asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any figures indicating the amount of Japanese textile imports into India that have reached that country through a third or intermediate one in order to evade the agreed quota, whether it be a British colony or other country?

I have consulted the Government of India, who are satisfied that the kind of evasion suggested in the question is not taking place on any serious scale.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are any evasions at all by second or third parties or in any other way?

I should not like to go so far as to say that there are no evasions at all, but we are doing our utmost to stop them all, and, I am glad to say, the Indian States are co-operating with the Government of India in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position of the dispute between Yugoslavia and Hungary?

At the recent session of the Council of the League of Nations the Hungarian Foreign Minister communicated to the Council a copy of a memorandum reporting the measures which the Hungarian Government had taken to give effect to the resolution of the Council of the 10th December, 1934. This memorandum has been circulated to the Members of the Council with the request that any of them who may have observations to make upon the report will communicate these in writing to the Rapporteur, who will then make such proposals as may seem to him appropriate.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British Government propose to make any comments?

I do not think I could answer that question without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement with regard to the Hungarian subjects in Yugoslavia who were expelled from their homes; and whether any steps have been taken by the Yugoslav Government to enable them to return to their homes?

As I stated in my answer to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Ayr Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel Moore) on 19th December, these expulsions have now definitely ceased, and I understand that the Yugoslav Government are at present considering the possibility of allowing certain categories of these persons to return to their homes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position with regard to the Disarmament Conference; and when the work of committees is likely to be resumed?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the present position of the Disarmament Conference?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with regard to the Disarmament Conference?

As I informed the House on the 22nd November last, the Bureau of the Disarmament Conference adopted on the 20th November, 1934, a method of work consisting in the negotiation of protocols on certain specific subjects. It is anticipated that committees empowered by the conference to deal with these subjects will meet at Geneva about the middle of next month.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position with regard to the Saar?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding the situation in the Saar?

In view of the result of the plebiscite, the Council of the League decided on 17th January that the whole of the territory of the Saar Basin should, under the conditions resulting from that Treaty and from the special undertakings entered into in connection with the plebiscite, be united with Germany. The Council fixed the 1st March next as the date for the re-establishment of Germany in the Government of the Saar Territory and instructed the Saar Committee of the Council to decide in consultation with the French and German Governments and with the Saar Governing Commission upon the arrangements necessary for the change of regime in the Territory and upon the manner in which the undertakings mentioned above should be carried out. Should these arrangements not have been decided upon by the 15th February-next, the Committee of the Council is to submit proposals to the Council which would take the necessary decisions in conformity with paragraphs 35 ( c ) and 39 of the Annex to Article 50 of the Treaty of Versailles.

How long is the International Force likely to remain in the Saar?

Nothing has been decided in regard to the actual date on which the International Force is to leave the Saar territory, but the various contingents are expected to leave at the same time as the Governing Commission hands over to the German authorities. Arrangements with regard to this point will, it is understood, be discussed between the Commander-in-chief of the International Force, the Governing Commission and the Saar Committee of the Council.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the German Government and the French Government have come to any agreement about the amount of money which is being paid over for the handing back of the coal mines and ironworks?

Yes, Sir. I understand that that is one of the matters which was discussed with the committee in Rome and that there is an arrangement.

What arrangements have been made for giving free passage to people who desire to leave the Saar, in consequence of the change?

My understanding is that no obstacle is being put in the way of their leaving, and some of them, of course, are leaving now. My hon. Friend will recall that some undertakings have been given by the German Government as to the treatment of those who remain, and we have every right to expect that those undertakings will be observed.

Has any appropriate tribute yet been paid to the officers and men of the British Army for their work during the plebiscite in the Saar?

I do not think that matter has been overlooked, but I think it would be better to wait until their work is actually completed. They have gone through a difficult period and have acted to the admiration of everyone, and, I am sure that the House will be very glad when the time comes to express a final appreciation of their work.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet seen the report of the Supreme Plebiscite Court in regard to the case of Mr. Meyer?

No, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will make a statement regarding the conduct of the British troops in the Saar?

