asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will give information showing the number of trade unions in India that are registered under the Indian Trade Union Act?

The number of trade unions (including federations) borne on the Registers on 30th September, 1935, was 244.

Has the Minister any figures to show the total number of members of these unions?

It is rather difficult to find out the numbers of members, but I will do my best, if the hon. Member will put down a question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, for what reason the sale of a book of photographs of life in India, by Kathrine Mayo, entitled the "Face of Mother India," has been prohibited in India?

The book was proscribed on the grounds that it would give deep offence to Hindus and outrage their religious feelings and would also increase communal tension. My Noble Friend entirely shares the view taken of the book by the authorities in India and cannot but regret that currency should be given to opinions which would have this unfortunate result.

Surely a book which is published in the most artistic manner, and at a price of 15s., is not to be considered liable to increase communal tension in India?

My hon. and gallant Friend must realise that it is the opinion of the authorities in India, which is shared by my Noble Friend.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether the allegations made against Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru have now been deleted from those copies of the Bengal administration report which were still under the control of the Government on 7th January, 1936?

I have no doubt that the Government of Bengal have carried out their undertaking to delete the passage from all copies under their control.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether, seeing that a part of the sentence of imprisonment imposed on Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru is still to run, he will say when this gentleman will return to India to complete his sentence?

The sentence on Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru expires on the 15th of this month. His sentence was suspended in September last year owing to the illness of his wife who was in Germany, and he was informed then that there was no intention of his imprisonment being extended beyond the normal date of the expiry of the sentence.

If the sentence expires only on the 15th of this month, and he was given permission to go to Germany to see his wife, why was he allowed to come into England and carry out propaganda in this country before the expiry of his sentence?

There was an exchange of communications between Mr. Nehru and the Government, and it was understood that his movements in Europe should be without restriction.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether advantage was taken of the presence in London of M. Litvinoff, the Russian Foreign Minister, to commence the negotiations for a formal treaty of commerce and navigation between the British Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to take the place of the provisional trade agreement which was approved by the House of Commons on the assurance that it was only temporary pending the formal treaty which would contain provisions dealing with the question of compensation to British nationals in respect of their property which had been appropriated by the Soviet authorities?

No, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the late Foreign Secretary gave me an assurance in this House that the first opportunity would be taken to raise this matter, especially having regard to the fact that these unfortunate people have not received a grant even on account of their claims?

That is not quite the question on the Paper. I am afraid that I could not consider that either the place or the moment was appropriate.

As the Soviet Foreign Secretary was here, and as this is only a temporary agreement, surely the moment was very appropriate to start negotiations?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the Treaty of Peace (Covenant of the League of Nations) (No. 4) Order, 1935, made on 20th December and operated since 23rd December last, gave concessions at the expense of our agricultural industry only for substantial reductions in import duties and for allocation of a quota in the case of agricultural produce (poultry, eggs and bacon) exported by Yugoslavia to this country, by way of compensation for general loss of trade to Italy as a result of the application of sanctions; what steps he proposes to take to compensate home agricultural producers who are thereby deprived of a market; and whether it is proposed to make concessions on the same lines to any other countries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that great uneasiness has been caused to poultry farmers by the concession granted to Yugoslavia; and whether he will undertake that no further sacrifices shall be demanded from any branch of the agricultural industry in this country as a result of the application of sanctions to Italy?

The assistance in question was granted to Yugoslavia in view of the exceptionally heavy loss of exports, to the extent of over one-fifth of her total exports, which that country was likely to suffer as a result of applying sanctions. In these circumstances the Yugoslav Government applied to His Majesty's Government for assistance, and this His Majesty's Government felt bound to accord, in view of their obligations under Article 16 (3) of the Covenant of the League of Nations and in view of Proposal 5 of the Coordination Committee. The nature of the trade between Yugoslavia and the United Kingdom is such that practical assistance could only be given in respect of the commodities mentioned. The quantities concerned represent in the case of eggs, chickens and bacon respectively, 0.26 per cent., 1.0 per cent. and 0.1 per cent. of total United Kingdom supplies, and in these circumstances I do not think that home agricultural producers need have grounds for uneasiness. As regards possible requests for assistance from other countries applying sanctions, I cannot make any definite statement, except to repeat that Yugoslavia had exceptionally strong claims in this matter.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend answer the question why this concession had to be met by one industry only, namely, the agritural industry, and why other industries should not share in the burden?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will read the answer, he will see the reason. It is because it happens to be the only industry which could help.

