asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the gradual loss to the British market of Mongolia, the British Government is taking any action to protest against the extension of Japanese activity in the occupation of the Chahar district in Eastern Mongolia; and whether he will consult the Government of the United States to see whether any joint representations can be made to avert the gradual absorption of Northern China by Japan?

For many years past, British trade with Mongolia has, for reasons in no way connected with Japanese activities, been inconsiderable. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 30th January to my hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham North (Mr. Doran).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding commercial debts outstanding in Rumania?

Discussions are now proceeding with the Rumanian Minister of Commerce and Industry and the results will be announced as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the latest advices from His Majesty's commercial representatives in the Far East indicate that the recent extension of Japanese influence in Northern China has restricted the local market for British manufacturers; and how the British imports into Manchuria for 1934 compare with those when the country was under Chinese control?

Although recent advices from His Majesty's commercial representatives in the Far East indicate the existence of Japanese competition in North China, no restriction of the local market for United Kingdom manufacturers appears to have occurred. No figures of United Kingdom imports into Manchurian ports prior to the year 1931 are available from Chinese or other sources. According to statistics published by the Manchurian authorities, the value of United Kingdom imports into Manchurian ports during the years 1931 to 1934 was as follows. The figures are given in Manchurian Yuan:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what length of time it is proposed that each member of the present Import Duties Advisory Committee should hold office; and whether any plan is to be introduced whereby members should after a period retire by rotation?

Section 2 of the Import Duties Act, 1932, provides that members of the Advisory Committee shall hold office for a period of three years. My right hon. Friend sees no need for legislation amending this provision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount received from import duties on boots and shoes for 1933, 1934 and January, 1935, respectively?

The net amount of duty collected under the Import Duties Act, 1932, on boots and shoes during 1933 and 1934 was as follows:

Do those figures include rubber footwear?

I do not think so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the growing anti-Semitism in Iraq, thereby affecting our position in Palestine; and will he make representations with a view to checking it?

I have seen reports in recent months of a development of anti-Jewish feeling in Iraq. I am sorry to say that these are confirmed to some extent by my own information, but I have no reason to believe that the Iraqi Government have taken any action of a nature to prejudice the position of His Majesty's Government in Palestine. The last part of the question does not therefore arise.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any reports from our Air Force there in regard to this matter? Is it possible to instruct our agents there to make representations to the Iraqi Government?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has any information with regard to the prohibition of the publication of certain Jewish newspapers?

I cannot answer the last supplementary question without notice. In reply to the question of the right hon. and gallant Member, I have not in mind information from the sources he suggests. As regards our own view of the matter, I think everyone will understand the feelings that are aroused by the matter to which he calls attention; but it is rather by unofficial than by official methods that information can be obtained.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the action of the Iraqi Government towards the Armenians and see that that is not repeated?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a report from His Majesty's Minister in China on the recent recurrence of Communistic activities on the Yangtse River between Hankow and Nanking; and whether he can give any information as to the present position with regard to the security of British shipping and passengers from attack by Communist bands?

Reports of such activities involving a threat to Wuhu and the neighbouring part of the river were received in December. A telegram from Nanking of the 27th December, however, stated that all immediate danger was over. The main body of Communists (understood to be a band about 4,000 strong who were recently driven out of Kiangsi) had retreated it to mountainous country in South Anhui pursued by a strong force of troops, and a small body had been disarmed. No further reports have been received and apprehension in regard to the security of British shipping or passengers on that section of the Yangtse has accordingly been removed. The situation will, however, continue to receive the watchful attention of the British consular and naval authorities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the two principal carriers on the Yangtse for trade with China are British companies, and will he also bear in mind the fact that possibly the Nanking Government would welcome co-operation?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what protection is afforded to British shipping on the Yangtse between Hankow and Nanking; whether it is safe for vessels to tie up at moorings during the night; and whether, in view of the recent recurrence of Communist activities in this region, he will increase the number of His Majesty's ships patrolling that section of the river?

A flotilla of 13 gunboats is maintained on the Yangtse for the protection of shipping. Arrangements also exist for the supply of armed guards to British ships trading in the river, these being supplied from naval or military sources. The movements of the gunboats are at the discretion of the Rear-Admiral, Yangtse, under the Commander-in-Chief, China Station, who will take any necessary steps to meet exceptional local conditions. I have received no indication that it is at present unsafe for vessels to make fast at moorings during the night.

Is 13 the normal number, or has it been decreased or increased?

I think that is about the normal number.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this protection is afforded to all shipping and not only confined to British ships?

I think the protection is given to all the shipping that requires it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that he has adequate forces there?

I think the forces that we maintain there at the present moment are more or less adequate.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the recent piracy in Chinese waters on the Tungchow and the cost of providing naval assistance to deal with such emergencies, he will arrange for further consideration to be given to the adequacy of existing arrangements for preventing such piracies by having adequate guards and defences on board all vessels of any size operating in those waters?

This matter is constantly in mind, and the Admiralty and the British naval authorities in China do their utmost to impress upon British shipping companies the necessity of providing adequate guards and defences in vessels employed in Chinese waters. The circumstances in which pirates obtained control of the Tungchow are not yet known in London. When they are known, the matter will be fully investigated.

