asked the Secretary of State for India (1) the number of combatant ranks recruited in India during the last three years in all the provinces of India, respectively, excluding Burma;

(2) the number of men recruited during each of the last five years in territories outside India, and the countries or territories from which they are drawn?

I am asking the Government of India for the information required, and will send it to my hon. Friend when received.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has yet received any expression of the views of the Government of Madras on the subject of the proposed cession of Tangasseri to Travancore; and whether he will instruct the Government in India to consult the Madras Government as to whether a plebiscite can be taken to ascertain the views of Tangasseri residents in regard to the proposed cession?

go, Sir. I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my Noble Friend's question on the 4th February.

Is it not the case that on the 3rd December the Government of India said that they were awaiting the report of the Government of Madras on this question; and is it not possible at an early date to ascertain the views of that Government?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a confidential circular of the Government of India, Home Department Political, dated 23rd November, 1934, addressed to all local governments and administrations, is in process of being published verbatim in the public Press in India; whether he is aware how this circular came to be disclosed; and whether he proposes to take any and, if so, what steps to prevent the publication of the rest of the circular and any recurrence of similar disclosures in the future?

I have nothing to add to the remarks made on this point by the Home Member of the Government of India during the debate in the Legislative Assembly on 21st January, of which I will send my hon. and learned Friend a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government accept the recommendation of the Joint Select Committee with regard to the boundaries of the proposed new province of Orissa?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in order to prevent a further increase in the number of stateless persons in Europe, any representations have been made to the Government of Yugoslavia deprecating the expulsion of former Hungarian citizens till recently living in parts of Yugoslavia which used to form part of Hungary, who had renounced their Hungarian citizenship in order to qualify themselves for Yugoslav naturalisation but have not yet received it, and who have now been expelled to Hungary by the. Yugoslav Government?

The concern of His Majesty's Government regarding the recent expulsions from Yugoslavia and the action which has been taken by them in this connection have been explained on several recent occasions in reply to previous questions in this House. It does not appear to be the case that these events have increased the number of stateless persons. The legal situation as regards the nationality of the expelled persons is somewhat complex, but the national status of these persons is dependent on the relevant Articles of the Treaty of Peace, and not on the recent actions of the Yugoslav authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the communication from the Secretary-General of the League, asking what action His Majesty's Government recommends on the report of the Nansen international office for refugees; and whether His Majesty's Government will follow the recommendation of the Assembly of the League that Governments should put at the disposal of that office credits which would enable it to settle refugees in countries which were willing to receive them?

I am aware of the terms of the resolution passed by the 15th Assembly of the League of Nations in regard to the report of the Nansen international office for refugees for the year ending the 30th June, 1934, but His Majesty's Government have not yet received a communication from the Secretary-General of the League of Nations of the nature referred to by the hon. Member. As soon as such a communication is received, the terms of His Majesty's Government's reply will be most carefully considered.

Will His Majesty's Government give a general approval to this proposal?

I am sure that His Majesty's Government, in common with the other Governments at Geneva, will desire to take their part.

Will specially generous treatment be given to the Russian refugees who have been exiled from their homes for 16 years?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken by the League of Nations to continue the work in China begun there by its technical agent?

Assistance continues to be rendered to the Chinese authorities by various technical organs of the League, such as the Communications and Transit Organisation, the Health Organisation and the Committee of Intellectual Co-operation. At its last meeting the Council Committee on technical co-operation between the League of Nations and China, while reaching the conclusion that it did not appear to be essential to appoint a technical agent for the time being, invited the Secretary-General of the League temporarily to dispatch to China the director of one of the competent sections of the Secretariat with a view to ensuring the continuance and development of the work begun by the former technical agent. I understand that the Director of the Communications and Transit Organisation of the League Secretariat has been selected for this mission.

In view of the increased activity of the League in China, will the Bureau of the League ask China to pay her subscription?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give the names of the countries, the names of their representative experts and their qualifications on oil pollution, who have been appointed by the communications and transit organisation under the League of Nations to study the problems involved in oil pollution of the seas; and can he say, approximately, when they anticipate issuing a report?

