asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will inquire into the case of an ex-minister in the Punjab who was sentenced by the High Court of that Province to imprisonment for an indefinite period for alleged contempt of court; whether such sentences are frequent under the provisions of the Contempt of Court Act; and what is the usual term of imprisonment in such cases?

Lala Harkishen Lal was sentenced by a Division Bench of the Lahore High Court on 6th December, 1935, under the powers conferred by the Contempt of Courts Act, 1926, to two months simple imprisonment for disobeying an order of a subordinate Court. He was at the same time sentenced for disobeying an order of the High Court itself to remain in gaol until he apologised and paid into Court money taken by him contrary to the order of that Court. This further sentence was in that respect indefinite, but was passed by the High Court in exercise of its own inherent powers, and not under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1926. The sentence was later converted by the High Court into a definite one expiring on 15th November last. Cases of the kind are infrequent and the sentences depend on the view taken by the Court in each instance.

Can the hon. Member give the exact authority under which the Court acted?

As I stated in my original answer, these powers are inherent in the constitution of the High Court.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any order was made by the High Court of Lahore when Lala Harkishen Lal was sentenced to imprisonment in respect of the class in which he should be placed in gaol; and whether this matter was left to the discretion of the gaol superintendent or whether subsequent instructions were given to the gaol superintendent?

On 1st November, 1935, Lala Harkishen Lal was sentenced to a term of one month's imprisonment and. the High Court Committal Order directed, his classification as a. Class A prisoner. When he was again imprisoned on 6th December, the gaol authorities placed him in classs A pending a direction from the High Court. This classification was subsequently confirmed by the chief Justice of the High Court and the local Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India for the latest information he has as to the conditions in India?

I presume that the hon. Member would wish me to make a further statement about the situation on the North-West Frontier. The tribes concerned in the attack on the troops on 25th-27th November have been informed that Government forces wilt march into the Khaisora valley, remaining there as long as is considered necessary. A road or roads will be constructed from Mirali into and within the Khaisora valley and fines in rifles and other penalties will be exacted from the guilty sections. Work on the road has already begun, under the protection of a column of troops.

Are the Royal Air Force co-operating?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under Secretary of State for India the reason, for the arrest of Mr. Sajjad Zaheer, Moslem Socialist leader in the United Provinces?

Orders sanctioning the prosecution of Mr. Sajjad Zaheer under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code were issued by the Government of the United Provinces on 17th November for a subversive speech delivered by him on 7th October. The orders were subsequently withdrawn by the local government on receipt of an undertaking from Mr. Zaheer's father that he would not offend again in the same way.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received any recent report upon the condition of the Andamanese aborigines, showing what steps are being taken to preserve the health of these tribes; and whether he can give an assurance that no firm of timber merchants will be given a concession for the timber of the Jarawa forest reserve, but that this reserve will be maintained solely for the aborigines?

The latest Administration Report stated that beyond the usual cases of colds and malaria the health of the Andamanese aborigines was good. Their preference for their own remedies rather than treatment in hospital continued, but arrangements were being made for them to be visited periodically in their camps by a sub-assistant surgeon. I have no information regarding the Jarawa forest reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the position and safety of the Assyrians and Jews in Iraq under the new administration?

As the House is aware, the Iraqi Government have formally declared that it is their intention to ensure the welfare and protection of all minorities in Iraq, and such information as I have received shows that this declaration is being fully carried out.

Will the hon. Member consider the advisability of communicating instructions to our Air Force in Iraq t hat if these troubles recommence they are to take action in defence of the Assyrians and Jews?

I think the hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. My information is that the present situation is satisfactory.

Yes, but if these troubles arise again, will our Air Force protect the people instead of leaving them unprotected?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the presence of Italian volunteers in Majorca and the consequences of their presence there for an indefinite period, he will arrange for the presence of similar British volunteers in Minorca and Port Mahon with the consent of the Spanish Government?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding the landing of 6,000 Germans at Cadiz?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information from His Majesty's missions in Berlin and Madrid concerning the number of Germans who have proceeded from Germany to Spain to join General Franco's forces?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the landing at Cadiz of 2,000 or more German nationals provided with equipment; and whether the members of the Non-intervention Committee propose to make representations to their respective Governments to prevent as far as is in their power the enlistment of their nationals in the forces engaged in the civil war in Spain?

