I should like to point out that last week I handed in to the Table a question addressed to the Prime Minister on the subject of the distressed areas and I do not see it on the Order Paper.

Was the question put down to be answered to-day?

It has been in the printed form and I received a communication from the Prime Minister that it would be answered by the President of the Board of Trade to-day.

We must wait till after Questions to go into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has satisfied himself that the Japanese proposals for the fiscal severance of Northern China from Nanking will not reduce the revenues of the Chinese maritime customs to the disadvantage of British capital invested in China?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers which I gave on 10th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Moreing) to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Manchukuo authorities have put aside a sinking fund to meet the due share of the foreign loans secured on the Chinese maritime customs and the salt gabelle; and will he inquire when the Manchukuo State proposes to refund the moneys so set aside to the Chinese Government, so that the service of the loans referred to may not be jeopardised;

(2) whether he is aware that since the creation of the State of Manchukuo, customs and salt taxes, formerly remitted by Manchuria to the Chinese Government, have been retained by the new State; and whether, since the security and the service of the 1912 loan and the 1913 reorganisation loan, both of which are largely held by British investors, are affected by this retention, he will make representations to the Manchukuo and Japanese authorities?

I am aware that the customs and salt revenues collected in Manchuria are retained by the local authorities and that a proportion thereof is being regularly paid into a special "Adjustment Fund for Foreign Loans." I understand, however, that the transfer of these moneys to the Chinese Government is contingent upon a settlement of their differences with the present regime in Manchuria. While the security of the loans to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is inevitably impaired in some degree by this diversion of revenues, I would point out that, apart from a temporary suspension over a short period commencing in 1928 of amortization payments on the 1912 loan, payments on both loans have been and are being regularly discharged. So long as the service of the loans is being met, I do not think that the question of representations need arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will request the Argentine Government to furnish him with a statement as to their policy towards British investments in Argentine public utility companies?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the subject of British investments in Argentina on 12th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will now be prepared to revert to the pre-War practice in regard to passports; and will he make a statement?

I am not quite clear what exactly the hon. Member means by the pre-War practice, but all countries require that persons entering their territories shall be in possession of evidence of their nationality and identity. So long as this requirement continues, I do not think that any change in the present system is practicable, since a passport is the most satisfactory and convenient form of document for that purpose. It is, in fact, the only form of document accepted in most countries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay this matter before the League of Nations to see whether some alteration can be brought about?

I do not know what matter it is that the hon. Member wants me to lay before the League of Nations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the tightening up of the regulations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the report of the committee on the admission of women to the diplomatic and Consular services, which he promised in January of last year would be published, will be available?

I would refer to the reply given on 19th December to the hon. Lady the Senior Member for the English Universities (Miss Rathbone), to which I am unable to add.

Has the right hon. Gentleman refreshed his memory from the answer he gave in January of last year, when a specific promise was made?

Yes, I admit that the matter has been very much delayed, but since then the responsibilities of my position have brought a considerable pressure of other work. I will undertake to have the matter looked into as soon as possible.

How long does it take to give an order for a report already prepared to be printed?

I want to read the report first.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a despatch published in the Italian press, on 10th February alleging that the chief military adviser to the Emperor of Abyssinia and the controller of military operations is Colonel Holt, an English officer; and, seeing that the Italian press is under governmental control, will His Majesty's Government make representations to the Italian Government asking for an explanation of this allegation?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to a paragraph, prominently displayed in leading newspapers in Rome, to the effect that the principal military adviser of the Negus is an Englishman, Colonel Holt, and that all the ammunition of the Abyssinians comes from England; and whether, as Italian newspapers are con trolled by the Italian Government, His Majesty's ambassador in Rome has been instructed to inform the Italian Government that such accusations are false and not conducive to a continuation of friendly relations between Great Britain and Italy?

On 13th February His Majesty's ambassador in Rome drew the attention of the Italian Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to recent statements in the Italian press that Colonel Holt is acting as military adviser to the Emperor of Ethiopia, and that all Abyssinian munitions are of British origin. Sir Eric Drummond emphasised that these allegations are completely unjustified, and that their publication caused a deplorable impression in this country. Signor Suvich's reception of this communication affords grounds for hope that these mis-statements will not be repeated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of withdrawing Sir Eric Drummond from Rome?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the Italian military commitments in Abyssinia impair the effectiveness of her guarantee under the Locarno Treaty; and how far are our own military commitments under that Treaty thereby increased?

