asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the value of orders for locomotives and any other railway material purchased for Indian railways and placed in continental countries for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

The value of the orders for railway material placed in continental countries for Indian State-owned railways during the calendar year 1935 was about £1,000,000.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how the prices submitted by British firms compared with those of continental firms?

In these cases they were not so favourable, but I cannot give the hon. Member exact details.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries and publish the results later on?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that inconvenience is being caused to business houses in this country through the delay which takes place in the transmission of cablegrams when they pass into the hands of the Indian Government telegraphic service; and whether he will make representations to the Indian Government with a view to getting these delays obviated?

If my hon. Friend will give me some particulars of cases in which delays have occurred, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received any information with regard to smallpox outbreaks in India; and whether the outbreaks this year have been heavier than is usual at this period?

There has recently been an acute epidemic of smallpox in Bengal. Complete up-to-date figures for the Province as a whole are not yet available, but in Calcutta 1,558 deaths from smallpox have occurred this year up to 7th March. This is greater than the average of recent years, but the disease comes in waves at irregular intervals.

In view of this increased rate of smallpox, could the hon. Gentleman arrange for a greater proportion of the taxes to be spent on the native quarters? So little is being done for them and so much for the others.

The local government have full responsibility in this matter, and I think they are to be relied upon to take all possible precautions, including that to which the hon. Lady refers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to a passage in "India in 1933–34," a publication that purports to have the Minister's general approval, that Mr. Gandhi's untouchability campaign was inspired by motives other than a purely altruistic desire to remove social disabilities; and, if so, will he take steps to discourage controversial statements about Indian political leaders in publications of this nature?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Durham, East (Mr. Ritson) on 16th March.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a letter was addressed by the divisional commissioner of Meerut recently to chairmen of municipal authorities, asking them to inform their educational staff that school-children should be afforded the opportunity of seeing the troops when they arrive in a locality; and whether this letter had the sanction of the Government?

I have no information other than is contained in a reply given to a similar question in the Legislative Assembly on 5th February last, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India particulars of the disaster in the Loyabad coalfield, Maria, in February last?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the senior Member for the Combined English Universities (Miss Rathbone) on 20th February.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether anything incriminating was found as a result of the search by the police of rooms in colleges and university hostels in Benares in February last?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the houses of Dr. Chiranji Lal and about 20 others were entered and searched by the United Provinces criminal investigation department; whether a warrant was issued for such search; how long the search lasted; and what the police found as a result of the search?

As I stated in answer to the hon. Member for the Clayton division of Manchester (Mr. Jagger) on 9th March, I am aware from Press reports that extensive searches were carried out by the United Provinces police early in February, and I am awaiting official information in regard to the matter.

Will the hon. Gentleman be willing to publish all those documents which he regards as incriminating after the search has been completed?

I should prefer to await the official information for which I have asked.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. Subhas C. Bose has been notified by His Majesty's British consul at Vienna that if lie returns to India he will not retain his liberty; and whether this notification was on the instructions of his Department?

Yes, Sir, this notification was given at my Noble Friend's request.

May I ask whether this Gentleman is not to be allowed to return to his native country without being arrested and, seeing that he was first arrested four years ago, do the Government intend to keep him under control indefinitely without trying him for any given offence?

With regard to the first part of the question, I have already said that notification has been made to him that he cannot expect to remain at liberty if he returns to India. The second part of the question goes beyond the original question, and I should require notice of it.

Will there be any limit to the continued persecution of this eminent citizen of India?

I have already said that that is wider than the original question and had better be put on the Paper.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House what objections the Government have to Mr. Bose, and what is the charge against him? Has it yet been formulated?

I think Mr. Bose is aware of the reasons which led to his incarceration in India in the first instance. He was allowed to go away for medical reasons.

Is it not a fact that no charge has been preferred against him? Why do you not try him and sentence him if he has done anything?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) under what circumstances an order issued by a local government or official declaring an association to be an unlawful body is subject to review and revision;

(2) under what authority associations may be declared unlawful in India by an order of a local government or any official in its behalf; how many such orders have been issued on the basis of evidence supplied by informers; and whether those against whom such action is taken have the right or opportunity to appeal against such an order;

(3) under what authority the Government of India, local governments, district and minor officials have the power to declare associations unlawful, without reference to the courts, and without any judicial process or public inquiry; and whether, after an association is so declared, membership of it becomes an offence punishable with imprisonment?