The Committee referred to by my hon. Friend met at Geneva in November last, and its report has already been considered by the Council of the League. The present position in regard to this matter is briefly as follows:

The Communications and Transit Organisation of the League of Nations appointed a Committee of Experts to conduct a preliminary examination into the question of the pollution of the sea by oil. This committee met under the chairmanship of Mr. Grimshaw, of the British Board of Trade, and was attended by fully qualified representatives of Italy, the United States, Denmark, France and Japan. The committee recommended to the Council through the Communications and Transit Organisation that efforts should be made to conclude an international convention for the prevention of oil pollution. The Council approved this recommendation on the 11th January, and authorised the Communications and Transit Organisation to make all necessary preparatory studies with a view to facilitating the conclusion of such a convention. In pursuance of this resolution the Secretary-General has already circulated a questionnaire to Governments, and has asked that the replies should be sent in by the 31st May. On receipt of these replies, the Communications and Transit Organisation are called upon, in accordance with the procedure laid down for the negotiation of general conventions under the auspices of the League of Nations, to prepare a draft convention for communication to Governments. The Assembly of the League has also to take cognisance of the draft convention and to decide whether the subject appears prima facie suitable for the conclusion of a. convention. It is hoped that the Assembly will be in a position to take this decision at its next meeting. I will send my hon. Friend the particulars about the members of the committee if he desires it.

Do His Majesty's Government view with sympathy the efforts which are being made to get rid of this evil?

Yes, Sir, with all possible sympathy. I made a statement to that effect at a recent meeting at Geneva, and have already pointed out that the chairman of the committee is an official of the British Board of Trade. Throughout I think I may claim that His Majesty's Government have pressed this matter on the attention of the other Governments.

Will the inquiry have regard to the treatment of the oil by separators, as well as to the advantage of codifying the laws regulating the discharge of oil effluents from vessels?

Yes, Sir; my understanding is that both the matters to which the hon. Member refers will be included.

Is there a representative of the Navy on the committee? They are very much interested in the matter.

I have given to the House the details of the proposal, and, if my hon. and gallant Friend wishes it, I will send to him, as well as to my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton (Sir C. Rawson), a list of the members of the committee.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him if it is a fact that Japan and America are sympathetic towards these proposals?

I am ready to make a statement, where I can, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, but it is a little dangerous to make statements on behalf of other Governments on a technical matter such as this.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements are being made to safeguard the interests of British holders of loans authorised by the Saar Governing Commission?

Section 4 of the Agreement reached at Rome on the 3rd December, 1934, between the French and German Governments and the Saar Committee of the Council of the League of Nations, lays down that

"5 per cent. of the total amount of Bank of France notes and other means of payment circulating in the Saar which are recovered…shall be assigned to the service of debts contracted by Saar natural or legal persons with the approval of the Governing Commission."

This covers the loans referred to, and British holders will benefit under the arrangement equally with holders of other nationalities.

If the 5 per cent. is not sufficient to cover the interest on the Sterling Loan and on the Gold Loan, what steps will be taken to protect the interests of British holders?

I cannot deal with that point in answer to a supplementary question, but the whole matter has been most carefully considered by the committee presided over by Baron Aloisi, and my understanding is that an arrangement has been made which is calculated to cover the matters referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the draft articles for the regulation and control of the manufacture of and trade in arms submitted to the Disarmament Conference by the American delegation; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to support the American proposals?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affimative. With regard to the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government have welcomed the American proposals and have accepted them as a basis of discussion. His Majesty's Government will have certain modifications of, and additions to, the American draft to put forward during the deliberations at Geneva of the committee, which held its first meeting on the 14th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Chancellor Schuschnigg is coming to this country on official business; and whether he is coming on the invitation of the Government?

The answer to both parts of this question is in the negative. I understand that the Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister have been paying a visit to Paris, and they naturally have desired to come on to London, where we are glad to receive them with every courtesy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken through the British Minister at Addis Ababa to prevent hostilities between Abyssinia and Italy; and whether he can make any further statement on this subject?

His Majesty's Minister at Addis Ababa has from the beginning with the full authority of His Majesty's Government used his good offices to promote an amicable settlement of the present differences between Italy and Ethiopia. I have no further statement to make except that I understand con versations have begun in Addis Ababa between the Italian Minister and the Ethiopian Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to raise this matter at Geneva?

No, Sir; I think we had better see how the matter goes on. It is going on from day to day, and Geneva does not meet for a little time.

Would it be possible to do something in this matter before it gets too far for anything to be done?