The Treaty of Locarno does not define the nature or extent of the military assistance which the guarantors of the Treaty are pledged to furnish in the eventualities therein specified. The issues raised in the hon. and gallant Member's question are therefore hypothetical.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any other member of the League of Nations, in addition to Great Britain, has made trade concessions to Jugoslavia in compensation for the loss suffered by that country in implementing the policy of sanctions?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on this subject on 13th February to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte) to which I have nothing to add.

Has not this country contributed enough to this policy of sanctions through increased expenditure and loss of trade without playing a lone hand in compensating other members of the League of Nations for their losses?

I do not think that quite arises out of the answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the National Farmers' Union in their official organ state that the loss referred to by the hon. and gallant Member is absolutely negligible?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are in communication with the United States Government on the question of oil supplies for the Italian aggressor State?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received the report of the Committee of Experts on the supply of oil to Italy; whether he will issue this report in the form of a White Paper; and whether any date has been fixed for its consideration by the League of Nations Committee for the co-ordination of sanctions?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the report of the Committee of Exports appointed to examine the possibility of an embargo on the imports of oil into the Covenant-breaking State; whether it is proposed, on these findings, to make any representations to the United States; and what further action is now intended?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has made any effort to induce the Government of the United States to agree to prevent their nationals from shipping to Italy supplies of oil above the normal and thus remove the major obstacle to a sanction which gives promise of bringing about an early peace; and, if so, what reply has been given?

I have received the report of the Committee of Experts. It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to publish this document as a White Paper, and it will be available in the Vote Office to-morrow. No date has yet been fixed for its consideration by the Committee of Eighteen. The question of approaching the United States Government is one which concerns the members of the League of Nations as a whole, and it would, therefore, be inappropriate for His Majesty's Government to take individual action of the nature suggested.

Will His Majesty's Government take the initiative on the League of Nations in supporting these sanctions, whatever America may propose to do?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House concerning the arrest of Mr. John Trewen and the Reverend Harold Street, of the Sudan Interior Mission at Chencha, in the Abyssinian province of Gamo, South Wallamo?

According to a telegraphic report from His Majesty's Minister at Addis Ababa, an Ethiopian official, placed temporarily in charge of Gamo Province during the absence on duty of the Governor, had for some time been making difficulties for the Sudan Interior Mission station at Shama with regard to their travelling in the neighbourhood. These difficulties culminated on 28th January in the arrest at their station of Mr. John Trewen and the Reverend Harold Street, who were taken on 29th January to Chincha, the capital of the Province, some four miles from Shama. Their families remained at the station, over which a guard was placed. News of the incident reached the Mission headquarters at Addis Ababa on 7th February, and on the following day Sir Sidney Barton saw the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who agreed to telegraph at once to the Acting Governor to release the missionaries. On 13th February the Minister informed Sir Sidney Barton that orders had been sent to the Acting Governor of Shama to afford the mission every assistance and to provide them with an escort to Soddhu, one of the localities agreed upon last year with the Ethiopian Government as a concentration point for missionaries. The whole incident appears to have been due to a misunderstanding on the part of the Acting Governor of Shama, and I am glad to be able to add that neither Sir Sidney Barton nor the head of the Sudan Interior Mission in Addis Ababa consider that the missionaries concerned had been in any serious danger. I have this morning heard from His Majesty's Minister that the two missionaries have telegraphed to him stating that they are free and in good health.

Do I take it that the story in the Press that these missionaries have been thrust into chains is quite untrue?

I do not know anything more than the facts I have given, but these missionaries have never been in any serious danger.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the air service between Eritrea and Italian Somaliland, the subject of an agreement between Italy and the United Kingdom on 7th December, 1934, is now in operation?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Has the service been used for the transport of military material?

No, Sir. Aircraft operating on this service have to land at Berbera, where they are, of course subject to Customs examination. In accordance with the Air Convention, no arms or munitions of war may be carried.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether compensatory action has been taken by the Government in respect of the trade of countries other than Jugoslavia arising out of the imposition of sanctions against Italy; and whether it is proposed to seek from other members of the League of Nations compensatory trade in respect of export coal from South Wales?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that representatives of the Miners' Federation say that the loss is negligible and that the policy is well worth while?

