asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the numbers of persons killed and injured, respectively, in the communal riots in the various provinces of British India during the year 1935?

With the Noble Lady's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will give an account of the recent communal riots in Bombay, stating in particular the number of killed and injured and the material damage caused?

I would refer the Noble Lady to the answer I gave to a question asked by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on Thursday, 29th October, to which I have nothing fresh to add. I regret that I have no information as to the amount of material damage caused.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that since he gave that reply, on more than one occasion there have appeared in the Press accounts of further stabbing affrays in Bombay between the different religious communities, and does he not fear that there may be a serious increase in communal disturbances in Bombay if the control of the police is handed over under the new Constitution?

I have seen the accounts in the Press, but when I receive official corroboration I will communicate with the Noble Lady. With regard to the second part of the question, I cannot accept the implications contained therein. I have perfect confidence in the present authorities and in the authorities in future under the new Constitution.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that recruiting posters lead prospective recruits to believe that they will be fed free in the Army, but that there are units in India where soldiers supplement their rations out of their own pockets; whether he will state what are the units and how much the men pay; and whether steps can be taken to save soldiers such expenses?

Free rations are issued in India to soldiers of the British Army, and in addition messing allowance is paid by Government at the rate of 3½ annas per day per man. Some units find this sufficient; others supplement it by a small messing subscription of one or two annas. Since this is a matter for regimental arrangement I have no detailed information regarding the units concerned and the amounts paid.

Is it not a fact that if regiments find it necessary to supplement their daily rations, there is bound to be complaint among soldiers in India, which is passed on to England and is likely to affect the recruiting here?

I understand these arrangements are made by the mess committees, and while I realise the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member, I am not aware of any great dissatisfaction.

Is there any justification for inviting private soldiers to pay for their rations out of their own pockets.

Will the hon. Gentleman obtain more information concerning the opinion in the Army on this matter by consulting his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War?

All members of the Government are always in close touch with one another on these important matters, and the authorities in India constantly keep in touch with the commanding officers on such questions as these.

Will the hon. Gentleman give a reply to my question?

As I said in the original reply, many units find the mess allowance provided sufficient. In cases where they do not, they make a voluntary subscription of a few annas and satisfactory arrangements are made.

Is it not the duty of the Government to provide sufficient, so that no regiment takes the private soldiers' pay from them?

I assure hon. Members that this is done voluntarily by agreement among the men.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a private soldier on landing in India is put to personal expense owing to lack of adequate or correct supply of uniform and equipment; and whether he will arrange that in future no such expense falls on soldiers, in view of the fact that they join the Army understanding that they will be clothed free?

On enlistment a soldier receives a free issue of clothing and necessaries, and his emoluments include an allowance for the purpose of maintaining his personal clothing, etc. On proceeding to India he is required to provide himself with additional articles of clothing; the value of these items is recovered by instalments not from his pay but from the clothing allowance to which I have referred.

Is it not a fact that these clothes and equipment which the soldier has to supply on arriving in India are out of all proportion to his clothing allowance, and that this constitutes a heavy burden on the individual soldier, putting him in debt for a long time?

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that many of these soldiers are compelled, by reason of the condition of their families, to send money home, and that if some of the money is deducted in this way, there is less available to send to their families?

Is my hon. Friend aware that when a soldier goes to India he often finds his pay is reduced because of his constantly having to buy these articles?

This money is deducted from the allowance. I agree it is a burden -on him, but it is not deducted from his pay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the daily rate of extra ration or maintenance allowance allowed, respectively, to officers and soldiers when travelling in India?

The travelling allowance payable to an officer includes an element in respect of subsistence during the journey. For halts away from his headquarters a daily allowance amounting at least to a scale of from Rs.5 to Rs.10 a day, according to his pay, is admissible. A soldier ordinarily travels on warrant and is provided with free rations. Where it is not possible to supply him with meals during a journey, an allowance of R.1, Annas 13 a day is granted in lieu.

Is there not a great divergence between what is allowed for soldiers and officers in India, and is it not a fact that on Indian railway stations there is only one restaurant, and no coffee-stall or anything of that sort, so that the soldiers are put to exactly the same expense for food as officers?

