asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with regard to the continuing default of the Tientsin-Pukow railway loan, whether payments are being regularly made as promised into a reserve account intended for the eventual liquidation of the loan; and, if not, when the last payment was made and what instalment it represented?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is, No, Sir. In regard to the second part, I am informed that the last payment was made in October of this year representing the instalment due in September of last year.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that the Tientsin-Pukow Railway Company now claim that their traffic receipts are greater than they have ever been and yet evade every obligation under the original concession, including an obligation to appoint an English traffic manager? Will the right hon. Gentleman bring the utmost pressure to bear, through the appropriate channels, on the Chinese Government to see that this default is ended?

His Majesty's Minister has frequently made representations on the subject of this indebtedness and will continue to press for a full and prompt carrying out of the promises made by the Chinese Government in this connection.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received from the Chinese Government to his suggestion made at the beginning of the year that the competent department of the Chinese Government should forthwith, in consultation with the commercial counsellor of His Majesty's Legation, devise means for resuming the interest services of the railway loans now in default?

In response to the suggestion from His Majesty's Minister to China a representative of the Chinese Ministry of Railways was appointed to discuss with His Majesty's commercial counsellor the question of railway loans in arrears. Discussion were duly initiated and were repeated at intervals during the present year until the departure in August last of His Majesty's commercial counsellor for duty in this country where he is discussing the position with British interests concerned. On his return an opportunity will be sought of renewing the discussions with the object of achieving a practical solution of the problem.

(for Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet been able to obtain any reports from his representatives in China regarding the appointment by the Chinese Government in the spring of this year of a German professor as railway adviser?

I have been asked to reply. The Press report of such an appointment was brought to the attention of His Majesty's Minister, but no confirmation has been received either from him or from any other quarter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the action taken by the Argentine authorities against British meat interests, British tramway interests, and other commercial undertakings in which British subjects are interested; whether he will inquire from the British Minister to Argentina what are the reasons for these different steps; and whether they represent any official line of policy with regard to the development of Argentina by British capital?

I am carefully watching developments affecting British interests in Argentina, with regard to which His Majesty's Ambassador at Buenos Aires is keeping me fully informed, and I am also in touch with representatives of those interests here. As regards the second part of this question, I should explain that His Majesty's Ambassador is already in communication with the Argentine Government in connection with this matter. I see no reason to assume that the actions of the Argentine authorities to which my hon. Friend refers are to be interpreted as he suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inform the House as to the present position in the Memel territory and state whether he is satisfied that the terms of the Four-Power Statute are being correctly observed by the Government of Lithuania?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on the 4th December. A provisional directorate is now in office in the territory. The Diet met on the 13th December, but owing to the absence of a quorum could not proceed with the agenda. Negotiations for the reconstitution of the directorate are continuing. His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Kovno, who attended the session of the Diet, and has kept a close watch on the situation, reports that the Lithuanian Government appear to be endeavouring to restore the normal functioning of the constitution in the territory.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply. If I lay before him certain specific cases which appear to show that the Lithuanian Government are, and have been, consistently flouting the terms of the Four-Power Treaty will he consider them?

I shall be happy to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that on Friday and Saturday last further Hungarian refugees were deported from Yugoslavia; and, in view of the recent agreement, whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any action in the matter?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend can be satisfied that mass expulsions definitely ceased more than a week ago, and though a limited number of deportations would seem to have taken place since for reasons which cannot be stated with certainty the majority of them are the result of the normal application of the Yugoslav aliens regulations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these unfortunate people are ex-Hungarians or Yugoslavians; and if they have become Yuglosalvians through the Treaty of Trianon, whether it is constitutionally correct for a country to deport its own nationals?

My information is that the individuals in question are not Yugoslav subjects, but of course I cannot assert with confidence that fact in regard to every case. I am having inquiries made into the whole subject.

Is it not the fact that the Yugoslav Government are in friendly relations with this country, and acted as our allies during the last War? Is it not undesirable that questions should be asked in this House making reflections on Yugoslavia?

