?

The tragic events which occurred yesterday in Vienna have been extensively reported in to-day's Press. I have also received the official version of the events of yesterday, communicated verbally to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna last night. A summary is as follows:

It appears that about 11 o'clock yesterday morning a hundred men wearing Austrian Army uniform seized the Federal Chancery and made prisoners of the three Ministers of the Austrian Government who were present, namely, the Chancellor, Major Fey and Herr Karwinsky. The Chancellor was shot twice at close quarters. Simultaneously the Radio Headquarters were seized and a broadcast given out to the effect that Dr. Dollfuss had resigned and that Herr Rintelen had taken his place as Chancellor. There was no truth in these statements. Regular troops,. who were quickly 'Drought on the scene, recaptured the radio building and surrounded the Federal Chancery.

Throughout the afternoon negotiations proceeded between the insurgents and the regular forces, Major Fey acting as intermediary. The insurgents requested a safe conduct to the German border and this was promised to them, provided the three Cabinet Ministers were released unharmed. The German Minister at Vienna took part in these negotiations. The insurgents finally evacuated the Federal Chancery about 7 p.m., but about an hour previously the Chancellor had died of his wounds.

I understand that the insurgents are now in custody, the safe conduct promised to them being treated as having lapsed by reason of the death of the Chancellor, and that the identity of those who actually fired on the Chancellor is known.

In spite of the temporary success of the insurgents in seizing the Federal Chancery and the radio station, they received no general support from the population either in Vienna or the provinces, where, according to our latest reports, everything is now under control.

I called on the Austrian Minister this morning to express on my own behalf, and on behalf of His Majesty's Government, our horror at this cowardly outrage and our sympathy with Dr. Dollfuss' relations. Baron Franckenstein informed me that he had heard officially from his Government that Dr. Dollfuss lived for a considerable time after he was shot and was allowed to bleed to death by his assassins, who refused him both medical and spiritual aid.

I may add that the attitude of this country as to the independence and integrity of Austria, in accordance with the relevant treaties, as stated in the declaration which I made on behalf of His Majesty's Government in February last, remains unchanged by these tragic events.

Is my right hon. Friend able to say if there is any information from the Italian Government which he can give to the House? There is a report in the papers of the movement of troops towards the Tyrolean frontier.

No, Sir. I think that I am right in saying that up to the present we have had no communication from the Italian Government. As my right hon. Friend will be aware, these matters happen very hurriedly, and I think that I am right in saying that Signor Mussolini is not in Rome.