asked the Secretary of State for India whether the validity of the letters which form part of the Indo-British trade agreement is any way affected by the recent vote of the legislative assembly?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will endeavour to arrange that the reports of debates in the Indian Assembly and the principal Indian newspapers may be made available for the use of Members in the News Room or Library?

Copies of reports of debates in the Assembly are already placed in the Library as soon as they are received. As regards the supply of newspapers, that is a matter outside my province.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, approximately, how long it will take the reports of the meetings of the Assembly to reach this House?

No, Sir, I am afraid I could not, without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that deeds of entitlement providing for the sale of land in the civil station of Bangalore by the municipal commission state that the hereditaments described in the deeds were acquired by the collector of the civil and military station by and on behalf of the Secretary of State for India in Council, under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act of 1894; that this Act refers to British India; and whether he will state by what authority Acts passed for British India can be applied to Mysore territory?

The Act in question is one of the numerous British enactments which have been applied to the civil and military station of Bangalore by the Governor-General of India in Council in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Indian (Foreign Jurisdiction) Order-in-Council, 1902. The Act was originally applied to the station in 1894 in the exercise of powers conferred by the Foreign Jurisdiction and Extradition Act of 1879.

Does that not mean therefore that the Government of India exercises these powers in Bangalore and, if so, is that consistent with Bangalore being Mysore territory?

No, Sir, it means exactly the opposite. The Foreign Jurisdiction and Extradition Act would not have been applied to this territory if it had been British territory; the fact that it has been applied shows that it is not British territory.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the grants of land which have been made in the name of the Secretary of State in Bangalore for some years past have been legally exercised and that the title deeds held under such transactions are valid?

I must refer the Noble Lady to the answer I gave to her about a week ago.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will endeavour to arrange for a series of broadcast talks in India by representative leaders of Indian public opinion to be relayed to this country?

This is a matter for the British Broadcasting Corporation, and I am unable to act as the hon. Member suggests.

Has the right hon. Gentleman no means of making suggestions to the British Broadcasting Corporation; and, if it is not possible to arrange for Indians to broadcast in England, could he not arrange to broadcast in India, so that Indian public opinion might know that the Government here are not indifferent to it?

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider the utility of suggesting to the British Broadcasting Corporation that some such statement from India by representative Indians should be broadcast here?

I could not make suggestions on matters which are outside the scope of my official duties. I will, however, keep in mind the suggestions of my hon. Friends in case the opportunity ever arises of considering the matter further.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the intention of the Government to appoint a special Departmental Committee to investigate broadcasting and to report upon any change that should be made in the constitution of the British Broadcasting Corporation after 1936?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for South Cardiff (Captain A. Evans) on the 28th January.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a statement in the Radio Year Book of the British Broadcasting Corporation for 1935 as to the probability of the Prime Minister setting up a special Departmental Committee to inquire into the constitution of the British Broadcasting Corporation after 1936?

I have not seen that statement.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has issued an experimental broadcasting licence to any individual residing at the headquarters of the British Fascist party in King's Road, Chelsea, where an apparatus for broadcasting has been installed capable of being used for sending out communications to be received by suitable receivers throughout the London area?

An experimental wireless licence was formerly held by a person residing at 33, King's Road, Chelsea. The licence authorised the use of a low-power transmitter solely for the purpose of experiment and research. Attention was, however, called to the fact that the licensee's address was the headquarters of the British Union of Fascists, and as it is not the practice to grant an experimental licence for a wireless transmitter installed at the headquarters of any political party, the licence was terminated in October last.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can inform the House as to the names of Members of the Government who have broadcast explanations of Government policy, and the number of times each has been given such facilities during the year 1934 and the month of January, 1935, respectively?

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

Would it be beyond the right hon. Gentleman to try to improve the very low standard of the Opposition broadcasters?

Following is the reply:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position as to the provision of a residence for His Majesty's Minister at Nanking?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I returned to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Camborne (Lieut.-Commander Agnew) on 6th December last.

I am aware of that reply in which the right hon. Gentleman said that the Consul-General's house at Nanking was being adapted for the Minister. Can he say on how many occasions the Minister has visited either Nanking or Shanghai since his arrival in China a year ago?

Obviously, that is a different question. My hon. Friend may take it that the changes which we propose at Nanking are for the purpose of making it conveniently possible for His Majesty's Minister to discharge his duties in Nanking as often as he is required to go there.

Do I understand then that the alterations have not yet been completed?