I am glad to have been given the opportunity of answering this question. The conduct of the British troops in the Saar has been, and continues to be, exemplary. They have been cheerful and good humoured, and have shown complete impartiality. Although they have been kept in the background their presence has been an important factor in an anxious situation, and they have carried out their unusual duties in a spirit worthy of the best traditions of the service.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to report from advices received from British consulates any improvement of trade with Manchukuo since the visit of the British mission?

No information is as yet available regarding the development of United Kingdom trade with Manchuria, subsequent to the recent visit to the Far East of the Mission organised by the Federation of British Industries. The only recent statistics available on the subject relate to the first six months of 1934. These figures, which have been furnished by His Majesty's Consul-General at Mukden show that, measured in terms of local currency, United Kingdom imports into Manchuria increased during that period by 52 per cent. in comparison with the similar period of 1933.

In view of the renewed activity of the Japanese, does the right hon. Gentleman think there is any real chance of increased trade for us in Manchuria?

I do not think that arises out of the question, but I should certainly hope that, among other things, the efforts of this commission would not be entirely fruitless.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a trade agreement with Poland has yet been successfully concluded, and what are the terms thereof?

I am unable at the moment to add anything to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on the 10th December, but I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has an information to give the House regarding the present position of the Pigs Marketing Board?

The Pigs Marketing Board, after consultation with the Bacon Marketing Board, prescribed the terms of the contracts for the sale and delivery of bacon pigs by registered pig producers to registered curers during the 12 months 1st January to 31st December, 1935. Contracts, covering approximately a total supply of 1,800,000 pigs over the year, have been made between producers and curers and have been confirmed by the Pigs Marketing Board. This represents an increase of 11 per cent. on the total contracted for in 1934. I understand that there is some unevenness in the distribution among individual curers, and that discussions are proceeding between the boards regarding the means of obtaining a supply of additional pigs to meet this difficulty.

What is the present shortage in the supply of home-produced pigs?

There is no shortage in the supply. There is an increase of 11 per cent. over last year.

But the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned that the factories wanted larger supplies. What is the deficiency in the supplies at the present time?

I could not say that, but there are certain factories which could deal with more pigs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the conclusions that have been come to with regard to the restriction of oversea meat imports?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the cattle subsidy is to be continued after 31st March, 1935?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how the retained imports of beef in 1934 compared with 1933; and whether he can now make any statement with respect to future policy in respect of meat imports?

Taking into account the beef equivalent of imports of fat cattle, total retained imports of beef in 1934 were 13,550,000 cwt., compared with 13,599,000 cwt. in 1933, a decrease of 49,000 cwt. or about 0.36 per cent. Arrangements recently made for the regulation of imported beef supplies during the first quarter of 1935 are designed, again making an allowance for the beef equivalent of imports of fat cattle, to secure a reduction in imports from a total of 3,220,000 cwt. in the first quarter of 1934 to 3,138,500 cwt. a reduction of 83,500 cwt., or 2.6 per cent. Imports of all meat (other than bacon and hams) will be reduced by about 165,000 cwt. as compared with the corresponding quarter of 1934. I am not at present in a position to make a statement regarding arrangements for the assistance of the home livestock industry after 31st March next.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that cattle to-day are selling at absolutely ruinous prices; and will the pledge of the Government be implemented, that the home producer shall have first preference in the home market?

I am aware of that, and the Government naturally stand by the pledge which they gave.

Will my right hon. Friend give the statistics asked for in my question?

I thought I had already done so.

I wanted the statistics with regard to the imports of beef—dead beef, not live beef.

I gave the figures as to the imports of beef. I thought all beef was "dead beef." I do not know of any "live beef."

Will my right hon. Friend give the figures for which I asked, namely, the figures for beef as so described in the Trade and Navigation Returns?

I gave all the figures for beef. If my hon. Friend wants the figures of any particular category and puts down a question, I will do my utmost to answer him.

Is it not the case that the figures quoted by my right hon. Friend include the beef equivalent of live fat animals imported?

The hon. Member asked for the figures for beef, and I have given the figures for beef. After all, the dead fat animals imported are beef.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what alterations in the milk-marketing arrangements have been made to secure that the milk producer shall receive a reasonable price for his products?

No alterations have been made to the Milk Marketing Scheme since it was approved by Parliament in 1933, but I understand that the Marketing Board are now considering whether any amendments should be made in the light of the experience they have gained.

