asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which, if any, of the Governments of the British Dominions has signified its acceptance of the Locarno Treaty of mutual guarantee?

None, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the breach by Italy of her obligations under the Pact of Paris, what effect this will have on the policy of Great Britain and the other signatories to the Pact; and whether Italy is still to be treated as a party to the Pact?

This is a matter which would be one for all the parties to the Pact of Paris. I would, however, point out that the Pact does not itself prescribe any action to be taken in the event of its violation by one of the high contracting parties.

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that in the Preamble of the Treaty in question the signatories expressed the view that any country which fails to carry out its obligations under the Treaty should be deprived of the benefits of the Treaty? If that be so, is it not desirable to take some action in order to prevent the Treaty being reduced to a tragic farce?

I am well aware of what is in the Preamble. If the hon. Member wants to put a question, I should like him to put it on the Order Paper, because I do not think that the meaning is precisely that which he imagines it is.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to him by the owners or any persons interested in the trawler "Girl Pat" in asking for the Government's assistance in the detention or arrest of this vessel; and what action His Majesty's Government have taken and with what results?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 9th June. Instructions of the nature indicated in that answer have been sent to His Majesty's Ambassadors at Paris, Lisbon and Madrid and to His Majesty's Consular officers at Dakar, Leopoldville, Monrovia, Loanda and Teneriffe. It has not, however, yet proved possible to secure the detention of this vessel.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Admiralty have been asked to assist in the location of the vessel?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will oppose any proposal that sanctions shall be ended on the ground that the policy of sanctions has failed, and also oppose any proposal to limit the powers of the League on the ground that collective security has failed?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have now decided what attitude they will adopt at the forthcoming Council and Assembly of the League of Nations as regards sanctions against Italy?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the Italo-Abyssinian dispute remains in accordance with the provisions of the Covenant of the League of Nations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, at the forthcoming meeting of the Council of the League of Nations, His Majesty's Government will exert their utmost influence to preserve the system of collective security as embodied in the Covenant of the League?

On a point of Order. Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I say that on Thursday of last week I handed in a starred question for to-day asking for information regarding the Government's policy on sanctions and the League of Nation's treatment of the Abyssinian question? My question does not appear on the Order Paper to-day, and I should like to be informed of the reason for it not appearing.

If the hon. Member handed the question in on Thursday, it is almost exactly the same question which was put by the Leader of the Opposition on the previous day.

On the same day. The question put by the Leader of the Opposition was not answered.

A questioner is often dissatisfied with the reply which is given, but that cannot be an adequate reason for putting the same question down again.

It is the desire of His Majesty's Government that there should be a Debate on foreign policy on the earliest date that can be conveniently arranged. On that occasion I shall be prepared to state the views of His Majesty's Government as to the action which is to be taken collectively at the meetings of the Council and the Assembly of the League of Nations, which are to be held on 26th and 30th June respectively.

Will the statement which the right hon. Gentleman will then make be on the lines of the speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Perhaps the hon. Member will exercise his customary patience.

In view of that reply, I beg to give notice that on Thursday next we shall ask for the Vote on the salary of the Prime Minister to be put down, in order that we may get an authoritative statement of what is the Government's foreign policy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very lively satisfaction with which in many parts of the country the speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been received?

Arising out of my question, is the right hon. Gentleman even now prepared to affirm the continued belief of the Government in the policy of Collective Security without the House having to wait for a statement?

I think my answer covered all the questions.

In view of the widespread publicity which this unfortunate speech has received in this country and in other countries, can the right hon. Gentleman consider making a statement forthwith as to the intentions of the Government, so as to remove the great anxiety that has been caused as a result of this great indiscretion on the part of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

No, Sir. I have made it plain already that the Government welcome a Debate at the earliest opportunity, and we are grateful to the Leader of the Opposition for asking for the Debate on Thursday.

Before formulating a Government policy for the near future, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind our vital and legitimate Imperial interests in seeing that the League does not compound Italy's abominable felony.

asked the Prime Minister when the House is to be given an opportunity to debate the international situation?

As my right hon. Friend has already announced, His Majesty's Government are anxious that such a debate should take place. The date is a matter for arrangement through the usual channels. Since the questions were answered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a definite request has been made by the Leader of the Opposition.

Does that mean that the Prime Minister himself, personally, will elucidate the famous surrealist speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Private Bill has been put down for 7.30 o'clock on Thursday which would mean that we would have only a half-day for this debate?

It is, of course, the fact that such a Bill has been put down, but I have no doubt the usual consultations will take place subsequently. If it is the strong desire of the House that a debate should take place as early as Thursday, then, of course, arrangements will have to be made, and I think the whole day might be available. I should add that the Private Bill has been put down by direction of the Chairman of Ways and Means, and we shall have to see what can be done. I can give no guarantee myself.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Dr. Martin is still the accredited representative of Ethiopia to the Court of St. James?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the cases brought to his notice in which, during the last 12 months, food of any description fit for human consumption has been destroyed, and in each case the reason for the destruction and the action taken by the Department either before the destruction or since; and whether it is intended to take further powers to prevent such destruction?

The only such cases that have been brought to my notice relate to certain heavy landings of highly perishable fish which the port markets were unable to absorb. The quantities of fish thrown back into the sea were about four or five tons of pilchards in November of last year, and about 60 tons of herring in August and September of last year and in May of this year. The absence of the Italian market was mainly responsible for the destruction of the pilchards. As regards the steps which might be taken to deal with occasional landings of herring surplus to the capacity of the markets, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 11th June to questions by the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams). As these cases occur only very exceptionally, the quantities involved in those I have mentioned amounting to not more than.01 per cent. of the landings of wet fish by British fishing vessels in England and Wales for the last 12 months, I do not think it would be possible to provide against them by legislation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by the inability of the market to absorb? Does it mean that there is no demand or that prices are not good enough for the people concerned?

Generally, landings of fish are a long way off, and on some particular date, such as a Saturday afternoon, it is impossible to get them to the market before they are spoilt.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider in those circumstances where food has to be destroyed in this way, distributing it free in distressed areas where the children are in need of food?

Nobody thanks anybody for a bad herring.

What is the Department doing to see that when fish is landed fresh it is prevented from going bad?

I have already explained that to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the dumping of fish is happening every week—it is not the exception—and that only last Saturday 3,200 cran were dumped into the ocean?

I must ask the hon. Member to agree that.01 per cent. is exceptionally good.

Apart from the dumping of fish is it not the case that there is an organised limitation in production?

No, Sir. That is why dumping takes place.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress is being made with the preparation by the Ordnance Survey of the 25-inch to the mile maps, most of which have become out of date by reason of the reduction in the Parliamentary grant to the Ordnance Survey Department made in 1922; whether he is aware of the difficulties caused in making town and country planning schemes as well as to the land registration of the conveyance of property by the absence of such maps; and whether, pending their preparation, an aerial survey of the country can be prepared?

The whole question of the revision of Ordnance Survey maps is under consideration by a Departmental Committee of which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is chairman. They have already submitted an interim report, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The recommendations contained therein, which cover town and country planning schemes, have been accepted by the Government, and as a result the establishment of the Ordnance Survey Department has already been increased by 550 technical assistants who are now in process of training. Arrangements have also been made for an extensive experiment in the use of air photography in the survey, and the Departmental Committee will doubtless make further reference to this subject in their final report.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his satisfactory reply, does he consider that the 550 additional members of the Ordnance Survey will be adequate in order to get rid of the arrears as quickly as possible?

I cannot say as to that. A great deal depends on the progress of the experiments in the Air Department, but at any rate it is making a satisfactory start.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great inconvenience caused by the delay in printing revised maps, and cannot the Department in the meantime make use of the surveys made by county surveyors?

I do not think that the Ordnance Survey can delegate its authority and responsibility to anyone.

But as the information collected by county surveyors is available why cannot the Department make use of it?

The committee is going into that question and other questions of the kind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the most up-to-date maps are put in the Library for the use of hon. Members?

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he hopes to be in a position to announce the decision of the Government in respect of the recommendations of the Sea Fish Commission?

The recommendations of the commission are under active consideration, together with the views thereon of such sections of the industry as have submitted them. I am not yet in a position to say when it will be possible to make an announcement.

Will the House have every opportunity of discussing the report of the commission fully before any further steps are taken involving Government interference with industry?

There will, of course, be an opportunity to discuss it on the Estimates, but there will also be a special opportunity this year on the affirmative Resolution under the Act.

Have not the Government already interfered with this industry by restricting catches of sea fish?

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Government decisions with regard to the Ullswater Committee on Broadcasting can now be announced; and whether he will arrange for their publication at an early date so that there may be an opportunity of studying the policy proposed before a further Debate takes place?

I hope very soon to be able to announce the Government's proposals with reference to the report of the Ullswater Committee on Broadcasting, and I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what proportion of all orders placed by his Department since October, 1934, were allocated to firms in the North-Eastern area; and what steps are being taken to increase the proportion?

I regret that I cannot say without further inquiry what proportion of the orders for coal were placed with firms in the North-Eastern area. As regards other goods, the proportion of direct orders given by the Office of Works during the period mentioned, was approximately 1 per cent. As regards the second part of the question, it is the practice, other things being equal, to give preference in the allocation of contracts to tenders received from firms in the Special Areas: in addition, special steps have been taken to bring contracts open to tender to the notice of firms in these areas.

As it is of no use asking the Under-Secretary for the Home Department questions on this matter, may I ask the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet, in view of the serious condition of employment in the North-Eastern area, are impressing upon the purchasing Departments the necessity, where other things are equal, of considering the things that are not equal, that is to say, the high proportion of unemployment in this area? The Prime Minister ought to reply to this question.

I ought to get notice of these questions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the desirability of giving a larger proportion of orders to the Tyne?

In the allocation of contracts, the Admiralty always have under review all relevant factors such as the prices quoted and the situation in the various shipbuilding areas. In present circumstances, it is reasonable to anticipate that the Tyne will receive a considerable share of such contracts.

asked the President of the Board of Education what proportion of all orders placed since October, 1935, by his Department have been allocated to the North-eastern area; and whether any steps are being taken to increase the proportion?

I am not quite clear what the hon. Member has in mind. My Department does not place any orders for supplies.

In view of the very large orders that must be placed for educational services in this country, has the right hon. Gentleman's Department no influence on how these orders are placed?

If the hon. Lady's question refers to orders placed by local education authorities and she will put it on the Paper in that form, I will see what information I can obtain for her.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make any statement as to the causes of the recent Arab unrest in Palestine; whether this is in any way due to propaganda; if so, what has been the source of such propaganda; and who will bear the cost of the additional military assistance which has had to be called in to deal with the situation?

The causes of unrest in Palestine will be one of the matters to be inquired into by the Royal Commission, and in the circumstances it would be improper for me to attempt to analyse them at this moment. As regards the additional military assistance, the Palestine Government will bear the extra cost in respect of the various units due to their being stationed in Palestine.

When will this inquiry be set up and proceed to Palestine?

It will only be set up when law and order are fully restored and the British administration is in a position to guarantee its safety and peace in that country.

Have the Government no information as to the cause of the present disturbances in Palestine, and further, what action, if any, is the leader of the Mohammedan population, whose salary is paid by the British Government, taking to attempt to quell the riots?

The answer to the last part of the question is that it is a complete misunderstanding. In fact, it is quite definitely wrong to state that the leader of the Mohammedan population, namely, the Grand Mufti, is paid by the British Government. I will contradict that quite clearly and definitely here and now, as it might lead to serious trouble throughout the Mohammedan world if it were thought that the head of any religious community was being paid by the British Government. I have, no doubt, many views as to the various causes of unrest in the Near and Middle East, but it would be most improper, as His Majesty's Government have announced their intention of appointing an impartial Royal Commission to go into and examine this question and to hear evidence on oath, for me to attempt to give my views.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the decision of the divisional court of New York, upholding the recent law passed by the New York legislature, which bans from the courts all claims for damages founded on alleged breach of promise or alienation of affection; and will he consider introducing similar legislation in Great Britain.

The answer to both parts of the question is "No."

If such legislation were passed, would it be possible to deal with the relations which exist between the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

asked the Minister of Health (1) how long must a married woman be resident in a public assistance institution or similar institution before she is regarded as living apart from her husband;

The question when an old age pensioner, who is in a public assistance institution because of illness, should be regarded as no longer living with her husband, so as to necessitate a reassessment of her means, must depend on the circumstances of each case, and falls to be decided by the local pensions committee or by the Minister of Health on appeal. The fact that her husband contributes to her support would not appear to affect the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether an Imperial Conference is to be held next year; what will be the approximate date; and whether the opportunity will be taken to hold a Colonial Conference simultaneously?

I am glad to announce that it has now been arranged that a meeting of the Imperial Conference should be held in London in May next year immediately after the Coronation. As regards the question of holding another Colonial Office Conference on the lines of those of 1927 and 1930, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies will communicate in due course with Colonial Governments, but at present he doubts whether it would be practicable to hold such a conference next summer.

Will the same procedure be adopted as last time, and will the Secretary of State for the Colonies represent the Colonies at the conference?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the dislocation of traffic and consequent financial loss caused by having State ceremonials, such as the recent Proclamation, on a weekday which is not a public holiday; and whether he will consider having any such ceremonials in future at a suitable hour on Sunday, which would obviate this disadvantage and enable many thousands of the public to participate in the ceremony who are now unable to do so?

I can assure my hon. Friend that in fixing the date of State ceremonies all relevant considerations, including the point to which he refers, are carefully borne in mind.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that there would be any disadvantage in the proposal stated in the question, which would enable a large number of people who are now prevented from doing so to participate in such an interesting ceremony as the Proclamation, and would also save a great deal of possible inconvenience due to the obstruction of traffic?

A Proclamation is, fortunately, a very rare event, and I do not know whether it would be worth while laying down any fresh regulations. Perhaps if my hon. Friend has any other form of ceremonial in mind he will communicate with me. Formerly, I believe, it was frequently done on Sunday, and I do not know that there should be any prejudice against that, but perhaps my hon. Friend will, as I say, let me know what kind of ceremonial he has in mind.

asked the Prime Minister what percentage of the applicants to the recruiting offices last year were refused on the grounds that they were not physically fit; and what steps the Government propose to take to raise the present level of the physique of the nation?

The percentage for England, Scotland and Wales is approximately 35. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to Circular 1445 issued by the Board of Education in January last, from which he will see that in addition to giving close attention to the various health services such as the School Medical Service and the Maternal and Child Welfare Service, it is the Government's policy to promote the development of physical education for children of school age and for persons no longer attending school.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that children who attend open-air nursery schools are five pounds heavier and half an inch taller than those who do not? Will he also bear in mind that 95,000 of the pupils entering elementary schools are physically defective and that the only way to put them right is a proper system of open-air nursery schools?

Does the Prime Minister recognise that these figures show a very distressing position?

I think there can be no dispute about it.

In addition to the 35 per cent. who are rejected as physically unfit, is the Prime Minister aware that a further 30 per cent. are rejected as medically unfit; and as there is general agreement in the House that something should be done to improve the nutrition of the people of this country, would the Prime Minister give facilities for an early discussion of the subject?

If the matter were raised, that of course would be for discussion. It is a matter that we have in hand now.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, in the consideration of this question there is an opportunity for devising a policy which shall, at the same time, assist agriculture and meet the needs of the nation in regard to defence?

Would the Prime Minister consider having a conference of all the Government Departments interested in this question of health as there seems to be a lack of co-ordination among them at present?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statement to make on the facts, quantitative and qualitative, in relation to the diet of the people, or any proposals to effect changes therein which may appear desirable in the light of modern advances in the knowledge of nutrition?

These questions have been referred to the Advisory Committee on Nutrition. As regards the facts, the committee have reported that the available data are insufficient and have recommended the collection of further particulars. The committee have, however, recently stressed the importance of milk as a food?

Can the hon. Gentleman give us even an approximate estimate of the date on which this committee may be expected to report again?

I am afraid I could not. It is a very wide and complicated inquiry.

Are we to understand that the lack of nutrition is largely, if not entirely, a question of wages?

No.

asked the Minister of Health what sums were allocated last year for the expenses of his Advisory Committee on Nutrition?

The sum of £300 was provisionally authorised for the expenses of the Advisory Committee on Nutrition in the financial year 1935–36 but the actual expenses were about £160.

asked the Minister of Health what is the present average daily consumption per head of milk; and, in view of the conclusions of the recent report of the Advisory Committee on Nutrition, what steps he proposes to take further to increase it?

The present average daily consumption of liquid milk in this country is estimated at slightly less than half-a-pint per head. The Government accept the views expressed by the advisory committee as to the high value of milk as a food and, as my hon. Friend is aware, schemes for the provision of milk, either free or at cheap rates, to mothers and children are now in operation. The Government will give consideration to the further development of these schemes, but this must await the general review of milk policy which will take place when the report of the Milk Reorganisation Commission is available.

Can the hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that definite Government action will be taken during this Session?

Arising out of the original answer, is the Minister aware that there are industrial areas in this country where it has been shown by experiment that 26 per cent. of the houses never get any liquid milk at all?

They get beer all right.

Withdraw !

No, they do not.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the Cardiff experiment it was definitely proved that 26 per cent. of working-class children were getting no liquid milk at all; and can he give the House any idea as to when a report is expected on the subject from the Milk Reorganisation Commission; and will he also take the hon. Member for the Sutton Division of Plymouth (Viscountess Astor) aside and try to teach her something about beer and milk?

On a point of Order. Is it in order for the Noble Lady to make a rash assertion without any substantial evidence whatever to back up that assertion?

I am afraid that if my time were taken up in considering all the rash assertions that are made, it would be impossible to make any progress.

In calculating the amount of a half-pint per head, is the amount of milk consumed in the schools included?

I fancy that is so. As regards the question put by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams), I could not without notice express an, opinion on the experiment referred to, but I do know that under the policy of the Government the drinking of milk by school children has increased enormously.

Will my hon. Friend answer my question whether any action will be taken during the course of this Session?

That is not a question for me to answer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India when the report, with recommendations, of the Indian Tariff Board will be made public; and what action His Majesty's Government propose to take thereon?

I cannot give a definite date, but I can assure my hon. Friend there will be no avoidable delay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether a retired officer of the Royal Air Force is in the Royal Air Force or in the Reserve of Air Force Officers; and whether he will consider giving retired officers the same privilege as serving officers and ex-short-service officers when issuing tickets for the Royal Air Force annual display?

An officer on his retirement from the Royal Air Force is not placed in the Reserve of Air Force Officers. Retired officers are allowed on application two free tickets for the Royal Air Force display.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any tests are being carried out by the Admiralty to use coal-dust fuel direct in internal combustion engines to replace the use of imported oil?

No tests are at present being carried out by the Admiralty, but close touch is being kept with developments.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider paying special attention to this matter, not only in view of the very serious danger that may arise in regard to our supplies of imported oil in case of war, but also in the interests of the unemployed miners of South Wales?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the very closest touch is being kept with all these questions, both at home and abroad.

Will the hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the importance of developing the production of oil from shale from the Scottish shale fields?

I think that is relevant factor.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that private companies are using this coal dust and that it is proving successful?

I should like to go into that question before replying.

I asked whether the hon. Gentleman was Aware that this dust was being used.

Yes, I am aware of it.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount of money in each mining disaster fund up to the latest date?

The hon. Member will find this information in Command Paper 5167, which was presented to Parliament in April last.