I think the hon. and gallant Member should realise that the authorities in India have the interests and welfare of the troops at heart, and do their best to provide proper accommodation and mess arrangements for them.

Is it not a fact that this is a genuine grievance among soldiers in India?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the approaching coming into operation of the new Constitution in India and the desirability of creating an atmosphere of good will for this development, the Government of India will consider releasing the large number of people at present deprived of their liberty on political grounds, many of whom have not been given an opportunity of defending themselves in a court of law?

No, Sir. I would point out that there are no longer any Civil Disobedience prisoners still in jail, and practically all those non-convicted were detained because of their association with terrorism.

Is not the Under-Secretary considering the possibility of releasing some of those who have been detained in that way, and is he not going to bring out an amnesty list of any kind?

I think there can be no question of an amnesty, but the hon. Member will be aware that the Government of Bengal have in certain cases released certain detenus with a view to training them for a return to ordinary life.

May I point out that the name Mr. Rassam should he Mr. Masani?

I also had gone on the assumption that the name was Mr. Rassam, but I will make the correction. As regards Mr. Masani, I have further enquiries to make, and have not yet received an answer. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the grounds upon which the district magistrate at Allahabad has seized literature which was being transmitted to this country by the All-India Congress Committee; and whether it is the policy of the Government to prevent persons in the country or elsewhere from obtaining information as to the trend of events in India?

Action was taken by the district magistrate of Allahabad because he was advised that this literature came under the definition of unauthorised news sheets as laid down in the Indian Press Emergency Powers Act, 1931. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this literature is just the same as that which has been sent, over a very long period to Members of this House and to persons outside this House who are interested in these problems?

This literature, the magistrate was advised, came under the Act. Warning was given to the Congress and that warning was disregarded with the result that this action was taken. May I add that the President of the Congress has now applied for permission to issue certain news sheets and the matter is under the consideration of the local government.

Do I understand that information in the old form is not to be transmitted in future?

I would not say that. I would rather leave it for the local government to consider the application from the Congress.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that under the present interpretation any typewritten circular would come under a ban?

I think the hon. Member had better await the consideration by the local government of the matter, which is of some importance.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can assure the House that complete liberty is being afforded to all political parties and organisations in India to present their programme to the electorate either by speech or by means of literature?

I would refer the hon. Member to the speeches of the Home Member and the Law Member in the Indian Legislative Assembly on the 1st and 8th October, of which I will send him a copy. The Government of India have lately called special attention to the subject, emphasising the necessity for strict impartiality on the part of Government officers, and I am satisfied that all political parties are free to carry out all legitimate activities in their election campaign.

I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Undo' Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that it is proposed to place differently coloured ballot boxes in urban areas during elections; and whether this will also be done in rural areas where they would be most needed?

I understand that some local governments intend to adopt this system for all constituencies, one at least for urban but not for certain rural areas, while other local governments do not propose to adopt the system at all. The choice in the matter lies with the local government concerned.

Will the hon. Gentleman use his influence to establish the method of coloured ballot boxes at the elections, particularly in the rural areas where, obviously, there will be a larger proportion of illiterate voters than in the urban areas?

I must leave the matter to the local government. In certain cases they find the system of symbols and other systems more effective.

Will the supporters of the respective candidates be permitted to wear uniforms to match the ballot boxes?

Does not the necessity for these ballot boxes show that the whole system is a farce?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken to prevent court of wards in Allahabad and elsewhere from encouraging the active opposition of officials to Congress candidates and from mischievous interference with the freedom of electors?

I would refer the hon. Member to an extract from a speech by the Home Member in the Indian Legislative Assembly on 8th October dealing with this matter, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many have been externed for political reasons from the Punjab; and whether he has any information that clearly implicates the externees in illegal acts?

The number of persons at present externed from the Punjab under Section 3 of the Punjab Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, is three. This Section gives power to take steps to prevent a person from acting in a manner prejudicial to the public safety or peace. I have no doubt that the action taken by the Local Government in these cases was justified.

Do I understand that the hon. Gentleman has no information indicating that these externees had committed illegal acts?