Has the British Navy to protect the whole shipping of this area? Why should not the companies themselves provide ample guards for maintaining their shipping?

That is a different case from the last question. Up the Yangtse the British naval or military authorities provide the guards, but in the case of the high sea the guards are there for the shipping companies to hire. We do not provide the guards always ourselves, but only in exceptional circumstances.

Is it not a fact that the British Navy always go to the rescue, and should not something be done to compensate the Navy for the work they do?

Yes, but that is another matter. We always go to the rescue, and I hope we always shall.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to enter into negotiations with China for concerted action to be taken in Far Eastern waters for the suppression of piracy?

Concerted action is at present being taken by His Majesty's naval forces and Chinese naval and military forces for suppression of piracy in China, much useful work having already been accomplished by such co-operation. In view of the excellent relations and practical co-operation which exist between His Majesty's Navy and the Chinese Navy I do not feel that any further action is called for.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on the Italo-Abyssinian boundary dispute?

As the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) was informed on the 29th January, the Italian and Ethiopian Governments have agreed to seek a settlement of their differences by direct negotiations in the spirit of the Italo-Ethiopian Treaty of Friendship of 1928. To this statement I have nothing at present to add except that it is anticipated that the direct negotiations in question, which may take some time to conclude, will be carried on in Addis Ababa between the Italian Legation and the Ethiopian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position with regard to the proposal to establish an oil monopoly in Manchukuo; and whether satisfactory arrangements have been made to safeguard the interests of British nationals adversely affected by such proposal?

It was arranged at the end of December that representatives of the oil interests affected should proceed to Tokyo to discuss the position with the Japanese authorities. These conversations which started early in January and which will, I understand, cover the field of the Manchukuo oil monopoly as well as of the Japanese Petroleum Law, are still in progress. I hope to be in a position to answer a further question as soon as they have reached a definite conclusion.

Is any representation being made on behalf of British nationals there?

I know that the interests of British nationals are not overlooked, but we are keeping in touch.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the number of carrier-borne and catapult-ship aircraft, respectively, now on the strength of the Fleet air-arms of the British, United States, and Japanese Navies?

There are 138 carrier-borne aircraft and 27 catapult-ship aircraft on the strength of the Royal Navy. The corresponding figures for the United States Navy are 244 and 128. No figures are published for the Japanese Navy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say at what date he hopes to obtain the facts in this matter?

No, Sir, I am afraid that I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State far the Colonies whether it is proposed to set up a commission to inquire into the outstanding Crown Colony loans amounting approximately to £100,000,000 and the general financial position of these Colonies; and whether he is in a position to make a statement to the House?

As I stated in a reply given on the 28th of November, the possibility of converting outstanding Colonial loans is under constant review and advantage is being taken where an option exists or is about to mature to convert or repay the loan. The best expert advice is constantly sought with regard to the practicability and conditions of any possible conversion; and I do not think that the appointment of a commission would serve any useful purpose.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the position of Kenya, which is paying an exceptionally heavy rate of interest on past loans?

The difficulty is that there is no option for conversion in regard to these loans. If there was power of conversion advantage would be taken of such power immediately.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not get the power to convert?

That would mean a complete breach of the contract on which the money was raised.

Other contracts have been broken and other conversions have been carried out.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not overlook the possibility of greatly increasing these loans, because much trade for this country and employment for our people would result from them?

In every case where under the contract there is a right to convert we are converting. I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that breaking contracts would have the worst possible effect on Colonial credit. As regards the other point where there is sound development to be done, there would be no hesitation in borrowing.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why no right to convert obtains in regard to the Kenya loans, and whether there is any other way of meeting the situation?

There is no present right to convert. When the loan was raised some years ago under the terms of issue the earliest power to convert was the year 1946. I am considering whether it is possible to make any offer which would not be unduly onerous on posterity and of which advantage might be taken by the holders.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the appeal of the seven Kenya natives sentenced to death for the murder of Mr. Semini has been dismissed; and, if so, whether the executions have yet taken place?

Yes, Sir. The appeal was dismissed, and I understand that the executions took place on 12th January.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the cancellation of the agreements of a large number of Indian employés of the Kenya and Uganda railways, whereby they lose all their preferential terms of employment and are placed on a daily wage system with no advantages whatever; how many artisan employés have been subjected to this change of employment methods; and when it is proposed to revert to the more equitable system of engagement which has hitherto existed?

As the reply is long, I propose with the hon. Member's permission to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

I am informed by the High Commissioner for Transport that 165 artisans in the lowest paid grades were given due notice of termination of their agreements and were offered and accepted re-engagement at daily rates of pay, with privilege of travel concessions and free medical attention in case of injury sustained on duty or attributable to the nature or locality of their employment. All these 165 artisans were locally engaged except seven who were originally indentured from India; return passages to India for these seven will be granted when required. All these artisans before being reengaged were granted all the benefits and privileges that had accrued to them under the terms of service previously applicable. In addition to the 165 artisans referred to, 387 artisans have been engaged for the first time on the same conditions as those mentioned above.

