asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that parties of soldiers under orders for Egypt have recently been conducted round the galleries of the department of Egyptology at the British Museum; and whether he would be prepared to introduce a system by which candidates selected for the Indian Civil Service and other services in India and military cadets appointed to the Army in India should be required to visit the India Museum, South Kensington, in order to gain some acquaintance with the economic and cultural history of India before proceeding to that country?

Arrangements have already been made to give candidates selected for the Indian Civil Service the benefit of lectures on Indian life and culture by lecturers connected with the India Museum. The question whether it is practicable to give similar facilities to others selected here for civil or military service in India is under consideration by my Noble Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government will consider, as an act of further clemency and for the purpose of celebrating the forthcoming Coronation of His Majesty, recommending to the Viceroy to grant an amnesty to political prisoners who were convicted for offences of a non-violent character, and/or all the civil disobedience prisoners who still remain in prison?

:I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr.Thurtle) on 9th November, to which I have nothing to add

Are the sentences passed on civil disobedience prisoners in India reviewed from time to time?

There are no longer any civil disobedience prisoners still in goal in India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that one Miss Renuka Sen, a master of arts of Calcutta, was recently arrested for breaking a restraint order served on her, and that she had intimated to the Government of Bengal that it was impossible for her to follow an occupation and earn a living within the area within which the order of the local government had restricted her movements; and what steps are taken by the local government of Bengal to ensure that the persons whom it restrains by order to limit their movements to specified areas have an opportunity of earning their living or are provided adequate maintenance?

I have no information concerning Miss Renuka Sen, but I will make inquiries. With regard to the second part of the question, I would inform the hon. Member that all the circumstances of detenus restricted to certain areas are taken into consideration by the local government in dealing with the question of the grant of an allowance.

Are any steps being taken to see that this practice is put an end to?

Apart from taking steps it is a certainty that the Government have in specific instances released under special conditions certain of these persons.

But I am asking about ceasing to arrest persons in such circumstances.

If they cease their connection with terrorism they will not be arrested.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has a statement to make concerning recent military incidents in the North-West Frontier Province?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make a further statement on the attack by tribesmen on British troops on the North-West Frontier; whether any further casualties have been reported since the issue of the Government communication to the Press on Thursday; and whether the situation is now satisfactory?

In 1935 the Tori Khel tribesmen inhabitating the lower Khaisora Valley in North Waziristan entered into an agreement to permit full access to their country and to give no harbourage to outlaws or persons hostile to the British Government. A fanatic known as the Faqir of Ipi (in the neighbouring Tochi valley) has been causing unrest this year in connection with the alleged conversion of a minor Hindu girl to Islam. As a result of Government action he took refuge in the lower Khaisora, whence he continued anti-Government propaganda. Representatives of the Tori Khel professed themselves unable to control the Faqir in the absence of some demonstration on the part of the Government. It was, therefore, decided to march troops through the area in order to stiffen the pro-Government party and counter the influence of the Faqir.

As regards the actual operations I have nothing to add to the Government of India's communique issued to the Press here and in India yesterday, which I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT. This gives the total casualties as 19 killed and 112 wounded during the three days' operations up to the time when the combined column reached Mir Ali. The tribesmen put up serious opposition from the outset of the operations on the 25th, and in view of the nature of the country through which the columns advanced, casualties were inevitable. I am sure that the House would wish to express its sympathy with the relations of those who lost their lives. The units concerned behaved with great gallantry throughout. The further measures necessary to deal with the situation are under the Government of India's consideration.

If I put down another question to my hon. Friend this day week, perhaps he will be prepared to make a further statement?

Certainly.

Do I understand from the reply that the alleged tribesmen who are causing this trouble do not come from the British part of the province but from the region immediately adjoining

:Yes, Sir.

Is there any truth in the statement in the Press that British troops were ambushed?

I am very glad that the hon. Member has given me the opportunity to deny the story that British troops were ambushed. The nature of the country through which the column advanced made casualties inevitable, but, in fact, all attempts at ambush were thwarted.

Following is the communique: The following is an account of the fighting which took place in the Khaisora Valley from 25th to 27th November, 1936, which amplifies the information given in previous communiques. On the morning of 25th November two columns moved towards the Khaisora Valley with the object of joining hands at Biche Kashkai. One column advanced from Mir Ali in the north, the other from Damdil in the west. As already stated, the movement was in the nature of a demonstration only. Although some opposition from the recalcitrant Wazir followers of the Faqir of Ipi was considered possible, it was not anticipated that this would be of a serious nature. The Damdil column first met with opposition after it had advanced about three miles, and from there as far as Biche Kashkai opposition was continuous. The route followed a valley with scrub-covered sides, which contained many caves. Here the enemy showed great courage and determination, lying concealed until the leading troops were at short range and then slipping away to further cover. In such country, in spite of close search of the ground and close support of troops with gun and machine-gun fire, the courage of small pa-ties of the enemy or even individuals all along the route made the task of the troops difficult and casualties inevitable. Our troops, however, continued their advance, clearing their way with gallantry and determination. The rearguard of the column was fired on when passing a point in the valley only two miles from Damdil, and was closely followed for the remainder of the march. At times considerable bodies of the enemy formed on the southern flank and closely followed the rearguard, searching for opportunities to attack, when they came on with gallantry.