I have very definite information in the case of two of them. I am awaiting a further report on the third.

Were there not other externees who have now, presumably, been allowed to come back; and if so, can the hon. Gentleman give any information about those externees?

The hon. Member's question related to three specific cases. I would be glad if he would put any other question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give particulars of any change contemplated in the agreement that exists between His Majesty's Government and the Egyptian administration on the subject of the use and control of the Nile waters; and whether the proposed changes will be submitted to both British and Egyptian Parliaments?

No change is contemplated in the agreement referred to by the hon. Member.

Has there been any discussion about it?

There was no discussion during the negotiations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the proposal of the Italian Government to build a dam at Lake Tsana; what effect would such a dam have on the water supply of the Sudan and Egypt; and whether the British Government has any comment to make on the proposal?

No such proposal has, so far as I am aware, been made by the Italian Government. The second and third parts of the question do not, therefore, arise.

Are we to take it from the Noble Lord's reply that the statement is incorrect, or that the Foreign Office has not been informed of it?

The Foreign Office knows nothing about it, and I can assume, therefore, that it is incorrect.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that broadcasts from Russia are regularly being transmitted in English and are available to listeners in this country; whether he has considered the effects of the persistent spread of Russian Communist propaganda in this country through this medium; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to put a stop to it?

My right hon. Friend is aware that English programmes are broadcast regularly from the Soviet Union; but he understands that these programmes are devoted almost entirely to discussions of various aspects of everyday life in the Union. The third part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Is the Noble Lord aware that the Russian Government devote 15 hours weekly to propaganda against this country?

I have already said that I understand these programmes to relate almost entirely to the discussion of various aspects of life in the Soviet Union. If my hon. Friend has any specific case to bring to the notice of my right hon. Friend, he will be glad to deal with it.

Would the Noble Lord listen to the wireless for himself at certain hours?

I have other things to do.

Will he direct the attention of the "Daily Mail" to its anti-Russian propaganda?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Minister in Mexico City has furnished him with any report on the attitude of the Mexican Government in regard to its obligations towards the British holders of Mexican Government bonds; and, in the absence of any such report, whether, in view of the prosperity which Mexico is now enjoying, he will instruct His Majesty's Minister in Mexico to report on the reasons for the continued default of the Mexican Government in this respect?

Several reports were received from His Majesty's Minister at Mexico City regarding the negotiations conducted earlier in the year between the Mexican Government and a representative of the bondholders. Although the latter maintained close contact throughout with His Majesty's Minister, he has not, so far as I am aware, sought his active intervention. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend does not think any special instructions to His Majesty's Minister are necessary. His Majesty's Government are, however, as has repeatedly been stated, always prepared to give careful consideration to any proposals which may be made by the recognised representatives of the British bondholders.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has yet been received from the German Government to the British questionnaire; what is the period which has now elapsed since this questionnaire was received by the German Government; and whether he will consider the desirability of making it clear that unless a reply is received within the next few months it must be assumed that no reply is forthcoming?

The questionnaire to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was communicated to the German Government on 7th May last, and my right Friend stated on 6th July last, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson), that His Majesty's Government were not prepared to repeat their requests for a reply. The third part of the question does not, therefore, appear to arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Brazilian authorities granted revision of tariffs for the services of the Cantareira and Leopoldina Terminal Company; and, if adjustment has not yet been made operative, will he request His Majesty's Ambassador in Rio de Janeiro to obtain information as to the date upon which the long continued maltreatment of British capital which provides these services to Brazilian subjects will be brought to an end?

His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio de Janeiro has reported that negotiations on this subject are still proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish a verbatim report of the proceedings of the international committee for the application of the agreement regarding non-intervention in Spain?

The Committee have decided that their proceedings shall be treated as confidential, and it is therefore not open to His Majesty's Government to publish a verbatim report. My hon. and gallant Friend is, however, no doubt aware that a communique of a full and informative character is given to the Press at the end of each meeting.

Would not such a publication be very valuable in order to counteract the ex-parte statements now being published by other parties?

It was agreed by all the members of the committee that the present procedure was the most satisfactory from every point of view.