I believe not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the attitude of the Polish delegate at the recent meeting of the League of Nations Council during the discussion of two minorities complaints involving Poland; and whether, in view of this confirmation of Poland's virtual repudiation of the minorities treaties of 1919, he will bring the matter before the League of Nations?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except that only one minority petition was involved. As the hon. Member is aware, the Polish delegate made a declaration to the Assembly of the League of Nations on the 14th September, refusing all co-operation with international organisations in respect of the supervision of the application by Poland of the existing system for the protection of minorities. I intervened on that occasion to make the position of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom clear, and the relevant extract from my speech was circulated in reply to a question by the hon. Member on the 14th November. The question of the Polish Government's attitude is therefore already before the League of Nations.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the steps already taken in this matter, may I ask him whether we are to expect anything further shortly at the League of Nations on this very important subject?

Of course the matter is one for the Council of the League as a whole. I think the position taken up by the British Government and, I think, other Governments is quite clear, namely, that the minority procedure is still in force and cannot be modified by unilateral action on the part of any one State.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any official protests have been made to the United States Government concerning any of the evidence given at the United States senate arms inquiry; if so, when were such protests made and what was their nature?

I presume that the hon. Member, in referring to official protests, is enquiring whether any such protests have been made by His Majesty's Government. On this assumption the answer is No; the only exception was with reference to a ridiculuous story, to which I referred in an earlier Debate, which brought in the name of His Majesty the King.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are favourably considering the claim of the German Government for the proper government of that territory for which the Memel Diet are presumed to act, which could not be formed on any of the recent occasions when it has assembled; and if he is able to make a statement on the matter?

The situation in Memel has not materially altered since the reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) on 30th January. His Majesty's Government are at present in communication with the French and Italian Governments on the subject.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that disabled pensioners who cannot follow their employment through their having to receive medical treatment owing to war service are denied dependants' allowance while receiving such medical treatment; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this grievance?

I think that my hon. and gallant Friend is under some misapprehension. Allowances under Article 6 of the Royal Warrant are provided and are paid in cases in which the patient suffers loss of earnings in consequence of an approved course of treatment by having to give Up temporarily a remunerative occupation on which he was dependent for the support of himself and his family.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that when men are referred to panel doctors for treatment they are afraid to go to the panel doctors, because they lose their wages and the allowances for their children?

If a man is in employment, and subsequently gets treatment from us, he would get treatment allowances. The point raised in the question would not be relevant.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, on the representations of the milk marketing boards of England and Wales and Scotland and the manufacturers of dairy products, the Market Supply Committee has reported that the increased home production of condensed whole milk and tinned cream enables the British industry now to undertake to fulfil all the needs of the British market; and whether, in the circumstances, the imports of these products from foreign countries will now be prohibited in the terms of the Marketing Act of 1933?

The question of the further regulation of imports of condensed whole milk and tinned cream is under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the statement made in the question as to the opinion of the committee is not correct?

My hon. Friend very well knows that the reports of the Market Supply Committee are confidential, and I am not to be drawn into giving an opinion one way or the other.

Is the matter referred to not within the knowledge of the right hon. Gentleman?

Many facts may be within my knowledge which it would not be proper for me to communicate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the actual number of bacon pigs received by the Bacon Board each month in 1934?

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

The answer is as follows:

The numbers of pigs delivered to curers in pursuance of contracts made under the Pigs Marketing Scheme, 1933 (excluding pigs delivered but subsequently rejected, and excluding also pigs produced by curers themselves) in each month in 1934 were as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture to what extent existing bacon factories in England and Wales will be unable to reach their maximum output during the first six months of this year owing to inadequate supplies; and whether the situation in this respect is any better for this half-year than for the corresponding half-year in 1934?

I am informed that the number of pigs contracted to be delivered in the first six months of 1935 represents about 60 per cent. of the curers' stated requirements. This is 31 per cent. more than was the case during the corresponding period last year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now give the names of the members and the terms of reference of the Great Britain Milk Commission?

The Secretary of State for Scotland and I have to-day appointed an Agricultural Marketing Reorganisation Commission for Milk, with the following terms of reference:

The composition of the commission will be:

Chairman:

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask whether it will be outside the terms of reference of the Commission to recommend the Government to put on tariffs on skim milk and other products which are coming in here and ruining the home producer?

I am afraid the commission will need to interpret its own terms of reference. They are very widely drawn.

Will the commission have power to inquire into the prices charged by retailers, which are excessive to-day?

The terms of reference includes working of organised milk marketing in Great Britain and its effect on production, distribution and consumption.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any idea of when the commission will report?

No, I am afraid I could not.