It was in one of these attacks on a picuet of the 6th (Royal) Battalion 13th Frontier Force Rifles that Major Seecombe lost his life. He launched a counter-attack and was, unfortunately, killed while gallantly leading his men. In the evening the Damdil column went into camp at Biche Kashkai. The column from Mir Ali met opposition about seven miles south of that place. This took the form of sniping at comparatively close ranges and was continuous. In consequence of this and of the difficult and broken nature of the country on the route the progress of the column was slow. It was as a result of this intensive sniping that Major Tindall, 3/7th Rajputs, and two other officers were wounded, Major Tindall subsequently dying of wounds. In the evening the column had not reached the objective and the column Commander decided to halt for the night some two miles north of Biche Kashkai. The camp was sniped during the night. On the morning of 26th November two battalions and a battery from the Damdil column moved out from Biche Kashkai and joined forces with the Mir Ali column. Little opposition was met with and the whole force concentrated at Biche Kashkai. On 27th November the force moved northwards to Mir Ali. At first little opposition was met with, but later this increased, culminating in a final enemy effort as the rearguard of the force reached the Tochi Valley. Throughout the day enemy detachments and snipers were effectively engaged by machine-gun and artillery fire. The co-operation of the Royal Air Force was most successful. On more than one occasion parties of the enemy, having been forced into the open by artillery fire, aircraft dived and bombed parties repeatedly.

The spirit of our troops and their bearing throughout the operations were beyond praise. They were specially successful in dealing with all attempts the enemy made according to their custom to lay ambushes, which were completely thwarted on every occasion. Our losses on this day were due to long range sniping. All the wounded were brought into Mir Ali on the afternoon of 27th November, and evacuated to Bannu in motor ambulances. Owing to the absence of any road fit for wheeled vehicles on the route of the column, wounded were evacuated to roadhead at Mir Ali, either in camel kajawahs for lying cases or on riding ponies for sitting cases. All stood the journey well. At Mir Ali warm meals and hot drinks were ready and, after the adjustment of dressings, the wounded were cheerful and restored. The general condition of all casualties evacuated to Bannu on the evening of the 27th was very good. A few serious cases are in hospital at Mir Ali until their condition justifies their further evacuation. Personnel from the following headquarters and units were engaged in the operations in the Khaisora Valley between 25th and 27th November, 1936: Headquarters, Waziristan District; Razmak Brigade; Bannu Brigade; Indian Cavalry; 5th Probyns Horse; Royal Artillery; Headquarters, 22nd Mountain Brigade; Royal Artillery, No. 3 Light Battery; Royal Artillery, No. 4 Mountain Battery; No. 7 Mountain Battery; Sappers and Miners; No. 15, Field Company, Madras Sappers and Miners; Royal Corps of Signals; Waziristan District Signals; British Infantry, 1st Battalion the Northamptonshire Regiment; Indian Infantry, 3rd Battalion (D.C.O.); 7th Rajput Regiment; 5th Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Regiment (Q.V.O. Corps of Guides); 6th Royal Battalion, 13th Frontier Force Rifles; 1st Battalion (P.W.O.), 17th Dogra Regiment; 1st Battalion, 9th Gurkha Rifles; Royal Indian Army Service Corps; Razmak Brigade Supply Issue Sections Nos. 1, 10, 15, 24, 25, 35; Animal Transport Companies; Medical Units, Nos. 7 and 8 Field Ambulances; Veterinary Units, Razmak Brigade Mobile Veterinary Section; Royal Air Force No. 5 (Army Co-operation) Squadron; Royal Air Force No. 27 (Bomber) Squadron.

The total casualties in the operations in the Khaisora Valley during the period 25th to 27th November reported to date are 19 killed, 112 wounded. The following information is available regarding casualties who are included in the above totals:

Indian officers wounded: Subadar Major Jemadar Khan, 3/7th Rajputs; Jemadar Charnel Singh, 5/12th Frontier Force Rifles.

British other ranks wounded: 5876036, Sergeant Jackson; 1883205, Sergeant Coles; 5882743, Lance-Corporal Stevens; 5883696, Private Needham; 5881966, Private Wooley; 5882737, Private Stone; 5882716, Private Moore; 5882712, Private Ames; 5881959, Private White; 3717607, Private Sharman; 5882009, Private Roberts; all of 1st Battalion the Northamptonshire Regiment. 3522734, Signaller Herman, Royal Signals, and Signaller Coulson, Royal Signals.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will have inquiries made into the case of Krishna Das, whose letter from gaol to Mahatma Gandhi many years ago was intercepted by the Government and formed the basis of the action taken against Bose and his continued imprisonment; is he aware that Krishna Das had no direct knowledge of any connection between Mr. Bose and the Yugantar party of revolutionaries; and that in the gaol where Krishna Das was there was a number of police emissaries who were sent there to create confusion in the ranks of civil disobedience prisoners?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that it was on the basis of a letter written by Krishna Das, and intercepted by the Government some years ago, that the Government of India based the action they have taken in interning Mr. Subas Bose without trial for an indefinite period, he will now cause inquiry to be made into the authenticity of the letter in question and the information in it?