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer the second part of my question?

The answer to both part's is in the negative.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman ask France to increase her import of coal in order to help our miners?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with a view to carrying out the treaty obligations of His Majesty's Government under Article XVI of the Covenant of the League of Nations and shortening the war in East Africa, he will propose to other States Members of the League that they should prohibit all Italian shipping from touching at League ports, and all shipping owned by nationals of League members from touching at Italian ports?

The matter would be one for the Co-ordination Committee to decide, and if it is raised, His Majesty's Government will give it consideration, in the light of all the circumstances.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman himself make a proposal on those lines in October?

No, Sir.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman take the initiative, at any rate, in the Co-ordinating Committee of the League of Nations?

I am afraid I can make no statement on that point at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have received, since the commencement of the Italo-Abyssinian war, any authoritative communication as to whether or not the Italian Dictator would look upon an embargo on oil as a military sanction to be met by military retaliation; and whether the British Government's policy in regard to an embargo has been or is in any way modified by such a threat?

As regards the first part of the question, no such official communication has been received. The second part does not, therefore, arise.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any authoritative communication from the Commissioner?

I prefer the language of my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the French undertaking to give combatant support to Great Britain if the Italian forces should attack the British forces in consequence of their carrying out agreed provisions of the Covenant, there is any implied qualification to the effect that precautionary naval or military measures not specifically agreed by the League do not come within the compass of agreed provisions; and whether the French Government have been asked what attitude they would take in the specific event of an attack by Italy on the British Fleet now in the Mediterranean?

I would refer the hon. Member to the memorandum (published in Command Paper No. 5072) which was communicated by His Majesty's Government to the Co-ordination Committee last month, to which I have nothing to add.

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to answer the latter part of the question, which is specific upon a specific point of great importance?

I think the hon. Gentleman will find that the document contains a full answer to the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in that document there does not appear to be one state- ment to cover the circumstances set out in the latter part of the question, and, if there is, will he show it to me, or indicate it?

I am not aware of what the hon. Gentleman says.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the reasons for the delay in commencing the negotiations for a formal treaty of commerce and navigation with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, in view of the fact that the temporary agreement was made pending the formal treaty and has now been in existence for two years, during which time the claims of British nationals for compensation for appropriated property have remained in abeyance; and when do the Government intend to take action with regard to the claims of these British citizens?

I cannot agree with the assumption that there has been any undue delay in considering the question of commencing negotiations for a formal treaty. I would assure my hon. Friend that the position of Anglo-Soviet trade, and the possibility of improving it, are under constant consideration; and in that connection the question of the British claims to which he refers is continually borne in mind.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British market is almost essential for Soviet trade and, in the circumstances, has he not good grounds for pressing that the negotiations in connection with the forthcoming treaty should be started without further delay, so that the claims of these unfortunate people, who have been waiting so long, should be dealt with?

I am sure my hon. Friend appreciates that these questions turn upon a very large number of considerations. It is necessary to give the temporary agreement a fair run.

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Government do not intend to take any further action with regard to British patriots who invest their capital in foreign investments?

Oh, no.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will give particulars, and the position to date, of any losses made, by His Majesty's Government for amounts guaranteed or advanced under the Overseas Trade Acts?

Under the advances scheme which was in force from 1920 until 1922, payments made, after allowance has been made for recoveries, amounted to £.1,075,489. Under the scheme of guarantees, which ceased to operate in 1926, net payments, less recoveries, amounted to £179,711. Against these sums, premiums and commissions amounting to £303,196 have been received. Certain further recoveries are expected. From July, 1926, when the present Export Credit Guarantee scheme came into force, until the end of 1935, the net payments in connection with guarantees amounted to £256,556. These payments have been more than covered by premiums received.

Does that mean that there have been no losses?

If you took the whole scheme from beginning to end, taking absolutely net losses, that would probably be true.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can now state what foreign countries are officially participating in the Levant Fair to be opened at Tel-Aviv, in Palestine, at the end of April next; which of the foreign countries exhibiting there in 1934 have increased the scale of their display; and what steps have been taken by his Department to bring to the notice of British manufacturers the opportunities of expanding their export trade in the Near East through the medium of this fair?