In view of the fact that these proceedings are a farce, had not the Government better withdraw from this bogus committee?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will issue as a White Paper the final form of the agreement on non-intervention in Spain, together with any reservations which may have been made by any of the signatory Powers?

Information regarding the terms of this agreement has already been published in the Press. But if, as I understand, it is the wish of the House that the actual documents concerned should be made available as a White Paper, my right hon. Friend will be glad to agree to it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government would give facilities to an all-party delegation of Members of Parliament to proceed to Madrid in order by their presence to provide some check on the possibility, in the event of an insurgent victory, of heavy loss of life among the civilian population, including hostages?

His Majesty's Government are in full sympathy with the desire expressed by the hon. Member that loss of life among the civilian population, including hostages, in Madrid, may as far as possible be avoided. The House will, indeed, be aware that His Majesty's Government have taken since the outset of the dispute all possible steps, both at Madrid and elsewhere, to mitigate the suffering and loss of life. Moreover, they have a representative in Madrid, in the person of Mr. Ogilvie Forbes, in whose activities in this as other matters they have complete confidence. I do not think, therefore, that the further action suggested by the hon. Member would in existing circumstances be likely to serve any useful purpose.

In view of the massacre which followed the capture of Badajoz, will the Government take extra pains to see whether they cannot prevent a similar massacre following the fall of Madrid, especially in view of the fact that the Government have a responsibility in the matter of preventing arms for the defence of Madrid reaching Spain?

The Government have done, and are doing, all that they can, and with some results, but not with all the results we might have hoped for, to prevent the terrible outrages on either side in Madrid.

Are the Government getting from their representative in Madrid what is actually going on; if so, would it be advisable to circulate some information?

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to put a specific question to the Foreign Secretary. I understand the anxiety of the House for information.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Messrs. MacMahon and Boyd, two members of the Scottish Ambulance Unit in Spain, have been captured by the rebel forces; and whether he will take whatever steps are possible to secure their release?

My right hon. Friend's attention was drawn yesterday evening to the reported capture of these two gentlemen, and he has this morning approached the authorities at Bourgos with a view to securing their release.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement as to the present position in Inner Mongolia and the extent of the Japanese military occupation of that area?

Inner Mongolia remains under the authority of the Chinese Government. The presence of Japanese as well as Chinese troops at certain points in the territory has been reported, but it is difficult to obtain detailed information regarding the military situation there.

What has become of Japan's pledge under the Nine-Power Treaty?

I would prefer that any questions regarding the Treaty should be put on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what satisfaction he has now received from the Japanese Government in reply to the representations made by him on the ill-treatment of three British sailors at Keelung, in Formosa?

My right hon. Friend hopes to take the earliest opportunity of making a full statement on the incident in question. His Majesty's Government are, however, still in discussion with the Japanese Government, and I am not therefore able to make any statement to-day.

Can my Noble Friend give any indication as to when his right hon. Friend will be able to make this statement, as it is a most serious matter?

My right hon. Friend fully recognises the seriousness of the incident in question. I cannot give a definite date, but I can assure my right hon. Friend that it will be at the earliest possible opportunity.

Thank you very much.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give any further information concerning the appointment of Mr. W. M. Kirkpatrick as the representative in China of the Export Credits Guarantee Department, and, in particular, what functions Mr. W, M. Kirkpatrick will exercise?

Mr. Kirkpatrick has been appointed to assist the Export Credits Guarantee Department in connection with the granting of guarantees for the export of United Kingdom goods to China on appropriate credit terms. His duties will be to examine on the spot proposals involving credit; to make all necessary inquiries; to assist in negotiations; and, in general, to give the Department 'and its Advisory Committee the fullest information on which to base decisions. While directly responsible to the Export Credits Guarantee Department, Mr. Kirkpatrick will be regarded as attached to the staff of His Majesty's Ambassador in China and under his general directions. The importance of the China market and of this appointment is, I know, fully appreciated by my hon. Friend and by Lancashire generally.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether there is any limit to the amount of credit that will be given?

I think it will be the limit dictated by ordinary commercial prudence.