The action taken in the case of Mr. Bose does not rest merely on the letter referred to, but on Government's knowledge of his activities over a long period of years. The question of Mr. Krishna Das' letter was fully dealt with by Government spokesmen in the Assembly last March, and I would refer the hon. Members to the report of this Debate.

Is it not a fact that this letter was a very important element in the decision to intern Mr. Bose?

It was one of the elements taken into consideration, but by no means the only one.

Could we not have a copy of the letter circulated for the information of the House, in order that we may see what was said about Mr. Bose?

The letter was circulated in the Indian Press, and I will certainly take steps to see that it is brought to the attention of hon. Members here.

Do I understand that the hon. Gentleman is going to make further inquiries regarding the letter from Mr. Krishna Das?

My information is that the matter was fully explained to the Indian Assembly, and I think it would be worth while for the hon. Member to read the Assembly debates.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many Socialists and persons engaged in the organisation of peasants or labour unions are now undergoing imprisonment or under restraint orders or orders of externment from or internment in specified areas?

I am not in possession of this information. No persons are imprisoned or have their movements restrained because they are engaged in genuine trade union organisation work.

Could the hon. Member not let us have the number of Socialists in gaol?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will publish the information on which his statements concerning Mr. Masani, the secretary of the Socialist party in India, are founded?

I have nothing to add to the full statement I made on 10th November.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that full statement told us precisely nothing, and that is why this question has been put down? Can we have something more definite?

I based my statement on information received by me from the Governors of the two Provinces and the Government of India, and I gave certain other facts, and I think it would be well if the hon. Lady would read my statement again.

I have read it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mrs. Kamala Chattopadhayya, a member of the Socialist Party Executive of India, has been refused a passport to visit this country and to travel in Europe; and why such action has been taken by the Indian administration?

The matter would appear to be one for the authorities in India, and I have no information beyond what I have seen in the Press.

May we take it that persons who regard themselves as Socialists are on that account precluded from coming to England or to Europe?

Not on account of their Socialist activities as distinct from Communist or revolutionary activities.

Has the hon. Gentleman any evidence to show that this lady was open to this charge?

I imagine that the authorities in India were satisfied.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any communication has yet been made to the Government of the United Provinces by the Secretary of State for India to instruct the withdrawal of the circular issued by the Court of Wards?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Sikh troops taken to Addis Ababa to guard the British Legation during the period of the Italian invasion of Ethiopia were recently inspected by the official representative of Italy in Addis Ababa; and whether it is the practice to permit the inspection of His Majesty's troops by the representatives of States or conquests which are not recognised by His Majesty's Government?

When the decision of His Majesty's Government to remove these troops was communicated to Marshal Graziani, the latter offered to provide transport for them to the station at Addis Ababa, to furnish a guard of honour there, and to be present himself at the departure of the contingent. This offer on the part of the authority in military occupation of Addis Ababa was accepted by His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires with the full approval of His Majesty's Government.

In view of the fact that Italy has behaved so badly to the League in this matter, does the right hon. Gentleman think it right that we should accept courtesies, in the circumstances?

Nothing at all connected with recognition or any question of that kind arose. This was an act of military courtesy, and I think it should be accepted as such.

May not Italy accept this as a stage towards recognition of her conquest in Abyssinia?

I am quite certain that the act was merely an act of courtesy, so intended and so accepted.

Arising out of this, could the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the Italian Government that they should be even more courteous to the Abyssinians?

Before this question is put, may I ask, Mr. Speaker, for your Ruling on this point? This question makes a direct charge of guilt, or responsibility for murder, against an individual, and, in view of the fact that he has not yet been tried by any court, is it in order for an hon. Member of this House, by means of a statement in a question, to prejudge the possible verdict of the Palestine Judiciary?

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether you are aware at the same time that a price has been put on this individual's head by the Palestine Government?

When I saw this question it did not seem to me that it was out of order. I take it that the right hon. and gallant Member makes himself responsible for the statements in his question.

I cannot accept the premises on which this question is based, and I do not propose to make any notification of the nature suggested to the Iraqi Government.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman with which par- ticular item in the question he does not associate himself? Is he not aware that this organiser was received and feted in Bagdad when he arrived from Palestine?

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman asked me a question which contained the statement that we spent £1,500,000 a year in Iraq, and I do not accept the implications in that question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that we spend £1,500,000 a year on our Air Force in Iraq in order to protect that country from Turkey?

Yes, Sir.

Then may I ask what we do spend?

Perhaps the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question. I merely said that I did not accept his statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether our representatives at Hendaye, or at Madrid, or at Rome, have made any suggestions as to how we could succour some of the victims of the bombing of Madrid either by ourselves or in conjunction with other Powers?

As I have already explained to the House, His Majesty's Government have taken all possible steps to urge the insurgents to confine the bombing of Madrid to purely military objectives, and to provide a safety zone for the civilian population. In this connection, I have already stated that the Burgos authorities have agreed to the extension of the security zone in Madrid. His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Madrid is in close touch with the Madrid representative of the International Red Cross, and he is doing everything possible to assist both that organisation and the Scottish Ambulance Unit.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the appeal made by six Members of this House, and can he say what the Red Cross organisation is doing at the present time to help the people of Spain?