I understand that Bulgaria, Finland, France, Norway, Turkey and Yugo-Slavia have decided to participate officially in the forthcoming fair at Tel-Aviv. Certain other countries are considering the question of official participation. I am not in a position to state which of the countries participating in 1934 have increased the scale of their display. As I informed my hon. Friend on 11th December last, the Department of Overseas Trade, in addition to installing an information bureau, makes suitable references to the fair in the Board of Trade Journal, and exists for the purpose of helping United Kingdom manufacturers desirous of expending their export trade to this or any other market.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the one foreign factory which has been set up in this country in the last two years for the purpose of making condensed milk is the only factory of this kind, or whether any similar factories have been set up which are controlled by foreign capital or by foreign directors?

I have been asked to reply. The reports in connection with the Survey of Industrial Development for 1935 are not yet complete, but up to the present only one foreign factory is reported as having been set up in this country in the last two years for the purpose of making condensed milk. The survey takes account only of factories employing 25 or more people.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what date the trade agreements with Norway, Sweden and Iceland come to an end; and whether it is proposed to initiate negotiations for a continuation of those agreements in a modified form?

Each of these agreements was for a period of three years, terminating, on six months' notice being given, on 28th June next in the case of Iceland and on 7th July next in the case of Norway and Sweden. Notice has not been given by either party, and the agreements, therefore, remain in force with a denunciation period of six months. Whether or not it will be desirable to negotiate modifications of these agreements and, if so, at what date, are questions now receiving consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the question of including a shipping clause for the use of British shipping to those countries where the exchange of commodities is being considered?

When the matter comes up for discussion that question will be kept in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in default of agreement with the governments of the Dominions and with the government of the Argentine Republic in respect of meat imports, he proposes to give notice of the intention of His Majesty's Government to denounce the Ottawa Agreements and the commercial treaty with the Argentine Republic?

If my hon. Friend's forebodings prove to be justified, His Majesty's Government will give careful consideration to the resulting situation in the light of all the circumstances of the time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, important as the subject is, it is only one of a very large number, and that there is general satisfaction with the results of the Ottawa Agreements taken as a whole?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that there is no satisfaction whatever with the Argentine meat agreement which is very important?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government will make the representations to the Government of the Argentine Republic with a view to obtaining a resumption of negotiations upon the subject of beef imports?

The Argentine Government are, I have reason to think, fully aware of our desire for a speedy resumption of these negotiations.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will not take a very firm line in future negotiations, in view of the harsh way in which we are treated in the Argentine?

I will bear that matter in mind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects these negotiations to be resumed?

No, Sir, I am afraid that I cannot name a definite date yet.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Canadian Government have taken to remove obstacles to British export trade in the form of arbitrary customs valuations and other restrictive regulations; and whether these changes tend to promote the co-operative purposes of the Anglo-Canadian trade agreement?

Since the Ottawa Agreement, various steps have been taken by the Canadian Government to modify the regulations affecting the importation of United Kingdom goods into Canada. These steps include the cancellation of the arbitrary valuations made under Section 43 of the Canadian Customs Act and the decision that goods will not be regarded as of a class or kind made in Canada unless the local industry produces at least 10 per cent. of normal Canadian requirements.

May I take it that these changes have done a good deal to make the Ottawa Agreements what they were intended to be?

That has been their tendency.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the anxiety in the town of Jarrow regarding the proposed opening of the steelworks, he is yet in a position to say if the Government is concerning itself in the matter; and whether any statement on the subject can now be made?

The Government have for some time been keenly interested in this proposal. It is, however, a matter primarily for the steel interests concerned who are not, I understand, in a position at present to make any announcement.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the statements that have been made about the difficulty in raising capital, the matter is not worth considering?

Until the scheme has taken more definite scope, it will be impossible to say how much capital will be required or whether it will be raised within the industry itself.

Is the right hon. Gentleman definitely in touch with the people who are trying to get the steel works opened there?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make representations to the Brazilian Government, asking them to arrange for an early settlement of the frozen remittances as at February, 1935, as the prolonged delay is penalising British firms?