The Government of India and local governments, but not officials of those Governments, have power to issue notifications declaring associations unlawful under the provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908, as amended by Act No. 23 of 1932. I have no information as to the origin of the evidence on which action has been taken in each particular case. There is no provision in the Act for appeals against such notifications, but the authorities concerned would no doubt be prepared to consider any representations made to them. Membership of an unlawful association is punishable with imprisonment up to six months.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received a report from Sir Eric Teichmann on his recent journey through North China and Sinkiang?

Yes, Sir.

When will this report be published?

Detailed consideration of the report is awaiting Sir Eric's arrival in this country, and, of course, the question of publication will turn on that detailed consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has accurate information as to the activities in the Chinese Province of Sinkiang of persons in the employment of the Government of Soviet Russia; whether, and, if so, how many, Soviet advisers have been appointed to assist the governing authorities in Sinkiang; and whether anything in known of a proposal to construct a branch railway from the Trans-Siberian Railway to Sinkiang?

As stated in the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wirral (Captain Graham), on 12th February, there are Soviet Consuls-General at Kashgar and Urumchi and Soviet trade agencies at Kashgar, Urumchi and Aksu. To these must be added, according to my latest information, further trade agencies at Chuguchak, Kuldja, Shikho and Altai. I am not aware how many advisers to the Sinkiang authorities are Soviet citizens. I have no information as regards the last part of the question.

Is it not possible to obtain from our representatives in Kashgar definite information as to whether there are Soviet political advisers in Sinkiang?

I think Sir Eric Teichmann may be able to give some information on that subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make about the European situation?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make any further statement regarding the situation arising from the German violation of the demilitarised zone?

Yes, Sir. In the course of my conversations with Herr von Ribbentrop, I emphasised that the contents of the documents which had been communicated to him were in the nature of proposals. I made it clear that His Majesty's Government hoped that the German Government would be in a position to accept them, but that in any event his Majesty's Government felt that the German Government should assist them in their task by making some constructive contribution to improve the situation. On my instructions His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin used similar language in an interview which he had with the German Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday.

Has any reply yet been received from the German Government?

No, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend continue to convey to our friends in France and Belgium our appreciation of their fortitude and patience in the present circumstances of danger and anxiety?

asked the Prime Minister whether, before coming to any agreement with Germany, he will make the unilateral breaking of treaties, without warning, a specific point of protest and consider what guarantees may be secured from Germany so that this advantage, which is claimed by net other country, may not be made use of again?

My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the maintenance of the principle of the sanctity of treaties is a main objective of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many patients remain upon the lists of the Ministry of Pensions hospitals in connection with infirmities of whatever nature acquired during the years 1914–18?

The number of ex-service men who have had in-patient treatment, excluding treatment in public mental hospitals, during the 12 months to date is approximately 9,000. The hon. Member will appreciate that many cases are under treatment for short periods only and the number of in-patients on any one day is about 2,400.

Could the Minister tell the House what are the numbers of patients who, while not being in-patients now, remain upon the hospital lists with the right to re-enter the hospitals at any time they may need treatment? My question did not refer to the number of inmates.

Perhaps the hon. Member will have a word with me afterwards, and let me know exactly what it is he wants.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the decision not to introduce legislation to abolish the seven years' limit, in view of the fact that the present system of dealing with cases of hardships makes no provision for payment of arrears of pensions in cases where the Ministry of Pensions, with the consent of the Treasury, has agreed that pension grants should be made?

No, Sir, legislation is unnecessary for the object in view. An award of pension in cases of late claim for disablement is ordinarily made as from the date on which the claim is established and arrears are paid accordingly.

Is the Minister not aware that there have been many injustices and that when pensions are being granted, nothing is being paid for the back period?

The practice has always been to pay the claim as from the date on which it is established.

Is the Minister sure of that? Is it not the ease that arrears have been paid in very many cases?

If the hon. Member has any particular case in view, perhaps he will let me have particulars, and I shall be glad to go into it.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider introducing legislation to confer power upon local authorities to set up pension committees consisting of members of the authority, to which committee ex-service men and other dependants may appeal for reconsideration of their claim to pension and to grant or increase pensions, in all cases where they consider it desirable, to avoid injustice to present sufferers from the great War?