Is a Milk Marketing Reorganisation Commission to be set up to inquire into this matter?

As I announced, there is to be a Reorganisation Commission for milk marketing which will take all the relevant facts into consideration.

Is it sitting now?

It has not yet been appointed.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the work of this board?

This is a question of a reorganisation commission. Clearly there are certain problems arising, or it would not be desirable to appoint a commission to review the workings of the various boards in the light of experience.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can state the number of letters containing lottery tickets that have been confiscated during the past 12 months?

It would, I think, be contrary to the public interest to give the information for which the hon. Gentleman asks.

Have any telegrams on this subject been held up?

That is another matter.

asked the Postmaster-General the total sum of money paid in advance by telephone subscribers standing to the credit of the Post Office telephone account at the beginning of the January and the July quarters?

I understand my hon. Friend to refer to telephone subscribers' deposits, of which a large part is being paid back under the recent revision of telephone charges. On 1st July, 1934, a sum of £2,995,093 was held as subscribers' deposits, but since 1st October last £1,434,000 has been returned to subscribers. The amount now held is therefore only about £1,561,000, that is, roughly 50 per cent. of the amount held in July last.

asked the Postmaster-General the average number of trunk calls per week since the revision in rates; and how that average compares with the corresponding period a year before?

The number of trunk calls made in a representative week since the reduction in rates is 3,062,700 as compared with a total for the corresponding period in the previous year of 2,659,000.

Will my right hon. Friend consider extending the facilities for the shilling trunk call to Sundays?

That is a matter that will have to be considered in due course. A very large number of concessions have recently been made, and I hope my hon. Friend will remain satisfied, at any rate, for the present.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the committee set up to inquire into television has made any report; and whether it is proposed to publish the report?

The Television Committee's Report has been received, and is at present under consideration. It is my intention that the report shall be published, and I hope to be able to lay it before Parliament within a few days.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is his intention to set up the commission which is to investigate the working of the British Broadcasting Corporation and its present charter during the lifetime of this Parliament, so that this House will have the opportunity of considering the report and the Government proposals before action is taken?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I have this question well in mind. The present Charter of the British Broadcasting Corporation has, however, nearly two years to run; and I do not consider that immediate action is necessary.

Will my right hon. Friend be so kind as to answer my question on the Paper, which is whether he will set up a commission during the lifetime of the present Parliament? If so, is he in a position to say whether he has decided to appoint a Welsh speaking representative of the Principality of Wales?

In view of the many considerations to be taken into account and the general interest in this service, will my right hon. Friend consider the propriety of setting up an inquiry or will he assure the House that some preliminary inquiry is already in hand?

This Parliament has still a long time to go. Later on I shall give consideration to all the matters to which both my hon. Friends have referred.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the conferences have yet taken place with reference to the examination of the matter of the five-day week in industry; whether he will state the names of the organisations or firms whose representatives have met or are meeting; whether, in view of the successful working by Messrs. Boots, Limited, of the five-day week, Lord Trent has been invited to participate in the consultations; and whether any statement of progress can now be made?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any answer from the employers' organisations relative to the representations made by his Department as to the desirability of formulating a policy for the shortening of the hours of labour?

I discussed with deputations from the Trades Union Congress General Council and from the National Confederation of Employers' Organisations on Thursday and Friday last questions relating to the possibility of absorbing more workers into employment, including the proposal for the shortening of hours of work. I propose now to discuss these questions with the representatives of individual industries, and I hope confidently to have the co-operation of both the General Council and the Confederation in the steps I am taking to see that all possible action is taken to increase employment. I am sure that the assistance of all who have had actual experience of the operation of reduced hours of work will be available for my guidance.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the policy announced from Italy will help him in formulating his policy, and when he hopes to be in a position to state his plans to the House?

In view of the great public interest in this very important topic, and in order to prevent inaccuracies being broadcast, will my right hon. Friend be able to issue a statement giving the gist of these conversations and the matters discussed, both for and against?

I will certainly consider that, but I am sure that hon. Members will generally agree that, if we are to discuss these matters fully and freely with the representatives of employers and employed in the various industries, it is necessary that they should be done in confidence.