Are any other countries to be given similar assistance?

I think I should like to see that question on the Paper.

Have any calculations been made as to how many States will have to become aggressors before we wreck our tariff policy?

Will my hon. and gallant Friend not give some assurance that if any similar inducement to other nations like this is to be given, it will be shared between other industries, and that he will not fine only the agricultural industry in this country?

Naturally the interests of the United Kingdom will be borne in mind.

Is it not a fact that every other industry is already contributing to the agricultural industry in this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to report on the result of the visit to India of the Lancashire textile delegation with reference to the reduction of the import duties on cotton goods?

No, Sir. So far as I am aware, the Special Tariff Board which conducted the inquiry has not yet submitted its report.

When is my hon. and gallant Friend likely to receive the report?

I am afraid I do not know.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any negotiations have taken place during the present Parliament between responsible, representatives of the Irish Free State and members of the Government with a view to removing the taxes off imports and exports to both countries?

Discussions are taking place between representatives of the two Governments in connection with the coal-cattle arrangement reached last year.

Let us hope you will get a settlement quickly.

Will my right hon. Friend remember that there are other exports from this country to the Irish Free State besides coal?

Yes, I had that idea.

I had not noticed it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British representatives at the forthcoming conference on international copyright will press for the revision of that part of the American copyright law which makes it a condition of copyright in the United States that the publication must be composed in the States or, alternatively, to obtain recognition for an amendment of the British Copyright Act to the same effect as affecting British copyright?

As the United States of America do not belong to the International Union for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, amendment of United States copyright legislation could not properly be the subject of discussion at the meeting of the Union in September next. As regards the second part of the question, I would inform the hon. Member that Article VI (2) of the Rome Copyright Convention allows countries belonging to the Union to take, under certain conditions, retaliatory measures against the works of nationals of countries outside the Union.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is sufficiently interested in the question to approach the United States direct on this matter?

There is a Bill at the moment before the Congress in the United States, and I think that perhaps we had better await the fate of that Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the object of Sir Eric Teichman's journey from Peking through Chinese Turkestan to India; and whether he proposes to publish any report thereon?

Sir Eric Teichman's journey was undertaken with the object of investigating conditions of British trade in Chinese Turkestan, and of exploring the desirability of maintaining with the provincial authorities at Urumchi closer relations than are at present possible through His Majesty's Consulate-General at Kashgar. The question of the publication of a report has not yet been considered.

Would it not be very advisable to publish this report in view of the penetration of Russia in Chinese Turkestan which is really the excuse for Japanese penetration in the Far East?

We have not a report yet.

You will have.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the average monthly profits of the Tientsin-Pukow railway during 1934 were between 500,000 and 600,000 dollars; and what steps he has taken to secure the payment of arrears of interest and amortisation on loans from British bondholders?

According to my information, the figures given by my hon. Friend represent approximately the published revenue of the Tientsin-Pukow railway during 1934. It is not, however, certain that this sum can be said to represent the net profits available for the service of the loan. As regards the second part of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Ambassador at Peking has taken and will continue to take every suitable opportunity of reminding the Chinese Government of their obligations in respect of this loan.

Can my right hon. Friend tell me what has become of the fund that was being put aside month by month for meeting the arrears of interest?

I should like to see that question put upon the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has been informed of a direction by General Sung Che-yuan to the Commissioner of Customs in Tientsin to remit the Customs revenues to Peking as from 1st January; whether the direction has been complied with; and whether His Majesty's Government have protested against this proposed interference with the revnues upon which British loans to China are secured?