Why not?

I do not altogether agree with the hon. Member. It is important that such questions should be couched in moderate terms because we desire to maintain friendly relations with everybody, but these expulsions have naturally attracted notice here, and His Majesty's Government, without going beyond their proper functions, are doing what they can to restore good feeling between the two countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to deal with the continued German wireless campaign inciting to violence against individuals in the Saar?

I have no information to confirm the statement contained in the hon. Member's question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the specific statements in the "Times" to-day? Are they to be taken as correct?

I am not prepared to take a statement in any newspaper as necessarily true, but the statement in the "Times" this morning, I observe, contains this passage:

"The feeling to which that unfortunate affair gave rise has been agreeably countered by a striking change of tone in the broadcast comments of the German wireless stations."

May I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to other statements a few days ago in a contradictory sense?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the situation with regard to the dispute between Abyssinia and Italy; and what reports he has received from British representatives on the boundary commission?

I have nothing at present to add to the very full statement which I made in answer to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Morgan Jones) on Monday.

May I ask whether the matter has been referred to the League of Nations for report or for action?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) the reasons why the mining laws of Palestine and Transjordan have been caused to cease to function;

(2) whether he is aware that, when the mining laws of Palestine and Transjordan were recently suspended, a British group who were prepared immediately to develop the Dead Sea oilfield in the furtherance of the interests of Palestine and Transjordan and as a means of providing a British-controlled and British-protected oilfield vitally necessary to our defence services, were unable to commence operations; and whether, when mining laws are once more in force, this group will be given an opportunity of making further proposals?

It recently became apparent that some revision of the mining legislation in Palestine and Transjordan will be required in the interests of a proper search for oil and the development of any oil resources that may be found in these territories, and it has therefore been decided that no further exploration permits shall be granted until this revision has taken place. At the time when this decision was reached, several applications for permits had been received. When the necessary amendments of the legislation have been enacted, further consideration will be given to these applications. The revision of the legislation is at present proceeding.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea when the law will be revised, and when that takes place will he bear in mind that oilfields should be developed in the national interest and as much as possible by British efforts?

I cannot say when the legislation will be completed. While there should be no unnecessary delay, it is important that it should be in the best possible form. I can assure the Noble Lady that one of the matters in which I thought the legislation was slightly defective was in securing that when a lease is granted you should get adequate advantages from the owner.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is very improbable that there is an oilfield there?

All I can say is that as far as scientific exploration has gone the figures up to date are not frightfully optimistic.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air which public civil aerodromes, north of London, are at present equipped with permanent flood lights for night landings; and whether any others are about to be erected?

No civil aerodrome, north of London, licensed for public use at present has permanent flood lights; and so far as I am aware no arrangements have been made for providing such equipment at these aerodromes.

Does not the Undersecretary agree that we are behind in this matter? Cannot his Department bring pressure to bear on municipalities to light their aerodromes at night?

We think it advisable, and one or two authorities are contemplating doing so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has been approached by the French Government with a view to considering the best means of improving, by collaboration, the economic, yield of the British and French air lines, as has already been arranged between France and Germany; and, if so, what progress the negotiations have made?

A proposal of the nature referred to was made by the French Government in connection with the recent negotiations in regard to Imperial Airways' services across France. The question was regarded, however, as being primarily a commercial one for discussion between the operating companies concerned, and in any case the particular negotiations out of which it arose are, I am glad to say, in course of settlement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Secretary of State has considered the recommendation of the Gorell Committee on Civil Aviation that the medical regulations regarding the standard of physical efficiency of pilots holding B licences should contain special recognition of the position of older pilots of ripe experience and proved ability; and whether he is proposing to take the necessary action to implement this recommendation?

Yes, Sir; my Noble Friend proposes to act in accordance with this recommendation of the Gorell Committee in appropriate cases. No amendment of the existing regulations is necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can give the chief characteristics of the larger flying boat now being constructed at Toulouse and compare this machine's dimensions, etc., with the largest flying boat being constructed in this country for civil aviation?

