asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received any information as to the results of the visit of the official sent by the Japanese Government to North China to inquire into the extensive smuggling of goods by Japanese importers?

I understand that the official in question has now returned to Tokyo, but I have not yet received any information regarding the results of his recent visit to Northern China.

Will it be possible to expedite this matter, so that we can have some information before the House rises?

His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo is well aware of the anxiety which is felt here on this question, and it is quite certain that he will send a report as soon as he can.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have yet arrived at a conclusion as to the steps they can usefully take to facilitate an early settlement of the questions at issue with the Japanese Government in relation to smuggling in North China?

His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo has again discussed the matter with the Japanese Government, who are, I understand, hopeful of a solution being reached, as a result of conversations recently initiated at Nanking by the new Japanese Ambassador. For the moment I do not think there is any further step which could usefully be taken by his Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the names of the British subjects who have been kidnapped and held to ransom by Chinese bandits during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; which of these persons have now been released by their captors; what ransom was demanded; and what amounts were paid?

During the period from 1st July, 1935, to the present time there occurred only one case of kidnapping in China in which a British subject was involved. Mr. Gareth Jones was captured by disbanded soldiers in Eastern Chahar on 27th July, 1935. His captors originally demanded a ransom of $100,000 and a supply of arms. Negotiations for his release were rendered impossible by the subsequent rapid movements of the bandits, who eventually killed their captive on 16th August.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received official intimation as to whether the German Government endorses the recent speech and actions of Herr Greiser at Geneva?

On 6th July His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Berlin was informed at the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs that the substance of what Herr Greiser said in the public session of the Council of the League of Nations held on 4th July would have the support of the whole German people.

Did the Ambassador make it clear that the High Commissioner of Danzig has the full support of the Government in his actions taken on behalf of the League?

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made our position perfectly clear at Geneva.

Can the Noble Lord say whether Herr Greiser's gestures have the full support of the German Government?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now say whether Germany's undertaking regarding the refortification of Heligoland has been kept; and whether any right of inspection is exercised in this connection?

As regards the first part of the question, inquiries have been made, and I understand that the island of Heligoland is being fortified. As regards the second part, I understand that no right of inspection exists.

Is it being fortified by the leave of His Majesty's Government?

No, Sir, it is not being fortified by the leave of anyone.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the announcement in Germany that minorities are to be treated well until the Olympic games in August, when the persecution against them is to revive, he will arrange to withhold passport facilities from persons in this country who wish to visit Germany for the Olympic games or otherwise?

I have no knowledge of any such announcement as that referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.

May I bring it to the notice of the Noble Lord later on?

Yes, certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the German Government have indicated any withdrawal of the concrete pacification proposals contained in their memoranda of 7th March, 24th March, and 31st March; and whether, despite the German Government's disinclination to deal by written negotiation with the interrogations of 6th May, he is prepared to make a new approach to the problem of pacification by way of a preparatory conference in accordance with the proposal 21a of the German document of 31st March, and to make inquiries of the German Government and the other Powers to that end?

The answer to the first part of the question is No, Sir. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the terms of the communiqué issued by the United Kingdom, Belgium and French Delegations in Geneva on 3rd July.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the refusal of the German Government to use its sterling credit balances to meet its full debt services to British holders of German public obligations, he will endeavour to find out to what extent there has been since 1934 a repatriation at the consequent depreciated market prices of German loans issued in London?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made inquiries in regard to the point referred to by my hon. Friend. Such evidence as is available indicates that since 1934 there has been no considerable repatriation of German loans issued in London.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any explanation of the humanitarian purposes for which the British draft of the Straits Disarmament Convention seeks to reserve right of entry to foreign ships to the Black Sea?

As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on 6th July, it would not be proper to enter into explanations of detail of the negotiations which are at present taking place at Montreux for the revision of the Straits Convention.

Does the Noble Lord realise that this particular phrase has only given rise to amusement on the Continent and has done nothing to enhance the reputation of this Government for sincerity?

I can assure the hon. Member that the position with regard to this phrase and other aspects of the negotiations will be made clear at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the importance of concluding a Dardanelles agreement without delay and as such an agreement cannot be concluded without the assent of Italy to the abrogation of the germane clauses of the Treaty of Lausanne, he will initiate forthwith discussions with those Mediterranean Governments to which we have given guarantees of mutual assistance, with a view to the obstacles in the way of Italy participating in the Montreaux Conference being removed?