His Majesty's Government have been engaged in continuous attempts to secure the assent of the Brazilian Government to the necessary measures for carrying out their obligations under the Payments Agreement of last March. In spite of repeated delays, arrangements had been practically completed for the issue to the creditors of an offer of stock and cash; but I deeply regret to say that His Majesty's Government have now been notified that the Brazilian authorities consider it necessary to amend the list of debts which had already been approved and which forms the basis of the offer. This will necessarily entail some further delay before the offer can be issued to the creditors. His Majesty's Government will take every possible step to minimise the delay.

Does not that show that the Board of Trade would be wise in advising British manufacturers not to export any more goods to Brazil in view of the fact that they will not be paid for?

I have already on more than one occasion suggested to cur traders that they should proceed cautiously in these countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there are any British Dominions in which British purchasers of raw materials have an advantage over foreign purchasers; what these raw materials are; and what are the advantages accruing to such British purchasers?

I am not aware that any measures which would have this effect have been taken by the Dominion Governments.

May we assume, therefore, from my right hon. Friend's reply that Germany has no ground for the argument which she puts forward that her raw materials are being interfered with?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I have given, which I hope was quite clear.

Is it a fact that the assurance of the right hon. Gentleman does not apply to British Colonies, although it may apply to British Dominions?

I cannot answer for the Colonial Office; I am only replying on behalf of the Dominions Office.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) the amount of allowances at present paid to disabled soldiers attending hospitals for treatment due to disabilities caused by the Great War, distinguishing the cases of men who are forced to leave- their employment and the cases of men who are unemployed;

(2) the number of ex-service men who attended hospitals under the Ministry during 1936 for treatment, who have not received any treatment allowances, and whose wives and dependants, in consequence of the failure of the Ministry to provide allowances, have been compelled to seek Poor Law relief?

In the case of men who are normally in employment before admission and who suffer loss of wages or profits on account of admission to hospital, allowances are payable in accordance with the terms of the Royal Warrant, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member. In the case of men who were unemployed before admission but were in receipt of either unemployment benefit or allowances from the Unemployment Assistance Board before admission to hospital, supplementary grants are payable in accordance with the announcement which I made in the House on the 22nd October last, which substantially meet the loss of income suffered by their families. I am sending the hon. Member a copy. The object of this, as I stated at the time, was to obviate the necessity of their families having to have recourse to the Poor Law solely on account of the man's admission to a Ministry hospital. Although I have no statistics which would enable me to answer the hon. Member's second question, I am satisfied that in general my object has been achieved.

If I bring to the notice of the hon. Gentleman a specific case in which a man has had to resort to the Poor Law, will he reconsider the position of that man?

If the hon. Gentleman will send me particulars I shall be very glad indeed to make an immediate inquiry and to discuss it with the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to fulfil his undertaking with regard to the reorganisation of the marketing of beef?

The initiative in the submission of marketing schemes under the Agricultural Marketing Acts rests with the producers concerned. The whole position concerning the reorganisation of the marketing of livestock has been exhaustively considered by Reorganisation Commissions for England and Wales and for Scotland, whose reports are before the industry and are being closely considered by it. No scheme has, however, yet been submitted either to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland, or myself.

Is it not a fact that two years ago the right hon. Gentleman gave an undertaking that the reorganisation of marketing was to be the central part of the Government's policy, and that since then the Government have taken no action in the matter whatsoever; and will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will take some action?

I am afraid that my hon. Friend does not fully understand the procedure under the Marketing Act. I have no intention whatever of forcing down the throat of an unwilling industry a policy of reorganisation for which they were not ready. If I did so, my hon. Friend would be the first person to come here and complain about it.

In view of the voluntary agreement the right hon. Gentleman entered into to reduce imports of meat, and having conceded the subsidy for the past 18 months, does the right hon. Gentleman not consider it is time that this side of the industry ought to reorganise its marketing?

The hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do the procedure of marketing, as he had a great deal to do with the passing of the Marketing Act.

Is not the statement I have just made a true one, that the right hon. Gentleman has entered into a voluntary agreement for restricting imports, and yet no effort is being made to improve the marketing of the product?

Is it not a fact that we limited the importing of beef from Ireland about two years ago on the ground that this scheme was in an active state of preparation, as certified by the Board of Trade, and that since then nothing has happened?

The point has been ex-haustingly threshed out in Committee as to whether imports should be limited in advance of a scheme being actually tabled. I contended then, and I still contend, that no greater injury could be done to the cause of marketing than to tie marketing schemes so closely to a scheme of regulating imports that no action could be taken unless the producers put through some ill-considered scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many local authorities objected to the new basis of assessment provided for under the Land Drainage Act, 1930?