If the terms of reference are not such as to allow the commission to deal with the question of a tariff on dried and skim milk products, can they be altered so as to include that question?

I am afraid I could not further discuss the terms of reference at this time. As my hon. Friend knows there are immediate problems confronting the Marketing Board, which immediate problems cannot include the levying of tariffs on certain articles which are excluded from them by trade agreements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that representatives of the Milk Marketing Board are endeavouring to restrict the normal market for Northern Irish milk products in the Liverpool district; and whether he will take steps to prevent this practice?

No, Sir. I am not aware that any such endeavour has taken place, nor would I be willing to believe it unless some definite instance were brought to my notice.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the second part of my question, and, if I can bring such an instance to his notice, will he discourage people from doing this?

That is a further hypothetical question.

Will my right hon. Friend receive such information as I can give him on these points?

Undoubtedly, with pleasure.

asked the Postmaster-General why the minimum charge on a letter sent by air-mail from Brazil to London is 1s. 2d., while that on a letter from London to Brazil is three times as much, namely, 3s. 6d.?

The charge of 1s. 2d. is for a very light letter weighing only about one-sixth oz., whereas the charge of 3s. 6d. is for a letter weighing three times as much (½ oz.).

While thanking my right hon. Friend, may I draw his attention, with all respect, to the letter which has appeared in the "Times" newspaper to-day, on page 21, on this subject?

Is it not a fact that the minimum charge for letters from this country to Brazil is 3s. 6d.?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer.

asked the Postmaster-General what complaints he has received from telephone subscribers regarding the change from a form for telephone charges which showed the number of calls charged to a form which shows only total amounts and would appear to deprive subscribers of the opportunity hitherto afforded them of checking their telephone accounts?

I have received a number of complaints from subscribers on the extension beyond 2d. of the previous system of showing in telephone accounts the total value in pence of local calls. The range of automatic working is being extended so as to permit a subscriber to obtain for himself calls up to 4d. in value by direct dialling without the aid of an operator. Under this arrangement it will be impracticable to show separately the numbers of 1d., 2d., 3d. and 4d. calls as these will be registered mechanically. In view of the great advantages of this extension of dialling, I trust that subscribers generally will accept the system, as in fact the great majority of those who have complained have done after explanation.

asked the Post-master-General whether, in view of the large number of letters written on Sundays, he will take steps to improve the conveniences which exist for obtaining stamps on that day, either by increasing the present number of automatic machines, by installing new types which will deliver books of stamps as well as single stamps, or by making arrangements which would enable and encourage confectionery and tobacco stores to sell stamps on that day?

The installation of stamp selling machines is being proceeded with wherever financial considerations warrant; and machines for the sale of books of stamps are on trial. In localities where stamps cannot otherwise be readily obtained licences for their sale are freely issued to shopkeepers. I will examine whether the number of licences could usefully be increased.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care not to warrant the sale of stamps in shops on Sunday—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—because in selling stamps in shops on Sunday shop assistants will be working seven days a week—and will the right hon. Gentleman urge people who want stamps to buy them on Saturday?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now able to announce the result of the wage negotiations which have been proceeding with the representatives of the engineering classes employed in his Department?

I announced in this House in December last that I had been able to authorise increases in the pay of certain grades of postal servants but added that the case of various other grades, particularly in the Post Office Engineering Department, was still under consideration. I am glad to say I am now in a position, after having discussed the matter with the Post Office Engineering Union, to announce alterations in the pay of Post Office engineering skilled workmen and labourers corresponding to those previously announced in the case of the postal telegraph and telephone grades.

In accordance with the principle which I set before myself of dealing primarily with cases of hardship, the greatest benefit will be conferred on the labourers, the lowest paid group in the Engineering Department. But improvements will also be effected in the pay of skilled workmen and in the allowances granted to certain of them for undertaking special duties.

These improvements, like those already announced, are in addition to the increases provided for under the Government's consolidation scheme. The full cost of the latter in the case of the classes now in question is estimated at over £150,000 per annum, and the present concession will cost another £70,000 per annum. Some 25,000 persons are con- cerned. I have also approved of certain improvements in the scales of pay of inspectors in the Post Office Engineering Department.

The relevant particulars as regards the wages of the engineering labourers and skilled workmen, have been set out in a document, copies of which will be placed in the Library in the course of the next few days.

These increases will take effect as from the 1st January.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) when the British Broadcasting Corporation will be in a position to announce to all radio manufacturers the essential information preparatory to the construction of televisors, such as the nature of the apparatus, wavelengths, and the number of lines;

(2) whether he can give any date when the two main groups referred to in the report of the Television Committee, namely, the Marconi E.M.I. Television Company, Limited, and the Baird Television, Limited, will be in a position to market the appropriate apparatus; and when the new London station will be in a position to broadcast?