No, Sir. Under existing legislation any person deeming himself aggrieved by a decision of the Ministry can always make a complaint to his local War Pensions Committee, which includes representatives of local authorities. I have every reason to believe that this system is working satisfactorily.

Is the Minister not considering the setting up of such committees as courts of appeal?

I have just informed the hon. Gentleman that the present system. is working satisfactorily.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will consider setting up a tourist agency in Moscow for the purpose of attracting Russian workers to take their holidays in this country; and whether he will arrange for special facilities to be given to such tourists so that they may see the show-places in this country in the same way that the Russian Intourist Agency arranges such trips to demonstrate the attractions of Russia?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade will bring my hon. Friend's suggestion before the Executive Committee of the Travel and Industrial Development Association. As regards the second part of the question, no special facilities are required to see the show places of this country which, in general, are open for all to see.

If there are any "show places" in this land for Russians, will the hon. Gentleman see that they are shown the distressed areas?

Would it be possible to appoint guides from the Conservative Central Office, so as to prevent these people seeing anything?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make available to Members of the House in the Library a copy of the Slaughter of Cattle and Sheep Act, 1934, as approved by the Dail in the Irish Free State; what particulars he has available as to the working of the scheme under that Act whereby the 60,000 head of fat cattle said to be surplus to ordinary market requirements have been acquired by the State and supplied gratis or at greatly reduced prices per pound to persons in receipt of public assistance or unemployment relief; and whether, in view of the success of this experiment, he will consider arrangements for the similar disposal of food and fish surplus to ordinary requirements to the needy consumers of this country?

I have arranged for copies of the Slaughter of Cattle and Sheep Act, 1934, and the Slaughter of Cattle and Sheep (Amendment) Act, 1935, to be made available to Members in the Library. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the right hon. Member to the Debates on these measures in the Free State Dail on 2nd, 8th, 9th, 22nd and 23rd August, 1934, and on 18th and 31st July, 1935. Copies of the relevant OFFICIAL RIIPORTS are already filed in the Library, but I am sending copies to the right hon. Member for his perusal. In reply to the last part of the question, I would ask him to await the reply which is being given to his later question by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has been informed of the efficacy of recent experiments in this country and in Ireland in subsidising needy consumers so that they have been enabled to eat alleged surpluses of meat, milk, and potatoes off the market; and whether, in view of the savings in public health expenditure, the manifest benefits to agriculture, and the social and economic advantages to the nation of this method of distributing abundance, he will instruct the appropriate Ministers and Departments to prepare further schemes of similar purport?

I am aware of the experiments referred to. The Government are already participating in the supply of cheap milk for school children under the Milk Act, 1934, and further provision for this service has recently been made, in the Milk (Extension of Temporary Provisions) Act. The question whether the Government should co-operate in further schemes for increasing milk consumption will be carefully considered as part of the general review of milk policy which will take place when the report of the Milk Reorganisation Commission is available. A scheme for the disposal of surplus potatoes at cheap rates to the unemployed was carried out by the Potato Marketing Board at Bishop Auckland last year. The Board do not, I understand, intend to conduct a further experiment this season, when the home crop is in short supply. In the case of milk and potatoes, these schemes have been operated by or through organisations of producers. The practicability of comparable action with regard to meat must largely depend on developments in the organisation of livestock and meat marketing.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last sentence in my question, namely, whether he will instruct the appropriate Ministers to prepare further schemes of similar purport?

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the suggestion underlying the question is a good one, and that some part of unemployment benefit should be paid in kind so far as meat is concerned, thereby securing employment and helping agriculture?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman has nothing whatever to do with my question?

These matters are always under consideration, and there is no need for me to give special instructions.

But in view of the recent reports by nutrition experts in this country, the urgency of the problem, and the admitted success of recent experiments, will not the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the appropriate Ministers to have further schemes prepared?