:? I have seen the appeal. The International Red Cross have been very active, and it is due to their representative, Dr. Junod, that considerable transfers of refugees have been made possible to both sides, by means of His Majesty's ships.

Are there any elements of the Red Cross organisation operating with either side in this civil war, or are they standing aloof?

No, Sir, they are not standing aloof; they have desired, as we all have, to assist all parties in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any evidence has been received and unanimously accepted by the Non-Intervention Committee as establishing that any and, if so, what consignments of arms have reached either party in Spain contrary to the terms of the Non-Intervention Agreement?

Such conclusions as have been reached by the committee regarding complaints, the examination of which have been completed, have been published from time to time in the communiqués issued to the Press.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received from the Norwegian Government any note or information concerning the illegal boarding and detention of a Norwegian ship off the Galician coast; and whether adequate protection for British ships is being provided off all the coasts of Spain?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the assurance which I give on this subject last Monday.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to take any special steps to prevent British vessels from conveying arms to the rebel forces in Spain through Portuguese ports?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the existing rebellion in Spain, he will take steps to prohibit the exportation in carrying of arms from this; country to ports in Portugal?

I will, with permission, answer question No. 21 together with No. 53, to which I have been asked to reply. The answer is No, Sir.

In the absence of some special measure, does the right hon. Gentleman not apprehend that the effect of the proposed Bill will be to operate, like the Non-Intervention Pact itself, almost exclusively to the detriment of the legitimate Government, in view of the known sympathies of the Portuguese Government?

No, Sir, I do not. I really cannot accept the suggestion that Portugal is especially guilty in this matter.

Is it not notorious that Portugal has become simply a conduit pipe through which munitions of war have poured in?

No, I do not think so; that is not my information, and I should have thought, purely for military reasons, that it was extremely unlikely.

I spoke of the "known sympathies of the Portuguese Government." Is it not a fact that a rebel embassy is held openly in the principal hotel in Lisbon, monopolising telephonic communication?

There are features of the conflict of which His Majesty's Government do not approve, but we have to decide what our policy is in accordance with what we think to be the best interests of our country.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny the statement to be well-founded that the sympathy of the Portuguese Government is strongly with the Spanish rebels?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will instruct His Majesty's Consular agents in the Balearic Islands to make an immediate report concerning the presence of Italian troops in those Islands; and whether he will thereafter inform the House of the nature of the report which he receives

His Majesty's Consul at Palma reports in the normal course of his duties on the situation in the Balearic Islands. Certain information in these reports indicative of a breach of the Non-Intervention Agreement has been forwarded to the International Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the evidence of British subjects is available as to the presence in large numbers of Italian officers in the Balearic Islands, and of the virtual domination of those Islands by those Forces; and does he not think that it is desirable to make the public believe that the Non-Intervention Committee is not merely a means of hiding the real facts of the situation?

I am fully aware that there are Italian volunteers in Majorca, just as there are other foreign volunteers in other parts of Spain. I deprecate it, but we cannot deal with these matters alone.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on the establishment of a safety zone for British shipping at the port of Barcelona?

Yes, Sir. The Burgos authorities have informed me that the area lying between the land and the open sea south of the parallel 41 degrees, 20 minutes, 3 seconds, may be regarded as a safety zone for shipping at Barcelona. This information has been passed on to the shipping firms.

Are we to understand from the reply that British shipping is tolerably safe in the region of Barcelona?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Committee of Non-Intervention is now in possession of any definite proof of any intervention by any Great Power, other than Portugal, in the affairs of Spain?

I would refer the hon. Lady to the reply which I gave on Wednesday last to similar questions asked by the hon. Lady the Member for the combined English Universities (Miss Rathbone) and the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements are in hand for further evacuations from Spain of persons desiring to leave?

So far as British subjects are concerned, His Majesty's ships will continue to evacuate them when and where possible, though those who elect to remain in Spain have been repeatedly warned that they do so at their own risk and that facilities for their evacuation could not be assured for an indefinite period. So far as foreign nationals, other than Spaniards, are concerned, His Majesty's Government recently gave notice that they were no longer able to accept responsibility for their evacuation. In accordance, however, with their humanitarian aims, His Majesty's Government are prepared to continue to evacuate such persons as appear to them to be deserving of their assistance, provided that His Majesty's ships are available for this purpose. Moreover, His Majesty's diplomatic and consular officers in Spain are keeping in touch with the Spanish authorities on both sides and with the representatives of the International Red Cross, with a view to facilitating the evacuation of further members of the civilian Spanish population.

In view of the present situation, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the time has arrived to evacuate all the Spaniards and leave the other countries to fight it out?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information concerning an agreement between the Governments of Germany, Italy, and Japan to co-ordinate their action for the suppression of Communism; and whether he can make a statement regarding the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards such an agreement?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to an agreement between the Governments of Germany, Italy, and Japan regarding action is to be taken for the suppression of Communism; and what action is to be be taken regarding the agreement in view of its possible effect on international relations?