I do not think the British Government can be reproached with not having shown activity, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that it is not in every case in every part of the world that it is desirable that the British Government should raise every question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can state the number of cases in which the incapacity allowances to the orphan children of those who lost their lives in the Great War have been withdrawn on their attaining the age of 21, and the saving per annum to the country consequent on the stoppage of these allowances?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to him so recently as 14th February, in which I explained that no separate record is kept of the number of cases in which children's allowances cease at the age of 21.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to attract increased tourist traffic to this country from abroad during the period of the Jubilee celebrations?

His Majesty's Government are not taking steps in the direction indicated by my hon. Friend, but the Travel and Industrial Development Association which receives financial support from His Majesty's Government, is making widely known abroad, the many interesting events taking place in this country this year. There is every reason to believe that a very large number of visitors are proposing to come.

Is someone keeping a sharp eye on the crooks who come in, better known as scientific pocket pinchers?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the opinion expressed in the report of the Committee on Street Trading (Command 1624, 1922), and paragraph 52 of the report of the Food Council on Fish Prices, 1927, he will draw the attention of municipal authorities to the importance of encouraging hawkers and street traders in fish?

The subject of the distribution of fish to the home market is engaging the attention of the Sea Fish Commission, and, as regards herring, I hope that it will, before long, be receiving the attention of the proposed Herring Industry Board. In the circumstances, I think that at this stage action such as is suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend would be premature.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the prices per gallon fixed by the Milk Board to be paid for milk purchased from the farmer and the prices of milk sold for domestic and commercial purposes, respectively?

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

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether there has been any surplus of milk in excess of domestic and commercial requirements; if so, what has been the quantity; in what areas; and what was the method of its disposal?

I am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that there has been no surplus of milk in excess of domestic and commercial requirements, and that all milk handled by the board during the past year was, in fact, marketed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether as a part of the Jubilee celebrations, he will consider the advisability of reverting to the penny post for letters?

I am afraid I can only repeat the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend's question of 1st November last.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the minimum charged for an air-mail letter from Great Britain to Brazil?

The minimum charge on an air mail letter for Brazil for transmission via France or Germany is 3s. 6d.

Why is that figure three times as much as an air mail letter from Brazil?

I endeavoured to deal with that matter on the last occasion.

Is it not a fact that we appear to have made a bad bargain with Brazil on this question?

I shall be glad to discuss it with the hon. Member and, I hope, to reassure him on the point.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the number of licences which have been issued up to the present time for radio sets on motor cars?

No record is available of the number of licences issued in respect of wireless sets fitted in motor cars. To ascertain this number it would be necessary to examine the copies kept at Post Offices of nearly 7,000,000 wireless licences; and the cost of such a scrutiny would not, I fear, be justified.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, with a view to improving the existing standards of telephonic reliability and providing some compensation to subscribers in the event of unsatisfactory service, he will consider the introduction of a system whereby a suitable rebate is given for each occasion on which the telephone of a subscriber is out of order and proves to be unavailable for use when he wishes to make a call?

I have no reason to suppose that the existing standard of reliability of the telephone in this country calls for such an arrangement as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Postmaster-General how many tobacco, confectionery, and other shops in the United Kingdom are now in possession of licences enabling them to sell stamps; and whether, in view of the few shops which find it worth while to take advantage of such licences under present conditions and the inconvenience to the public which arises through insufficient facilities for the purchase of stamps when post offices are closed, he will introduce new arrangements which definitely encourage such shops to sell stamps on Sundays for the convenience of the public?

I am sorry that the figures are not available. I am considering whether steps can be taken to encourage applications for licences generally.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an appeal to the public to buy their stamps on Saturdays instead of Sundays so that shopkeepers and shop assistants may have one day's rest in seven?

Perhaps the public will note the powerful appeal of the hon. Gentleman himself.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that in London where local post offices are established in shops the public are adequately safeguarded, especially in shops which are very crowded with other customers?

I shall be glad to look into any case the hon. Gentleman has in mind.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the overtures made by the West Ham County Borough to his Department for the provision of a sub post office in that portion of Stratford known as the Carpenter's Estate; whether he is aware that many aged people are at present compelled to cross the Stratford High Street in order to cash their pension vouchers; and, in view of the risk to life and limb thereby entailed, will be give personal attention to the matter and investigate the reasons actuating his Department's refusal of West Ham's appeal?