It is not intended to revert to the terms of service previously applicable to such servants because ( a ) such conditions cannot economically be justified, ( b ) all artisans required can now be engaged locally on the present terms, ( c ) the present conditions are in line with those extended to corresponding labour employed by the Government, ( d ) the principle of employing such labour on daily rates of pay is followed on other large colonial railways.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it has yet been decided to appoint a commission to inquire into the present position of the mui-tsai question in the Colony of Hong Kong; and, if so, what is to be the personnel and terms of reference of this commission?

Yes, Sir. The Governor has appointed a commission to consider certain proposals sent to him from the Colonial Office on the subject of mui-tsai in Hong Kong and to report on these and kindred matters. With my hon. and gallant Friend's permission I will circulate the names of the commissioners in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the names:

Members of Commission.

Chairman:

F. H. Loseby (Solicitor, and officer of the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children).

Members:

Miss Dorothy Brazier (Salvation Army, in charge of Women's Industrial Home).

Tang Shiu Kin, M.B.E. (Justice of the Peace, and ex-Chairman of the Committee of the Po Leung Kuk).

J. M. Wong (Justice of the Peace, member of the Anglican Church, formerly Honorary Secretary of the Anti-Mui-tsai Society in Hong Kong).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether and, if so, why an Arab has been appointed Mayor of Jerusalem seeing that the majority of the population is Jewish?

An Arab, Dr. Hussein Fakhri Effendi al Khalidi, has been appointed Mayor of the Municipal Council of Jerusalem. The law gives the High Commissioner unfettered discretion to select any of the councillors for appointment as mayor, and I have complete confidence in his judgment.

Seeing that it is six of one and half-a-dozen of the other so far as that communication is concerned, would it not have been possible for the right hon. Gentleman to have made an appointment of someone to fulfil these formal functions? Is it not a fact that the last mayor was an Arab who has left a reputation notoriously bad for corruption? Why should that be repeated?

I do not know on what grounds the right hon. and gallant Gentleman makes charges against a particular gentleman, of which he has not given me notice, but it would certainly have been most improper for me to have interfered with the discretion of the High Commissioner. I am sure the whole House will agree that no one is better qualified to exercise that discretion than the present High Commissioner.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the truth of what I have stated?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the proposal to deprive Achi Meir of his Palestinian citizenship and deport him has been decided upon; if so, why; and what precedent there is for such action in Great Britain or the Colonies?

No such proposal has yet been submitted for my approval. With reference to the third part of the question, I may observe that in the Colonies there is a power of revocation of certificates of British naturalisation, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, in various circumstances, e.g., when the holder of a certi- ficate of naturalisation has shown himself to be disaffected or disloyal to His Majesty, or has, within five years of the grant of the certificate, been sentenced by any Court in His Majesty's Dominions to imprisonment for a term of not less than 12 months, or to a term of penal servitude or to a fine of not less than £100.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make any detailed statement with regard to the proposal to construct two new airports on modern lines in Palestine; what will be the situation of these ports; and who will be called upon, to bear the cost and in what proportion?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 30th January.

Are there not some reports relating to the establishment of airports in Palestine? Will the right hon. Gentleman let me know, as soon as he gets information, what is happening?

I am aware of the reports, and an expert inquiry. I will let the hon. Member know when I can make a definite statement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made towards the settlement of the question of the southern frontier of the Yemen, as provided for in Article 3 of the treaty of February last between His Majesty and the King of the Yemen?

Article 3 of the recent treaty with the King of the Yemen provides that the settlement of the question of the southern frontier of the Yemen is deferred pending the conclusion of negotiations which shall take place before the expiry of the period of the treaty, and that pending the conclusion of negotiations the high contracting parties agree to maintain the situation existing in regard to the frontier on the date of the signature of the treaty. I should explain that prior to the sign- ing of the treaty the Yemeni forces evacuated certain areas belonging to the Aden Protectorate which they had occupied some years previously and that the situation in regard to the frontier thus ensured by the treaty is regarded as generally satisfactory from the point of view of His Majesty's Government. In these circumstances and in view of the fact that the treaty is not due to expire for 40 years, His Majesty's Government do not propose to press for the opening of the negotiations contemplated in the treaty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the £5,000 which is to be set aside yearly for gliding is yet available; what clubs have so far benefited under it; and to whom claimants for support should apply?

I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Thanet (Captain Balfour) on 30th January.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the construction of a full-sized air tunnel for aero-dynamical research work, as has been done by the United States at Langley Field and the French Government at Chalais-Meudon?

A large wind tunnel, capable of taking a full size fuselage, complete with engine and airscrew but without wings, has just been completed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the organisation and extension of the Civil Aviation Department under the Director-General has been completed; and can any details be supplied?

The decision to raise the status of the Director of Civil Avia- tion to that of Director-General was officially promulgated in December. This decision did not entail any consequential extension or reorganisation, but the Director-General's staff is in fact to be further strengthened to cope with the rapid growth of civil aviation activities, and in particular the urgent need for the development of the ground organisation of our Imperial air routes. The details are still under discussion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the new officials taken into the Department will be the best that can be obtained?