The text of the Agreement signed at Berlin on 25th November by the representatives of the German and Japanese Governments was communicated shortly before publication to His Majesty's Ambassadors at Berlin and Tokyo by the Foreign Ministers of Germany and Japan. In making this communication, the German Foreign Minister assured the Ambassador that there was no kind of military or other alliance between Germany and Japan, and the Japanese Foreign Minister stated that there was no secret treaty at all. I have no information that Italy has yet entered into a similar agreement with Japan. As regards the attitude of His Majesty's Government, the House is aware that they have explicitly deprecated any tendency to divide the world into conflicting camps, especially on ideological grounds. Their policy continues to be to promote so far as lies in their power, friendly relations between all nations.

Is it not a fact that Italy has an agreement with Germany on this subject, and is there not now a triple alliance between the three countries?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an3, representative of the Court of St. James's in any foreign country has been or will be empowered to sign a treaty with any Power other than that to which he is accredited?

I am unaware of any case of this nature in recent times. As regards the future, the hon. Lady will realise that, though this is not our normal practice, I could give no undertaking in hypothetical circumstances.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what weight of bacon has been made in this country from imported frozen pig carcases; and whether such bacon on being offered for sale is required to be marked so as to indicate the origin of the pigs from which it is made?

264,000 cwt. of bacon was produced from imported frozen pork in 1935 by curers in Great Britain registered under the Bacon Marketing Scheme. As regards the second part of the question, foodstuffs which have undergone a process of curing in the United Kingdom are expressly excluded from the operation of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926.

Is my right hon. Friend doing what he can to prevent this undesirable development of bacon manufacture in this country?

I have only recently had my attention drawn to the matter, and should like to give it further consideration before replying. I would point out, however, for the information of the House, that the chief sources of supply of these frozen carcases are Australia and New Zealand.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in the 1937 sugar-beet contract Norfolk growers are to receive less than growers elsewhere; and whether, since this is an unfair discrimination against Norfolk growers, for whom the subsidy was primarily introduced and for whom a remunerative sugar-beet crop has become a vital necessity, he will consider taking steps to amend the present Act in such a way as to restrict the powers of the Sugar Commission where contract prices seriously affecting the prospects of recovery in agriculture are concerned?

I am aware that, in their award on the terms of the 1937 sugar beet contract, the Sugar Commission have continued the principle adopted in previous years of differential prices designed to secure an adequate throughput of beet in the factories. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that sugar beet is an absolute necessity in Norfolk, and that it is precisely because the factories know that the farmers cannot do without it that they have declined to pay an enhanced bonus?

I am aware that the principle of differentiation exists in order to secure an adequate throughput of beet, and I must adhere to the terms of my original answer on this matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Brewers' Society has announced that there is not enough home-grown malting barley available for their requirements this year; whether he is satisfied that this is the case; and, if so, what are the sources of his information as to the available stocks?

I understand that the Brewers' Society have informed the Import Duties Advisory Committee that there is a possibility that there will not be a sufficient quantity of good quality home-grown malting barley for the requirements of brewers this season, and that the Committee are making inquiries into the matter. I am not in a position to make any statement at present.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the undertakings given by him and by the Minister of Health that upon receipt of the report of the Milk Reorganisation Commission the Government would consider the extension of the existing schemes for the provision of milk, either free or at cheap rates to needy consumers, he is now in a position to make a further statement;

(2) whether, in view of the declared policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage the consumption of liquid milk, they intend to adopt measures to give effect to the relevant recommendations of the Milk Reorganisation Commission?

I have been asked to reply. The recommendations of the Milk Reorganisation Commission which, as my hon. Friend is aware, cover a very wide field, will receive the careful consideration of the Ministers concerned. I am not in a position at present to make any further statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that an early opportunity will be given to discuss the report of the Commission in relation to the general nutrition policy?

I could not answer as to the earliness of such an opportunity, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the whole matter is being carefully considered, and as soon as possible some statement will be made.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a great wish to discuss the question from the point of view not only of the producer but of the Government's nutrition policy?

I can assure my hon. Friend that all relative considerations of that character will be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make concerning the shortage of labour in the agricultural districts of the county of Norfolk

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a similar shortage of labour in the agricultural districts of Cumberland, and will he consider training some of the miners there who have very little chance of ever getting work again?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the overtime worked by the telephone engineers in the London district during the period of 1st January, 1934, to 30th September, 1936, amounts in the aggregate to 4,036,712 hours, and that this, on the basis of a 48-hour week, amounts to an additional 84,103 weeks of employment, which if spread over the whole period would have given employment to an additional 539 men; and whether he will give instructions that will increase the rate of recruitment and thereby cause this present policy to cease?

I am fully aware of the position; and, as intimated in my reply to the hon. Member's question of the 23rd instant, everything possible is being done to accelerate the rate of recruitment and reduce the amount of overtime.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House what the difficulty is in this matter?