I will certainly investigate this matter as the hon. Member requests, and let him know the result of my inquiries.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that there is a shortage of public conveniences in Regent's Park; and whether he will obtain from the Bedford College authorities the surrender of a portion of their land, of which the Crown is the owner, in order to provide what is necessary close to the bridge on the Bedford College side of the lake?

A new additional convenience in the Inner Circle Gardens, not far from the area referred to by the hon. Member, will be ready in the summer. The number of conveniences in Regent's Park will then, I am advised, be reasonably adequate, but I am now considering whether any further accommodation is required in the playing fields area in the Northern part of the Park.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has given consideration to the draft scheme for relief presented by the Central Board for administration of the Gresford relief fund; whether he is satisfied that the conditions for relief are as generous as desired; and whether it is intended to include representatives of the Miners' Federation on the Central Board?

I am satisfied that the trust deed and scheme which has been prepared on behalf of the Lord Mayor of London and the Lord Lieutenant of Denbighshire for the administration of the Gresford Colliery disaster fund fully carry out the intentions of the subscribers and permit the Central Board which will administer the fund to grant relief on as generous a scale as the fund permits. It is not intended to include representatives of the Miners' Federation on the Central Board, but the president of the North Wales Miners' Federation will be a member. Moreover, the scheme provides for a local committee which will act in an executive capacity under the Central Board, and three representatives of the North Wales Miners Federation and three representatives of the Gresford Miners' Lodge, in addition to other local representatives, will be members of this committee.

Will these representatives be actually appointed by the bodies concerned or nominated by some other body?

I think appointed by the body concerned. The scheme which is attached to the deed provides that "the appointed members shall be appointed by the following appointing authorities or bodies," and then the bodies I have mentioned are included.

Is the Gresford Miners' Lodge included, and the Miners' Federation of North Wales?

I have said that the North Wales Miners' Federation and the Gresford Miners' Lodge are -among the appointing bodies.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the number of wage-earners employed in the mining industry on the latest date available; and the number employed on approximately the same date during 1929 to 1934, inclusive?

As the reply involves a table of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

What is the difference between the numbers employed in 1929 and now?

In 1929, 910,600, and in 1935, 771,900.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to adopt the recommendations of the National Smoke Abatement Society to set up a committee to investigate and report upon the measures necessary to abate the nuisance arising from the use of pulverised fuel and nuisances arising in connection with generating stations and other statutory undertakings?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question of the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on 31st January.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the protest sent from 2,000 ratepayers in Shrewsbury against proposals to dump refuse on a site between two good-class residential districts on the banks of the Severn in Shrewsbury, alongside a public footpath used by thousands of people daily, including schoolchildren; and whether, in view of the local circumstances, he will advise the local authority that controlled tipping is less hygienic than incineration as a means of disposal of refuse in this case?

A public local inquiry with reference to this proposal has been held by one of my right hon. Friend's Inspectors at which full opportunity was given to the opposition to state their case. The Inspector's report is now being considered.

asked the Minister of Labour how many employers have arranged with their employés to share out the work so as not to put some of them out of employment; and can he give the number of workers affected and the total who would be out of work but for the arrangement?

I am having a statement prepared and will publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of foreigners serving in the British mercantile marine?

The number of seamen employed in British ships is ascertained only at a date when a census of seamen is taken, and the latest information relates to 15th June, 1933. On that date there were enumerated as employed in sea-trading vessels registered at ports in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands 7,661 foreign seamen (other than lascars) and 42,475 lascar seamen (British subjects and foreigners). Under the heading "lascars" are included Asiatics and East Africans employed under agreements for natives of Asia or East Africa, which open and terminate in Asia.

Will the hon. Gentleman send a copy of his answer to the hon. Member for Wavertree (Mr. Cleary), who told us the other day that there were 40,000 foreigners in the mercantile marine?

Will the hon. Gentleman co-operate with the Home Secretary with a view to repatriating these foreign seamen who arrive in this country on British ships in order to make room for the thousands of British seamen who are out of work?

Everything that is proper will be done by the Board of Trade to encourage the greater employment of British seamen on British ships. The House will like to know that the number of foreigners employed on British ships has been steadily diminishing since 1903, and it has never been at a lower figure. It is very necessary that these facts should be given wide publicity. As to the treatment of alien seamen in this country, the law is already quite strong enough to deal with the matter. It is a question of the administration of that law, and due attention will be given to it.