Information has been received that the number of Germans recently landed in Cadiz is about 5,000. This information has come direct from Cadiz and Seville. I have not received any reports from other sources regarding the numbers of these men. Information has also been received that there are large numbers of Italians serving with the forces in Majorca and large numbers of Russians and other foreigners fighting for the Government in Madrid. As I have previously indicated to the House, His Majesty's Government strongly deprecate the participation of volunteers from other countries in the fighting in Spain. At my request, the Chairman of the Nonintervention Committee read out a statement to the sub-committee on Friday last, setting out His Majesty's Government's anxieties on this score and urging most strongly that the committee should take the matter at once into consideration and agree upon measures to put a stop to this practice. As a result the sub-committee drew up a general outline of proposals for submission to the main committee, and I understand that these proposals are to be put into final shape at a further meeting this afternoon.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Germans occupy the Canaries, and will he consider the question whether the occupation by this country of Port Mahon and Minorca in the interests of the Spanish Government is desirable, as long as the Italians remain in the other Balearic Islands?

I have no information about the Canaries. My object is to put a stop to this on the part of everybody.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the 5,000 Germans landed at Cadiz were volunteers?

Has the right hon. Gentleman information confirming the statement that these Germans are in fact members of the German Army?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Apart from the representations to the Non-Intervention Committee, have any special representations been made to the German, Italian and Russian Governments on this matter?

No. In the first instance we have brought it before the Non-Intervention Committee. It will be for us to judge after to- day's proceedings what further action may be desirable or not.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the fact that this Government deprecates the use of these foreign troops in Spain is likely to have any influence whatever upon Berlin?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the declaration by the Spanish rebel forces of a blockade of certain portions of the southern Spanish coast; and Whether His Majesty's Government recognise the validity of this operation?

I have no information about the declaration of such a blockade. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Has not information of this nature been given to one of His Majesty's representatives in that area?

I am not sure to what the hon. Member refers, but I can give him the assurance that we recognise no blockade.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what functions are being fulfilled by His Majesty's Ambassador to Spain, who is at Hendaye, in France; and whether he is maintaining communication with the Spanish Government?

Amongst the various duties of His Majesty's Ambassador are those of advising and reporting to His Majesty's Government regarding the Spanish situation, of supervising the work of His Majesty's consular officers in Northern Spain, of maintaining contact with the insurgent authorities at Burgos on humanitarian questions and other matters of interest to His Majesty's Government, and of assisting the representative of the International Red Cross in his humanitarian activities. Communications between His Majesty's Government and the Government at Madrid pass through His Majesty's Embassy at Madrid or the Spanish Embassy in London.

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard that as a more efficient method of maintaining contact with the Spanish Government?

Yes, in all the circumstances. It is an arrangement which has been come to for the time being, and is the same as that practised by almost every other Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where the Spanish Government is at present situated?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any reports have been renewed. from His Majesty's ships concerning the escorting of a German transport conveying German nationals to Cadiz by ships of the German Navy?

:No, Sir.

Has the Intelligence Department of the Admiralty no information on the matter?

I can only repeat that we have received no information from any of His Majesty's ships.

asked the Secretary of State for War, where the military attaché and the assistant military attaché to the British Embassy in Spain are now; whether instructions have been given to them to obtain all possible data with regard to present methods of warfare being carried on in Spain; and whether he has any information as to what instructions have been given to the military attachés of the other principal Powers in this connection?

The British military attache and assistant military attaché accredited to Spain are also accredited to France and Portugal, with their headquarters in Paris. An additional temporary assistant military attache has recently been appointed who is now at the British Embassy at Hendaye. Military attaches are, of course, instructed to furnish any information that may be of interest or value. As regards the third part of the question, I have no information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Mr. Karl Robson, the Berlin correspondent of the "Morning Post," has been summarily expelled from Germany; and what is the reason for this expulsion?

I understand that Mr. Karl Robson has not technically been expelled from Germany. The German authorities state that his permit to reside in Germany as a correspondent for three years has expired, and it has not been renewed. The reason given by the German authorities for the non-renewal of his permit is that his messages have, despite repeated protests, been unfriendly to Germany over a long period.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make friendly representations to the German Government to avoid in future incidents of this nature?

The House will appreciate that every Government has the right to expel foreign nationals, but the opportunity has been taken to remind the competent German authorities of the criticism that would arise if this right should be exercised, especially against foreign journalists without grave cause for complaint.

How many British journalists have been expelled from Moscow in the past?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in any arrangements to which His Majesty's Government may become a party regarding the situation in the Mediterranean, they will bear in mind the importance of having due regard to the legitimate interests of Jugoslavia?

Yes, Sir. I am glad to have the opportunity of giving this assurance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received from His Majesty's missions in Berlin and Oslo any information concerning the date on which Herr von Ossietsky will proceed from Germany for Norway in order to receive the Nobel Peace Prize?