I understand that the flying boat referred to will be about 103 feet in length and 161 feet in wing span, and have an all-up weight of some 69,000 lb. There is no flying boat of similar size at present under construction in this country.

(for Mr. LYONS) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether arrangements have yet been completed for Imperial Airways to fly over France or Italy so as to eliminate the train journey, Paris to Brindisi; whether this will include any night flying; and from what date it will be effective?

An agreement with Italy has been signed and, as I informed the House a few days since, a provisional understanding having been reached with the French Government, I am hopeful that a similar agreement in respect of France will be formally concluded in the very early future. When this latter also has been signed, there will still necessarily be a considerable amount of preparatory work to be undertaken before Imperial Airways can put this section of the route into actual operation; and, until the organisation is further advanced, I shall not be in a position to give a date for its completion or information as to the company's future timetable and precise methods of operation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to fit wheel brakes to the new types of fighting machines to be used in the Royal Air Force?

All new types of fighting aeroplanes are being fitted with wheel brakes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has under consideration the use of closed fighters for the Royal Air Force?

Yes, Sir; and experiments are being made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information to the House in connection with the three men who were killed as a result of a collision in midair of two aeroplanes near Castle Bromwich aerodrome, Birmingham; if he can state how many Royal Air Force men and aeroplanes have been involved in accidents this year; and how many men have been killed?

As regards the first part of the question, the investigation is still proceeding and I am not, therefore, in a position to supplement the answer which I gave on Wednesday last to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander). As regards the remainder of the question, 68 Royal Air Force aircraft have been involved this year in accidents in which the occupants were killed or injured, the number killed being 31 and injured 58: the latter figure includes four members of other services flying on duty in Royal Air Force aeroplanes. I am glad to be able to add that the number of deaths to date this year is the lowest on record.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this inquiry will be able to prove how it was that these two planes came into collision?

I shall have to await the result of the investigation before expressing an opinion.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether he is in a position to say when the Supplementary Estimate for Air Services will be introduced; and whether an opportunity can be arranged for a discussion on this Estimate?

It is anticipated that a Supplementary Estimate for Air Services will be introduced in February. The time available for discussion of this Estimate will depend on the state of public business at the date of its presentation.

Can my right hon. Friend say what the amount will be?

I cannot say.

asked the First Commissioner of Works why his Department has decided to make a ear park on land adjacent to Stonehenge?

Cars and chars-a-banc are at present parked in the immediate neighbourhood of Stonehenge, and, with a view to removing this unsightly spectacle which disfigures the view of the monument, the National Trust have very kindly agreed to an arrangement by which cars will be parked further away from the stones, and will be far less conspicuous. The National Trust have not alienated the site of the car park but have made the Commissioners of Works guardians of it under the Ancient Monuments Acts.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the concern that is felt by those who created the movement which safeguarded Stonehenge; and will he be willing to receive representations before the car park is made?

I have been very much concerned to remove the existing nuisance and to get the cars farther away from the monument to a place where they will not be visible from the stones. I also propose, if I can see my way to the finance, to remove the two unsightly cottages, so that we may improve the monument. As the aim of myself and of those for whom my hon. Friend is expressing his views is identical, I do not see what there is to be gained by suggesting that I am doing something very wrong.

Would it not be of value if my right hon. Friend had some local knowledge brought to bear on the matter?

I have been there myself; my chief advisers have been there; and I have received representations from local people asking that it be removed. I know of only one person in Wiltshire who objects.

In view of the increased number of visitors to Stonehenge, and the danger of defacement of the stones, will my right hon. Friend consider the appointment of more custodians?

I have two custodians there. One admits visitors and collects the sixpences, which provide a considerable revenue, and another is always on the look-out. I have not had any evidence of defacement of the stones.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the respective general wage rates of seamen and stokers in the British Mercantile Marine, together with the comparable rates paid by the principal foreign maritime countries; and if he will differentiate between those rates which do not include workmen's compensation, health, and social services similar to the British standard?

