asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the co-operation between the German secret police and the German diplomatic service in this country, as proved in the Wesemann trial in Switzerland; and whether, as this is an offence against international law or comity, he will take diplomatic steps to secure that such activities will cease and the diplomatic persons involved will withdraw from this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 20th May, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government adhere to the interpretation placed upon Article 16 contained in the collective note to Germany, initialled at Locarno 16th October, 1925, to the effect that each State member of the League is bound to resist any active aggression to an extent which is compatible with its military situation?

In the passage of the collective note to which the hon. Member refers regarding the interpretation of Article 16 of the Covenant, the signatories stated that the obligations resulting from the said Article on the Members of the League must be understood to mean that each State member of the League is bound to co-operate loyally and effectively in support of the Covenant, and in resistance to any act of aggression to an extent which is compatible with its military situation and takes its geographical position into account. His Majesty's Government abide by that interpretation.

Were the terms of this collective note before the meeting of the Council in October when Italy was declared the aggressor against Abyssinia, and, if so, why have not the terms been carried out?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The passage to which he refers could only involve military action if the Council had made a recommendation to that effect under paragraph (2) of Article 16. The Council did not make any such recommendation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had any reply from the German Chancellor to his last communication containing proposals for the improvement of the international situation; and, if so, whether he can give it to the House?

I assume that the communication to the German Chancellor which the hon. Member has in mind is that contained in the despatch to His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin of 6th May, which was issued as a White Paper (Cmd. 5175). No reply has yet been received to the questions raised in that despatch.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any explanation for the considerable delay which has taken place?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consult the great Powers interested equally with us in the maintenance and integrity of the Imperial

I would not like it to be thought that the delay was considerable at this stage. Our position is well known. We are getting on as quickly as we can, and I feel sure the German Government will do so.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give a table showing the German exports of coal to the principal European and South American destinations for each of the last six years, together with those of the first four months of this year?

I have been asked to reply. As the reply involves a statistical Table, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of the British Government has been called to the official report by the head of the Imperial Chinese Customs as to the growth of smuggling in Northern China; and whether he will state the nationals who are mainly carrying on this traffic, which is injurious to British trade and finance?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the serious loss to the Chinese Customs revenues, he will negotiate with the Japanese Government to permit the Chinese Customs guards in North-East China to be armed, and also permit Chinese gunboats within the three-mile limit there?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has received reports as to the officers of the Chinese Customs service being prevented from carrying out their duties on trains running south out of Hopei; and under the authority of what Government these officers are hampered in the performance of their duties;

(2) whether his attention has been drawn to the report by the Inspector-General of Chinese Maritime Customs that unless the Customs preventive men were again free to re-arm normally, both afloat and ashore, and unless the railways were permitted to co-operate with the Customs by ceasing the transport of smuggled goods, there could be no improvement in the existing serious situation; and whether he has drawn the attention of the Japanese Government to this report and invited their co-operation?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he is aware that cruisers of the Chinese Customs revenue service within the three-mile limit of the coast of East Hopei have lately been interfered with in the performance of their Customs duties by officials purporting to act on the authority of the Japanese Government; and whether he will make representations on the subject to that Government;

(2) whether he is aware that Customs guards at the ports of East Hopei who formerly carried arms for the better performance of their duties have been forbidden this protection by officials purporting to act on the authority of the Japanese Government; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the damage to British and other trade by the extensive smuggling in Northern China, he can state whether the Imperial Chinese Customs service in the demilitarised zone are forbidden to carry arms, as is the case elsewhere; and whether the British Government will suggest to the Chinese and Japanese Governments the desirability of more effective action?

His Majesty's Government have received from His Majesty's representative at Peking information regarding the report of the Inspector-General of Chinese Maritime Customs to which the hon. Member for West Walthamstow (Mr. McEntee) alludes, and this is now under examination. The information at the disposal of His Majesty's Government tends to confirm that Customs officials at the shore stations in the demilitarised zone, as well as vessels operating in its coastal waters, are prevented by the Japanese military authorities from carrying arms. There is, moreover, reason to believe that difficulties of the nature mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Moreing) are experienced by Chinese Customs officials on trains in the demilitarised zone. The principal agents engaged in the smuggling traffic in North China are said to be Japanese and Koreans, although some Chinese may be taking part. The House is already aware of the concern with which His Majesty's Government view the situation caused by the growth of smuggling in North China and of the steps which have been taken to bring the need for more effective action to check this illicit traffic to the urgent notice of the Chinese and Japanese Governments. In particular, His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo, in his handling of this matter, has kept in close touch with the representatives of the other Governments interested. I understand that representations have also been made to the Japanese Government by the United States Ambassador. His Majesty's Government will continue to watch the situation with the closest attention, and will give special consideration to the points raised by my hon. Friends as well as to the report of the Inspector-General.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether any other foreign Governments besides the United States have made representations to Tokyo?

I should like to have notice of the question. We have certainly been in communication with other foreign Governments, but whether they have yet acted I do not know.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has received any report from His Majesty's Consuls-General in Shanghai and Hankow as to the injurious effect on British trade in those centres and in the Yangtze Valley by the competition of goods smuggled into Northern China through East Hopei?