It is certainly desirable that they should be.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Secretary of State has considered the recommendation of the Gorell Committee on civil aviation regarding the alteration of the night-flying requirements for a pilot's B.-licence; and whether he is proposing to take the necessary action to implement this recommendation?

The recommendation in question has been the subject of correspondence with the representatives of commercial aviation, with a view to deciding the extent to which the present requirements can suitably be modified. As soon as the oustanding replies have been received it will be possible to take a decision.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider adopting a policy of giving private firms which construct aircraft for the Air Ministry a three-year construction programme, in lieu of spasmodic orders as at present, in order that they may have regular full-time employment for their workmen throughout the year instead of periodical rushes of work separated by times of idleness during which highly-trained men of a specialist class have to be stood off or dismissed?

I regret that, so long as the design of aircraft continues to advance at its present rapid rate, the general adoption of a three-year pro- gramme is impracticable, though the importance of the considerations raised by my hon. and gallant Friend is fully appreciated.

Is not the fundamental difficulty in aircraft construction the fact that a short-term policy must be worked upon, but, despite this fact, is it not possible to do something more than is being done?

As much as is possible is being done, but even when you are dealing with the same type of aircraft the modifications from year to year are so extensive that a long-term policy could not be adopted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many officers belonging to the national air forces of foreign countries have been trained in the Royal Air Force since 1919; from what country have these officers come and how many officers from each country; how long is the term of their training; and what types of service machines they are allowed to use?

About 200 foreign officers and cadets have undergone instruction in Air Force establishments since 1919; they have come from 29 countries, those most numerously represented being Egypt (35), Iraq (16), Greece (15), and Norway (11). The periods of training have ranged from a fortnight up to two years. The instruction is given on the normal types of aircraft in use at the units in which the training is carried out.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what good purpose is served to the British people by training foreign service pilots in British machines, and whether this practice is continued with a view to expediting the sale of British-made service planes abroad?

This is a diplomatic courtesy which has been practised for many years, and I think has worked well.

Is it not a fact that we send British officers abroad for instruction in foreign countries.

Yes.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made during the past two months to reduce in the London traffic area the obstructions caused by motor car drivers using public thoroughfares as storage places for their cars instead of placing them in garages; and will he ascertain and state the views of the police authorities on the subject?

I have repeately expressed my opinion that our highways ought not to be encumbered with standing vehicles, and, as the House has been informed, the police take action when danger or actual obstruction is caused by vehicles standing in the highway. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has informed me that he shares any view that the provision of a much larger amount of garage or parking accommodation off the highway, if made available at strictly moderate charges, would be of very great assistance in reducing the congestion due to standing vehicles.

Will the Minister of Transport consider the possibility of adopting a system which has obtained in foreign countries of alternative parking on different days in the week?

Will my hon. Friend consider the advisability of allowing motor cars to stay outside shops in order that people may go into the shops to make purchases? That would be a great advantage to business.

Will my hon. Friend make inquiries as to the sites in the neighbourhood of Leicester Square, which are continually blocked up, on both sides of the road, by cars which are a source of danger?

Will my hon. Friend do his best to deter residents in the suburbs from taking their cars to town, letting them remain all day and then riding home in them? That would relieve traffic congestion enormously.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Kent and Essex County Councils and the London County Council are now willing to support the construction of the lower Thames tunnel between Dartford and Purfleet; and what is preventing the continuance of work on this tunnel scheme, as approved by Parliament, which will be helpful to the development of Kent and help the unemployed locally and in the steel and electrical trades, etc.?

I Was recently given to understand that the Kent and Essex County Councils are willing to support the construction of the lower Thames tunnel, which was suspended in view of the financial crisis, and the whole subject is now before me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the B-class road between the Kingston by-pass and Worcester Park station has been waiting for many months for the work of improvement by widening and resurfacing; that at present it is in a very dangerous condition owing to lack of kerbing in most places, and that in fog and wet weather it is even worse; that the Maidens and Coombe Urban District Council has accepted tenders for the work, but are unable to proceed owing to his Department withholding the grant until the next financial year; that the Surrey County Council are likewise unable to help; and whether he can give any indication that steps will be taken to enable the work to be entered upon without further delay?

I have received an application for a grant towards a scheme for widening and reconstructing this road, and also an application for my confirmation of an order for the compulsory purchase of certain land required for the scheme. Before I can make any promise of a grant, the question of confirmation of the order must be settled and there will be no avoidable delay on my part.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of meetings held to date by the Road Traffic Safety Advisory Council; whether he has received any specific recommendations from this body; and whether these recommendations are being followed?

This committee is composed of gentlemen whom I asked to consult with me in a confidential capacity on matters connected with public safety. The responsibility for any action taken rests with me alone and I do not consider that it would be desirable, or fair to the committee, to publish any account of their proceedings.

Would the Minister give the House an assurance that before proceeding with these recommendations he will bring them before the House?