I recently received a report showing that the Hopei-Chahar Political Council, of which General Sung is the chairman, had, under, it was stated, the instructions of the Chinese Central Government, issued such instructions to the Commissioner of Customs at Tientsin. According to my latest information, however, the Customs revenues, with the exception of such sums as are necessary to defray salaries and other local administrative expenses, are still being remitted to the Inspector-General of Customs at Shanghai. The answer to the last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to a demand by the Japanese military authorities for the complete fiscal severance of North China from Nanking, including the retention of all customs, salt, and other revenues in the provinces of Hopei and Chahar by those provinces; whether the salt revenues in those provinces are being paid direct to the Hopei-Chahar council instead of being sent to Nanking; and to what extent the security for foreign loans would be affected by any diversion of the Customs and salt revenue in the manner indicated?

I have no information to the effect that the Japanese military authorities have made such a demand. As regards the second part of the question, my latest information is that the revenues in question are being paid to the credit of the Central Government, that part necessary for the loan service being sent to Shanghai. As regards the last part of the question, I have no information suggesting that the position in regard to the service of foreign loans has been affected.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what ports of China at which the Imperial Customs were collected when British loans were guaranteed on them are now fully contributing to the Chinese revenue?

According to my information, all ports of China at which Customs duties are now collected contribute fully to the Chinese revenue, except those situated in Manchuria.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has made any protest against the proposal that the autonomous council recently set up in the province of Hopei should retain the revenues collected there by the maritime customs authorities; and whether, in view of the large amount of British capital which is secured on the imperial maritime customs of China, the strongest representation will be made against any further appropriation of these revenues?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the reduction of the security of British holders of Chinese loans by the withdrawal of part of the imperial customs revenue, on the security of which they are pledged; and whether he is making any representations to the Japanese authorities on the subject?

I presume that my Noble Friend has in mind the recent press reports regarding the diversion of Customs revenues collected in North China to the Hopei-Chahar Political Council. My information is that the revenues in question are not in fact being thus diverted, and the question of representations does not, therefore, arise. I am, however, fully aware of the large British interests involved in this question, and His Majesty's Ambassador in China is keeping me fully informed of all developments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement with regard to the arrangements now being made by the League of Nations for the protection and settlement of refugees from Germany and other countries?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the arrangements made at the recent League of Nations Council for carrying on the work of the Nansen Office for Refugees; and whether, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, he endeavoured to secure measures safeguarding the position of those refugees who come under the Nansen Office until the work of settlement or assimilation is completed?

The Council of the League of Nations considered this question at its recent session in the light of a report submitted by the Committee on International Assistance to Regugees, set up in virtue of the Assembly's decision of 28th September, 1935. The Council decided to refer the report, which contains various alternative proposals regarding measures of a lasting character, to the Assembly. The Council also decided on certain interim measures as follow: Mr. Michael Hansson, the Norwegian Member of the Committee on International Assistance to Refugees, was appointed to act for the time being as President of the governing body of the Nansen International Office, and was entrusted with the task of drawing up, with the assistance of the Secretariat of the League, a revised programme for the liquidation of the Office. The President of the Council was authorised to appoint, with the approval of members of the Council, a High Commissioner to deal until the next session of the Assembly with questions connected with refugees coming from Germany. It will be the duty of the High Commissioner to prepare, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the League, for the meeting of an inter-Governmental conference to arrange a system of legal protection for refugees coming from Germany; to undertake consultations with the different Governments regarding the question of finding employment and homes for refugees; and to establish liaison in such manner as he may consider desirable with the private associations dealing with assistance to refugees.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that everything is being done to protect these refugees?

That is rather a wider question than the one on the Paper.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is himself satisfied with what is being done about them?

We must do what we can, but it is not a very simple position with which we have to deal.

When the right hon. Gentleman says that Mr. Hansson has been appointed to liquidate the office, does that mean that a final decision has been come to and that these measures for the protection of the refugees are to come to an end within a fixed period?

It is a question of method—who has to handle the problem.

In view of the fact that so many of the refugees from Germany left with passports and those passports have now expired and they cannot get visas on expired passports, is anything being done to meet this very urgent situation pending the negotiations which are taking place?

I would like to see that question put upon the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that British firms are chartering Italian tramp steamers, thereby enabling Italy to obtain an important invisible export; and whether he proposes to take action against this infringement of the spirit of the sanctions resolutions of the League of Nations?