In the opinion of His Majesty's Government there is no reason why the speedy conclusion of a new Straits Convention need be prejudiced in any way by the unilateral and provisional assurances recently given by His Majesty's Government to certain Mediterranean Powers.

Will the Prime Minister in the public interest see that the Government do everything possible to effect an early and friendly settlement with Turkey and Russia in regard to this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the increase in tourist traffic to this country from abroad, he will investigate the whole system of visas with the object of reducing these charges to a minimum or eliminating them altogether?

I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of a general modification of the visa system. A deputation from the Travel Association recently made representations, however, to the Foreign Office as to the amount of the visa fee required of American citizens visiting this country, and these representations are now receiving careful consideration.

Can my hon. Friend say when it will be possible to give an answer, in view of the tourist traffic which is going on this summer; and can we have a reply before the Session ends?

I will give a reply as soon as possible, but, as I said, this needs very careful consideration, and it is receiving careful consideration.

Is it the fact that America has agreed to waive its visa fees?

Is the Noble Lord aware that the American Government are quite willing to facilitate the traffic of tourists between the two nations by the removal of a good many foolish obstructions; and will he see to it, therefore, that favourable consideration is given when this matter is considered?

Yes, Sir, sympathetic consideration will be given to the whole question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information in connection with the agreement arrived at between Herr von Papen, of Germany, and the Chancellor of Austria relative to the political and economic conditions of both countries; and whether he can state the terms of the agreement?

I understand that the agreement in question was concluded on 11th July. The information which I have so far received tends to confirm the terms as published in to-day's Press.

Has the Noble Lord seen any comments made in the Italian Press on this matter as to whether they acquiesce in this agreement?

The information has only just come in, and we have not had time to receive any communication from Italy at all.

When you have received the full text of this agreement will it be possible to have it circulated?

I will certainly consider that suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent murder in Barcelona of a British subject, Mr. J. Mitchell Hood; what representations have been made to the Spanish Government in this connection; and whether he is now in a position to give an assurance that adequate steps will be taken to protect British lives and property during the present period of riots and lawlessness in certain parts of Spain?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Consul-General at Barcelona and His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Madrid addressed Notes to the Spanish Government on 2nd and 3rd July, respectively, drawing attention to the grave concern which such an occurrence must cause to His Majesty's Government. The Spanish Government have expressed deep regret and undertaken to take the most active steps to inquire into the circumstances and to arrest the murderers as soon as possible. With regard to the last part of the question, an assurance has been given by the Spanish authorities that steps will be taken and all the forces of public order will be available to afford prompt protection to British lives and property.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is by the order or advice of His Majestys' Government that the Emperor of Abyssinia has been refused permission to return to Abyssinia through the Sudan; and, if so, for what reason?

No request of the nature indicated in the first part of the hon. Member's question has been received. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

in the event of those who believe that is the Emperor's wish proving to be rightly informed, will the Government give facilities for his return to his own country?

It seems to me a matter in which we should wait until the Emperor has expressed his wish.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is by the order or advice of His Majesty's Government that messages telegraphed by the Emperor of Abyssinia to Ras Imru at Gore were diverted from the Cairo-Khartoum route to Asmara, with the result that they fell into Italian hands?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend has no knowledge of the messages referred to.

Will the noble Lord be good enough to make inquiries to ascertain whether it is not so?

I have made inquiries, and there is no knowledge of these messages.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of allotment holders in 1917, 1920 and 1934; and whether he will consider meeting the Allotment Society for the purpose of hearing evidence of the need for a measure of allotment reforms to suit present day conditions?

The estimated number of allotment holders in England and Wales in 1920 was 1,330,000 and in 1934 936,000. Comparable figures for 1917 are not available. As regards the second part of the question, there is already in existence an Allotments Advisory Committee, on which the National Allotments Society is represented. The committee meets from time to time to advise me on all questions relating to allotments, and its recommendations always receive the fullest consideration. In these circumstances the need for the special meeting with the society suggested by the hon. Member does not seem to arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many allotment holders have been forced to give up their work through the land being required for other purposes during the years 1929, 1930, 1932, 1934 and 1935?

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

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware how many allotments have been taken away in these years?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the necessity of taking steps for stabilising the tenure of allotments?

The practical remedy for insecurity of tenure of allotments is the purchase of the land either by allotment associations or by local authorities, and I have recently circularised all allotment authorities urging upon them the desirability of purchasing land for allotments.