Is it the right hon. Gentleman's intention to make suggestions to each of these separate industries as to how to deal with the matter?

I want to meet the separate industries and hear their difficulties, and, if possible, either to listen to or to make suggestions.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any report has been received from the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee with regard to the extension of unemployment insurance to the agricultural industry; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee have completed their inquiries into the question of insurance for agricultural workers; and, if so, when their recommendations will be published?

I have received a report from the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee on this subject which was published a few days ago as Command Paper 4786. The Government are considering the matter, and I hope to be able to make a statement shortly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman make a statement as to when it will be possible to debate the report in the House?

I cannot say that now.

If it is possible to introduce the scheme, will it be introduced in time to be in working order for next winter?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will await the statement which is to be made shortly.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of young persons between the ages of 14 and 18 now unemployed?

asked the Minister of Labour the latest available figures for unemployment, giving separate figures for men, women and young persons?

At 17th December, 1934, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 2,085,815 unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain, including 1,686,507 men and 299,192 women, aged 18 and over, and 56,277 boys and 43,839 girls, aged 14 and under 18.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in England, Scotland and Wales (including Monmouthshire), respectively, on the latest available date?

At 17th December, 1934, the latest date for which figures are available, the numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges were as follow:

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to introduce a measure for the consolidation of the Unemployment Insurance Acts this Session?

Yes, Sir. It is proposed to introduce such a Bill at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour when it is proposed to make provision for the inclusion in the unemployment insurance scheme of all persons employed in connection with pit-head baths?

Inquiries are proceeding with a view to the submission of a draft regulation to the Statutory Committee for the inclusion of certain workers in the scheme, including those to whom the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement in respect of any action taken under the Cotton Manufacturing Industry Act, 1934?

As a result of the passing of the Act the employers' and operatives' organisations entered into negotiation with a view to making a new and comprehensive agreement. I am glad to say that this difficult task has now been practically completed and I understand that a joint application for the making of an order under the Act will shortly be made.

Will the result be an increase or a decrease in the wages of the workers?

I think the hon. Gentleman had better wait until he sees the agreement.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can inform the House how many cases of evasion of the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, have been detected and dealt with since he assumed office; how many of these have been in Northumberland and how many in Durham; and how many in those districts have been dealt with in the last six months?

I have been asked to reply. The information asked for is not available in the Mines Department.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary for Mines whether he can not obtain this information in some form, and consider the advisability, in view of the constant evasions of the Act, of providing that the chair is filled by someone not connected with the industry in the area, with a view to stopping these evasions?

I will convey those observations to my hon. Friend. Of course, it is the District Executive Board which is responsible for dealing with evasions, and we have not information of the number of evasions detected and dealt with in any district or any period. As the schemes were all extensively amended on 1st January, partly with a view to dealing with this matter, it would not seem that any useful purpose could be served by collecting the statistics of evasions from the executives boards in respect of past times.

I think that in none of the amended schemes were there any provisions for an independent chairman.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has received the report on the economic situation in Newfoundland; and, if so, when it will be published?

I have received a report from the Governor, and it has been published to-day as Command Paper No. 4788.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information to give the House on the subject of our relations with the Irish Free State?

I am sure that hon. Members will have seen with interest the announcement which was made at the beginning of the month as to an informal understanding which had been reached on the subject of exports of coal from the United Kingdom to the Irish Free State and of cattle from the Irish Free State to the United Kingdom. The general effect of the understanding is that, in return for an increase in the numbers of cattle admitted into the United Kingdom from the Irish Free State during 1935, it is anticipated that all imports of coal into the Irish Free State will be purchased in the United Kingdom, with a resulting increase in coal exports from the United Kingdom to the Irish Free State of approximately 1,250,000 tons a year, representing the full employment of about 5,000 miners.

May I ask whether it is the intention of the Government to publish the whole of the details in connection with the negotiations for this new treaty with the Irish Free State as a White Paper; and, further, may I ask whether the House will have an opportunity of discussing this new treaty?

The latter question is one that I could hardly answer; it is a matter to be dealt with through the usual channels. There is no new treaty. There is no need of a White Paper. This was an informal understanding, with no papers published, and I have explained to the House the full purport of what was arrived at.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether any extension of this very commendable understanding is contemplated by His Majesty's Government and whether there is any hope that in the near future better; conditions will prevail between this country and the Free State?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, if we are threatened with any more of these informal understandings, there will be any opportunity for getting the opinion of this House before they are made?