As regards the first part of the question, I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the latest available information about comparative wages for seamen and firemen in a number of maritime countries. I regret that I am unable to furnish the information asked for in the latter part of the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that the interests

asked the President of the Board of Trade which countries inclusive of the Dominions, enforce discriminating regulations against British shipping, whether by rates, rebates, subsidies or differential port facilities?

A number of countries give financial assistance in one form or another to their shipping, but, with one or two exceptions, I am not aware of the existence of any overt discrimination against British shipping of the kinds referred to by my hon. Friend.

Has my right hon. Friend also in mind any question of retaliatory measures against those countries which discriminate against British shipping?

I have particularly in mind the discrimination by the Portuguese colonies. I am glad to say that, by arrangement, that is now coming to an end.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in certain ports British liners are forbidden to land their passengers from their electric pinnaces,

I cannot without notice answer a question as to a particular instance such as that mentioned. If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars, I will look into them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the expenditure of £12,000 plus in dredging the Clyde to permit the passage of the "Queen Mary," is to be paid for by the builders, the port authorities, or local authorities?

I have no information on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the retained imports of machinery in the last 11 months amounted to £9,657,000; and, as approximately 80 per cent. of this total belongs to classes which the Import Duties Advisory Committee has decided can be produced efficiently in the United Kingdom, if he will state what steps he proposes to take to secure for British workpeople the employment represented by the unnecessary importation of approximately £7,750,000 worth of machinery?

The procedure for duty free importation under licence does not apply to every class of machinery. In many cases, therefore, the question whether a particular consignment of machinery is of a kind procurable in the United Kingdom has not been before the Import Duties Advisory Committee. Accordingly it cannot be assumed that all the retained imports of foreign machinery could be procured in the United Kingdom.

Does my right hon. Friend endorse the statement of his Parliamentary colleague that all this importation is necessary on the ground that this machinery cannot be manufactured in this country?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the linseed crushing industry in this country has been brought to a state of ruin owing to the low import duty on linseed oil, and the imposition of a tax on linseed from the Argentine?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is prepared to grant assistance by way of a Government guaranteed loan in order to accelerate the scheme of Lord Colwyn's committee for the elimination of redundant spindles;

(2) whether he has any statement to make on the Government's attitude towards the scheme for the elimination of surplus spindles drawn up by a committee appointed by the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners under the independent chairmanship of Lord Colwyn; whether the scheme requires legislation to render it effective; and, if so, have the Government decided to introduce it as a matter of urgency?

I have followed with deep interest the discussions which have been proceeding in the spinning section of the cotton industry as to methods of improving the condition and competitive power of the industry. I have been in close touch with representatives of the interests concerned. I have informed those responsible for the scheme to which my hon. Friend refers that if the proposals for the elimination of surplus spindles received the support of a sufficiently influential proportion of the trade, I shall be prepared to ask Parliament for statutory sanction for the collection of the necessary levy. As regards finance, the scheme on which the ballot is being taken is based upon a levy on 30 million running spindles. The committee responsible for the scheme state that such a charge would not impose an undue burden upon the industry if spread equitably over all firms. I have assured the committee that if, notwithstanding statutory sanction for the levy, they are unable to borrow the necessary loan on the security thus provided—and the success of the scheme is thereby endangered, the Government would find some way to assist them to borrow the money.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, am I right in saying that in fact an adequate majority has been assured?

The answer to that question must turn on what is meant by "adequate." I am glad to say that there is a much larger majority for this scheme than for any of its predecessors.

Has the right hon. Gentleman got any approximate estimate of the number of redundant spindles in Lancashire?

It is very largely a matter of opinion. For the purpose of discussion, I have accepted the view of the representative committee.