One obvious difficulty is that we have to train these people before they become effective for purposes of reducing overtime. We are doing as much as we can, and I am entirely in sympathy with the hon. Member's point of view.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he proposes to take to remedy the difficulty experienced by subscribers at present in obtaining answers from telephone exchanges (especially in the country areas) after 10 o'clock in the evening; and whether he will give particulars of any steps that have been recently taken to strengthen this service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on the 9th instant.

Does it apply specially to the country areas?

If the hon. Member will read the answer I gave him, he will see how it applies.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the present approximate revenue of the Post Office for wireless licences issued in respect of receiving apparatus connected with wireless exchanges in this country?

The total revenue from wireless licences issued in respect of receiving apparatus connected with wireless exchanges in this country is about £117,850 a year. Ten per cent. of the licence revenue is retained by the Post Office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can furnish an estimate of the percentage of the costs of the delivery of postal packets which arises from overhead expenses, from terminal charges, that is to say collection, sorting, and delivery, and from the conveyance of inland mails, respectively

The cost of handling inland letter mails may be apportioned roughly as follows: 53 per cent. collection, sorting and delivery, 7 per cent. conveyance, and 40 per cent. overhead expenses, that is, administration, supervision, accommodation, leave and pension liability.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of his declared aim to have a telephone kiosk in every village, he will inquire into the difficulties which the inhabitants of Great Comberton, Pershore, in Worcestershire, are having to get one erected in their village?

The announcement of which the hon. Member is presumably thinking related only to villages where there is a Post Office; and there is none at Great Comberton. The case therefore falls within the Tercentenary Concession, under which the village can have a kiosk if the local authority undertakes to pay for five years a fixed rental of £4 per annum. So far, there has been no application from the local authority.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the very great inconvenience to many residents in that part of the country?

I think that if there were a large number of people suffering great inconvenience it would be up to them to pay the £4 for a telephone and get the benefit of it.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps his Department take in order to compel the owner of electrical plant which interferes with the reception of broadcast programmes by receiving stations in the neighbourhood to instal suppression apparatus?

I have no statutory power to compel owners of electrical plant which causes interference with broadcast reception to instal suppression apparatus, although in such cases efforts are made by my Department to discover a remedy and to persuade the persons concerned to avail themselves of it. A committee appointed by the Institution. of Electrical Engineers has recently investigated the subject and has recommended that statutory powers should be sought. The committee's recommendations are at present under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, seeing that the general committee of the King George V National Memorial Fund, representing all parts of the country, have so far had no opportunity of expressing an opinion as to the suitability of the curtailed site in Abingdon Street for the memorial, the Government will see that the committee are given such an opportunity before a final decision is come to as to handing over any property in Old Palace Yard belonging to the State, especially having regard to the fact that, were the Parliament Square site to be approved by the general committee, an additional sum of at least £100,000 would be available for the King George the Fifth Playing Fields, while a beautiful eighteenth-century building in Old Palace Yard would be saved from destruction?

(for the First Commissioner of Works): The objects to which the funds subscribed to the Lord Mayor's National Memorial Fund were to be devoted were announced by the late Lord Mayor. It was recognised from the first that it might not be possible to complete the whole of the scheme at Abingdon Street, and this was publicly announced. The subscriptions of the public were asked, and have been received for a memorial at Abingdon Street, and not elsewhere. On the basis of the scheme so announced the Government has made an offer, subject to Parliamentary approval, which has been accepted by the Lord Mayor on behalf of the Memorial Fund. In these circumstances my Noble Friend is not prepared to intervene in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend. In any case he is not aware on what calculations my hon. Friend is relying in his suggestion that, had the Parliament Square site been the choice of the Lord Mayor's Memorial Fund, an additional sum of £100,000 would be available for the King George the Fifth Playing Fields.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the General Committee only approved of the Abingdon Street site on the statement that a view of the memorial would be opened up from Lambeth Bridge and Millbank, and that the curtailed site was not submitted to them? With regard to the point at the end of my question, is my hon. Friend aware that there would be no charge whatever on the fund in respect of site if Parliament Square were adopted, as the whole cost of this site would be provided by public bodies

With regard to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, the General Committee did not make the appeal. The late Lord Mayor made it on his own authority, and it wits made abundantly clear, in broadcasts by the late Lord Mayor, by the Prime Minister and by Lord Macmillan that money was being asked for for the Abingdon Street site, and not for Parliament Square. As regards the second part, the figure quoted by my hon. Friend is based on pure conjecture.

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will plant the open-air theatre site in the Queen Mary Garden, Regent's Park, from which the public is excluded for 10 months of the year, with crocuses, daffodils, narcissi, hyacinths and tulips so that the appearance of its visible portions may be softened during the spring months; and will he ask the garden designers of the Lincoln firms to help him about the awkward ground slope?

My Noble Friend regrets that he is unable to accept the suggestions made by my hon. Friend.

Does not my hon. Friend wish to see a brighter London?

Yes, Sir; but the result of planting bulbs in the particular spot suggested would be to make a more drab London rather than a brighter London at the time of the Coronation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether steps are being taken to abolish the smoke nuisance from the Houses of Parliament and Government Departments in Whitehall arising from the use of raw coal supplied through the Office of Works?