Will the appointment be for a longer period than that proposed by Mr. Kirkpatrick? Is it to develop into a permanent department of the British Embassy to China?

I think we had better wait and see how Mr. Kirkpatrick gets on.

Do the Government intend to extend export credit to China in the same way as they did to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

We are dealing with China on an ordinary commercial basis. If we can get good terms we shall hope to do soave business with them.

On what Vote will Mr. Kirkpatrick's salary be borne?

On that of the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the latest percentages of the import trade of China held by Great Britain, the United States of America, Germany, and Japan and how they compare with the percentages in 1935.

The percentages of the total merchandise import trade of China attributed by the Chinese returns to the four countries in question during the period January to August, 1936— which I is the latest period for which particular are available—compared with the corresponding period of 1935, are as follo:—

	January to August.
	1935.	1936.
Great Britain	9.85	11.89
America	19.41	19.65
Germany	10.49	16.86
Japan	14.10	14.79

What is the reason for the increased percentage of Germany?

There is a variety of reasons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he can give any estimate of the amount spent in this country in retail shops last year in the purchase of foodstuffs.

No official information is available.

Does not my right hon. Friend think it essential that we shoe d have these figures if we are to have any sort of national food policy?

No, Sir, I think our food policy can be pursued quite well in the absence of these figures.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of asking the House to pass an Act to secure that there shall be a census of distribution automatically year by year?

There is a question on that subject further down on the Order Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department have considered any proposals for the holding of a national census of distribution?

Proposals for the holding of a national census of distribution have been considered. As I have previously explained to the House, I am not at present convinced that there is any general support for such a census, or that the usefulness of the information likely to be derived from it would be sufficient to justify its cost, and the labour involved.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask him to consider the very remarkable results obtained in other countries where such a census has been held? In view of the importance of our food policy at the moment, could he not reconsider the possibility of taking such a census?

I have considered what has happened elsewhere, and I find that if we apply in this country the same methods of assessing the production of trades it would cost us £500,000, and I am not prepared to recommend that to the Chancellor of the Exchequer at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the profit, estimated at approximately £1,500,000, which will be made by the Export Credits Department of the Board of Trade in connection with the recent financial agreement with the Russian Soviet Government for a credit of £10,000,000, and in view of the repeated pledges to creditors of Russia that no further loans or guarantees would be given to the Soviet Government pending some arrangement for the settlement of their claims, he will see that any profits made in connection with the above guarantee shall be paid into a special fund for the benefit of such creditors, especially as the high rate of interest obtainable by the British Government in the matter is due to the default of the Russian Government in paying her debts to such creditors?

The Export Credits Guarantee Department, in this as in other cases, charge a premium at a. rate appropriate to the liabilities which they incur. Any net loss falls upon the Exchequer, and any net profit is payable to the Exchequer.

Do I understand that, notwithstanding repeated pledges to these creditors, this loan has been given to Soviet Russia without any negotiations with Russia; and is not my right hon. Friend aware that the Russian Government were quite prepared to consider something of this kind if proper arrangements had been made and does he not think the time has come to deal with the matter?

I am afraid that I cannot accept the statement made by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make any statement with regard to arrangements for the conduct of trade and payments between the United Kingdom and Italy and for the liquidation of the arrears of debts due from Italy to British exporters?

Yes, Sir. A Clearing Agreement and a Commercial Agreement were concluded with the Italian Government in Rome on 6th November. I am circulating a summary of the provisions of the Agreements in the OFFICIAL REPORT, and the texts will be published on 11th November. The negotiations have been long and complicated, but I hope that the Agreements now reached will enable the trade between the two countries to be satisfactorily re-established on a basis which will promote a progressive return to normal conditions.

May I ask whether, in the negotiations, any steps were taken to safeguard the interests of British nationals engaged in commerce in Italy who had to leave the country in great distress as the result of the policy of sanctions?

I am afraid that I could not answer that question without notice.

Are the terms of the Agreement made with Italy so defined as to enable Italy to have a balance of trade favourable to herself? Is the position such that, in effect, this country is expected to purchase from Italy a greater quantity of goods than Italy will purchase from us, in order that Italy may be able to pay somebody else in this country?