The injury to British trade of this illicit traffic is known to be widespread, but it has not so far been possible to obtain any precise estimates of the effects of smuggling in the areas to which ray hon. Friend refers.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider communicating with the Consuls-General at Shanghai in an endeavour to get some information as to the extent of the damage that is being done?

I am sure that His Majesty's Consular officers and the Commercial Counsellor to His Majesty's Embassy in China are fully alive to the gravity of the situation, and I am certain that we shall get reports from them as soon as they have some precise information to give.

In view of the great damage being done to British trade in those parts, according to reports which have reached many hon. Members, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider having placed in the Library a copy of this report when it is received?

When we get the report, we will consider that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the strength of troops, military and naval, of the various Governments now quartered at Tientsin and Peiping?

His Majesty's Government maintain one battalion in North China. The following are the approximate strengths, as on 1st May, of the other foreign garrisons there: American, 1,380; French, 1,820;Italian, 380; Japanese, 2,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government accepts the declaration of the East Hopei autonomous area as superseding the provisions of the Tangku truce between China and Japan?

The question as to whether the declaration of East Hopei as an autonomous area conflicts with the terms of the Tangku truce is one primarily for the Chinese and Japanese Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received from the British chargé d'affaires at Peking any information as to the recognition or non-recognition by Japan of the terms of the Tangka truce respecting the policing of the demilitarised zone by the Chinese Government?

According to my information the terms of the truce laid upon the Chinese authorities the duty of maintaining law and order in the demilitarised zone. I gather that, owing to division of effective authority, difficulties are being encountered in this connection, but I have no information that the terms of the truce are not recognised as binding by the Japanese Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the refusal of the International Red Cross Committee to respond to the appeal for gas masks, made by the Ethiopian Red Cross, on 23rd March; and whether, in view of the terms of the Geneva Convention, he will make inquiries as to the reasons for such a request being refused, bearing in mind all the circumstances of the case?

I understand that the International Red Cross Committee communicated to the League of Nations on 14th May a document in which, among. other matters, it was, stated that on 23rd March the Committee received a request from the Ethiopian Red Cross asking that the national Red Cross Socie- ties should be requested to send large quantities of gas masks and manuals dealing with technical protection against asphyxiating, poisonous and other gases, I understand that in reply the Committee confined itself to communicating the Ethiopian request to the national Red Cross Societies, which in varying degrees had already responded to the appeals of the Ethiopian Red Cross; and it informed these societies that it had requested its delegation in Addis Ababa to ascertain how many masks the Ethiopian Red Cross required for the exclusive use of medical personnel or the patients under their care. On 27th April the Committee had not yet received a reply from its delegation on this point, nor had it received any positive answer from the national societies consulted; I am not aware whether it has received any replies since that date.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let us have a full report on this matter?

His Majesty's Government are not responsible for the International Red Cross. I know that the British Red Cross Society were ready and willing to help, and that in previous cases they have done so.

My suggestion was not that the British Government were responsible for the International Red Cross, but whether it would not be of advantage to the House to have information as to how far they can go in the peculiar circumstances of a case like this?

I will consider that matter. I was anxious that the House should not think that we have any power over the International Red Cross.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British delegates to the Stresa conference in April, 1935, were aware that on 17th March the Abyssinian Government had appealed to the League, stating that her independence was in peril, calling attention to Italy's military preparations and demanding full investigation by the League?

Yes, Sir. It is correct that the Abyssinian Government appealed to the League on 17th March, 1935. The Council considered whether this appeal should be put on the agenda for its special meeting on 15th April. But it was decided that, as the machinery of conciliation was already in operation, and as the special meeting had been called to consider specifically the European situation, the Abyssinian appeal should be placed on the agenda for the ordinary meeting four weeks later. The appeal was not discussed at Stresa, because the Stresa Conference was solely concerned with events arising out of the Anglo-French communiqué of 3rd February, 1935.

Why then did the Foreign Secretary state in the House at the time of the Stresa Conference that the Abyssinia dispute was a minor frontier incident of the Wal-Wal, and that the wider aspects of the dispute did not then loom seriously on the horizon?

If the hon. Member wishes to debate that point, I shall be happy to do so, but not at Question Time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman justified, in order to defend two of his colleagues, in misleading the House?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Italian Government have made any request to His Majesty's Government for the withdrawal of the Legation guard, or any part thereof, from Addis Ababa; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The Italian Government have invited His Majesty's Government to consider whether, in the light of the occupation of Addis Ababa, it would not now be desirable to withdraw the reinforcement despatched last year to strengthen the British Legation guard and to provide adequate protection for British subjects in the event of local emergency. As the situation in Addis Ababa is still far from stable, the Italian Government have been informed that the matter is still under consideration.

In view of the fact that British subjects are still being placed in jeopardy, will the right hon. Gentleman bear these circumstances in mind before coming to a decision?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what purposes are being served by the retention of His Majesty's Minister at Addis Ababa; and if, in view of the delicacy of his situation there and the difficulties likely to arise for him owing to the Italian forces and authorities being in occupation of Ethiopia, the advisability of his recall will be taken into immediate consideration?

