asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to make a report on the present state of the development of Lusaka as a capital of Northern Rhodesia; and whether any report has been received from the Government as to the effect of this on the prosperity of Livingstone?

Rapid progress is being made with the buildings at Lusaka and with all essential public services, such as water supply, electric light and power, roads, drainage, etc. Preparations are being made for the removal to Lusaka of the Governor and his staff, the Secretariat, the Attorney-General's Department, the Treasury, the Medical and Health Department, the Commissioner of Police and his staff (but not the police depot or the Criminal Investigation Department), and the Audit and Printing Departments. On the other hand, the Postmaster-General's Department and the Provincial Commissioner of the Kafue and Batoka provinces, who are at present stationed at Lusaka, will return to Livingstone. The question of the future headquarters of the Northern Rhodesia Regiment and the Department of European Education, now at Lusaka, is under consideration. Arrangements are being made for the ceremonial inauguration of the new capital during the week beginning on 28th May and ending on the occasion of His Majesty's birthday on 3rd June next. It is not proposed that any further departments of Government shall be moved to Lusaka during the next five years. As regards the last part of the question, my hon. Friend will see that Livingstone will continue to be the seat of certain departments. Moreover, the Governor contemplates, with my approval, that the Northern Rhodesia Government should assist the Livingstone Municipality, financially and otherwise in measures designed to compensate for the reduction of the European population caused by the removal of the seat of Government to Lusaka, by improving the amenities and adding to the attractions of the town.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of coal exported from Great Britain to Spain during each of the six months ended 31st December, 1934, specifying the amount from each of the exporting districts?

The following table shows the quantity of coal exported from Great Britain to Spain during each of the six months July to December, 1934, distinguishing the districts from which exported.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will inquire of the Canadian Dominion authorities about the statements of the premier of British Columbia and the mayor of Vancouver city as to the proposal by the Vancouver City Council to reduce by 50 per cent. the interest on Vancouver bonded debt, in view of such action affecting holders of Vancouver city securities floated in London; and will he then say what is the decision of the Canadian Dominion authorities?

I am making inquiries on the subject, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the recent attack made by Japan in Manchukuo; whether His Majesty's Government, in conjunction with the American and Russian Governments, will make the necessary representations to the Japanese Government against this act of aggression; and whether he will consider the advisability of entering into an agreement with the American and Russian Governments with a view to maintaining peace in the Far East?

Yes, Sir. I have received reports on this matter. Though the facts are somewhat obscure, it appears from the accounts that have reached me that the incident which took place on 22nd January and on the following two days between Japanese and Chinese troops on the borders of the provinces of Jehol and Chahar was essentially local in character. According to the Chinese authorities, no further clashes have occurred since 24th January. Neither of the parties involved has addressed His Majesty's Government on the matter, nor has any communication on the subject been received from any other Government. In the circumstances, special action by His Majesty's Government does not appear to be called for.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the urgency for introducing legislation to make voting compulsory in national and municipal elections?

No, Sir. His Majesty's Government are not satisfied that such legislation would be desirable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of standard and bulk barrels of beer produced in England and Northern Ireland and in Scotland, respectively, during the calendar year 1934, and the corresponding quantity retained for consumption in each division?

The quantity of bulk and standard barrels of beer produced (i.e., charged with duty) in England and Northern Ireland and in Scotland, respectively, during the calendar year 1934 was:—

England and Northern Ireland:

Scotland:

The quantity in bulk and standard barrels retained for consumption in the United Kingdom was:

15,252,000 standard barrels.

20,490,000 bulk barrels.

Information as to the quantity of homemade beer retained for consumption in England and Northern Ireland and Scotland separately is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, in order to deal with the demands of those living on the suburban system out of Liverpool Street station, the London and North-Eastern Railway Company are only to build four new trains, and that little or no improvement in their services, either as regards speed, frequency, or modernisation of rolling stock has been made in the last 25 years; and whether he will now bring pressure to bear on the company to electrify their suburban lines?

As my hon. Friend is aware, I have no power to require the provision of railway facilities, but I have sent a copy of my hon. Friend's question to the company.