The points referred to by my hon. Friend are now under the consideration of the Television Advisory Committee, which I appointed on the 31st January. This committee held its first meeting on the 5th February; but there is a great deal of preparatory work to be done before any announcement can be made concerning the arrangements for the new service.

Are we to understand that in the meantime these two groups named in the Television Committee's Report will have a complete monopoly of the production of this apparatus?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made and also to the report of the committee.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that better decorative horticultural use could be made of the gravelled spaces between the walls of St John's Lodge and the steps down to the turfed flower borders leading up to the entrance to the Hylas garden of St. John's Lodge, Regent's Park; and, in order to remedy the dilapidated appearance of St. John's Lodge, will he seek outside advice as to how to beautify the spaces and paths immediately next the structure of St. John's Lodge and how to utilise this building for the use or enjoyment of the public instead of pulling it down?

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel Moore) on the 6th February, negotiations are proceeding for the use of St. John's Lodge as a museum by the University of London. No question, therefore, arises at present of the demolition of the building. I cannot regard the present arrangement of gravel and grass at the entrance to St. John's Lodge as otherwise than appropriate to the front of the house. At this season of the year its aspect may be a little uninviting, but it will be made tidy in the spring.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can recondition a small part of the premises of St. John's Lodge, Regent's Park, for use as a public convenience and for the storage of bicycles, and for adaptation as an addition to the existing bathing and dressing accommodation for those who use Regent's Park for games and theatrical performances?

Negotiations are at present proceeding with the University of London for the use of the whole of St. John's Lodge as a museum and training centre, and I am afraid, therefore, that I cannot consider the proposal made by the hon. Member.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the number of public conveniences in Hyde Park other than those with entrances outside the park and on the public roadways at Hyde Park Corner and the Marble Arch; and will he confer with the London County Council with a view to installing other concealed public conveniences near the Victoria Gate, Bayswater Road, and near the gates of Hyde Park entrances on the Kensington Road, near Kensington Gardens?

There is at present one convenience in Hyde Park near the refreshment pavilion maintained by my Department, in addition to those managed by the Westminster City Council at Hyde Park Corner and the Marble Arch. Another will be ready for opening in the summer. The hon. Member will appreciate that the number and the position of conveniences in Hyde Park must be studied in conjunction with those that are available in Kensington Gardens. As at present advised, I do not consider that additions are necessary, and I do not think, therefore, that a conference with the local authorities concerned is needed.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what arrangements are being made for the flood-lighting of the Palace of Westminster and Government buildings during the forthcoming Jubilee celebrations?

In addition to the list of buildings which I enumerated in my reply to the hon. Member for Bristol, North (Mr. Bernays) on the 29th January last, I am happy to be able to state that arrangements have now been completed for flood-lighting the Whitehall front of the Horse Guards and the Colonnade of the War Office. The Incorporated Accountants Hall and His Majesty's Ship "President" are also to be illuminated, and it is hoped that arrangements may be made to flood-light the new public offices, Duchy of Lancaster building, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, Canada House, and South Africa House. Consideration is also being given to the possibility of flood-lighting the Victoria Tower of the Palace of Westminster in addition to the Clock Tower. By the generosity of the electrical and gas interests, the Government will be relieved of almost the whole of the expenditure involved. My Department is conducting experiments in Westminster Hall with a view to ascertaining the practicability of effectively flood-lighting the oak roof.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any special arrangements are to be made to ensure that an adequate extension of licensing hours will be permitted during the Jubilee celebrations in May?

No, Sir. As I have explained on previous occasions, the grant of special extensions of hours is a matter which lies in the discretion of the appropriate authority in each district, upon whom it is incumbent to consider each application individually and on its merits. I have no reason to doubt that all such applications will receive due consideration.

Is it not a fact that the powers of the licensing justices are limited to granting half-an-hour's extension in special cases, and can the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of extending the half-hour?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether any steps are to be taken by his Department to ensure that the amenities of Parliament Square will be preserved in the event of the scheme maturing for building a tall block of offices on the corner of Great George Street; and whether he will arrange to take such action before plans have been made in detail and con tracts entered into?

The scheme for the new buildings which it is proposed to erect on land belonging to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners at the corner of Great George Street has been submitted by the promoters both to the Royal Fine Art Commission and to the London County Council as the town planning authority. I have had the opportunity of examining the plans and elevations, and I cannot think that the new building as proposed would be otherwise than an improvement on the one which it displaces.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total num- ber of first-line aircraft stationed in this country on 1st January, 1934, and 1st January, 1935?