As regards the first part of the question, I have no official information on this subject, and I shall be glad to receive any concrete evidence which the hon. Member may be able to furnish. As regards the second part, such transactions are not contrary to the proposals of the Co-ordination Committee, or to the measures taken in the United Kingdom in execution of those proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a broadcast from Rome on 17th January last, alleging that during the battle against Ras Desta it was proved again that all Abyssinian battalions are under the command of European officers, most of whom are British; and whether representations have been or will be made to the Italian Government by His Majesty's Government asking for an explanation of this broadcast allegation?

Yes, Sir. The terms of this broadcast were brought to the notice of the Italian Ambassador in London on 30th January. His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome was also instructed on 4th February to raise the matter with the Italian Government and to urge them to issue a denial of the allegations referred to. Sir Eric Drummond was informed that the version of the broadcast published in Italy did not contain the passage complained of, but that the Italian Government were conducting inquiries with a view to ascertaining the facts. His Majesty's Ambassador will continue to keep this matter before the attention of the Italian Government. I feel confident that no credence will be given in any quarter to baseless allegations of the kind to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have asked any governments, other than those enumerated in Cmd. 5072, whether they were prepared to render armed assistance, under paragraph 3 of Article 16 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, in the event of special measures of a military character being aimed at Great Britain by Italy?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of approaching the Soviet Government with a view to further fortifying the position in regard to the question of collective security?

Is it not the case that the Soviet Government is a peace-loving Government and therefore has no troops?

My question was put without any desire for a Debate. Will the right hon. Gentleman give me an answer?

I should like to consider it. The approach was first made to those geographically nearest at hand.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information on how many occasions since the outbreak of hostilities Italian aircraft have bombed Red Cross units in Abyssinia; and whether any British Red Cross units or British subjects serving with Red Cross units have been attacked in this way?

According to such information as is available, I understand that the American hospital at Dessie was bombed on 6th December last. On 30th December the Swedish Ambulance operating with the Ethiopian forces on the southern front was virtually destroyed by aircraft near Dolo, and on 4th January Ethiopian Red Cross Ambulance No. 1, whose staff includes two British subjects, was bombed and machine-gunned near Dagabur The one wholly British Ambulance now serving in Ethiopia has not suffered as the result of Italian air action.

Can the Foreign Secretary give the House an assurance that in these attacks on British subjects no British oil has been used?

There is no question of attacks on British subjects.

In consequence of this wicked method of warfare which is going on in Abyssinia, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is time to bring the matter before the League with a view to getting an abolition of the practice?

In view of the suffering which has been caused to British subjects, has the Foreign Secretary made any representations to the Italian Government?

I should like to see that question on the Order Paper. I might say that there has been no suffering of British subjects.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date Italy was declared by the Council of the League to be an aggressor; and on what date it was decided, in principle, at Geneva that the application of economic sanctions against Italy should include oil?

As regards the first part of the question, on 7th October last 14 members of the League represented on the Council concurred in the view that the Italian Government had resorted to war in disregard of Article 12 of the Covenant. As regards the second part, on 6th November the Committee of Eighteen recommended that measures of embargo should, as soon as the conditions necessary to render such an extension effective had been realised, be extended to include petroleum, its derivatives, by-products and residues.

Can the Foreign Secretary tell us why there has been all this delay since 6th November and the operation of sanctions has not taken effect?

If the hon. Member will read my answer he will probably find the reason.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the report of the Committee of the League which is considering oil sanctions is to be expected?

I am afraid I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the League of Nations is in possession of any approximate figures of the number of casualties in the Italian-Abyssinian conflict between 19th December, 1935, and 19th January, 1936, or the nearest convenient date; and whether these figures can be now published?

No information has been communicated to His Majesty's Government by the League of Nations regarding the casualties suffered by the belligerents in the Italo-Abyssinian war, and, so far as I am aware, no figures are available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any steps are being taken by the military attachés on both sides to obtain information on this very important question?

I cannot say. The hon. Member asked me a question as to figures.

