asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what quantity of oil is on an average consumed annually by the Home Fleet; what quantity of oil is at present being stored in the United Kingdom; and what additional storage facilities exist which are at present not being fully used?

I regret that the information asked for is not for publication.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the many successful attempts to damage wilfully ships of the Royal Navy, he will consider taking the necessary steps to amend the Malicious Damage to Property Act, 1861, so as to increase the inadequate penalties under Section 46 of that Act, in order to deter further attempts of sabotage by prolonging the period of imprisonment, at present limited to seven years for such action?

I am not aware of any ground for thinking that the persons responsible for such damage as has occurred have been in any way influenced by a feeling that the existing penalties may be lightly regarded, or that a person who is willing to risk a sentence of seven years' penal servitude would be deterred by an increase in the maximum penalty which may be imposed.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that no further steps should be taken to deter people in view of the many successful attempts that have already taken place?

I can assure my hon. Friend that there are severer penalties than seven years under other Acts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, with a view to relieving the financial position in Kenya Colony and obviating the need for the further raising of loans in this country to support the industries of the settlers, he will take steps to give effect to the speech of the Governor last September, in which he reiterated his view that Income Tax was the only solution for the taxation controversies?

The question of the system of taxation in Kenya is one of the matters on which Sir Alan Pim will report: and until his report has been received and considered I cannot express any opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received any communication from the Governor of Kenya Colony on the removal of the inhabitants of the Tigoni area from their ancestral lands?

I have now received the Governor's observations, and they are being considered.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is any evidence at all to show that these lands are ancestral?

As I have said, the Governor has sent in a report which is under examination.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air in view of the coroner's findings in the "City of Khartoum" air disaster, what steps, if any, he proposes to take to see that Imperial Airways provides sufficient margin of petrol to meet possible eventualities?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Perkins) on the 11th instant.

Did not the findings state quite clearly that there was no petrol in the machine at the time and that the margin of fuel allowed was insufficient and will my right hon. Friend take all possible precautions to see that the safeguards he has suggested shall be introduced in order to prevent any disaster of this kind in the future?

As I have said extra tankage capacity is to be given to air liners of this type at present operating in the Mediterranean which is expected to give them a sufficient margin of safety.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among many Air Force mechanics over the food supplied; and how the ration allowance of about 9d. per day is expended?

I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction. Commanding officers have instructions to report to the Air Ministry any representations made by airmen's messing committees (which exist at all stations) if they cannot be satisfactorily settled locally. The present daily cost of the ration is about 9¾d. It is periodically re-assessed. Some items such as meat and bread are supplied in kind, the balance of the cash value of the ration being available for purchases locally through the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes at the discretion of the messing officer.

Will the amount of the daily ration allowance, 9¾., be stated on the recruiting posters?

it is an allowance which has been in existence for a very long time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the difference between the wages of Grade II tradesmen who have done eight months training at Uxbridge and 18 months service at, Henlow, and the wages of those similar employés who have had three years at Halton, about two to three years in a squadron, and then 12 months on their course?

The rates of pay depend on degree of trade skill and on length of service. The pay of a flight mechanic (Group II), if passing out of training as an aircraftman, 1st class, is 28s. a week, while that of a Grade I fitter, qualifying as such with three years' service as leading aircraftman, is 42s. a week, in addition, in each case, to free accommodation, rations and clothing or allowances in lieu, good conduct badge pay of 1s. 9d. a week after three years' service, and, at age 26, marriage allowance if married.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that leading aircraftmen who have passed a trade test receive only 38s. 6d. per week, and owing to the slowness of movement have small opportunity of being promoted for six or seven years or more; and whether, to retain and engage good men, it is possible, especially in these days of increased expenditure on the Air Force, to improve the chances of promotion among these employés?

The rate of pay quoted is the initial rate issuable to an airman on qualifying for the classification of leading aircraftman in a Group I trade, and it is increased to 42s. a week after three years. Free accommodation, rations and clothing, or allowances in lieu, are provided in addition, and the airman is eligible for good conduct badge pay of 1s. 9d. a week after three years' service, and, at age 26, marriage allowance, if married. The arrangements are designed to ensure that airmen receive advancement when their experience renders them suitable for greater responsibility. A much increased flow of promotion will, in fact, occur in the near future as a result of the present expansion of the Force.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this is sufficient pay for these men after the number of years they have served, or that it will attract other men into the Service?