No, Sir. Where the House has empowered me or instructed me to take certain action I shall proceed in accordance with the Statute.

How many meetings has this committee held?

The committee has been extremely active, and I am very indebted to it. I do not know precisely how many meetings it has held. There is a number of sub-committees. I think that my main answer will receive the support of the House.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any objections to the design of the traffic signs proposed under his provisional regulations with respect to the 30-miles-per-hour limit in built-up areas; and to what extent, if at all, the original proposals which were made last autumn have been modified to meet these objections?

The proposed signs were placed in the tea room of the House some time ago, and no objections were received from hon. Members. The original proposals for the design of the signs have met with a large measure of approval, and I have decided not to modify them in the light of the criticisms received, which are not in my opinion justified.

Is the Minister aware that, although he may not have received any representations from Members of the House, great objection has been taken to the design of these signs, which are to be seen in the Tea Room of the House?

Those signs were placed in the Tea Room soon after 7th November and I understand they are still there. I have received no representations whatever in the sense that my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, and I can assure him that if he had given me any considered observations on the matter I should have attached due weight to them.

Will the Minister consider any observations in the future?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give the House an approximate estimate of the total number of signs which will have to be displayed on the roads of the United Kingdom at the entrances, exits, and in the course of restricted and de-restricted areas under the 30 miles per hour speed-limit provisions of the Road Traffic Act of 1934, and the approximate cost of their installation?

The number of signs which will be necessary in connection with the provisions of Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act, 1934, will depend partly on the extent to which local authorities avail themselves of their powers to make orders under sub-section (4) of the section. My hon. and gallant Friend may wish to renew his question later on.

Do I understand that up to the present, although my hon. Friend proposes to bring in the speed limit on 18th March, he has no idea of the number of signs that will have to be put up in the country, and no idea of the cost of them?

I do not think that that would be a fair deduction from my answer. I was anxious to give my hon. and gallant Friend an accurate answer, and I therefore asked him to put the question on the Paper when I was in a position to reply.

When will my hon. Friend be in a position to give a reply?

I will tell my hon. Friend.

In considering the number of signs for this purpose, will the hon. Gentleman have regard to the dangers that are created on the road by the undue number of signs beside the road? They deflect the driver's vision from the course of his progress on to the kerb.

I am aware that that criticism is very frequently made and there is much substance in it, but I ask the House to remember that in all these matters I am putting into operation the considered view of the House in an Act of Parliament, and I must carry out the intentions of Parliament.

Does the hon. Gentleman not remember that since the Act was passed he has covered the provinces with beacons, and that there is very little room left for these signs?

Is the Minister correct in saying that the form of the signs was laid down in the Act?

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to inform local authorities of the new arrangements for the five-year programme of road improvements?

I have invited highway authorities to submit at once the schemes with which they are prepared to proceed immediately and also to submit as soon as they are in a position to do so further instalments of their proposals for a programme of improvements which they propose to undertake over the next five years. For the convenience of hon. Members I am arranging for a copy of a letter which I have addressed to all highway authorities to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the letter:

5th February, 1935.

WORKS OF MAJOR IMPROVEMENT OF ROADS AND BRIDGES AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ROADS AND BRIDGES: REGULATION OF TRAFFIC, &c.

Sir,

I am directed by the Minister of Transport to acquaint you, for the information of your Council, that he has had under consideration representations made by the County Councils' Association and other bodies to the effect that the existing arrangements under which grants are made from the Road Fund are inconvenient to them, rendering difficult the estimation of local expenditure and impeding or preventing the planning of road works in advance. At present, applications for improvement grants received from highway authorities can only be considered in relation to an allocation from the Road Fund for this pur- pose determined from year to year. The Minister has been asked to adopt a system which would enable him to provide highway authorities with knowledge of grant indications covering a longer period than is possible under present arrangements.

2. With the object of meeting these representations, the National Government has decided to make provision over the next five years for grants towards works of improvement and new construction. I am accordingly to invite highway authorities to submit at once the schemes with which they are prepared to proceed immediately and also to submit, so soon as they are in a position to do so, further instalments of their proposals for a programme of improvements which they propose to undertake over the next five years. Mr. Hore-Belisha trusts that these arrangements will be regarded as meeting the representations made to him that the present system of annual allocations from the Road Fund, announced after the highway authorities' own budgets have been prepared, has been unsatisfactory and has led to uncertainty and delay.

3. Proposals should be submitted through the Divisional Road Engineers of the Ministry of Transport, and it will no doubt be possible for each highway authority to put forward at a very early date the list of works of improvement on classified roads which they would be prepared to put in hand during the year 1935–36, with assistance from the Road Fund at the rates and on the conditions set out in the accompanying memorandum. It will facilitate consideration if county councils can arrange with claiming authorities for the inclusion in the county programme of any schemes relating to claimed county roads.

4. Similar but separate lists should be submitted in respect of improvements on unclassified roads.

5. In each case the works included in the programme should be arranged in order of priority, the general character of each work should be stated and the closest possible estimate of its cost should be given.

6. Highway authorities will be informed, as soon as possible after the receipt of their proposals, of the schemes to which grants will be made.