In the first three years after the Act was passed representations were received by the Ministry from five county councils, supported by a few other bodies, calling attention to the difficulties and delay which were being experienced consequent on the change to which my hon. Friend refers, and urging that the acreage basis in lieu of annual value should be continued for a. period of two years. So far as I am aware, no similar representations have since been received.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many properties which prior to 1930 had to make contributions in shillings are to-day making contributions amounting to as many pounds; and will he, therefore, support an amending Bill?

I do not think that that, question arises out of the question on. the Paper.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious condition in Wales of the market prices for store cattle; and whether he will consider extending the beef subsidy to cover store cattle or will he say how he proposes to deal with store cattle prices?

I am aware of the low level of prices ruling for store cattle in Wales and elsewhere, though these have recently shown an upward tendency. I should be willing to consider any suggestions brought forward by the industry, but I do not think that an agreed scheme on the lines suggested by the hon. Member has yet been evolved. Failing such a scheme, I shall continue with the policy of improving the prices of fat cattle.

Do I understand that the Minister's reply means that he intends to do nothing whatsoever for the Welsh farmer?

No, Sir; the hon. Gentleman would be entirely wrong in that assumption.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the figures of the total milk production for England and Wales for each of the last four calendar years; and the estimated amounts consumed as liquid milk and used in factories for milk products?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantities of milk sold for liquid consumption by the Milk Marketing Board and producer retailers; and the quantities sold for manufacturing purposes during the years 1934 and 1935?

As the answer to these questions contains a number of figures, I am circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The estimated total production of milk in England and Wales in the four years 1931–32 to 1934–35 is as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total output of milk in Great Britain for the year 1933 and each succeeding year, and the estimated output for the present year?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 10th May last, a copy of which I am sending to him. I regret that I am not in a position to give an estimate of the output of milk in Great Britain for the present year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the average number of children that have obtained milk daily under the milk-in-school scheme in each quarter since the passing of the Milk Act, 1934, and what the cost to the Exchequer has been?

The foregoing figures represent the total amount of liquid milk estimated to have been available for all purposes other than for feeding to stock, and are based on the information obtained through the voluntary census of 1930–31, assuming that the average lactation yield has not changed since that date.

The information at my disposal is not sufficient to enable me to say how much of the total production was consumed as liquid milk and how much was used in factories for milk products.

The following particulars of milk sold for liquid consumption and for manufacture by the Milk Marketing Board have been supplied by the Board.

Precise figures showing the average number of children that have obtained milk daily under the milk-in-schools scheme in each quarter since the passing of the Milk Act, 1934, are not available, but at the end of March, 1935, the number of children receiving milk under the scheme, free or for payment, in grant-earning schools in England and Wales, was about 2,750,000. At the beginning of October, 1935, the corresponding figure was about 2,500,000. Exchequer grants amounting to £447,495 have so far been paid to the Milk Marketing Board for England and Wales in respect of milk supplied during the period 1st October, 1934, to 31st October, 1935. For similar information relating to Scotland, I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figure of 2,750,000 which he has given is the average number of children per school day, or the total number of individual children?

It is the total according to the returns sent in by the various headmasters. The exact details, I am afraid, I do not carry in my mind; if the hon. Lady desires them, perhaps she will put down a question.

If one child gets two portions of milk in a day, is he counted twice over?

No, Sir, he is not.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many gallons of milk have been manufactured into cheese up to a recent date since the passing of the Milk Act, 1934; and what the cost to the Exchequer has been?

Under Section 1 of the Milk Act, payments amounting to £776,121 have been made to the Milk Marketing Board for England and Wales in respect of 140,106,828 gallons of milk sold for manufacture into cheese during the period 1st April, 1934, to 30th November, 1935. Under Section 2, payments amounting to £5,924 have been made in respect of 846,293 gallons of milk manufactured into cheese by the Board during the period 1st April, 1934, to 31st March, 1935. Under Section 3, payments amounting to £120,236 have been made in respect of 20,653,552 gallons of milk manufactured into cheese on farms during the period 1st April, 1934, to 30th June, 1935.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give, to the most recent convenient date, figures showing the number of producers of milk entitled to receive the bonus for pure milk provided by the Milk Act of 1934; what is the output of such producers; and what improvement the figures show over the corresponding figures at any earlier date?