We are examining these reports with the utmost care as they come in, and we are always dealing with these questions, but I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that the peculiar circumstances in Ireland do not exist in this country regarding one portion of this question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Potato Marketing Board has been awarded a judgment of £50 against a Kent farmer in respect of his excess acreage for 1934; how many times the Potato Marketing Board have taken action against farmers on account of cultivating excess acreage of potatoes; and whether, in view of the fact that potatoes are sold retail in London at per pound, he will discourage further action by the Potato Marketing Board likely to restrict production?

I am aware of the judgment referred to. I am informed by the Potato Marketing Board that they have taken action to recover unpaid excess acreage levies in 260 cases since the inception of the scheme in December, 1933. As to the last part of the question, the area planted with potatoes in 1935 allows scope for an increase of 22 per cent. in the total acreage which may be planted without any excess acreage levy, though individual producers who are now growing potatoes up to their basic maximum would be liable if they desired to increase their acreage.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the shortage of potatoes and the fact that the demand is at present bigger than the supply; and will he advise the farmers in Lincolnshire to unload some of their potatoes on the market?

The unloading just now, I am advised, is very heavy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that much valuable land is out of cultivation and agricultural uses in the Rother Valley, in the areas of Killa- marsh, Beighton Catcliffe, Canklow, and Whiston, consequent upon the flooding of the River Rother, any scheme of land drainage for that area is contemplated by the Ouse Catchment Board?

The scheme for improving the drainage system of the River Don and its tributaries which is being carried out by the catchment board includes provision for the improvement of the River Rother between Rotherham and Chesterfield, but these latter works depend to some extent upon the progress of the work on the Lower Don.

In view of the fact that the land has been out of cultivation for a half century and that there are families in that area who have not worked since 1921, will the Minister take steps to expedite the scheme?

It depends to some extent on the drainage works on the Lower Don. It is very important to get the out-fall first.

If it is dependent upon that, will it not be a further half century before the work is done?

Is any consideration being given to the difficulties which have arisen between the parties responsible for the work on the Lower Don?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been directed to the unprecedented increase in the import of eggs in the shell from certain foreign countries during the months of January and February last, as compared with the corresponding months of 1935, the volume of imports showing increases, in the case of Denmark, of 53.5 per cent., Poland 406.72 per cent., Belgium 522.54 per cent., and other foreign countries 426.78 per cent.; and whether he contemplates immediate action to safeguard the poultry-keepers of this country from this destructive competition?

I am aware of the recent increases in imports of foreign eggs in shell. The question whether further assistance should be accorded to the home industry when circumstances permit is at present under consideration.

In view of the importance of the industry to the masses of the people, will the Minister undertake that in future oversea trade agreements, consideration will be given to this matter and every possible protection afforded to the industry?

Has the National Poultry Council complied with the conditions under the Marketing Act, 1033, which enable the Minister to take steps in the direction indicated?

Will the Minister bear in mind the recent report of Sir John Orr which shows under-nourishment among the population; and will he do all he can to prevent any artificial increase in the price of foodstuffs?

All these matters will be kept in mind; but it is important that foodstuffs should be produced at home if only from the point of view of freshness—a point which has also been brought out strongly.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider installing cabinets to all telephone kiosks with sound-proof doors so as to enable telephone callers to conduct private conversations without being overheard; and whether he can state the number of rural post offices in which no telephone cabinets are installed, either inside or outside?

Many public telephones in rural post offices are not enclosed in silence cabinets, and I am considering the transference of these telephones as practicable to kiosks outside the post offices where they will be accessible when the offices are closed. About 600 rural post offices have no public telephones; but in these cases kiosks are being provided this year under the Jubilee concession.

Will the kiosks be soundproof?

Will the hon. Gentleman see that there is no reduction of facilities in the areas where this change is being made?

In reply to the first question, we shall certainly see that the kiosks are soundproof. In reply to the second, I can assure the hon. Gentleman that our endeavour is to increase, and not decrease, the available facilities.

What will be the cost of these kiosks?

I would require notice of a question of that magnitude.

asked the Postmaster-General when he expects the new issue of postage stamps will be made showing His Majesty King Edward VIII; and whether he intends there shall be any substantial difference in design from those issued during former reigns?

I regret that I am not yet able to answer either of my hon. Friend's questions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the postal, telegraph and telephone facilities available to the public have been in any way affected in the north-eastern district of England, in view of the fact that the new regional organisation of the Post Office has been brought into operation in that district; and is any alteration involved in the status of the postmaster-surveyor of Newcastle in regard to the city of Newcastle itself?