How can they purchase land against the purchasing power of the local authority?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is a growing practice among catchment boards, such as that of the Great Ouse and Internal Drainage Boards, manned by farming interests, to pay their navvy labourers the same wage rates as agricultural labourers and that, with frequent broken time, higher rents, and travel costs, this is in reality a much lower standard; and will he take steps to remedy this state of things?

I have no power to intervene in regard to rates of wages paid by catchment and other drainage boards except in the case of schemes in respect of which a Government grant is being paid. One of the conditions attaching to such grants is that the rate of wages of each class of workmen should be that commonly recognised in the district for the type of work. If the hon. Member is of opinion that this condition is not being complied with in any individual case and will send me particulars, I shall be pleased to have the matter investigated.

Have I not cited a case of that kind in the question?

It would need to be some particular case or cases, rather than that of the general practice of some board.

Can the right hon. Gentleman take steps to discountenance by any means this wretched practice of keeping wages down to the lowest possible level?

It would be more efficacious if you get some particular instance and make a complaint about that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Milk Marketing Board has been obliged, owing to the rapid increase in surplus milk production, to sell milk for cheese making since April, 1935, and milk for butter making since October, 1935, at prices substantially below the Government's estimated cheese milk price, which is based on quotations for Dominion imports; and whether, seeing that the depression in the milk industry in a time of rising prices for milk manufacturers is due to failure to increase liquid milk consumption to balance the increase in milk production, and not to competition from Dominion dairy products, he will not proceed with the proposed levy on Dominion butter and cheese?

I am aware that the prices obtained by the Milk Marketing Board for milk sold for manufacture into butter and cheese are lower than the statutory cheese milk price prescribed under the Milk Acts, 1934 and 1936. I could not agree that the course proposed in the last part of the question follows logically from the hon. Member's premises, and I would remind him that the question of duties or levies on imports of butter and cheese will not be considered by the Government until the report of the Milk Reorganisation Commission is available. All relevant considerations will then be taken into account.

If it turns out that the suggestions I make in the question are well founded, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to impose the levy?

I am afraid that is a hypothetical question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make any statement as to the expected effect on prices to the consumers of beef and veal of the new livestock policy of the Government?

As my hon. Friend will appreciate, it would be premature to make any forecast as suggested.

Is it not probable that the price will be forced up?

No, Sir, I do not think so.

Is there any necessity now to bother, because it has been raining heavily during the weekend, and there is plenty of water to drink?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that a workman named Wilfred Marshall, of Stainton, near Rotherham, made a complaint to the Ministry that his employer at Rock House Farm was not paying the wages due under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924; that the Ministry inspector made inquiries at the farm and proved underpayment; that the workman was afterwards given one week's notice and later on received a solicitor's letter demanding possession of the house under threat of turning the man and his family on to the street; and will he take action to prevent employers who break the law from victimising workmen who have not broken the law?

My attention has already been drawn to the case in question. Without expressing any opinion on the facts of this particular case, I have no hesitation in saying that I would very strongly deprecate the action of an employer in dismissing a worker as a result of an investigation by an inspector which disclosed contravention of the agricultural minimum wage orders. As the hon. Member is aware, however, I have no power to prevent an employer terminating a worker's contract of service. I would add that from the information at my disposal, I have every reason to believe that cases of victimisation are rare.

In view of the bountiful blessings conferred upon agriculture and farmers generally, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that he has a duty to agricultural labourers, who are merely complying with the law, to prevent them from being victimised by farmers who are known to have broken the law?

Certainly, and I shall carry that out to the best of my ability.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how he intends to carry it out? Does he intend to provide a few thousand pounds for more wage inspectors and at the same time provide a few more millions for farmers in one way or another?

The inspectorate has been increased lately. If more are needed they will be appointed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the poverty of this year's Icelandic fishing and to the probability of there being an acute shortage of fish during the months of August and September; and whether he proposes to take any steps to met such a situation?

I am aware that there have been complaints to the effect suggested in the first part of the question, but I have no direct evidence on the subject. As my hon. Friend is aware, a new Northern Waters Order has just been made regarding the landings from Bear Island during September, and this should relieve the pressure on Icelandic waters.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the new Order is of indefinite duration or is it of definite duration as contemplated by the Act under which it was made? How long will it last?

I understand that it will be for this year.

asked (1) the Minister of Agriculture whether he will institute a census of distribution of foodstuffs in order to obtain the necessary statistical information without which a serious attack on the problem of distribution cannot be undertaken;

(2) the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the results of the census of distribution recently completed in the United States of America; whether he is aware that large economies in the process of distribution are likely to be possible in the United States of America as a result of the information gained; and whether, in view of the bearing of distributive economy in the problem of malnutrition, he will at once take the necessary steps to institute a census of distribution in this country?