I do not think the phrase "threatened understandings" accords with the general opinion of the House. This is an arrangement satisfactory to both sides, and of benefit to this country, and, if this arrangement could be extended, certainly the Government would welcome it. If it would lead to a settlement of the bigger and wider political issues, equally, I am sure, all sections of opinion would welcome it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how this new arrangement helps the British farmer?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is in a position to say what action it is proposed to take in connection with the appeal of the Government of Western Australia to be permitted to secede from the Commonwealth of Australia?

As my hon. Friend will no doubt be aware, the Committee on Public Petitions in their report issued on the 27th December made a recommendation in regard to the petition of the State of Western Australia to this House in the following terms:

"That a Select Committee be appointed to consider the petition and to report upon the advisability of its reception by the House."

So far as the Government are concerned they are prepared to accept this recommendation and to take such steps as are necessary with a view to the appointment of a Select Committee as recommended by the Committee on Public Petitions. At the same time, since a Petition in similar terms has been addressed to the House of Lords I realise that there would be advantages in the consideration of the question of receivability by a Joint Select Committee of both Houses, if this would meet the general wish of the House of Commons, and would accord with the procedure thought convenient in another place. I propose to explore this possibility.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the representations from different organisations associated with the administration of National Health Insurance urging that the scope of medical benefit should be extended with a view to the provision of consultant services and of improved diagnostic facilities, as recommended by the Royal Commission of 1926; and whether he will take action upon these representations?

I have received representations on this subject, but I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Central Newcastle-on-Tyne (Mr. Denville) on the 8th November last, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses demolished during 1934?

The total number of houses demolished in England and Wales under the Housing Act, 1930, during the half-year ended the 30th September, 1934, was given in Table V on page 8 of the housing progress return issued in December last, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. Figures for the calendar year 1934 are not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the number of local authorities in England and Wales which have restored in full the emergency-salary and wage reductions imposed on their staffs in 1931; the number which have restored part of the said reductions; and the number of those whose employés are still suffering full 1931 reductions?

I am not able to furnish the desired figures, because returns are not obtained by the Government on the subject, but such information as is available indicates that most local authorities who made reductions have restored them in full and that only a few have not restored any part of the reductions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue a circular to local authorities generally asking that the amounts already stopped shall be returned?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the result of his inquiries regarding the damage to the amenities of the Sea of Galilee caused by the operations of the electricity undertaking on the River Jordan; and whether he can give some assurance that will allay the widespread anxiety that exists in Palestine and at home as to the future of the lake?

The answer is a long one and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

I can best answer by giving the following information contained in a recent despatch from the High Commissioner:

1. It appears from a graph, prepared by the Department of Surveys, of variations in level of Lake Tiberias, that the level fell to -203.9 metres from natural causes in the winter of 1929; and again to -203.95 metres in December, 1933, from a combination of natural causes and the preliminary operations of the Palestine Electric Corporation. The graph also reveals a comparative correspondence between the levels of Lake Tiberias and the fluctuations in the level of the Dead Sea. This would suggest that the present subsidence of the waters of Lake Tiberias is due to some appreciable extent to natural causes, namely, a succession of droughts, and that it cannot, therefore, he ascribed entirely to the operations of the Palestine Electric Corporation. At the end of December, 1934, the level of the lake had fallen as low as -204.68 metres but in the last few days it rose again by .75 metres, and is at present approximately -203.9 metres. This is appreciably lower than the minimum which it is proposed to offer to the Palestine Electric Corporation, namely, -203.5 metres.

2. The following description of the effects of the lowering of the level of the Lake has reference to a level of -203.9 metres or thereabouts.

The recession of the waters has resulted in stretches of new foreshore becoming exposed, but, if regard is had to the two reasons set out below, it cannot be said to be established either that this result is of such a character as to give offence at all points of its occurrence on aesthetic grounds or that it seriously impairs the natural beauty of sites on the margin of the Lake possessing traditional religious associations.