The promotion will be greatly accelerated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of officers and other ranks and the number of aeroplanes included in the complement and equipment of the aircraft, carriers in commission, being members or property of the Royal Air Force?

The answer is 970 officers and airmen, and 138 aircraft.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of new type machines tested at Martlesham Heath during the years ended 31st December, 1934, and 31st -December, 1935?

The numbers were 57 and 34 in 1934 and 1935 respectively. These cover service and civil types, and include major modifications which have necessitated type-performance trials.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of aircraft at present in use fitted with catapult-launching equipment?

All aircraft of types in use in the Fleet Air Arm are equipped to take catapult-launching equipment. It would not be in the public interest to disclose their number.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will keep in mind the difficulties and claims of the industrial areas in Northeast Lancashire when establishing new factories and allocating contracts under the schemes of his Department?

Yes, Sir. The claims of North-East Lancashire, as of other industrial areas, are being borne in mind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any foreign countries possess aeroplanes designed to carry tanks; and whether the Royal Air Force possesses such machines?

I understand that the Soviet air force has lately carried out some experiments in the transportation of small tanks by aircraft. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects the widening of the Great West Road to be completed; and what progress is now being made in that direction by the two county councils concerned?

I will inform my hon. Friend as soon as the Middlesex County Council, who are the responsible highway authority, have come to a decision.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of licences issued in each of the traffic divisions in respect of A, B, and C licences under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933?

The figures required are given in the reports of the licensing authorities for the period ended 30th September, 1935.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the delay which has taken place in connection with the Coneygre Road widening and bridge improvement scheme at Tipton, Staffordshire; and whether he is now in a position to give consent to the scheme so that the necessary loan sanction can be obtained from the Ministry of Health?

I have made a grant from the Road Fund towards the cost of this scheme.

But surely the Minister must be aware of the delay?

I was not asked the reason, which is that the consulting engineers had not sent in all the necessary information. As soon as it was received I made the grant.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the danger and delay to transport caused by the wooden bridge over Deptford Creek now being completed by the Southern Railway Company; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the conditions of the Act of 1833 protecting free access for transport are carried out and thus prevent hardship and handicap to industry situate at the wharves of Deptford Creek?

I am in communication with the railway company.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that the existing law which permits a motorist to travel without lights for one hour after sunset during the period when daylight saving is operative makes adequate provision for safety on the roads?

The new comprehensive analysis which will be made of the causes of all accidents will give convincing information.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the hardship at present caused to the owners and drivers of taximeter-cabs by the fact that their vehicles are not permitted to cross the temporary Waterloo Bridge from south to north; and whether, seeing that cabs are public-service vehicles, he will consider extending to hired taximeter-cabs the same privilege as is enjoyed by omnibuses?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that he has again reviewed this question, but he regrets that in view of the traffic conditions at the bridge it is not practicable to extend to taxicabs the present arrangements under which an occasional service of omnibuses is allowed to cross the bridge from south to north.

In view of the fact that both these classes of vehicles are public carriers, why should the Commissioner differentiate between one class of public vehicle and mother, especially as great hardship is occasioned to those who own these taxi-cabs?

There are considerable difficulties in allowing any traffic to come from south to north in view of the conditions at the bridge putting a great deal of inconvenience on passengers at Waterloo. It was desired to make some concession to them and it was thought that the best thing to do was to allow an occasional organised system of omnibuses as being public service vehicles which provide accommodation for the largest number.

Many people coining from a railway station use taxi-cabs.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider extending the permissible speed limit for heavy vehicles to 30 miles per hour between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Coventry (Captain Strickland) on 16th March, of which I am sending him a copy.

Why does my right hon. Friend consider the passage of a passenger vehicle at 30 miles per hour as being less dangerous than a goods vehicle of equal weight?

It is not what I consider, but what Parliament considered.

asked the Minister of Transport the comparative number of stoppages due to strikes which were experienced before and after the formation of the London Passenger Transport Board; and whether any action has been taken by the Metropolitan Commissioner on the lines of that taken by the Commissioner for the East Midland area?

I am in communication with the board.

asked the Minister of Transport the estimated expenditure out of the Road Fund during the current financial year on the works which are expected to cost £22,500,000 and have been approved for commencement during that period as the first instalment of the five-year road plan and the estimated expenditure in each succeeding financial year on this first instalment?