The numbers were 425 and 453, respectively, exclusive of aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm in home waters, numbering 86 and 108, respectively, at the dates specified. In addition, on both dates there were available 127 aircraft on the first-line establishment of non-regular squadrons.

Do I understand from those figures that the Government have changed their minds as to the immediate desirability of putting this country on a parity basis with all countries within striking distance of our shores?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether there has been any increase in the total number of first-line military aircraft of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the last 12 months?

There has undoubtedly been a substantial increase on the strength of 1,300–1,500 first-line aircraft which I gave my hon. Friend a year ago, but I am not in a position to give any definite figures.

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House the reason for this sudden expansion of the Soviet air arm, and does he consider that Russia is within striking distance of this country?

The hon. Member had better ask the Soviet.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the results of the experiments recently carried out in the East End of London in making and building houses proof against aerial gas attack as part of the precautionary measures intended to be taken?

I have no knowledge of the experiments which the hon. Member suggests are being carried out in the East End of London. Perhaps he would be good enough to give me some information upon what he based his question.

I will do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the only possible aerodrome near Weymouth is to have buildings erected on it in connection with the Western Counties Show; and whether he proposes to take steps to keep this field free for aviation during the whole of the summer months?

It will be appreciated that the use that is made of the land in question is a matter for the owners, and, whilst my Noble Friend would like to see it preserved for use as a landing ground, he has no power to require it to be kept free from buildings. I may add that it has not hitherto been regularly licensed as an aerodrome.

asked the Minister of Labour the present assets and liabilities of the Unemployment Insurance Fund?

After allowing for the accrued charge for debt services under Section 18 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1934, there is a sum of approximately £10,310,000 in hand on the insurance account of the Unemployment Fund; the amount of the funded debt outstanding is about £105,740,000.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can inform the House as to the amount of the lump sum which is to be paid to the advertising officer established at the offices of the Greyhound Association out of the £2,000,000 to be provided for the depressed areas up to 31st March, 1935?

The commissioner for England and Wales has made arrangements whereby he has a claim upon part-time of the services of a publicity agent for the purpose of explaining from time to time, as may be necessary, the various schemes and activities in progress. The agent in question, who undertakes work not only for the Greyhound Association, where his offices are situated, but for other bodies, will be remunerated by fee. He is not a salaried member of the commissioner's staff.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make in regard to the special arrangement made with the Sheffield Corporation in respect of unemployment assistance payments?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on Friday to the right hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) by the Prime Minister.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the grave disturbance in the public mind caused by this surrender to mob violence in a particular case?

If the hon. Member had been here on Friday he would have heard one of the representatives of the city council state that this approach was decided upon before the riots in question.

Does not the position show that the Government are susceptible to advice from outside quarters if it is valuable?

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the chairmen of the appeal tribunals under the Unemployment Insurance Act who have been appointed recently are in receipt of pensions from any source; and if they are surrendering these pensions during the period of their appointment?

asked the Minister of Labour how many of those appointed as chairmen or vice-chairmen under the Unemployment Act, 1934, are in receipt of a Government pension; what is the amount of such pension; and will he state their names?

Out of 357 persons appointed as chairmen or reserve chairmen of appeal tribunals 20 are in receipt of pensions payable out of monies provided by Parliament, and seven others are in receipt of pensions payable from other Government Funds such as Indian Revenues. I would point out that these chairmen and reserve chairmen are remunerated by fee; the rules as to the adjustment of pension when a person in receipt of a pension out of public funds is employed in Government service will be applied. I will circulate the detailed information desired in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has formed the appeal tribunals for the West Riding of Yorkshire under the Unemployment Act, 1934; and, if so, whether he will give the names, occupation and qualification of the members?

Yes, Sir. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the names and occupations of the chairmen and vice-chairmen, and I will send the hon. Member particulars with regard to the representatives of the Unemployment Assistance Board and the panel of workpeople's representatives. In this connection, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to initiate legislation or to issue regulations with a view to securing a cleaner milk supply?

Detailed regulations for securing the production and distribution of clean milk are already contained in the Milk and Dairies Order of 1926 and it is not proposed at present to introduce legislation or to issue further regulations for this purpose. The question of the steps to be taken to secure a safer milk supply is under consideration in connection with the recommendations made on this subject in the recent report of the

Lawson) and the hon. Member for Neath (Sir W. Jenkins) on Thursday last.