(i) The exposure is not continuous along the line of the shore, but has taken place at a few points only and at those points to a relatively small extent;

(ii) A minimum level of -203.5 metres will not normally be maintained throughout the year, and in fact it may be anticipated that the exposure as described will be considerably reduced, if not eliminated, and its effects mitigated, except in the three or four summer months.

3. The eastern foreshore is now extended by between eight to ten metres for a great part of its length but the shingly beach which has thus been exposed is not unsightly and so far as is known, there have been no complaints in respect of this section. The eastern shores are, in any case, very seldom visited by tourists.

At and near Capernaum, on the northwestern end of the Lake, the foreshore slopes steeply, and accordingly no detriment has been caused by the lowering of the level. At Tabgha a shingly beach has been exposed of 10 metres in extent.

It is at Buteiha, at the northern end, and at Migdal, some five kilometres north of Tiberias, that expanses of mud-flats have been created. At Buteiha, about 80 dunums of land formerly under water have been exposed and a somewhat larger area at Migdal. But at both places local Arab cultivators have planted maize and it is doubtful whether there can be any reasonable complaint of the appearance of these reclaimed areas under crops.

At Samakh, at the southern extremity of the Lake, an unsightly beach, varying in width from 10 to 40 metres, has been created; and facing and near Tiberias itself much of the town debris and refuse which was formerly under water is at the moment visible. As regards the actual frontage of Tiberias, the situation is temporary and will be completely remedied by the construction, now in progress, of a sea-wall which will accomplish the reclamation of the area now exposed and the disappearance of any foreshore.

As regards the foreshore near Tiberias, in the neighbourhood of the Hot Baths, the difficulty will recur at every lowering of the Lake unless special measures are taken to clear the debris exposed on those occasions; and the District Commissioner will be requested to inquire into the possibility of effective and permanent steps in this direction. It is true that at these two points the natural charm of the Lake has been diminished and, although the same criticism could hardly be sustained elsewhere, it is realised that in the case of Lake Tiberias aesthetic and religious considerations are inseparable. Nevertheless, the complaints that have been made are, in the High Commissioner's opinion, very much exaggerated.

4. The High Commissioner will take all steps in his power to mitigate so far as possible any effects of the lowering of the Lake level which give rise to justifiable complaint, and will endeavour to obtain the co-operation of the Palestine Electric Corporation in this object; but he is not aware of any other objectionable consequences which are likely to ensue from the operations of the company on the basis of a minimum level of -203.5 metres, inasmuch as the present situation has been brought about by a fall in level to -203.9 metres.

5. Although considerable material damage may follow the raising of the level of the lake, there is no present indication that this damage will be of a character likely either to affect the appearance of the lake and its shores, or to detract from its religious associations, provided that the necessary protective works which are contemplated are carried out.

6. It is undeniable that the lowering of the level of the lake, whether from artificial or natural causes, creates conditions favourable to the breeding of anopheles mosquitoes, and thus to malarial infection; and in fact the incidence of malaria was rather above normal this year. On the High Commissioner's instructions the Department of Health has instituted special measures for the extermination of mosquitoes along the western shore from Tabgha to Samakh; and these measures are extended as the needs demand. In the nature of things, the conditions in question cannot be entirely eradicated, but nothing will be left undone that can be done to minimise the malarious consequences of a low level of -203.5 metres.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will institute a fresh survey as to the probable cost, in new buildings and additional teaching staffs, of the proposed raising of the school age to 15 years; and whether, in view of the widespread demand for this step in educational and other circles, and the necessity for preparation by local education authorities, the board will so far commit themselves as to provisionally fix a date, say April, 1937, when the new regulation might be brought into force?

My Noble Friend does not consider that any useful purpose would be served by an attempt to prepare fresh estimates, except in connection with specific proposals for legislation. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has been taken by His Majesty's Government relative to recommendations contained in the Civil Lord's Report on the North-East Coast involving matters of policy, namely, unification of royalties, rational industrial planning, etc.?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statements made in debate on the Special Areas (Development and Improvement) Bill, to which there is nothing as yet to add.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the general impression is that the Government intend to deal with the unification of mining royalties, and does not my right hon. Friend think that it would be well, for the credit and prestige of the Government, to announce a policy as soon as possible?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the composition and the terms of reference of the body appointed to inquire into the manufacture of and traffic in arms?