The number of producers of milk from herds certified by the Ministry under the Attested Herds Scheme to date is 59, who own a total of 65 herds comprising 2,558 animals which have been attested at various dates since 1st February, 1935. Twenty-two of the herds are licensed to produce Certified or Grade A (T.T.) milk, and, in cases in which the owners have claimed exemption in respect of such milk from the Milk Marketing Scheme, they are not entitled to receive the bonus under the Attested Herds Scheme. The only figures indicating output are contained in the claims for the 1d. per gallon bonus payable in respect of milk sold through the Marketing Scheme. Claims have been received in respect of 40 herds only, covering an average of about five months each, and a total production of 237,076 gallons. There are no corresponding figures in respect of any previous period.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any experiments, analogous to the Bishop Auckland potato experiment, have been made to ascertain the effect of differential milk prices on the public demand for milk; if so, what are the results; and, if not, whether any such experiments are in contemplation?

No experiment to ascertain the effect of differential prices on the public demand for milk has, so far as I am aware, been made on the lines of that conducted by the Potato Marketing Board at Bishop Auckland. The Milk Marketing Board for England and Wales prepared a scheme for the supply of milk at special prices to unemployed in the Merthyr Tydfil district, one object of which was to ascertain the effect of reduced prices on demand, but it was not found possible to introduce the scheme. Other schemes are still under consideration, but I cannot at present say whether it will be possible to proceed with them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the amount of the Exchequer grant actually paid during the last 12 months, or other ascertainable period, towards the supply of milk in schools and, secondly, towards the cost of milk supplied to manufacturers for milk products; and what has been the average price per gallon received by the farmers in both cases?

During the first 12 months (1st October, 1934, to 30th September, 1935) of the operation of the Milk-in-Schools Scheme in England and Wales, 22,750,000 gallons of milk were consumed in respect of which the Milk Marketing Board received £401,000 in grants from the Exchequer, an average rate of 4.23d. per gallon. During the same 12 months (1st October, 1934, to 30th September, 1935) (for which information is not yet complete) 200,000,000 gallons of milk were processed in England and Wales in respect of which the Milk Marketing Board received £1,061,000 by way of Exchequer advances, an average rate of 1.27d. per gallon. Individual producers actually received in respect of both supplies the pool price which has averaged throughout the 12 months in question 11.99d. per gallon.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what sums the Government have spent since 1934 on experiments to discover means of eliminating bovine tuberculosis; and whether any results have been achieved?

Research on bovine tuberculosis has been in progress for some years at the Institute of Animal Pathology, Cambridge, and, to some extent, at the Ministry's Veterinary Laboratory, and the National Institute for Research in Dairying at Reading. It is not possible to give a precise figure of the sums expended, which form part of the general expenditure of the institutions named. Since 1934, however, in consultation with the Agricultural Research Council, special grants have been made to extend the work at Cambridge, amounting to £375 in the year ended 31st March, 1935, and £5,320 in the year ending 31st March next. The subjects of the investigation are the use of B.C.G. vaccine and of tuberculin and the work is still in progress.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the proposal in the Education (Scotland) Bill to forbid exemption from school attendance to children who are under 14 years of age, the Government has now decided to ratify the draft convention adopted by the International Labour Conference in 1921 whereby children under 14 years of age are not to be employed in agriculture during school hours?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers) on 13th February.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the hardship suffered by owners of houses and shops in consequence of the termination of their leases and the excessive demand of landowners for increased ground rents, together with lump sum payments if the present owners are permitted to continue to occupy their premises; and whether he will take steps during the present Parliament to introduce legislation to enable owners of such property to purchase their land at reasonable prices?

The Landlord and Tenant Act, 1927, provides ample security for compensation in suitable cases for the occupiers of premises used wholly or partly for the carrying on of any trade or business. I am not disposed to advise the promotion of legislation extending the principles of that Act to premises not occupied for the purposes of trade.

May I point out that the reply which the right hon. Gentleman has given is not in accordance with the question which I put down? I asked whether, in the case of leases which are now expiring, and upon which the owners are claiming enormous lump sums and very much increased rents in the future, it is the intention of the Government to introduce some reasonable Measure to enable people to purchase the land?

