asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the serious illness of Mrs. Kamala Nehru, the wife of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, he will reconsider his decision and direct the liberation of the Pandit as an act of grace?

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was released in the summer for a period in order that he might be with his wife and he has been recently transfered to a jail near to the sanatorium, where she now is, so that he may see her once or twice weekly in accordance with the advice of the doctors. These are very considerable concessions and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to recommend to the Government of India that they should go beyond them.

Having regard to the fact that the Indian elections are over and having consideration of the serious illness of Mrs. Nehru, does not my hon. Friend consider that the time is opportune for the exercise of that clemency which would give widespread satisfaction in India?

I have nothing to add to what I have said.

Would it remove the difficulty if Pandit Nehru gave an undertaking not to interfere with politics until the expiration of his sentence?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can say how long Pandit Nehru had been free when he was sentenced last February; what court and what judge sentenced him to two years' imprisonment; and whether he has read the inflammatory speeches which were the subject of the charge?

Nehru had been at liberty for five and a-half months when he was sentenced by the Chief Presidency Magistrate, Calcutta, last February. I have not read the full text of the speeches in question but the summary contained in the magistrate's judgment leaves me in no doubt as to their seditious and inflammatory character.

The hon. Gentleman has not answered the second part of my question as to what court and what judge sentenced him.

In my original answer I said the Chief Presidency Magistrate of Calcutta sentenced him.

Is he the same judge who criticised my hon. Friend the Member for Hanley (Mr. Hales)?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give an assurance that, notwithstanding any change that may be made in the Government of India, no community of British citizens will be transferred to Native rule without their consent?

In any question of the cession of British territory or of jurisdiction previously exercised the wishes of the population affected are given the utmost possible weight in accordance with the circumstances of the case.

If the decision is against their wishes, will they have a right of appeal to Parliament?

am afraid everything must depend on the circumstances of the particular case in question.

Does "the utmost possible weight" include a free vote of the inhabitants, or is that not considered a matter of importance?

The best possible method of finding out the wishes of the inhabitants would be taken if such a case arose.

Would it be by a free vote?

Is it not the case that there have already been emphatic protests on the part of the citizens of Bangalore and Tangasseri against their proposed transfer respectively to the States of Mysore and Travancore?

understand that that question is to be raised later to-night, and that would be a more suitable time to go into it.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he was informed by the Viceroy of the communication sent to him in April by the Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes on behalf of himself and other Indian princes stating that it was clear that the White Paper could not satisfy the demands persistently made by the Chamber of Princes; for what reason has the letter in question been kept secret; and whether either the Viceroy or the Secretary of State have had any subsequent correspondence to indicate whether the Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes and the other princes referred to in the above letter have changed the opinion above expressed?

My right hon. Friend received a copy of the communication from His Highness the Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes to the Viceroy enclosing a copy of the letter to which my hon. Friend refers. This letter was marked "personal and confidential." As the context shows, the letter did not purport to convey any new view and was intended to be read in the light of the proceedings of the Chamber of Princes, dated 25th March, 1933, which are on record in the Library. I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the speech of His Highness the Maharaja of Patiala at that meeting. His Highness, after drawing attention to the safeguards which the Princes considered necessary, stated that these would in due course be placed before the Joint Select Committee by the witnesses who would appear on their behalf and by their representatives among the Indian Delegates to the Committee. My hon. Friend may rest assured that the recommendations of the Joint Committee have been framed with full regard to the points of view expressed by the Princes' witnesses and delegates. A meeting of the Chamber of Princes has been convened for the 21st January next.

Can my hon. Friend say whether his right hon. Friend is now convinced that the proposals of the Joint Select Committee fully satisfy the demands made persistently by the Chamber of Princes?

I think that in general the report of the Joint Select Committee may be said to have met the points put forward by the Princes. If my hon. Friend will refer to the recommendations of the Committee and the points laid down by the Princes, he will be able to form his own judgment.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the Bill will not be introduced until the Chamber of Princes has stated that the Princes are prepared to go into the Federation?