The Road Fund's proportion of the total expenditure may be taken roughly at 70 per cent. The rate of expenditure of course depends on the progress made by highway authorities.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will take the initiative in persuading the various authorities concerned to remove the ugly railings round Parliament Square and outside Westminster Abbey?

The hon. Member's suggestion as regards Parliament Square was carefully considered some years ago, and the conclusion was reached that it would increase traffic difficulties because people crossing the Square would tend to take short cuts across the grass, and to cross the roads at various points. There is the further objection that the grass would become worn and unsightly, especially when crowds assemble in the Square on the occasion of weddings or processions. While I personally agree with the hon. Member that the Parliament Square railings are ugly, it must be borne in mind that they were much admired when they were put up.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Commission whether anything can be done for the removal of the iron railings round the centre of the Square?

Those were what I alluded to. When they were designed articles appeared saying that they were masterpieces. We do not like them to-day, as we do not like a lot of the decorations in this House.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has given his consent to the sale to a building contractor of the land on which is situated the Bentley Road allotments, Bentley, Doncaster, which have existed for over 20 years?

My consent to the disposal of allotment land for other purposes is required under existing legislation only where the land has been purchased or appropriated by a local authority for allotments. I understand that the land to which the hon. Member refers is in private ownership and that it is intended by the trustees of the estate to develop it as a building site. I am also informed that the town council have a number of vacant allotments available for the present tenants of the Bentley Road allotments.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, seeing that he has just appointed as successor to the present Permanent Secretary to his Department a Treasury official with experience only at the Treasury, he can give any reasons for this particular selection in preference to officials of proved competency and intimate experience in the problems of his Department?

The field of selection for the higher posts in the Civil Service is the Service itself as a whole, and there is not, and should not be, any sectional limitation. In connection with the pending retirement of the present Permanent Secretary to the Ministry, the steps usual in such cases have been taken to fill the consequential vacancy, and in making the new appointment, due consideration has been given to the qualifications of all who might be deemed to be qualified to fill that position, whether at present serving in the Department or elsewhere in the Service.

Is the official appointed as watchdog of the Minister of Agriculture?

asked the Lord President of the Council what Orders in Council have been passed sanctioning the omission from the services of the Church of England of the customary prayers for the Ministers of the State?

No Order in Council has been made for the purpose to which the hon. Member refers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, these customary prayers were omitted from the service in Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday last because the Dean and Chapter disagreed with the policy of His Majesty's Government; and, apart from the extraordinarily muddled thinking evident in that action, does he not deprecate the employment of religious sanctions against this Government or any other Government by high dignitaries of the Established Church?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these prayers have ever been answered?

Here, I am afraid, I can only speak as Lord President of the Council. I cannot interfere in what are strictly matters of ecclesiastical discipline.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider introducing legislation under which clergymen of the Church of England may become eligible for membership of this House, and thus make it possible—

That point does not arise out of this question.

Is it not a heresy to imply that the wicked are past praying for?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the consequences to the lives and financial resources of British citizens involved in the pledge to authorise the establishment or the continuance of conversations for joint action by the military general staffs of Great Britain, France, Belgium, and Italy in the event of unsatisfactory replies being given by the Government of Germany to the proposals made to it on 19th March, he will undertake that, before such conversations begin or their continuation is permitted, he will take steps to seek authority for such military conversations in precise terms by plebiscite from a majority of the persons qualified to vote at Parliamentary elections and at present upon the electoral rolls of this country?

I regret that I am unable to give any such undertaking.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the deep-seated feeling of this country against military alliances, as opposed to a policy of reliance on the Covenant of the League of Nations?

These anxieties will undoubtedly be given expression to in the Debate to-morrow. I understand that a Debate will take place to-morrow on Foreign Affairs and I hope, in the progress of the Debate, that those anxieties may be considerably allayed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why the people of this country are less entitled to have a say in an important matter of this kind than, say, the people of Australia or Switzerland, who are given the privilege of voting by referendum on these matters?

Will he also advise the leaders of the Labour party and the Trades Union Congress to have a plebiscite of their members on the question of sanctions?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that has already been done?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take whatever steps may seem appropriate to ascertain, by consultation with party leaders or otherwise, whether any considerable body of opinion exists in favour of modifying the ceremonial hitherto carried out in connection with Armistice Day?