There is no immediate intention of withdrawing His Majesty's Legation at Addis Ababa, but His Majesty's Minister will in all probability shortly be returning to England on leave which has long been due to him.

Does that mean that His Majesty's Government regard the Legation at Addis Ababa as enjoying full diplomatic status?

I think my answer speaks for itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to withdraw the Sikh guard from the British Legation at Addis Ababa; if the precincts of the legation or of any of His Majesty's Consulates have been entered by Italian troops; and what instructions have been sent to Sir Sidney Barton as regards his codes and archives in view of the fact that the declaration of the Italian Government that foreign legations in Ethiopia no longer enjoy diplomatic status or extra territorial rights exposes such legations to the possibility of raid and search?

As regards the first part of the question, the Italian Government have invited His Majesty's Government to consider whether, in the light of the occupation of Addis Ababa, it would not now be desirable to withdraw the reinforcement despatched last year to strengthen the British Legation guard and to provide adequate protection for British subjects in the event of local emergency. As the situation in Addis Ababa is still far from stable, the Italian Government have been informed that the matter is still under consideration. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member on 22nd May, to which I have nothing to add.

Would not a lot of these difficulties be eased by a clear declaration that we do regard the legation at Addis Ababa as enjoying full diplomatic status?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any further information regarding the case of Mr. Bonner, the British subject who was arrested by the Italians at Dire Dawa?

As my Noble Friend informed the House On Thursday last, as soon as Press reports of Mr. Bonner's arrest reached London, a telegram was sent to His Majesty's Minister at Addis Ababa asking him to ascertain the facts. When on Saturday definite information reached me that Mr. Bonner was under arrest, His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome lost no time in taking up this case, on instructions from His Majesty's Government, with the Italian Government. I am happy to be able to state that I have now received a telegram from His Majesty's Consul at Harar stating that Mr. Bonner has now been freed, and that he was due to leave for the coast on the evening of 23rd May. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed account of this case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider asking the Italian authorities for an apology for this illegal arrest of a British subject?

I think the hon. Gentleman had better read the detailed statement before he comes to any conclusion.

Has this unfortunate gentleman been able to receive adequate medical attention?

Yes; I am happy to say that has been done.

Following is the statement referred to:

A telegram was serif by His Majesty's Consul at Harar to His Majesty's Minister at Addis Ababa on 22nd May and received in London from Sir Sidney Barton on 24th May. In this telegram His Majesty's Consul stated that Mr. Bunner was now free and was due to leave with the rest of the British Ambulance by the next train, on the 23rd May evening or Sunday morning. An order had been made for the value of the money seized to be returned to him in Lira. Meanwhile through the kind assistance of the French Consulate and the French doctors Renault and Martin, Mr. Bunner had started a series of anti-rabies injections with good serum, and Dr. Empey, the head of the British Ambulance, was being given a sufficient quantity of serum to complete the course. The sequence of events appears to have been as follows:—Mr. Bunner had been denounced by one Gabre Christos, who is said to be of Turkish birth but Ethiopian by naturalisation, as Captain Rudolph Brunner, an Austrian formerly employed with the Ethiopian military forces in the Ogaden. This charge was supported by an Ethiopian boy aged about 12 years, formerly a body servant to Vehip Pasha. In view of the above evidence, the Italian authorities interrogated Mr. Banner during the evening of 17th May, and wishing to continue interrogation the following day, kept him in custody that night in a room which he described as an incinerator. Hearing that he might be shot before the Italian authorities discovered their mistake he escaped during the night. This seemed to the Italian authorities to confirm his guilt. He was re-arrested on the evening of 20th May. When His Majesty's Consul saw him on the 21st he looked none the worse for his adventure. His Majesty's Consul secured his immediate release on, his personal parole that he would produce him when required. He then joined the rest of the Ambulance who had decided to remain until the affair was settled. This satisfactory outcome which had been achieved by vigorous representations to the Italian authorities was confirmed by telegram to Dire Dawa from General Fuizzi commanding in Harar.

Difficulties were accentuated by Mr. Banner's ignorance of any language but English, the absence of his passport, which had gone on to Jibuti, the military character of his rank and of the wording of the instructions found on him from his superiors in the Ambulance, and finally by his attempted escape. Undoubtedly Mr. Banner should not have been held under close arrest on the night of the 17th after His Majesty's Consul had once stood sponsor for him. But I understand that this was an act of inferior officials misled by statements of lying witnesses and by the production of the visiting card of Rudolph Brunner inscribed as captain of the Ethiopian Army which Gabre Christos alleged Mr. Banner had given him.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the disappearance of a British diplomatic bag on the Addis Ababa-Jibuti railway?

Inquiries are being made by Sir Sidney Barton and by the British Vice-Consul at Jibuti, and I am awaiting their report. I understand that the bag in question was a non-confidential postal packet.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the use by the Italian invaders of Ethiopia of the railway under French control between Jibuti and Addis Ababa?