7. Mr. Hore-Belisha attaches particular importance to works directed to reducing the dangers of the road and to the reconstruction of weak bridges. He has already issued instructions to the Divisional Road Engineers that all approved schemes of reconstruction of weak or otherwise in adequate bridges, whether privately or publicly owned, on classified roads or on important unclassified roads and approved schemes for the elimination of level crossings on such roads will be accepted for grant at the appropriate rate if it can be shown that the schemes will be commenced during the financial year 1935–36. He hopes that those authorities whose priority lists of bridges requiring reconstruction have not yet been formulated will take immediate steps in consultation with the bridge owners to complete the lists. Where priority lists have already been agreed, the Divisional Road Engineers should be furnished as soon as possible with particulars of bridges to be reconstructed in the coming financial year.

8. Mr. Hore-Belisha thinks that highway authorities may be assisted in framing their programmes if he calls attention to the following remarks which he recently made in a speech at Birmingham as to the kind of work which he desired to facilitate:—

"The National Government has decided on a Five Year Plan for the roads ….

Henceforth highway authorities will be able to lay their plans in the knowledge that a comprehensive view will be taken of their requirements and that their projects are not likely to suffer from the disabilities inseparable from a hand to mouth policy, with all the uncertainty which that entails. Nor will they suffer from the disadvantage of being kept in suspense for decisions until too late in their own financial year.

Our Five Year Programme will make provision for the improvements which highway authorities, thinking ahead and arranging ahead, can reasonably be expected to carry out in the period.

Within five years the Government aims at eliminating all those weak bridges in the possession of railway and other statutory owners which most seriously limit the free flow of traffic, and wherever the traffic conditions require, at providing dual carriageways, footpaths and cycling tracks; at removing blind corners, circumventing the dangers of cross roads, reducing camber and effecting super-elevation ….

Grants will be made contingent on such approved works being undertaken on an adequate and modern scale.

We also intend to increase the allocations for unclassified rural roads for the benefit of the agricultural community.

There is, of course, a number of long term schemes such as the Mersey Tunnel, which, by reason of their high cost and of the complexities surrounding their execution, must necessarily be spread over some years. The Government feel that for such projects special provision is necessary on their merits as and when they arise ….

We do not propose to embark upon an undefined and unlimited expenditure without any clear idea as to the needs to be provided for, but to direct the resources of the Road Fund to the support of those schemes and classes of work the execution of which is demanded by considerations of safety and of traffic necessity whether it be to meet the requirements of industry or to facilitate convenient movement of the population."

9. Before determining the financial limits of the programme which he has announced, the Minister proposes to await some clearer indication than is at present available of the amount of work with which, subject to the principles he has laid down and the conditions of the memorandum, highway authorities are definitely in a position to proceed at an early date, or within the period of five years.

I am, Sir,

Your Obedient Servant,

CYRIL HURCOMB,

Secretary.

The Clerk of the Council.

The Town Clerk.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has approved a grant towards the cost of improving Penhill Road, Bexley?

I am glad to inform my hon. Friend that I have issued a grant towards the cost of widening and reconstructing Penhill Road between Blackfen Road and Harcourt Avenue.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the present position in regard to the Earl Haig memorial statue?

The full size clay model is now practically complete and it will, I hope, soon be possible for the sculptor to proceed with the plaster cast.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress that is being made; and can he say whether the ultimate result will be in accordance with his desires?

I do not think I can answer that question. It will be some time before the ultimate result can be seen. A good deal of work has to be done on the plaster cast before there can be any question of casting in bronze, and I would not like to give an opinion upon it now.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the present position in regard to the disposal of St. John's Lodge, Regent's Park?

Negotiations with the University of London respecting the future use of this building are still proceeding, but I hope that a final decision will be arrived at before long.

Will the right hon. Gentleman in the meantime consider having this building painted in accordance with normal requirements, so as to take away the somewhat squalid appearance which it is beginning to present?

I fully agree that the time for doing so is rather overdue, but as it is hoped that the building will have to be adapted to the purposes of the university, it would be a waste of money to paint it now and then to have to make great changes. It is much better that the whole thing should be done at once.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has received any gifts for the decoration of the Royal parks in commemoration of the Silver Jubilee and from whom; and will he state the purpose to which he proposes allocating such gifts?

Yes, Sir. Mr. Sigismund Goetze, the donor of the existing new gates on the east side of the gardens, allows me to make public the fact that he is contributing a sum of £3,600 towards the cost of a new main south entrance, with fine ornamental ironwork gates, to the Inner Circle Gardens. Mr. Goetze wishes the work to be considered as a commemoration of Their Majesties' Silver Jubilee. I am sure that hon. Members will share my gratitude to this well known artist for this further proof of his generosity.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would be possible to convey to Mr. Goetze the thanks not only of the people of London but of this House for his generosity.

indicated assent.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he proposes to accept the offer which has been made to present busts of Sir Robert Peel and Lord Palmerston for the adornment of this House?