Would not such figures be of value, as showing the amount of blood that is being shed, in order to support the prestige of the League of Nations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the consideration by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics of a parliamentary constitution; and whether His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow has been or will be instructed to supply to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics any information as to our institutions which may be asked for concerning single-member constituencies, direct election, and co-operation between the executive and the legislature, which are the bases of democracy?

I have seen Press reports on this subject. I have no confirmation of these reports, but if His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow is approached for information on the points mentioned, every effort will be made to supply it.

Then we may be quite sure that His Majesty's representative in Moscow is as convinced as the right hon. Gentleman of the superiority of the British Constitution?

Yes, Sir. It is a national characteristic.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the authorities in Moscow know all about the constitutional methods of this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can assure the House that, in view of the changed international situation, the complete freedom of action of His Majesty's Government in their negotiations for a treaty with Egypt will not be restricted by the terms of earlier draft treaties?

The principle that no Government can be bound by the provisions of an inconclusive previous negotiation is, of course, well recognised in inter- national practice. In the present negotiations, the application of this principle must naturally be governed by the mutual interests of the two countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to add anything to his recent statement regarding negotiations with the Egyptian Government for a settlement of outstanding differences between this country and Egypt?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Brazilian Minister of Finance, Dr. Corta, proposes to raise a loan in London to meet commercial credits created since July, 1933, and to reserve £1,200,000 per annum in foreign exchange to liquidate the loans; and will His Majesty's Government request the Brazilian Government to meet its earlier obligations to British holders of Brazilian bonds, now in default for the fourth time, before diverting foreign exchange to meet Brazilian obligations incurred since July, 1933?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the arrangements to be made by the Brazilian Government for the liquidation of arrears of commercial debts to the United Kingdom under the Anglo-Brazilian Payments Agreement of 27th March, 1925. My hon. Friend will no doubt remember that it has previously been explained to the House that the arrangements provided by this Agreement involve a smaller immediate charge on the sterling resources of Brazil than would be involved by the normal payment of the commercial debts in cash on their due dates. It will therefore be clear that these arrangements are to the advantage of holders of Brazilian external bonds.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the hardship that is involved for the holders of these external bonds, and will he do anything he can to see that the British holders of the bonds are protected?

I understand that the arrangement is of advantage to the holders of Brazilian external bonds.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in view of the conditions with regard to Jewish refugees from Germany, as set out in the recent report issued by the League Commissioner, Mr. Macdonald, he will take steps to ensure that the facilities for such refugees to enter Palestine are greatly improved in the near future?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The amount of immigration into Palestine at any time must be determined by the High Commissioner for Palestine in relation to the economic absorptive capacity of the country. But I know that Sir A. Wauchope can be relied upon to give sympathetic consideration to the claims of Jewish immigrants from Germany in so far as it may be possible to do so.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the resolution recently passed by the national committee which is organising official French participation in the forthcoming Levant Fair in Palestine, urging the French Government to extend a greater measure of reciprocity to trade with Palestine and to furnish better facilities for the import of Palestine goods, such as citrus fruit, into France; and whether he will recommend similar action in this country, in view of the scope that exists for increased export trade to Palestine?

I have no information in regard to the resolution referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the latter part, I am not sure what better facilities my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind but it has already been announced that His Majesty's Government are unable, owing to juridical difficulties, to grant preferences to Palestine products. I would point out that in 1934 some 55 per cent. of Palestine's exports were sent to the United Kingdom, while exports to France were less than 1 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the protests made against the proposals for the establishment of a Legislative Council in Palestine, he will review the position with a view to making a new statement on the matter?

Towards the end of December the High Commissioner for Palestine communicated to the Arab and the Jewish leaders the proposals of Government for a Legislative Council. The Jews made it clear that in this particular matter they do not feel able to co-operate with Government, but I have not yet received from the High Commissioner a report as to the reception given to the proposals by the Arabs. The hon. Member will, I am sure, appreciate that at the present stage there is no further statement which I can make.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman will not review the scheme of the constitution, although there is time to do so, and if he has not the time, will tie get his colleagues to review it?

The policy I have indicated in this matter, indeed the policy for Palestine as a whole, is the responsibility of the Government as a whole and not of any one Minister.