His Majesty's Government are confident that the ceremonial at the Cenotaph service on Armistice Day is in harmony with the feelings of the majority of the nation. I do not think, therefore, that the consultation suggested by the hon. Member is necessary.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in connection with the organisation of industry for defence purposes, he pro- poses to consult the general council of the Trades Union Congress?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in the Debate on 9th March, while pointing out that the Defence programme will provide for a long period a great amount of additional work for the engineering and shipbuilding trades, the iron and steel trade and other industries, and outlining the industrial problems to which the programme will give rise as it comes into being, made it clear that nothing in the nature of a reorganisation of industry is contemplated. The employers' and work-people's organisations in the industries concerned will no doubt wish to discuss through their joint machinery, any problems in which they are mutually concerned and they may be relied upon to seek consultation with the Government, either directly or through their central organisations, when it appears to them to be desirable.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, whether he will give instructions that, all things being equal, opportunities should be given to unemployed persons to fill vacant positions on the industrial and clerical staff to be engaged by his Department?

I think it will not be necessary for me to engage any industrial staff. As regards clerical staff, this will be recruited in the same way as the clerical staff of other Government Departments.

Has any estimate been made of the number of staff that will be required immediately for this Department?

No, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many have been engaged?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is aware that the ordnance factories carried on the Army Vote have a system of costing which is of great value to the establishments as well as of value to the War Office when contracts have to be made with private firms; and whether he intends to avail himself of this experience in making large-scale contracts in the future?

I am aware of the system of costing in the ordnance factories and the method whereby the ordnance factories' costs are utilised to check trade prices. That experience is available to all Departments which are responsible for making contracts, as well as to myself.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the costs of the ordnance factories are much too high? [An HON. MEMBER: "How do you know?"] I have seen them at work.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the defence of the civil population from the results of possible bombing attacks from the air will be directly, or indirectly, part of the work of his Department?

It is part of my duty to ensure the co-ordination of all air defence measures. But passive or precautionary measures, which are I think what the hon. Member has in mind, are the responsibility of the Home Office. He may care to refer to paragraph 44 of Command Paper 5107, and to earlier paragraphs, as regards the functions of the Army and Air Force.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether tests as to the effect of bombs and torpedoes from the air will be carried out before expenditure is incurred upon new warships?

Experiments have been carried out continuously for some time past and will continue, but the Prime Minister proposes to appoint a subcommittee of the Committee of Imperial Defence to examine the results and the conclusions which can be drawn from them. The terms of reference will be:

"To consider the experiments that have taken place or are proposed in connection with the defence against aircraft and the vulnerability from the air of capital ships."

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I ask him whether both the Air Ministry and the Admiralty will be in charge of the experiments?

Yes, Sir. If my right hon. and gallant Friend means whether each of them will be in charge of each single experiment, my answer may require some modification, but generally, the answer is "Yes."

Will the sub-committee have within their purview the vulnerability of our dockyards from aerial attack?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in view of the importance of calcium carbide to our Defence Services and industries, especially in war-time, His Majesty's Government will take steps to ensure the establishment of an industry in the United Kingdom capable of producing the maximum quantity required?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that the Government have not lost sight of the importance of ensuring supplies of calcium carbide both in peace and war. They would welcome any scheme to promote the manufacture of this material in the United Kingdom.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his co-ordinating influence to induce these firms to establish this industry in a distressed area where there is an ample supply of raw materials, including anthracite and limestone, an ample supply of power at reasonable cost and labour?

A very important question in this connection is, what sort of power is available for the purpose in question?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give careful consideration to the question of maintaining sufficient tonnage of merchant shipping always available in this country to meet any defence emergency that may arise, and take any steps that may be necessary to prevent the sale of effective vessels for possible use as transports by foreign countries?

This question is kept under constant review by the Departments concerned. So far it has not been found necessary to prevent the sale of vessels to foreign countries.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether, in view of a possible national emergency, he is giving any special attention to the dangers likely to arise from the present methods of storing petrol in bulk;

The question of the protection of stores of oil under the conditions of national emergency is receiving the Government's attention. I am not, however, at present in a position to make any statement on the measures which will be recommended.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of British exports to Germany for the years 1929, 1931, 1933, and 1935, respectively?