My Noble Friend does not admit that a smoke nuisance exists in respect especially of the Houses of Parliament and Government offices. It is the practice of the Office of Works to use smokeless fuel whenever local circumstances make it possible without an unreasonable increase of cost.

Surely it is manifest, to anyone who cares to see it, and it is a very bad example.

Is there not bound to be a smoke nuisance when raw coal is burned, and is it not possible for the Office of Works to use smokeless fuel for these buildings?

I said in my answer that smokeless fuel is used whenever circumstances make it possible without an unreasonable increase of cost. Recently smokeless fuel has gone up very materially in cost.

Would it not be possible to use gas fires, which would do away with all smoke?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will consider introducing the service of alcoholic refreshments at the refreshment pavilion in Kew Gardens?

The refreshment caterers have approached my Noble Friend on this subject, and he has given them authority to apply to the licensing justices for a licence for the sale of alcoholic drinks with meals.

In view of the shortage of malting barley this year, could it not be held up till next year?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of Spanish iron ore that was imported into this country for the first five months of this year, and the following months up to the nearest available date; and from what part of Spain the iron ore was imported?

The imports of iron ore and concentrates into the United Kingdom consigned from Spain amounted to 526,000 tons during the five months ended May, 1936, and to 486,000 tons during the succeeding period of five months. It is not possible to state from what part of Spain these imports were consigned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many tons of iron ore have been imported into this country from Newfoundland for the 12 months ended June, 1936, and to the nearest available date; the price per ton; and the difference in price between Newfoundland and Spanish iron ore?

During the 12 months ended June, 1936, the imports of iron ore and concentrates into this country consigned from Newfoundland and the Coast of Labrador amounted to 64,000 tons, the average declared value of these imports being 18s. 10d. per ton. The average declared value of the corresponding imports during the same period consigned from Spain was 15s. 9d. per ton.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in consequence of the prohibition of the importation of plumage imposed by the Act of 1921, foreign manufacturers of fabrics and of fancy shoes in. which this plumage is used for decorative effect are able to enter the home market and world markets without any competition from British manufacturers; and whether he will consider amending the 1921 Act so as to enable British manufacturers to import the plumage and plumage waste necessary to the manufacture of these goods?

In regard to the home market, I am afraid that my hon. Friend has been misinformed, since prohibited plumage may not be imported into the United Kingdom in any form. As regards plumage required here for the production of goods for export, I understand that the importation of the varieties which are principally used in fabrics and on fancy shoes is not prohibited. In these circumstances the answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that a bale of this particular plumage is still lying at the Customs quay, because its entrance into this country is prohibited; and therefore—

rose—

May I complete my supplementary question?

The hon. Member is giving a lot of information, but not asking a question.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply which has been given to my question, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the President, of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the result of the recent negotiations with the Government of Yugoslavia on the subject of trade between the two countries?

I am glad to be able to inform the House that a Commercial Agreement with Yugoslavia was signed on 27th November and will be published as soon as possible. Its chief provision is for the issue of sufficient licences for the import into Yugoslavia of United Kingdom goods which are subject to import restrictions and the imports of which have declined seriously in recent months. There will be an issue of licences in respect of December which is at double the rate of recent issues, and provision has been made for regular issues thereafter. The total value of the licences so to be issued will depend on the total value of exports from Yugoslavia to the United Kingdom. I have every reason to hope that the Agreement will result in an immediate increase in United Kingdom exports to Yugoslavia, and will re-establish the commercial relations between the two countries on a satisfactory basis.

Are we to take it that this agreement does not contain, any tax upon imported food for a change?

The hon. Member had better wait and see.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a commission to review the position of all ex-service men who claim to be suffering from the effects of the last War, and to see that adequate payments be made while there is need?

I have no evidence to indicate that any special inquiry is called for. I would remind the hon. Member that any claim by an ex-service man to be disabled by his War service can still be considered and, if it is ascertained to be well-founded, he will receive whatever compensation may be appropriate. Moreover, the statutory benefits of the various social services that provide for sickness, unemployment, and need, are available to ex-service men who also have many privileges of their own under these services.

In view of the large amount of suffering among ex-service men, who have great difficulty in proving that it arises directly out of the War, will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation of representatives of all parties in the House who would lay this evidence before him?

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to put that request forward in the usual way. I am not quite sure that I should be the right Minister.

Is the Prime Minister not aware that having to make a well-founded claim means that the benefit of the doubt goes against the ex-service man and not for him?

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is still in force a seven-years' time limit, which makes it impossible for ex-service men who have not already applied for pensions to apply?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have yet decided what action they will take to implement the recommendations made in the report of the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of Arms?

The report of the Royal Commission is still under Examination, and until His Majesty's Government have had an opportunity of considering the results of this examination, they are not in a position to decide what action they will take to implement the recommendations made in the report.

In view of the fact that the Government are this year purchasing about £80,000,000 worth of munitions, the greater part of which comes from private firms, and that the Royal Commission recommended, in the interests of the defence of the nation, that their proposal should be adopted, therefore—

That is a very long question.

I was going to end it by asking if the Government regard it as a matter of urgency to reach a decision on the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a Minister whose purpose will be to look ahead and examine the probabilities of areas becoming depressed through the closing down of works, so that he will be in a position to advise the Government what steps should be taken to prevent distress and unemployment?