I am obviously not in a position to answer that question.

asked the Secretary of State for India the number of persons in this country drawing pensions from each of the gazetted Indian Services in the year ended 31st March, 1934, and the cost of these pensions to the Indian revenues?

In view of the large number of figures involved in the reply to the hon. Member's question, I am circulating the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for India the number of mines at work; the average number of persons employed; and the total production of coal in British India during 1932 and 1933?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I am having them circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for India the number of murderous outrages and offences, terrorist and otherwise, which have occurred in British India since the date on which he last gave such returns to the latest date for which such figures are available?

I am circulating statements in continuation of those supplied to the Noble Lady on the 9th July.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the number of terrorist conspiracies discovered in any provinces of British India; the number of persons charged in regard to each of these from the date in regard to which information relating to terrorist conspiracies was last given by him to the latest date for which figures are available?

I have asked the Government of India for this information and will communicate with the Noble Lady when I receive their reply.

Are we to understand that the India Office has no information as to terrorist conspiracy in British India later than to October last year, the figures for which the hon. Gentleman gave to the House?

The India Office is naturally in touch with the situation, but for greater accuracy it was thought wise to communicate with the Government of India so that the Noble Lady may be completely satisfied with the information given.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the revised estimates of last spring of the revenue receipts of the Government of India during 1933–34 fall below the estimates set forth in the report of the Joint Select Committee, paragraph 243, page 160, for that year; and, if so, by what amount?

The revenue and expenditure of the Government of India in 1933–34, according to the revised estimate prepared last spring, were each about £4,000,000 less than the figures to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he proposes to afford facilities for Mr. Sarat Bose, who has recently been elected unopposed to the legislative assembly, to discharge his duty as an elected representative?

So long as Sarat Bose is a State prisoner under Regulation III it will not be possible to allow him to attend the Assembly.

Do I understand that a member of the Assembly who has been duly elected will be prevented from exercising his function as a member of the Assembly?

I have stated that so long as he is a State prisoner under Regulation III it will not be possible to enable him to attend.

Do the Government contemplate releasing him so that he may be permitted to exercise his function as a Member of Parliament in India?

I would remind the hon. Gentleman that the detention of Mr. Bose was in the interests of securing the country from internal commotion.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Bose is opposed to the report of the Joint Select Committee?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in March last a deputation from the mercantile community of Bangalore was received by the Prime Minister of Mysore and obtained assurances that, after the proposed retrocession to Mysore, citizens of Bangalore would have representation in the Mysore legislature and would have no reason to regret becoming subjects of Mysore; and whether, as this proves that the inhabitants of Bangalore would become subjects of Mysore, he will give an assurance that the proposed retrocession will not be allowed to take place?

Through the courtesy of my Noble Friend I have seen a newspaper report of the deputation, but I cannot find in it any suggestion that the retrocession of an area in which British subjects reside at Bangalore would in itself make them subjects of Mysore State.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the document in question, from which it appears that the Prime Minister of Mysore, receiving a deputation from the mercantile community of Bangalore, said that they need have no fear about their future as citizens of the Mysore State?

I agree that there is a tendency to some confusion in this matter. As my right hon. Friend informed the Noble Lady on the 30th July, Mysore State claims that a very large proportion of the inhabitants of Bangalore are already Mysore subjects. There is therefore no question of their becoming Mysore subjects. In the case of British subjects, there is nothing we can see which would alter their status as British subjects.

May I further ask the hon. Gentleman whether he has not observed that on the same occasion the Prime Minister of Mysore assured the deputation from the mercantile community of Bangalore that they would have both representation as citizens in the Mysore Legislative Council and representation of their trade organisations?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House information regarding the strike of labourers in the port of Calcutta; how long the strike has lasted; whether any vessels have been able to leave the port; what are the grievances of the port labourers; and what is the attitude of the Government of India in the matter?