I understand that the French Government have decided that no troops or munitions of war will be transported from Jibuti or anywhere in French territory. I am further advised that the French Government regard the transport of supplies of food, clothing, etc., from Jibuti to Addis Ababa as a commercial transaction, and that they do not propose to vary the practice followed hitherto in this respect. In the case of consignments of such stores destined for the Italian military authorities, the ordinary commercial freight rates will be payable.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the anti-English propaganda from the Italian radio stations, which has been wirelessed weekly in the local languages to the inhabitants of India and Palestine; and whether he will make representations to the Italian Government?

The position referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is being carefully watched and representations have been recently made to the Italian Government with regard to anti-British broadcasts from Italian stations. I am not, however, at present in a position to add anything material to the replies which have been given to previous questions of a similar nature.

Can we broadcast to Ethiopia and in the Ethiopian language?

I cannot; I do not know whether the hon. Member can.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the latest interrogation of Henry Lawrence, alias Lopez, alias Mezler, establishes the closeness of the relations of this man with the Italian Embassy, he will inform the Italian Government that the Italian military attaché to the Italian Ambassador in London is no longer persona grata here?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 20th May, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the precise identity of Colonel Lopez; and whether he can make any further statement on his activities?

I am informed that he is identical with Henry Lawrence Bernstein, born in Australia in 1872, who assumed the name of Henry Lawrence some considerable time ago. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Has this person any connection with the Chiddingfold conspiracy?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what manner, since His Majesty's Government do not recognise the de facto governments of Manchukuo and Abyssinia, respectively, any grievances which may arise of British subjects in those countries against the governments in question are dealt by the British diplomatic and consular authorities in the two countries?

In Manchuria such problems are dealt with between His Majesty's consular officers and the local authorities. In Abyssinia, as the Prime Minister indicated in his reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher) on 13th May, such matters are taken up by His Majesty's Minister at Addis Ababa with the officer commanding the Italian forces, as the authority in military occupation of Addis Ababa. His Majesty's Consul at Harar similarly communicates with the local military authorities on such matters.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is the attitude of the shadow cabinet on these matters?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what amount per £100 of tithe rentcharge is necessary to effect redemption in 60 years by the provisions of the Tithe Bill; and what would be the annual amount payable per £100 if no redemption provisions were adopted?

I presume my right hon. Friend has in mind tithe rentcharge arising out of agricultural land. The figures are £91 11s. 2d. and £76 7s. 6d. respectively. The latter figure, however, depends on certain assumptions, but as these are detailed and involve a number of calculations, I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information:

In order to answer the last part of the question, it has to be assumed, first, that the Exchequer contribution to the scheme would be maintained at the figure of £685,000 per annum for 60 years; secondly, that the compensation would be paid to the rating authorities on the basis set out in the Bill, that is, payments equal to the present value of a 60-year annuity of £600,000; thirdly, that the additional lump sum payment of £2,000,000 to the Church authorities represented by a 60-year annuity of £72,266 would be met out of the Exchequer contribution; and, fourthly, that the balance of the Exchequer contribution—£12,734 for 60 years—would be available towards the cost of collection and administration of the scheme. On these assumptions the amount which would be required to be paid per £100 tithe rentcharge (par value) by tithe-payers in the case of agricultural land if no provision were made to redeem the stock issued as compensation to tithe-owners is estimated at approximately £76 7s. 6d.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, during the first four months of this year, the prices of New Zealand butter and cheese have averaged 12 per cent. more than those of the same period of last year, whereas the average price for milk paid during the same period by the National Milk Pool to the home farmer was a halfpenny a gallon less than a year ago; and whether he will, in formulating a long-term policy for agriculture, give special attention to means of increasing the consumption of liquid milk in preference to placing restrictions upon butter and cheese from the oversea Dominions?

I am aware of the facts referred to and shall certainly keep the hon. Member's suggestion in mind in any consideration of long-term policy. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that no restrictions are or have been placed upon imports of butter and cheese from the oversea Dominions, and in the statement I made on 25th July last on the subject of milk policy I indicated how, in the Government's view, assistance could best be afforded to the home industry.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a Mrs. Harger, a visitor from America to this country, who received an insured parcel from America which had been examined by the customs officials and the contents of which had been rendered useless; whether, in the circumstances, compensation will be paid to her for the said damage; and whether he is aware that this matter has been before his office for six months?

Instructions have been given to pay compensation in this case. I am sorry for the delay but there was no evidence that the damage occurred during Customs examination here and the United States Post Office had to he consulted.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now give any further information as to the early introduction of emergency telephone calls; and will he give particulars and say when it is proposed to introduce same?

As indicated in the reply given on 6th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) some months must elapse before the necessary apparatus can be installed; but the work is now in hand and will be proceeded with as expeditiously as practicable.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman propose to adopt the suggestion of the committee which was appointed to deal with this subject?

We are making progress with this matter, but I do not want to give out the numbers prematurely, because people might start using them before the new mechanism is ready.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has considered the representations that under the proposed Avebury preservation scheme the scheduling of land is so planned as to deprive owners of much of its present and potential value and infringe their inherent freehold rights; and whether means can be taken to alleviate their position?

The object of this planning scheme, which has been framed by the local planning authority in consultation with my Department, is the protection of the surroundings of Avebury, one of, if not the most important, prehistoric monuments in Great Britain. The scheme, to which I, personally, attach great importance, has been most carefully drawn up so as to interfere as little as possible with the existing user of land, and landowners can, of course, avail themselves of the provisions made for their protection under the Town and Country Planning Act of 1932.

What opportunity will local people have to express and to get some reply to their grievances?

The procedure is well known. If an owner objects to the scheme, the Minister of Health holds an inquiry. If a claim for compensation cannot be settled amicably, the owner will go to an official arbitrator. That is the procedure clearly laid down in the Act.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether any recent estimate has been taken to ascertain how long it would take to clear the Chamber and galleries of the House of Commons in the event of fire, or air raid by a hostile Power, while the House is sitting; and whether he is satisfied that the exits of the galleries are sufficient?

No estimate has been made for the purpose suggested by the hon. Member, nor do I think it would be possible to arrive at one even by a series of practical experiments, as so much would depend on the exact place where a possible fire might break out. Generally speaking, I understand that, assuming the Chamber and galleries are both full, it would not take more than five minutes to empty them after a warning announcement, assuming that a reasonable standard of discipline is maintained.

Is the Minister aware that the stairways down from the galleries are particularly dangerous for making an exit?

Would it make any difference whether the alarm took place by day or by night?

How long would it take to clear out the present Cabinet to make way for the week-end Cabinet?

Does the Minister not consider that if the London County Council were to stop obstructing the defence services of London, the hon. Member would not need to be so alarmed?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware of the issue of boxes of Union Jack matches, made in Japan, for the use of the staffs in telephone exchanges and branch post offices; and whether such matches were purchased by the Post Office or otherwise supplied?

About 400 gross boxes of Japanese matches were confiscated by the Customs authorities and were handed over by them to my Department instead of being destroyed. They were issued to various Government Departments, including the Post Office, in response to requisitions. British matches only are purchased by my Department for official use.

Is this not an unusual procedure? Is it the practice to distribute to Government Departments commodities which have been seized by the Customs authorities?

Yes, I understand it is. I agree that this is the first case of which I have heard, but I understand it is a long-established practice. I cannot answer for the Customs authorities, and any further questions on that aspect of the matter should be put to the Treasury.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any reports on those Japanese matches from those who have used them?

I had a box given to me, and they were certainly very bad matches.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether there is any objection and, if so, of what nature, to civil servants retiring voluntarily between the age of 55 years and the date of compulsory retirement on proportionate pensions?

Yes, Sir. An arrangement of the nature suggested would be contrary to the Superannuation Acts and would, moreover, clearly be against the interests of the State. The Royal Commission on the Civil Service which reported in 1931 recommended no change in the provisions of the Superannuation Acts which govern this matter—see Chapter XVI of their report, Command Paper No. 3909.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the new regulations for unemployment assistance will be published before the House rises for the Whitsuntide Recess?

No, Sir.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary state whether it is the intention of the Ministry to make any statement before the House rises for Whitsuntide as to the reason for not introducing the Regulations?

I understand that a question on the subject is to be answered by the Prime Minister to-morrow.

If no Regulations are to be issued, what is the good of keeping the Unemployment Assistance Board?

Nobody has said that no Regulations are to be issued.

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department is not capable of coping with the problem, will he not ask assistance from some of the other Members of the Cabinet?

We are capable.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether the House is to have any information on these Regulations before the Whitsuntide Adjournment?

A question is to be put to me to-morrow when I shall answer it.

Is it not desirable to have an answer to the question to-day? Why should we have all this shocking delay in connection with these Regulations? Is the Prime Minister afraid to submit the Regulations?

I have answered the question of the Leader of the Opposition, and I imagine that he does not desire anyone else to ask supplementary questions on it.

I give notice that at the end of questions I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the answer.

rose in his place, and asked leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of calling attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "The failure of the Minister of Labour to bring before the House the new Regulations for unemployment assistance."

I would draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the question which I put to-day and the answer that was given. The answer means that it is not the intention of the Minister of Labour to publish the new Regulations before the House rises for the Whitsuntide Recess, and any answer which the Prime Minister will give to-morrow, if he takes the usual course, will be merely to refer the hon. Member who asks the question to the answer given to-day. The Minister has definitely said to-day that these Regulations are not to be published before the Whitsuntide Recess. We ought to have had the Regulations last year. There is no justification for their being put off week after week and month after month. I sincerely ask that you should give us permission to move the Adjournment of the House in order that we may be able to get to know the Government's reason for not introducing these new Regulations.

The hon. Member asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "The failure of the Minister of Labour to bring before this House the new Regulations for Unemployment Assistance." That Motion does not appear to me to carry out any of the rules set out in Standing Order No. 8 as regards the Adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance, and therefore I cannot grant leave to move it.

But there can be no question that this is a matter of urgent public importance. There can be no argument about that. Besides, unless the House can be given this opportunity when can the House debate the failure of the Government to introduce these new Regulations? We have had the Adjournment of the House on occasions in the past, and I submit that we are entitled on a matter like this to have the Adjournment of the House in order that we may debate the question.

Before you reply, Mr. Speaker, may I ask you, with great respect, to indicate to the House whether it is on the ground that the matter is not definite that you are unable to accept the Motion, or is it that the matter is not of urgent importance?

It certainly is not definite, and the question is going to be answered to-morrow.

May I ask your guidance on this point, Mr. Speaker? Have hon. Members on these and other benches who are concerned in this matter no redress against the constant and vexatious delays, for which the Government are responsible, in submitting these Regulations to the House? Have we not had several promises in recent months from the Minister of Labour, from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and from the Prime Minister himself that these Regulations would shortly come before the House, and in view of these constant delays and the friction which is resulting in consequence, are we not entitled to ask for some means of raising this issue on the Floor of the House?

There are several means by which the question can be raised in the House.

We have been told by the Parliamentary Secretary to-day that the Regulations are not to be presented to the House before the Whitsuntide Recess, and we have no guarantee from the Prime Minister when they will come before the House. is it not the case, therefore, that there are no means of raising the matter?

The question can be raised on the Adjournment of the House; but in regard to this particular Motion I can only carry out the Standing Orders.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

Ever since this House was constituted at the last election there have been definite periods of promise and the last promise was that the Regulations were to be submitted in the spring—

The hon. Member cannot debate that now.

Is not the true constitutional procedure for hon. and right hon. Members opposite who think that they have a legitimate grievance—and I express no opinion upon that—to put down a Vote of Censure?

Are we to understand from the answer which was given to the supplementary question of my hon. Friend that the only reason for refusing to give leave to move the Adjournment is that the Prime Minister is going to answer a question to-morrow?

There are several reasons. I have given them once and I cannot give them again.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of immigrants into Australia from Southern European countries during 1935, and which were the countries from which they mainly came?

The official statistics of the Commonwealth Government show that the number of immigrants into Australia from Southern European countries during 1935 was 2,511. Of these, 1,974 were Italians, 460 Greeks aid 311 Jugoslavs.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will propose to the House an amendment to Standing Order No. 7 (Questions) to provide some limit on the number of oral questions which may be asked by any Member in one Parliamentary week?

The number of oral questions which Members may ask is limited not by Standing Order but by an arrangement made by Mr. Speaker in 1920 with the general concurrence of the House. If there is any desire for an alteration in the present arrangement, Mr. Speaker may be willing to ascertain the views of the House.

While thanking the Prime Minister for his answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that considerable resentment is felt by a large section of the House at the fact that, under present conditions, it is possible for an hon. Member to ask the maximum number of inane questions, day by day?

If he is drawing the attention of Mr. Speaker to this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman also draw attention to the desirability of asking Ministers to give more informative answers than are given at present?

May I ask the Prime Minister to suggest to his followers, that they ought not to table questions asking for statistical information which they can easily obtain in the Library and from official records?

Would it not be possible to have more supplementary questions, if the questions on the Order Paper were fewer in number; and would not that meet with the desires of many people who wish to thresh out matters more thoroughly than is possible at present?

Is this not a question that could be decided day by day?

asked the Prime Minister the number of applicants for enlistment in the Army, Navy, and Air Force in England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, who have been rejected on the ground of physical unfitness during the last 12 months; and how many of the intending recruits were unemployed at the date of their application for enlistment

As the answer contains a number of figures, I propose, with the permission of the right hon. Gentleman, to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The number of applicants from 1st April, 1935, to 31st March, 1936, who have been rejected on the grounds of physical unfitness are:

				Army.	Navy.
England	…	…	…	18,765	18,212
Scotland	…	…	…	3,654	2,709
Wales	…	…	…	1,442	1,095
				23,861	22,016

Similar figures for the Royal Air Force are not available for the three countries separately, but the total number of such rejections was: 8,558, of whom 526 were examined in Belfast. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that the information is not available.

asked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to the House to discuss the report of the Budget Inquiry Tribunal after it has been published as a Command Paper?

If there is a general desire for such a discussion after the publication of the report, arrangements will, of course, be made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in every precedent, wherever there has been a judicial inquiry into matters which directly or indirectly affect the conduct of Members of this House as Members of this House, there has invariably been a discussion, whether the charge has been proved or not?

Whether that be so or not does not affect my reply.

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for a date for a discussion of this report, as, whatever the report may contain, it is quite clear that matters of public importance are raised thereby?

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the recent inability of the League of Nations to prevent the use of the Suez Canal by the aggressor for warlike purposes, he will recommend the appointment of a commission to consider how this international highway may be secured from such employment in future?

I do not think that the adoption of my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion would achieve any useful purpose.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether it is proposed to increase the total sum granted to research covering a period of years?

The total sum provided for industrial, agricultural, and medical research in the Estimates now before Parliament for the current financial year is £1,252,989, as compared with £1,138,708 voted for the year 1935—an increase of approximately 10 per cent. I am unable to forecast the amounts to be included in the Estimates for future years; but, so far as I am concerned, the requirements in the various branches of research will be considered from time to time as heretofore by the Advisory Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Medical Research Council or the Agricultural Research Council, as the case may be, and financial provision made after consideration of their recommendations.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask if it is quite definite that there is to be no provision made for five years ahead—no five-year plan?

I think my hon. Friend knows enough of the Parliamentary practice to know that that is quite impossible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the sums confined to the question of medical research as compared with the sums confined to the question of armaments?

asked the Lord President of the Council whether it is proposed to encourage in future a more active policy in research by firms and industries which do not normally pursue this policy by canvassing them specially with the offer of assistance by grants on certain conditions?

The Government scheme for co-operative research by means of research associations is already widely known throughout the industrial community, and repeated allusions to its operations and development are to be found in the daily and technical Press. In view of these facts I do not, think any additional canvassing of industry such as my hon. Friend suggests would serve any useful purpose, but the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is ready at all times to discuss with responsible leaders of industry any schemes for cooperative research in which the Department might share, and takes every opportunity which arises of initiating such discussion.

What steps are taken by the National Physical Laboratory to convey to interested firms the results of their experiments in new fields?

The result of these experiments is communicated in accordance with circumstances. It is quite impossible to lay down a regular rule, because conditions vary so much, but I should be very much surprised if my hon. and gallant Friend could bring to my notice the case of an industrial firm of any importance that is unaware of the results of the National Physical Laboratory's research relating to its own industry.

While that may be true so far as large firms are concerned, is it not somewhat difficult for small firms, who are as interested as others in these experiments, to obtain all the information necessary?

I shall certainly make inquiries, and if the methods can be improved to increase the knowledge of the smaller firms, I shall be delighted to make the change.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to make any statement regarding the disturbances arising out of the Fascist meeting in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Friday, 15th May?

I am informed that during the meeting referred to disturbances occurred in the hall and that a number of persons, after repeated warnings, were forcibly ejected by the stewards. Five persons were handed over to the police, and the question as to whether proceedings should be taken against them for alleged offences is now being investigated. Compaints of assault on the part of stewards were made to the police, and three stewards were subsequently identified as having taken part in alleged assaults. The question of taking proceedings against these stewards and also against one other prominent Fascist, who was alleged to have committed an assault, is under investigation. There was very little trouble amongst the large crowd which assembled in the vicinity of the hall, but during the evening outside the hall, five men and one woman were arrested and certain charges made against them. At the Sheriff Court on Tuesday, the 19th instant, three of the men pled guilty. One was sentenced to 30 days' imprisonment, and two were each sentenced to pay a fine of £2 with the alternative of 20 days' imprisonment. Two pled not guilty and were released on bail, and trial was fixed for the 6th July, 1936. In the case of the woman, the charge was withdrawn because of her mental condition.

While thanking the hon. and gallant Gentleman for his reply, may we have an assurance in regard to these disorderly scenes which are frequently associated with meetings of this body, that if there are further meetings in Scotland he will see that there are people who are able to supply adequate evidence with regard to the particular quarter from which the violence originates?

As I have explained, the matter is under inquiry at the present time, and if sufficient evidence is forthcoming, the authorities will take action. With regard to the question which the hon. Member raises, I will bear it in mind, but there is no evidence to show that due precautions on this occasion were not in fact taken.

Do the Government not think it advisable to introduce legislation making it illegal for political parties to wear uniforms?

It is a matter of indifference to the Crown authorities what colour of shirt a breaker of the law wears. If evidence is forthcoming that the law has been broken, proper action will be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the wholesale destruction of fish a few days ago at Lerwick, Shetland Isles, owing to an unfavourable market; and will he consider the introduction of a scheme, in association with suitable local authorities, whereby the wastage of food resources shall be avoided?

I am informed that on 15th May a quantity of herring were thrown back into the sea at Lerwick, owing to glutting of the market. The Herring Industry Board view such occurrences with concern, and my right hon. Friend shares that feeling. The incident occurred before the main fishing season started, and the board's information is that the herring were unsuitable for home consumption. The measures taken by the board, including regulation of fishing, commencement of curing, and general advertising, will tend to diminish the risk of glut in the main season. The problem of organising special measures for the disposal of occasional gluts in areas of heavy unemployment is a difficult one, but the board are giving it further consideration in consultation with the Commissioners for the Special Areas and the Food Council.

In view of the way in which these frequent occurrences shock the public conscience and, I am sure, shock his own conscience, too, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman undertake to take some measures, with the Cabinet, of a drastic kind in order to put a stop to such folly?

As I explained in my answer, the question of organising special measures is under consideration, but it is a difficult problem.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say why these boats are allowed to go to sea to catch quite immature fish that is not fit for food?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that it is not only at Lerwick that this proceeding has taken place, but that more recently at Fraserburgh, a third of a million first-class herring have been thrown back into the sea; and will the Secretary of State undertake to discuss with his colleagues in the Government the taking of immediate steps to stop this destruction of food and these gluts of food in the midst of semi-starvation?