(for Lieut.-Colonel Sir WALTER SMILES) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many owners of spinning mills are anxious to adapt their machinery to the spinning of Indian cotton but are unable to obtain the necessary finance for this; and whether the Government will be prepared to grant special assistance for this purpose and will issue a statement on the subject?

My information is that the plant now available in Lancashire for spinning Indian cotton, or capable of being adapted to such use at a moderate expenditure within the normal resources of the firms concerned, is sufficient to deal with a greatly increased consumption of Indian cotton and that the provision of finance by the Government for this purpose is neither necessary nor desirable. I may add that the consumption of Indian cotton in the United Kingdom in the first nine months of this year was three times as large as in the first nine months of 1932.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the last three months it has gone down very heavily; and is he further aware that there are a large number of firms who are constantly anxious to spin this cotton but who cannot obtain finance at the present time?

The whole question is mixed up, not only with the increase or decrease during certain periods, but with technical problems which are of first-rate importance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is negotiating, or intends to negotiate, a trade agreement with Peru?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have agreed to the request of the Peruvian Government to' enter into commercial negotiations.

asked the Postmaster-General whether correspondence addressed to Northern Ireland suspect of containing matter relative to the Irish Hospitals Sweepstakes is liable to opening and search by his Department; and under what statutory authority such action is taken?

Yes, Sir; postal packets suspect of containing matter relative to the Irish Hospitals Trust Sweepstakes addressed to persons in Northern Ireland would be liable to be detained in pursuance of the powers referred to in Section 56 of the Post Office Act of 1908.

In view of the fact that the Act of 1908 was passed before the Betting and Lotteries Act of 1934, Section 33, Subsection (3) of which states that it does not apply to Northern Ireland, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the powers under the 1908 Act are not annulled by the 1934 Act?

No, Sir. I am advised that they are not.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that on the evening of 12th December, 1934, the Belfast (Northern Ireland) postal authorities held in transit, pending instructions from his Department, 50,000 tickets and counterfoils in the Irish Hospitals (1935) Sweepstake; whether these steps were taken at his instruction; and, if so, under what statutory authority?

No, Sir; I have caused inquiries to be made and I have ascertained that there is no truth in the story.

If there is no truth in that story, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 26th November, no less than 120,000 tickets were seized at Banbridge and removed to the Customs station at Newry and that two Dundalk men who were in charge of the tickets, were released pending instructions?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the observations made by the county court judge at Birmingham, on 14th December, on a case in which his Department was defendant; and what, if any, action is contemplated in the matter?

I understand that the solicitors acting on behalf of the applicant have given notice of appeal, and the case must therefore still be regarded as sub judice.

asked the Postmaster-General, in view of the fact that he has extended the cheap night rates for Christmas from 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve to 2 p.m. on Christmas Day to enable the public to exchange Christmas greetings by telephone, that the cheap facilities for the New Year are only to midnight on 31st December, and that normal rates will be charged on New Year's Day, whether the normal rates mean that the night rate will operate from 12 midnight until 5 a.m. on New Year's morning; and, if not, whether he will consider continuing that rate during those hours to give subscribers in Scotland a similar opportunity of exchanging greetings with their friends on the day which at that period is observed generally by Scottish people?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the second part does not therefore arise.

The first part of the question refers to Christmas Day and the second part to New Year's Day in Scotland—two separate days. I am asking the right hon. Gentleman whether the night rate will operate from 12 midnight until 5 a.m. on New Year's morning to give Scottish subscribers facilities similar to those which are to be available at Christmas, and I want an answer to that part of the question to allay public feeling in Scotland?

asked the Minister of Health in what circumstances he has approved of the erection of 25 bungalows at the foot of Box Hill, in Surrey; and what were the reasons which led the Dorking Urban District Council and its Town Planning Committee, the Surrey County Council, and the National Trust to oppose the plans as being detrimental to the amenities of the district?

I will gladly do so. As I read the question, I thought the first part of it was a recital and that it ended up with the question whether "normal rates" meant that the night rates would operate from 12 midnight to 5 a.m. on New Year's Day and my answer to that is in the affirmative.