When the hon. Member sees the text of the Agreement, which will be published on 11th November, he will be able to form an opinion on that subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the expenditure of the national stud farm in county Kildare during the past financial year, in respect of duty charged on the blood stock reared there and imported into Great Britain?

The total expenditure was £531 14s. 5d., made up as to £370 12s. 3d. in respect of two yearlings sent to Newmarket for sale, and £161 2s. 2d. in respect of a filly sent to England for racing purposes.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider it somewhat ridiculous for the British Government to pay import duty to the British Treasury on our own horses which are brought over here for sale?

I cannot accept that, and I would point out that up to the present the Ministry's share of winnings in respect of the filly to which I have referred amounts to some £300.

Have the National Government gone on the turf?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the reference made in the report of the Public Accounts Committee to the finances of the national stud farm in county Kildare, in the Irish Free State; and if he can now state whether a scheme has been worked out for the transfer of this farm to Great Britain or for its being closed down?

The report of the Public Accounts Committee to which my hon. Friend refers does not, I think, contain any reference to the national stud, but I have read the reference to this subject in the minutes of evidence attached to the report. With regard to the second part of the question, I am not at present able to add anything to the official announcement which appeared in the Press on 23rd November, 1935, in which it was stated that although informal discussions had taken place between representatives of the United Kingdom and of the Government of the Irish Free State regarding the position and future of the national stud, no decision was likely to he reached for some time.

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to pursue these informal negotiations?

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of transferring the national stud to a part of Ireland which is a part of the United Kingdom?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the estimated production of bacon in British bacon factories for the first eight months of 1936 compared with a similar period of 1935; and whether he can make any statement as to the inquiries undertaken by the Bacon Development Board with regard to the maximum capacity of the bacon factories in Great Britain as a whole?

The estimated production of bacon in bacon factories in Great Britain for the first eight months of 1936 is 1,815,600 cwt., as compared with 1,417,000 cwt. for the corresponding period of 1935. With regard to the second part of the question, I am informed that a survey is now proceeding but that the results are not yet available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether there has been a decline or otherwise in bacon consumption since the inception of the bacon quota; and whether he is aware that the high price of bacon is prohibiting its purchase by the poorer sections of the community?

During the past three years total supplies of bacon, and therefore total consumption, have been stabilised at approximately the average level of the six years 1925–30, as recommended by the Lane Fox Reorganisation Commission: this is a lower level of supply than the abnormal level which obtained in the glut years immediately preceding the introduction of supply-control. As regards prices, the average retail price of streaky bacon as compiled by the Ministry of Labour for cost of living statistics is lower than the prices ruling before the slump of 1931; moreover, the average retail price index for bacon in the first 10 months of this year is lower than the average for all foodstuffs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many new pig producers have entered the industry since 1932; and how many additional workers in England and Wales have been employed since the introduction of the bacon quota and the pigs marketing scheme?

I regret that I. am not in possession of the details desired by the hon. Member, but, as an indication of the expansion of the pig industry, I may mention that the pig population of Great Britain has increased from 3,350,000 in 1932 to over 4,000,000 in 1936; and that the output of bacon from factories in Great Britain increased from 1,742,000 cwt. in 1934, the first complete year of the Bacon Marketing Scheme, to 2,369,000 cwt. in 1935, and that the output for 1936 is estimated at 2,880,000 cwt.

Can my right hon. Friend give any figures of consumption comparable with those given of production?

No, I cannot give any figures of that sort without notice, but I assume that all the bacon produced is in fact consumed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the total bacon supply available, both home produced and imported, was lower for the last 12 months than the Lane Fox figures, although the population has increased?

I am not aware of those facts, though I assume that there must be fluctuations in the total supply of bacon which must vary with various factors, but I think the answer which I have given shows that the measures put into force by His Majesty's Government have resulted in a greater proportion of the bacon which is in fact consumed being supplied from home sources.

Could my right hon. Friend with adequate notice give the figures per capita of the consumption of bacon in the United Kingdom?

If my right hon. Friend will put down a question, I shall be glad to give him any information that is in my possession.