Are we to understand then that not only the right hon. Gentleman but the Cabinet are committed to the particular constitution laid down by the High Commissioner?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in constituting a Legislative Council for Palestine a statutory majority is not given to those who demand the repeal of the Mandate?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the importance of providing adequate means of transport between Jaffa and Haifa, he will urge upon the High Commissioner for Palestine the desirability of completing the trunk road between those towns before the end of the current year?

Whilst I can hold out no hope that the road will be completed before the end of the current year, my hon. Friend will be pleased to know that the possibility of accelerating its construction is under consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, what steps the Government propose to take to assist the Travel and Industrial Association of Great Britain to increase and extend their present activities?

I presume my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the financial aid which the Association have up to the present received from His Majesty's Government. The question of the amount of the grant which His Majesty's Government will provide in the coming financial year is at present under consideration.

In considering the matter, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the very valuable work that this Association does in inducing people to spend money in travelling in England, instead of going abroad?

Certainly, and I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will bear it in mind, as well.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that sufficient publicity was given to the announcement made by the Cattle Committee on 15th October, 1935, regarding the marking of beasts and their certification for the payment of subsidies; and, in view of the fact that hundreds of farmers were uninformed on the matter, whether he is prepared to extend the time which was allowed for registration?

The announcement of 15th October, 1935, was issued to the national, local and agricultural Press and was in fact widely published therein. A further notice in the form of a final reminder was issued to the Press on 13th November, 1935, and similarly received wide publicity. The substance of the notice was broadcast at the end of the fat stock prices on 6th, 8th and 28th November. Large posters were displayed for more than five weeks at livestock markets throughout the country and auctioneers were asked to draw the attention of farmers attending their markets, from the rostrum, to the requirements of the committee. Copies of the notice were sent to all county branches of the National Farmers' Union and the Union assisted in giving publicity to the notice in their publications. In consequence of these notices, applications for registration of ear-marked animals were received by the committee during the period 15th October to 30th November, 1935, the last date for registration, from approximately 13,000 producers, in respect of about 150,000 cattle. The number of late applications received after 30th November has been approximately 600. In the circumstances, I do not feel that I should be justified in asking the committee to give any extension of time for registration.

Would it not be much better if all these farmers were put on the means test before they got the subsidy?

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he is prepared, to arrange for a consultative committee representative of British agriculture to be set up to advise him in connection with the negotiations for a revision of the commercial agreement with the Argentine republic?

(2) whether he is prepared to arrange for a consultative committee, representative of British agriculture, to be set up to advise him in connection with the negotiations for a revision of the commercial agreement with Denmark?

I am taking, and intend to take, every opportunity of consulting with representatives of British agriculture in connection with this and other agricultural questions. As to the setting up of formal consultative committees, I regret that I do not see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow the House to hear any arrangements he may make about Argentine meat and agricultural products before we are asked to ratify them?

That is a matter for the President of the Board of Trade.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the existing agreement is denounced in time?

Will the Minister consult other interests beside agriculture before he makes any arrangements?

These arrangements are considered by the Board of Trade, which takes all interests into consideration.

What does the Board of Trade do for agriculture under these agreements except to give it away?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any further negotiations have taken place with regard to the closing down of the national stud in the Irish Free State, and the possibility of its transference to this country?

I am not able to add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 5th December last respecting to these negotiations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what representations have been made to him on behalf of the fish friers in Newcastle-on-Tyne with regard to the prohibitive cost of potatoes used in connection with their business; and is he prepared to grant special rates to those employed in this industry?

I have received representations on behalf of the fish friers on several occasions and have, of course, given them my careful consideration in connection with general policy. I have no power either to fix the prices of potatoes or to grant special rates to those employed in the fish frying industry.

Is it not possible for the Potato Board to fix prices?

The Potato Board has no power to fix prices.

Has the right hon. Gentleman access to any figures showing the prices for fried fish?

It is not a question of access to figures; they are being arrived at by the Sea Fish Commission, which will shortly issue its report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the Sea Fish Commission is likely to make its report; and, as the fish friers of this country take approximately 60 per cent. of the total catch of white fish and are among the largest purchasers of British potatoes, will he favourably consider receiving a deputation of the Fish Friers' Association before coming to definite conclusions on the Commission's report?