Does the hon. Gentleman exclude from the term "foreigner" the large number of Chinamen alleged to have been born at Hong Kong?

The hon. Gentleman to whom the right hon. Gentleman refers excludes from "foreigner" every British subject, whether born at Hong Kong or elsewhere.

Are the wages of these people, lascars and foreigners, regulated by the Maritime Board?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down that question.

Did I hear the International Brotherhood of Brothers talking about the Chinese as foreigners?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what arrangements, if any, are being made for all units of the Territorial Army in England to take some official part in His Majesty the King's Jubilee celebrations?

I am afraid that I am not yet in a position to supplement the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the Spelthorne Division of Middlesex (Sir R. Blaker) last Wednesday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. John O'Neill, who was convicted on the 21st September last by the Wealdstone Justices on a charge of embezzlement of a sum of £3 9s. 10d. and sentenced to three months' imprisonment, although a first offender; whether he is aware that, owing to the failure of the clerk of the Wealdstone Magistrates to forward the notice of appeal in the appropriate manner and time, this man was debarred from his legal right of appeal; and whether, in the circumstances, he will take steps to make amends for this miscarriage of justice?

My attention was drawn to this case during the currency of the sentence and I communicated with the Clerk to the Justices about the matter to which the hon. Member refers, but there was no way of, restoring to the defendant an opportunity of appealing, and, after making full inquiries into the merits of the case, I could find no grounds on which I could properly recommend that the prerogative of mercy should be exercised in his favour.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the reply, may I ask whether he does not consider that it is a very serious condition of affairs that an accused person should lose the right of appeal on account of a mistake of an official of the court?

Oh, yes, Sir, but it was due to a misunderstanding, and, under those conditions, I looked into all the circumstances of the case in order to see whether there was any question of the prerogative of mercy, and on the information I had before me I came to the conclusion that there was not.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, even if he himself saw no cause for reviewing the case, the Appeal Court might have seen that there was cause?

It is also the case that the Appeal Court as well as having power to reduce the sentence could increase it.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the very great hardship which has been caused by a miscarriage of justice in the case of a first offender, he will at least consider whether it would be possible to erase this conviction from the court rolls in order that a possible miscarriage of justice may not hang round this man's neck for the rest of his life?

All I can say is, that if the hon. Member can produce any fresh facts for my consideration, I shall be quite ready to consider them.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a fire which recently occurred at Peacehaven; whether he is aware that two brigades refused to respond to a call, resulting in the property being destroyed; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?

I have obtained a report from the chief constable of East Sussex and am informed that the two fire brigades did not attend because the fire was outside their districts. It rests with the local authority to provide, or to arrange with other local authorities to provide, any necessary fire protection.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the time has now arrived when the question of fire brigade organisation should have the attention of His Majesty's Government?

asked the Home Secretary when the revised regulations for the carriage of dangerous acids by road will be ready; whether he is aware that large quantities of such acids are now being transported by road, and that recently seven lorries containing carboys presumably filled with such acids were met with in a short distance on the Great North Road; whether he will bear in mind the disaster which occurred in 1933 at Boroughbridge owing to a collision with a lorry containing such acids; and therefore can he expedite the issue of such regulations?

I am not in a position at the moment to specify a date for the issue of the draft regulations; but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that I fully appreciate the considerations to which he calls attention, and that, as I informed him in answer to his question on the 4th instant, all possible steps are being taken to expedite the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the Croydon Criminal Investigation Department in connection with a hoax advertisement that was inserted in two London newspapers; if he can state the names of the newspapers; whether efforts are being made to trace the person who inserted the advertisement; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My attention has not previously been called to this incident. I am making inquiries in the matter and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Estate Duty which has been paid to date on the estate of the late Sir John Ellerman; whether a complete and final valuation of the estate for Death Duty purposes has yet been made; and, if so, what is the figure of the valuation?

I am not prepared to disclose information relating to the estate of an individual taxpayer.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any precedent at all for the information for which my hon. Friend asks?

Not so far as I am aware, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that question?

If I can show the hon. Gentleman a precedent for giving such information, will he be prepared to state it in this particular case?

I think it is definitely not in the public interest to disclose the Income Tax return, or any return, about individual taxpayers. I must rely on the confidence which the taxpayer has in the discretion of the Government.

Will not the hon. Gentleman have regard to the fact that it is not a request for information with regard to Income Tax, but Estate Duty, and, of course, the person concerned is no longer alive?