No, Sir.

Is it not plain that Herr von Ossietsky has been forbidden to leave Germany to receive the Nobel Prize, and does not this fact shed light on the departure of "volunteers" for Spain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the recent insurrection in Palestine had financial support from three foreign Governments; whether any of these Governments are members of the League of Nations; whether any explanations had been asked from, or protests made to, these Governments; if so, with what result; and whether he is prepared to make a statement on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The remaining parts do not, therefore, arise.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the allegations made by Sir Ronald Storrs?

No, Sir. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will call my attention to them.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will arrange with the French Government that all goods purchased as a result of our exhibiting the British productions at the Paris Exhibition of 1937 will be admitted into France free of import duties so that the Anglo-French trade may be increased?

It would not, I think, be reasonable to approach the French Government with a request on the very wide basis suggested in the question; but discussions are taking place between the foreign Commissioners-General and the French Exhibition authorities with a view to some appropriate relaxation of quota restrictions during the period of the exhibition, and the French authorities have already announced that the import of foodstuffs intended for consumption within the exhibition will be unaffected by quota regulations.

Seeing that there is so much in common between Britain and France, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of open- ing negotiations with a view to carrying out the suggestion in the question?

No, Sir; the hon. Member will see that if we carried out the suggestion in his question to its logical conclusion it would make it quite possible for anyone to evade the French import duties and regulations in a wholesale manner which we could not expect France to accept.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will arrange for the pottery exhibits that will be shown at the Paris Exhibition to be exhibited in other parts of the world where it may improve trade?

I have received no request from representatives of the pottery industry that their exhibits at Paris should be shown by His Majesty's Government in other parts of the world, and as at present advised I am not disposed to favour the suggestion.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will arrange special facilities for the transport of exhibits to the Paris Exhibition of 1937?

I understand that both the French and United Kingdom railways propose to make arrangements which will materially reduce the cost of transport for all exhibitors. In the case of exhibits selected for display in the United Kingdom Government Pavilion by the Council of Art and Industry, the Department of Overseas Trade has undertaken to bear the total cost of transport between London and Paris.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any report has yet been received from the Import Duties Advisory Committee relative to an alteration in the duty against foreign sticks imported into this country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the latter part of the reply given to a question by the hon. Member for the Isle of Ely (Mr. de Rothschild) on 19th December, 1935, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any, and, if so, what alterations have been made in Post Office regulations in Liverpool and elsewhere in order to cope with the letters sent by or to the promoters of football pools?

Letters sent by or to the promoters of football pools are dealt with under the usual regulations for the acceptance, despatch, and delivery of heavy bulk postings. Any authorised modifications in those regulations in connection with the pools traffic have been made for the convenience of the Post Office, and are such as would be made in the case of similar postings by any commercial firm.

Can the right hon. and gallant Member say whether any special arrangements have been made to deal with some of these football pools?

Not without notice.

asked the Postmaster-General the nature of and the necessity for the communication which was addressed by the postal authorities to the candidates or their agents during the recent Erdington by-election as to the days upon which election communications should be posted?

The date for polling was Tuesday, 20th October. Under the regulations relating to the posting of election communications the latest date for posting was Friday the 16th, but in order to avoid any risk that the communications would not reach the voters in time, the election agents were asked to hand them in early in the week; and I am glad to say that they were able to agree to this suggestion.

Is that a risk which ordinarily takes place at a by-election?

At every by-election the Post Office does its best to see that the arrangements made are for the convenience of the public.

Is the right hon. and gallant Member aware that neither I nor my agent received any communication from the Post Office?

asked the Postmaster-General what annual revenue is derived, directly or through a contractor, for advertisements in books of stamps; what portion of the revenue so obtained is derived from advertisements of medicines and appliances for the cure or relief of rheumatism and arthritis and of deafness, respectively; and whether, in view of paragraph 57 (2) of the report of the Select Committee on Patent Medicines in 1914 recommending the prohibition of advertisements of cures for deafness, among other diseases, it is his practice to consult the Minister of Health respecting such advertisements?

The figure asked for in the first part of the question is £16,493, and those asked for in the second half are £838 and £3,074. The answer to the third part is in the negative, but the Minister of Health is aware of the general policy of the Post Office.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of hours of overtime worked by the telephone engineers during the past 12 months in each of the following districts: Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Bristol; and the number of engineers affected in each district?