Will the right hon. Gentleman recommend to the Unemployment Assistance Board that the unemployed be given such allowances as will permit them to buy home-produced bacon?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether a consumers' committee has yet been appointed to examine the operation of the bacon quota scheme, as was provided in the Order of 1st December, 1933, under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1933; who are the persons appointed to that committee; and what steps have been taken to protect the consumer?

A consumers' committee for Great Britain was appointed on 8th December, 1933, in pursuance of Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931, and this committee has been keeping under review the effect of the pigs and bacon marketing schemes on consumers. I am sending the hon. Member a list of the members of this committee. The effect which the quantitative regulation of bacon imports may have upon consumers does not come within the purview of the consumers' committee, but I understand that this matter is under consideration by the Food Council.

Has the Council made any report?

No, not yet, I understand; but it is now considering the matter and may report shortly to the President of the Board of Trade, in whose Department questions affecting consumers' interests properly fall.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps, if any, he proposes to take in order to remove the unfair incidences of rating under the Land Drainage Act?

As indicated in the reply given to a question on the subject to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on 18th May last, provisions exist in the Act referred to for dealing with hardships that may arise from possible inequalities in rating for land drainage purposes, and I could not undertake to introduce new legislation at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to find time during the current Session for legislation dealing with the distribution of electricity?

The hon. Member will have noticed that a full programme of legislation is already promised for this Session, and I cannot undertake at present that it will be possible to add to it. But the Government are alive to the importance of the recommendations made by the committee for the reorganisation of the supply of electricity and have the matter closely before them.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will bring forward the Government proposals with regard to the Special Areas (Development and Improvement) Act, 1934, in a form which will allow of full discussion and amendment instead of merely including it in the list of Acts to be extended by means of the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill.

I have to thank the hon. Member for the courteous letter he sent explaining his position and I am making a rather long reply in consequence.

As I explained in a reply to a supplementary question by the hon. Member on Thursday last, arising out of the Business statement, this matter could be raised when the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill comes up for discussion. As regards the point which, I understand, the hon. Member has in mind about bringing other areas within the scope of the Special Areas Act, I would explain that that Act was purposely confined to those areas which had formed the subject of special investigation. This limitation was fully discussed when the Bill was before the House in 1934. I may add that the reasons which have led the Government to invite Parliament to continue the Special Areas (Development and Improvement) Act, 1934, in its present form for another year will be stated by Ministers in the course of the Debate on the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill.

Is the Prime Minister aware of the difficulty and even hardship that is caused by the rigid drawing of certain lines between Special and other areas?

Yes, Sir, I know that that is a real difficulty, but it is one that would much better be discussed in debate than by question and answer, because a great many considerations are involved. That is why I put in my reply that sentence about explanations which Ministers will give when the Debate takes place.

Are we to understand that the Government still propose to include the Special Areas Act in the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill?

Yes, Sir.

Have the Commissioners been consulted with regard to the continuance of the Act?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether postmen delivering parcels on the cash-on-delivery system carry any sums of money for the purpose of giving change when delivering this particular type of parcel; and whether he can state the number of parcels that have not been delivered at the first delivery for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

Postmen delivering cash-on-delivery parcels are not supplied with change, but if they can give change they do so. I have no precise information as to the number of cash-on-delivery parcels which are not delivered at the first attempt, but the proportion is not large.

Is the postman instructed to try to deliver them a second time?

I could not hear the hon. Member's question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulty of telephoning subscribers in country and rural districts and in obtaining a reply from the telephone exchange during the night; what steps are being taken by his Department to improve the night telephone service; and what testing system is at present in operation?

I am not aware of any serious difficulty of the kind suggested by the hon. Member. If he will furnish particulars of any instances of such difficulty, I will make inquiry and take what steps are possible to rectify matters.

Does a testing system exist for night calls?

Yes, there is a system whereby a travelling staff makes tests.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider making a special provision on the dials of automatic telephones for emergency calls, instead of the dialling 0 at present in practice, in view of the fact that there is frequently a delay of from 30 seconds to two minutes before an answer is received when 0 is dialled; and that in the case of fire and police services being required such delay might involve dangerous consequences?