Following is the list:

Cattle Diseases Committee of the Economic Advisory Council.

Will my hon. Friend take steps to see that an adequate water supply is provided for cleansing the cowsheds, etc.?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has evidence of the sanitary conditions under which the greatly increased supplies of liquid eggs from China are produced and prepared for market; what effective methods of inspection are carried out in this country; and whether he will cause full inquiry to be made through our representatives in China?

My right hon. Friend has no evidence about the sanitary conditions under which eggs from China are produced and prepared for market, but such eggs are subject to examination at the ports of entry to this country and are liable to seizure and condemnation if found to be unsound or otherwise unfit for human consumption. It is, further, a requirement that imported eggs shall be free from preservatives. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any instance in which disease-producing organisms have been found in imported eggs, but he proposes to arrange for a special bacteriological examination of some samples of these eggs.

Will my hon. Friend ask the Minister to inform the House why we should receive these vast quantities of Chinese eggs without hygienic precautions similar to those imposed on our own producers?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called by the West Ham Insurance Committee to the present circumstances of unemployed pregnant insured women in relation to the benefits of National Health and Unemployment Insurance; whether he is aware that the experience of local insurance committees is to the effect that insurance medical practitioners and others have reported cases in which unemployed pregnant women, fully insured under the National Health and the Unemployment Insurance Schemes, through the interpretation of the regulations and rules have failed to obtain the cash benefit of either during part of the term of pregnancy although, in fact, entitled to the benefit of one or the other; and whether therefore he will, in collaboration with the other Government Departments, devise a scheme for the removal of the hardship from which these insured women suffer?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been, called to the statement of the West Ham Insurance Committee. He is having inquiries made into the matter and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as they are completed.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are being taken by the Government to secure that the long-promised reform of the Second Chamber shall be dealt with during the life of the present Parliament, so as to prevent the enacting of any unconstitutional legislation until the electorate have been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the matter?

It is impossible at this stage to make any statement as regards legislation during the remainder of the present Parliament.

Does not the Prime Minister recognise that the seriousness of the position in which this country stands in not having a Second Chamber has latterly been greatly increased, and does he not think it desirable and essential to amend the Parliament Act to provide that no constitutional change shall be made without an appeal to the people?

asked the Prime Minister the circumstances in which Sir Maurice Hankey, after a visit to Australia which was to be private and without political significance, has recommended in a report the re-introduction of compulsory military training and the re-organisation of Australian defences; whether this report will be made public; and to whom it is to be rendered?

I think the best reply to the hon. Member's question is to quote the official statement issued in Australia on the 11th January, which is as follows:

"The Minister of Defence (Mr. Parkhill), yesterday referred to the statement that the Secretary of the Imperial Defence Committee (Sir Maurice Hankey) had urged the re-institution of compulsory military training. It could be definitely stated, he said, that a request for compulsory training was not among Sir Maurice Hankey's observations.

The facts were that Sir Maurice Hankey had been for long connected with advisory positions in England, and opportunity was taken to obtain from Sir Maurice first-hand information regarding matters that were within his official knowledge."

Immediately on his return to this country, Sir Maurice Hankey categorically denied the report that he had given such advice, and I cannot refrain from regretting that the hon. Member has seen fit to renew the false report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the apparent failure of the voluntary restriction of egg imports and the increased British home production, he will institute a system of licences similar to that applied to potatoes, so as to ensure to the British producer an increasing share of his home market as contemplated in the terms of the Marketing Act, 1933?

The position with regard to the voluntary control of the importation of eggs was stated in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on the 7th February to a question asked by my hon. Friend. As regards future action, it is not possible at present to make any statement. I would remind my hon. Friend that the report of the Eggs and Poultry Reorganisation Commission was only issued last week, and that the commission for Great Britain has only recently been appointed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Russian matches are being imported into this country at 5s. 10d. per gross of boxes containing 50 matches each; that Japanese matches are also entering the country at 5s. 10d. per gross boxes, in both cases inclusive, at these prices, of an import duty of 4s. 9d. per gross boxes; and, in view of the extent of unemployment amongst British match-makers, will he adopt further measures, by restriction of imports or otherwise, to remedy the position?

There is no power to impose a quantitative restriction on the importation of matches, and any question of an increase in the Customs duty on them is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Will my hon. Friend be so good as to consider the possibility of preventing these foreign matches from coming into the country at all?