The hon. Member will find the particulars for the years 1929 and 1931 on page 124 of the Trade and Navigation Accounts for January, 1932, and the figures for 1933 and 1935 on page 188 of the Accounts for January last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, under the provisions of the quota allowance, there is a disparity in the quantity of bookbinding and allied trades' machinery which Great Britain may export to France compared with the greater quantity of such exports allowed to Germany; whether he is aware that the quota restrictions mean a serious loss to a Manchester firm and its workmen; and whether he can investigate the matter with a view to an early removal of conditions which are causing great inconvenience and loss?

Germany has in the past been the principal supplier of printing and similar machinery to France. The French quotas are based on past trade, and this principle was recognised in the Anglo-French Trade Agreement in order that the United Kingdom might he guaranteed its proper share. The United Kingdom already receives the full quota for such machinery to which she is entitled under the Agreement.

Seeing that the disparity referred to in the question makes an enormous difference in favour of Germany, could not some further investigation be undertaken with a view to a more equitable arrangement?

I should, of course, always be willing to investigate further any matter which the right hon. Gentleman brought to our attention, but at present my answer to the House must be that the United Kingdom already receives the full quota to which it is legally entitled. A revision of the agreement is, of course, another matter, and that I will discuss with the right hon. Gentleman if he wishes.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any further statement to make on the subject of closer co-operation with the Union Government in matters affecting the High Commission Territories in South Africa?

It will be remembered that, in the course of discussions in May last between my predecessor and General Hertzog, it was agreed that endeavours should be made to establish closer cooperation between the Administrations of the High Commission Territories and the Union Government in matters affecting the Territories. In pursuance of this aim, the Union Government have recently offered to assist financially and in other ways with certain schemes for combating soil erosion and for developing water supplies which had been recommended by Sir Alan Pim, who recently reported on economic conditions in the Territories. The offer has been accepted by the High Commissioner, and I understand that the Union Government are placing a sum of £35,000 on their Estimates for the coming financial year for these purposes. This sum amounts to 50 per cent. of the total expenditure contemplated for next year on the particular items concerned. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are convinced that the cooperation which His Majesty's Government in the Union have thus offered will be productive of considerable benefit to the three Territories. A full statement of the proposals is being communicated to the local native authorities.

Is one of the territories Bechuanaland?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that for a considerable period on Sunday night last the free passage of His Majesty's subjects was interrupted by the Metropolitan police in an area adjacent to the Albert Hall; and whether he will state a reason for this inconvenience?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the distribution last week of quantities of leaflets inciting persons to assemble in large numbers outside the Albert Hall on the occasion of a public meeting therein for the purpose of opposing the objects of the meeting; and if he will state what steps were taken to frustrate this attempted interference with free speech?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the action of the Metropolitan police in dispersing a meeting held in Thurloe Square in the evening of Sunday, 22nd March; whether he is aware that batons were used by the police; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be instituted into the action of the police on this occasion?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can explain the reason for the dispersal by mounted police of a crowd at Thurloe Square on Sunday; and whether any preliminary warning was given to the persons involved?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make in regard to the disturbances at a Fascist meeting at the Albert Hall on Sunday last; the cost of special police employed on this occasion; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent similar meetings being held which cause such disorganisation of traffic and general disorder?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make on the disorders attending the Fascist meeting at the Royal Albert Hall on 22nd March; whether any extra expenditure was involved in special police protection for the Fascist demonstrators; and whether any prosecutions are to be taken in view of cases of violence employed by the Fascist stewards in ejecting members of the audience?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has made any inquiries into the disturbances which took place on the night of 22nd March in the vicinity of the Albert Hall, and especially into the allegation that mounted police made an unprovoked assault with batons upon a peaceful meeting in Thurloe Square; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The reply to these questions is rather longer than usual, but I will limit it to essential matters. I have made inquiries, and the facts are as follow: With a view to preventing disorder in the streets (such as has previously occurred) in connection with the Fascist meeting last Sunday evening, the Commissioner of Police issued directions that no counter-procession or counter-meeting should be allowed at the same time within half a mile of the Albert Hall. Intimation of this direction was officially given to the London District Council of the Communist party and to Mr. John Strachey, from whose address a, circular had been issued calling for

"an overwhelming demonstration to take place outside the Royal Albert Hall at 7 p.m., to be followed by a public meeting in Exhibition Road at 8.30 p.m."

In view of the fact that the interest of the general public is far greater than that of either of these sections, does not the right hon. Gentleman think he would be justified in requiring that a place such as the Albert Hall should not be made available for meetings—[HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]should not be made available for meetings likely to cause a breach of the peace and serious interference with the general body of the public?