I have been asked to answer these questions. I have not yet seen the results of the United States census of distribution for the year 1933 which, I presume, is the one to which my hon. Friend refers, but I will study them carefully when received. In the meantime I have nothing to add to the previous replies on this subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that a report on the number of ladies' hats of a particular design sold last year would be any indication of what they will be next year?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it necessary to examine the underlying factors of this problem of commerce? Is he not aware that while the cost of production generally has gone down costs of distribution have gone up?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether steps will be taken to render compulsory, as from the date of revocation of the sanctions orders, payment to the Bank of England by United Kingdom importers in respect of their imports from Italy?

Yes, Sir. I would draw attention to the Treasury Order, entitled "The Clearing Office (Italy) Order, 1936," which is being laid before the House to-day. This Order renders payment in the manner suggested compulsory as from 15th July. Arrangements as to distribution to creditors in the United Kingdom are under discussion with the Italian Government, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement in regard to this aspect of the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephone exchanges in the London area are still on the old telephone system and have not yet been converted to the automatic system; and which are the next exchanges to be converted to the automatic system?

The number of manual telephone exchanges in the London area, within 10 miles of Oxford Circus, still to be converted to automatic working is 56. The next exchanges to be converted are Sydenham, Royal, Waterloo and Stepney Green.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that some of the exchanges in the West End of London have not been converted yet?

That is not in the question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it on the Order Paper.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he proposes to make any further concessions to users of the telephone service?

Perhaps I may answer this question and another question later. I have an important statement to make, and it is long.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is yet in a position to make any further reductions in telephone rentals?

I will make a statement at the end of Questions.

Since October, 1934, when a series of reductions in telephone charges was inaugurated, the growth of the system has been remarkable and the annual increase in telephones is now about double that of the years preceding the reduction of rates. This growth has been accompanied by very satisfactory increases in revenue and, with a view to bringing telephone service within the reach of a still wider circle of the community, and of increasing its usefulness and cheapness to those who already have it, I propose, with the concurrence of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to introduce further concessions.

From 1st October next every subscriber on a quarterly basis under the ordinary residential rates for exclusive lines will be able to make 200 penny local calls a year free of charge. This free allowance will be applied to the first 50 local call units in each quarter, the units being 1d. each. Similarly, the first 16 local call units in each month will be given free to ordinary monthly residential subscribers. In a large number of cases this will mean that the telephone rental of £1 a quarter will cover all nominal charges for the service, and a small residential user in all but the largest cities will thus be able to obtain what is, in effect, an inclusive service at a figure closely approximating to 1s. 6d. a week; at the same time all ordinary residential subscribers will secure a benefit up to 4s. 2d. a quarter.

It is, of course, with the small user that the chief potentialities of development lie, as we have found from the success of the business small user tariff among small shop-keepers and one-man businesses. The concession of free calls is not so suitable to this service which is largely used for incoming calls. I propose, therefore, to make a flat reduction in the business small user tariff of 10s. a year and a similar reduction will be applicable to all ordinary business lines.

In the case of those businesses which rent additional lines to the same premises, the rental for each of these auxiliary lines will also be reduced by a further 10s. a year. There will be consequential reductions in associated services. In January next I also propose to make certain reductions in the charges for private lines up to 24 miles, with corresponding reductions in respect of the first 24 miles of longer circuits.

These concessions, taken in conjunction with the reduced charges for extension telephones introduced last January and the further reductions in trunk charges which came into force in May, represent a very considerable all-round cheapening of telephone services, affecting all classes of telephone users. In fact, the reductions made during the present year are estimated to involve the sacrifice of revenue, after allowing for additional business induced by the lower tariffs, to a total amount of one and a-half million pounds in the first full year, but I feel confident that this sacrifice will be amply repaid by the further assistance it will afford to trade and in facilitating business and social communications throughout the country.

Arising out of that extremely satisfactory statement of the Minister, is it not a fact that the reduction in rates has very much increased the use of the telephone, and is he not hopeful that, in view of the further reduction of rates, especially to business houses, the telephone charges can be again reduced and so be of further assistance to the business community?