Can we have published the names of the firms who import these matches, and is it not a fact that most of them are supporters of the Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether Timber Distributors, Limited, asked for and obtained the approval of the Board of Trade of their new contract with the Russian timber trading department, which allows for an increase of 50,000 standards of Russian timber in 1935 over that imported in 1934;

(2) whether the contract between Timber Distributors, Limited, and the Russian timber trading department included a fall clause; and, if it does, how was this permitted, in view of the terms of the Ottawa agreements?

I understand that Timber Distributors, Limited, have concluded a contract which provides for a maximum import from the Soviet Union of 400,000 standards of sawn soft wood and contains a rise and fall clause. The questions raised by the contract are receiving careful consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can furnish particulars of the transactions sanctioned under the Import Duties Act whereby Messrs. Gooch, of Brompton Road, London, were enabled to import 270,000 square yards of Persian carpets and rugs in exchange for a similar quantity of British carpets; whether duty was paid on the Persian goods; and whether the firm was authorised by him to publish an advertisement stating that the importation had been permitted?

I have been asked to reply. I have no knowledge of the transactions in question. No special sanction for the importation of Persian carpets and rugs is necessary under the Import Duties Act, 1932, but payment of any duty due under that Act is required before such goods are released out of Customs charge. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Does the hon. Gentleman think it desirable that advertisers should publish advertisements of this character which indicate that certain transactions receive the specific sanction of the Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the handicap to trade between Great Britain and the Danube ports imposed by the heavy dues levied by the European Commission of the Danube on the total register tonnage of shipping using these ports, irrespective of the amount of cargo carried; and whether instructions will be given to the representative of Great Britain on the European Commission of the Danube to endeavour to secure some lightening of these dues?

I have been unable to trace any recent representations on this subject. The position is a somewhat complicated one, and my right hon. Friend does not think that the present would be an opportune time to address instructions to the British representative on the lines suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

As the amount of British shipping cleared from the Danube ports in 1933 amounted to more than 136,000 tons, is this not a matter of some importance?

I think it is a matter of importance, but it is also rather complicated. If the hon. and gallant Member has anything further, perhaps we might deal with it by correspondence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the amount of Japanese imports into Kenya for the year 1929 and the year 1933 or the last available date?

The imports into Kenya and Uganda (which are grouped together) from Japan were valued at £488,000 in 1929 and £633,000 in 1933. It is not possible to give the figures for Kenya alone, and figures for 1934 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what special assistance has been given to the sugar industry in the island of Mauritius; and if he will state why the assistance was required?

In consequence of unfavourable climatic conditions there was a serious fall in the sugar crop of Mauritius last year. This, combined with the low prices prevailing, reduced the receipts of the producers to such an extent that the reserves available in the island were likely to be insufficient to finance the forthcoming season's crop, especially as reserves had been depleted by several years of depression. I have accordingly approved a guarantee being offered by the Colonial Government to local banks up to a sum of £450,000 to enable them to secure the funds necessary to make the usual crop advances to planters. I have also indicated that I am prepared to approve the establishment of an agricultural mortgage bank in the Colony with the financial assistance of the local Government as a step towards the permament reform of the financial structure of the industry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the continued subsidy to the British beet-sugar industry is in no way conected with the necessity for this assistance?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any further agreements with the Irish Free State under consideration; and, if so, what is their nature?

As I stated in the House on 28th January, if the recent arrangement could be extended, the Government would certainly welcome it. But no definite proposal to this end is under consideration at the present time?

Would it not be prudent to get the Government of the Free State to honour their obligations in the past before making any fresh ones?

My hon. Friend knows perfectly well that the policy of the British Government is to see that the obligations are honoured, so far as they can do so. The recent agreement, coal versus cattle, certainly helps in that direction, and not hinders.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs why the recent coal-cattle agreement with the Irish Free State did not follow the usual practice in trade agreements; what precedents exist for such a course; and under what authority it was made?

As I explained in reply to questions in the House on the 28th January, the recent arrangement with the Irish Free State was not a formal trade agreement but an informal understanding. The only action called for on the part of the United Kingdom Government was in connection with the cattle quota which, as my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, explained in reply to questions on the 4th February, is an administrative matter.

In view of the fact that the Members of this Government have collectively desecrated the treaty and individually taken the Parliamentary oath with mental reservations, does my right hon. Friend think that this type of agreement is a very appropriate one?

asked the President of the Board of Education, how many children are at present receiving free milk under the new milk-in-schools scheme; and what is the estimated figure to which this should rise during the present year?

The latest date for which complete returns are available is December, 1934. During this month the number of children provided with free milk by local education authorities was 198,462. It is not possible to say precisely how many of these children received milk under the new Milk in Schools Scheme, but arrangements for supplying the milk at the reduced rates are in force in practically all the areas. Since the inception of the scheme in October, 1934, there has been a steady increase in the number of children receiving free milk, but it is not possible to say what figure may ultimately be reached.