I understand that the Sea Fish Commission expect to be in a position to present their report by the end of the present month. As regards the request contained in the second part of the question, I think it would be best to await the publication of the report. I can assure my hon. Friend that the industrial and trading bodies concerned will have full opportunity of considering and expressing their views on matters arising out of the report before any decisions are taken by the Government.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there has hitherto been great dissatisfaction among sugar-beet producers that the factories are controlled by foreign capital, and that the principal beneficiaries from the subsidy have thus been the foreign shareholders; and whether he will take advantage of the proposed reorganization of the factories to have this state of affairs remedied?

As indicated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 6th February, I am not at present in a position to give details as to the terms of the proposed amalgamation of the factory companies.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the object of putting down the question was because the reply of 6th February gave rise to a considerable amount of feeling in the industry that foreign capital is benefiting by the subsidy paid by this House?

Is there any objection to using foreign capital in this country?

Is it not the case that British shareholders have been allowed to make many foreign investments?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the terms upon which the various beet-sugar factories will be taken over by the suggested British Sugar Corporation, Limited; in what methods the terms were arrived at; and whether such terms have been submitted to the shareholders and debenture holders of the individual companies?

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the statement I propose to make during the Debate this afternoon.

asked the Minister of Agriculture who are the British representatives at the international conference in Brussels on combating the Colorado beetle pest?

The conference, which was primarily of interest to countries suffering from outbreaks of the Colorado beetle, was held on 22nd and 23rd January last. It was arranged for the conference to be attended by the Commercial Counsellor to His Majesty's Embassy at Brussels.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what reason exists for withholding the Report of the Tithe Commission which has been in the hands of the Government for over two months?

As I stated in my reply of the 5th December to questions by my hon. Friends the Member for Harwich (Mr. Holmes) and the Member for Mid-Bedford (Mr. Lennox-Boyd), it is the intention of the Government that the publication of the report on tithe rent-charge will take place at the same time as a statement by the Government of their policy in regard thereto. As I informed my right hon. Friend on 4th February, it has been necessary to hold further consultations on specific points arising from the report. The report will be published and the statement of Government policy made as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not straining the rights of the Government in withholding this information from, the House?

I hope not. I am sure that the last thing I wish to do is to strain the rights of the Executive as against the House. My desire is to get the matter settled—that is my excuse?

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that it rests with the Government to decide how long a period shall elapse between the reception of the report of a Royal Commission and its publication?

No, Sir. A report ought to be brought up as soon as possible and all my endeavours are towards that end, but if for the convenience of all concerned further matters can be elucidated, I am sure that the House would agree it would be much better.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why the report should not be circulated at once?

Is it the intention of the Government to circulate the report; and if that is the case will he indicate why those who are interested can have access to it now?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Archbishop of Canterbury has been allowed to have a sight of this report before it is made public?

I have made that point clear. Further consultations have been held on specific points which have arisen, and will be held on other points which might arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to secure that British meat, destined for London and surrounding areas, shall have adequate facilities for marketing and distribution other than those provided at Smithfield?

I assume that my right hon. Friend has in mind permanent and not emergency measures. I regret that I have no power to secure the provision of additional facilities for the marketing of home-killed meat in the London area. All relevant considerations, will, I am sure, be borne in mind by producers' organisations in formulating their plans for improving the marketing arrangements for the livestock industry, following the work of the reorganisation commissions that reported on the general problem.

Has the producers' committee any power in this matter and is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the present very congested position at Smithfield, where every carcase has to be carried in and carried out on a man's back?

The producers' committee has no power in the matter except in so far as they are organised; and I think I have heard vigorous criticisms from my right hon. Friend on the results of other organisations of producers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a vested interest, and that the City Corporation draw something like £150,000 a year in rents and dues?

It is not a question of the present position in Smithfield Market but of what arrangement, if any, should replace the present arrangement, and the matter is one which must be first for the consideration of the producers themselves.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action the Government propose to take when the main provisions of the Milk Act, 1934, expire at the end of March?