The regional organisation which has been experimentally introduced in the north-eastern district of England has not in any way affected the facilities offered to the public, whether postal, telegraph or telephone. It is, however, confidently hoped that the new organisation will result in a gradual improvement in those facilities. No alteration is intended, for the time being, at any rate, in the status of the postmaster-surveyor of Newcastle in regard to the city of Newcastle itself, save that the telephone manager at Newcastle, who was previously subordinate to him, has been given independent standing.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) on how many occasions grand opera has been presented at Covent Garden; and on how many occasions it has been presented at suitable theatres in the provinces under the supplemental agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation of 11th June, 1931;

(2) whether it is proposed to renew the supplemental agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation which provides for the payment of £17,00 a year to the British Broadcasting Corporation for the presentation of grand opera at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and at suitable theatres in the provinces, and which expired at the end of 1935?

The opera subsidy was discontinued at the end of 1932 and Parliament has not since been asked to vote the necessary funds. If, in these circumstances, my hon. Friend still desires to know how often grand opera was presented while the British Broadcasting Corporation was in receipt of the subsidy under the supplemental agreement, I will ask the Corporation to send him the necessary information.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is made a condition of Government contracts entered into by his Department that window-cleaning undertakings shall be covered by insurance against workmen's compensation and third party risks?

In the smaller contracts insurance against accidents under the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Acts is required, but there is no contract requirement of insurance against third party risks.

In the interests of the workers and for their protection, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter in regard to the larger offices?

I understand that in every case the larger firms who undertake this work ire covered, and that there is no likelihood of their defaulting on their legal liabilities.

Why should not the right hon. Gentleman's Department have all this window-cleaning work under their own direction and control?

That would involve the window cleaning in offices in many towns and cities up and down the country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government propose to implement their Election pledge to introduce a scheme for voluntary insurance of black-coated workers?

I have been asked to reply. In their Election manifesto the Government undertook to introduce a scheme of voluntary pensions insurance for persons such as shopkeepers, clerks and other black-coated workers, outside the existing scheme whose incomes did not exceed a certain limit and the Government will of course implement that pledge. I would also refer my hon. Friend to a statement I made on the subject in this House on 10th December last.

When may we expect some legislation

I could not say. I have dealt with the hon. Gentleman's question.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of Southern Irish immigrants who have recently entered Great Britain with a view to obtaining employment; what action he proposes to take to prevent unemployment being thereby caused to British workers; and what, if any, steps are being taken to prevent such immigrants from becoming a charge on national funds in the event of their losing their employment while in this country?

No precise figures are available with regard to the first part of the question. With regard to the second and third parts, I would remind my hon. Friend that there is no power to restrict the entry of British subjects into the United Kingdom.

Are there any reciprocal privileges to workers of British origin in the Irish Free State; and is it not desirable that there should be such reciprocal privileges or else that this matter should be dealt with having regard to the number of British workers put out of employment in this way?

I do not think it is a question of reciprocal privileges. There is no power to restrict the entry of British subjects into the United Kingdom, and no special arrangements are being made with respect to this matter.

Are we to understand that power is being taken to deport Irish immigrants who have got on to public assistance in this country?

No, I have not said that.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount of money paid by the Unemployment Fund to the National Council of Social Service; and the administrative costs per year of the National Council of Social Service?

No payments out of the Unemployment Fund are made to the National Council of Social Service. Particulars of the administrative costs of the council are published in the council's annual reports. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the latest report up to 31st March, 1935.

Do I understand that DO Government money is paid to the National Council of Social Service?

Government money is paid to the National Council of Social Service, and it appears in the Ministry of Labour's Estimates.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can separate the total amount of £3,443,000 stated by the Commissioner of the Distressed Areas in his last report as expenditure and commitments, and state how much is expenditure and how much commitments?

Approximately £330,000 of the £3,443,000 referred to relates to expenditure by the Commissioner and the balance to commitments. As the Commissioner for the Special Areas (England and Wales) explained in his report, actual expenditure on schemes must necessarily be considerably in arrear of commitments in the early stages of the work.

asked the Minister of Labour when he will be in a position to introduce his proposals dealing with the Unemployment Insurance Regulations under Part II of the 1934 Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on Thursday last to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey), of which I am sending him a copy.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman really intend to be in a position ever to answer this question?