I think that the same objections obviously apply.

Is it not of great public interest that Sir John Ellerman started as a penniless boy and made a fortune; and should not we look with pride on this triumph of private enterprise?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to give the composition and terms of reference of the Royal Commission of inquiry into the private manufacture of and trading in arms?

Yes, Sir. I am glad to say that the Royal Commission has just been completed. The composition will be:

• Sir John Eldon Bankes (Chairman), ex-Lord Justice of Appeal.
• Sir Thomas Allen, long associated with the Co-operative Movement.
• Dame Rachel Crowdy, who has done great service in Geneva on the Secretariat of the League of Nations.
• Sir Philip Gibbs, who has a unique knowledge of the Continental situation.
• Professor H. C. Gutteridge, Reader in Comparative Law at Cambridge University, formerly Cassel Professor of Law, and Dean of the Faculty of Law in London University.
• Sir Kenneth Lee, a well-known Lancashire business man.
• Mr. J. A. Spender, the distinguished publicist.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this Commission will commence work, and whether the report is expected by the end of the year?

Naturally, I cannot answer the second part of the question until the Commission have begun their work, but the intention is that the Commission should begin their work without delay. There will be certain papers that will have to be supplied and further information obtained, so that when they begin their work they may be ready to go straight ahead with it. There may be a week or two, not of delay, but of necessary preparation.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his statement, may I ask whether the Commission will have the powers of a Select Committee to take evidence on oath?

Various points were considered, that being one of them. We felt that it would be a. great mistake to begin by assuming, by the special powers given to the Commission, that they were going to have any trouble at all in getting their witnesses and their evidence, but I can say this, that the Government mean to give the Commission full support in the discharge of their duties, and, if the Chairman requires to make any representation to the Government in order to make that possible, he will get our assistance.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the evidence will be taken in private or in public?

The method is as a rule in public, but if for any reason, with which the Chairman agrees, private sessions should be held, those sessions will be held in private.

We have not had time to consider any of these names, but I notice that the right hon. Gentleman called special attention to a Lancashire business man. Is there any representative of Labour on this Commission?

Sir Kenneth Lee is not a representative of business, but he is a Lancashire business man. I only said what I did about him because I had described each one. There is a name with which the right hon. Gentleman is familiar in connection with the great Labour economic movement of cooperation. None represent, but they are all selected by the Government.

I quite understand that, but I suggest to the right hon. Gentleman that it is usual in a Commission of this character to appoint some one representing what is known as the organised Labour movement. I should have thought that in a matter of this kind such a representative would have been appointed. There is no opportunity to raise the question in the House except in this way.

The right hon. Gentleman will, I am sure, appreciate the great difficulty that I was in in getting this Commission together, for the very simple reason that I could not select anyone who had written, or had spoken, or in. any public form had committed himself to either "yea" or "nay" on the issues that will be before the Commission.

Did I understand the Prime Minister to say, in reply to the right hon. Member for Darwen (Sir H. Samuel), that the Commission will not have power to take evidence on oath?

No. What the hon. Member must understand is this, that to begin with they have not that power. That is not a power that is given to a Royal Commission, except under special circumstances. But what I have said is, that if there is any impediment which the chairman finds in his lack of being able to administer the oath to a witness, all he has to do is to communicate with me, and it will be removed.

Will documents in Government Departments be at the free disposal of the Commission in carrying out their work?

In so far as there is no trouble at all in the production of documents, the Commission will get them. If there are documents that are required but which in the opinion of the Government ought not to be produced, those documents will not be produced.

Does the power in regard to the production of papers relate to the proceedings of private firms? Is it a general power, or must they specify in advance the particular paper they require?

We must leave that absolutely. They have power to ask for papers, and I shall leave how that is to be applied and operated to the discretion of the Commission.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to take any action regarding the loss of confidence in the City of London due to recent commodity speculations?