The strike of stevedore labourers in the port of Calcutta began without notice on 26th November and still continues. On the first day of the strike loading and unloading ceased completely, but since then the work has been carried on with the aid of imported and locally recruited labourers and there is no serious hold-up at present. The principal demands of the port labourers are a reduction of hours and an increase in wages. The Government of Bengal are watching the situation closely but up to date neither party has approached the Government.

Is there any kind of conciliation board established in India to deal with these questions similar to that which we have in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the nature of the representations which have been made to the Indian Government as to the desirability of reaching a new agreement with regard to commercial relations between India and this country at an early date and, if possible, before the introduction of the India Bill; and whether any reply has yet been received?

These matters are at the moment the subject of active telegraphic correspondence between His Majesty's Government and the Government of India and my right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to make a statement at a very early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will instruct the appropriate British representative in the Far East to compile and forward for the information of the commercial interests in this country the extent to which the principle of the open door is still observed in international trade in Manchuria?

Reports upon the economic conditions prevailing in Manchuria and the opportunities which exist for British trade there are regularly received from His Majesty's representatives there, and are normally made available from time to time to interested British firms in this country. I hardly think in the circumstances that a special report is called for.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the principle of the open door is being observed in Manchuria?

That is a matter I could hardly deal with in reply to a supplementary question. I have shown that the position is being watched.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information as to a committee for the study of questions relating to Japanese trade set up recently in Tokyo; and whether any attaché of the British Embassy is a member of such committee?

A report appeared in the Japanese Press on the 24th October of an agreement between Japanese industrial and commercial leaders and the members of the Federation of British Industries Mission to set up if possible committees of the Japan Economic Federation and of the Federation of British Industries in Tokyo and London respectively to discuss questions affecting the industrial and commercial interests of the two countries with a view to arriving at a satisfactory solution. As far as I am aware the two committees have not yet been constituted, nor has any question of official participation been raised.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has seen the report that the military attaché of the British Embassy is going to be attached to this committee?

I certainly have not observed that, but, if the hon. Gentleman would like me to inquire, I will certainly do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider issuing, in the Monthly and Annual Trade Accounts, particulars of the export of arms and munitions in such form as to differentiate between supplies for sporting and commercial use and those required for, or appropriate to, military purposes?

Certain descriptions of fuses, powders, explosives, etc., included under the general heading "ammunition" are capable of use for either military or industrial purposes, and it is impossible, therefore, to make the precise distinction desired by my hon. Friend. Amendments of the form of the monthly accounts are made in respect of calendar years only, and I regret that it is now too late to introduce any further changes for next year. I may mention that particulars of the exports of sporting ammunition and of small arms intended for non-military use are already enumerated separately in the Annual Statement of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the progress being made with the Polish trade agreement?

The negotiations with the Polish delegation now in this country are being actively pressed to a conclusion, but I am not able at the present stage to make any further statement as to the position.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when the negotiations are likely to be concluded?

I am afraid I cannot add to the answer, except to say that considerable progress has been made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade which of the countries referred to in the schedule to the Bacon Importing Order have exceeded their quotas for the first 11 months of this year and by what amounts, respectively; and what amount, in consequence of these excesses, is still due to Denmark or any other importing country which has not exceeded her quota, by reason of any treaty commitment which enables them to import into this country a definite percentage of the actual total imports of bacon?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement of the excesses and deficiencies in shipments of bacon, hams, etc., from countries scheduled to the Bacon (Import Regulation) Order, 1934. The first 11 months of this year included portions of two quota periods, i.e., 10th November, 1933, to 28th February, 1934, and 1st March to 31st December, 1934, and figures have accordingly been given for both periods. With regard to the second part of the question, countries which have exceeded their allocations will be required to offset their excess shipments, and so far as those excesses are concerned, the question of an additional allocation to Denmark does not arise. Denmark is the only country entitled to a definite percentage of the total foreign imports of bacon into this country. There is a considerable amount due to her in respect of the period between the conclusion of the Trade Agreement and the making of the order, and in respect of shipments from unregulated countries. The exact amount cannot be stated till the figures for the current year are complete, but it is probably of the order of 250,000 cwt.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a German firm has obtained the option of purchase of the Red Star Line; and whether there is any obstacle in the way of these ships being transferred from the British flag?