Thank you.

asked the Minister of Health the figures of maternal mortality for the last three complete years in Halifax, Huddersfield, and Bradford, and the average maternal mortality rate in each of these boroughs for the past 10 years?

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

My right hon. Friend's decision in this case was given upon an application made to him under Section 10 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, after consideration of the report of one of his inspectors who held a local inquiry into the matter. It is understood that the Dorking Urban District Council themselves propose to zone this area for residential purposes at a density of two houses to the acre. If account is taken, as it should be, of a part of the site which the owner is prepared to reserve as an open space, the development will be in conformity with these proposals of the council. The opposition to the application was based mainly on the view that buildings of the type proposed would be likely to mar the view from Box Hill and otherwise detract from the beauty of the locality. As regards this, my right hon. Friend has made it a term of his decision that the trees on the estate, other than those whose removal is necessary for the erection of the buildings, shall be preserved. It is clear that buildings of one storey screened by trees are less conspicuous than large buildings of two or more storeys, and in view of this and of the other considerations to which I have referred, my right hon. Friend did not feel justified in refusing the application.

May I ask whether the Ministry is not concerned with the opinion held on the subject by the Surrey County Council, which is the town planning authority for the area, and also by the National Trust?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a much larger question than one of the amenities of the district; that Box Hill is one of the beauty spots of London obtained at much expenditure of money and also by the generosity of local landowners; and that the tops of these bungalows will be visible from the hill and will be a grave spoiling of the landscape?

I can assure my hon. Friends that all these matters were very carefully inquired into when the inspector held the local inquiry, and the opinions of the various bodies were taken into consideration then. In all these matters of town planning, it is a question of arriving at a compromise between controlled development and the preservation of amenities, and I think the best solution in this case has been found.

On the wider question, what principle guides the Ministry and why do they support local authorities in some cases and turn them down in others?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many cattle and pigs have been destroyed in the West Biding of Yorkshire in this last outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease?

I have been asked to reply. The numbers are 61 cattle and 110 pigs.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the proportion of home-grown barley used in the manufacture of British beer in the year June, 1932, to June, 1933, and the year June, 1933, to June, 1934; and whether he is satisfied that the Brewers' Society are implementing the undertaking given to him in April, 1933, to take all possible steps to increase the proportion of home-grown barley used by British brewers in consideration of the reduction in Beer Duty granted by the Finance Act of 1933?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 29th November to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Louth (Lieut.-Colonel Heneage) and my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall).

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these figures were asked for by the Council of Agriculture and were refused; will he consider whether he cannot give the House the figures that he has at present and the names of the firms who refuse to give these figures to the farmers; and does he realise how dissatisfied the farmers are at present that the brewers are not implementing the promise which they made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the last Budget?

As I have already informed previous hon. Members who asked the same question, these figures are not available. They do not exist so far as the Government are aware. I also said, in reply to the second part of the question, that we have no evidence to prove or to show that the brewers are not implementing their share of the bargain.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the brewers have refused to give these figures to the Council of Agriculture, and will the Government give this House those figures that the Government have at the present time, and publish the names of those brewers who refuse to give these figures?

The Government have no figures to give the House.

Can my hon. Friend not ask the brewers to give these figures or to state the reason why they will not?

Is the hon. Gentleman making inquiries as to whether the brewers are in point of fact carrying out their undertaking to the Government?

I have already informed the House that, so far as the Government are aware, so far as they have been able to ascertain, the brewers are doing their best to implement their promise.

How can the Government ascertain it if they do not ask the brewers for the figures?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider taking such steps as may be necessary to inaugurate a two minutes silence immediately following upon the broadcast of His Majesty's speech on the afternoon of Christmas Day, in order that all those who earnestly desire peace in the world may be united in their efforts at this time to attain this end?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the desire prevailing among all nations for international peace and the spirit of goodwill that is more in evidence at this season of the year than at any other, he will use the opportunity that now offers to further the cause of peace by inaugurating in Christmas week a two-minutes silence, during which interval all true seekers after peace may, by their united thoughts, promote the advent of a lasting peace amongst the nations of the world?