I can only properly be expected to answer questions on the Paper, and the right hon. Gentleman has raised a quite separate case. I have informed the House that the Herring Industry Board and my right hon. Friend view such occurrences with concern, and that the matter is under their consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the Japanese have christened a village in Japan "Macclesfield," in order to enable them to sell their silk goods as Macclesfield silk; and whether he will take the appropriate steps to prevent these goods being sold in the home market marked in this way;

(2) whether he is aware that the Japanese have christened a village in Japan "Macclesfield," in order to sell their silk goods as Macclesfield silk; and whether he will make representations to the Japanese Government upon this matter;

(3) whether he is aware that the Japanese have christened a village in Japan "Macclesfield." in order to sell their silk goods as Macclesfield silk; and whether he will take the appropriate steps to prevent this deception when these goods are sold in the colonial markets?

I have seen a Press report that a village in Japan has been named "Macclesfield," and I am making inquiries. As regards the rest of the questions, I am advised that there would be grounds for proceedings under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, if the description "Macclesfield Silk" were applied to imported goods at the time of sale in this country Similar legislation is in force in most of the Colonies.

Can the hon. Member say whether, in fact. they christen at all in Japan?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will represent to the different education authorities, especially in London, the desirability of opening all school playing grounds during the summer holidays to enable children to play there instead of in the streets, with the object of reducing the number of accidents from traffic?

Recommendation 25 of the recently published report of the Inter-departmental Committee on Road Safety among School Children deals with this question. Copies of this report have been distributed to all local education authorities, together with a circular commending it to their consideration. For the present, I do not think that any further action on my part is required.

asked the Home Secretary the number of appeals in cases of officers of the Metropolitan and provincial police, respectively, dismissed or required to resign since the Police Appeals Act, 1927; and the number, specifying ranks, in which an oral hearing was accorded and, in those cases, whether legal aid was employed and at whose cost?

There have been 53 appeals under the Police Appeals Act, 1927, from members of the Metropolitan police force, one from the City of London force and 63 from county and borough forces. Inquiries have been held in the cases of one chief constable, one superintendent, four sergeants and 16 constables. Legal aid has never been refused and was employed in 20 out of those 22 cases. In 14 cases the cost of legal aid was borne by the appellant and in the other six cases it was provided at the cost of the Police Fund.

Is there any objection to allowing these officers to subscribe to a defence fund?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report in connection with the fatal accident to Arthur William Blyth, of Clapton, who was buried alive in a trench at Downs Park Road, Hackney; whether he can state the depth of the trench; and whether it was properly timbered?

My right hon. Friend is making inquiry as to this case, and will communicate with the hon. Member?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the factory inspector in connection with the fatal accident to Harry Edwin Head, of Greenwich, who was employed by a private company of aeroplane dismantlers of West Norwood; and whether he can state the cause of the accident?

I understand that Head was one of the directors of the company and that the accident occurred when he was dismantling a pneumatic shock absorber without having released the pressure valve. Action to prevent the recurrence of such an accident is under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the factory inspector in connection with the death of one man and injuries to two others from the explosion of an oxygen cylinder at the British Oxygen Works, Newcastle-on-Tyne; and whether he can state the cause of the accident?

I understand that the nature of this accident, which occurred on 15th May, was not the explosion of an oxygen cylinder but an explosion during repair of a rectifying column. The matter is under investigation, and I cannot make a statement at present as to the cause.

asked the Home Secretary when he proposes to publish the return showing the number of electors for each constituency?

My hon. Friend refers presumably to the election expenses return which includes particulars of the electorate of each constituency. My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to present this return towards the end of July.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any immediate improvements in the Enfield-Liverpool Street section of the London and North Eastern Railway are receiving active consideration?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question on the same subject by the hon. Member for Enfield (Mr. Bull) on 19th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

Surely the hon. and gallant Gentleman realises that, according to the reply to which he has referred me, it will be at least four years before the London and North Eastern Railway Company are in a position to undertake any alterations; and does the Ministry intend that the present obsolete railway system shall go on for another four years?

I have nothing to add to that answer for the moment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many strikes have occurred in industrial concerns in India during the past 12 months; in how many cases the local governments concerned offered any resistance to the workers or their representatives to obtain a redress of their grievances; and what progress is being made towards carrying out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Labour to improve working-class conditions in India?

There were 145 disputes in 1935, in none of which has there been any evidence of resistance offered by the local governments to the legitimate industrial demands of the workers. A copy of the latest report, dated 1935, showing the action taken on the recommendations of the Whitley Commission, is being placed in the Library.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is largely owing to the slow progress made with the recommendations of the Whitley Commission there have been so many strikes?

I do not agree with the hon. Member's suggestion that progress with the recommendations of the Whitley Commission has been slow. If the hon. Member will read what I have put in the Library, I think that he will agree with me.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Indian Government are allowed to address communications direct to the Secretary of the League of Nations without passing through his hands in the first place?

All communications from the Government of India to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, with certain minor exceptions, pass through the Secretary of State for India.