The disposal of the Albert Hall is not, of course, in public hands, and I think we must face the responsibilities of living in a free country.

With reference to that part of the original answer which dealt with the meeting in Thurloe Square, has the right hon. Gentleman read the statements which have been supplied to him, of persons who were present at that meeting, and who say that it was an orderly meeting and that the action of the police was unprovoked; does he say that those statements are untrue; and, if not, does he not think that there is matter there which demands inquiry?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for having sent me certain statements collected by the Council for Civil Liberties. They did not include any statement from Mr. John Strachey. Of course I will pay due attention to those statements, but I have made very careful inquiries myself, and I have given the House the result of my own inquiries. As regards the character of the police action, I would ask leave to add that 24 persons were arrested; that not one of those 24 persons complained at the police station that they had received injury; that not a single one of them even asked to see the doctor; that at least two policemen received very severe kicks; that one is suffering from a most painful assault and is still unable to resume his duty; and that the assaulter, who was in Thurloe Square, was so violent that the police had to remove his boots, and he has since been convicted by the magistrate and fined.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the management of the Albert Hall refuse the use of the hall to anti-Fascist bodies?

I was not aware of it, but the hon. Member must realise that that is a matter quite outside the scope of the Home Office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the question of freedom of speech, therefore, does arise?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House the name of the officer in charge who ordered the squad of mounted police to charge? Further, in view of the fact that the impartiality of the police is in question, why was the Fascist procession allowed to proceed along Constitution Hill, past Buckingham Palace and along Birdcage Walk, contrary to all precedent?

If the last part of the question is really suggesting that the police have been showing favouritism, I assure the hon. Member that there really is not the least ground for the suggestion. The route that was taken I do not know at all. These people were going to their meeting, and it was quite right that they should go to it, whether you or I agree with them or not. Equally, of course, the processions of those of another view are looked after with equal care and equal courtesy. I only know that the police—I hope the House thinks they were right—took the most skilful steps to secure that there should not be a collision between the two parties. As for the name of the officer, I will, of course—[HON. MEMBERS: "No !"]—I do not know whether my excited friend behind me will allow me to finish my sentence. As regards the officer, I will, of course, make inquiries, but my present information is that he was a most responsible officer, and I take responsibility for what he did.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman will afford as much protection to an anti-Fascist meeting as he would to a meeting of Fascists?

Inasmuch as this is a free country, and we all value freedom, I should have thought it hardly necessary to put such a question, but, since the hon. Member thinks fit to put it, let me give him an assurance that as long, at any rate, as this Government is in power we shall not seek to draw any distinction at all between one party and another.

As Thurloe Square is in my constituency, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to see that no further demonstrations of any kind are held there? It is a quiet residential neighbourhood, quite unsuitable for demonstrations.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise the Thurloe Square incident on the Adjournment.

May I ask a supplementary question in respect to my question?

I think the supplementary questions that have been put have covered the ground.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to resolutions passed by various courts of quarter sessions calling for legislation to deal with automatic gaming machines; and whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to this effect in accordance with the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Lotteries and Betting?

Yes, Sir, but my right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot undertake to introduce legislation on this subject.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state in two lump sums the total emoluments in fees and salaries, respectively, received from their offices by successive Attorney-Generals and Solicitor-Generals for England from the beginning of 1926 to the end of 1935?

Figures for the period of 10 calendar years ended 31st December, 1935, are not ' immediately available. The total emoluments in fees and salaries during the 10 financial years 1st April, 1925, to 31st March, 1935, were as follow: Attorneys-General, £188,067; Solicitors-General, £114,212.

In view of the Debate to-day, may I ask whether the Government will consider adjusting this, the most fabulous of all anomalies?

That is a matter that can be left to the Debate, but I might point out that the two Select Commitees which examined the matter recommended the present scales of salary.

Are they paid at trade union rates?

Is it not true that they have to make tremendous sacrifices in order to accept the posts?

asked the Minister of Labour the proportion of allowances paid by the Unemployment Assistance Board, according to the scale of the board, to the allowances paid according to the transitional payments scale, at the latest convenient date and in February, 1935?

In February, 1935, the approximate proportions were 49 per cent of payments according to Unemployment Assistance regulations and 51 per cent. according to the transitional payments practice. In December, 1935, when the position had been affected by the increase of 1s. in the rate of unemployment benefit for dependent children, the corresponding proportions were 44 per cent. and 56 per cent.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed in Durham county between the ages of 16 and 65; and the amount paid in standard benefits and transitional payments since 1931?