In view of the prompt measures taken in the City to minimise the effects of the recent commodity speculations, I do not think it would be correct to ascribe to these operations the movements of securities to which I presume the hon. Member refers. As to what further action, if any, should be taken, I understand the position to be that a petition has already been made to the Court for the compulsory winding-up of James and Shakespeare Limited, the company which was specially associated with the recent transactions. The petition is to be heard within a few days, and on its being granted the Official Receiver will be required, in the discharge of the duties specifically laid upon him by Section 182 of the Companies Act, 1929, to make full enquiry into the causes of the failure, and to report to the Court whether in his opinion further inquiry is desirable into the circumstances attending the promotion of the company and the conduct of its business. The section further provides that the Official Receiver may also, if he thinks fit, make a further report as to whether in his opinion any fraud has been committed by any person in the promotion or formation of the company, or by any director or other officer of the company in relation to the company since the formation thereof, and on any other matters which in his opinion it is desirable to bring to the notice of the Court. The House will, therefore, see that the existing law makes suitable provision for judical inquiry into the circumstances attending this class of case; and His Majesty's Government propose to await the result of the statutory inquiry or inquiries before considering the matter further.

Is the hon. Member satisfied that the inquiry will be pursued as far as is necessary to allay public opinion, or general opinion in the City, and is he aware that already shareholders who have lost considerably by these transactions in connection with James and Shakespeare make the allegation freely that their interests in the firm were confined to the business in tin and not to the speculations in pepper, and that to that extent their investments in the company have been based upon fraudulent representations? Having regard to the necessity of giving confidence in the City and to the general public in the country, who are much concerned about the character of these transactions, will the inquiry be thorough?

I think my answer has replied to all the points that the hon. Member has raised.

Has not the loss of confidence in the City been due not so much to the recent commodity speculations as to the fear of the City that circumstances that have arisen might mean the return of a Socialist Government?

Will my hon. Friend also consider the desirability of holding an inquiry into the wild speculations in Mincing Lane in commodities, which have inflicted immense losses upon the Cooperative Wholesale Society?

Will the hon. Member inform the House whether it is the case that a very large number of the leading figures in joint stock banking were involved in this company and whether it is not in the public interest that that should definitely be made known.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the powers of the Government representative on the board of the Anglo-Scottish Beet-Sugar Corporation, Limited; and whether the loans made by the Treasury to this company received the full recommendation of the Government representative?

The Treasury Director, in this and other cases, has no special powers over and above those conferred upon other members of the board. With regard to the second part of the question, the Treasury was given power, under the Trade Facilities Acts, to guarantee loans, after consultation with the Advisory Committee appointed in terms of those Acts. The question of a recommendation by the Treasury Director did not therefore arise.

Is it the practice before making such loans for the Treasury specially to consult their representative, and to have a report?

The Treasury naturally keep in close touch with their representative throughout.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any further statement as to the proposed air agreement with Germany, France, and Belgium?

Yes, Sir. I can now inform the House that the Belgian, German and Italian Governments have all stated their point of view on the invitation issued to them by ourselves and the French Government after the London meeting to consider with them whether an aerial convention for Western Europe could not be promptly negotiated. The Belgian Government have informed us in an official note of 11th February that they recognise Belgium's interest in participating in this negotiation. An Italian communiqué published on 9th February states that Italy approves of the proposal in principle subject to consideration of the question of the special mutual responsibilities of Italy and this country to one another. The German Government have informed us in the official note published on 14th February that they welcome the proposal and are ready to consider in free agreement with the other Governments concerned the ways and the means of the conclusion of the proposed agreement.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether, when the communications have passed between the Governments in this matter and some agreement has been arrived at tentatively, he will present papers to the House so that hon. Members can study them before any discussion arises?

I am sure that my right hon. Friend is desirious of keeping the House fully informed.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in order to preserve the amenities of Stonehenge as a national memorial, he will give instructions that no picnicking or unseemly litter shall be allowed inside the enclosure?

Yes, Sir. I am proposing to take steps to prevent picnicking within the enclosure, and I am issuing special instructions as to the clearing of litter and warning of offenders. I am informed that the custodians do their best to cope with this problem but have to deal as well with rubbish that is blown in or thrown from the adjoining public road. The proposed establishment of a car-park and the appointment of an additional custodian should help considerably to diminish nuisances.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in order to remove public uneasiness, he will now publish the text of the deed under which the control of a part of Stonehenge now passes to his Department from the National Trust to whom it was conveyed by the Stonehenge Preservation Fund?

The deed is not finally completed, but I will certainly make its terms public at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the result of his inquiries of the Canadian Government regarding the position of British holders of the Ontario and Vancouver municipal bonds, in view of the recent official statements by the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and the mayor of Vancouver?