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

asked the Postmaster-General the number of ships-to-shore ocean telephone messages that have passed through the British wireless telephone stations for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and what further early reductions are contemplated in ships-to-shore ocean and/or transatlantic telephone services?

Approximately 2,100 telephone calls with ocean liners were dealt with during the last 12 months. Reductions in rates were made in the Transatlantic telephone service on 1st July last and in the ship telephone service on 1st August. I am not in a position to announce any further reductions at the present time.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the service is satisfactory?

That is a different question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.

On a point of Order. May I ask whether questions of this quality, the information relating to which can be obtained by direct questions to the Postmaster-General should be on the Order Paper and wasting the time of the House?

asked the Postmaster-General whether any proportion of vacancies in the postal service is reserved for ex-service men?

Half of the vacancies for postmen and porters are reserved for ex-service men.

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made in the direction of providing telephonic communication between Shetland and the mainland and between the various islands and the mainland of Shetland and Orkney, respectively?

The proposals for the provision of trunk telephone service between Shetland and the mainland of Great Britain and between the various islands and the mainland of Shetland and Orkney involve a large amount of detailed investigation. The matter is being actively pursued and this winter further experiments are to be made on the spot in order to determine the suitability at all times of the year of ultra-short-wave wireless telephony for the purpose of extending telephone service to these islands.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the offer made by a certain film company to sell to the Post Office the wireless apparatus with which they maintained contact with the outer world during their residence in the island of Foula last summer; and what decision has been arrived at?

The apparatus to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was dismantled some time ago. It was unsuitable for regular communication between Foula and the mainland. Considerable progress has already been made in connection with the setting up of a service to Foula but it will be some little time yet before it becomes available. Arrangements are already in train however to give a temporary service which, I hope, will be in operation within the next few weeks.

asked the Postmaster General whether the British Broadcasting Corporation, has now set up staff associations among its employés?

I am informed by the Corporation that no such association has yet been set up, but that active inquiries are in progress, and that it is hoped before long to formulate a scheme for consideration.

In his last speech five weeks ago the Postmaster-General said that the Corporation were dealing with this matter; and will he therefore suggest that they should expedite their decision?

I am sure that the British Broadcasting Corporation will pay attention to the representations of the right hon. Gentleman. The issue is a simple one. The Ullswater Committee recommended that facilities should be provided for any representative organisation, whether a single staff association or smaller bodies which the Corporation's employés may wish to set up, and that was agreed to by the Government, and has been accepted by the Corporation.

In view of the general mismanagement of the British Broadcasting Corporation, will the Postmaster-General take steps to make it a proper Government Department?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether consideration has been given to the recommendations of the Select Committee on Refreshment Rooms and Lavatories, which reported in July last; and when these necessary improvements will be put in hand?

Yes, Sir: but my noble Friend is not at present in a position to state when the works of improvement will be carried out.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether any new system of ventilating the Chamber and the House generally is being experimented with; and whether he will endeavour to remedy the discomfort and danger to health due to the draughts caused by the present system?

The subject is dealt with fully in a Note circulated by my Noble Friend last Session. I will send the hon. Lady a copy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Com- missioner of Works, what gifts have been made to the Royal Parks during the past year?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of gifts to the Royal Parks during the past year. It always gives my Noble Friend great pleasure to receive such gifts, and he is very grateful for this opportunity of expressing his thanks to the donors.

asked the Minister of Labour the earliest date that an unemployed gardener can obtain unemployment insurance benefit; and whether gardeners employed on long-term hirings will be required to pay the full weekly contributions?

A gardener not already insured against unemployment but becoming insurable under the terms of the draft order relating to private gardeners now awaiting approval in another place, might qualify for the receipt of benefit if unemployed on and after 15th June, 1937. If and when the draft order is approved the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance (Agriculture) Act relating to long-term hirings will apply to private gardeners as to other workers included under the scheme of unemployment insurance for agriculture.

In view of the fact that gardeners are now to be included in unemployment insurance, is it intended to withdraw the licences which are paid on their behalf?

I think that question should be directed to another Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government have now considered the evidence submitted by the hunger marchers; and whether it is the intention to abolish the means test or to bring about some revision of same?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) on 19th November last.

Arising out of that reply, have the Government given any consideration to the definite evidence put before the Minister upstairs, and have they come to any decision?

The hon. Member will recollect that my right hon. Friend promised to look into any individual cases that might be submitted to him. With regard to a decision, I think he will find the answer to that contained in the last part of the answer to which I have referred.

May I call the attention of the Minister to the fact that none of his replies to these questions have dealt with the question whether the Government have considered the means test itself, and whether they have decided to allow it to remain or to make any revision in it?

I think the hon. Member will find that the last part of the answer makes that clear. There has been no change in the Government's attitude since then.

Are we to understand from that answer that the evidence of national indignation has had no effect on the Government's mind in the matter?

I am not prepared to accept the hon. Member's definition of indignation in this case.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the sterling equivalent of Suez Canal dues per Suez Canal ton for the years 1934 and 1935 and for the 11 months of 1936; and whether he has received any representations from shipowners or shippers or from the Dominions, Colonies, or Mandated Territories of recent years with respect to the continued high level of these dues;

(2) whether he has been in communication with any foreign Power as to the present high level of Suez Canal dues; and whether the British Government representatives on the board have received any fresh instructions to press for a reduction of dues in the interest of British commerce with the East?

The average sterling equivalents of the Suez Canal tonnage dues from 1st January, 1934, till 7th July, 1935, were 7s. 6d. per Suez Canal ton for loaded vessels, and 3s. 9d. for vessels in ballast. From 8th July, 1935, the rates have been fixed in sterling. They were 7s. 6d. per ton for loaded vessels and 3s. 9d. for vessels in ballast until 30th June, 1936, and were reduced as from 1st July, 1936, to 7s. and 3s. 6d. respectively. The rates of tonnage dues are fixed by the Suez Canal Company. So far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, it is well recognised that the shipping community wish to see the dues reduced to as low a level as practicable, and the Government directors are fully aware of this desire. The company have had under consideration the possibility of a further reduction of dues in the near future, and my right hon. Friend is informed that, following a meeting of the board of the company to-day, the dues will be reduced as from 1st April, 1937, to 6s. for loaded vessels and 3s. for vessels in ballast. The answer to the first part of Question No. 40 is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that representatives of the workmen in the building trades in Scotland have agreed during the present emergency to work overtime on municipal housing contracts; that the Department of Health has concurred, but that representatives of the employers, while agreeing to overtime on other classes of building, have declined to agree to overtime on the construction of working-class houses in municipal schemes; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In recent months the Department of Health have approved overtime proposals by three local authorities. I am not aware that any general decision against the working of overtime on housing schemes has been reached by the National Employers' Associations. I understand, however, that difficulties have occurred in certain districts, mainly on account of protests by neighbouring local authorities and by other contractors. I am informed that overtime in the building trade is worked mainly to meet emergencies on small jobs. On big jobs urgent work is commonly carried out by shifts.

Arising out of that answer, is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is precisely in those districts where there is the greatest need for house-building that these difficulties have been put in the way of the municipalities?

I think that overtime is only useful for a short-term emergency, and that a long-term emergency such as we have here can hardly be met by a general increase in working hours.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my question? I Is it not the case that difficulties have been placed in the way of municipalities only in areas where the need for house-building is greatest?

I do not think so. As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, overtime is governed by the rules of the industry, which are regulated by local joint committees on which there are representatives of both workers and employers.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for recognising the fact that there are local joint committees, is he aware that the building trade operatives place an unlimited period of overtime on housing schemes at the disposal of the employers and the local authorities, and that whereas the employers have not generally and publicly declared against overtime, they have on each of the local committees voted against overtime being worked on housing schemes?

I think that is so, and personally I should be quite glad if some overtime were agreed upon, but I would remind the hon. Gentleman that I do not think that in a long-term emergency a general increase of working hours would necessarily be the best solution, particularly in view of the present amount of unemployment in Scotland.

Would not the municipalities be able to get bricklayers if they paid the same or better rates and gave as good conditions as are provided by private employers?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any proposals have been made to him by the municipal authorities in Scotland for a limitation or rationing of their housing programmes on the ground that there is a shortage of skilled workmen available for the building of houses in their areas; is he aware that during September on a Stirling housing scheme of 212 houses there were only engaged seven bricklayers and three apprentices, and on the Househillwood scheme, Glasgow, for 836 houses there were only engaged 15 bricklayers and 15 apprentices; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the building of houses for the working classes shall receive an adequate proportion of the available supply of skilled labour?

Three local authorities have submitted proposals that invitations to tender for further houses on their programmes should be delayed in view of the slow progress being made on their schemes now in process of erection. My right hon. Friend is aware of the facts stated in the second part of the question, and, as regards the last part, he is in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

Could the hon. Gentleman give some indication as to what steps the Government are going to take to deal with this most urgent and most important matter?

No, Sir, not now; but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend does not intend to acquiesce in the indefinite delay of these schemes by a shortage of labour.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Government will take no steps to put a limit on the wages that are earned by the workers in this industry?

I do not think that question has arisen anywhere.

Are the Government prepared to prevent firms such as Marks and Spencer building new places and dragging men away from other places for temporary jobs for a few days? Are they to be protected?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses provided in Kilsyth last year and this year, respectively, the number of houses in this town with six or more persons living in a single apartment, and the average rental of such houses?

The number of houses completed in Kilsyth in 1935 was 104, and the number completed this year, to 30th November, was 84. The number of single-apartment houses containing six or more persons per house is 22, and the average rental of such houses is £7 3s. 5d. per annum.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons certified as suffering from tuberculosis in Dennistoun, Whitevale and Mile End wards of the Camlachie Parliamentary Division last year and the corresponding figures for Cathcart and Partick wards?

The records of the Glasgow Public Health Department show that in the wards in question the numbers of cases of tuberculosis (pulmonary and non-pulmonary) notified in 1935 were as follow:

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an early opportunity for discussing the Notice of Motion standing on the Paper in the name of the right hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme:

"That, in the opinion of this House, the Oath of Allegiance which they have already taken to King Edward VIII is unaffected by any form of Coronation ceremony or by the presence thereat or absence therefrom of any dignitary or personage whatsoever; nor will they substitute any other for the King of England."

No, Sir.

Arising out of the answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can at least give us an assurance that the fatal and final step of abdication or the acceptance of abdication

Order.

rose—

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker—

Sir Alfred Knox.

On a point of Order. May I ask, Sir, on what ground do you forbid me to put this supplementary question as is usual?

The right hon. Gentleman asked a question, and he received an answer which was a very definite answer.

May I ask to have that answer explained? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Is it not in accordance with the ordinary custom of this House that any answer made by a Minister may be explained and amplified if desired? I think I am perfectly justified in asking that question.

The answer given to the right hon. Gentleman did not seem to me to call for any amplification.

May I ask the Prime Minister, arising out of his reply, whether it is not his intention to give the House some opportunity of discussing the matters referred to in this Motion before any irrevocable decision is taken?

I was asked whether I would give time to discuss this particular Motion. My answer is that I cannot see my way to do it.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the large percentage of boys and girls who leave deaf-and-dumb schools without any prospect of work to go to and remain unemployed for considerable periods; and will he consider the appointment of a departmental committee, with powers to inquire into the whole position, with a view to advising the best methods of finding employment for these individuals?

Figures obtained from the deaf schols for the period from 1923 to 1929 inclusive and published in Dr. Eichholz's report "A study of the Deaf in England and Wales" showed that the schools had information as to the after-careers of 93 per cent. of the children who had left school during that period, and that of these 75 per cent. were employed and 81 per cent. were living in satisfactory circumstances. These percentages may have fallen to some extent during the period of economic depression since 1929, but on the information before me, I am unable to agree that the percentage of unemployment among the deaf is high having regard to the disability from which they suffer, and I am not satisfied as to the need for a Departmental Committee to inquire into the position.

What is the percentage at the present time?

I should require notice of that question.

Is it not the case that these young people suffer under a serious handicap; and does he not think that some departmental body ought to deal with deaf and dumb boys and girls instead of leaving them entirely in the hands of voluntary organisations?

I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are watching the situation very closely, but, as I have explained, there is no point at present in setting up a committee such as has been suggested.

Does the hon. Gentleman's answer mean that 19 per cent. of those leaving school have not found employment?

I think if the hon. Gentleman reads my answer again he will see that that is not the effect of it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a Royal Commission to decide what further places in Government employment can be reserved for ex-service men?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cardiff (Captain Evans) on 19th November, of which I am sending him a copy. The question whether a still larger number of posts in the Government service can be reserved to ex-members of the Regular Forces is constantly under review and is being specially considered at the present time. I do not think that the appointment of a Royal Commission would facilitate the detailed inquiries which are inevitable in connection with the consideration of a matter of this kind, but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that if additional machinery for the purpose in view were thought to be advisable any necessary steps would be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in the last year in the replacement of out-of-date housing accommodation for troops by satisfactory quarters; and whether any units are still housed in corrugated-iron hutments erected at the time of the Boer war?

Expenditure during the current financial year on the modernising of barracks and replacement of huts will reach approximately the sum of £750,000, and this is only the first instalment of a scheme which will involve considerably larger expenditure in 1937. There are still in existence a few huts dating from the time of the Boer war, but every effort is being made to replace them by modern accommodation with the least possible delay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Ether Committee's recommendations, made 16 years ago, have for the most part been ignored?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he proposes to take to improve recruiting for the Regular Army?

A great many steps have already been taken with this object in view and many more are now under consideration. My hon. and gallant Friend will not expect me to give a complete list of these in reply to a question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any confidence that he will be able to goad the Cabinet into taking action in time?

Will the right hon. Gentleman not take the House into his confidence on this question of recruiting?

I really do not know what the hon. Member means by taking the House into my confidence at Question Time. I have answered the question, and I have nothing to add.

As the right hon. Gentleman has made certain veiled references to the subject of further steps that may be required to be undertaken, will he not take the House into his confidence and tell us exactly what he has in mind?

I have not made any veiled references. I have said that certain proposals. I have said that certain proposals to encourage men to join the Army are now under consideration, and I hope to be able to give a full statement with regard to them in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, in the case of a registered club which was recently fined at Rochester for selling drink to children whose respective ages were 10, 13, and 15 years, the prosecution could only be instituted as one for the illegal sale of liquor for consumption off the premises; and whether he will take into account, in the preparation of the clubs legislation promised by him, the Royal Commission's unanimous recommendation that no person under 18 should be supplied with liquor in clubs?

I have made inquiry, and I find that the facts of this case are as stated by the hon. Member, and that proceedings were successfully taken for breach of the provisions of the Licensing Act relating to the supply of liquor from a club for off-consumption. It would not appear that the existing law is inadequate to deal with offences such as were committed in the present case, but the recommendation of the Royal Commission to which the hon. Member refers, together with the other recommendations of that Commission relating to clubs, will be duly considered in connection with the proposed clubs legislation.

While it may be admitted that the law as it stands is adequate to deal with the offence after it has been commited, does not the hon. Gentleman think that the suggestion in the question would prevent the offence being committed?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the accommodation provided for His Majesty's inspector of taxes and staff at High Street, Boston, Lincolnshire, is seriously overcrowded; whether steps are being taken to obtain alternative accommodation; and what is the present position?

I have been asked to reply. My Noble Friend is aware that the accommodation at present provided for the inspector of taxes at Boston, Lincolnshire, is not satisfactory, and consideration is being given to the question of providing improved accommodation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the parking regulations for cars in St. James's Square and other parts of the West End forbid owners to leave their cars in the parking places for more than two hours continuously; and whether, as it is impossible for owners to comply with this provision when leaving their cars to attend theatres in the evenings, he will arrange to relax these restrictions so far as the evening hours are concerned?

I am sure that owners of motor vehicles will realise that it is to the public advantage that they should garage their cars off the public highway, particularly if they wish to leave them for a lengthy period.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of recent experiments and investigations at the National Institute of Industrial Psychology, the conclusions of which have still further enforced the findings of the British Medical Association on the relation of small doses of alcohol and unreliability in motor driving; and whether he will take steps, in view of the toll of road accidents, to bring this matter prominently once more to the attention of the motoring public?

Yes, Sir, the institute furnished my right hon. Friend with a copy of the report of a preliminary study of the relation of alcohol to road accidents, based upon a series of experiments, the results of which are stated to indicate that even moderate quantities of alcohol tend to make A, driver accelerate unconsciously and maintain a less steady course. The report received considerable notice in the Press, and I do not doubt that the hon. Member's question will serve to draw further attention to it.

Does that mean that it is generally admitted that spirits are better in the carburettor than in the stomach?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there is considerable violation of Section 19 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, as amended by the Act of 1933, regarding the hours of work any driver of certain vehicles may be on duty in any one day; and will he take steps to inform the public and employers and drivers, in particular, of the definite meaning of the Act regarding hours of work in the interest of public safety on the roads?

During the past two years many convictions have been obtained in proceedings instituted by the police and the licensing authorities, and the resultant publicity should have helped to impress upon all concerned the requirements of the law and the importance of observing provisions directed by Parliament in the interests of public safety. Meanwhile, I am sending the hon. Member prints of two pamphlets explaining the law on this subject, which are issued free of charge by the licensing authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the dissatisfaction on the part of the public and the motor transport workers with the effect of the Road and Rail Act on road transport, he will introduce a short amending Bill to give the right of appeal from the decisions of the Traffic Commissioners to the Ministry instead of to an independent tribunal?

My right hon. Friend sees no sufficient justification for asking Parliament to reverse the decision taken only three years ago.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that as the law is at present Members of Parliament are not able to bring their grievances either before the Minister or before this House, and will he see if these are not some means whereby they can do so?

I do not think I can add to the answer I have given.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the railway companies are opposing these applications by every means they can, and are causing great dissatisfaction amongst motor transport workers?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes taking to provide against the shortage of bacon which is threatened as a result of the Bacon Marketing Board's failure to secure the minimum number of contracts for pigs under the 1937 contracts?

As the hon. Member will be aware, the period within which contracts may be made has been extended until 14th December. In any case no question of a shortage of bacon arises, since total supplies can be maintained at the existing level by adjustment of imports.

May we take it that the Minister will proceed to adjust the imports?

That question is at present entirely hypothetical.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has anything to add to the statement which he made on Friday?

Yes, Sir. I am glad to have the occasion of making a further statement on the position.

In considering this whole matter it has always been, and remains, the earnest desire of the Government to afford to His Majesty the fullest opportunity of weighing a decision which involves so directly his own future happiness and the interests of all his subjects.

At the same time they cannot but be aware that any considerable prolongation of the present state of suspense and uncertainty would involve risk of the gravest injury to National and Imperial interests and indeed no one is more insistent upon this aspect of the situation than His Majesty.

In view of certain statements which have been made about the relations between the Government and the King, I should add that, with the exception of the question of morganatic marriage, no advice has been tendered by the Government to His Majesty with whom all my conversations have been strictly personal and informal. These matters were not raised first by the Government but by His Majesty himself in conversation with me some weeks ago when he first informed me of his intention to marry Mrs. Simpson whenever she should be free. The subject has, therefore, been for some time in the King's mind and as soon as His Majesty has arrived at a conclusion as to the course he desires to take he will no doubt communicate it to his Governments in this country and the Dominions. It will then be for those Governments to decide what advice, if any, they would feel it their duty to tender to him in the light of his conclusion.

I cannot conclude this statement without expressing—what the whole House feels—our deep and respectful sympathy with His Majesty at this time.

Everyone will agree with the sympathy expressed by the Prime Minister in the last words of his statement. I am assuming from his statement that His Majesty has not yet come to a conclusion on the advice of the Ministry on the subject of the morganatic marriage proposal. If this is so, it is difficult to press the right hon. Gentleman for further information at the present time, but I would like to ask him to bear in mind, as I am sure he does, that the House and the country are deeply anxious to receive the fullest information as soon as possible, as without that it is quite impossible to have any proper discussion on these issues that may be raised.

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for the point that he has put. I was not aware that he was going to put it, and I am grateful to him, because I agree with every word of it, and I shall be only too glad at a suitable moment to give the House the whole of the information which I am able to give, and while I am always willing to answer, as I think the House knows, supplementary questions, I do think the whole House will agree with me that at this moment, with a situation that is so grave and anxious, and while the King is considering this matter and has not yet made up his mind, I should feel great difficulty in offering information in answer to supplementary questions, especially considering that the answers I should have to give would have to be improvised.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he could give us an assurance that no irrevocable step—[Hoist. MEMBERS: "No."]—that no irrevocable step will be taken before the House has received a full statement, not only upon the personal but upon the constitutional issues involved? May I ask him to bear in mind that these issues are not merely personal to the present occupant of the Throne, but that they affect the entire Constitution? [HoN. MEMBERS: "Speech," and "Sit down."] If the House resists my claim it will only add the more importance to any words that I might want to use. May I say that the right hon. Gentleman has spoken of rumours? If he were able to give an assurance that the House would have the constitutional issue laid before it, then this anxiety would not persist.

Will the right hon. Gentleman confine what he has to say to a simple question?

I am grateful for what the right hon. Gentleman has said, but I ask that there should be an assurance that no irrevocable decision will be taken until at least a statement has been made to Parliament of the constitutional issues involved, and of the procedure involved in such an event—[HON. MEMBERS: Order."]

The right hon. Gentleman insists on going beyond a simple question.

May I ask whether the Prime Minister is aware that there is in this House a deep personal sympathy with him?

In answer to my right hon. Friend's question, I must inform him that it is at the moment impossible for me to give a reply. I do not know yet, and cannot know yet, what the King may decide, or how he may decide to act. It is quite impossible for me to enter into hypothetical considerations.

Is it not the case that this crisis expresses a deeper crisis in the economic system—[HoN. MEMBERS: "Order."]

I have not allowed debating questions on this matter in one direction, and I am not going to allow them in another.

As the point at issue between Parliament and the King is the question of the morganatic marriage, may I ask whether the opinion of the House will be ascertained upon that particular point?

May I ask whether, in view of the serious dislocation which is being caused to industry and trade in this country, the Prime Minister will endeavour to obtain an early reply from His Majesty?