I have no information as to whether a German firm has obtained an option to purchase the vessels to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and there is, so far as I am aware, no obstacle to the transfer of these ships from the British flag.

Are we to take it as a precedent that, if the Government take a financial interest in an industry, they will subsequently do everything in their power to prevent competition arising in that industry?

Is it not a fact that, while there is no obstacle in the way of transferring from the British flag, obstacles have been put in the way of this line coming under the British flag?

Could we have an answer to these questions?

I think that both are questions that might be put on the Order Paper.

Could an opportunity be given to discuss this important matter and the principles involved?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the imminent danger of a German firm completing the purchase of the Red Star Line and competing with the White Star-Cunard Merger Company, he will reconsider the withdrawal of the ban from the proposed supplementary service?

My right hon. Friend is of the opinion that the rationalisation of the British share in the North Atlantic trade is the most effective means of meeting foreign competition, and he is accordingly unable to modify the view he has already expressed on this matter.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider using the same tactics to prevent foreign firms getting financial assistance as he does to prevent British firms?

Does the hon. Gentleman feel that his policy of refusing to allow English trade to be extended without any authority from Parliament is justified?

The matter has been already discussed in the House of Commons.

May we take it that it is the policy of the Government now to take steps to prevent any future competition arising within this country in the North Atlantic trade?

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that foreign competition will be met by fortifying it?

I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment on the earliest possible date.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the brewers are not in all cases honouring their undertaking as to the proportion of home-grown barley used in the brewing of all classes of beer; and whether he will take steps to see that the undertaking is carried out?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on the 27th November to my hon. Friend the Member for the Henley Division (Sir G. Fox).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the introduction of legislation calling for a return to be made by maltsters and brewers of all malting barley used by them, such return to differentiate between English and foreign barley?

The answer is in the negative.

Would it be possible to obtain this differentiation without legislation by the voluntary co-operation of the brewers?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the contract issued by the Bacon Board to curers includes porkers; if so, whether he is aware of the handicap to small mixed-trade curers in country towns imposed by their inclusion in the flat-rate scheme; and whether he will have this removed?

The contract prescribed by the Pigs Marketing Board is for use only in cases where registered pig producers wish to contract with registered bacon curers for the sale of pigs for manufacture into bacon. I understand that it is a term of the contract that all live pigs purchased by the registered curers who have contracts registered with the Pigs Board shall be transported by the railway companies at a flat rate as provided in the contract. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the application of a general principle of this nature, which is designed in the interests of the industry as a whole, may give rise to some difficulties in individual cases, and the Bacon Marketing Board have expressed their willingness to discuss any such difficulties with the curers concerned.

Are we to understand that a curer who buys porkers for which he has no contract with the Bacon Board is still liable for the flat rate?

It covers all the things that have been put forward.

If there is no market for porkers, why should they be interfered with?

Nothing is interfered with.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the complexities of the contract for bacon pigs issued by the Bacon Board; and whether he will intervene with the board to amend it and simplify it?

The terms of the contract were prescribed by the Pigs Marketing Board after consultation with the Bacon Marketing Board, and are necessarily somewhat complicated owing to the range of detail the contract has to cover. The boards fully appreciated the necessity of ensuring that registered producers and curers should understand the agreement into which they were invited to enter, and explanatory notes were circulated with the contract forms for that purpose. The matter is mainly one between the boards and their constituents, and I have no power to intervene.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that his answer to the last question shows that this question is justified?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any agreement was reached at the meeting with the Milk Marketing Board, the County Councils Association, and the Ministry's representatives on the accredited milk scheme; and how long it will be before a scheme can be formulated?

I am not in a position to add anything to the announcement which was issued to the Press after the meeting referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend to the effect that it had been decided that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health should be asked to receive a deputation from the County Councils Association and the Association of Municipal Corporations.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, having regard to the success which has followed his campaign for the extension of the telephone service, he will now consider the desirability of reducing the charges demanded by his Department for giving telephone facilities in remote rural areas?