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend the Member for the Moseley Division of Birmingham (Mr. Hannon) has generously offered to present two fine marble busts of these statesmen, executed by Matthew Noble. As no memorial of either exists in the Palace of Westminster, I have, with the consent of Mr. Speaker, and after obtaining the views of this House through the usual channels, and of the Royal Fine Art Commission, gladly accepted the offer. It is proposed to place the busts at the foot of the public stairs on either side of the statue of Sir Charles Barry. May I take this opportunity of publicly thanking my hon. Friend for his most welcome gift.

Will this leave room for the busts of subsequent statesmen whose memory it may be desired to perpetuate?

There are still various vacant plinths. I am bound to say that it would be rather more difficult to accommodate full-sized statues, but this particular place is very suitable for these busts.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it a very great tribute to the City of Birmingham that a Birmingham Member should have presented these most important memorials?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many British ships are now bunkering abroad, either with coal or with oil, which used to bunker in this country before the War?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that disabled ex-service men at Queen Mary's (Roehampton) Hospital for limbless men, are not allowed to visit their wives and families because Sunday leave has been curtailed; the reason why this alteration has been made; and whether he intends taking any action in the matter?

Leave of absence from Roehampton, as from all other Ministry hospitals, has been limited by regulation for many years past to a maximum period of four hours in the day, except for special emergency, and the attention of every patient is called to the regulation on his admission. In the interests of patients themselves, as well as of the discipline of the hospital, it is necessary to enforce compliance with the rule in any hospital where breaches of it are found to have occurred.

May I ask whether there has been any alteration made in the regulation recently?

No, Sir; the orders stand exactly as they always have been but a great many exceptions have been made. The first consideration is of course the medical side of the question in each case and I would remind the hon. Member that in most civil hospitals no leave at all is given.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mary O'Dwyer, whose father (late private, No. 6725, in the Royal Irish Regiment) died of wounds in October, 1914, is suffering from a bone disease of the right arm, and has been for many years unable to contribute in any way to her self-support; and whether he will have investigations made in this case with a view to authorising the re-issue of war orphan's allowance, which ceased on her attaining the age of 21?

I should have no authority to grant a further extension of the allowance in the circumstances of this case for the reasons which I gave in my answer yesterday to the hon. Members for Deritend (Mr. Smedley Cooke) and Rhondda East (Mr. Mainwaring) of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman if he has not discretion to continue the allowance after the age of 21 with the approval of the Treasury?

No, Sir, I have no such discretion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is yet in a position to make an announcement regarding the arrangements to be made in regard to the marketing of the sugar-beet crop for the forthcoming season?

The Government understand that the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the United Kingdom sugar industry, which was appointed in April last under the chairmanship of Mr. Wilfrid Greene, K.C., is not likely to be presented before the end of February. The immediate weeks of early spring are, however, vital from the point of view of cultivation. Unless the beet sugar factories are able within that period to offer firm contracts, farmers will not be in a position to decide what crops to put in for the coming spring, and the whole position will be prejudiced before the Government or Parliament have had time to consider the committee's report and to determine on the future of the industry.

In order to prevent this, the Government propose to invite Parliament to make provision for a further interim measure of assistance to enable the existing factories to proceed with arrangements to secure contracts for the growing of a crop this year. The assistance will be limited to the produce of 375,000 acres of sugar beet. It will be based on the assumption that the growers will provide approximately this acreage at a price, in respect of each factory, of 1s. per ton below that offered in fixed-price contracts in 1934.

The rate of assistance which Parliament will be asked to provide will be 5s. per cwt. of white sugar related to a raw sugar price of 4s. 6d. per cwt., with appropriate adjustments either upwards or downwards if the average price of raw sugar should vary from that figure. This rate of assistance is based on the ascertained average costs of operation. The position will be further considered on receipt of the Greene Committee's Report, and appropriate allowances will be made for capital services in so far as these may then be found to be necessary. But the Government reserve the right to make the grant of any such allowances conditional upon the acceptance by the industry of any measures of reform which may be proposed by the Government after consideration of the Committee's report.

Legislation will in due course be submitted to Parliament to give effect to these proposals, which, except in so far as they involve the continuance of State assistance to the industry for another year, will leave both the Government and Parliament free to decide without prejudice upon future policy. This legislation will not be brought forward until the report of the committee is available and Parliament has had a full opportunity of examining it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the statement which he has just made will be received with satisfaction and relief by the agricultural community and that as a result of it, the farmers will now be able to proceed with their plans; and is he also aware that it will be received with relief by a very large number of agricultural and industrial workers in view of the effect upon employment?

Arising out of the original reply, can the Minister inform the House what has been responsible for the delay in the presentation of the report; and is it not the case that if the report had been received it might have been possible to obviate the need for this House to pass legislation?

No, Sir; I understand that the reason for the delay is the very close consideration which the committee is giving to this subject and the great necessity of making, if possible, a final report which will settle the matter one way or the other for all time.

Was it not a condition of the appointment—

I do not think we can discuss the matter now.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information regarding the origin of the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland?