Yes, Sir.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give us some indication when, so that we may put down another question?

There is nothing to prevent hon. Members putting down questions whenever they wish.

asked the Minister of Labour how many labourers and how many foremen employed at the aerodrome at Manby are from Southern Ireland, and why local workmen are not employed?

I understand that four foremen and 27 unskilled workpeople employed in connection with this aerodrome are Irish, but I do not know whether they come from Southern Ireland or Northern Ireland. In all, 299 men are at present employed on the work, most of whom are local men.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman received a report from the representative of his Department who was down there on Friday, and if he has not received that report, or if he has, has he any information to confirm the suggestion that the failure to employ local labour on this contract is very largely due to the contractors' anxiety to let sleeping huts on the premises and to secure tenants for the canteen which they also supply; and will he also consult his colleague, the Minister of Transport, who, I understand, is also very largely responsible for the employment of Irish labourers?

I think the hon. Member has given me rather a plateful to answer in reply to a supplementary question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Swedish manufacturers of cream separators are obtaining preferential treatment under the French quota system over British manufacturers; and why the Government are not taking more drastic action to see least British manufacturers are put on at least an equal footing with the Swedish manufacturers?

I am informed that the United Kingdom and Swedish shares of the French quota for cream separators are in proportion to the imports into France from these countries during the period on which the quota is now based. The relative size of these shares is dependent on the basic period selected. An effort is, however, being made to obtain an increase in the United Kingdom allocation.

Is this in conformity with the usual clauses in these international treaties?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received a copy of the report concerning wages and conditions of workers at the port of Jaffa; and, if so, has he any statement to make on the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have asked the High Commissioner for Palestine for information on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the firm given the contract for the construction of the underground storage depot at Crombie, West Fife, is paying wages at the rate of 11½d. per hour; that there is also complaint of excessive overtime for which proper remuneration is not given; and will he inquire into conditions at this undertaking and ensure that the generally recognised rate for such work is paid and that overtime is reduced to a minimum?

The contractors have paid wages at the rate of one shilling per hour since 27th February. The hours worked are those provided for in the Working Rule Agreement of the Civil Engineering Construction Conciliation Board for Great Britain for men engaged on tunnels, double-shift work. The only departure is that one half-hour overtime has been worked by 30 surface men to obviate waiting for an omnibus after ceasing work: the remuneration for this is being investigated, and the result will be communicated to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that very little provision is made for the care and training of crippled children after they leave school; and whether he proposes to take any action to have provisions which deal with blind children extended to crippled children?

It is the duty of the education authorities to make provision for physically defective children up to 16 years of age, and the number so being educated during the year ended 31st July, 1936, was about 6,100. But no statistics are available in the Scottish Education Department as to the work done for these children beyond that age by voluntary societies. My right hon. Friend will consider the suggestion of the hon. Member, but I am sure he will realise that important questions of policy are involved.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many criminals were detained in the Duke-street gaol, in Glasgow, during 1925, and how many during 1935?

During 1925 the number of persons received into custody at Duke-street Prison was 5,620, of whom 4,112 were under sentence on reception. The corresponding figures for 1935 were 1,649 and 1,472 respectively.

asked the Prime Minister when the Supplementary Estimate for the salary and expenses of the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence will be submitted for consideration; and whether it will be taken at a time of day allowing full discussion?

It is proposed that the salary and expenses of the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence shall be borne on the Vote for the Treasury, and a Supplementary Estimate will be presented at an early date in the next financial year; the usual opportunities for discussion will be available.

Will it cover the period up to the end of this financial year?

Yes, certainly. As the hon. Member knows, the financial year begins in about a week or 10 days from now, and the Estimate cannot be introduced before that. It will then be introduced, and should there be any overlapping between the two years, we will, of course, provide for it.

Will this new post require any legal or statutory authority?

Will the hon. Member kindly put that question down?

asked the Prime Minister when the Government propose to sign a naval treaty as a result of the London Naval Conference; whether he will state the terms of the treaty to this House before it is signed; and whether an early day will be arranged for this House to discuss the treaty?