For several reasons, including the currency of various trade agreements and the fact that the report of the Reorganisation Commission for Milk for Great Britain is not likely to be published for some time to come, it is not possible at present to bring before Parliament long-term legislation for the milk industry. In order to allow adequate time for the consideration by all parties of the important questions at issue, the Government have decided to ask Parliament to continue until the end of September, 1937, the main provisions of the Milk Act, 1934. A Bill to give effect to this decision will be introduced forthwith.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much it is likely to cost the consumer?

The hon. Member had better await the Bill.

asked the Minister of Health how many protests have been received by his Department concerning the revised draft Order, special designations for milk; whether he is aware of the general opposition of all producers of certified milk and all those agencies who are trying to improve the standard and quality of milk; and whether he will consult with interested bodies before the revised draft Order comes into force?

My right hon. Friend has received very few representations with regard to the revised draft Milk (Special Designations) Order, which was published on the 24th January. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. It is open to any interested parties to make representations to my right hon. Friend upon the draft within 40 days of its publication, and any such representations will receive full consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that virtually all producers of certified milk regard the new designations Order as a deterioration and as something calculated to retard the development and production of good quality milk?

Naturally, certain inconvenience is caused when legislation is changed, but I think much of the opposition to the new Order is based on misunderstanding.

Do I understand from the hon. Gentleman then that his right hon. Friend and himself would be willing to listen to representations by certified producers?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of foreign-owned factories for making condensed milk set up in this country in the last two years and the price paid by these factories for milk?

I am informed that during the last two years one foreign-owned factory has been established in England and Wales for the manufacture of condensed milk. The price payable for milk for manufacture into condensed milk is 6d. per gallon; in the case of condensed milk for export, however, the price is the same as that for milk manufactured into cheese, subject to a minimum of 4d. per gallon.

May I ask whether by "foreign-owned factories" my right hon. Friend means those controlled by foreign capital or those controlled by foreign directors?

I am afraid that I shall require notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider making a national appeal for funds to purchase the site adjoining the Canning enclosure in Parliament Square for the purpose of making this an open space as a permanent memorial to His late Majesty King George V?

My hon. Friend may be sure that the whole question of the most appropriate memorial to His late Majesty will be most carefully considered.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the site referred to in this question has been purchased by the Middlesex County Council and that they and the London County Council are prepared to give two-thirds of the cost if the Treasury will give the other third, so that this great improvement in the centre of the Empire might be carried out?

I am much obliged for that information.

asked the Postmaster-General in what manner a telephone user is protected when using an automatic public telephone call-box in which, after inserting the money, he is connected with a wrong number, the original call later being ineffective; how can the user obtain his money back; and the amount of refunds that have been made for these cases during the 12 months to the last convenient date?

In an exceptional case such as that described it is not practicable to refund the call fee by mechanical means; but the caller can obtain a refund by post if he gives his name and address to the telephone operator. Refunds of this type are not separately recorded; and statistics of the total amount so refunded are not available.

When a member of the public is called upon to communicate with the Postmaster-General, will he be entitled to write across the envelope the words "On His Majesty's Service" and post it without a postage stamp?

The only point raised here is in connection with telephone kiosks, and in that case the member of the public obviously can ask the telephone operator to do what is required.

But if the telephone is defective and the person concerned is called upon to communicate with the Postmaster-General, can he mark the envelope "On His Majesty's Service" and post without a stamp?

I cannot undertake to give free postage to everyone who wants to make complaints, which may not be justified at all.

Is it not the case that Ministers of the Crown are among the persons who are authorised to receive unstamped, communications, and therefore is there any need for members of the public or Members of this House to stamp their communications to a Minister?

My point was that this is a question of telephoning, and for telephoning stamps are not required.

asked the Postmaster-General what safeguards are taken by the telephone services to ensure that telegrams sent over the telephone are charged to the correct subscriber?

The telephone number furnished by the sender of a telegram is recorded by the operator, and is repeated back to the sender for confirmation. In addition, there are special checks against the possibility of inaccurate recording by the operators.

Would it be possible for the Postmaster-General to set up a system of ringing back to the sender's number in order to make sure that a false number has not been given dishonestly?