asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether field-service concessions will be admissible to troops forming the escort of the Sino-British Commission which is going out in the autumn to demarcate the Burma-Yunnan boundary under the presidency of a Swiss colonel appointed by the League of Nations; what will be the nature of these concessions; and whether arrangements have been made for the supply of canteen stores to the troops?

The Government of India have been asked to furnish the information desired by my hon. Friend, and on its receipt I will communicate with him further.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many trade unionists have been apprehended under the various ordinances in India and against whom no charge has been preferred; and what is the average time of their detention?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to arrests made under provisions of the emergency powers legislation which is in force in certain Provinces. There are no ordinances now in force in India giving these powers. I have no information as to the number of trade unionists arrested under these provisions.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that information shows that trade unionists and Socialists are characterised by the authorities as Communists and are frequently apprehended without any charge being preferred against them, and will he make special inquiries to see how many cases have been apprehended?

There is no intention of making discrimination against trade unionists as such. If the hon. Member desires it, I will certainly make inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Sikh-Muslim trouble at Lahore has now subsided; and whether British and Gurkha troops have yet returned to their ordinary stations?

The situation in Lahore is now quiet, and it is understood that the Muslim community have decided to follow constitutional methods of pursuing their case. I have no information as to the second part of the question.

In view of the seriousness and the frequency of these communal troubles, does not my hon. Friend think it will be necessary in future rather to increase the British Army and Gurkha troops in India than to allow anything in the way of Indianisation to go on?

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the authorities in India are satisfied with the troops which they have at their disposal, and that Indian troops have been actively employed on picket and patrol duties, and that on 20th July Indian cavalry made several charges against crowds.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he proposes to take as a result of the recent representations made to him by the committee acting on behalf of British holders of Chinese Government bonds?

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to the Chinese Government ten-year bills of 1918 and ten-year Treasury notes of 1919, in regard to which I have had representations recently. The case of the British holders of these bills and notes, together with that of other issues, has been repeatedly represented to the Chinese Government and will continue to be represented at every favourable opportunity. Beyond that there appear to be no special steps that can be taken.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for what he has said, may I ask whether a time limit can be imposed in asking for the information?

I do not think I can acid anything to what I have said about taking any favourable opportunities arising for pressing these claims.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can furnish an estimate of the loss of Income Tax and Super-tax owing to the failure of the Chinese Government to meet its obligations in respect of certain sterling loans?

I regret that I am unable to furnish any estimate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the forthcoming negotiations between the Milk Marketing Board and the milk buyers, he will now state what measures the Government propose to take to maintain the price payable to dairy farmers for milk used for manufacturing purposes?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement of policy with regard to milk products which I made on 25th July in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Maldon (Sir E. Ruggles-Brise), to which I have nothing to add.

In order to safeguard the producers in the forthcoming negotiations, could my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the guaranteed price of manufacturing milk will be continued for the whole year of the new contract period?

I am afraid that I cannot make a statement so important as that at the present time. I can only say that there will be negotiations; I cannot go any further.

Can we have a statement before the House rises?

I am afraid that I shall not be able before the House rises to go further than my statement of the 25th.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the fact that the Netherlands, one of our keenest competitors in egg production, has sent us in the first six months of this year nearly four times as many eggs as in the corresponding periods of 1933 and 1934; in view also of the consequential depression in price in the market for home-produced eggs in recent months; and, in view of the probability that the Great Britain Reorganisation Commission will not report until the autumn, he will state what immediate steps the Government are taking to give the British producer the first place in the home market as promised?

I am aware that the increase in imports of eggs in shell from the Netherlands is as stated by my hon. Friend. I would, however, draw his attention to my reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Captain Heilgers) on 22nd July, a copy of which I am sending to him; and, as regards prices, the re- cords show that since the early part of this year they have on the average been higher than those ruling during the corresponding periods of last year. Arrangements are being made with the purpose of securing a reduction of approximately 5 per cent. in total imports from foreign sources during the current quarter as compared with the corresponding quarter of 1933. The attention of the Netherlands Government has been drawn to the over-shipments from that country during the first half of the year.

Has it been suggested to the Netherlands that they might prefer a 10 per cent reduction?

We have simply drawn their attention to the shipments. The exact measures to deal with the position have not been settled between the two countries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember in this and in other matters that the poor people are large consumers of these eggs, and that any alteration that will make the price high will very adversely affect them?

I am aware that the poor people are consumers of these eggs, and that on account of the better conditions they have secured owing to this Government they are able to purchase them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Marketing Act, 1932, granted him powers to prohibit or restrict imports only when a marketing scheme is in existence or is in course of preparation? Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what progress has been made in regard to a marketing scheme?

I do not think that that arises here.

asked the President of the. Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the importation of eggs from the Netherlands in the first six months of this year were 1,770,000 great hundreds, as compared with about 470,000 great hundreds in each of the two preceding years; and whether he has, as promised, considered the necessity of calling on the Netherlands Government to observe our request that their shipments for the whole of this year should show a 10 per cent. reduction upon the 1934 figure?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that the Netherlands observe the agreement which has been entered into with them with regard to the import of eggs into this country?

I am ware that imports of eggs from the Netherlands in the first six months of this year have shown a large increase over those in the same period of the two preceding years. There is no agreement with the Netherlands Government that they will restrict their exports of eggs to this country, but they and other foreign Governments have been asked to do so. The position has recently been discussed here with representatives of the Netherlands Government, who undertook to go into the question on their return to Holland.

Did not His Majesty's Government make a request that Netherlands shipments should be reduced by 10 per cent., and is that the request which we are now pursuing?

The Netherlands Government and other Governments have been requested to reduce their export of eggs to this country. I was pointing out to the House that there was no agreement.

I did not say there was.

If the Netherlands Government do not accede to our request, could we not take steps under the Marketing Act to force them to do so?

The whole question of what procedure will be adopted in the event of the Netherlands not acceding to our request had better be deferred until their Government have had an opportunity of hearing what their representatives have reported, and of communicating their decision.

Is it not a considerable time—over a year—since they were asked, and instead of reducing their export have they not increased it?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider introducing a different system of working the national stud so that inbreeding will be reduced and stallions brought in from outside to improve the quality of the stock?

It is the normal practice to mate the stud mares with the best outside stallions. Of the 12 yearlings recently sold at Newmarket there were two each by Blandford, Sansovino and Bosworth, and one each by Fairway and Ut Majeur in addition to four by Diligence. The stud yearlings realised an average of over £1,650 at the recent Newmarket sales, which seems a good evidence of the high quality of the stock.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, to improve the efficiency of the working of the national stud, he will consider introducing some system whereby representative owners generally may be enabled to interest themselves in the leasing of horses for racing purposes instead of first choice being given to one person only as is the case now?

I see no sufficient reason to adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

In view of the fact that the national stud has involved the loss of so much money, will my right hon. Friend consider opening an inquiry into the matter to see what can be done?

I will certainly be glad to keep this matter under review, but, of course, one must be guided by other considerations more than by financial ones in these delicate matters.

When the right hon. Gentleman is getting out that information, will he see that we have the tips before Goodwood?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many county wage committees reduced the wages of agricultural workers during 1932 and 1935; and how many districts increased wages during 1034?

During 1032, of the 47 agricultural wages committees in England and Wales 19 reduced the minimum rate of wages for adult male workers and five other committees increased the hours of work in respect of which the minimum weekly wage is payable. Since 1st January, 1935, the minimum rates of wages have been reduced by only one committee, and in no part of the country have the hours of work in respect of which the minimum wage is payable been increased. During 1934, 23 committees increased the minimum rates of wages, six committtees reduced the hours of work and in addition three other committees both increased wages and reduced the hours.

So the National Government are giving better terms to agricultural workers?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many committees have been set up in connection with the various agricultural marketing schemes during the past four years; what is the total personnel; and how many separate reports have been made to his Department?

The number of committees appointed in pursuance of the Agricultural Marketing Act by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself is 18. The total personnel of these committees is 67, and 52 reports have been made to my Department. I am sending to the hon. Member a statement giving these details for each committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any idea how many of the recommendations of the various committees have been approved and put into operation by the Government?

Not without notice, I am afraid.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his declaration on 20th July on the subject of marketing, he is prepared to appoint at the earliest possible moment a Royal Commission to investigate and report on the problem of distribution, in order that the full facts may be available when he decides to engage upon the work foreshadowed by him in that declaration?

My hon. Friend no doubt refers to my remarks on the subject of the marketing of livestock. I would remind him that reports on agricultural marketing issued from time to time by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries deal with this problem, and I am assured that the organisations of producers who are concerned with the promotion of marketing schemes appreciate the importance of consultation with the interests engaged in distributive services. I am not prepared to adopt his suggestion for the appointment of a Royal Commission.

Would the Prime Minister suggest any other means whereby the full facts might be obtained on this very important subject?

In the first place, I do not regard a Royal Commission as necessarily an instrument of acceleration. The Board of Agriculture may be trusted to make plenty of progress. There is plenty of publicity among people who are interested in the facts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the negotiations between the British and Danish Governments with regard to the imposition of a levy on imported bacon are to be commenced; and whether there is any possibility of the new scheme coming into operation before the end of the coming year?

Discussions with representatives of the Danish Government are now in progress. There is no intention of bringing into force any new scheme that may be agreed before the end of this year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps his Department is taking to protect both the British farmers and the British hides industry from the depredations of the warble fly?

I am now in consultation on this subject with the Governments of Northern Ireland and of the Irish Free State, and with the local authorities in this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the present financial position of the Fur Board, he will consider suspending for the time being the obligation on that board to repay through the Ministry the indebtedness contracted under the Agricultural Credits Acts?

The position of the Fur Board, which was formed as a co-operatice society in 1921 and which in 1926 became an agricultural credit society for the purposes of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923, has received the sympathetic consideration of successive Governments. The board was granted a moratorium of two years in May, 1932, and in the absence of any evidence which would hold out reasonable expectation of improvement in its financial position, I regret that I cannot accede to the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) how many telephone subscribers to the Tottenham and Enfield Exchanges reside in Edmonton;

There are approximately 730 subscribers within the urban district of Edmonton connected with the Tottenham exchange and 790 with the Enfield exchange. Under present conditions the cost of providing a separate telephone exchange at Edmonton would not be justified.

In view of the very great growth of that district, which will probably mean many more people wishing to become telephone subscribers, does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that it would be wise to acquire at the present time a site for a telephone exchange there? It will undoubtedly be wanted in the future, and he can now get a site in a suitable position and at less expense?

The economic size of a telephone exchange in outer London is about 6,000 subscribers, and the figures which I have given to the hon. Member will suggest that it will be a long time before the number of subscribers there is likely to justify an exchange.

asked the Postmaster-General what agreements he has concluded, or is under obligation to conclude, with aircraft operating companies whereby he has granted a monopoly of the carriage of mails by air; and whether he will state the names of any such companies, the routes for which the monopoly has been granted, and the date on which the monopoly will terminate?

I have concluded no argreements with air companies under which a monopoly of the carriage of mails by air is granted, but, in the case of the Empire services, it naturally follows that mails are entrusted to the only British company operating on the routes.

Does that mean to say that my right hon. and gallant Friend could, on the Empire routes, give another company also mails to carry?

The policy of the Empire service, which is a somewhat difficult matter, is contained in an answer, given on 14th November last, to which I would refer the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General the net loss, if any, due to the system of cheap trunk telephone rates after 7 p.m.?

As a result of the public response to the 1s. night call, there has been a large increase in the total receipts from night trunk traffic, and the service shows a profit.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what stage has now been reached in the erection of the new Government buildings on the Calton site at Edinburgh?

The scheme designed by Mr. T. S. Tait has been approved. Working drawings are in preparation with a view to entering into a contract for the commencement of work on the site in November next.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether any decision has been taken regarding the old governor's house?

No, there has been no decision on that point.

Is granite being used in the construction?

No.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why not, in view of the experience with this building here?

asked the First Commismissioner of Works what progress has been made with the construction of the new sheriff court at Edinburgh?

The foundations and under building up to street level have now been completed, and a contract for the superstructure has recently been let.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of teachers for whom interchange arrangements with the Dominions and foreign countries have been made during the last year, and with what countries?

During the last year 75 Scottish teachers and student-teachers have taken advantage of the arrangements referred to. Of these, 17 teachers went to Canada, one each to Australia, South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, two to the United States of America; and 52 Scottish student-teachers went to France and one to Germany.

Did any go to England?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of children aged 14 to 15 in voluntary attendance at public schools; and what proportion this number bears to the total in the age block?

The number in question at the end of the school year 1933–34 is estimated at about 21,700—about 21 per cent. of the number enrolled in the age group 13 to 14 during the previous school year. About 48 per cent. of the total were in secondary schools, 41 per cent. in advanced divisions, and 11 per cent. in primary departments.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the percentage ought to be 100?

Do the figures show an increase over the previous year in the number of children attending school at the higher age?

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that coal delivered in wagons at Gushetfaulds Station, Glasgow, to coal dealers are frequently short by many cwts. in the weight for which they have to pay: and whether he proposes to take any steps to see that the coal is delivered at the proper weight?

I have been asked to reply. The complaints received by the Board of Trade do not indicate that the trouble is widespread, nor is it easily ascertainable how the shortage has been caused. The cost of prevention would be so heavy and so general that I do not think it would be advisable to take action to meet those comparatively few cases for which compensation cannot be recovered.

Could not the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see that these comparatively poor people who have to buy their coal are not defrauded when they pay for it; and is it not possible for inspectors of some kind to be sent up there to stop the practice?

Will there not be an opportunity for dealing with this point in the Weights and Measures Bill?

I wag talking to the Minister and not to the hon. Gentleman. Is it not possible for the Department to see that an inspector is present to ensure that the proper weighing is carried out?

I will convey the request to my hon. Friend. The number of cases that have been brought to our notice is extremely small.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the House any information relative to the London County Council's proposal to build 1,600 houses at North Hanwell, Middlesex; whether there was any opposition from the local authorities at the inquiry held; and whether he has come to a final decision with regard to this proposal on receipt of the report of his inspector who attended the inquiry?

My right hon. Friend has received an application from the London County Council for approval to the erection of 1,668 houses and flats on the site of the Hanwell Residential School, and an inquiry was held on the 18th of this month. The application was opposed by the Ealing Borough Council and the West Middlesex Joint Town Planning Committee. The inspector's report is at present under consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how long it will be before a decision is given, so that the London County Council can get on with the work of building, which is very urgent?

As soon as possible. Within the next week or so.

What is the reason of the opposition from the two local authorities in question?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the details of the cases in which local authorities empowered to buy land at the sides of classified roads for the purpose of preserving amenities have disposed of any portion of such land for building purposes?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is not able to provide the information. The three county councils who have the power to buy land in the circumstances mentioned by my hon. Friend have this power under local Acts which also empower them to dispose of land so acquired without my right hon. Friend's consent.

Does the hon. Gentleman know of any single instance in which they have disposed of land?

We should not be informed at the Ministry of Health, and I do not happen to know.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to a recent application from the Birmingham City Council for permission to build a further 4,000 houses to be let at a rental within the means of the lower-paid wage-earners; and whether, in view of the enormous demand for this class of house in the city of Birmingham, he will do what he can to accelerate the usual procedure of his Department, which will enable the city council to make an early start with this commendable building programme?

My right hon. Friend has already agreed to the proposal to which my hon. Friend refers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I put this question only with, the object of asking the Department to accelerate what has to be done between now and the time when the work is started, so that this programme of building may be started as soon as possible?

That is a matter for the council. We have given our Approval.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any recent notification of shortage of water in rural districts; and what action he is taking?

My right hon. Friend has not received any recent notification of serious shortage except in a few rural areas. In all cases brought to his notice an engineering inspector visits the locality with a view to expediting the preparation and carrying out of a permanent scheme. In rural areas generally good progress is being made, and so far grant has been provisionally allocated in respect of schemes for 1,360 parishes of a total estimated capital cost of £3,900,000.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are a large number of rural areas that are still buying water for industrial purposes by the bucket, and is he satisfied that the mere sending of an inspector will solve the rural water problem?

If any rural area is buying water by the bucket, it is purely its own fault. It should apply to the Ministry of Health for a grant from the money allocated for this purpose.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if they do get a grant, the rural councils will not help them?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many British subjects were serving on the British vessel "Noemijulia" in March, 1935; what were their positions and what was their rate of pay; in what year was the "Noemijulia" built; and when was she last inspected by the representatives of the Board of Trade?

According to the available information, the only British subject serving on the "Noemijulia" in March, 1935, was the wireless operator, whose rate of pay is stated to be £7 a month. The vessel was built in 1895. She has not been to this country since her transfer from the Greek to the British flag in 1930. She was then inspected at Piraeus by a surveyor to Lloyd's Register of Shipping, acting on behalf of the Board of Trade.

In the unsatisfactory state of affairs disclosed by the answer of the hon. Gentleman, will he consider the appointment of a committee to inquire into the whole of the circumstances of the Merchant Shipping Act with a view to its revision?

I hardly think that that arises out of this question. The position of British vessels that for long periods of time do not return to this country is one that is receiving the consideration of my Department.

Is it satisfactory that a ship which is away for five years, has only one British subject on board and has a rather non-British name, should fly the British flag?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make a statement regarding the investigation he has been making into the question of the employment of aliens on British ships?

The investigations are still in progress.

Is the result of the inquiry to be published in a form of a: report to be presented to Parliament and made available to Members?

It is a little early to discuss the form in which the information will be given to the House. After progress has been made in the investigation, and when the information is in our possession, I perhaps could inform the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men, if any, have been transferred from the Glasgow employment exchange to the collieries at Snowdon, Betteshanger, and Chislet, Kent, since 19th May, 1935, to the nearest available date?

Since the date mentioned, employment at these collieries has been found for four men registered at Glasgow employment exchange.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding the possibility of granting a capital sum or an annuity from the Unemployment Insurance Fund to contributors whose claims have been small and who have ceased work on reaching an age of 65 or 70?

No, Sir.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether this matter is being energetically investigated, particularly in view of the fact that a no-claims bonus is now a recognised feature of most forms of insurance?

The point is one which has been brought to the notice of the Department at various times. I cannot go beyond the particular answer that I have given.

If a bonus is not given, will a reduction of the contributions paid by the employés be considered?

asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes to make changes in the administration of the regulations dealing with seasonal workers?

The Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee have made a report on this subject, and my right hon. Friend has tabled a Resolution for giving effect to their recommendations. The report and the draft Order which my right hon. Friend proposes to make were published this morning.

asked the President of the Board of Education the latest figure relative to the number of students attending at the technical schools in those towns in Lancashire mainly engaged in cotton manufacture?

The total number of students in attendance during the year ended 31st July, 1934, at technical and similar schools in those towns in Lancashire mainly engaged in cotton manufacture, was 85,452., of whom 2,791 were full-time students and 82,661 were part-time students. The towns have been selected on the basis of the industry tables of the census of 1931.

Can my hon. Friend give the House the figures for an earlier year, to indicate the big drop that has occurred?

I must have notice of that question.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that his Department is doing everything in its power to draw the attention of students and young people in these towns to the great shortage of skilled technical workers?