In order to secure the rapid setting up of emergency telephone calls special apparatus is being manufactured for use at automatic exchanges in London and other towns; with this apparatus the dialling of a special num- ber will indicate to the operator the urgency of the call by means of a special signal.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether any progress has been made in providing additional telephone cables from Great Britain to Northern Ireland;

(2) whether he is now in a position-To impose uniform telephone rates throughout the United Kingdom?

With my hon. Friend's permission I will answer these questions together, as I understand the second question to refer in particular to the special cable charges at present applied to telephone calls between the mainland of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Five additional telephone circuits from Great Britain to Northern Ireland have been provided this year by means of radio channels, and four more are expected to be available shortly. There will then be 28 channels in use as compared with 13 in 1934. The traffic is, however, increasing with unexpected rapidity and it is clearly necessary to provide further circuits. Urgent consideration is being given to the question whether these can best be provided by means of radio channels or of a submarine cable. The abolition of the special cable charges on calls between Great Britain and Northern Ireland would inevitably result in a further increase in the traffic and consequent serious deterioration of the service, and to my regret I cannot at present contemplate it.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend give me any idea when he will be able to contemplate it, and is he aware of the particular importance of telephone communications owing to the slowness of the posts to Northern Ireland?

I appreciate the importance of the position in connection with Northern Ireland, but we are considering the question of a radio service as a possible alternative or reinforcement of the present channels.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the great inconvenience caused to residents, and in particular new residents, in outer London by the fact. that postal areas have no relation to local government areas; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this?

Postal delivery districts are made to correspond with local government areas so far as that is reasonably practicable. The postal and local government organisations are, however, designed to serve entirely different purposes and the Post Office would be greatly hampered in its work and the efficiency of its services would be seriously impaired if it were to adhere rigidly to municipal boundaries.

asked the Minister of Health the number of workmen certified to be disabled by silicosis or anthracosis who are in receipt of relief from the public assistance committees in the counties of Carmarthen, Brecon, Glamorgan, and Monmouth on account of their failure to secure compensation under the existing silicosis schemes?

I regret that the records in my Department do not enable this information to be supplied.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiries, as I understand that complaints are being made by the public assistance committees?

That is hardly within my function. It is a matter for the committees themselves. If I made inquiries into one area, I should have to acquire information from others.

Does not the Minister have statistics showing the number of men who are making application for public assistance and who are due for compensation?

That is a different question.

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of anthracite coal exported to the Dominion of Canada from Indo-China, Russia, and South Wales, respectively, in each year since 1931, and the price at which the coal from each country is purchased by the Dominion?

The only figures available with regard to Indo-China are those for imports into Canada, a statement of which I will circulate. As regards Russia, there was no importation in the period referred to. As regards South Wales, there are no official figures of exports, but for purposes of comparison I will include in the statement figures of the total imports from the United Kingdom. Particulars of prices are not available.

Do I understand from the hon. and gallant Gentleman that he has no official figures of the exports of anthracite from South Wales to Canada; and is he not aware that there is very great concern in South Wales at the possibility of a very serious reduction in the amount of anthracite going to Canada?

Yes, Sir; I am aware of that. If the hon. Member wants to know any particulars about the statistics and will see me about it, I will explain to him the way in which the statistics are at present drawn up, which do not show exports of different qualities of coal from the different ports of the United Kingdom.

Do I really understand from the Secretary for Mines that he has no official figures of the amount of anthracite shipped from Welsh ports to Canada?

Yes, I have just said so. I appreciate the hon. Member's anxiety, but the official statistics, the form of which has been in existence for many years, split up the total exports to show the exports to particular countries by quantities and qualities of coal and by districts, but they do not show what he wants to know, which is qualities by destination and how much of each quality is sent from each district.

It is not a question of the quality of coal but the kind of coal—anthracite—and surely separate records are kept not merely of the quantity of anthracite going to Canada but to every country in the world?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered resolutions submitted to him from local authorities in South Wales regarding the necessity for giving a subsidy on exported coal; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement?