asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement regarding the two Maltese British subjects, Carmelo Psaila and Robert Ghirlando, recently condemned by an Italian special tribunal in Tripoli on charges of anti-Italian activity?

Yes, Sir. I am happy to be able to inform the House that His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome received information from Tripoli on 12th June that Messrs. Ghirlando and Psaila were to be released on that day. Mr. Ghirlando, who desired to go to Tunis, was to be taken by car to the frontier the same afternoon, while Mr. Psaila was to be placed on board a ship sailing for Malta that evening. I have expressed to His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome the satisfaction of His Majesty's Government at the zeal and ability with which His Excellency has acted in the interests of these two British subjects, and with the manner in which his representations have been received by the Italian Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the whole Maltese people will be grateful to His Majesty's Government for the determined and effective action taken in this case?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the view of His Majesty's Government, Egypt is entitled to apply for membership of the League of Nations; and whether His Majesty's Government are in favour of the admission of Egypt to membership of the League?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on 11th December last, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the reply given by the British Minister in Addis Ababa to the inquiry made by the Emperor of Ethiopia before his departure from his country as to the amount of continued and increased support that might be anticipated from the League of Nations?

On 1st May the Emperor sent for His Majesty's Minister and inquired whether it would be possible for communications to be maintained through the Sudan if he were driven to reorganise armed resistance from a place in Western Abyssinia in the neighbourhood of that British frontier. Sir Sidney Barton replied that he must refer the matter to His Majesty's Government, but stated as his own view that, in the contingency contemplated, existing communications with the Sudan would be maintained. He was subsequently informed that this view was fully approved by His Majesty's Government. The Emperor further inquired whether, if he made a further appeal to the League for increased pressure on. Italy, His Majesty's Government would support his negotiations. Sir Sidney Barton replied that this also was a matter on which he must naturally refer to His Majesty's Government, but in response to the Emperor's request for his own views, he explained the situation created for the League by recent developments in Europe and the bearing of the French elections on the then impending meeting of the League Council.

Will the Foreign Secretary be good enough to say whether the British Government ever gave a definite reply to the Emperor's second question asking whether he could rely on further support from the League of Nations?

The Emperor actually left his capital next day.

Do we understand that no reply was given to it owing to the fact that he had left?

No reply was possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will consult with the United States Government and the other Governments, signatories of the Pact of Paris, with a view to appropriate action being taken to deal with the breach by Italy of its obligations under the treaty?

No, Sir.

Is it not desirable that the other signatories to this treaty should indicate in some form their disapproval of the action of Italy? What is the value of any treaty when breaches can be committed in it with impunity and no action is taken by the other signatories?

I think the time for action under the Pact of Paris was at the outbreak of war. We preferred to take action under the Covenant of the League of Nations. It was open to anybody else to take action of the kind indicated.

Is it not desirable at this juncture that the other signatories to the treaty should indicate in some form whether in their opinion the signature of Italy has been rendered nugatory as a result of her action, and is it not within the power of the other signatories to do that?

That may be so, but I think it is more a case for the signatories who are not members of the League of Nations to initiate action.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the area of Ethiopia in Italian military occupation; the area remaining under the sovereignty of the Emperor; the estimated forces at his disposal; and whether licences for the export of munitions to these forces will continue to be granted?

I have no news of recent Italian military movements. But according to an estimate prepared about three weeks ago the area in actual Italian military occupation was less than one-half of the country. This area nevertheless represents the most important part of Abyssinia, comprising as it does the two principal cities, Addis Ababa and Harar, and—with one exception—all the recognised channels of communication with the outside world. As regards the remaining area, I can only speak with full information of Western Abyssinia, which includes the one remaining channel of communication to which I have referred. Here, according to very recent reports received from the Acting Governor-General at Khartoum and from His Majesty's Consul at Gore, the country is, as I stated in the course of last Thursday's Debate, in the hands of the Galla population, who are hostile to the Emperor's Government. Such Amhara officials as remain are, I understand, not in a position to exercise authority. I can make no estimate of the strength of the armed Abyssinian forces remaining in the country. As regards the last part of the question, the situation is, I hope, clear from what I have just said. His Majesty's Government evidently could not allow arms to go from the Sudan into Western Abyssinia so long as there is no probability that the arms would be received by any constituted authority or serve any purpose other than that of promoting civil war. I have informed the Ethiopian Minister in London in that sense.

In view of the fact that it is reported that there are something like 30,000 troops in Abyssinia now who are hostile to the Italian occupation will the Government do nothing to hinder them from receiving arms, or do the Government intend to take sides against them?

No, certainly we do not intend to take sides against them, but in Western Abyssinia there is, as far as we are aware, no authority to whom these arms could go, and we could not take the responsibility of allowing arms to go across the frontier when that might only result in local strife without helping the Emperor or anyone else.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that the Galla tribes are favourable to the occupation of Abyssinia?

I have only said that they were unfavourable to the Emperor.

Are we to understand that the Government are in total disagreement with the action of the President of the United States in the matter?

I do not think that at all follows.

Is it not the case that the Galla tribes dislike even more the rule of Mussolini?

Do I understand that in the event of there being a Government in Western Abyssinia responsible to the Emperor there would be no objection to arms going in?

That would create an entirely new situation. It is not the situation which I have to face.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he intends at the meeting of the League to propose or to oppose recognition of Italy's annexation of Ethiopia?

His Majesty's Government have no intention at the forthcoming meeting of the League of proposing or assenting to the recognition of Italy's annexation of Abyssinia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will propose to the League that neither Italy nor any other State which is unwilling to accept the procedure for the peaceful settlement of disputes prescribed by the Covenant should be permitted to obtain loans or credits from member States of the League?

As I stated in the Debate on Thursday last the whole problem of the future practice of the League of Nations is shortly to be considered at Geneva. I am sure the hon. Member will not expect me at this stage to anticipate these deliberations.

Have the Government made up their mind what they will propose at the League in respect of loans to Italy?

We shall be prepared to state our position in due course.

If the Government have views on the reform of the League in any of its aspects, surely this House is entitled to know what is in the mind of the Government?

But there is no question of a debate on the future of the League taking place at this meeting at Geneva. In due course, naturally, the House will be fully informed of any proposals we have to make.

As sanctions are to be dropped, unless action is taken to the contrary will it not follow ipso facto that loans and credits will be possible, and do not the Government intend to do anything to prevent our being involved in that final ignominy?

I do not think the hon. lady's conclusions are correct.

Will the right hon. Gentleman continue the practice of discouraging foreign loans of all kinds?

That is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether during his consultations with the new French Government a specific inquiry was addressed to the French Government as to whether they were in favour of the continuance of sanctions: and, if so, what was the nature of their reply?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on this subject in the course of last Thursday's Debate, to which I have nothing to add.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the statement to which he has just referred he informed the House that the new French Govern- ment did not indicate to him that they were in favour of the discontinuance of sanctions? Will he not inform the House whether the French Government ever actually stated that they were against the continuance of sanctions?

I think my statement did cover both points. If hon. Members wish any further information it can be given in the Debate to-morrow.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman say now whether the French Government ever stated that they were against the continuance of sanctions?

I think that what I stated on Thursday must stand. If hon. Members wish for further information, I am perfectly willing to give it to them to-morrow.

Is it not the fact that French foreign policy never changes?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, prior to his advising the Government to discontinue the policy of economic sanctions against Italy, he had any conversations or communications with the Italian Government in regard to this projected change of policy?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that in the event of the removal of sanctions against Italy it is not the intention of His Majesty's Government to supply Italy with loans or credits which may be used to complete her subjugation of Ethiopia and to prepare for further acts of aggression?

His Majesty's Government have no power to grant loans or credits to Italy nor have they any intention of seeking such power.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the policy of the Government to work for a restoration of the Stresa front?

The policy of His Majesty's Government was fully stated in the course of last Thursday's Debate, and I have nothing to add to what was then said.

May we have an assurance that Italy will not now be called in to act the part of judge and policeman in regard to others?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the refortification of Heligoland by Germany contrary to the Versailles Treaty?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an undertaking was given in regard to Heligoland by Germany; and whether this undertaking is being carried out?

I have seen recent reports that Heligoland is being fortified in contravention of the terms of Article 115 of the Treaty of Versailles: and I am making inquiries.

Have we the right to inspect Heligoland to find out whether it is so or not?

I do not think so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper setting out those treaties to the breaking of which the Government will take exception and those to which they will not?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now make a further statement as to when arrangements will be completed so that, in cases of emergency, telephone subscribers and call-office users in London will have the benefit of indicating the immediate urgency of the call to the exchange; and will he give full particulars?

I would refer the hon. Member to my previous answer of 25th May, in which I explained that the necessary apparatus could not be installed for some months. The work of designing and development is being proceeded with as quickly as possible.

Can the Minister say when this further announcement will be made?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has now been made with the provision of adequate supplies of water for those parts of the country, especially the rural areas, which are liable to severe shortage during the summer months and consequent distress?

Since the drought of 1933–34 schemes have been undertaken with the aid of the Government grant for 2,350 parishes, at a total estimated cost of over £7,000,000. In addition, loans totalling £1,340,000 have been sanctioned for schemes for 400 parishes proceeding without grant. Urban supplies have been improved where necessary.

Is the Minister not aware that the multiplicity of water authorities causes confusion, selfishness and shortage where no shortage need be?

In view of the terrific pressure in the country districts, and: in the home counties, due to the movement out of the London population, is the Department considering any planning of adequate water supplies in places where it is utterly impossible for the local authorities to do it?

Might I have an answer to my question?

These questions are constantly under review by our advisory committee.

What good is that?

Is not a Joint Committee of both Houses dealing with this very point, and might we not expect to have a report from the committee in the immediate future?

That is so.

Is it not time for action?

asked the Minister of Health what steps his advisory committee on nutrition are taking to collect sufficient data to enable the Government to formulate a policy for dealing with the problem of nutrition?

asked the Minister of Health whether, subsequent to the Bishop Auckland potato scheme, any further experiments have been carried out with a view to ascertaining the possibilities of making supplies of nutritious food available at reduced prices to the unemployed?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the average expenditure on food of 4,500,000 persons in this country does not exceed 4s. per week per head; and whether the advice of his medical advisers indicates that this is sufficient to maintain health and working capacity?

My right hon. Friend is aware that an estimate of average expenditure on food has been made to the effect stated, but he is advised that the data on which it is based are not sufficient to justify positive conclusions. The whole question of the adequacy of diets is now being actively examined by the Advisory Committee on Nutrition who have before them all the available statistical information, including the results of the Bishop Auckland experiment which, my right hon. Friend understands, the Potato Marketing Board do not propose to repeat this season. The committee have, however, recommended the Departments concerned to collect family budgets and undertake dietary surveys, and to obtain information as to the distribution of weekly earnings and family incomes. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is about to give effect to the recommendation as to family budgets in his forthcoming inquiry as to the cost of living index, and the other matters are now under consideration.

Can the Minister give us an idea when we may expect definite action to improve the nutrition position?

My hon. Friend would agree that this is a scientific question first and a political question second, and that it is taking the best action to set up the most expert committee we can.

Would the Minister, for the benefit of the House, give the House one of his family budgets, and see how that works out?

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the poor people could buy very much more food if they had the money with which to buy it?

That is the reason why they ought to thank the National Government that purchasing power, through wages, has been restored to 1,300,000 more persons?

In view of the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary has said that the Government are totally dissatisfied with the standard of livelihood represented in this matter, and that the Ministry of Labour are undertaking an inquiry into family budgets, would the Minister of Health convey to the Minister of Labour the desirability of not regarding that as a basis for measuring the standard of living?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now indicate when he intends introducing the new unemployment regulations?

No, Sir.

Is it the intention of the Minister that we must wait until the abnormal statistics contained in the district officers' reports, which are appended to the report of the Unemployment Assistance Board, shall sink in, before these regulations are brought forward?

Is it intended to postpone the introduction of these new regulations so that their full operation will be known only when Parliament is in recess?

I do not think I need add anything to the answer which I have already given—that I cannot indicate when my right hon. Friend intends introducing the regulations.

Are not the Minister and the Government aware of the extreme desirability that these new regulations, which are a subject of interest to millions of people, should be introduced so that their full effect will be known while Parliament is sitting?

Do I understand that the regulations have been received by the Minister from the board; and, if so, why is he holding them back? Is it because there is difference of opinion between the board and the Minister?

I can add nothing to the answer which I have already given.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any information as to the amount of overtime worked in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics since the establishment of the seven-hour day; how much of such overtime is unpaid; and whether overtime is worked free of payment on workers' free days?

I have no information as to the amount of overtime worked in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics since the establishment of the seven-hour day. The Labour Code provides that overtime shall be worked only when specially authorised in exceptional cases; that, when worked, it shall not, in general, exceed 120 hours a year; and that any overtime worked shall be remunerated at 50 per cent. above the normal rate for the first two hours on any one day and twice the normal rate for each subsequent hour. An Order of July, 1934, stipulates that overtime, when worked, must be paid for, and may not be compensated by the grant of additional leave. So far as I am aware, however, no statistics have been published showing the amount of overtime worked or the rates actually paid. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that, in the past, work has, in some cases, been performed without pay on free days as a voluntary contribution to the completion of an economic plan; but I am not aware whether the practice continues.

Would it not be worth while to make inquiries in this particular case, seeing that we are having all sorts of international proposals for limiting the hours of labour?

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman say from what source the information contained in the answer has been obtained, arid whether he is now to be regarded as the Minister for replying on Soviet questions?

Is it the case that women are allowed to work overtime on exactly the same basis as men in Russia?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the major consuming interests object to the personnel of the committees of investigation set up under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, on the grounds that they are not independent, that their powers are inadequate, and their procedure cumbersome; and whether he will strengthen the personnel of these committees and also provide them with additional powers and more effective procedure to provide a remedy for the dissatisfaction which has arisen in connection with the District Coal Orders now before Parliament?

Yes, Sir. While fully appreciative of the excellent work which the committees of investigation and their chairmen have done in the past, I came to the conclusion some time ago that, in view of the different type of work which is likely to fall on the committees after the 1st August, it was necessary to give them a more judicial character, and the chairman of each committee will in future be a member of the legal profession. It is also intended, in forthcoming legislation for extending the life of Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, to propose some alterations in the functions of the committees of investigation in order to secure more prompt and more effective decisions in the event of complaints being made that the Schemes are being unfairly used.

While thanking my hon. and gallant Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he proposes to publish a White Paper setting out in detail the safeguards which he proposes?

No, Sir; there is no occasion for that at all. I merely said that in future the chairman will be a member of the legal profession. There will be a discussion on this subject on Wednesday, when the point can be raised.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when the amending legislation will be introduced?

The hon. Gentleman knows that that Bill is now before the House.

Do I understand that on Wednesday my hon. and gallant Friend is going to outline the proposed new safeguards? Would it not be possible, in order that we may appreciate them, to circulate a statement in advance, so as to facilitate the Debate on Wednesday?

I merely said that there will be some alterations with regard to the functions of the committees, in order that their decisions may be more prompt and more effective. That was all that I said.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government, other things being equal, to place orders in the Special Areas, and the difficulty of ascertaining the value of this policy, he will consider issuing a White Paper dealing with the effect of these orders in the Special Areas, so that the benefits accruing from this policy may be made clear?

I do not regard the issue of a White Paper as suitable. It is for consideration, however, whether some other method can be adopted for making further particulars available on this subject.

When the right hon. Gentleman is considering the problem of the Special Areas, will he be good enough to consider also the fact that some districts in Lancashire have deteriorated to such an extent that they are in a worse position than some of the Special Areas?

Could the right hon. Gentleman consider a more useful formula than the phrase "other things being equal," as a method of helping the Special Areas?

I will consider that point.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that compensation in Admiralty work will be given to those rivers which are unsuccessful in obtaining the order for the sister ship to the "Queen Mary"?

I have been asked to reply. I can assure my hon. Friend that all relevant considerations will be taken into account in the allocations under the Naval construction programme.

On a point of Order. In view of the fact that it is perpetually stated by the Admiralty that in making allocations the question of price must be taken into consideration, and in view of the fact that the firm which may receive the order for a sister ship to the "Queen Mary" may be asked to tender for Admiralty work, may I ask whether my question could be answered by the Prime Minister, because, if my request were carried out, it would be a matter for Cabinet policy, and not for a decision by the Admiralty?

No point of Order arises at all.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to afford time for the discussion of the resolution standing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Huddersfield:

["That, in the opinion of this House, it should be a principal purpose of the foreign policy of this country to prepare the ground for a reconsideration of the treaties of peace of 1919 and 1920, and that, as soon as the situation permits, it should be proposed to the Assembly of the League of Nations that action under Article 19 of the Covenant should be taken to secure such alterations of existing treaties as would meet grievances and contribute to the pacification of the world,"]

I regret that in the state of public business I can hold out no hope of time being found for the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member.

In view of the fact that the root cause of European unrest is to be found in the peace treaties, will not the Government take a strong initiative to bring the matter of the reconsideration of the peace treaties before the nations of Europe before it is too late?

We do attach the greatest importance to this matter. I am sure the hon. Member and the House realise that in our view any existing status could only be modified by agreement and negotiation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the House any information in regard to the gasometer explosion at the Dewsbury gasworks; the cause of the accident; the number of persons killed and injured; and what steps are being taken to supply the town with gas for domestic purposes?

I understand that the explosion originated, not in the gasholder, but in a governor house nearby, in which some cleaning operations were in progress, and that the explosion damaged the gasholder causing an escape of gas which caught fire. The precise cause of the explosion is being further investigated and I cannot say more on the point at present. Four men were employed in the governor house, two being killed and two injured; I have not heard of any other casualties. I understand that the supply of gas to the town was soon restored.

I take it for granted that eventually you will get information about the cause?

Yes, I hope so. A further investigation will take place.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of mounted and other police drafted into Finsbury Park yesterday on the occasion of a Fascist demonstration and upon whom falls the cost of these, with police cars, lorries, and ambulance wagons and refreshment tent erected in the children's playground; whether he is aware that the only violence exhibited was that of Sir Oswald Mosley's supporters; that the demonstration was organised in military fashion with uniformed men and appropriately distinguished officers, that military formations were conducted and military orders given by loud speakers, although loud speakers of a perfectly peaceful rival meeting were ordered to be toned down; and will be take steps to see that, while safeguarding free speech, such extremely provocative private army organisation is forbidden in future?

Many thousands of persons assembled in the park on this occasion in connection with the Fascist demonstration and the anti-Fascist counter demonstration, and I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that 573 foot police and 59 mounted police were on the ground. So large a number of police was employed because the police had reason to believe from past experience that the presence of Fascists and anti-Fascists in the park, unless adequately policed, was likely to give rise to disorder and breaches of the peace. The precautions taken by the police were both necessary and adequate, and no disorder occurred except for a minor scuffle on the outskirts of the Fascist meeting as a result of which two persons wearing badges of the Fascist party were arrested and charged with using insulting words and behaviour. The cost of the police who are engaged in preserving order in the streets and public places is a proper charge on the Police Fund. I am informed by the Commissioner that it is not the case that the police took any action to interfere with the use of loud speakers by the rival organisation referred to. The use of loud speakers in the park is governed by regulations made by the London County Council. The House will appreciate how difficult the task of the police is when rival organisations demonstrate in the same locality. While it is the duty of the police to deal with any conduct which is likely to lead to breaches of the peace, such drastic measures as those proposed by the hon. Member would require legislation, and, as at present advised, I am not satisfied that there is sufficient ground for proposing so far-reaching a change in the law.

Does the Minister understand that I make no personal complaint of the conduct of the police, and will he take into consideration the desirability of sonic kind of Parliamentary investigation into the activities of this body?

I quite appreciate that the hon. Gentleman is not making any reflection on the police. The difficulty is that this is a free country, and the best thing we can do is to appeal to everyone on all sides to show a certain amount of reasonableness.

Does the Minister think it is desirable in this country with its conditions of freedom and constitutional government that there should be private armies?

Is it a fact that Fascists are allowed to wear uniforms? Is that an offence?

The question is not an easy one to answer. It has been very carefully considered. As a matter of fact there is nothing in the law that prevents anyone from wearing uniforms. The difficulty would be to define what is a uniform.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise how very provocative is the military formation of this body?

Is a Blackshirt any more provocative than the right hon. Gentleman's red tie?

The question I asked was exceedingly important. I would ask the Home Secretary whether he is aware that this huge Fascist procession marched out of the park singing a song with the refrain, "Yid, Yid, Yid." This Jew-baiting that is going on in the East End ought to be stopped.

I naturally did not know that. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to give him the words of the relevant regulation made by the London County Council:

"No person shall in any open space without the consent of the council in writing under the hand of its clerk operate or play or make sounds with any musical or other instrument, including any gramophone or mechanical apparatus, or without such consent sing any sacred or secular song."