I do not think I could undertake to promise any further reduction since the statement I have just made, but it is a fact that there has been a great increase in the use of the telephone. We hope by this announcement to-day to add to the number of telephone subscribers, and I am glad to be able to assure the House that this policy has led to a great increase of employment in the Post Office.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that for some time past a connecting-on charge of 15s. has been made to new subscribers in the Metropolitan area, at any rate, whereas previously no connecting-on charge, but a deposit of £1 for calls, was made, and will he consider the advisability of removing that charge?

If the hon. Member will put that question down, I shall be happy to go into it.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that this is one of the big advantages of having it under State control?

I have not a very happy recollection of the management of the country some little time ago by the hon. Member's party.

asked the Minister of Pensions, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will be in a position to submit proposals for the reorganisation of the refreshment rooms and lavatories in the Palace of Westminster before the Summer Recess?

(for the First Commissioner of Works): The question of the reorganisation of the refreshment rooms and lavatories in the Palace of Westminster was remitted to a Joint Select Committee of the two Houses which has not yet reported.

Can the right hon. Member say what are the prospects of it getting to work; do they ever meet?

I understand that they met sometime in March.

asked the Minister of Pensions, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the floral display in Regent's Park and St. James's Park, he will consider the possibility of making arrangements for replacing the flower-beds in the railed-in enclosure between the two pathways on the East side of Hyde Park, immediately to the South of Grosvenor Gate?

As my hon. Friend is aware, this question is one which has already been carefully considered from time to time. The First Commissioner has, however, re-examined it as sympathetically as possible, and has come to the conclusion that the attractiveness of the Spring display of daffodils is such that he would not feel justified at present in having flower beds constructed in this area.

Is the hon. Member aware that these particular beds were specially prepared as flower beds and that there is ample space in the part of the park referred to for the display of daffodils to continue?

I understand that these particular spaces are filled with daffodils.

asked the Minister of Health whether in view of the fact that a large number of the employés of the local authorities in South Wales and Monmouthshire are relatives of members of those authorities and in order to rebut charges of nepotism, he will obtain a return of all employés of such authorities who are related to members thereof; and, when complete, will he place a copy in the Library of the House?

I am aware that there

asked the Minister of Health the rate of maternal mortality per 1,000 live births and per 1,000 live and still births, and the rate of infantile mortality in England and Wales in 1935?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in South Wales everybody is connected with everybody else?

asked the Minister of Health the maternal mortality rate in 1935 in each of the following counties: Pembroke, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecon, and the comparative figure for the whole of England and Wales?

As the answer involves a tabular statement I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate these figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether there has been any improvement in the mortality rate from tuberculosis in the industrial areas of South Wales, particularly in the age groups of 15–25 years and 25–35 years to which attention was called in the report of the chief medical officer of the Ministry of Health for the year 1933; and whether he will direct the attention of the Unemployment Assistance Board to the report of the chief medical officer and ask the board to bear it in mind when fixing scales and conditions of assistance to unemployed persons in those areas?

The death rates from pulmonary tuberculosis in the years 1931 to 1935, for the area comprising the administrative counties of Brecon, Carmarthen, Glamorgan and Monmouth with the associated county boroughs of Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea and Newport, including the rates for the age-groups mentioned, show some improvement during that period, though emigration from this area may render interpretation of the figures, of which I will send the hon. Member a copy, somewhat difficult. As regards the second part of the question, the Unemployment Assistance Board are aware of the observations contained in the report.

Has the right hon. Gentleman called their attention to the fact that, in the general medical view, this increase is due to the population in South Wales having to live on a poor standard of living?

My information is that there is some improvement.

asked the Minister of Health whether a Bill to assimilate the law in London with respect to rating and valuation with the law outside London will be introduced into Parliament in the present or next Session?

I have recently been in touch with representatives of the authorities concerned who have undertaken to submit an agreed statement of the amendments of the law desired by them. The prospects of legislation next Session must depend on the scope of the amendments contemplated and, of course, on the state of Parliamentary business.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him whether he will bear in mind that two years ago, in March, 1934, on the Second Reading of a private Member's Bill dealing with this subject, the Parliamentary Secretary said that it was the intention of the Department to introduce a Measure on this subject and in these circumstances may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to do his best to get this matter dealt with as speedily as possible?

I think that there is a better prospect now, as I understand there is a substantial measure of agreement among local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health, whether, in view of the volume of work entailed in the operation of the Overcrowding Act, he is satisfied that local authorities, particularly urban and rural councils, have sufficient expert staff to carry out the work expeditiously?