While I fully appreciate and respect the motives prompting my hon. Friends' questions, which I have no doubt the public also will have in mind, I do not think that the particular expression of them which they suggest is one that the Government can inaugurate.

While thanking the Prime Minister for his sympathetic answer, may I ask him whether he is aware of the immense power of mass concentrated thought and the enormous help which could thereby be given to the furtherance of world peace, especially at this season when there is already such a great foundation of peace and good will? May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to reconsider that answer, in view of the fact that millions of people not only in this country but throughout the world will be listening on Christmas Day to the gracious message of His Majesty, and not to miss this unique opportunity of advancing the cause of peace?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends recognising in some way the services that were given by the police officers and constables who were on duty at the Royal Wedding on 29th November?

I am not sure what form of recognition the hon. Member may contemplate, but I may perhaps remind him that the services of the police on the occasion of the Royal Wedding have already been the subject of a special message of appreciation and thanks from His Majesty the King.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider giving some recognition to the police in the shape of a monetary consideration?

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any rule forbidding Ministers of the Crown holding shares in armament firms; and, if not, whether he will consider issuing such a rule?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative: the rule against holding any directorships is quite a different matter. It is impossible to draw the line between armament and non-armament firms or between firms incidentally concerned in producing some element which might be used for war, and others. The effective safeguard lies in the traditional standards of public life in this country.

Would not the Prime Minister consider the inadvisability of Ministers holding shares in firms of contractors for the Government, such as Vickers?

That question ought to be put down separately. As a matter of fact, I think they do not.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total cost to the Exchequer up to 30th November, 1934, and the estimated amount payable up to March, 1935, for subsidies and other payments for the assistance of various industries?

I understand that the hon. Member desires the total cost as from October, 1931. Subsidies and similar payments made in respect of civil aviation, beet sugar, cattle, milk, herrings, light horse breeding, mechanical transport and Western Highlands and Islands transport services during the period October, 1931, to November, 1934, amounted to £12,589,000 approximately, and the cost between that date and 31st March, 1935, is estimated at £4,212,000 approximately. The approximate housing subsidy figures for the same periods are £47,320,000 and £6,700,000 respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can furnish an estimate of the cost in a full year of the aggregate expenditure involved in the shipping, beef, and milk subsidies, the Depressed Areas Bill, and including the additional expenditure arising from the new regulations under the Unemployment Act, 1934?

The various items of expenditure to which my hon. Friend refers differ so widely both as regards the incidence of cost and the period of time covered by the grants that I fear it would be misleading to attempt to give any such figure as he requests. The cost to the Exchequer for the financial year 1935 will, of course, appear in the annual Estimates.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what increase has taken place in the staff of the Department of Customs, either by additions or transfers from other Departments, since 1st February, 1932; and what has been the additional annual cost?

The increase in the number of staff of the Department of Customs and Excise from all sources, from 1st January, 1932, to 1st October, 1934, the nearest dates for which figures are readily available, was 1,968. The increased cost per annum is estimated at approximately £400,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of non-industrial workers and industrial workers, respectively, in receipt of less than 35s. a week, 40s. a week, 50s. a week, and 60s. a week in the different branches of the Civil Service other than the Post Office, giving, in each case, the type of worker which is receiving this remuneration?

Information in the form desired is not immediately available. I am, however, causing the necessary inquiries to be made, and will communicate the results to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of women holding posts in the Civil Service whose salaries are less than those of men whom they are supervising?

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not immediately available, and the extensive investigation which would be necessary in order to obtain it would not, I feel, be justified. The cases which my hon. Friend has in mind must, I think, be rare.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that the position of these women as regards pay is both unfair and undignified, and will he take steps to see if he cannot rectify the position, even if there are only a few cases?