It is proposed to sign the Naval Treaty on Wednesday of this week. I am unable to communicate the terms of the Treaty to the House before it is signed, but the text will be published and a White Paper issued to the House within a few hours of signature. If there is a general desire for a debate, the Government will of course give careful consideration to such representations.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is treating the House with a good deal of disrespect to sign an important treaty of this kind without the terms being indicated beforehand to the House?

I think that the right hon. Gentleman will find many precedents.

Does the right hon. Gentleman attach any importance or value to this Treaty?

Yes, a great deal.

asked the Minister of Health the total amount of grants paid to the Sheffield Corporation for the years 1933, 1934, and 1935, under the Housing and Slum Clearance Acts; and the total for the whole county for the same periods?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give the House any information concerning the newly formed force of Rangers in Newfoundland; and whether they are being organised on lines similar to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police?

Yes, Sir. Steps were taken last year for the formation in Newfoundland of a Ranger Force modelled on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It is intended that the Force, which will consist of two officers and 50 non-commissioned officers and men, should operate throughout Newfoundland, excluding the Avalon Peninsula and the towns of Grand Falls and Corner Brook, and in Labrador, and its duties will include, in addition to police work, game protection and fire control and, in certain areas, the distribution of able-bodied relief and the collection of Customs revenue. So far, a nucleus of the Force has been recruited and is being trained with the assistance of a staff sergeant whose services have been lent by the Canadian Government.

Is the Minister aware that reports are already being circulated that this body is being used for the purpose of suppressing the opposition of the Newfoundlanders to the treatment they are getting following the suppression of their Parliament?

Is the Force being recruited from Newfoundland or from other sources?

It is being recruited locally in Newfoundland.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what activities previously performed by the Empire Marketing Board have since its abolition been discontinued?

Broadly speaking, the activities of the late Empire Marketing Board which were discontinued were those relating to publicity and market promotion in this country on behalf of Empire products. This does not of course mean that such activities ceased altogether, since many of the Governments concerned are themselves active in these directions on their own behalf.

Does not my Noble Friend consider it regrettable that as a result of the abolition of the Empire Marketing Board important functions of this kind are not being performed except to a very much less degree?

Whenever the Dominion Government concerned thinks they are important they are being performed.

Can the Noble Lord say to what use the various sites for posters are being put?

My hon. Friend had better put that question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs which Dominion Governments expressed the wish that the Empire Marketing Board should be abolished; and what were the reasons given?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement issued to the Press on 8th August, 1933, of which I have already sent him a copy. It will be seen from that statement that all the Dominion Governments accepted generally the recommendations made by the Imperial Committee on Economic Consultation and Co-operation. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the report of the committee itself (Cmd. 4335).

In view of the great value that the Empire Marketing Board was to inter-Imperial trade, do His Majesty's Government contemplate taking into consideration the possibility of its re-establishment?

In view of the fact that the Empire Marketing Board was recognised as the most helpful organisation we have ever had for the Dominions and Colonies, will the Noble Lord give the real reason it was discontinued, namely, because the Dominions did not and would not agree to contribute a penny to it?

And because we were too mean to pay for it.

Does my Noble Friend accept the suggestion of the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn)?

That is approximately the case. As my right hon. Friend told the House a few days ago, the reason it was discontinued was that the majority of Dominions expressed the view that they would not be getting value for the money spent.

How much was contributed towards the expenses?

The organisation mentioned in this question should be the National Union of Women Teachers.

The Noble Lady has been misinformed as to the facts. The action to which she refers was taken by the National Union of Women Teachers, an organisation which represents only a small minority of the teaching profession, and which has no connection with the National Union of Teachers. While I deplore that an association of teachers should have thought fit to take such ill-advised action on a matter outside their professional competence, the Noble Lady will appreciate that my Department can take official notice of views expressed by teachers only in so far as such views are expressed in school. At the same time the fact that the National Union of Women Teachers have acted in this manner cannot fail to affect the weight which I should attach to any opinions that they may wish to express on other matters.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that in view of the fact that civil servants are under an obligation not to engage in any political activities, the same restriction might well apply to teachers, whose salaries are derived from public funds, in view of the great importance of their responsibilities?