I presume that my hon. Friend has in mind the work which has to be carried out before 1st January next in those areas where that date has been fixed as the appointed day from which the overcrowding provisions will operate. I have no reason to suppose that the local authorities concerned will experience any insuperable difficulties in completing that work.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries of some local authorities to find out whether they hold the same view as the right hon. Gentleman? I understand that some are a little apprehensive on this point.

I think the best course would be for the hon. Member to send me any information she has, and I will examine it.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to a recent judgment in the Court of Appeal which places on the tenants of controlled dwellings the onus of proof of such control; and whether he will take immediate steps to introduce amending legislation?

I have given careful consideration to the issues raised in this decision which has, I think, been the subject of some misconception. I am advised that no difficulty is likely to arise in the case of a tenant who was in occupation of his house on 17th July, 1933, since the necessary facts will be normally within his own knowledge. In the case of a tenant who was not in occupation at that date, it may sometimes be a matter of difficulty to prove whether the house was or was not decontrolled, but in such a case the difficulty would create a hardship only if the landlord attempts to raise the rent or regain possession of a house which has either been improperly registered or, having been in the occupation of a tenant on 17th July, 1933, has not been registered at all. I am satisfied that such a contingency is unlikely to arise since, apart from other considerations, the Acts impose substantial penalties on a landlord who knowingly makes a false claim that a house is decontrolled. I may add that the working of the Acts is under the close scrutiny of the local authorities who have power to prosecute for contravention of the Acts. In these circumstances, the decision does not, in my view, call for any immediate action, but I shall carefully watch any developments that may take place.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that local authorities have taken sufficient advantage of their permissive powers to provide adequately for deaf persons?

A considerable number of local authorities concerned are now making contributions, as recommended by my Department, to voluntary associations in aid of the work of finding employment for deaf and dumb persons, and I have no evidence that this work is hampered owing to lack of support from the local authorities.

Did the right hon. Gentleman see a statement of the late Minister of Health in a speech he made to the Deaf and Dumb Society with regard to the circular?

No. I shall be glad if the hon. Member will let me have a copy of it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet able, before it is too late, to indicate what steps the Government intend to take to initiate proposals to secure a peaceful reconsideration of the Treaties of Peace of 1919 and 1920 under Article 19 of the Covenant of the League of Nations?

As my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend the Member for East Willesden (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on 6th July last, the question of the reform of the working of the Covenant is to be considered by the Assembly of the League of Nations next September and is at present under examination by His Majesty's Government.

As a revision of the Peace Treaties is going on in the absence of any initiative from the League and without any consultation with the League, would it not he better if such initiative were taken by the League at an earlier date than suggested by the Prime Minister?

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the Fuel Research Board have yet been asked to report upon the new carbonisation process of the National Coke and Oil Company, Limited; and whether the report, if any, is regarded as satisfactory?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 25th June last, to which I have nothing to add.

As this company are asking the public for large sums of money for a process which may or may not be efficacious, is it within the power of his Department to make a public statement when non-tested processes are utilised for the purpose of collecting hundreds of thousands of pounds from the investing public?

I have been happy on more than one occasion to make it public that since 1932 we are prepared to test these processes, but we have not received sanction or the necessary invitation from the company.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in the case of processes for the production of oil from a mixture of coal and imported oil, the preference which is accorded to home-produced motor spirit and heavy oils is applied to the whole of the oil products obtained or only to that part which is produced from coal?

No, Sir. Any oils derived from imported oil are liable to customs duty at the appropriate rate; the preference therefore applies solely to that part of the products which is produced from coal.

asked the Minister of Health whether the humane slaughtering of animals for food is universal throughout the country; and, if not, will he give the names of those authorities which have not yet adopted the Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a recent question on this subject of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt of unemployment assistance in the area covered by the Pontefract office; and the number assessed under the regulations and transition payments, respectively?

At 22nd June, 1936, there were 1,259 persons on the registers of the Pontefract Employment Exchange with applications authorised for unemployment allowances. In the week ended 26th June, 1936, the number of payments according to the Unemployment Assistance Regulations was 553 and the number according to transitional payments practice was 708.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who come under the Unemployment Assistance Board in the Abertillery, Crumlin, and Blaina areas, respectively, and the number of persons receiving assistance under the Regulations, with those in receipt of transitional benefit under the standstill order?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in existing trading estates or estates likely to be promoted either by the Ministry of Labour or the Special Areas Reconstructional Association, proper provisions exist or will be made to safeguard trade union rates of wages for those engaged in any of the establishments?