Questions of the kind which the hon. Member has in mind may affect a number of Government Departments, and also concern local interests. I doubt whether it would conduce to the object which he presumably has in view to attempt to make a single Minister responsible for considering them.

Is it not well to have someone looking forward and getting ready for this kind of thing rather than have distress and the Special Area business afterwards?

I quite agree with the hon. Member that it is an important question, but I do not think the need for decision is imminent. The conditions of the world are changing so fast that it is very difficult to know what the exact circumstances will be when the fall in trade ultimately comes. Of course, every Government must have these matters in mind.

As the matter is urgent and the Minister of Labour has too much work to do, would it not be desirable to ask some other member of the Government to tackle the job?

Would it not be more pertinent for the next Socialist Government to have such a Minister?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to restore staff harmony and public confidence in the British Broadcasting Corporation, he will consider holding a full public inquiry into staff conditions in general, in view of the fact that the recent board of inquiry was limited to the Lambert v. Levita case?

I am quite unable to accept the sweeping imputations against the British Broadcasting Corporation implied in the hon. Member's question. He is no doubt aware that the Board of Inquiry into the case he mentions has not yet completed its investigations and clearly there can be no question of anticipating any of the findings of that board. I would incidentally remind the hon. Member that examination into staff conditions is a function of the Treasury and that, if occasion arises, its machinery is appropriate and available for the case of any institution dependent on public funds.

Has any complaint of any sort, kind or description reached the Prime Minister of want of harmony in the British Broadcasting Corporation except in the particular case that is now under investigation?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to receive the report of the Board of Inquiry?

Not without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Governments of His Majesty's Dominions have been consulted on the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Munitions to Spain) Bill; and whether they propose to ask their respective Parliaments to pass similar legislation?

I have been asked to reply. The Bill does not apply to ships registered in the Dominions, and therefore no question of consultation with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions arises. They have been informed of the proposal to legislate on this subject. I am not aware whether any of them contemplate taking similar action.

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Foreign Secretary on the matter, because if the Dominions are not to be included, the embargo will necessarily not be effective? Will he make representations to the Dominions to see that the same conditions are provided for by similar legislation?

The whole matter has been considered in consultation with the Foreign Office, and the Dominions have been informed of our intention to legislate. I think the question that the hon. Baronet raises is largely an academic one, as there are very few Dominion registered vessels of the type concerned.

Are there not a number of Australian vessels, for instance, which fall within this category, and is it not most desirable not only to inform the Dominions of our decision but to invite their opinion?

We have not taken any decision affecting the Dominions; therefore, consultation prior to our legislation was quite unnecessary. I am advised that there are very few Dominion registered ships of the type that might be involved.

Would it not be very serious if a Canadian ship were stopped in these conditions and found carrying arms? Would it not be wiser, as the Foreign Office does represent the Dominions, to persuade them formally to pass similar legislation?

If there were any evidence that Dominion registered ships were likely to be involved, certainly one would have to consider the matter further, but on the present evidence I do not think that further action is necessary.

Are we to understand that in these rather critical international questions there is no previous consultation with the Dominions when action of this kind is being taken?

It is quite unnecessary to consult the Dominions with regard to legislation in this House unless that legislation is going to affect the Dominions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Foreign Secretary again? Obviously it does affect them.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will give particulars of any proceedings that have been instituted under the County Courts (Amendment) Act, 1934, against any persons or debt collectors who have written letters purporting to have the appearance of being issued by the county courts?

I have been asked to reply. As far as my hon. and learned Friend is aware, proceedings have been taken in one case under Section 31 of the County Courts (Amendment) Act, 1934. The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined £10 and ordered to pay two guineas costs.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will inform the House as to the reasons for the rule which expressly forbids officers of the Ministry in Employment Exchanges in any circumstances to volunteer information or suggest the desirability of enlisting in His Majesty's Forces to applicants desiring a job; and whether the continuance of this rule will now be reconsidered

As regards the first part of the question, I understand that this matter is to be raised on the Motion for Adjournment within the next few days. My right hon. Friend will then be able to deal with -tae matter more fully than is possible in a Parliamentary answer. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on 23rd November.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether there is any other employment except employment in the Army as to which officials of the Ministry are forbidden to inform applicants for work?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down that question.

It is down.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the plight of the small shopkeepers in Great Barr Street, Birmingham, whose customers have been removed owing to the slum clearance order in that street; whether, in view of the general desire of the tenants of the demolished houses to live again in that particular area, he will urge the Birmingham City Council to build similar maisonettes there to those the council erected in the Glover Street area?

The Great Barr Street clearance areas were dealt with by means of Clearance Orders and under this procedure the cleared site remains in possession of the owners who are, of course, free to redevelop it subject to any conditions that may be imposed by the local authority.

Have these traders no redress?

Under Section 41 of the Housing Act, 1930, which was extended by the Act of 1935 to cover this particular type of case, shopkeepers not themselves resident in unfit properties whose trade has been substantially diminished by the removal of population can receive payment from the local authority in compensation.