My right hon. Friend regrets that it is too early to consider any further reductions at present.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that many rural districts are seriously prejudiced by the high cost of getting a telephone service, and, while the service is being extended to other parts of the country, might not some consideration be given to the remote rural areas?

asked the Postmaster-General the standard rate of pay of postal workers; whether any sections and, if so, how many receive less than 35s. per week; and whether their duties are the same as those who are receiving the standard rate?

The Post Office staff is divided into a large number of classes according to the work on which it is engaged, and for each class a scale of pay is prescribed which generally provides for annual increments extending over a number of years. The scales in many cases provide for commencing pay below 35s. a week, but, except in the case of juveniles, the pay is soon brought above this point by the operation of the incremental system. The total number of full-time employés 21 years of age or over who are in receipt of less than 35s. a week is about 800. These are practically all postmen 21 or 22 years of age in some smaller provincial centres.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many men getting less than 35s. a week, and may we have an indication of when the position of these workers will be improved?

Is my hon. Friend referring to those on the establishment or to those in auxiliary posts? If she is referring to auxiliary postmen, of course there are a great many—some 12,000—receiving under 35s. a week, but we never pretend that the wages paid to the auxiliary workers are full-time wages, and our policy is to find men for these posts who are already in receipt of money from some other sources of income, such as their pensions as ex-soldiers.

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to see that, whether they are established or not, these adult male workers are paid wages at rates comparable with those in other occupations in the urban areas?

The auxiliary postmen are paid according to the scale settled by the Industrial Court.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what the Department are doing to improve the position of these men, many of whom are suffering hardship, as has been brought out many times in debate in this House?

We are doing our best to assist them by awarding a certain number of full-time posts to auxiliary postmen. Still, at best it is an unpleasant situation, which we have tried to get rid of, but at the moment we do not see our way to sweep away this body of 12,000 men who are, I think, receiving adequate pay for the work that they do in what is not a full-time job.

May I ask how many increments these men must receive before they reach the 35s. a week standard?

In the case of juveniles, four to five years. In the case of those who join at 20 one or two years.

asked the Postmaster-General what increase, if any, there has been in the number of subscribers to the Telex Service in each of the past three years; and whether the charges for this service have been reduced during that period?

The Telex Service was opened in August, 1932. The number of public subscribers at various dates is as follow:

asked the Postmaster-General whether the regulation requiring the sender of a parcel to obtain a certificate of posting, without which compensation for the loss of a parcel will not be paid even when reliable evidence of posting can be given, is strictly enforced; and, if so, will he cause to be placed in a prominent position in parcel-receiving offices notices to this effect in order to bring this regulation before the notice of the public?

Reliable evidence of posting is accepted in lieu of a certificate of posting when compensation is claimed for the loss of a parcel, and under these circumstances I do not think that public notices of the kind suggested by my hon. Friend are required.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on a number of occasions it has been stated by the Department that no further claim would be considered without the production of the certificate of posting?

I am not aware of that. I only know that accommodation is made for those who desire a certificate of posting.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of accidents that have occurred to postal motor vehicles during each of the last 12 months, indicating in each case how many of these have happened between sunset and sunrise and between sunrise and sunset?

The information is not yet available, but I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as it is.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it will be possible during the coming year to restore to the general public as flower garden or pleasure gardens the now derelict portions of the old Botanical Gardens in Regent's Park and one or more of the tennis courts reserved for the use of a restricted number of persons?

As I informed my hon. Friend in reply to a similar question on the 5th November, I propose to make provision in next year's Estimates for the continuation of this work of restoration and improvement.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will state the amount of the Tent and profits that accrued from the lease this year of a portion of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Regent's Park, for an open-air theatre?

From the examination of the accounts to date, the amount due to the Exchequer by the licencee of the open-air theatre this year is approximately £2,000.

Would my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of making some grant out of this sum, which is an extraordinary receipt, for the encouragement of similar theatres in other parts of the country?