The Noble Lady has raised a rather wider question. I do not think that she would really back up the suggestion that teachers in their private capacities should not indulge in political activities. A large number of teachers in my constituency indulge in political activities on very well-advised courses.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will draw attention to this question at the earliest opportunity?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the urgent desirability of making adequate provision for the teaching of practical handwork, cooking, sewing and physical training, he will consider setting up a committee to consider how far the present facilities supply the need?

I am fully alive to the importance of an adequate supply of teachers of the subjects mentioned by my hon. Friend. The matter is one which will clearly call for fresh consideration when the Education Bill now before Parliament is passed, and I will bear in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion of a committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that working-class girls and women are already acquainted with these subjects?

Did my right hon. Friend say "lack of teachers" or "adequate supply of teachers"?

Adequate supply.

That was not really the point I had in mind. The question was as to facilities for training centres and classes and an opportunity for children to attend them.

Perhaps if my hon. Friend will have a word with me, I can explain the position to her.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the dilapidated condition of the temporary school at Warmsworth, near Doncaster; and, if so, can he state whether plans for a new school have been submitted by the West Riding, Yorkshire, education committee?

I understand that the local education authority for the West Riding have included the proposal for a new school at Warmsworth in the programme of work to be initiated during the year 1936–37. The plans have not yet been submitted to the board.

As this school has been a temporary school for the past 16 or 17 years, will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the West Riding Education Committee to expedite its rebuilding?

The fact that it is included in their programme this year shows that they realise the urgency.

asked the Secretary of State for War at whose instance pressure is being brought upon the university college of the south-west of England, Exeter, to create an officers' training corps, despite the overwhelming majority to the contrary at a recent general meeting of the guild of under-graduates?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is not aware that any pressure is being put upon the University College of the South-West of England to create a contingent of the Officers Training Corps.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to introduce legislation connected with prison reform during this Parliament?

The importance of this subject is recognised but the crowded state of the legislative programme does not make it possible to propose legislation on this subject at present.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that this is largely an agreed Measure and would not, therefore, take up much time in passing through the House?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present archaic position is handicapping the reforming efforts of the Prison Commissioners themselves?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that when a member of the Metropolitan Police Force dies during the first five years of his service his widow is not entitled to a pension even though her husband had in his employment, previous to joining the force, paid regular contributions under the Widows', Orphans', and Contributory Pensions Act; whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to close this gap in security; and whether, pending such legislation, he will give instructions that all new recruits to the force shall have their special attention drawn to this matter and advised to become voluntary contributors under the existing Act?

All police forces have been excepted by the Minister of Health from compulsory insurance under the Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, on the ground that the provisions of the Police Pensions Act, 1921, are on the whole not less favourable: but it is true that one result is that an insured man joining the police may cease to be insured under the Act of 1925 before he has served for the five years necessary to qualify for the ordinary widow's pension benefit under the Act of 1921. This point has been noted for legislation should an opportunity occur. If he dies as a result of an injury on duty his widow will be entitled to a pension however short his service. It is the practice to inform all recruits to the Metropolitan Police of the position, but few of those who are insured persons choose to continue as voluntary contributors. It must be remembered that all recruits to the Metropolitan Police are single men: that nowadays almost all remain single for at least four years: and that those joining under the short service scheme are kept in insurance under the health and pensions scheme by payments from the police fund.

In regard to the second part of the answer, in view of the fact that cases do occur will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to press forward legislation to remedy the difficulty?

I have said that the point has been noted for legislation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any further statement to make about the anti-Semitic activities carried on in the East End of London by a body calling itself the British Union of Fascists and about the measures taken by the police to curb such disorders?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend has no further statement to make on this matter at present.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the performance in the Albert Hall last night included an anti-Jewish incitement, and may I ask whether his Department have any means of dealing with this kind of dangerous incitement? Well, if my hon. Friend's Department have not such powers, will they take them?

If my hon. Friend has a question to put about the Albert Hall meeting, perhaps he will put it on the Paper.

Will the hon. Gentleman also extend his activities to his own supporters, who are busy raising a worse agitation against the Irish?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that traffic policemen are cautioning or arresting motorists who exceed 45 miles an hour in decontrolled areas in which there are a number of houses, although driving carefully in heavy cars; can he say whether this is upon the instruction of his Department; and if not, on whose authority were such instructions issued?