It is quite impossible, during this Session, to introduce any more legislation than has already been outlined.

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure that ground leases come under the Landlord and Tenant Act?

I am not a lawyer, and on that point I have given the answer as it was given to me. To the question whether it is possible to introduce legislation dealing with this subject, which is the only point brought before me, I must answer that there is certainly no prospect of legislation in this Session. Questions of detail as regards the incidence of such an Act should, I think, be addressed to the Ministry of Health.

While we are unifying leases generally, might we not unify ground leases?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the publication of the Commissioners' report for the special areas, a day will be given for discussion?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to have the reports of the Commissioners for the special areas, which are now ready, discussed in this House at an early date?

The reports are engaging the attention of the Government and there will be opportunities in the normal course of business for the matter to be debated later in the Session.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an early day for a Vote of Censure to be put down by my hon. Friends and myself for the continued neglect of this problem of the distressed areas?

Of course, I must consider a request of that kind. Doubtless the right hon. Gentleman will let me have it through the usual channels.

While the right hon. Gentleman is considering this matter in all its circumstances, will he also consider the question of the extension of the Commissioner's powers?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say approximately when he expects to be able to put the House in possession of the proposals of the Government?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to put that question down.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of young persons between the age of 14 and 18 signing as unemployed in all the Employment Exchanges in the City of Glasgow, giving the numbers of both sexes signing at the respective exchanges?

As the reply includes a Table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. John Brady, 115, Dunchatter Street, Glasgow, E.I, is having his disability pension taken into account by the Unemployment Assistance Board; that this man receives his pension from the Glasgow Corporation as a disability pension; and whether he proposes taking any action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend wrote to the hon. Member on 11th January explaining that this pension is not one of those to which Sections 38 and 54 of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934, apply. He understands also that only part of the pension has been taken into account in determining the applicant's needs, and that the determinations made on this basis have been confirmed by the appeal tribunal whose decision is final.

Can the hon. and gallant Member not do something to put these people in a similar position to others who have their full disability pensions excluded from consideration?

The present arrangement to which the hon. Member refers is in accordance with existing legislation. What he suggests would mean the introduction of fresh legislation.

Does the hon. and gallant Member consider introducing legislation in order to do justice to these cases?

I cannot give any undertaking to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered as unemployed at Castleford,

asked the Prime Minister whether the statement made in the House by the then Secretary of State for the Colonies, replying on his behalf on 15th February, 1927, that mandates are in no sense a form of tenure which is held by us from the League of Nations, still represents the view of His Majesty's Government?

I would invite the attention of my hon. Friend to the statement made in this House by the then Secretary of State for the Colonies on 21st February, 1927, when he explained that under Article 119 of the Treaty of Versailles the former German oversea possessions were surrendered to the Principal Allied and Associated Powers; that, in accordance with Article 22 of the Treaty those Powers agreed that mandates to administer these territories should be conferred upon the Governments concerned and proposed the terms in which the mandates should be formulated; and that, after arranging the allocation and delimitation of the territories as between themselves, the

Normanton, and Pontefract on the latest date available; the number in receipt of unemployment insurance benefit; the number receiving unemployment assistance; and the comparative figures for the same period in 1935?

As the reply includes a Table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

Governments concerned agreed to accept their respective mandates and to exercise them on behalf of the League of Nations on the proposed terms—following which, the mandates were confirmed by the Council of the League.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that any attempt to identify these territories as British colonies may have dangerous repercussions in the Pacific and elsewhere?

I am most grateful to the hon. Member, and I will certainly bear it in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the meaning of the term political services, used as a qualification for recommending the granting of honours, is not generally understood by the public; and whether he can define more exactly what this term connotes?

I would refer the hon. Member to the report of the Royal Commission which inquired into the subject of honours in 1922 (Cmd. 1789 of 1922), where I think the term is fully explained.

Does subservience to party headquarters at by-election times rank high as a political service and, if so, may we expect shortly a large grant of honours to Scotland?

If the hon. Member will be good enough to read that report, he will be more familiar with the question perhaps than he is at the moment. The connotation of the phrase is somewhat wide.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish the report that he quotes in his reply to the question in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

The Command Paper can be obtained by asking for it at the Vote Office.