Do the figures mentioned include any amount for the expenses of the director?

No, I do not think it does. I am not exactly aware as to how the expenses of the theatre side of the work are arranged. I think that, under the contract, 10 per cent. of the receipts and 5 per cent. of the profits of the bar go to the Exchequer. The sum we have in hand is due to the fact that we have had two very fine summers. I feel that we ought not to begin dissipating money which has to go in other expenses—we have considerable expenses to meet in the park—because we cannot guaratee the same receipts in future years.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will immediately consider the enlargement of Victoria Gate and Alexandra Gate, Hyde Park, with a view to relieving the traffic congestion in West London?

I am fully aware of the increasing use of the traffic route between Alexandra and Victoria Gates, and the problem created will have my consideration in consultation with the traffic authorities.

When is the right hon. Gentleman likely to come to a decision in this matter, which has been going on for a very long time? Has not his attention been called before to the very serious congestion of traffic, in regard to which nothing has been done?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether policemen in plain clothes are being authorised to stop drivers of motor vehicles on the public highway?

There has been no recent change in the law or practice in this matter. Police on traffic duty who may have to stop vehicles are in unform, and it is only in exceptional cases that police doing other duty in plain clothes may call upon a vehicle to stop.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of globe indicators which have been destroyed or damaged since their installation, he will recommend to all local authorities the use of globes of stainless steel or staybright, in view of their durability and effectiveness?

Experiments are being made with metal globes and my hon. Friend has asked the Committee on Road Safety to let him have their views on the efficacy of various types of metal globe.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he has taken to ensure that highway authorities shall exercise their powers and duties under Section 48 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, in connection with the removal of traffic signs or other objects which resemble authorised traffic signs and which have been erected by owners or occupiers of land adjoining the highway?

The attention of highway authorities has been drawn to these provisions on several occasions and in December last the Ministry of Transport again reminded them of the desirability of action without delay. In order further to emphasise the importance of action in this matter, my hon. Friend is circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a short extract from the report of the Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs in which reference was made to this question.

Has the Minister any reason to believe that local highway authorities are not generally aware of the provisions of the Section?

I think the hon. Member had better put down a question.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the number of examiners it is proposed to enlist to conduct the new private motor-car driving tests; how many persons have applied for these posts up to date; and the minimum number of years' driving experience required of applicants?

I am sending my hon. Friend the form of application which sets out the particulars required to be filled in by applicants for the post of examiner. There have been more than ten thousand applications to date, but the Minister is not yet in a position to determine the number of examiners who will be finally required.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now state what is being done to house the families rendered homeless by the recent fire at Longriggend, Lanarkshire?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to him on the 28th November. I am informed that a suggestion that huts should be erected as temporary accommodation for the displaced families is under consideration by the local authority.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these families are unanimous in their desire that huts should be erected in their own village rather than that they should be sent to old condemned houses in a neighbouring village, where their chances of work are no better? Will he bear that fact in mind?

That may very well be, but my hon. Friend knows that I have no power to interfere with the discretion of the local authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to what steps he proposes to take to deal with the difficulties which have arisen under the Scottish Milk Marketing Scheme?

I have reached certain decisions as to the immediate action which I find it necessary to take following on the report of the Committee of Investigation and also, after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, as to a general review of the position with regard to milk marketing in Great Britain. I regret that it is impossible to make a concise statement on the subject by an answer on the Floor of the House, and with my hon. Friend's permission I propose to circulate a full statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of representations made by the association of certified and grade A (T.T.) milk producers in Scotland with regard to the operation of the Scottish milk marketing scheme; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, the representations referred to have been remitted to the Committee of Investigation for Scotland and every endeavour will be made to expedite a decision upon them. Although I am informed that the board are prepared to go a considerable way towards meeting the representations, it is impossible for me, pending the report of the committee, to deal with the case of these producers at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce the Harbours, Piers, and Ferries (Scotland) Bill this session?

I regret I am not at present in a position to make any statement in the matter.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think he will be able to make a statement?