Are there any counties in which this scheme is not yet operating?

It is operating in practically all areas, though there may be one or two where it is not.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether children who are absent from school through illness are entitled to receive this free, or cheap, milk?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the event of the Metropolitan Police (Borrowing Powers) Bill, 1935, being passed, it will place an extra rate upon the various local authorities in the Metropolitan police area?

As I explained when moving the Second Reading of this Bill on Monday last, it is estimated that the additional cost to the ratepayers of the Metropolitan Police District during the currency of the loans will amount, on the basis of present figures, to the produce of a ¼d. rate a year.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from one of his inspectors in connection with the accident to three men who were buried up to their necks by 14 tons of earth at Hurdsfield, Cheshire; if he can state the depth of the trench; and whether it was closely timbered?

I understand that a trench for a sewer was being cut behind some dwelling houses, and at the point of collapse was 4 feet 6 inches to 5 feet deep and partly timbered, and the ground practically all clay, so that danger was not anticipated. Such work is outside the scope of the Factory Acts, and I have no power to regulate the methods of timbering.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in Bishops Avenue, East Finchley, every house but two has been burgled in the last two years, one house five times in as many months, and that on 5th February burglars raided a house in Bishops Avenue, extracted a 5-cwt. safe, and lowered it 30 feet into the garden and escaped; that there have been complaints from other districts in the Metropolitan area of repeated burglaries in the same streets; and whether he will issue instructions to the police that special precautions shall be taken in those streets where numerous burglaries have taken place at frequent intervals?

As my hon. Friend is aware, I have spoken to the Commissioner of Police about this matter. All cases of this kind have the personal consideration of the Commissioner, and my hon. Friend may be sure that the situation in this district is receiving the fullest attention. I may add that the facts are not quite as stated in the question. There are 60 houses in Bishops Avenue, which is almost a mile long. I am informed that since the beginning of 1933, 13 crimes involving 10 houses have been reported, including the case on the 5th instant, and in six of them the offenders have been arrested and sentenced. No house has been entered more than twice.

Have any arrests been effected in connection with these burglaries?

I understand that six offenders have been arrested and sentenced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to say whether there is anything in the suggestion that all this has occurred because the superintendent of police for the division is an ex-soldier without any police experience?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can call for a report from the chief constable as to what were the circumstances which led to the breaking up by the police of a demonstration in Sheffield of unemployed men and women protesting against the new scales of relief?

I have received reports from the chief constable in regard to the disorder which occurred on this occasion. I understand that there was a crowd of about 10,000 persons; 26 persons were arrested, three of whom were subsequently released. Of the remainder, 21 have been charged with assaults upon the police, one with obstructing the police in the execution of their duty, and one with committing a breach of the peace. They have been remanded on bail until the 15th instant, and the hon. Member will appreciate that in the circumstances it would not be proper for me to make any further comment on the case at the present time.

Would it not be proper for the Home Secretary to institute an independent inquiry in the City of Sheffield as to the circumstances that led the police of that city to attack a peaceful demonstration, demonstrating on a perfectly legitimate grievance through the streets of Sheffield; and will the Minister make inquiries from some other person than the person responsible for making the attack on the demonstration?

I am sure that the House will realise that the kind of question which the hon. Member has put to me prejudges whether these were peaceful operations or not. Until the cases are tried I am not in a position to express an opinion.

Pending a settlement, or in consequence of a settlement being arrived at between the authorities and the Government, would it not be much better to advise that the prosecutions be withdrawn?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the possibility of granting relief from the Entertainments Duty to theatrical entertainments in which the human element predominates?

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion has been noted, but he will not expect me to anticipate the Budget statement.

Would the Minister in the meanwhile agree that the legitimate theatre, in which a great amount of employment is given, has a prior claim to relief over the mechanical theatre?

That point will be taken into consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the Red Star Liners "Pennland" and "Westernland" are at present owned by the British firm of Messrs. Frederick Leyland and Company, Limited, he is aware that the suggested purchase of these vessels by British interests would not involve the transfer of funds abroad; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking such steps as will ensure that these ships remain under the British flag?

I understand that the firm of Messrs. Frederick Leyland and Company, Limited, is controlled by the International Mercantile Marine Company of America, and is disposing of its assets. A sale by it would, therefore, involve a transfer of funds abroad.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that these ships have already been transferred to Germany, owing to the dilatory action of the Government?

I have seen a statement to that effect.