Since the 17th January last there have been four outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland. The first of these outbreaks occurred among pigs at Provanmill, near Glasgow. These pigs were fed on kitchen refuse obtained from institutions in Glasgow, but inquiries have not revealed any purchase by these institutions of produce which would be a likely source of the disease. The second outbreak occurred at the Glasgow abattoirs, and started among pigs which had been consigned to the abattoirs from the farm on which the first outbreak occurred. The third outbreak was at Coatbridge among pigs which had come from the Glasgow abattoirs. The fourth outbreak was on a farm at Rutherglen, the owner of which had recently visited the Glasgow abattoirs. An Order has now been issued reducing the area of the present restrictions as from the 8th February.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any steps have been taken by the Milk Marketing Board to find an increased market for milk, cream, and other milk products by entering into arrangements with the hotel and catering industry for supply to such industry under special conditions; and, if not, whether he will suggest that the possibility of such an arrangement should be investigated?

I understand that the Milk Marketing Board have informed the representatives of the hotel and restaurant trade that they are prepared to discuss the matter to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

Is there any reason why these trades should have special prices quoted to them, lower than those quoted to other people?

It is an ordinary matter of business. They are customers and the other people are sellers, and the two sides are trying to make an arrangement which will be mutually advantageous.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will arrange to have a record taken of the number of grey and common brown seals, respectively, known to be killed in response to the rewards offered by the different salmon fisheries district boards in Scotland for the destruction of seals, in order to obtain data as to the proportion of grey and brown seals which frequent the estuaries of salmon rivers?

I am doubtful whether reliable evidence as to the proportion of grey and brown seals in the estuaries can be obtained in the manner suggested, but district fishery boards will be consulted on the subject.

If the hon. Gentleman does not approve of the method suggested in the question, will he consider in his Department some more reliable method of getting information on this important topic?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is proposed to schedule any area on Dartmoor as a ground for the exercise of tanks; and, if so, the reason for the decision?

It is hoped to include the Tank Brigade in the programme of training for this year, but no decision has yet been taken as to the area in which it will train.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great concern which has been expressed in the West of England because of the announcement which appeared; and can he make any reassuring statement to the House?

I do not know of any announcement which has been made. If the hon. Gentleman will tell me to what announcement he is referring, I may be able to answer him.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give the number of terrorist conspiracies and outrages attempted or committed in each province or territory of British India subsequent to those mentioned in his memoranda on terrorism published in Volume 2 (Records) of the Joint Select Committee on India Constitutional Reform?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the Noble Lady the Member for Kinross and West Perth (Duchess of Atholl) on the 9th July and 10th December last. I am circulating statements giving the latest available totals for 1934.

Following are the statements:

asked the Secretary of State for India how many members of the Indian Civil Service, officers of the Indian police, and judges and magistrates have instructions to carry revolvers when on duty; how many of these have armed personal guards and how many have armed guards on their homes; and in which provinces, excluding the North-West Frontier Province, have any of these precautions been found necessary?

I regret that I have not the information for which my hon. Friend asks.

Is it possible to acquire this information?

My hon. Friend will realise that detailed inquiries will be necessary to obtain it, but if he so desires, I will do my best to obtain information on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any decision has yet been arrived at regarding making grants to owners of non-provided schools in order to facilitate the bringing into operation of the Hadow scheme and the extension of the school age?

I have been asked to reply. My Noble Friend regrets that he is not in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend inform his Noble Friend that I have been asking this question for over two years and that I have had the same reply, and will he also inform his Noble Friend that it is this matter that is holding up the two improvements in education that are so desirable and necessary?

I will see that my hon. Friend's comments are conveyed to my Noble Friend.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the proved usefulness of the Land Registry Office, he will consider extending its operations over an increased number of English counties?

It is proposed by my noble and learned Friend, the Lord Chancellor, to prepare an Order under Section 122 of the Act extending to the county of Middlesex. Only one such Order to come into effect before January, 1937, can be prepared by my noble and learned Friend except at the instance of a county council.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has now inquired 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 say what is the decision of the Canadian Dominion authorities?

As my hon. Friend is, no doubt, aware, the control of municipal finance in Canada falls within provincial rather than federal jurisdiction. I have been informed that the Premier of British Columbia made a statement to the Press on the 11th January to the effect that if the city of Vancouver made arrangements with its bondholders for a reduction of interest rate, as had been done by the town of Prince Rupert, the provincial Government would be willing to legislate to validate such an arrangement, but that the Government would not legislate to cut interest rates in half without the approval of the bondholders.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the intense anxiety that exists among the numerous investors in these bonds in this country, and is he aware of the fact that this decision adversely affects very many people who are vitally interested?

I have already indicated that I am aware of the natural anxiety that is felt. The answer I have given is the answer in which the Canadian Government informed me of their position, and that ought to do more than anything else to alleviate this anxiety.

With regard to an ultimate decision, can my right hon. Friend hold out any hope that those who have invested their money in these bonds will not be sacrificed?

My hon. Friend will be aware that I have no power to interfere with Dominion status in this matter, but I have been informed of the anxiety in many parts of this country, and I can only say that the answer I have given is that of the Canadian Government.