As the information which has reached me from the Canadian Government goes into the position in considerable detail, I will, with the permission of the House, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will give the names of the 142 local education authorities which provide maintenance allowances for special-place children, and the scale of allowances of each authority?

I will send the hon. Member a list, of the 142 local education authorities concerned. I regret that I cannot furnish him with the scales of allowances for each authority, since these vary according to the parental income, the number of children in the family, and, in some cases, the age of the pupil.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider circulating this information in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

The income scales of a single authority in some cases runs to three or four pages, and I do not think it would be possible to publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not the case that local authorities have a means test for granting maintenance allowances? Has not the London County Council a means test in granting these allowances?

indicated assent.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to whether it is proposed to remove Woolwich Arsenal?

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. This question is a very large one, and a decision is not to be expected in the near future.

Has the hon. Member seen a report which has appeared in most newspapers that it is possible that Woolwich Arsenal is going to be moved to Pembroke?

I have not seen the report, but I will convey the information to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any news of the hunger striking in the Palestine gaols and how many are at present striking?

I have obtained a report from the High Commissioner for Palestine, stating the following facts. Sixty-eight Jews who were detained in Acre gaol following conviction for illegal entry into Palestine declared a hunger strike after evening meal on the 12th February as a protest against their continued imprisonment after the expiration of the sentences imposed upon them by the Courts. In every case an order of deportation had been made immediately upon committal by the Inspector-General of Police in the exercise of authority vested in him under Section 10 (1) of the Immigration Ordinance, and subsequently warrants of detention were issued by the High Commissioner under Section 10 (8) to cover any period of custody after the expiry of court sentences which might be necessitated by delay in completing the formalities of deportation. This is the normal procedure followed in all cases of conviction for illegal entry.

Actually on the day of the hunger strike the court sentences were still unexpired in 12 cases. In the remainder they had run out and negotiations with regard to deportation were proceeding. Although there was good reason to believe, and enquiries have since shown, that most if not all these 68 Jews are of European nationality other than Russian, each affirmed on arrest that he was a Russian, and each gave a false name and falsified other particulars of identity. No passports or other travel documents were found in their possession. The police have therefore to make complicated and necessarily protracted enquiries through agents in Syria, Greece and elsewhere. So far nationality has been established in 40 cases, mostly Polish, but including a few Hungarians and Czecho-Slovakians, and the foreign consuls concerned in Palestine have accordingly been asked to expedite the grant of travelling facilities. Enquiries continue with a view to establishing nationality in the remaining cases.

The High Commissioner has generally no objection to the acceptance of suitable bail bonds, and he accordingly gave instructions that any of the 68 persons whose court sentences had expired might be released on a bond of £100 by each of two reputable sureties undertaking to produce him at the end of two months, or sooner if called upon by the police, or alternatively to prove that he had left the country. On becoming aware of these instructions the prisoners broke their fast on the afternoon of the 14th February. The hunger strike was not complete. Seven prisoners took food on the 13th February and the rest took liquid throughout the duration of the strike. The strikers were examined daily by the prison doctor and found in good health with the exception of two who were admitted to the hospital ward on the morning of the 14th February and who were due to be discharged yesterday.

How long is the right hon. Gentleman going to put in prison and keep in prison these unfortunate Jews, whose only crime is that they want to enter Palestine?

It is perfectly well known to every hon. Member of the House, if not to the right hon. and gallant Member, that illegal immigration into Palestine on the part of Jews or anybody else is an offence against the law. It is in the interests of the country that entry into Palestine of Jews should be in a properly authorised way. It is surely in everyone's interest that illegal immigration should be stopped.

The House is aware, if the right hon. Gentleman himself is not aware, that this practice of gaoling people who are fugitives from Europe does not redound to the credit of this Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the concern aroused among farmers at the reported decision to close down the only Scottish beet-sugar factory at Cupar; and, if in view of the fact that farmers in all parts of the country have prepared or are daily preparing their land for the next beet crop, and that if the Cupar factory is closed confusion and much loss will be caused in many farms, he can make an immediate statement to re-assure Scottish growers?

I am aware that the question of closing the Cupar sugar-beet factory has been under consideration by the Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation, but no final decision has yet been taken in the matter, and I am not unhopeful that arrangements may be made under which the factory may be operated during the coming season.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I ask, in view of the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for reassurance, whether he will be in a position to make a definite statement if I repeat my question in a few days' time?