There may be a few cases, but it is equally possible that there are cases where men in a superior position are receiving less than men working under them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Treasury has any claim against any banking or trading firms trading in this country under the Tsarist régime, either as creditor or under bonô vacantia; and, if so, whether it is proposed to prosecute these claims?

The Treasury has claims as a creditor against certain banks and trading firms incorporated under the law of Tsarist Russia, and formerly carrying on business in this country, which are being wound up under the provisions of the Companies Acts. Proofs in respect of these claims have been lodged in the liquidation and the claims are being prosecuted. The question whether any title to a surplus arising in such liquidation accrues to the Crown as bonô vacantia will be considered in due course.

May I assume from my hon. Friend's reply that the Government are in fact doing everything possible to clear up the uncertainty in regard to these very large sums of money?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in computing the allowance to be paid to families under the Unemployment Assistance Act Regulations, the cost of free milk supplied to mothers and children or the cost of school meals will be taken into account?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend on Monday last in regard to these points.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it will be open to the commissioners administering the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934, in respect of persons now receiving assistance from public assistance committees and who may hereafter be dealt with by the commissioners, to require repayment of assistance granted as provided in Sections 49 to 51 of the Poor Law Act, 1930?

I am afraid I do not understand the meaning of the right hon. Gentleman's question; perhaps he will speak to me and put it down again. I may mention, however, that the Unemployment Assistance Board will have no power to give assistance on loan.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the law relating to conscription in Kenya Colony includes the oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King?

The Kenya Defence Force Ordinance, to which I presume the hon. and gallant Member refers, does not provide for the taking of an oath of allegiance.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why not, and whether the recruitment of a conscript force holding no allegiance to His Majesty has the approval of the Government?

Every citizen of this country or of any dependency of the Crown owes allegiance to His Majesty, but the question of the particular oath of allegiance to be taken by this force was carefully gone into at the time, and I can send to the hon. and gallant Member a note of the answer given at the time, giving the reasons.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the object of the recruitment of this force? Is it to overawe the natives?

No, most certainly not. The object of the recruitment of civilians in this force is the same now as it was when the Labour Government were in office.

(for Mr. DAGGAR) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why some 200 male British residents in Kenya Colony have been taken to a detention camp for refusal to observe the requirements of the Kenya Defence Force Ordinance, seeing that the Ordinance provides for the exemption of conscientious objectors?

I am informed by the Governor of Kenya that there is no foundation for the rumour to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there has been any native disorder in Kenya during the past 10 years; and, if so, what was the cause and character of such disorder?

I am happy to say that nothing which I think can properly be termed "disorder" has occurred in Kenya during the past 10 years.

(for Mr. GROVES) asked the Minister of Transport what steps have been taken to implement his promise to arrange changes in traffic regulations and, in conjunction with the local highways authority, safety crossings immediately adjacent to the Town Hall, Stratford?

I am glad to be able to inform the hon. Member that it has now been possible, in accordance with the hon. Member's suggestion, to make the necessary changes in the traffic arrangements at the Town Hall, Stratford, and to provide pedestrian crossings opposite to it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider representations being made by the Road Haulage Association as to the hardship caused to many road transport concerns, owing to the loss of claimed tonnage when modernising a fleet with lighter vehicles?

The licensing of goods vehicles is within the discretion of the traffic area licensing authorities, from whose decisions there is a right of appeal to the special appeal tribunal set up under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933. I have no power to intervene.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the decorative plans on each side of the doorway in St. Stephen's Porch are, in spite of a warning notice, being damaged by fingering and dust; and whether he will consider placing an effective ventilated glass covering over them to prevent deterioration?

My hon. Friend's suggestion was considered two years ago, but owing to the expense and the disadvantage arising from reflections on the glass, I decided that glazing was unnecessary. I have recently examined the paintings and am unable to find any trace of damage. I am, however, arranging for the paintings to be dusted more frequently during humid weather. The glazing of the paintings would not remedy the nuisance arising from dust but would, I think, be calculated to make it worse.