The factories on these trading estates will be rented by the companies to prospective employers at commercial rents, and my right hon. Friend sees no reason to differentiate between the position of such employers and those occupying existing trading estates.

Are we to understand from the reply that the Minister does not think it fit and proper to see that there are trade union rates of wages and conditions of employment in these estates?

My right hon. Friend, as my answer indicates, does not see any reason for differentiating between these particular trading estates and any other trading estates.

Is it not a fact that these trading estates are to be utilised to draw unemployed workmen from depressed areas, and that they are offered work in these places at an absolutely scandalous rate of wages, 7¾d. per hour being paid at one of these places?

I am not at all prepared to accept the statement made by the hon. Member, but I would draw attention to the fact that if one is going to differentiate between these trading estates and other trading estates it may end in defeating the object of these trading estates, which is to stimulate industrial activity in the Special Areas.

Chinese labour.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the amount estimated to be paid under the new Unemployment Assistance Regulations and the amount that would be paid if the new scales were equal to unemployment benefit without regard to any means test?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Explanatory Memorandum by the Unemployment Assistance Board contained in the White Paper (Cmd. 5229). As to the second part of the question, the scale allowances under the Regulations include provision in respect of members of the applicant's household who would be inadmissible as dependants under the conditions governing the payment of unemployment benefit and for whom, therefore, there are no corresponding benefit rates. Consequently an estimate of the kind desired cannot be given.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who come under the Unemployment Assistance Board in Lancashire, and the number receiving assistance under the regulations with those receiving transitional benefit under the standstill Order?

I am having the information extracted and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to initiate discussion with responsible bodies in this country on the question of the legal limitation of the hours of labour in our main industries as a means of dealing with the problem of unemployment?

My right hon. Friend and his predecessor have had interviews with representatives of a number of important industries and have discussed with them the question of absorbing more workers into employment by various means, including the limitation of hours of labour.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the unanimous report of the Committee on Ministers' Powers that, until the Crown Proceedings Bill or a similar Measure is passed into law, there will remain a gap in the constitution where the supremacy of the law does not prevail, and of the widspread demand in legal and lay circles for such a Measure, he can now state whether it is proposed to introduce a Bill to supplement the provisions of the Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1933, and to bring English And Colonial law on this subject more into line with that of His Majesty's Dominions?

This is a subject on which there is a considerable division of opinion, and it is not proposed to introduce a Bill on the lines suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, with the restoration of order in Palestine, it is his intention to advise the appointment from this country of experts in municipal administration in view of the backward state of local government in Palestine?

The question of the appointment of a municipal adviser will be further considered when normal conditions are restored. With reference to the suggestion in the second part of the hon. Member's question, I am glad to be able to say that almost all the municipalities in Palestine have worked well and satisfactorily during the last two and a-half years.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the House any information in connection with the accident to four men when the staging alongside the "Iron Duke" in Portsmouth Dockyard collapsed and threw them 40 feet to the dock below; whether he can state the cause of the accident; and whether the staging in question was properly erected and tested before the men stood on it?

I regret to state that the Admiral Superintendent, Portsmouth, reports that on Wednesday, 8th July, owing to the breaking of a spar supporting some staging on the side of His Majesty's Ship "Iron Duke" in dock at Portsmouth Dockyard, four men fell to the bottom of the dock—a distance of 20 feet 6 inches. One of these men, F. H. Martin, skilled labourer, died at the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, on the same day. The other men were also removed for treatment to Haslar Hospital suffering from multiple injuries. The staging spar referred to was recently drawn from store and had not been previously used. It had been subjected to the usual practical tests and the stage had been erected by experienced stagemakers under the supervision of a chargeman of 30 years' experience of this class of work. It is reported that the fault in the spar was of an unusual character and that no inspection or practicable test would have revealed the defect; also that a spar of the dimensions used would normally be of considerably more than ample strength for its purpose. An inquest was held on Friday, 10th July, on the body of Martin and a verdict of accidental death was returned, the jury expressing an opinion that no one was to blame for the accident. The Board of Admiralty have expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased man, and the question of paying compensation to his dependants is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the attitude of his Department in regard to the use of parts of provided schools for the purpose of sectarian religious instruction remains as set forth in the letter to the Yorkshire Education Committee in 1929; whether such arrangements may be entered into in exceptional cases only, where children could not, in practice, be withdrawn from school premises; and whether he will make this fact clear to all local education authorities who contemplate entering into arrangements with denominational authorities?