I hope to be able to make a statement shortly on both the points raised by the hon. Member.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I ask whether, in view of the great public interest in and anxiety over this question, he will expedite this matter as much as he can?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement covering the persons to be appointed?

That is one of the points covered in my answer to my hon. Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the anxiety is due to the unfounded statements made by hon. Members opposite?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the naval discussions?

As the hon. Member is aware, the preliminary conversations which had been proceeding bilaterally since last October between representatives of the Governments of the United States and Japan and of His Majesty's Government, were adjourned on the 19th December. The views of the participating Governments had by that time been made known and fully discussed, and it was felt that a stage had been reached where the delegates should resume personal contact with their Governments. The conversations have fully served the purpose for which they were intended, namely, to enable the Governments concerned to understand, their respective problems and points of view, and to discuss a number of tentative suggestions for overcoming existing difficulties. This process will continue through the diplomatic channel, and, as soon as the situation develops so as to justify a resumption of the conversations, the appropriate steps will be taken by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

Since the adjournment, the Japanese Government have given formal notice of their decision to terminate the Washington Naval Treaty. His Majesty's Government have realised for a long time that the prolongation of the Treaty beyond the year 1936 would be contrary to the wishes of the Japanese Government. But I feel it to be only consonant with the frank and friendly spirit which has always characterised the relations between the two countries to say that the decision of the Japanese Government in this matter has been received in this country with sincere regret, for the Treaty has, during its term, served the invaluable purpose of avoiding competition, with all its attendant evils of ill-will and extravagance, and His Majesty's Government would regard it as a matter of grave concern if there should be a failure to negotiate, before the Treaty terminated, a new arrangement limiting and regulating the future construction of naval armaments.

It is, therefore, with great satisfaction that His Majesty's Government have noted the assurance which has been conveyed to them by the Japanese Government that they have no intention whatever to proceed to naval aggrandisement or to disturb international peace. The Japanese Government state that they will continue rather to make sincere endeavours to strengthen the relationships of peace and amity among all the Powers by participating as heretofore in the friendly negotiations with the other Powers concerned, and that they will strive for the conclusion with those Powers of a new agreement, just, fair and adequate in conception and consonant with the spirit of disarmament, to replace the Washington Treaty.

In view of the assurance given by the Japanese Government that they will enter into conference again, do His Majesty's Government propose to take the initiative in calling a further conference?

I think I said that as soon as the situation was cleared up and after personal contacts had been established between the various representatives and their respective governments, His Majesty's Government will take the appropriate steps.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the case of any Government establishments which are closed for any period in connection with the jubilee celebrations, it is proposed that the employés concerned shall not suffer any loss of wages?

Government establishments generally will be closed on Monday, 6th May, 1935, the 25th anniversary of His Majesty's accession; and the day will be observed as a paid holiday for the employés concerned, including industrial grades.

Have the Government considered the advisability of declaring the day in question a bank holiday so that thousands of other employés will be paid?

I understand that it is to be declared a bank holiday.

Do the Government contemplate making a statement, in view of the fact that numbers of municipalities are anxious to make arrangements and that until a statement is made on behalf of the Government they are in doubt as to what steps to take?

My hon. Friend should address that question to the Home Secretary who, by virtue of his office, is in charge of all such arrangements. I would like to make the reply which I made without notice to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) subject to that qualification.

asked the Prime Minister whether any immediate legislation is proposed to deal with the increasing menace of ribbon development; and, if so, whether such legislation will be retrospective?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but my hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate the form which our proposals will take.

Do the Government realise the great public anxiety on this question and will they not take steps to implement the promise made in the King's Speech at the opening of Parliament?

Yes, Sir, that is our intention.

Are the Government aware of the urgency of this matter?

Is the Prime Minister aware that, following upon the announcement that such legislation was in contemplation and as a result of the failure of the Government to make a statement that the legislation would be retrospective in its effect, there is ample evidence to show that ribbon building has been accelerated, with permanent damage to the countryside and to the amenities of surrounding districts?

I know that in certain quarters that statement is being made, but according to the information at our disposal, there is no evidence to show that that is the case.