A statement showing the amounts paid in transitional payments and unemployment allowances in the county of Durham during the period between 12th November, 1931, and the end of the year 1935, was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 4th February, in reply to a, question put by the hon. Member on 19th December. I am having the other particulars extracted and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as was stated by Herr von Ribbentrop in his speech at the Council of the League of Nations, on 19th March, the offer of an air pact originated with Germany; and whether it was rejected on the ground that such a pact could only be agreed to in combination with Germany's adhesion to an eastern pact?

The proposal for the conclusion of an air pact for the five Western Powers was originally made in the Anglo-French Declaration of 3rd February, 1935. It did not originate with Germany. It was originally understood that such a pact should form part of the general settlement outlined in the February Declaration. During the summer of 1935, however, the French Government agreed that that understanding need not prevent the negotiation—as distinguished from the conclusion—of an air pact independently of the other matters, including the eastern pact, dealt with in the Declaration. Far from refusing to proceed with the negotiation of an air pact, His Majesty's Government on more than one occasion urged upon the German Government in the autumn of 1935 and again in January and February of this year the desirability of opening negotiations without further delay.

Will the Government, in these circumstances, correct the false impression created in the mind of the German Government as to the parentage of the child?

I hope that my answer to-day will have that effect.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any peace negotiations are taking place between Italy and Abyssinia either directly or through the League of Nations?

On 23rd March the Committee of Thirteen adopted a resolution taking note of the replies given by the Italian and Ethiopian Governments to the appeal addressed to them by the Committee on 3rd March. These replies, as my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Mr. Lewis) was informed on 16th March, expressed readiness, in principle, to take part in negotiations. The resolution further requested the Chairman of the Committee, assisted by the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, to get into touch with the two parties and to take such steps as might be called for in order that the Committee might be able, as soon as possible, to bring the two parties together and, within the framework of the League and in the spirit of the Covenant, to bring about the prompt cessation of hostilities and the final restoration of peace. I have no information respecting any direct negotiations between the two parties. The Ethiopian Government have denied that any such negotiations are in progress.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information in the nature of proposals which are suggested, and, if so, will he make a statement to the House at an early date?

No, Sir. I have no information at the present time.

asked the Minister of Transport what are the grounds of his refusal to take steps to hold a public inquiry into the proposal placed before him by a deputation from the Thames Barrage Association on 17th October last?

There is no sufficient body of informed opinion before me in support of the scheme to justify me in putting the numerous interests concerned to the expense and trouble of an inquiry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the large increase in the number of foreign ships trading between British ports, particularly in the seed potato and coal carrying trades; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have no information regarding the position in the two trades to which the hon. Member refers, but the official returns show that there has been in recent months an increase in the tonnage of vessels under foreign flags arriving at and departing from United Kingdom ports with cargo in the coasting trade. With regard to the second part of the question, I am not aware of any useful action which it is practicable for the Government to take.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any representation has been made on this matter by the British Chamber of Shipping?

Not that I am aware of, but if the hon. Gentleman will put a question down I will have inquiries made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tonnage of foreign vessels arriving and departing from British ports for the months of January and February, 1935, and 1936, respectively?

The aggregate net tonnage of foreign vessels which arrived at or departed from ports in the United Kingdom in the foreign and coasting trades in January and February, 1936, amounted to 15,319,000, the corresponding figure for last year being 14,304,000 tons net.

asked the Secretary of State for War wt ether any foreign countries have carried out. manoeuvres in which attacks have been made by infantry descending from aeroplanes by parachute; and whether the War Office are considering trying out similar operations.

Apart from the trials carried out by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the autumn manoeuvres of 1935, I know of no similar experiments. The possible use of parachutes by troops in this country is being investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the discussions of his Department with the other two Services on the question of substituting butter for margarine for the use of the forces have resulted in any decisions; and, if so, what. decisions have been reached?

No decision has yet been reached.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make concerning Business for Tomorrow?

I think I have already made a statement in a supplementary reply. It is proposed that the Debate on Foreign Affairs should take place Tomorrow on the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill.

Will the Debate be opened by a statement on behalf of the Government?

I think that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State would like to open the Debate, and that it would probably meet the convenience of the House if he did so.