The circumstances in which the use of provided school premises is permissible are indicated in the letters to the Dorset and West Riding authorities, and I do not think that any further communication to local authorities is called for.

Will the Minister of Education say whether the law is as set forth in my question? Is he aware that there is considerable doubt as to what this letter really means, even people like the Archbishop of Canterbury apparently being in doubt as to its meaning?

I think the two letters to which I have referred set out very clearly what is the board's point of view on the legal position, and I have never heard any difficulty expressed even from such a distinguished quarter as that to which the hon. Gentleman referred.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a colleague of his in another place described this letter as a masterpiece of—[Interruption].

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Leonard Cox, of 49, Badger Street, Upper Gornal, Dudley, the facts of which show that a workman engaged in grinding fire-bricks who contracts silicosis is not entitled to compensation whereas another workman working in the same factory and grinding silica bricks is entitled to compensation; and whether he will take steps to provide that these anomalies in the compensation law shall be altered?

The Home Office has no evidence that workmen engaged in the fire-brick industry as distinct from the silica brick industry are exposed to the risk of silicosis so as to justify the making of a compensation scheme to cover them. As regards the case of Leonard Cox, I understand that he has not been examined by the Silicosis Medical Board, and that in correspondence with the board it was merely certified that silicosis is suspected: but I will have further inquiries made.

In view of the large number of anomalies under the compensation laws and in view of the fact that approved societies are expecting them to be remedied, does not my hon. Friend think that a revision of these laws in the near future is desirable?

There is a number of committees inquiring into various aspects of this matter at present.

When making inquiries, will my hon. Friend try to ascertain the percentage of silicosis in these particular bricks?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that for two years now some of us have been asking for inquiries of this description and have continually been put off, and is it not time an inquiry was made?

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in order to expedite the reforms which are persistently being asked for, it is possible to give to the experts a dose of the diseases to which reference is made?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the Home Office, under existing law and practice, intervenes to ratify, disapprove, or amend appointments made by provincial burgh and county police authorities?

Under the Police Regulations, appointments to the post of chief officer of police are subject to the approval of the Secretary of State. Apart from this, my Department is concerned with appointments and promotions in county and borough police forces only so far as is necessary to ensure compliance with the general provisions of the Regulations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to meet the secretary of the Civil Service Association for a discussion of matters in dispute?

Elaborate procedure, including recourse to the Industrial Court, exists for dealing with questions affecting the emoluments of Civil servants and it is neither usual nor necessary for my right hon. Friend to receive an official of a staff association on such a matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make available to the House the calculations and the assumptions by which it is estimated that a serious loss would be involved to the Exchequer were insurance policies taken out in the name of the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the express purpose of meeting Estate Duty payable at death to be taken at their surrender value on the day of death; and what is the estimated loss in a full year?

In the Debate that took place on the Report stage of the Finance Bill on a Clause moved by my hon. Friend, I furnished estimates of the loss which the Revenue would suffer by valuing insurance policies at the surrender value before death instead of the actual amount of the policy moneys passing at death. While I am not prepared to supplement these estimates with particulars of the calculations on which they were based, I may point out that in cases where such policies as my hon. Friend has in mind are taken out, the charging of duty on an amount appreciably less than the moneys actually payable by the insurance company must result in a loss of revenue and the loss would be a growing one as the differential position enjoyed by life insurance policies in relation to other kinds of property would lead to conversion of other property into life insurance.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that neither Members of this House nor the general public, including experts, are able to understand how the figures which he gave have been arrived at; and what objection is there to placing in the Library or giving to myself or other hon. Members the calculations which enabled him to make a statement to the House which the House has so far been unable to verify?

The objection is that any detailed calculations would necessarily involve figures relating to estates. The hon. Member's argument in the Debate and the argument underlying his Supplementary Question is clearly that such life insurance policies would be a net addition to savings of money and would be different from other savings, and that is an assumption which I cannot agree to be a valid one.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Electricity Commissioners have the necessary data from which to make reliable estimates of the cost of standardisation, in view of the importance of achieving standardisation of domestic consumers' voltage and system of supply, and the present inconvenience to the public due to the numerous voltages of both alternating and direct current; and, if not, will he request the Electricity Commissioners to acquire this data?

This question was considered by the recent Committee on Electricity Distribution and pending the decision of the Government on the report of that Committee, my right hon. Friend does not feel justified in calling upon the Electricity Commissioners to incur the heavy expense of compiling further data.

When are the Government likely to come to a decision?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.