As the Prime Minister has said that immediate legislation is contemplated, can he say on what date the Bill will be introduced?

By "immediate" I meant that the Bill will be introduced as quickly as is possible.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to introduce legislation to prevent ribbon development throughout the country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to-day by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle).

Can the Minister of Transport give us a definition of "immediate"?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the prospect of legislation has intensified ribbon development; and whether he can now state the Government's proposals for the prevention of further devastation of rural amenity?

I am not aware of any specific evidence that the prospect of legislation has intensified ribbon development. As to the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to-day by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle).

Can my hon. Friend assure the House that a Bill will be introduced before Easter to deal with this question?

Does the Minister realise that such a Measure would be largely non-controversial; and does he not recognise, from the questions that have been asked to-day, that all parties are agreed that the introduction of legislation on this subject is needed at the earliest possible moment?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will give consideration to the case of Mr. Edward Gregory, of 88, St. Helens Road, Leigh, Lancashire, who while serving in the Grenadier Guards sustained an injury to his leg during compulsory gymnastic parade and later on was discharged from military service as physically unfit because of the diseased condition of his leg, and who since re turning to civilian life has been constantly under medical attention and unable to work?

Arrangements have been made, subject to his consent, for Mr. Gregory's admission to the Queen Alexandra Military Hospital, Millbank, for the further investigation of his case. I will inform the hon. Member of the result of this investigation as early as possible.

Will his expenses be paid?

Yes, Sir, I understand that that is so.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a decision has now been reached with regard to the future of Woolwich Arsenal?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the investigations into the possible removal of the Royal Arsenal from Woolwich have been completed; and, if so, will he state the decision arrived at?

No decision has yet been reached, and I regret, therefore, that no statement can be made at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman anticipate when he will be able to make a statement?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is proposed to introduce any Measure this Session to deal with the anomalies which have arisen under workmen's compensation?

I do not know what particular points the hon. Member has in mind, but I am advised that most of the suggestions made from time to time for amendment of the Act would be controversial, and I am afraid, in any event, there could be no prospect of legislation on the subject this Session.

Although some of these suggestions are controversial, are not workmen still at a disadvantage under workmen's compensation law, and will the Government go into the subject again in order to see if some of the disadvantages can be removed by legislation?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that the House of Commons will be consulted prior to the granting of Treasury sanction to a loan for Japan or Manchukuo, having regard to the refusal of the Japanese Government to carry out their obligations under the Covenant of the League of Nations?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for East Fulham (Mr. Wilmot) on the 8th November last and to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Morgan Jones) on the 28th of that month.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the large sums of money awaiting investment in trustee securities, he will take steps to widen the list of such securities at an early date?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White), on the 6th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any decision has yet been taken to build a sister ship to the "Queen Mary"?

No, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of copies of the Joint Committee on Indian Constitutional Reform Reports that have been sold to date, and the amount of cash received for them?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

It is assumed that the hon. Member's question relates to Volume I (Part I) "Report," Volume I (Part II) "Proceedings," and Volume II "Records" of the Joint Committee on Indian Constitutional Reform.

The particulars asked for are:

asked the Minister of Transport the number of omnibuses and of tramcars in service in the areas now covered by the London Passenger Transport Board previous to the taking over by the board, and the number of each now in service?

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

Following is the answer:

The London Passenger Transport Board commenced to operate services on the 1st July, 1933.

The following figures indicate the numbers of tramcars and omnibuses (exclusive of coaches) operated on regular services in June, 1933, by undertakers whose services have since been transferred to the board and the numbers at present operated on regular services by the board:

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has been in communication with the Epping Rural Council regarding the alarm felt at the prevalence of accidents at level crossings in their area; and whether any action is being taken to secure efficient control at all level crossings?

As regards the first part of this question, I have received a copy of a resolution passed by the Epping Rural District Council in the matter. As regards the second part, the inspecting officer whom I appointed to inquire into the circumstances of the accident at Wormley has now completed his inquiry, and his report will shortly be available.

Does not the Minister think that, in the interests of the public and in the interests of employment, it would be an excellent thing to do away with these level crossings altogether?

Yes; I have said so, and we are offering a grant of 75 per cent. for the purpose.

May I ask my hon. Friend if there are any double crossings in Epping?